Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 99) (1879 06 17)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
a tl $2.50 a year. THE Dae. =. A) LOLLEECELyS a. — att a Die yo pp py y NY WW AN MID WH, WAX WR .. SRAB= Go H9 ee. \ a . Copyrighted in 1879 by BEADLE AND ADAMS. June 17, 1879. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 99. TIGER OF TAOS; cr, WILD KATE, DANDY ROCK’S ANGEL. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, Author of “Dandy Rock,” “Lhe Dread Rider,” etc., etc. as a: 3 Pn A \ ; Ni rs, ae WAC CASS AMEN aN PLUNGING HIS SPURS INTO THE FIERY ANIMAL’S FLANES, THEY DASHED OUT OF THE VALLEY AT A MA) GALLOP.
Page 2
2 The Tigsr of Taos; Wild Kate, Dandy Rock’s Angel. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, AUTHOR OFf ** DANDY ROCK,”’ “THE DREAD RIDER,” ETC. CHAPTER TI. THE STORM COMPACT. Nicut, darkness, gloom and storm. The sunhad long since sunk from sight behind yereat, inky-black clouds, which rapidly rising on the wrizon soon shrouded the western sky, shutting out ‘from mortal view alike, the earth below and the ex- spanse above, vailing the world, in a darkness so in- tense that the lurid and startling gleams of forked lightning streaming across the Cimmerian space seemed a relief, and binding all Nature in a stillness unbroken, save by the thundering of electricity’s ar- tillery. Great drops of rain had already begun to fall, and soon the flood-gate of the elements would he opened. The insects of the earth, the beasts of the forest, and the fowls of the air had all alike sought hasty shelter from the deluge of the oncom- ing tempest. Away.upon the south-west border of the Lone Star State, over that wild, barren, broken region known as the ‘Red Lands of Old Shelby,’’ hangs the storm- cloud, and sways the spell we bave told. Time: a summier’s night, 1840. In the face of the impenetrable blackness, in spite of the fierce battling of the hurricane, and in defl- ance of the dangers threading his path, guided sole- iy on his course by the blinding flashes of lightning, a solitary man was slowly and laboriously working his way along through the wildest of that wild tract of Texas, nearing the range of the ** Black Gulch *— that dreaded and gloom-haunted spot where even in the hours of light but few have cared to go, and where the midday sun has never shone. Surely it must be business of more than common moment to calla man abroad in sucha place and night as this. “Ha! exclaimed the lone traveler, as at that moment a bolt of lightning coming nearer than any of its predecessors, shivered to atoms a huge tree searcely two rods distant, and came near striking uim senseless, “This isa fearful—’” Further utterance was check- 0d by a deafening, rumbling crash, which seemed to vend heaven and earth asunder. With a shudder, the man, who appeared in the ‘ransitory gleam of dazzling light with a stalwart frame, long, ets and tawny beard and sinister «ountenance, folded his cloak closer around his road shoulders, and drew his slouched felt hat down over his evil eyes, as if to shut out his situation, Again the forked tongues of electric fire lit up for cn instant the shadowed scene; and again the roll «nd roar of thunder made the hills and valleys trem- le. Then, a moment’s lull, and the rain poured xlown in torrents. ogo ani lis way forward, perhaps a rod further, Lhe next flash of light disclosed to the anxious gaze of the night wanderer what seemed the entrance to a cavern, “Thank God! I’ve got hyar at last.’’ Then, giv- ing a low whistle, which was instantly answered from within, he quickly entered the dark recess, “Hello, Mexiker! ye hyar?”’ “ Caspita |” exclaimed a low, whini g voice from the darkness. ‘ You are late.” “Wal! I reckon 79 ken jess thank yer lucky stars thet I’m hyar at all, It. am a tough night, an’ in this cussid kentry T kem nigh losing my way. But what's whe wo da?” * Ciramba! He shall die, die !” “Wal, I must say ye don’t entertain a very high respect fer ther feller. What's the trouble? Es we ar’ in fer mutual benefit, s’pose ye tell how ye kem ‘to hate him so.” 3 ‘Hate! that is no word for it! I have sworn that he shall die, and die like a dog he shall! You have asked my reasons. A few years ago a friend, named ‘Pedro Correy, and myself were in Santa Fe, wheu I made the eg of Donna Luella Salaza, and soon she would bave been mine. Then came this long-haired dog of an Americano, and stole her from me. At a fandango, soon after, backed a dozen friends, I tried to take her from him; but he and a mountaineer who sided with him fought like fools! Valgame Dics! Their knives were long, and the took every advantage. Four of my party were kill. ed, and my foe pecapes, taking her with him. For two years Pedro and myself hunted him; then my friend wa: shot, and alone I continued ‘he work. Since thenI have run the wolf to his hole, but he seems to have a charmed life. Twice has he been in my er and escaped. 2 ‘But it won’t b so always. He has killed Pedro and my brother, Juan; he still has her, and thinks J am dead. But, in spite of him, San Mullre still lives, and now, aided by you and your thirty gallant fol- lowers, he will rid the world of the long-haired wolf, or blood shall run in Shelby county as free as wa- Curses upon the Americano! “Gi’n us yer paw, old Mexiker; ye ar’ jess my see I reckon we ken hitch.” “Will you ee me?” »sked the other, eagerly. **Uv-coorse, ef ye’ll chip in.” ; “ What do you want?” ** Wal, es ye hev bin pretty free with me, I reckon I follow suit. Ye see, mine is an old grudge same es yourn, But J work different, ‘cording ter my nater, | The Tiger of Taos. aii In the fust place, "bout the gal uv Colonel ymun. Onc’t he crossed my path. Menny’s the yur .’ve wu.led ter git even with him. He lured the mother frum me, an’ now I'll take the child frum him. Understand? She must and shall be mine. In the second place, one yur ago, under Captain Wayne, our band numbered twenty-eight as true hearts es ever beat. Bute yotesin human garb crossed our trail. The leader wur a one-legged Northerner, and the other two—wal, they ar’ spotted. Through them, sixteen of the boys went under, ‘Monz them the cap’en an’ my brother, Big Hank Webber, es they called him at the settlement. The cap’en was an old coon on ther war-path, but Old One-Leg, the Dead Duelist an’ his chums war too much fer us, an’ we war te-totally bu’sted. But now I’ve got back so to begin ag*in. which Iam bound shall wipe her out. Your man is one uv them, an’ you ar’ right "bout j’ining teams.” “When are you ready?’ asked the other. | | He saw, even in the distance, that she was young and beautiful, and that her enemies were coarse, fierce- looking desperadoes. His fingers grasped his rifle nervously, still he seemed powerless to help her. If she could but reach the valley he would risk his life —ay, sacrifice it, if necessary, to save her. But on the plain—her doom was sealed! Like one whose last hope had long since deserted her, the flying maiden still urged on her tired horse | urged him on to gain the valley, though she could I tell ye I owe Chesterville a blow | not help knowing that at the most she was only de- Serving the fateful moment. With wild shouts and cries of exultation the fiendish horde galloped on in 7 pursuit, gaining two rods for every three they made. Onswept the heroic girl rapidly nearing the growth; a moment and she would be in the valley. But sud- | denly her horse reeled, and staggered blindly to and “Ha—ha—ha!”’ laughed the one with the tawny | ' God! her faithful animal rallied; he shot forward in- beard; “tye needn’t ask when Joe Corinth will be ready. He is like the fox. Listen! of Col. Raymun—a couple of his most trusted peons!—ar’ two of my men upon whom I can de- pend. Yesterday, in company with them, Miss Ray- mun went to visit a relative across West-Chester Plain. To-morrow she will return, an’ instructed from me, her guides will lead her into a trap I TANS set, an’ then—wal, don’t ye see it'll only be un?” ; ag chuckled the Mexican, “you cannot ‘a 7 “Right! Now jess help me through with my biz, an’ I’il sw’ar thet Dandy Rock Randel shall die afore the third sun shall set, without ye liftin’ yer hand.” ** Dios! Oh, my!’’ exclaimed the astonished aven- er. ee I kvow jess the hoss fer the job, an’ it’ll be fun fer him. Black Line had ruther ‘ring the bowie’ then eat fat buffler. He’ll do the work, while we do the planning, ye know. Come, gi’n us another Rip, OFF pard; Ireckon we'll stan’ or fall together. ag ” ” In the darkness of the low-walled cave, like pan- thers crouching in their holes, the bloodthirsty plot- ters sealed their fearful compact in the friendly grasp of the hand. Outside the elements were rag- oe their hight. alf an hour later the tempest had spent its fury; the storm-cloud had been swept aside. High in the In the employ | fro! des rushed to the spot to finish their work. His work was over: his life-race was run! The radoes saw it; and with yells of savage delight But, thank to the valley—into the ravine; then suddenly, he again stopped! gave a low whinny—a gasping throe, and fell to the earth in a heap! Dextrously freeing her skirts, the gallant rider spree to the ground unhurt, and turned to face her te) es. With a wild shout of encouragement the man on the bluff dashed down its precipitous side, regardless of what the consequences might be, and in an instant he had cleared its descent, made the bottom, and reached the defenseless fugitive. Then, turnin quickly upon the approaching horsemen, he level his gun upon the foremost, and in clear, ringing | tones commanded them to stop. arched canopy above, set in a jewel of myriad stars, | fair Luna smiled down from her lofty domain, with a beaming countenance upon the earth in tranquil | repose, CHAPTER II. A LIFE AT STAKE, Tur day following the night of our last chapter was just drawing to a close, when the figure of a man was to be seen standing at the foot of the bluff overhanging the Rio Burte valley. He had appar- ently just arisen to his feet, and with a sluggish | bled with rage. What mattere | one accord im Surprised, startled, baffled, the rufflan band with tuously drew rein; and fora moment they were held at odds by the stranger's cool, deter- mined bravery, and the ominous muzzle of his rifle. CHAPTER III. BETWEEN TWO FIRES! Lie men facing death the mad desperadoes stood at bay. Fora moment following the daring stran- ger’s threatening demand, not a word was spoken, not & move was made. Suddenly the leader, a burly-framed, coarse-featur- ed, tawny-bearded miscreant, exclaimed in a deep, | harsh tone: “Dog of astripling! what do you mean? Stand aside, or we will make you food for the vultures!” “Tf you or your men move a hand or foot, I will pos a bullet through your heart, as true as there s a God in heaven!’ came the reply, in stern, un- mistakable accent. The other saw his disadvantage, and fairly trem- it at the time if they were twelve to ove? a single hostile move, and ' his life would be the forfeit. yawn drew his form to its full hight, as he glanced | out upon the prairie, which stretched away from his feet mile upon mile as far as the human vision could extend, and leagues beyond. Near, half-hid- den by the tangled underbrush, a_ clean-limbed, ap aa dark-sorrel horse, all saddled and bri- dled,clipped the leaves from the stunted growth while satisfying the cravings of his rapacious appetite. | Evidently they were master and servant. Young in years—not more than one or two and twenty—wit classical features, and a self-reliant mien, the stran- ger’s physique was one towin admiration and re- spect; and its beauty was only enhanced by the full suit of beaded and fringed buckskin in which he was clad; nor did the bronzed hue of his skin, which told of long and continual exposure to the rays of a hot Texas sun, and perfect health, detract_a single grain from the charm of his countenance. He held in his hands at the time, a glistening, silver-mounted, double-barreled rifle, ana from his belt were shown the butts of a pair of heavy revolvers, and the haft of a bowie. “By Jove, Clip!” he said, addressing his steed, “if we are going to South-west Bend to-night, it is time we were moving. Ha!” The last expression of the speaker was caused by the sudden a nce ged of an object on the plain, coming up in the wake of the set ting sun. “Tt is a horseman—no, woman.” he exclaimed, in astonishment, after a momeut, as, shading his eyes with his hand, he watched the nearing figure coming swiftly over the level expanse; “and, good heavens! she is pursued /” True enough, a dozen sight, and seemed join ther forms had come into in a chase against the fore- a supple, athletic frame, regular, | “ool! what do you mean?’ he cried. ‘* What business have ye meddlin’ with my affairs? Again IT _ BS, your way, or the worst will be upon yer own ead,’ ‘What business haveI meddling with your af- fairs?’ repeated the other, contemptuously; “and when ‘your affairs’ is to make war upon defenseless ladies! Is it not enough when & woman is in peril at the hands of such as yu to bring every honest man to the rescue?” Seeing that threats were of no avail with his enemy, the ruffian choked back his rage as much as possible, and in as pleasant a tone as he could com- mand, said: “eg yer parden fer my hasty words, but I seek no quarrel with ye; an’ pon my honor take yerself off an’ ye shali not beharmed. “The gal is nothin’ to ye, an’ 'sides ye can’t do her enny good.” ‘he pearly-white teeth of the other gleamed for an instant from beneath his brown mustache as his thin lips parted in 4 scornful smile. " Bow are you going to oe Y “ee if I refuse? You are in my power, and ntend to keep you there.’ But for the life of him he could not tell how to act, or how it was all going to end. “Ye shall hev jess three minnits ter mount yer hoss an’ make tracks in,’’ continued the desperate wretch, without heeding the interruption, try id to appear calm in spite of his nervousness. “‘ Ef ye _ ain’ta gonerthen, we'll make daylight shine through most rider, while she was rushing on in a stern race | | thing, as yu cannot save me. Again I thank you for life. Quickly darting up the bluff our acquaintance soon reached its top, when a full view of the tract known as West-Chester Plain was had. A single slance told him his worst fears were realized. The fugitive was a woman, as he then plainly saw; and in frantic terror she was fleeing from a dozen or more of mounted men, who were riding like the hur- ricane, and unless by some unlooked-for intervention she must soon be overtaken. Her course seemed to be for the valley at his feet. In fact, her pursuers had so managed to cut off all other retreat that she could not avoid her present direction; but he instant- ly saw that once in the valley she could not escape inevitable capture, without the aid of friends. Uneasily he watched the race. Faster and faster the horsemen were gaining on their victim. Her steed, flecked with foam and pve with blood, was fact failing. Soon she would bein their clutches. yer brain-pan! D’ye hyar, boys! though he throws me cold!” Without flinching, the gallant stranger never for a moment allowed Fis eyes to leave the desperado, and his fingers cl tched his rifle nervously. His foe saw it, and trembled like an aspen, notwithstanding his attempted intimidation. _ : ‘Kind sir,” said a low, musical voice by the youth’s side, ‘I thank you a thousand times for your manly attempt toserve me, but go while you can, and leave me to my fate. You are risking your life for no- for your unselfish bravery, but flee while and God grant that alone you may escape! ‘Nay, fair lady, I did not attempt your rescue to act the coward now. Cheer up!” he added, in an undertone; “ we will escape the villains yet.” Then, in answer to a shrill whistle, his trained horse came dashing up to the place. Oh, how the bandit chief wishe that the cool, determined rifle- you may, | man, would, if only for an instant, turn his eagle eyes away from his person; but as a tiger watches its prey, the calm stranger never for a moment re- laxed his vigilance. “Mount my horse, please, and away as you value your life. Iwill cover your retreat, and the first move that is made by these men will sign the death- warrant of their chief.” The last was spoken in a clear, distinct tone, plain- ly heard by ail ==
Page 3
The fugitive girl was about to obey, when she saw half a dozen persons coming up the ravine ata full run. The gang in front saw them at the same time, and the air rung with their shouts of triumph. Suc- cor was coming to them. ‘** We are lost!”’ she cried; ‘‘ they are coming from the rear!” ? The stranger realized their situation in an instant, | though his eye never left his foe in front. “Up! and ride for your life! Pass to the right of these ahead. While I hold in my hands the fate of their leader, you will not be harined.” Wild yells from the rear nerved the brave maiden to action again. In a moment she had mounted her deliverer’s horse, and with one longing glance toward her savior she urged the fleet-footed steed forward, passing within three rods of her baffled assailants as she dashed out of the valley and down the border of the plain. Furious shouts and random shots were hurled from the party below. ‘ ; “Pet her gol” fairly shrieked the maddened chief- tain, as he saw the peril of Ais situation, ‘but don’t let him escape!” The crisis followed. A volley of bullets whistled around the daring man’s head, Then, as he heard the fierce horde rushing upon him from behind, and saw those in front prepare for an onset, he attempted to dis- charge his rifle at their captain, when to his sur- rise it missed five! With triumphant yells the loodthirsty rufflans threw themselves upon him expecting an easy victory. But with what seemed a desperation akin to madness, he rushed forward, and throwing aside his rifle drew his revolve emptying chamber after chamber into their mids with fatal certainty. Those mounted were the first to reach him. The others had all spent their fire-arms without effect, and a few were still a few rods distant. But these _ had meee reserved their fire, and he seemed like o ru: certain destruction, when, suddenly their cries of exultation were followed by yells of consternation, for as the foremost horseman reach- ed him, with the agility of a panther he sprung upon the steed’s back, and ere the startled rider could comprehend the movement, he was seized around the waist in a vise-like gri @, pinioning his arms to his side, while his captor clutch with his other hand the bridle-rein, and plunging his spurs into the fiery animal’s flanks, they dashed out of the valley at a mad gallop. Random shots were sent after the flying couple; but for their companion’s sake none cared or dared to risk a close aim, and the dare-devil stranger was soon safe beyond theirrange. Then, without check- ing his speed, he raised the other from his stirrups and allowed him to fall to the earth, being careful to retain his rifle. The next instant he seated himself in the saddle; and with one farewell, mocking wave of his hand, he sheedily left his discomfited and baffled foes far i) f CHAPTER IV. WHO WAS HE? As the last rays of the departing sun were dying out on the western horizon, the intrepid youth drew rein under a motte of timber, half a league to the south of the scene last described, where in the dis- tance he had seen his fair change in waiting. ‘*Oh, kind sir, you cannot tell how thankfulI am to know you have escaped those dreadful men, What a risk you ran, and all for my sake! How can I ever repay you the debt of gratitude, for you have saved me from a horrible fate?” From the peculiar circumstances of his situation, the young man had had only a hasty and imperfect glance of her for whom he had dared and done so much, He had seen that she was young, and /elt that she was fair, but he was wholly unprepared for the beautiful vision which met his gaze. Never, it seemed had he beheld so lovely a being. A | pgseerbag Sylph-like form slightly above medium hight; pure, blonde complexion glowing with the bloom of the each; regular, clearly-defined fea- tures, surmounted with a fine intellectual forehead; two lines of pearly-white teeth sea eniNg from be- tween a pair of coral-ti ted lips; while, half-hidden behind long, drooping Jashes, roguish, merry blue eyes of bewitching brilliancy added thelr fascinating ower;—all seeming to vie with a genial, self-confi- ent, modest deportment, and radiant, beaming countenance to unite in completing her glorious and charming beauty. . As rude and ungentlemanly as it was, fora moment he gazed upon her in silence, before he could throw off the spell her presence had wrought, and control himself enough to speak. Unconsciously, she had created such a sensation in his heart as might never be effaced, But abashed and confused at his awk- ward position, he hastened to stammer: : bis He , nay, lady! Ishould have been less than a ru d I not served you; and I ask for dg ped offering than to know that you are thankful J es- caped. tt was not so much the words as the impetuous earnest tone in which they were spoken that caused the blush which suffused her countenance, as she quickly replied: “You underrate your services I am afraid, but— oh, you are hurt!’’ she exclaimed, as she saw the blood trickling from a wound on his forehead. “Tis nothing,” he anewerees only a scratch. But as you seem to be alone, I hope I'can continue to be of assistance.” “‘ Again I must thank you, but feel as if it was ask- ing too much. Your course may lie in an opposite direction from mine; and_ besides, I think I can re- sume my journey home, without fearing molestation The Tiger of Taos, again. My faithful peons, poor fellows! Iam afraid have been killed by the outlaws.”’ ‘Beg pardon,’ the other said, “ but J do not con- sider it safe for you to keep on alone. The despera- does are only baffled not defeated, and may even now be preparing for another attack. Still, excuse me, I Have no desire to needlessly excite your fears; but, with your permission, I shall be only too glad to have the privilege of acting the part of protector to u. “Thanks, oh, thanks! I am indeed _ helpless! Were it not for you—oh, I shudder, as I think of the horrible fate which must have been mine! I cannot, cannot sufficiently reward you, but papa—” Here, as the speaker's eyes caught the other’s, she snddenly broke down; and with a tell-tale blush, her gaze wandered off toward the setting sun. ** Rest assured,’ he hastened to = , “with your favor, I shall consider myself the most fortunate per- son in all Texas.” Again he spoke in that same tone, which so thrill- ed her being. “If Imay be so bold, I would ask your destina- Somes —— we ought to be moving, as it will soon e night. “T am oe from visiting a relative, to my home in Chesterville; and, as you say, we should be starting, for it is a long ride. “But,” she continued, almost ooo a “are you quite sure it is not going to take you far from your way?” “T am only an aimless wanderer, and it matters not whither I turn or go,” he answered, slowly, with a tremor; “though, were it different, I would not hesitate between business and duty. But perhaps it will be my nearest route to South-west Bend, which I hope to eventually reach. I wish to find there one Arthur Raymun.” ‘* South-west Bend lies about sixteen miles direct- ly south from here; but you need not go there to see rthur Raymun., He lives at Chesterville, where I am going. He is my father.” “* Your father ?”’ almost gasped the other, while his face suddenly turned white, and he actually reel- ed in his saddle. “Yes; but you are sick!” she cried, as she saw his nervousness, and the sudden pallor of his coun- tenance, “Don’t be alarmed, Miss Raymun; though I am more nervous than common to-day, this will soon pass away. There, I feel like myself again,” he add- ed, with a laugh, after a pause, There was something underlying the words, and Miss Raymun noticed it, too, but that only increased the mystery. “ Well, sir stranger,” she exclaimed, archly, ‘‘ you have the advantage of me. I fain would know the name of my benefactor.”’ “ Hart Range is what 7 answer to,”’ he replied. “A strange, romantic name; but I will vouch it is no stranger than be who bears it.” * From you I will accept that as a cepeannt, with thanks. Some do call me peculiar; but they are not those who know me best /” “You must be a stranger in these parts to think that father lives at South-west Bend.” “Tam an entire stranger; have just come from Taos. How fortunate for me to have seen you; and now, with your permission, we will start for Chester- ville, though, to speak the truth, I can act only as protector, not guide.” “Tam eimsiy A familiar with the way; but I as- sure you I shall be thankful for your protection after what has happened. pa?” ‘* No,” answered Range, absently, as if the question had been wholly unexpected. ** Business, perhaps?’’ she continued, with woman's inquisitiveness. “Yes; important business.”” Then he could have torn his tongue out for uttering the speech. ‘* Hallo-o-o!”” They had just headed their horses homeward, when the cry rung over the prairie. Hastily glancing down the timber’s edge, they saw a couple of horsemen ap- proaching them at a mad gallop. Not knowing whether they were friends or foes, Hart Range hastily examined his rifle, and calmly awaited their arrival. és As the horsemen drew near, it was seen that they were both young; and Range could barely keep from smniling, as he saw their dress, which was in the hight of “civilized fashion,” strangely out of place on the Shelby border. Unmentionables of fine broad- cloth, with coat to match, patent-leather boots, and ruffled shirt, surmounted with a collar and neat jook- ing necktie, all crowned with a shining, wide-rim- med felt hat made the stranger-plainsman not envi- ous but disdainful. They were well mounted, and armed with silver-mounted rifles, with fancy-carved stocks, which seemed more fitted for show than ‘* business,” chin gave they were ‘“ Northeners ” epeking the sport and excitement of life on the ns. ‘A pleasant day to you,” greeted the foremost—a broad-shouldered, athletic man, with black hair and eyes, regular features, and_nut-brown “ Burnsides.” in a clear, ringing tone. ‘‘ Will you please direct us to the ranch of Col. Arthur Raymun? He lives at Chesterville, as it is called. Iam _his son, returning from college; and, with my friend here, have lost my way. , ‘““We are going that way ourselves,” answered Hart. “My companion is Col. Raymun’s daughter. She— “Oh, Walter! can it be you, who has at last come back?” cried Miss Raymun. ‘You have changed so since you left home that I did not know you at first.” Then, with a glad utterance, she s pres from her saddle, and rushed forward to meet the new-comer, who quickly dismounted, and, as she Are you acquainted with pa- 3 “Yes, Alice, my prairie flower, it is your Walter, who, after four long years has returned to his be- loved ones.” The greeting between the two seemed of more than brotherly and sisterly love. Hart Range, while a strange light lit up his features, turned aside as if to shut from view some fearful scene. The other new-arrival, 9 fair-skinned, light-haired man of tall, but rather slim build, with blue eyes and a blonde mustache, watched it all closely, while his restless gaze wandered from one to another as if trying to read their inmost thoughts. Soon Alice introduced Hart Range to Walter Ray- mun, and he presented his friend and companion as Austen Warne, a college chum. That was a glad meeting on the plain between those long separated; but night was coming on apace, and soon the little y was riding toward esterville—five leagues distant, . Once fairly on their way, but little was said. Wal- ter rode by the side of ce, while Austen Warne followed closed behind, with Hart Range, who was strangely silent, yo like the true frontiersman he was, continually on the alert for lurking foes, as he alone realized the peril besetting their path. When Ch was nearly reached, to the sur- prise and disappointment of Alice, Hart Range de- clined to acompeny them further, and turned a deaf ear against her entreaties to keep on with them to her father’s house. ‘*Papa will not like itat all,” she said. But her words did not avail, and merely promising to call in the morning for his horse, which she was still riding, he turned aside, with one last, lingering look, that haunted her for many a day. As the others @ on, ha nge watched them in- tently until they disappeared. Somehow he seem- ed greatly disturbed, and his features bore unmis- takable evidence of a mind ill at ease. “Ah, my prairie queen!’ he muttered, almost fiercely, ‘‘ you little thought what you were Me when you invited me beneath your father’s roof. But, oh God! can you be the child of him whom 1 have so long hunted, and have sworn shall die? Would that you were not, or else that I had never seen youl YetI must not falter now—not even for you! must stifle that hopeless love of mine; and peters it will bring — own father to the grave. break your heart and mine, my vow is sacred, ané must, shall be fulfilled!” It was a pleasant, starlight evening, yet Hart Range was 80 deeply buried in his tempestuous meditations, that he was unconscious of aught around him, till suddenly he heard alight laugh, and felt a coil of rope fall about his person, pane his arms to his side, when he was a prisoner in the hands of unseen assailants! CHAPTER V. : THE WOOD SPRITE, So sudden and unexpected was the attack of his invisible enemy that before he had time to offer any resistance Hart felt the cord straighten, and found himself powerless, Vexed at his own stupidity and carelessness, he could but wait further developments, nor was he kept long in suspense. Soon some one emerged from a thicket near at hand, and still holding the line firmly, quickly ad- vanced, exclaiming in a clear, silvery voice, sound- ing strangely Be iar for that of anight marauder: “Ho now, Sir Truant! is this the way you keep | your word? and is this a specimen of your vaunted vigilance after so many years on the Texan frontier? Tis well Black Wayne and his outlaws are not livin or you would b> their first victim! Serve you righ too! But I'll learn you a lesson. Consider yourge my prisoner, while I have half a mind to deliver you re to Randel’s Rangers as a prowling sleeper, te Suddenly the speaker paused, and the laugh turn- ed toa startled cry, while Range uttered an excla: mation of surprise as he beheld his captor. Expect ing to see half a dozen or more of stalwart men leap from their concealment, instead, he saw but one per- son—and that was a woman | P Little wonder Hart Range was taken aback by the appearance of the elf-like being who had so abruptly and so strangely crossed his path. He had y nerved himself to meet his fate at the hands of bru- tal desperadoes, but found himself a> captive in the hands of a confused, startled wild-wood nymph, flushed with excitement, anger, and terror, as she stammered. “Oh—sir—a thousand pardons! I—I—I thought | you were some one else!”’ Then the coil slackened, and the weird, elfish las- soer faced him in desperate defiance, Perhaps the girlish figure confronting Hart Range was not what the “fashionable world ’’ would call beautiful, yet she was bewitchingly charming. Of medium hig ht, with a shapely, graceful form, attired ina tandinelty trimmed and frilled suit of * border gray,” encircled at the waist by a belt of buckskin, Ww hich was nearly reached by dark chestnut waves of silken hair falling down over her shoulders a Vabandon; flashing eyes that, seeming to burn with a mesmeric fire, wielded a magical power; nose slightly ‘‘ pug;” a well-rounded dimpled chin; and a complexion, though somewhat marred by the bronze of long exposure to a southern sun, fresh and fair, wearing the rosy bloom of macue vigor; all in per- fect harmony with the contour o figure, the free- dom of spirits, ease, grace and becoming hauteur of bearing. She was armed with a light, single-barrel- ed rifle, and a pair of revolvers. Though but a girl in form and years, she promised a formidable ad- versary. [ “Well, sir!” she cried, after a moment, in a clear,
Page 4
| | - The Tiger of Taos. mellow tone, ‘‘ are you aie out of your wits that you sit there staring like a madman? Please throw off my lasso, and you are free to continue your way. But, take my advice and be a little more on Pa guard hereafter; there might befoes abroad, an pene you would not fare as well as you have at my hands.” Again she broke into a light, musical laugh so pleasing to the ear. ‘Your pardon, miss, please,” Hart at last found tongue to say; “ but 1 little thought to see such a fairy rise in my path, and your presence quite star- tled me. You seem expert with the ‘line.’ ” ““Who could not noose an object as lifeless as a stump? But, I repeat, will apr allow me to have my thong, or shall I be obliged to take it?” “Tt is often easier to tangle the skein than it is to unravel it,”’ be oe Range, as he very slowly loosed the cord, and allowed her to withdraw it. “There; next time I catch you napping like this, you may not escape so easily,” she said, with a merry twinkle of her flashing eye. “ Believe me, I shall profit by your teaching, and you will not have this pleasure again. But, and I ask it from no idle curiosity, who are you so fear- lessly roving the country at this hour, that Iam to thank for my lesson?” “Thank your lucky star, and be more watchful and less impudent in the future!’ came the cutting mx ‘You misunderstand me.” ‘““Never mind, I forgive you, Our first meeting has been rather embarrassing; suppose we forget it; and if we do ever meet again, {demand it shall be as strangers! Do you understand?” ©. Ere Range had time to reply, the strange being turned her horse, and rode awa, into the darkness of the forest. But she had barely disappeared, when he heard her returning; soon she reached his side, and riding close to him whispered, in a warning tone: “Beware how you roam at random in Chester woods to-night, if you value your life! They conceal more than one bloodthirsty foe lying in ambush!” Then she was gone to return no more; and again Hart Range was alone, wondering in spite of himself whether it had all been a dream, or a mysterious reality. Hart, profiting by his singular experience and warning, though really only half believing the lat- ter, rode cautiously forward near to the edge of the timber. To the south lay the settlement of Chester- ville; aheada quarter of a mile, the center of a small tract of prairie isolated from a main body to the north—Chester Plain—by a chaparral growth, rose the rude walls of a lone cabin, large in struc- ture, and known as the ‘ Prairie Home.” Hither he was directing his course, but as he paused aninstant he fancied he heard the murmur of voices. Listen- ing a moment he satisfied himself that he was not mistaken;- then the wood sprite’s warning was brought vividly to mind, and his first impulse was to ride on. Still the sounds came no nearer—seemed to be watted from one particular spot; and resolving to know who there was in the timber, he silently dis- mounted, and securing his horse to a tree, cautious- ly advanced through the forest, grasping in either hand a trusty revolver, Range had not progressed far when he found he was near the men, whoever they were; and then slowly and carefully he worked toward them, till he reached the edge of the undergrowth which hid their forms, where he could easily hear every word spoken above a whisper. : “Sh, Tim! Not another word, or some one will hear us, and our game will be up. Besides, he will soon be here, and we must be ready. Are you firm, and in trim for business?” “Waugh!” No more was said; and lying under the shade of the thicket less than a rod distant, breathless and wordering, Hart calmly and ationtly waited for the denouement, half fearing, h knowing that some one’s life was in deadly peril. CHAPTER VI. FATE’S STRANGE REVERSE! SLowty and tediously five minutes wore away, and silence reigned throughout the timber, a stillness to Hart Range fearfully oppressive. He dared not stir, hardly breathe, for fear of peieny ine his presence, and was heartily wishing be had kept out of the vi- cinity. Then the ambushed men moved uneasily, and again in low Hetroe oes took up the thread of their conversation, blissfully —— of the pair of jeaming eyes trying to penetrate the darkness of heir covert, or the eager ears drinking in every word they uttered. d x “Why don’t the coyote show his head?” growled one. ‘‘Gone the other way, mebbe,’’ came in reply. “Then our fun is spilt, and we have had our trouble for nothing!” “ Jess like us pesky fools! I tole ye no good w’u’d kem o’ this, but ye ar’ alwus up to sum kine 0’ smash-up! an’ hyar we ar’, a pair o’ half-starved wolves waitin’ fer our hash to run inter our moufs when we oughter be slammin’ round an’ tearin’ up things like we war sum chip on astick! Say,I reck- on, oes ye ain’t much larnt round hyar.”’ ae ra) b} “How kem ye strayin’ round hyar loose, enny- way? Got lost, mebbe!” ; “T had business which called me this way.” “Sho! Blind “fair, eh?’ the other’s curiosity prompted him to still question. “ 5 “Well, yes, sortof a secret affair; but if you will romise to keep silent on the matter, I don’t mind fellin you, as you have agreed to assist me.”’ = Henve ahead, ole hoss! mum’s the word!” Oh, it’s no story; only I have come from Taos to hunt down a chap, who, I think, is now in Shelby.” * Hist !’? exclaimed the other, ‘‘ what war thet? I thought Iheerd sum one move in ther brush jess ahint us!” ‘*Pho! you are more than comnion nervous to- night. Tim.” Wal, iri Tam! my ears a: > worth es much es youn, ef [do wear ’em!” came in angry response. ‘“*Well, never mind; we won’t compare ears till this job is off our hands, anyway.”’ “Jess so, pard. Yesay yer sort o’ lookin’ arter a leetle chick w'ot is tearin” round loose, an’ can’t eg- ou put hisself ter roost when their dews begins ter rop.’ “I am trying to find one who used to stop in Taos valley, till it got too hot for him, and he had to leave; but not before he had deluged the place with the blood of some of our best men. He is the greatest desperado on the whole South-west border, and once I find him, justice shall end his crime-stained career, or I'll eat my oath!” ‘“*D’ye think this am the cuss we ar’ layin’ for?” ‘‘He must be! You are sure he is from Taos?” **Sartin! Heerd him say so his own self.” ** And he is quite tall, dark-skinned, and a regular dare-devil in a fight; with his long bowie and revolver will walk right through a dozen common men, scat- tering them as the wind does chaff!” ‘““Ye hev scored him, jess like a book! He’s a full-grown torrernader done up in chain-lightning! e— “Hist! he is coming |” Sure enough; footsteps were heard approaching, and the watchers in their retreat, whether good or — were quickly silent, nerving themselves for their wor It was with the greatest difficulty that Hart Range could keep from potent his position, such a ner- vousness seized him within a few moments. What were these men, and who were they lying in wait for? Perhaps himself! and a shudder thr led his frame. Be it as it would, a life was in peril! But ror deserved his aid—those in ambush or their vic- tim Nearer and nearer came the footsteps; soon the man would reach the fatal spot! the trap would be sprung! eet pin 8d a moment, Hart decided his course of, action. e would warn him of danger, and oe avoid a collision and bloodshed. Spring- ing to his feet with a shout, he discharged his re- volver into the air, A shriek from the t nicket, and a rush of bodies, with other cries and curse®. Then, as Range hastily emptied the second cham- ber, a man burst through the growth, the bullet just passing over his head! Startled, the new-comer rushed forward, and wi stood face to face; both pale, trembling, ex- cited. é ‘*By heavens! what ar’ ye doing?” and before Hart could comprehend the movement, the other had brought the muzzle of a rifle right to his face, exclaiming: ‘Move and ye ar’ dead!” Hart Range was now at fearful odds. Almost instantly the person for whom he had given the alarm which was likely to bring him serious trouble, appeared upon the scene. ‘*By Randel Rock!” he cried, ‘‘ what’s up, Bill? wages who am this ye hev got strung on yer shoot- er?’ “*T jess found this cuss raisin’ Cain, an’ I thought arter he felt like liftin’ my ha’r I could help him, mebbe. But jess take them ar’ playthings. Ef he don’t stand quiet, (ll plug him!”’ With no effect, Hart tried to satisfy his captors that he was befriendin, them; in vain. he endeavor- ed to convince them of his innocence of meditated mischief or harm; in spite of his FS pence his weapons were taken from him, and his arms secure- ly fastened. He knew better than to offer resist- ance; that he felt would make captivity death. War he ther chap thet done the shootin’? asked the one addressed as Rock. nbs Yes,” replied the other: “‘ and he kem within a shake 0’ a beaver’s tail o’ takin’ my top-knot!” ‘* Never mind, old hoss, he shall swing fer it!” “Tt was an accident, I assure you, gen—” ‘* Hold right on, old ’coon; you hev a chance to tell your yarn at ther trial; but I reckon it "ll be no easy thing to proof it. By ther way, stranger, where'd ye git thet hoss hitched out thar? Mighty sleek beast. “‘T captured him from a party of desperadoes on the plain, this afternoon.” se Rho! Guess thet won’t go down! Cap’en,”’ he added, turning to his companion, “ let’s be moving; and when we git thar, ef ye don’t say this chap has Sam Bradford’s hoss, that Black Wayne and his robbers stole a fend ago, I’ll eat rattlers!” ‘* Goin’ ter let them t’other fellers go?” ** Reckon they ar’ gone afore this! ioe As the twain and their prisoner reached the border of the forest, where our adventurer had left his steed, they both agreed in declaring it to be the ani- mal designated. “Thar!” exclaimed Bill, triumphantly, “ ain’t it all es plain as Chimbly rock on Platte? Ef this cuss o’ a stranger sneakin’ ’round hyar ter-night, ain’t one o’ the masked outlaws’ gang, then I’ll cut sticks!” Forcing back as best he could his fast-rising choler, Hart silently submitted to the inevitable. At last he reached the Prairie Home, but how dif- ferent from what he had expected! CHAPTER VII. A TEXAN “‘COURT”’’ SCENE—THREE DAYS OF GRACE. WuHeEn it became known at large that an outlaw was confined at the Prairie Home, and would have his trial that morning, it was set down by the sages | portant day. | of that energetic “ city,” Chesterville, to be an im- For a whole year, there had been an unusual calm in that immediate vicinity—only six duels, eight murder affairs, some petty robberies, two fires, a daily bar-room brawl, an occasional shooting-match, and a ‘‘ few frolics with the bowie ” —so that the old plainsmen were shaking their heads, and looking mountainward, declaring, “ that things war gettin’ onconifortable, and powder going to waste!” Thus the “ court ’’ promised a big thing —the great event of the season; and the “ secon hour's ” sun saw a large crowd centered at the lone tavern; so immense, in fact, that contrary to in- tention, it was demanded that the prisoner be brought out under the huge live-oak just back, where all could witness the proceedings. Pale, yet calm and self-possessed, Hart was led out under the giant tree. e had felt confident that he should be acqtitted without trouble; but as his ae ran over the motley assembly, he could not help 8 regis | as he thought what his fate would be, should he fail to pl inky, prove his case. Austen Warne, Walter and Alice Raymun had been sent for, and he hoped they would appear for his defense. In them lay his only hope. After some discussion it was decided that the po pr should be tried before one Killhurn, famil- arly called ‘‘ The Doc,” present roprietor of the Home, and claimed to be “ chock full ” of legal lore; so Doc | Killhurn was pompously installed as “ your Honor;” and after hastily impanneling a jury, with- out regard to aught save number, the “ court’ was a, a rue was _ rst heard, with his story of the cap- ture; and as he told of his narrow eecape from being shot by the stranger, fierce, revengeful cries went up against the captive, from the infuriated throng. ‘Captain Randel,” called the ‘‘ court.” Bill’s companion then corroborated his sto: while the tumult of the frenzied mob increased fury, till it seemed impossible to keep the rabble at bay. The accused trembled as he saw the tide of *‘ public opinion * going against him. He was fast losing courage. The horse was next brought forward and quickly identified as the one stolen from the settlement by the outlaws nearly a year before. “Lynch him!” thundered the mad posse, growin more and more excited. This unconnected chain o circumstantial relation—it could not be called evi- dence—had seemed to their selfish, crazy minds suffi- cient proof to convict the man without further hear- ing; not thinking or caring in their fiendish haste ond ey was another side to the question yet un- eard, “The verdict! the verdict!’ howled an old, gaunt, weather-beaten mountaineer, ; “Yes! yes!’’ Ro m!?? In vain “‘ his Honor’’ demanded “‘ silence.”’ Stimu- lated by bad liquor, of which they had partaken freely that morning to “celebrate * the event com- ing, and blind with excitement, there were those who were determined to see an execution, let their victim be guilty or not. Twice Hart commenced his story, and was obliged tostop. The threats were growing more and more ominous, and his position was ees to be one of extreme danger. 8 gaze wandered over the surg- ing multitude, for at least the hundredth time, hop- ing to meet a familiar face, but not one could he find. No; not a single friendly countenance. Had she deserted him, whom he so longed to see, and whose smile would have given him joy even in this trying moment? But hoping was in vain; he was a stranger among strangers, and if there were those who would befriend him they were awed into inac- tion by the rioters. “We can’t save you!"’ whispered ‘the court,’ as Range again tried to make himself heard. Alas! bo Fay s seemed too true! The crisis was at an Renewed yells and the fiendish rabble were rushing bo oreo their eats a ns! are you standing there like a stump, Rock Randel?” a chrill, piercing voice cried. “What is the duty of you and your Regulators if it is not to rotect the defenseless? Outupon you for a dastard! y, I thought you were man enough to see fair play, and not let a drunken rabble, hived to murder a guiltless victim in this manner, accomplish their eae purpose. If you are afraid to face them, I Sudden, unexpected, thrilling, the strange speech checked the rioters’ mad career, and sent a hushed stillness through the startled gathering. In the fearful excitement, no one had heeded the appear- ance of a new arrival upon the scene, and as the as- tonished listeners looked for the speaker they beheld a wild, elfish-looking being, riding a strangely-spot- ted mustang. : Hart instantly recognized her as the wildwood nymph he had met the evening before, and a glad ery esca his lips. “Tis Wild Kate!” some one exclaimed, and the amazed group echoed the words, Then the voice of Rock Randel followed: “Regulators of Chesterville, Wild Kate is right! Let’s see fair play.” At the word from their leader, a score of men, who had previously been silent and resistless spec- tators of the performance, quickly stepped forward, and the next instant, with presented rifles, stood in defense of the captive. “Stand back, every hoss of ye!” cried Rock, authoritatively. ‘This man, be he friend or foe, shall have a fair trial.” The baffled horde slunk back in terror, and “the court ’’ went on with its proceedings. Hart was then sworn, and allowed to tell his story
Page 5
f The Tiger of Taos. 5 without interruption, which he did in a clear, frank way, but still it carried little or no conviction to the jurymen's prejudiced minds, “The court understood ye ter say thet ye kem frum Taos. Wot biz hed ye ter kem frum thar ter Chesterville?” ‘IT do not consider that a proper question, and de- cline to answer,” replied the prisoner. “The court axed ye a squar’ question, an’ ef ye war all right ye’d spit it out on ther blunt!” 1 It was business which I am not at liberty to di- vulge. “Sho!’’ and ‘‘his Honor” smiled blandly, as he nodded to the “jury ’ with a knowing wink, as much as to say, “ There is an important point gained.”’ “Next!” As Hart stepped away from the stand, he saw to his joy that aivce Raymun, with her brother and his friend, had arrived. Quickly signifying his wishes they were consulted, and in a few minutes Alfr Raymun and Austen Warne, in turn, told what little they knew about him, though adding nothing to his case. Last, Alice gave a straightforward and vivid ac- count of her adventure and rescue. As she dwelt in lowing terms upon her deliverer’s unselfish hero- ism, how, single-handed, he had faced the fierce des- apes and finally saved her from their clutches y his intrepid bravery, a shout of admiration went from the crowd in spite of the boisterous feeling which predominated but a few minutes before. Then, as she told how he came by the outlaw’s horse, the prisoner seemed to gain in favor; and when the fair witness who had so earnestly pleaded for his life, finished, a storm of applause rent the air. Hart Range could scarcely conceal his admiration for his lovely friend. Twice, as his gaze wandered from her to the strange being called Wild Kate, he fancied he saw an angry, contemptuous scowl darken the waif’s countenance. As his daughter ceased me nw , Col. Raymun offered a few eloquent remarks for the prisoner, not hesitating to say that he considered their accusation unfounded. Then, with a full sense of the importance of his undertaking ‘‘ the judge’ arose to deliver his charge to the jury. Drawing his cadaverous form to its full length, with his shock head poised on one side, and his thumbs thrust into the arm-pits of his vest, he swung open his enormous tobacco-mill, and clearing from the entrance a huge quid of “ pig-tail,’’ began to howl in a solemn way his ‘‘stunnin’ lectur’”’ as it was put down in the annals of Chesterville: “Gentlemen o’ ther jurer: My modesty keeps me from risin’ to ther elevashion o’ this perfound erca- sion; it clings ter my coat-tail like a baboon shinnin’ a lightnin’ rod! Tharfor’ y’ mustn’t think I doan’t feel ther mighty responsibility, the—the solemn dooty thet one inmy lofty posishion is bound ter hist, fer I’m jess full and b’ilin’ over with raal nat- eral gumption, no, pe] thet’s it hl Pop quick- er’n a rattler c’u’d turn a hand-speek! My boss beavers, king-pins 0’ Shelby, ye hev heerd the bull thing frum rut to branch, an’ never, no never has sich an interlectual gob o’ eddifyin’ interwidooals gawked with sich dumfounded lissitude to ther per- spirin’ evidunce this yer ‘coon 0’ law has got up fer ye. O’ coorseI needn't linger on ther doin’s, ye'll hit the speek rane on ther p’int the fust lick. Ther ris’ner am all yite 0’ coorse, an’ ef we don’t dispute her gal, he am a regular snortin’ grizzler in a rough an’ tumble in tear up an’ smash round. But, jess ‘member thet he hain’t improved hisself enny thing more’n a stranger, an’ fer all we l’'arn he is a sheep tearin’ round like a kangeroo! I—I—jess slingin yer werdict lesser’n three shakes 0’ a painter's tail! This ‘coon am in a powerful drought! tongue cluv right to ther ruf o’ his mouf!”’ “While “his Honor’ was trying to remove the friction from his tongue by means of a long-necked bottle, the ‘‘jury,’’ watching with longing eyes and watery lips, was buried in deep meditation. seem ter Foremost, hain’t ye 'greed on a wer- ct? ; ‘“*Yas,"’ answered a tall, raw-boned ex-trapper, who had been chosen asspokesman; ‘ we’s 'greed.”’ * Spit it out then, an’ not stand thar like a turkey peekin’ in a bottle!” * Wal,”’ said the * foreman,” shutting up one eye and squinting over his nose with the other, ‘‘ we’s all ‘greed on a vardict. This hoss thinks es ther ris’ner is a two-legged torrernader, an’ he’d better evant! Jim Jones says he is half Mexican, an’ he ed better git! Pat Histon thinks he don’t know im. Peleg Smith reckons he ain't safe to be round loose, an’ we'd better rope him! Sam— ; “Thar! thar! Mister Range! hyar the werdict. Now I'll pernounce the execushion; not guilty o’ bein’ yerself, if ye levant within three days! " CHAPTER VIII. =" THE RHINOSSNERROSS FROM TAOS. Tue trial had come to a satisfactory end, and af- ter ch ng the prisoner on penalty of death to be sure to ‘git up and git’ within three days, he was freed, and the “court” adjourned sane die. Among those who pressed around Hart to con- ratulate him on his escape was Col. Raymun and is daughter. The latter, radiant and smiling, he greeted with a glad welcome. But when he grasp- ed the hand of her father, a Pasar change seemed to come over him. In spite of himself, he could not help trembling, and the color would leave his cheek, bk e his woIe \ fo (Sido Fey _ . Still the colonel’s open, frank manner soon pa: y dispersed rity shadow, and he found himse conversing quite reely, se Y _ Our adventurer found it impossible to wholly re- fuse the invitation which was extended to him by the colonel and Alice to spend the day at their home. A word from her decided him to accompany them on their return, Looking back, as_they rode away from the prairie tavern, Hart saw Wild Kate near the live-oak, where she had ridden up to save him, by her presence of mind, from the infuriated mob. She had been in- tently watching him, but the moment she caught his gaze, her riding-whip was raised with an angry swish; and smarting from the cruel blow, her mus- tang bore her madly across the plain. ‘Who is that strange appearing woman whom you call Wild Kate?” he cou 4 not help asking. “She is asort of wandering waif who belongs at- South-west Bend. Her father was a horse-thief, who was hung the other day, and since that she has been seen in this vicinity. They say she is crazy.” “Crazy! that accounts for it ” Hart said, ab- sently. ‘‘ But she saved my life to-day.” “Yes; she had more presence of mind than Ran- del and all his Regulators. I suppose, Mr. Range, Fas will be obliged to make your stay in Chesterville short?” “Col. Raymun, I am not going to be driven out of Shelby county. When I get ready I shall leave, and not before, unless I am carried out a corpse!”’ ‘*T must say, ladmire your courage,’’ replied the colonel, ‘*and you can count on me as your friend. But Alice was saying that you have come all the wa, from Taos merely to see me. Business, I suppose?” A dark scowl! clouded fora moment Hart nge’s visage, as he hastened to reply, in a strangely ac- cented tone: ‘Yes, Col. Raymun; Ihave come many a league on purpose to see you; but—but Iam not prepared for business just now.’ “You will act your own pleasure, of course.” The colonel had not failed to detect the strange oa of the other's countenance, and was per- plexed. We will not accompany them further. Notwith- standing the shadow seeming to hang over his exist- ence, Hart passed a pleasant day. e was particu- larly favored with the sors of the fair Alice, and whether he would or not he found himself mad- ay ae »s hopélessly, in love, alter Raymun was a genial com ten Warne, too, was pleasant and agreeable; but somehow Range fancied a coldness was 8 mee up between himself and the auburn-ha co cela Every little attention the other paid Miss Raymun, he watched with a jealous eye, thinking bitterly in = mind: This man is my rival, and have I to ear. In spite of his resolution to make his visit short at the Raymun hacienda, the day was nearly gone be- fore Hart went back to the Prairie Home, where he found quite a crowd still congregated, putting on the finishing touches of their ‘‘ celebration *’ of the ** court.”’ e knew he was running a risk in return- ing to the pines, but with a bold front he was going to hazard the attempt. The throng greeted him with a half-contemptuous, half-malignant gaze, and instinctively our adven- turer felt he had two enemies for every friend in the ——— eee But, appearing calm and self- assuring, he sm ngly invited them up to the bar, and at his expense they drank to the health of Doc Killhurn, ‘‘ the boss king-pin 0’ Shelby.”’ The bummers at the bar had drained their glasses, and were beginning to think that “ ther strange youn- ker warn’t sich a heap wuss beaver arter all,’’ when a wild, howling yell suddenly burst upon their ears, and then a dark form shadowed the doorway, when a black-visaged, burly-framed man attempting to cross the threshold, pk pe and measured his length on the tavern floor, with a crash which made the building fairly tremble. A moment the new-comer lay like a log: then slowly contracting his lower limbs, he raised himself on one elbow and peering cautiously around, ex- claimed anxiously: - “AmtTagoner? Terrible clap! ennybody kilt?” 0 heed his iron] on; and Aus- Seeing that no one seemed the fallen hero, with a blood-curdling howl, clawec the air for a while as he regained an upright posi- tion; and then fairly dancing to keep on his feet, he shrieked: “Don’t ye spot me? I’m ther roarin’ rhinossner- ross from Taos, jess kem up fer to smash down and tear up enny grinnin’ galoot wot consults me! D’ye hyar neow? whar am ther coyote wot won't ’spect his betters?’ Still the crowd was silent, surprised, amused. Steadying himself as best he could in the middle of the room, the stranger leered at those around him, with a drunken, commiserating stare, “Wat ar’ ye leanin’ u fewlish nimshies w’at don’t hev enny manners? W’y doan’t ye duff yer skulps, and make yer bend, when yer bossamround? I’m the ragin’ rhinessner- ross from Taos, an’ I'll l’arn ye wot politeness is!’ and the speaker, making a lunge for the bar missed, when again his rags swept the dust. It seemed for a time as if the stranger's perlite- ness” had got the best of him; but before long he rallied, and staggering to his feet, with another ter- ae shout, he planted his brawny fist on the bar, roaring: “I s'pose ye all think I’m jess funnin’, but ye’ll find to yer sorrer thet I’m a wild rhinossnerross let loose on arampage. I hain’t tramped all ther way from Taos jess ter show myself. I’m on bizness!”’ The ree animal” paused, as if to note the ef- fect - his rather startling declaration; then con- tinued: “Yas! that am the ijee, bizness! I hev kem up to pick the tail feathers outen a leetle shaver wot’s no biz round hyar! Whar am he? Jess pass him over or 'llchaw up— Whoop! thar he kems!” At this juncture Rock Randel entered the room. ‘ thar for like a pack uv | pistils, ten Quickly placing himself in the Regulator chief's path, the giant growled: “ Hain’t ye from Taos?” “Wagh! This ’coon am a Taos boy ‘‘Ky-yi! I reckon ye hain’t ferget ther old two- horned rhinossnerross wot cavorts round like a blind » hurricane! Hyarheam!” . Without seeming to notice that important person- e, Rock passed up to the counter, With an angry growl the big beast of prey fol- lowed, and clapping his hand on the Ranger's shoul- der, exclaimed: “Don’t ye see me? I’m a heap hungry, and ye ar’ my meat!” “This beaver don’t chip ther trail, he don’t,wagh!"” “ Blar-r, yer leetle sprout! I’ve kem ter plant ye!” “T reckon ye'll never sprout, ef ye don’t take thet paw in!” “Sho! yer a black-an’-tan—”" “Dandy Rock, the prairie chick, 1 am! whoop!” cried that worthy, as he drained his glass, and brought it down on the bar with such force that he shivered it to atoms; one of the flying pieces strik- ing the bully just under the eye cut a long, deep rash, . Maddened by the wound, the giant boaster hurled hdd | himself forward, and with a well-directed blow, felled Rock to the floor, senseless. CHAPTER IX. A DESPERADO AT BAY. “Hooray! I’m the boss 0’ Texas!” roared ‘the rhinossnerross,’’ a8 Dandy Rock fell. Then, in a fren- zied fury, he rushed upon the fallen Regulator, and would have stamped his brains out upon the floor, but Hart Range standing near seized him by the col- lar, and hurled him violently back. Quickly recovering, showing no signs of intoxica- tion now, the bully gave another yell, and threw himself upon Range. “Tl show ye how ter rip me round by ther neck- irt, ye leetle, pindlin’ upshoot! Take thet! and thet! an—” The giant doubtless expected to annihilate his ad- versary with a single sweep of his arm, but in his blind excitement he was no match for the other's cool, determined front, as he quickly found to his sorrow. His “take thet an’ thet’’ proved merely = guree in the air;’’ and as Hart calmly dashed aside the sledge-hammer blows, he dealt him.a ter- rific “left-hander” between the eyes, which placed. head and heels on a level. As the rufflan fell, the lookers-on cheered Hart lustily. In a moment Rock recovered his senses, and. was on his feet, ‘“ Whar’s ther coyote thet clipped me?” he fairly shrieked. ‘Takin’ a nap thar!” answered a bystander. “Sho! thet him? Who laid him out so purty?’” Ere a reply was given the discomfited blusterer staggered to his feet, half blind, foaming with rage. “ti Hain’t ye Rot no perliteness? Punch a feller in thet way! I'll Varn yesum manners! I'll show ye how to paw ther wild rhinossnerross 0’ all Mexiker! Vl bre er hide. Vll—” “ Jess stand still, old grave-yard, an’ let me gi’n ye a lifter!” cried Dandy Rock, ye nine rods!” “ Howgh-ough!” snorted the animal from Taos. Then, a twelve-inch bowie flashed in the air, and the desperado made a furious lunge for Dandy Rock, who, es, springing aside, left him to turn upon Hart Range. Dexterously extending his foot, Hart caught him on his toe, and for the fourth time the roisterer “ bit the dust ” on the bar-room floor, It was only a moment before the bully was on his feet again. ““W'at for ar’ ye bamboozlin’ me round in this yer way?” he gasped, addressing Hart. ‘Ye kick an’ scratch an’ bite an’ tear round like an allegater in a mud-puddle, but ther hain’t no fairness "bout ye! Ye take me unawares an’ pelt me awful so thet I won't try to hev enny more fun with ye! ‘Sides I hain’t got no bizness with ye. ‘Tis this yer long- ape cuss wot I hev strapped over frum Taos tew p an 1 “ Beware how you cross my path, and there will be no trouble,” answered Range. “ But you an’ me ain’t squar’!” cried Randel; “ye hev dug a graye, an’ one o’ us hes got to fill it!” The bully was at bay. He saw that the sympath of the outsiders to a man was with Rock, and he felt that he had ‘started a lion instead of a hare.” esperately; “I'll knock ae he had gone too far to retreat; he must fight it ou “Tyal Needn’t think ye hev bu’sted the great, howlin’ rhinossnerross, fer the stomp 0’ his futsteps an’ ther roar 0’ his voice will be hyer long arter ye hev pegged out! Oh! I can’t tear round still! dit me a shooter an’ cum on, ef ye ain’t a sneakin’, good- fernuthin’ Greaser!”’ - “Jess say the word capen,” said True Bill; * an’ we will rope the cuss less’n a wink o’ a mule’s ear.” “Oh, no, Bill; it am a personal affair, an’ I am go- in’ to hev satisfaction, or git throwed.” ‘Hi! old saff’on hide, w’y don’t ye wake up? Daresn't ye meet me ten paces?” “By Randel Rock!”’ cried the Regulator chief. “TI am not afeer’d o’ enny sich galoot es ye ar’ at enn time, I ’cept yer challenge, an’ will meet ye with aces, “Checked!” grunted the other. Considerable excitement was manifest among the payne All knew that a duel was inevitable, and. ; = meant death to one or the other—perhaps their eader. “Now ye ar’ spittin’ sense, old hosses! but muzzle shootin’ am death on dry narves, so jess step up an’* hev sumthin’ wot'll make ye like mad two-year-old
Page 6
yearlin’ bufflers! Kem, stranger, ay Sow @ may never hev this priv’lige agin! cried Doc. urn, with an eye to *‘ business,” ‘* Whoop-ee!” bellowed the one from Taos, ‘‘ hyar’s the two-horned rhinossnerross wot don’t need no second axin’. Stomp up, old ponies! an’ lift ter yer better’s excess! Pass on yer benzine, old shuttle- top! Pile it up, Isay, higher nor the Parcific pond, es Tam dryer nor the north pole in ther summer ime!’ While the bummers were carousing at the bar, Rock was piving Bill a few hasty directions in regard to the duel. ‘“‘Hyar! I reckon thet’ll keep me narves up, an’ last me till I ken ring a cold deal on ther long-haired cuss!’ exclaimed the stranger, as he emptied his glass for the third time, ‘‘ Kem on, ef ye warnt ter see ther wild hoss from all Mexiker knock in ther head- lights 0’ yer Texer painter!” and he made a rush for the door, igen, Be at headlong speed. Others hastily followed, with Randel at their head. As the bully rushed out, a fierce gleam suddenly shone upon his features, while a desperate resolve flashed through his mind. His horse was at the corner of the building less than ten feet away; the Regulator chief was ahead of all his companions; the way seemed clear; why need he risk his life be- fore the other’s unerring rifle, when by a single quick and determined shot he could slay his foe, and then in the confusion escape without harm? No quicker thought than done. With strategic abruptness, he wheeled upon his victim; a pistol in- stantly shone in the‘air; and ere any in the room could comprehend the movement it was leveled at their leader, his eye had measured its length and his finger had pressed iis trigger. But before it was discharged a sharp report rung out, and the coward- ly stranger threw up his hands, and fell to the earth in a huddled heap. Surprised and startled, it was a moment before the crowd could realize what had transpired. Out- side, with a revolver in his hand still smoking from its fire, stood Hart Range. Plainly, to his presence ¢ mind and prompt action Rock Randel owed his 'e. ‘* By Randel Rock!” cried the Regulator, advanc- ing and grasping the young adventurer’s hand, ‘‘ye saved my top-knot thet pop, sure, and hyar’s my paw ferit. But, Jonas! who'd 'a’ vhought the sneak w’u’d hev been up ter sich cussedness!”’ ‘*T saw mischief in his eyes, and divined bis inten- ene, replied Hart, as calmly as if speaking of es. Then, around the fallen desperado gathered the spectators. Eviden ly his life-blood was fast ebbin ph and soon his spirit would pass over the dar ore. “Who warit thet throwed me?” gasped the dying wretch, as, for a moment, he rallied, ‘‘ Sarved me right, too,” he added. ‘ Cusses ‘pon ther head 0’ Joe Corinth! but fer him, I sh’u’dn’t hev bin hyar! I didn’t want ther job, fer I knowed it war no boys’ lay; but he piled me with pizen, and hyar I am! But, Rock Randel, *member what I tell ye, fer I'm talkin’ Gospil truth. Z'Aar ar’ a blind trail sur- roundin’ ye, an’ afore ye know tt ye will be rubbed out ! Joe Corinth an’ a Mexiker hev sed it, an’ with thirty men to back ’em ar’ huntin’ ye down like coyotes!” Overcome by his exertions, the man fell back to the ground, and save his slow and difficult breathing lay erfectly quiet. But soon he rallied again, and starting to a sitting posture, his eyes wandered over the assembly till they rested upon Hart Range, still holding his revolver, when he exclaimed: “ Waugh! ye ar’ the one wot guv me my pass to eternity. Wal, it shan’t bo sed thet Black Line walked out squealing! But wot are ye nyat fer, ennyway? fer I know ye jess like a book, ‘ Tiger uv Taos,’ an’ ye needn’t think I don’t! Men o’ Chester- ville, don’t furgit my last warnin’! Beware o’ thet lightning-handed sport, es ye w’u'd a copperhead, fer Are er o’ Taos has ‘kem ter Shelby fer no ood! He—’ 4 Exhausted, the wounded unknown dropped back, and almost instantly expired. The tool of the outlaw leader hid perished in the cowardly work he had undertaken; and San Mullre the revengeful Mexican, with his accomplice, had got to devise new plans before he could carry out his accursed scheme cf unwarranted, unhallowed ven- eance, . For the part he had acted Hart Range had won the admiration of all, and the friendship of more than one. Still the dread edict fan 3 over his head—three days, then beware. But Rock Randel, chief of the Rangers and Regulators, had boldly lared that the first man in Shelby who offered to execute the mandate should die, and, in spite of the strange warning they had received, h: of his followers seconded the declaration. us ended another day in the history of Chesterville. CHAPTER X. ‘Lost, LOST To mpt”’ A @aa time for Chesterville. Four days have passed since the scenes depicted at the Prairie Home occurred. Hart Range is still in Chesterville, stubbornly determined to stay, though loud and deep are the threats against him on one side, while others are bold in declaring their friend- ship. He has spent much of his time at Raymun hacienda, for, in spite of the barrier, he, and he alone, seems to place between himself and the colo- nel, he has found an irresistible attraction there. With Walter, he is on friendly terms; but Austen Warne, though genial and agreeable, he fancies is his enemy, and, defying his honest endeavor to hold it in check, a fierce, jealous hate rankles in his breast arainst the light-haired collegian, Ay, love and hatred are twins composed of the same elements, — The Tiger of Taos. with only variation to mark the distin. ion of thei bbe fe Eh tat: ittle heeded the good people of Cheste™ ‘de sis side drama. Something to them of more iiuporiunce claimed their thoughts and held their minds active. What was it? The coming pic-nic? "Twas nothing else, and promising a live, enthusiastic gathering, such as only an energetic border town can inaugu- rate, no wonder cares and sorrows were pen gl forgotten; not strange if minor pleasures and affairs were overlooked. In Chester grove on the bank of the Rio Burte congregated the pleasure-seekers; such an assembly that it truly seemed as if every home in Shelby had been vacated. The picnic was passing off Lange gr All were joyous, satisfied. For the benefit of the gentry a trial at rifle-shooting was made, and to the surprise of some. Nr 4c strane of a few and satisfaction of many, Hart nge won fairly the laurels and found himself the hero of the day. Athletic sports freely found participants; but to avoid acting too promi- nent a part, and also hoping to effect an object up- permost in his mind, he had quietly withdrawn, t were the smiles and blandishments the fair la- dies of Chester border so lavishingly bestowed upon him. Alice Raymun, with a single glance from her blue eyes, had effected what all others failed in; had brought to him a suspense that was unendurable; and now, at last, he determined to hazard fate—to know what destiny held in store. Fortune seemed to favor Hart. Tired of watching the proceedings, Miss Raymun soon wandere: away froin the crowd, and, as if by accident, he joined her. Then, a pleasant conversation followed, when at last, after strolling a considerable distance up the river- bank, he suddenly paused, and almost abruptly broached the subject nearest his heart. “Miss Raymun—aAlice, if you will allow me the liberty—I have impatiently waited for this opportu- nity; I feel you will pardon me in my hastiness for what Iam about to say, when you know that to-mor- row I must leave Shelby, and perhaps forever!” said Hart, slowly; the last, very slowly “Leave Shelby to-morrow forever?” repeated Alice, wonderingly. ‘‘ Why so, Mr. Range?” ‘Please do not speak so formal, Alice—Miss Ray- mun—you have called me Hart; why not now?” “Our acquaintance will hardly warrant it,” she hastened to reply. ‘But you have not told me why you must leave so suddenly and so soon. Is it be- cause you hve tired of us and giddy Chesterville, or does business callyou away? Surely we have tried to make your stay pleasant.” ‘*T like Chesterville, and appreciate the kindness which has been shown me; and I have found one to whom if I knew my departure would bring a regret, it would pain me to fo: ‘ “You speak in riddles, Mr. Range; pray, who is the fortunate person?” ** Need I speak plainer, Alice?’’ he cried, eagerly, seizing her hands in his. ‘*‘Can’t you see? don’t you know that I love, love you madly? and I have reasons to hope not in vain.”’ * Oh, Hart—Mr. Range—don’t! it can’t be! spare me, I beseech you!”’ ** Alice, my first and only love! can it be that you spurn me? Are you so false and fickle that yon have been playing with me as the serpent beguiles its victim to barge I know our meeting jhas been short; butfrom the first moment I saw you, I have loved Pf ite true, unselfish devotion. Now, say that I have not hoped in vain, that you will be mine, mine, and I ask no higher—”’ ‘ ‘* Spare me! spare us both, I pray! What you ask can never, never be!” As aseal of doom, Hart Range received the words, Suddenly he was painfully silent, and deathly pale. His form shook and quivered like a leaf before the ‘ale, ac Oh, Hart!’ the other quickly added; ‘“ speak, say I have not offended you! Forgive me! oh, for- give me! Ido care for you, but not as I would to be your wife; besides, my heart and hand are pledged to another!”’ ‘“Then,”’ exclaimed Range, rallying as if from a fearful blow, ‘“‘ you thrust me aside for another.” * No! no! not that; but, but—” sobs checked fur- ther utterance. ‘A thousand pardons, Miss Raymun,’’ plead Hart; ‘‘ I have been too hasty! too cruel! Forgive me for the pain I have caused you; forget what I have said, ping you can little realize the effort it costs me to say it. So Austen Warne has forestalled me; but I will not complain. God grant it may be for the best—that you may be happy with him. Now, I rust do my work and leave Shelby at once, never to return.” j “ Stay, Hart! you do Mr. Warne a great injustice; thouzh I respect him asa friend of Walter’s, he is nothing to me! aan Warne nothing to you? Alice, you are ng.’ “*T repeat, Mr. Range, he is nothing tome. Iam betrothed to Walter Raymun!”’ “What! your brother?” almost gasped Hart. ““ Walter is not my brother; I am not Col. Ray- mun’s daughter, as you seem to suppose—only an adopted child.” ““Excuse me! Isee now! Oh, why have I been so blind? And Austen Warne is not my rival?” “What a foolish idea! But now have been frank with you, please be reasonable and do not get anery: Believe me, I amas sorry es you that this shou have happened. Let us ma as friends, at least,” and she extended her hands, ‘* Must—must I consider your answer irrevocable? Think before you reply. You said a moment ago that | as cared for me. Do you love Mr. Ray- mun ?’ * Sour conar ‘sis .uwarrantable. Once for all, I | 88y no! I muss wed Walter. Our wedding-day is ' appointed.” ‘ “And you will marry him simply because your hand was plighted before your heart met its choice? It will be a mockery!” “Hold, Mr, Range! From any other person I would not take all this; but you and I can be friends, po leg nearer. Will you have it so? "Tis all I can offer.’ “Your will, not mine, be done,” said Hart, calmly, as he g her hand, and pressed it to his lips; “but this is a rude arene from a cherished dream. Better, phere, would it have been had we never met. Still I ining your decision, without eee ay 7 though you know not the pang it costs me. A different one from you would have averted a fearful blo— Stay, I willnot threaten. But you say he is not your father. So— Again, pardon me, for am not myself now. We part as friends—friends that are never to meet again, for, ere I sleep, I shall b far, far from Chesterville, and all that I hold ear ” “Don’t do anything rash, for my sake, friend Hart. Remember, too, that wherever you go you have my best wishes.” A few words more, a murmured ‘‘farewell,”’ and Hart Range was alone. As Alice glided away through the growth, he could not help exclaiming, half aloud: ‘* Lost, lost to me! and rightly too, for she was too high, good and noble forsuch asI, One with such a destiny as mine deserves naught but thwarted plans and blasted hopes. But my way is clear now and again I must take up the trail of vengeance and fol- low it through to the bitter end! I— Glancing up, he stood face to face with Wild Kate! CHAPTER XI. A RIDE FOR LIFE—THE PRAIRIE APPARITION, “Your pardon, sir, for my intrusion,” said the strange waif; “‘ but I have sought you for your own good, Judging by your manner, your interview with Miss Raymun was not a pleasantone. Perhaps Fate has been severe.” “You have read the Book’aright, Miss Kate,” re- plied Hart, quickly, half believing she had overheard it all, ‘* But little can you know or realize of life’s blighted hope!” “Hold, Hart Range! You know not what you are saying! What is the disappointment you have re- ceived compared to the wretchedness of a life wreck- ed by crime and dishonor; of a heart not only broken but bleeding from disgrace; of a soul outcast, spurn- ed and deapisad? The 2 pangs you have felt Time wil! soon heal; but the sufferings of pride and honor, never, never /”” ‘Forgive me! forgive me, Kate!”’ cried Hart, see- ing the other’s sudden _ grief, as from the awakening of a hidden sorrow; ‘‘I did not intend to wound you so; ITwashasty! But, if you will not consider me too presuming, I supposed you one of the most blithe, light-hearted persons in the world. Why this? You must be jesting!”’ ‘““Were you not a ag et here, I would not take you at your word. But have you ever heard my name coupled with aught but contemptuousness? A wanderer! daughter of a pe orse-thief, who, only a few days ago met the punishment his ca- reer demanded at the end of the rope! Such am I! There, despise me as the rest of the world does! I am only Wild Kate, and shall not mind it!” ** Excuse me, Miss Kate, you not only do yourself an injury, but * file heap injustice upon others. I, for oue, do not believe that the child is guilty, or should in any way suffer, for the misdemeanors of the pa- rent. I think none the less of you for what you have said, and no matter what may come, you can con- sider me your friend.” ‘Thank you, Mr, Range; yours are the first words of kindness that have greeted my ears—the sweet- est I have ever heard. But,” she added, instantly, ‘‘enough of this. I have come to warn you of im- pending danger. Your stay in Shelby fraught with great peril! Take my advice, and flee while youcan. Give up yourscheme. There nothing to keep you here now, so fly ere it is too late. Des- perate men are even now plotting your destruction and death! Oh, heed my words, and & go before yonder sun reaches the westernsky! God grant you may escape! Farewell!” Again Hart Range was alone under a darker cloud than ever. “Who is that strange being who takes such an interest in me?” he asked of himself, as he hurried toward his horse; ‘‘and how does she know my af- fairs and perils so well? By Jove! I would willingly leave Chesterville, if that would solve the mystery. But no! I must and will stay till my mission ‘is ful- filled; then adieu forever!” By this time Hart had reached his animal, and as he sprung u n the steed’s back, he suddenly caught sight of Wild Kate riding madly across Chester Plain, heading up the timber’s edge toward Red Lands, A second tai aged the cause, when a wild thrill! ra = shot through me, Alice Raymun had sought the companionship of Walter, and accompanied by Austen Warne, they had left the company for a canter on the prairie. But almost at the start, her high-mettled horse had been frightened, and in her frantie efforts to hold him in check, the rein broke like rotten twine, and, rind aa plungin . the startled beast galloped furiously on. ith difficulty, she managed to keep her seat, as she was borne over the greensward at a jeer aces every moment threatening to be her last. Walter and Warne, both at best poor riders, were soon left far behind. But Wild Kate, the first to notice her peril, was dashing up by the forest to intercept the fugitive.
Page 7
The Tiger of Taos. Acting with quick perception, Hart Range joined in the chase, his fleet-footed sorrel bounding over the earth at far swifter speed than even the flying runaway. 4. Anxiously Hart crowded on his willing steed, for his imperiled friend was still far in advance, and it acane impossible for him to rescue her. Kate's spotted mustang was doing splendid work, but oh! how frail the slender cord upon which hung their hope of saving the endangered life! On, on, rushed the pursued and pursuers. Alice Raymun’'s long hair was streaming in the wind, and her white face was turned back in mute supplica- tion, as she still retained her precarious position; but ‘would she be able, till they could overtake her ‘in that headlong race? At any moment she might be hurled to the earth, and trampled to death! Faster and faster Hart pressed forward, calmly, till suddenly he saw the frightened horse turn abruptly to the left and plunge for the low-limbed forest which skirted the plain on the west. Then his face blanched, and his form trembled, as he felt that all was lost! But nerved to still swifter action, he unmercif spurred his steed ahead to intercept the other, if possible. Wild Kate, with lasso in hand, kept close by his side. As Alice saw her new danger and inevitable de- struction, an involuntary cry escaped her lips. She saw her friends rushing to her aid, but felt they were too late! Instinctively she closed her eyes to hide the fearful vision. Another rod and she would have been torn from her saddle by the outstretching limbs; but swift almost as the lightning’s flash, Hart Range dashed down, and as he swept past, his sreamy arm encircled her waist, when she was lifted from her perilous position upon the withers of his aa sorrel, whose speed he suddenly checked and nally stopped. Wild Kate had lassoed the infuria- ted horse with a dexterity which any plainsman would envy. Thank Heaven! the runaway steed was captured, and its rider saved, all without harm! A few moments later Walter Raymun and his friends had joined them, with congratulations of the highest satisfaction. Rock Randel, too, ap- red upon the scene, he having seen the race and ell in, toue® too late to effect any good. “By Randel Rock! thet war sum tall doin’s, ye see! Didn't ther gal jess throw ther line now? beat ther Regulators all holler, wagh! An’ thet mow- stang o’ hern ken jess git up an’ dust, yer bet! equal to ther Dead Duelist’s roan, when he war on a ram- age!’ » hough pretty severely exhausted and somewhat frightened, Alice soon recovered from the effects of her wild ride, and was ready to return. Not deeming her thoroughly aroused horse safe for her, the equi- page was quickly changed to Range’s trained sorrel, Bnd she was assisted upon his back. Repairing as best he could the broken bridle, Hart did not hesitate to mount the nervous brute, when the little caval- cade was ready to start. ‘“Whar'’s Kate gone?’’ asked Rock. Sure enough; she had quietly withdrawn, and no trace of her was to be seen. “Strange being!’’ muttered Range, almost disap- pointed, why, he could not himself tell. Then the arty moved on in silence, each revolving in mind he thrilling events of the last hour. They had not progressed far, however, when sud- denly a cry of astonishment burst from Austen War- ne’s lips, and he exclaimed, ina startling tone: * Look! for God’s sake, what is that? A low, musical laugh rung eg the air as the others glanced just to the right of their course. Good Heaven! every face showed its amazement as a light-robed form upon a milk-white horse, steed and rider seeming to have arisen from the earth, slowly glided across their path, within three rods space! CHAPTER XII. CHASING A PHANTOM—TEN SECONDS TO LIVE! .In mute amazement the little matty. stared upon the strange apparition which had so suddenly and mysteriously i sag upon the scene. Slowly and silentl it moved over the plain, and as it passed be- yond them the robe was pa ee lifted, when an arm was extended, seeming to beckon them on. No one had thought or cared to challenge the singular rider, looking so much like a being from the supernatural Wane, the first to recover his self-possession, cried: “That is a mystery worth solv . I am going to follow it, be it angel or demon!” and the reckless fellow wheeled his horse, determined to pursue the phantom-like form. } “Don't!” gasped Rock, trembling with a supersti- tious dread; “it am a spook, sartin, an’ speerits ar orful when they ar’ mad, so jess let the Old Scratch i ig Bit More’s the fun if it’s a ghost,” answered the other. ‘‘Say, boys, let Walter go on with Miss Ray- mun, while we follow that, and see what it is. ‘Oh, God!’ cried his superstition fast get- ting the best of him, “don’t! don’t! We shall all be kilt! This spook-fightin’ am death bizness! the ‘un am ali the t’other side! I tell ye, boys, this coon es hed some ’sperience, he hes, wagh!” “See!”? continued the excited collegian, not heed- Rock’s interruption, “it still moves away, and i soon be out of sight."’ “ Come a et said Hart, who had been: . silent watcher; ‘‘I_am as anxious to know w that means as Mr. Warne. Walter will excuse our company I know, as he and Miss Raymun can have no difficulty in returning to the grounds. There will be certainly no harm, if it results in no good.” Prompted by curiosity’s strong and headlong im- pulse, the trio were soon riding cautiously upon the Specter’s course; but not without many misgivings ae upon the part of Dandy Rock, who, in spite of his ) he commenced to count, the sound of his voice fall- fears, was fain to join in the hazardous enterprise. In silence, the three kept in pursuit of the mys- terious rider, which in defiance of their endeavors to the contrary seemed to remain the same distance ahead. Increase their speed and the other would do likewise; maneuver as best they could, and they were just so far away—no nearer, no further. Puz- zled, and angry with themselves, more than once they were determined to turn back; but something still prompted them forward. Almost unconsciously they continued on, till the border of the Red Lands was reached. Then, sud- denly, the apparition, or whatever it was, paused when, elated at their seeming success, they pre forward, and were about to hail, as it darted on into the Black Gulch. Hart Range half-raised his rifle as if to fire, then thinking better of it, he dasbed ahead, the others keeping close to him. Into the narrow pass-way of the “‘ Gulch,” hemmed in on one side bymassive bowlders, and the other by a nel eye wor) cliff of from fifteen to twenty feet in big t, flashed the white rider, instantly disappearing around an angle of the ledge. others recklessly followed. Midway in the defile, and their passage’was sud- denly blocked by fierce, determined men, with pre- sented arms. Then a deafening crash succeeded, when a huge stone was toppled from the top of the oe into their ee behind, cutting off all retreat ! “Stand!” a hoarse voice thundered, while the muzzles of rifles emphasized the demand. The little cavalcade was forced to rein in their startled horses, Hart and Rock in front abreast, Austen Warne just back—all facing death, hemmed in on every side! squarely trapped! “Ha-ha, boys!” laughed the s er, a dark- skinned, oily-visaged Mexican, with a low-browed countenance half-hidien under a greasy-looking, slouched sombrero, ‘hold them still, or riddle their carcasses with bullets!” ‘*What means this?”’ cried Hart, calmly, in spite of his peril. * Caspita/ There is little need of telling,’ replied the Mexican. “In spite of your cunning lve rap- ped you, Tiger of Taos! And the long-haired dog of an American is at last mine /” “My heavens!” ejaculated Dandy Rock, suddenly baie | pale, “‘is thet San Mullre, or his dead spook?” “Ha!’’ the other fairly screamed, his eyes gleam- ing like balls of fire, ‘tit is I, San Mullre, whom you thought you killed inthe Rio Burte. a year ago. But I have lived to get you in my power once more; and this time there isto be no slip. rm beg suffered at your hands, you shall endure ten- 0. 1” “ Heave ahead, old Greaser! In mad pursuit, the I low you hev rung a cold deal on us, jess by thet sneakin’ speerit! But | IT reckon Dandy Rock dies game!” During these hasty remarks the keen eyes of Range had taken a careful survey of their surround- ings, but not a single avenue of escape was open to them. There was no retreat, and the men in front were cool and unflinching; though armed to the teeth their weapons were useless. Still with a dog- ged determination, Rock and he maintained their courage. Warne, while unacquainted with warfare, betrayed no visible emotion. “What are you waiting for?’ asked Range, un- concernedly, as the Mexican paused, silently watch- ing them; “this position is getting to be monoto- nous. Proceed with Rey operations, or state your business, if you intend this meeting for such,” *‘ Curse you!” exclaimed the other, bitterly, vexed at Hart's coolness and apparent indifference; don’t you see I am enjoying your fate?” aa. gnome enjoyment it must be to you in your cowar Wy warfare upon peaceful and inoffensive citizens! I know not who you are, or for what pur- eee you have led us into this trap; but I do know hat, unless you allow us to depart in peace, it will be the dearest day’s work you ever did!” “Fool! you forget your master! Had I sought your life, I should not have dallied here. I do not wish you to die, but to live!” ““It matters not to me! ‘tis all the same!’’ replied Hart, cen Despite hs efforts to conceal it, the Mexican's anger was fast rising, as he continued: “But the Tiger had better be careful how he wags his tongue, for his life is in my hands to do with as I choose. Still, if he is as wise as he is bold, he will agree to my terms and have no trouble, Would he hear them?” Finding that neither of the trio deigned to offer any reply to his speech, Mullre went on: “The gentleman in the rear is a stranger to me, and I have nothing against him, therefore he can de- = without harm at once. As for you, Tiger of ‘aos, our band needs oe The captain has had his eye on you since you left ‘ the valley.’ Throw down your weapons, come forward and swear allegiance to us, and you shall be respected as second in our command, Refuse, and you die, die! As for the long-haired coyote, he knows already his fate. Noth- ing can save him/ Iwill give you two minutes to ante in y pope if you ot = hardy enough to de- cline my fair offers, you shall peri s' of tortures with Roc Randel!" ont mame ‘*Cowardly Greaser!”’ cried Hart, fiercely, “think A thav I care enough for life to desert a true riend, and become one of your accursed horde? As far as lam concerned spare your waiting! ’twould be a waste of breath anda loss of time. Do your worst; I defy you!” ‘Fire, men, whenT say ‘ten,’ unless one or both accept my terms!”’ spoke San Mullre, without heed- ing the defiant declaration, otherwise than with a For every pang I | | ing upon a fearfully oppressive stillness! © One—two—three—your—Jive—sia—seven—eighi—" CHAPTER XIII. WILD KATE TO ‘THE RESCUE, “ Nr—’’ Ere the Mexican could give the word utterance, a coil of rope came whirring through the air, and hanging for an instant over their heads, dropped spitefully down upon the shoulders of the bandit leader and his nearest man standing so close to him; then quick hands jerked taut the line, when the: pel ae pe 3 were hurled back to the earth. A shrill cry, the clatter of horses’ hoof-strokes, and they were snatched over the ground’s rough sur- face, till the cord suddenly parted, when they lay in lifeless heaps. Surprised and startled, the remaining two forgot their duty, and hurriedly glanced about them, Time for our friends to act. Drawing their weap- ons hastily, they spurred forward, and dashed safely out of the fearful trap without shedding a drop of blood. From the top of the cliff rung hoarse shrieks and’ shouts, while a few harmless shots were fired. The four outlaws in the pass had not been alone then, for others were rushing down from the craggy steep. But there was little to fear from them, and their course seemed clear, as the hardy tiio rode through the growth, and finally galloped down by the border of the plain, steering away for Chester-- ville. Where was their deliverer? In vain they watched for some trace of him. ; “By Randel Rock!” cried that worthy, enthusias- tically, as they slackened their speed a trifle, ‘‘ who'd ’a’ thought it?” “It was a narrow escape!”’ ejaculated Hart; “ but: where can our friends have Fee so quickly? We owe to them our lives, and perhaps they are in a Boys, we are acting like cowards now! eo— , At this juncture Wild Kate was seen a short dis- tance down the forest, frantically beckoning them n. “Can it have been she who gave us such oppor- tune aid?” exclaimed Warne, as they dash ‘or- ward, soon reaching the strange, wild-wood heroine, sitting upon her spotted mustang, holding the piece of a broken lasso in her hand, while she im patiently awaited their approach. “T am indeed thankful you have all escaped,” was the waif's greeting; ‘I was afraid you would not be able to clear them.” ‘What!’ cried Hart, “is it to you we owe omr lives? and alone! You have our sincerest thanks— ay, our gratitude knows no beunds, for it was the narrowest escape I ever saw! Another moment and you would have been too late! but you wero in the nick of time, and—”’ * There, there, Mr. Range, you have said quite enough !’’ interrupted Kate. ‘It is true, I lassoed the Mexican and‘his companion, just for fun! but who couldn’t have done it? I guess their heads wilt be sore to-morrow the way Lightfoot dragged them. off. But they can thank my lasso for breaking, and be grateful that it’s no worse.” “Jeems Stopple!”’ exclaimed Rock, in an under- tone, “if that gal ain’t a screamer! ‘Twa'n’t fer the old woman, I'd be fer sparkin’ her!" “ But how did you know of our capture?” asked Hart; “‘ and how did you eee your part so sue cessfully, for, if I do say it, that was the Cleverest piece of business I have seen for years!” big pond, 4 you would all sit there like staring idiots and ply me with questions, till the outlaws yobbled up the whole lot of you again, and then, like the fool I am, I should have to go to work and get you away, or the vultures would have a feast! But f you must know how I discovered your captivity, and effected your release, I will tell you as we ride: back to Chesterville, for thereby hangs a i he Sgn you may learn a lesson, and not run into a trap again, Uke a pack of hungry curs, “After leaving you upon Chester Plain,” Kate commenced, as the last sound of the outlaws had been left in the distance, and they lessened the pace of their horses to a walk, ‘I started back for the pic-nic, riding in the edge of the tlmber. I had not gone tar, however, when I saw the while rider, which so interested you and was the cause of your — trouble. At first glance the spectral form startled me; but as it rode by without offering molestation, I socn recovered, though amazement paren 4 suc ceeded fright. As it glided ~~ its robe caught upon the branches of a tree, and the booled foot.) a max appeared jullin sicht / Wondering what any one was done up in that togge for, but thinking it was for’ sport rather than mise ief, I ave it but little notice, and kept on. Still after a while it suddenly occurred:. to me that he was riding directly tow you; and. then a thought came to my mind that perhaps it was) a decoy sent out to lure some one into dangev. ; ly turning my mustang I rode back to find you fol- - lowing the specter decoy. Knowing that no good" could come of it, I stage on in treated but before ~ I could warn you the trap was sprung. Perfectly ~ familiar with the Black Gulch and its surroundi , I realized in a moment your situation; and knowing ; too, the bloodthirsty character of your foes, and * their deadly hate, felt that it was only by prompt» and decisive action I could save you. It was with, , less difficulty than might be supposed that I csueceed- ed in cautiously working Lightfoot around the cliff, as the bandits’ whole attention was taken up in d with you. As soon as near enough, artlally hidden from view by the angle of the leage, I used my lasso successfully, and you did the rest.” Wild Kate, true to her nature, would take no praise , scowl of hatred; and then, in aslow, measured tone, | for the daring part she had acted. Pul, pecbe) 5 wie
Page 8
. The Tiger of Taos. eT ee ¢ prsctousy positively unexpectedly, she had won by “Pity me! oh, pity me!’ groaned the stricken her noble bravery and unse heroism from one of | man burying his face in his hands. that little party of three a feeling of more than ad- “Fool!” exclaimed Hart, contemptuously, ‘‘ you miration. Ay, we guess, too, who it was! are not fit to be called man! The arrival of our friends was hailed with delight, | few questions. for their non-appearance had created considerable es, yes!”’ alarm, and volunteers were about starting in search ** Alice, they tell me, is not your daughter. Whose for them, child is she?” Pleasantly passed the remainder of the cays and “IT do not know. I found her on Chester Plain the pie-nic was a thing of the past—another bright | when but a babe.”’ spot in the career of Shelby, which its pleasure-lovers “Could you never find any trace of her parent- long kept vivid by frequent recallings. age?”’ A messenger from South-west Bend came to Ches- “No, except a locket and chain; the first contain- terville that night for aid to grapple with a furious | ing a lady’s portrait, the picture of her mother, I outbreak which had suddenly embroiled her citizens | think, as she has a decided resemblance to it. The in what was expected to be a bloody time. A dozen | locket also bears the letters W.to A. She must of the Kegulators under the lead of one True Bill, | have been the daughter of some settler or immi- had left at once for the scene of the riots, hoping to guell the u aap Immedia ely after returning from his adventure in the Black Guich, Hart Range had sought the Prairie Home. It had been an eventful day to him in more ways than one. “'To-night I must do my work, and then leave Shelby,” he said to himself. But from what follow- ' ed it would truly seem as if Fate was against him or his mission, for, after lounging around the tavern a few hours, though he was seldom if ever seen to par- take of the ‘poison ’’ so freely retailed over Kill- hurn’s counter, he began to show unmistakable signs of intoxication, and toward night, much as we despise the act and hate to acknowledge the deed, it was evident that he was beastly drunk | But, I would ask you a Will you answer?” and then tiring of their rather troublesome charge left her to perish on the plain. But I have cared for her las tenderly and gid as if she was my own. In fact, she seemed a God-send to partially fillthe void caused by the sudden and mysterious Cispprersnes of my own cae; Eda.” ‘Then you had another child?” asked Range, in surprise. ‘“Yes; a lovely daughter.’ But when scarce twelve months old she was taken from us, not by disease, but by au unknown fate! No trace of her have we ever been able to find! I know I have sinned heavily, but, oh, Hart Range! I have suffered as fearfully! You cannot realize the agony I have en- dured. But for my family I could not have borne BB as I have! Now, after these long years, you will expose me, and overwhelm them with sorrow and disgrace !”” “ Dastard!’’ cried Hart, his rage fast getting be- yond his control; ‘‘in your weakness you forget the wrongs you have done me and mine. The mur- dered father, the grief-stricken mother, the wrecked home, all demand that justice shall do its duty; and 1 have not hunted yon so long to allow you to escape now. No, Arthur Hart! you shall meet at last the punishment you have so many years CHAPTER XIV. HART RANGE’S MISSION—BURIED SECRETS. Nor till late in the PrOneRAe Hart Range leave the Prairie Home; in fact, t was as soon as he was able to travel with anything like ease or steadi- ness. Then, as the last loafer left, and Killhurn was shutting up for the night, he wandered off in the di- rection of Colonel Raymun’s hacienda, his eyes ever and anon glancing furtively about him, as if fearing that spying eyes were watching his move- | averted.” ments, ‘‘Por my wife and childrens’ sake, sparé-me! Oh, A few minutes’ hurried walk and the colonel’s | pity them! Believe me, it was a mistake! I—” home was reached, The invigorating air had so re- of Liar!” shrieked Hart, growing wilder and fiercer, vived Hart that he showed but little signs of his late | his eyes blazing like balls of fire, and his complexion debauck. Still a latent fire burned in his eyes, and | of a livid hue, with a deathl whiteness around the he was extremly nervous. Ay, he was on mis- | mouth. ‘I have a mind to kill you! I will!” and sion! Had he drank the whisky to nerve himself | like a madman he drew his knife and sprung upon ‘or the ordeal? and then under its potent influence | the frightened and cowering form. was seeking to wreak the work of a hidden ven- Unknown to either Colo Py ne or Hart Range jyeance? Around, everything was silent, appearing as if the inmates were wrapped in the ane of repose, but the faint glimmer of a light from a distant window seemed to show that had not retired for the uight. Five minutes later: “Please be seated, Mr. Range,” said the colonel in his affable way, as he ushered him into the li- brary. Pxcuse me, Colonel Raymun, for troubling you at this unseemly hour, but business—important business, which concerns you and me; so preyed upon my mind that I could not sleep.” ‘Certainly, certainly, Mr. Range, You say busi- ness which relates to. both of us, pray proceed; I am entirely at liberty.” Not failing to notice the other's strangely im- petuous tone, and uneasiness of manner, he was perplexed to kuow what this untimely visit meant. “Colonel Raymun!” exclaimed Hart, abruptly, in a fierce, excited voice, fixing his piercing eyes upon the other with a fitful glare, “‘ l’ve come far ven- geance |” ~ “For what?” im pil the suddenly startled man, springing to his feet as if shot. F ‘Wor vengeance!” repeated the other. “* Theblood of a father cries for justice |” as o—what are you?’ demanded the colone appearing more and more amazed; ‘‘an esca lunatic?” ‘Pray be seated, colonel: you will need all your strength for the ordeal.” ‘Explain yourself, Hart Range, or leave my house at oncel”’ “You act your pet well, colonel; but you shall have your explanations. Don’t you recognize me?”’ “Only as a madman!” he answered, slowly and two pairs of eyes had seen every move which had been made, and as many ears had heard every word that had been spoken; and as the infuriated avenger leaped upon his victim, a couple of Hight forms bound- ed nue the window, when Walter Raymun and Austen Warne hurled themselves upon him, In the fierce struggle which ensued, the would-be murderer was torn from his object; but turn up- on his adversaries he THOR. threw them off, and from blows dealt with lightning-like rapidity he felled them to the floor like stricken beasts. ‘You will soon hear from me again, Colonel Ray- mun!” he cried, and then, rushing out of the house, he sprung into his saddle, riding swiftly away. CHAPTER XV. NEW ACTORS IN THE DRAMA—MORE STARTLING EVENTS AT RAYMUN RANCH — ANOTHER BLOW FROM HART RANGE. Nieat still hung over Shelby. Away upon Chester Plain two horsemen were rid- Pi he B Chesterville. Notwithstanding the late- ness of the hour they rode leisurely, for they had ridden far that day, and belated, were still pressing slowly on to reach their destination, rather than bivouac on the prairie. 1 gt Under the dim light of the star-lit heavens it might have been seen that both were men hardly past the prime of life, still hale and vigorous. Both were uite tall, straight and strong-limbed; both were ressed in suits of hunting-shirt and leggins of buck- skin, beaded and frilled; one wore his hair short cropped, and his manly face was cleanly shaven, all in true mountain style; the other’s dark hair, slight- ly tinged with gray, fell about his neck and shoul- nechanically sinking back into his chair, while great | ders, while he wore a full, untrimmed yet handsome »eads of perspiration oozed out upon his brow as he ' beard. The first was Gilman Reynolds, “old Gil realized the fearful storm bre ¢ Rey’ the veteran mountaineer, whose two score “You remember Walter Cliffo Iam his son!’ | anda half of years of wild life on the plains and in ““Tmpossible |” the mountains had scarcely left an imprint upon his “Tt is a fact, nevertheless; avid 7 accuse you, Ar-| brow. The other was the well-known ide and thur Ha me being my father’s murderer !” ranger, Hard Cliff, the hero of wide-spread notoriety, “Oh, God! have mercy!” cried Col. Rey his | whose prowess as Indian scout and trailer was face of an ashen hue, anda terrible convulsion shak- | second to none on the border. Ever the champion ing his form, An instant and he had changed from of right and justice, always acting with cool and astrong, defiant man toagroveling wretch. Itcould | quick decision, the lawless invaders who so cursed uot have been the mere assertion, menacing as it | the Texan frontier had found in him a powerful and was, but some irrepressible emotion which 50 ed foe. Though his name often been strangely and fearfully affected him, _ | heard connected with some deed of valor, he was a “Did you show merey when you struck down in Rey we have sreeh eet: in Shelby county. But Gil met there before; on the trail of subtle foes we have seen his skill tested and his courage tried. “You say, Gil, we are almost there. Oh! how anxious I am! it be possible I shall find one of them at last, after so many, many years?” “Have patience a leetle longer, cap’en; we will cold blood the truest friend you ever had?”’ “‘T did not mean it! Oh, spare me! spare me!”’ ‘Then you do not deny the crime?” “‘T killed him! Iknowit! But, oh, merciful Hea- ven! spare me for my childrens’ sake!” “No, no, Arthur nO 08 Colonel Raymun as the world knows you now; the deed was too dark, and | soon be thar.” the wound was too deep to be forgiven and forgot- “You say she is quite tall, has blue eyes and gold- ten! Justice shall have its due! I, his son, say it!” en hair?” “Yas, Cap; an’ a raal beauty with the sunniest smile and sweetest voice a purty gal ever had.” “My Ally’s own image! You are sure she is not this gentleman’s daughter?”’ ; “Sartin! Hev known Colonel Raymun an’ his *Tt was about this time thatthe ‘“‘ Regulator Wars” originated, which so ravaged park de and this out- break was one of the sparks which kindled intoa blaze the whole country. Sent frog whom the Indians probably stole her, family fur yurs. Alice am a child he found on the | plain when but a wee tot of a babe. But she has | had a good home.”’ ‘*God bless Colonel Raymun for that! But, after all, we may be mistaken! What if we should be! The disappointment after my sudden hope will be worse than the sorrow IJ have suffered for these eighteen long and weary years, spent in one contin- ual search for the lost ones! Still something seems to tell me that Iam now on the right track, that at last my work will receive its reward. Ah, faithful friend, little do you know the anguish of a bereaved father’s heart, or ihe joyous anticipation he feels in expecting to clasp in his arms once more his long-lost | darling!’ ** We've chipped the right trail, I know we hev! an’ soon you will see yer darter, for es true es I live, thar is the colonel’s hacienda. He owns all this kentry! He’s a heap the biggest ‘coon in Ches- . terville!”’ “Thank God that we are almost there, and I shall soon see her! I know the colonel will forgive us for calling at this hour, for I could not wait longer. | Oh, how impat'ent I am to know the‘ruth!”’ As the twain rode through the grove in front of the house they heard hoof-strokes, and thought they saw the glimpse of a party of horsemen gallop- ing across the corner of the plain to the west. But frantic cries of terror and distress from the dwell- ing caused them to quickly dash forward, realizin that something was wrong; and as they reache the house, they dismounted and rushed in, every door in the building seeming ajar. As our intrepid friends entered the hall, groan: and cries of pain issued from an inner apartment; and when they bounded through the entrance, the caught sight of a prostrate form on the floor, wt | tering in blood, and, good Heaven! bending over his victim, barely past the act of his fiendish work, stood the assassin, still clutching the haft of his fatal bowie. With a haggard, startled look, the surprised wretch started back; but ere |e could escape, Gil Rey and his companion threw themselves upon him, and he was secured almost without a struggle. With the ready material they found, in the shape of a lasso which Hard Cliff always cariied upon his erson, it was but the work of a moment to firmly ind the captive. ‘*‘Reckon thet’ll cool his narves!” cried Gil Rey, as they turned to the fallen man. “Good God, Hard Cliff! ‘tis Colonel Raymun!” Too true! and his murderer, captured and bound, was Hart Range! “Dye think he’ll go under?’’ asked the moun- taineer, anxiously, as they examined and carefully dresse the colonel’s wound, no one else as yet ap- pearing on the scene. In reply his companion slowly shook his head, as if not daring to utter the simple negative, for the blow had driven the steel deep, and he feared, feared— ‘“What is that?’ asked Gil, suddenly, as a slight noise was heard in the room for the second time, Then, they discovered a man in the corner, bound and gagged! It was Austen Warne! ‘* More o’ the pesky varmint’s biziness!’’ exclaimed Gil Rey, as he quickly freed the other from his un- comfortable position. “Can you tell us what this all means?” asked Cliff. “Yes, yes,” answered Warne, as soon as he had recovered his speech; ‘‘ there has been a fearful time. We had all retired, and were asleep, when, suddenly we were aroused from our slumber by a body of armed men in the house. They had entered boldly, and commenced ec noaiaege | everything they consid- ered of sufficient value. Of course we offered resist- ance, and in.the fierce struggle which we made they soon overpowered us. Then they continued their robbery, leaving just before you came. Their lead- er, the villain you have bound here, not satisfied with the hellish work he had already perpetrated, sto pee behind to add murder to his list of crimes, Helpless to offer opposition or cry for help, I saw him strike the colonel down before my own eyes. But I pray to God that your timely arrival prevent- ed him from ma a fatal blow, though the ruffian is none the less entitled to hanging |”’ Austen Warne was right; it had been a fearful time. The peons were found huddled together in the kitchen, half frightened out of their wits. Mrs. Raymun had been served the same as our collegian. But search high and low, no trace could be discover- ed of Walter and Alice! ; Where could they be? Either dead orin the hands of the night-marauders! : ‘How menny war thar o’ the cussid gang?’’ que- ried Gil Rey, as they returned to the library, where they had left their prisoner. “A dozen or ao replied Austen; ‘and a brutal set they were, too. ¥ Some of the old Red Land outlaws, probably. But what could they have ag’in’ the colonel?” ‘“‘ It was this rascal, their leader! He had trouble with the colonel, and only to-night, Walter Raymun —o myself heard him swear that he would xlil the other. ‘Wal, I reckon—” Suddenly the prisoner, Hart Range, was seen to leap to his feet. He had’ burst or undid his bonds, and was free! Quick as thought the three men sprung forward to intercept and recapture him. As well to chain the mountain hurricane ; The two rangers were lithe, active men, like the panther in their movements, and the collegian was no sluggard. But like ligh the desperate young avenger et his feet,.and as the others reach- ed him, a quick blow dealt with either hand, and Warne measured his length on the floor, while Hard Cliff was hurled back against the wall. Then, with zg ——=
Page 9
eT NTI ANN a single bound, he burst through the window out in- to the open air. _ ee Gil Rey, snatching his rifle from its position near the door, rushed out just as Range was springing upon the back of his horse, which had been standing near by. The mountaineer afterward recalled to mind that it was with the greatest difficulty the other could mount his saddle; still he did not heed it at the time, but hastily raising his rifle, he fired at the retreating form, A sharp cry of pain followed, and Hart Range reeled to and fro in his saddle as if he would fall from his seat. Then he pitched for- ward upon the steed’s neck, an arm falling upon either side of the animal’s neck. A snort and a bound, which came near throwing its rider, and the fleet sorrel bore him away like the wind. CHAPTER XVI. ON A SCOUT—THE DEAD RIDER. No attempt was made to follow Hart Range, for it would have merely been a waste of time; besides, there was no one to spare. “Let him go,”’ said Gil Rey, “‘I reckon, cap’en, you an’ me’ll take ther trail an’ we'll hunt him down, or git throwed, wagh!” Colonel Raymun was still in a sort of Stpper faint from the loss of blood. His wound, though painful and quite dangerous, was not thought likely to prove fatal. Austen Warne, who was well versed in medi- cine and surgery, stood by his couch all the remain- der of the night, caring as tenderly for him as if he had been his own father. Mrs. Raymun, ae fe Bi come with grief and anxiety, also watched by her husband’s side. Hard Cliff and Gil Rey had sought rest, for they had decided to take the outlaws’ trail in be Die to try and rescue the helpless ones in peril. oward morni the people of the village, to whom the news ‘of the Franveul night had flown, flocked around, anxious and excited. Among them eame Rock Randel, the Regulator chief; and the meeting between him and his friend, the moun- taineer and ex-Regulator, was cordial and hearty. It would seem as if the bandits had purposely se- lected an fs rabeoerii time for their depredation. All the men that could be well spared had gone to South-west Bend, and there were not enough left to properly defend the settlement, much less send a squad on the war-path. But Gil Rey had declared it would be better for scouts to proceed on the trail, and perhaps ferret out the freebooters ready for attack as soon as the Rangers returned from the Bend. Accordingly he and Hard Cliff at early dawn mounted their horses, and rode away for the Red Lands, where it was supposed without doubt the abductors were rendezvoused. The following mor - ing Rock and Austen Warne, providing the colonel should not be considered in too much danger, would meet one or both at the Black Gulch, and then— well, co events would decide that. Lea ose at home, we will follow the vary- ing fortunes of our hardy scouts in their adventurous undertaking. After leaving the Raymun hacienda the two friends were soon riding at a smart gallop across the plains toward the Red Lands, passing near the line of chaparral north of the Prairie Home, and steering for a point just south of the Black Gulch, for we know Gil Rey was familiar with every inch of the country. . Half an hour’s ride, and nothing had occurred to break its monotony. Hard Cliff, disappointed at a moment when non-success was a blow hard to bear, and anxious for the captive’s fate, as knowing well her peril, thus suffering a two-fold suspen, was silent and thoughtful, while pressing swiftly on for the work in hand. But a quick exclamation sud- denly aroused him to a sense of his surroundings. y, Lord, cap’en! look! thar kems the chap I shot last night arter he kerflummuxed us so pert! He’s a dead coyote, sure!’’ The unexpected appearance of a horseman had caught the old mountaineer’s attention; and no wonder his exclamation of discovery was followed with the speech we have given, for as the person drew nearer—his horse bearing him on at a listless pace—he proved to be a strange equestrian. Of a dark sorrel, the steed was instantly gs nized as the one belonging to Hart Range; and i rider was hanging upon its back in the same position as when he escaped his foes at Col. Raymun’s the night before, His body was still bent forward upon the horse’s neck, his head lying on its mane, with br bere stretching down either side—all seeming eless Though wandering at his will, now dy to a mouthful of grass, then starting into a slug- gish trot, and anon slackening to a walk, the horse with its burden, whether a living man, @ dead body, or a dummy, was slowly but surely ap- pees dk r Puzzl y the scouts awaited its ee. But, ere 0) it reached them, or came near enough be ged distinguished in the mo light, for it was sti dawn, the animal, as if suddenly noticing them, turned and galloped away in an opposite direction, the form threatening to topple from its seat at every boyne we foller?” asked Gill. “No,” answered Cliff, who could think of naught else but the captive maiden, “not now. We must Tess 0; rescue /é7". ¥ Right, capen! Excuse me, but I didn’t like ter see thet hoss toting thet ar’ body round so. How- sumdever, es ye say, we hain’t got nary time to spend in foolishnesses.”’ Again they were moving on, faster than ever, to gain what they had lost by their delay. An hour after sunrise the Red Lands were reach- > The Tiger of Taos. | ed at a place not far from the Black Gulch; then turning northward the friends followed up the bor- der of the wild waste’s stunted growth, find the spot where the outlaws had entered its re- cesses. Not far had they gone, however, when aay. discovered the newly-made hoof-prints of some half- dozen horses which had passed there but a few hours before.” Knowing they must have been made by a party of the banditti, they decided to follow the trail. With extreme caution, and often at great disad- vantage, the scouts slowly followed the circuitous course designated by the irregular line of hoof- strokes, which at times made in soft earth were easy to detect; and then forrods and rods only the merest trace of them could be found, Still with determined perseverance the trackers pressed on. At last the Zaller of the Rio Burte was reached, and knowing their horses were liable to betray them to some of the prowling desperadoes, if any were around, and finding they were a detriment not an advantage, a place was selected where they were tethered and left in a sort of glade, where the thick foliage of the undergrowth surrounding hid them completely from all outside view. Then, with less difficulty and greater celerity, they again traced the trail of their foes. Across the sluggish stream they found the hoof- marks without trouble; and through tangled under- brush, around huge bowlders, and over long stretches of unswarded earth they followed on for a couple of miles, when suddenly coming upon more elevated land, which seemed made of one continual ledge of rock, the unshod feet of the horses had left no fur- ther indications of the direction of their continued Brocton. Though baffled for the time, the rangers id not despair, and soon ascending a higher ridge or sort of plateau, covered here and there with patches of dwarf oak, they took a careful survey of he country surrounding, To the south and east nothing interposed with the dreary expanse of the Red Lands, save a green line extending half-way round on the outer edge, where Chester Plain shone upon the panoramic scene, like sheen banding darkness. Butahead a cliff of nearly twenty feet in hight, with one side perpendicular, and the other sloping back until it came on a level with its encircling base, cut off all further view. A short distance to the right, and sounding delow them, could be heard the roaring of a mad flood of water, which must be the Rio Burte, not a placid stream here but a cataract of rapids. Advancing toward the sounds a few rods the twain suddenly found themselves upon the brink of a pre- cipice, eighteen or twenty feet below which the waters dashed over ag of loose stones and huge bowlders, while beating in an waves the stony walls of the narrow and crooked canyon till lashed into fury, the foaming stream rushed on its head- long course. But a second discovery quickly suc- ceeded. At the base of the bluff, following along to the edge of the abyss, was a plainly-marked foot- path; and down where the ledge connected with the nearly perpendicular side of the canyon, was a sort of shelf or Proecton. well designed for a natural passage, and constituted the continuance of the pathway, which kept on till it turned an abrupt angle of the cliff. “By Joe Smith!” exclaimed Gil Rey, after a mo- ment, ‘‘ this am jess whar Rock Randel had his scrimmage with the Greaser, last yur; an’ I'll bet my tooth-pick the stealin’ varmints hev got their den within the shoot of my rifle!” “Tt is more than probable," replied Cliff; ‘‘ but we are running too much risk to continue our opera- tions by daylight, so let’s go back to the valley, and get what rest we can this afternoon; then to-night we will ferret out the banditti, or I don’t know my me. * Agreed!’’ answered the mountaineer; and soon they were silently parka | their wey back to the horses, which they found had been undisturbed. The sun had ed the meridian, and day soon turned to night on the trail of their hated foes, with perils hemming them in on every side. when again the gallant scouts were CHAPTER XVIU. AN HOUR OF PERIL. APPEARING in the dim starlight of the partially obscured heavens more like phantoms than re beings, the scouts silently yet mafic! threaded the dark aisles of the somber forest; gliding on till at last the plateau was reached, and n they were standing upon the brink of the Rio Burte eanyon. Nothing thus far ha disturbed their progress; but now came the work. ° poy and not without considerable trepida- pat re! z y slowly followed nies. narrow and ex- mely dangerous passway w wound around the base of the cliff, and hung so precariously over the mad, foaming river. A single misstep and his life would be the forfeit. But others had gone over the very same place before him, and the intrepid mountaineer did not hesitate to do likewise, Hard Cliff was keeping guard and waiting for him above. Around the angle Gil soon nese ‘ils way; then he found the passage led out upon a platform where it was met by the solid ledge. Ay, his trouble had been in vain! their discovery had vanished in air! After a thorough examination of the massive front, he was forced to acknowledge himself baffled. But why had the way been traveled so far, if it did no continue further? Still that seemed a angers and disappointed, he turned back to seek compan- ion. Reaching his comrade in safety, the scout hur- riedly apprised him of the fruitlessness of their en- oping to | _ den 9 deavors. A short consultation, and it was gecided to pass around to the other side of the bluff. etracing their steps a short distance, the trackers were soon gaining the back side of the cliff. Sud- omy they saw what the hights had heretofore hif- rom them; and the scene so abruptly brought before their vision was unexpectedly wild and rug- ged. Stretching away for half a mile, partly hem- med in by crags and bluffs, was a sort of ravine or gully—‘' the stone-bound and rock-bottomed basin ”’ of the Red Lands. Away to the right could be heard the swish and roar of a waterfall. “Wal, by the United States’ Government! ef this ar’ hain’t the stompin’-ground o’ the varmints we ar’ arter, then ’tain't ‘cause it moughtn’t be!’ ex- claimed the mountaineer, in a low tone, “Tf their rendezvous is anywhere here, with God's help, we will know it within an hour,” declared Cliff, as he moved forward. ° Slowly and with extreme caution the scouts ad- vanced, searching with piercing eyes pf nook and cranny, while the ears were listening for any indication of danger. Without interruption or any discovery, they reached the middle of the valley or rorge. “Then, an abrupt pause, and for good rea- sons, too, They had suddenly come upon a hard ath, winding its course in and out among the huge bowllars and fallen trees, But not a moment was given them for reflection, as, at that instant, a horse- man was heard coming down the stony way, fast ap- proaching them. “Hist! this way! Quick, or we are lost!” whis- ered Oliff, and they pe: crossed the pass, to seek oe shelter of arim of wild sage bushes that other e. The twain had barely secured concealment when | an apparition suddenly burst into view scarcely two rods ahead! From around a turn the horseman had flashed into sigiit, and, good Heaven! brave as the two men were, forgetting their perils, they could not help trembling at the first g ance they caught of the spectral form, A milk-white steed bearing a rider shrouded in a raiment of the same hue! With bated breath, the scouts saw the white rider advance; but as it came nearer and their danger in- creased they grew calmer, poenge it was not without a nervous dread that they beheld the singular being ride so near to them that with an outstretching o anarm they could have easily touched its flowing robe, Still, man or demon, it rode on, unconscious of the baa gene 2 os oe glaring from the thicket. I> reached—it passed them, and with a long-drawn breath of relief, the scouts watched intently the fast receding form. **Come, cap’en, let’s foller the—"’ “Silence, Gil! more are coming!” True. The quick ear of the ranger had detected sounds of other hoof-strokes, coming from the same direction as the specter rider. Were these phantoms like the first? Silently, and with fearful forebodings, they listened and waited. Surely they heard horsemen approaching, but as there were more than one the sounds were confused. ate C ae mye gr ya op ee? = some- t or it seemed as if a part were coming in mt and the others to their reap. ass Glancing hurriedly back be, hae to their dismay there was another path just behind them running parallel with the other. ong this way some of the sd Page horsemen were coming, and though hidden from those in front, there was nota single rock or shrub to shield them from the gaze of these! Too late to cross either track for the which was back, they seemed lost! Alr the cay- aleade was close upon them—surrounding han? Only one thing appeared to favor the friends; the party coming in front was a few rods ahead of the other; and screened from them by the growth of e, st might possibly reach a clump of dwarf = ge grew by a pile of rocks a dozen yards to e left. Noiselessly as shadows, they turned and crept forward toward the promised’ refuge. Two-thirds of the distance was made, and then the horsemen had passed the bend—were almost upon them! Oh, how swiftly their foes seemed approaching! though may only at a walk; and how slowl they were moving! Still a es rash or hasty effort, and life would pay the forfeit! Ha! they were lost! the other party were sweeping down the course at a smart gallop! never relaxing their wariness, the scouts dropped flat upon the earth, and dexterously glided for the thicket then only their length ahead. Would the foremost riders discover them? or, if not, would the others reach the spot too soon? An inevitable af- firmative seemed to answer both! No! The serub- oak was gained; its shade was theirs; and silent, breathless, apparently lifeless, they laid in its gloom and darkness. Barely cached in their covert and the scouts saw their foes ride down upon either side to pass within the length of their rifles! Then, to their surprise,they knew the paths coalesced just beyond; and judge of their consternation as at this junction both divisions in answer to a demand from some one in advance hastily drew rein! * Silence!’’ commanded a quick, nervous voice; “dismount and lead your horses to the corral as quickly and quietly as possible. There are two spies somewhere in the gorge, and every man is needed . or hunt them out! Be lively, now! for your ves!’ Like a knell the words fell upon the ears of the concealed listeners. Fearful t even their low and almost inaudible breathing would betray their presence, the suspense was dreadful in that mo- ment of peril. On leaden wings the moments seem- ed to hang! A few words more of explanation, and the out- protection With a feeling of despair, though —
Page 10
10 laws, for such they doubtless were, quickly dis- mounted, and leading their animals away soon dis- appeared from sight. “ By gracious, cap’en!” exclaimed Gil, in an un- dertone, drawing a breath of relief, ‘‘that war a narrer squeak, sure! I reckon we’d better git, or the pesky varmints ‘ull gobble us up! But how’d ther coyotes know we war hyar is wot sticks me!”’ “ Never mind, Gil, we have got on track of their den; and if we can elude them now, it will be a good night’s work.” Assuring themselves that no enemy was in the immediate vicinity they carefully left the thicket and swiftly crossed the pathway, making for the shadow of a dense growth of brushwood clinging to the side of a crag which extended back toward the south for some distance. None too soon were the scouts in their movement. Half a dozen bandits almost instantly broke upon the scene; and then in every direction could t ey hear their foes, sparing no crevice or corner in their eager search, Men inured to hardships and dangers of every kind, whose very lives in fact were made of adven- tures, the rangers were perfectly calm and self- ape oe Knowing the peril of delay as well as the olly of rashness, the me along under the over- hanging bluff at tolerable speed. Though they could still plainly hear their trackers—and the valley seemed fairl ve with them—they were getting in advance of them, and after turning the angle of the cliff they hoped to soon reach a place of compara- tive safety. ‘* We shall escape the fiends in a moment,”’ whis- pered Hard Cliff, who was in advance. But the words had hardly passed his lips, when he uttered a sharp, quick cry, and with a crash fell forward dis- appearing instantly from view! tartled and amazed, Gil Rey paused. It was ae dark and impossible for him to comprehend the sudden movement of his companion. Still no time was given him for speculation. The shriek and noise had aroused the outlaws—had told them their exact locality—and from all quarters the despera- does hurled themselves upon him, every bush and bowlder every crag and y seeming to emit a yell- ing demon! ae CHAPTER XVIII. AT Last! AaaIn the sun shone on Shelby county. *Twas the pone S es which Randel and Warne were to meet Hard Cliff and Gil Rey at the Sentinel Sycamore near the Black Gulch, Agreeable to understanding, Dandy Rock had left his home long before daylight, to seek the Red Lands; but as Colonel Raymun was still very low— seemed on the point of death—it was thought best that Austen should stay to assist in care of him. oa gy the Regulator chief went alone, and thus we find him. No, excuse us, not alone / Just as he had sighted the Red Lands, he suddenly saw the same mysterious horseman who had so puzzled the mountaineer and his companion the previous morning—the dead rider / Rock had at first thought nothing strange, and challenged the man. But, receiving no answer, or even indication of having been heard, he slowly ap- proached the singular centaur. “By Randel Rock! it am the hoss belonging to the Tiger-from-Taos! Is thet him playin’ possum?” and ain he hailed. oreply was made. The face was hidden in the animal’s mane, so that it was not visible; but the Pqure he saw resembled Hart Range. horoughly puzzled the Regulator raised his rifle and commanded the other to speak or make some demonstration, under the penalty of death. Still no answer was given by speech, though the chief fancied he saw the rider move; and as if touch- ed by the spur the sorrel steed wheeled and galloped furiously a the equestrian reeling to and fro as if he would fall to the earth at every bound, Superstitious as we know the any oP to be, he was really glad when the strange being had disap . “Ef it hadn’t bin for wakin’ up sumbody thet might make me trouble, I would hev fired,’’ he mut- tered, as he lowered his rifle and rode on. ‘ But what war it, ennyway? Sakes alive! I'll bet my top- knot it war a re livin’, tearin’ k! another Dead Duelist! Jeems Stopple! ye don’t ketch this ‘coon to look at him ag’in, much more p’int his shoot- er at him!” and the strong man trembled as he re- ealled to mind his fearful experience in hunting down the “ Dead Rider of the Roan Steed!" A few moments and the sycamore was reached, but no one was there to meet him! Where were Hard Cliff and Gil Rey? Would they fail to keep their appointment? : Anxiously the Regulator awaited their arrival. Thus an hour wore tediously away, and still they came not! Where werethey? What should he do? It seemed useless to tarry longer. Surely his friends were in trouble! Such being the case, there was work for him to do! and he must act before it should be too late! He had come to this conclusion and was about to move on, when a cheery, musi voice suddenly startled him from his meditation. “ Well, sir Regulator chief! itseems you wait for your friends in vain!” , Turning about, Rock was astonished at beholding Wild Kate on her spotted mustang. ‘‘ Jeehoosophat, Miss Kate! you s’prised me! But you ar’ right; the boys don’t put in nary a 'pear- ance!” ‘* and you don’t know the reasons why?” partly- questioned, partly-replied the prairie queen. _ ‘You hev jess chipped the trail, an’ no mistook, Miss Kate! But ken you tell me whar they ar’?”’ “T have ridden three leagues on purpose to tell The Tiger of Taos. ou; you need not wait here longer; they are in the ands of the outlaws !” ‘Sho! ye don’t say so! Wal, the game’s up!” “ They ran into a trap last night. You will hazard an unnecessary risk by continuing on further, as you cannot help them in that way. But return to Chesterville, get as many as you can to come with you, and be here at this tree at midnight, and I will guide you to the robbers’ cave, when you can rescue your friends and rout out the banditti.”’ “But won’t they rub out the boys and Miss Ray- mun afore then?”’ ‘* Tt’s the best youcan do. Remember what I have said, and be sure and be here by twelve o’clock to- night. Let the cry of the night-hawk repeated twice in rapid succession be our signal. God grant you success!” and she turned to ride out upon Chester Plain. ** Hol—hold on, Miss Kate!’’ suddenly cried Rock, when the fair rider drew rein and looked back in- quiringly. “ Don’t, don’t go out that way! Thar’s an orful spook on the plain! I jess see’d him, and he kem mighty nigh wringin’ me out!”’ ‘““A ghost, Mr. Randel? You are joking! But have you seen that dead rider? If so, can you tell me what it means? Something dreadful has happened to Mr. Range!” ““ Yes, Miss Kate; I jess see’d the dead rider, as ou callit. It am the speerit o’ the Tiger-from-Taos! il Rey throwed him cold, an’ he don’t rest well arter killin’ Colonel Raymun! But, good Lord, Kate! don’t go nigh him, fer speerits ar’ orful when they ar’ riled!” ‘““Are you a fool, Rock Randel?” exclaimed the dauntless maiden, almost contemptously. ‘I pro- pose to lasso the horse and learn the mystery of its rider. I am not afraid, if you are!” “Jeems Stopple, Miss te! I'vise ye ter jess keep cl’ar o’ that critter! Mark my word, no good ‘ll kem o’ yer meddlin’ with it, see ef thar does! With a laugh, Wild Kate rode on, leaving the Reg- ulator chief in a rather uncomfortable state of mind. ‘“‘She’s gone stark mad, sure!” ejaculated Rock to himself, after a pause. ‘“‘I ser} Tll jess slip up Supe the timber, an’ see ef thet spook don’t wring a cold deal on her. Jerewselum! I feel like I war goin’ inter a powder-mill! Why can’t speerits rest an’ not be troublin’ ‘em es never hurt ’em?” With the words he rode forward through the growth, to carry out his well-meaning intentions, in spite of the dréad which possessed him. However, he had not gone far when a sudden cry for hel caught his ear. It came from a point near at hand, and was soon repeated, plainer and more entreating- ly. Then, low groans and moans of distress gucbeed- ed, as from one in the direst agony. Thinking ony that some poor mortal was in suffer- ing and needed assistance, Rock Comp dismounted, and hurried to the spot, leaving his trained steed to stand at his will. Guided by the continuing cries, the ranger reached the thicket, to discover the form of a man lying in the underbrush, writhing and twisting in the fearful contortions of pain. “*What’s the trouble old hoss?”’ asked the Regula- tor, compassionately, as he bent forward to get a better view of the stricken man, At that moment a quick whir-r-rr broke the still- ness, while a lasso cleft the air, f right by the side of Rock. Evidently it had been thrown for him, but the overhanging branch of a tree had caused it to fall short of its object. With a startled exclama- tion, Rock sprung back, just in season to see Sam Mullre, his most dreaded foe, and five or six others spring from their coverts! Ha! he realized in an in- stant what it all meant; an ambush had been laid fo. him, and the man pretending to be hurt had been a — ! e How kem they thar? Acting with ick decision, Dandy Rock gave a eflance, and dashed through the owt reaching his horse at half a dozen bounds. hen, springing nto his saddle, with the agility of a catamount, he buried the rowels deep into the sides of his steed, which, with a snort of pain, bore him swiftl past 5 With dened shrieks, his baffled foes disc their rifles; but it was random firing, and the bul- lets flew wide of theirmark. Rock, by a bold stroke for freedom was escaping, and would soon be far beyond their reach. umphant, exultant, the Regulator chief was congratulating himself in. his mind at his narrow, almost miraculous escape. But suddenly, even as he was thinking, his horse tripped upon the earth’s uneven surface—he blundered—he s in spite of Rock’s frantic endeavors, fell headlong to the ground. With a dexterous movement, Ran- del freed his feet from the stirrups, but could not avert the fall which was inevitable. Then, ere he recovered the shock, the Mexican and his horde reached the spot, when he was quickly overpowered! CHAPTER XIX. OLD FOES MEET—INCH BY INCH! SUDDENLY a dark pit had yawned in the path of Hard Cliff—so abrupt, so unexpected, that he had not seen it until he felt himself going over the brink! Too iate to save himself! too late to even warn his friend, he went headlong down its precipi- tous side, an involuntary cry escaping his lips. As the scout fell crashing down the aperture, the darkness quickly turned to light, and to his agree- able surprise he dropped upon some yielding sub- stance, unhurt. ered—and, . ans Somewhat bewildered by his descent and the new locality in which he had so unceremoniously found himself, he almost instantly sprung to his feet, to find that he had fallen upon a pile of skins, which had broken the force of his fall Darting a quick glance around him, he saw that he was in a sort of cavern, dimly lit by the weird glare of a lot of flick- ering torches stuck here and there in the crevices of its rocky walls. A second look and he saw to his consternation that he was surrounded by a motley throng of rough, heavily-bearded men, fast spring- ing to their feetin mingled terror and amazement every Inan drawing a hugh bowie, ready at the word to leap upon him! Good Heaven! he had sullen into the oullaws’ den ! ‘*A spy! a spy!" shrieked one of the startled band. “Corral him!” commanded another; and before the unlucky adventurer could comprehend his situ- ation, he was seized by overwhelming numbers, and borne down a resistless captive! “Wal, [reckon ye’ll be a leetle more keerful in ther futer how ye go wig round honest folkses’ dwellin’s, an’ go | taprit n the’r winders!’ snarled a tall, gaunt individual, who ap eared to be leader of the crowd, after seeing that Cliff was securely bound ending his speech in a loud guffaw, as if he ha given expression to something witty. ‘‘That is to say, ef ye ever hev enny more futer!’”’ he supple- bay ee second thought, and again he laughed. ““Thar—thar! Don’t spread yerself an’ make enny high-soundin’ speeches, ‘cause I couldn't *preciate ’em! ‘Sides I’m jess goin’ ter stow ye away till the cap’n kems. He’s more gentile then I’m, an’ ye ken say yer prayers to him, an’ he’ll guv ye yer papers i the speerit land, es ther red-skins say! w- w!” Seizing a torch the facetious desperado led the way through a series of winding es, followed by his companions with their captive, whom they at last thrust into one of the dark recesses; and in ad- dition to the ligatures around his limbs, they secur- ed another around his body and fastened the ends through a rift in the ledge. Alone, Hard Cliff in vain tried to break or loosen his bonds, till, exhausted, he gave up his fruitless efforts, and attempted to reconcile himself to his fate. Hour after hour dragged wearily by, and still bound, helpless, he lay there! The tortures of that long, fearful suspense were terrible. Not that he cared so much for his own welfare, but the strong man fairly writhed in agony as he thought of the de- fenseless maiden in the clutches of inhuman mon- sters, and realized how a single misstep had dash- ed their well-laid, well-nigh successful, plans to the wind. Oh, how he prayed that Gli Rey had escaped; and all the while the ominous fear would prey upon his mind that he must be dead / At last it seemed as if the outlaws must have for- gotten him, or left him to die! Already he had be- gun to feel the gnawing pangs of hunger, and his throat had long since become dry and parched. Surely, the sun must have completed another diurnal course, and—Hark! footsteps were coming! Joy! en the presence of his ruthless foes would be a re- ef. A moment later, a man bearing a torch entered the place, when a gruff voice exclaimed: _ Wal, how ar’ ye gettin’ along hyar? The boys said they had got a spy, and I thought I would guv yea friendly call.” ‘Monster, why this treatment?’ “Them es sows thorns must reap’em!” replied the outlaw, tersely. ‘‘ What bizness hed ye round hyar, ennyway? But yer voice sounds nateral; whar hev T seen ye?”’ and the desperado thrust the light close into his prisoner’s face. Then, with a cry of amaze- ment, he sprung back as pale as death, “Good God! can_that you, Hardinge Cliff? I s'posed ye war dead, years ago!” 6 outlaw leader, for the speaker was he whom we have known as Joe Corinth, was no less surprised than the scout, as the latter, too, had ved a startling recognition. — ne Paul Worth; it seems we both live, and meet n “But now it is different! broke in the other ‘4 a8 tide has turned, and everything is in my fa vor “Surely you will not, can not murder me, Paul! I nev rinjured you. As you hope for salvation in the time to come er and let there be one bright career !”’ heart ever craved!” ‘We were friends once, Paul Worth! Con—” “And but for your perfidiousness we should have been now!” interrupted the bandit. “Hold, Paul! you condemn without cause! If ‘ou lost the p you so dearly sought, it was hrough your own fault! Your own evil ways drove her from you! Anna Trevellan would never have married a drunkard and agambler! You knew that, and still persisted in your recklessness and crime!”’ “Enough, Sir Preacher! Your Me of triumph has ended! and after long years mine has commenced. Aero just removed an old enemy from my path, ahd got the child of Eda Claredon in my power. Now you step into my net, and my vengeance is at last complete!” “Tell me, Paul Worth! have you her cned to ‘be the daughter of Colonel Le in your hands?” “T don’t mind telling you t I have. But you say a Colonel’s supposed daughter; what do you mean?’ “No which I care to repeat.” ¥en: *t repeat!’ exclaimed Corinth, and fall- ing into his old manner of speech, he continued;
Page 11
“Can tt be possible? HevI binsoblin’? Wal, never min’, it’s all the same to me!” ‘One question more, Paul: Do you know aught ef my wife anc son?” Pe Yes; both dead!’ replied the outlaw, unfeelingly. * And you, you murdered them!” **No, no, Hard Clifford! My hands are free from t there. They were slain by the Indians!” “Thank God! you are at least innocent of that! But stay; I have another thing to ask: What be- came of Ray Hart?” : “T s’pose ye'd ax me questi’ns till ter-morrer mornin’, ef I war fool enough to answer ‘em! I’m in a pesky hurry, so jess shet up! Tl go an’ git sum o’ ther boys ter help tote ye to yer grave, fer I hev decided thet ye shall be rubbed out! Howsumever, I'll giv’ ye a bit of news to sort 0’ cheer = up. We hev kaptured “- - mountaineer, an’ he’ll ride in ther funeral with ye!” The next instant he had gone to carry out his reat. } ba Rey a captive, and to die with him! Hope no more! In wild anguish the doomed man realized his helpless situation, and turned to Him above for strength to meet the impending ordeal. In that moment of dire affliction his mind fled vividl at nct- the course of by-gone years. With startlin ness, he saw the ce tides of life, and in every scene fell the shadow of that arch-demon, who was then plotting his death, to satisfy that most accurs- ed of human passions—revenge! ‘Wal, I must say we ar’ in luck, ter-day!’’ cried the bandit, as at the end of a few minutes, he return- ed with a part of his followers. ‘San M has — kem in with his man, Dandy Rock Randell We ev concluded to let ye all three kick in the same box! Fetch him along, men.” Half-carried, half-dragged, Hard Cliff was forced along the rough ways of the underground world, till it seemed as if there was no limit to the subterranean region. But at last, upon the brink of a black abyss, his captors paused. Away to one side could be heard the dashing of water. Soon another party of outlaws neared the spot, and the scout saw that they bore Gil Rey and Rock Randel, prisoners like himself. ‘*See that they ar’ securely bound, an’ hev no weepons bout em!” commanded the leader; ‘‘ then, put ‘em down thar!” pointing with his torch to the It was but the work of a few moments, with a ro ladder, to let the doomed men down into the fearful pit, which was about twenty feet in depth. Calmly they accepted their fate, knowing well it would be vain to sue for mercy. As the ladder was withdrawn, the evil visage of the outlaw leader peered over the chasm’s edge, leaming in flendish triumph by the side of his flam- x ey while he exclaimed: ‘Thar! I hope year’ resigned to yer fate, fer thar is no way fer ye to escape! But jess above hyar is a place whar we ken let the water o’ the river in upon e; and to make the thing more sure, we will do it! hile the water is fillin’ around ye, ye’ll hev chance ter say yer prayers, an’ think 0’ my vengeance!”’ * And mine, long-haired American!’ eked the Mexican in the background. Then the light disappeared, and the horde was one. a I guess we are done for now, sartin!” exclaimed Rock, who was the first to speak. “You are right, old coon!" chimed in Gil Rey; ‘‘ we rer Spe te our last tramp, an’ chipped our long trail!” “There may be some egress of which the out- laws know not,” said Hard Cliff; “let's search.” As best they could in the Stygian darkness, they worked their way around the confines of their pri- son-cell, but the cold, ap wall of stone met their coe upon every quarter! They were in a basin of rock, ‘* Hark!” suddenly warned Gil Rey; “there i¢ comes!” In a hushed stillness they heard plainly the rip- ling and running of water! Alas! how ominous hose sounds! Slowly but surely the sluggish current was ap- roaching, and soon a stream was pouring down The stony wall; the outlaw had carried out his threat! The place would fill, and they must inevi- tably drown! But better perhaps so, todie of starvation! At first the doomed trio hardly realized their new peril. The water was coming in slowly, but the cavern seemed to hold every drop, and soon its Douous was covered, when the flood crept up, up its es Higher and ~nr the flood marked its progress upon the rock! One foot, another, and yet another had been submerged, and’still the fatal tide was ris- ing! The dreadful agony and soul-sickening horror of that awful hour cannot be told! Inch by inch they felt the current rise around them, up, up, higher and higher, still swelling, still ascending, until at last it swept over their shoulders! In utter despair they closed their eyes, and the lips of Hastings Cliff moved in an earnest appeal for mercy in the eternity fast core Of this life and world their last moments were swiftly passing! CHAPTER XX. “FORTUNE FAVORS US’’—BUT, “NOW, WE'RE IN FOR IT The more the merrier! place of more than Cimmerian darkness, _ Fearrun indeed was the situation of the drown- as possible, but the water had reached to their shoulders! Soon, it would cover their heads, and— well, then, death would be a relief. But, listen! thes The Tiger of Taos, flowing of the stream had ceased! Joy! fully a minute passed and the flood did not increase—did not continue to rise. Perhaps the fountain-head had been closed, the current checked, and the would be saved! Wo/ not saved, while in that blac abysm, standing in five feet and a half of water, bound hands and feet, The cold deluge was chilling them throvgh and through, and soonthey must perish, when suddenly they fancied they heard the sound of footsteps ap- SE spay Anxiously they listened! They could not have been mistaken, and yet they do not hear them again! No! But look! A gleam of light quickly dispelled the gloom of the darkness! Un- speakable joy! With upturned faces, they waited, and hoped, and prayed that friends were coming to their rescue, Some one paused upon the brink above, and over its edge a tawny-bearded visage was mirrored in the glimmering glare of the torch, while in a low, guard- ed voice the person said: “Sh! Are you living?” In the same tone, Hard Cliff replied: ** Yes; but more dead than alive!”’ “Thank God! Iam not too late!” exclaimed the unknown, fervently. ‘Who are you?”’ asked Cliff. ‘A friend, come to save you. Please keep quiet while I find some means of getting you out.” Like the rays of light upon the cavern’'s darkness, the words fell upon the ears of the eager listeners. Then, after a few hurried moves, the man dropped something down the bank, and the next instant he was rapidly descending, bearing the torch, “Fortune favors us,” said the stranger. ‘The robbers did not take the trouble to carry off the lad- der, and I will soon have you safely out of this. As Icame here, I took the precaution to shut off the water, so it cannot get any higher. But first, I sup- Se must free your limbs, for I know that you are ound,” Clinging to the ladder, and holding the brand with one hand, he quickly drew a knife and severed the thongs binding their arms. ‘There, one of you hold the light, while I help the others out of this.” : The last though no easy task was soon accom- plished, and the three men, albeit chilled to the bone — nearly exhausted were saved from the fearful ole. ‘You have our unbounded gratitude,” said Hard Cliff, grasping their deliverer’s hand. ‘‘To whom is it we owe our lives? Your countenance is unfamiliar to me.” ‘No praise, if you please, gentlemen! I did not rescue you for thanks, but because it was my duty. As towholIam it matters not; suffice it for me to say that I belonged to the robber gang when you were ponsigned to your doom. But, tired of the ac- cursed life, I had resolved to abandon it, and the in- human treatment you received confirmed that de- cision. Before I fled, however, I determined to save ou at Seeipie Still I feared it would be too late ere could act *You will go with us?”’ they asked. “T shall not desert you until [have seen you safe beyond this infernal region. But, before we go I must ask you to help me rescue another prisoner whom the fiends have in their power—a woman!” “God forgive us! We forgot her in our selfish joy! But, can you guide us to her?” asked Cliff, anxiously, ‘“Yes; but we have got to work with extreme cau- tion, as the outlaws have sentinels posted all through here. Follow close to me, and don’t say a word,” After wringing the water as best they could from their saturated garments, the little party began to slowly traverse the dismal corridors. Even the guide seemed almost unacquainted with the way and it was with great difficulty they advance through the nearly impenetrable gloom. “ Here is a chance to get some arms, if you wish,” the ex-outlaw said, at last pausing before the en- trance to one of the numerous cavities honeycomb- ing the subterranean world. ‘‘ We are likely to run upon some of the cut-throats, and rather than be re- captured, you would fight.” arlike implements of almost every description were found piled promiscuously together. Without hesitation, our friends selected. whatever promised the best defense. “*T feel more like eating than fighting!’’ exclaimed Hard Cliff. ‘By the way, guide, do you know how m3 has been since I was captured?” “You were taken last night—twelve hours ago! I don’t wonder you are hungry. But, follow me, and I will show you food in plenty.” As good as his word the man led the way to what supeeres to be the provision-room of the outlaw con- After feasting onthe dried beef and stale bread. which in their half-starved state tasted as sweet as the rarest of dainties, they were again following the daxk poeess. * Hist!” suddenly warned the guide; ‘we shall finda guard at every corner now! She is confined in that direction,” pointing to the right. With redoubled caution, they advanced a few rods further in the direction indicated, when again the leader sone spenpily, “ Hark!" he hissed. ‘ Hear those footsteps? There is a sentry just round the bend, and we have got to Bene him before we can proceed without molesta- on A hushed quiet followed the speaker’s communi- -ing men. All were six feet in hight, and stood erect | cation, and suddenly upon the oppressive stillness 4 the sounds of distant shouts and cries were borne to their ears. “‘Ah!’’ muttered the ex-bandit, sotto vce, “I was a SS St See eee tien = EE ——e— ay hoping the villains had sought repose ere this, But they are wide awake in one of their midnight carous- als! We have gota fearful gantlet to run, and it will require all the nerve and energy we can command, But first, stand perfectly still where you are, while I mo abend, and see what I can do for the watch-dog yonder.”’ Holding the torch over his head, the guide boldl and in apparent carelessness, hastily advanced till he reached the angle, when, before the sentinel had oe to challenge, he suddenly exclaimed in a low ne: ‘Ho, Tom! that you?” ‘““Wal, I don’t reckon!’ exclaimed a gruff voice, “ But who ar’ yer” ‘Beg pardon! but where’s Tom—”’ The speaker had still continued to approach the unsuspecting sentry, and as the name left his tongue, his right arm shot out like a flash, when a quick, sharp blow struck the desperado between the eyes. A slight noise followed as the intrepid guide caught the body of his senseless foe, and lowered it to the bottom. “Come on! quick!” he then cried to his followers; “there is something wrong among the bandits! if think they are searching for me, as I can hear them in ore direction! We must get out of this, or we are lost!”’ Then he darted swiftly forward, holding the brand low, partly to somewhat conceal its light and Fake ly to show more distinctly t. 6 uneven surface of the stony passway. Sure enough, shouts and curses could be plainly heard, and coming, too, from eve uarter! “There comes the gang of fiends!’’ cried the ex- member. ‘We must destroy our light, or it will be all up with us!” when he dashed the torch to the earth, and they were instantly in tota) darkness, “This ype the left! Keep close to me.” In the bl naing blackness they rushed on, but on for an instant. Suddenly a massive wall barred the course! In vain they tried to find further egress! The solid rock rose on every hand! They turned back, when to their dismay they saw a horde of armed men coming in the main passage from either way! We are in for it now!’ said the strange unknown, coolly. CHAPTER XX. “NOW FOR FUN!’’—VICTORIOUS BUT NOT TRIUMPHANT! NEARER and nearer drew their bloodthirsty foes! Would they pass without discovering them? It seem- ed impossible, and crouching in the darkness, with lips compressed and hands nervously clutching their weapons, they nerved themselves for the worst. Seemingly unconscious of the close proximity of their prey, the fierce pursuers rushed on, approach- ing the hiding fugitives from either direction, the two parties seeming fated to meet on that very spot! Still, calm, self-possessed, they could but wait for the fatal moment. The suspense was of short duration. Almost im- mediately the outlaws from the right reached the nore and their flaming torches lit up the scene with istinctness; the dazzling light, penetrating every nook and corner, disclosed plainly the hunted four! And directly in front. the desperadoes were brought to astand by the other gang, whose leader, franti- cally waving a brand of fire, was exclaiming in 2 hoarse, excited voice: “Turn back there, every manof you! Quick, as you value your lives! We have been betrayed, and ahundred armed men are upon our heels! Quick, ot the secret pass, or we are lost! The captain has ed!’ It was a startling speech, and for a moment the robbers were terror-stricken—held spellbound. No one in all the motley band had yet seen the nervous | apres ee close ig Apony‘en aot ee mad cries and angry curses, they turned to obey their leader's mandate, the foes stood face to face!” “Hyar they ar’, boys! Come on! let’s wipe the coyotes out, and then we'll levant in gitod shape! Whoop!”’ and in wild frenzy the desperadoes sur- rounded and hurled themselves upon their ene- mies whom they had so suddenly found sternly at bay. With the scouts and their a companion, of course it would be a death-struggle! Thus, as only men with their all at stake can fight, they met the furious onset. Though backed by overwhelming numbers in the rear, owing to the small area of the place, but a few could really face at a time the determined men in their retreat; and such desperate valor the contest might have been kes for quite a spell. But, just as the first charge had been met, and shoulder to shoulder our brave friends had drawn their long bowies for close, hand-to-hand work, loud huzzas rent the air, and the hurried tramp of a body of men was heard rapidly approach- ithout OD IInE to gain the victory which would inevitably have been theirs, the outlaws turned and fled in terror. None too soon either, to-save a worse fate, for in an instant a score of gallant men—the Rangers and Regulators of Chesterville—under the lead of True Bill, reached the spot. ah Rg Cae mg Away § the Me a Np ee ck, leaping forward in € path, “it am the boys from Chesterville, an’ thar’ll be fun now!” : “Wal, by hooky! ef hyar ain’t Rock Randel, alive an’ kickin’ I'm a gone beaver!” exclaimed Bill, grasping hiscomrade’shand. ‘ By gracious, cap’en we thought ze war gone under, sure! An’, g Lord! take this coon for a wipin’-stick ef thar hain’t Gil Rey, jess the old hoss I ain't sce’d fer a twelveth month!” ““But how kem ye hyar so suddint, Bill? an’ fer SP
Page 12
12 marcy’s sake how did ye find the trail so slick? We The Tiger of Taos. ‘*Good Lord! he mustn’t be dead!”’ cried Rock in a war a-jess thinkin’ our top-knots war a-goner, when | frenzy, as he knelt by the motionless form. ‘‘ He has in ye kem ker-slap an’ sp’iled all the fun!”’ “It war all through thet gal, Wild Kate. I tell ye she’s a regular trump! She kem to the Prairie Home to-day jess es I got back frum Sou’-west Bend, fer I hurried hum es I heerd of what war goin’ on hyar, an’ she sed ye and the others war kaptur- ed. So we rigged up this arternoon, an’ she steered us es straight es a book! But, who’s thet?” the mountaineer suddenly asked, as he saw for the first | time the ex-outlaw. ‘“‘He’s a true beaver, he is!’’ answered Rock. ‘Jess the ’coon what saved all ourskulps! Itellye, Bill, we hev seen sum purty tall doin’s. But I mus’ n’t yarn it now! Let’s wipe the varmints out afore we lose ’em}”’ The Regulator chief was right. If they wished to rform their duty, it was time they were moving. $0, without another instant’s hesitation, the Rangers, now re-enforced by our willing adventurers, took the track of their hated enemies. In the main cavern the foes met—the Regulators with a bold, determined front, the outlaws in a dog- ged desperation. Their shouts of triumph mingling with the shrieks of the cowering wretches, the re- lentless assailants walked into an _ easy victory. Here and there the discomfited banditti attempted to rally, butlike a troop of raw recruits without a governing leader they only made a wavering resist- ance; and after a short sree our friends found themselves masters of the field, without the loss of a single man, or hardly shedding blood. It was the work of but a few moments to securely bind the captured outlaws, for it had been decided to take them to the settlement for trial and punish- ment, when a discovery was made which quickly told the secret of their easy victory and nearly et- faced the triumph of their conquest. Joe Corinth and San Mullre, the joint leaders of the band, were nowhere lobe found/ In some mysterious way they had received warning of their danger, and, like the cowards they were, had fled, Twelve of their gan, had surrendered, and doubtless more had escaped, but no. regret was expressed at this, in their loss of bigger game. As soon as the fight would permit, and while the Regulators were securing their victims, to find that their real prize was lost, Hard Cliff and Rock Randel, led by the ex-robber, had hurriedly sought the cav- ern where the latter had said Miss Raymun was con- fined. Then, judge of their surprise and disappoint- ment when, instead of finding their fair frien , and releasing her from a fearful captivity, no trace of her could be found | When the two discoveries were linked together, it seemed plain that the bandit chiefs in their hasty flight had not abandoned their devilish schemes, but had taken their prisoner with them. Hardinge Cliff’s hopes again crushed atthe very moment of his expected ation of a joyful reunion, he was nearly frantic with grief. e suspense was fearful, and the strong aan was fast yielding to despair, for his was not the sorrow of a day but that of a life- time, The ex-outlaw, too, now appeared strangely affected. Perhaps the desperate wretches had not fled, after all, but were hiding in some of the recesses of the cave, ating. for them to leave, when they would come out and depart at their leisure. The thought added new impulse, and a wild search followed; still in vain! At last the hunt was given over, and willingly the Regulators turned to leave the dismal region. Hur- rying along the only passage of egress, the strange ide was in advance, and when nearing the open air e saw a manskulking out into the valley. Thinking it was either Corinth or Mullre he hurried on in cau- tious, but rapid pursuit. CHAPTER XXII. STARTLING DISCOVERIES—THE EX-OUTLAW UNMASKED— THE MYSTERY OF THE DEAD RIDER SOLVED! Wartty the ex-outlaw followed the fugitive. Once in the starlight and he saw the other was not either of the men he had supposed; still feeling it meant no good he kept on, The fleeing man — so eagerly forward sud- den] sapped. In his hurried flight he had run up- ild Kate, who had staid in the valley while the Regulators were doing their work. A moment he lared upon the brave girl; then in sudden rage he snatched a knife from his belt, and rushed toward her, exclaimin Din oe Age **Ourse ye, Wild Kate! "Tis to ye we owe all this! Take thet fer yer trouble! an’ thet!" . Though taken by surprise, the heroic maiden drew her revolver and fired, but in her haste the bullet missed its mark, and she was at the mercy of the desperado’s vengeance! The unknown alone saw her peril, and with a shout, he Sprung forward, reaching the spot at a single bound. Then the outlaw was hurled from his victim, when, turning upon his new foe, the two closed in deadly combat. The shots and cries brought the rangers to the place almost immediately; but ere they could reach the scene, however, the two were locked so close in their fierce embrace that it was im ble at the moment to aid their friend. In fact, the contest was short. The enemies were too evenly pitted, and their purpose too fatal to continue in suspense long. As they fell to the writ to and fro on the graveled surface, two flashes of steel gleamed in the air, and when they shot down the combatants separ- ated—the contest was ended! The excited group was instantly standing by the prostrate men. ough evidently having a fatal wound, the robber was still living. But the other was silent, unconscious, lifeless! mene too much for us to be rubbed out like this now! g—* Further speech Upon the part of the Regulator chief was abruptly checked by a sudden transforma- tion in the looks of the fallen person. The long, tawny, yellow whiskers and mustache which had so nearly covered his face seemed starting from the skin, and the ranger’s hand catching in the tangled mass, it was torn from its position—a /fulse beard / ““My God, boys, look!” fairly shouted Randel, as a smooth, marble-like visage met their gaze; ‘‘ ’tis the Taos Tiger!” Sure enough, the ex-outlaw was Hart Range! For a moment the crowd stood in amazement, speechless. Then, with a glad cry, Wild Kate point- ed to the senseless figure, exclaiming: “See! he is not dead! e breathes! He lives!’ It was so. He surely breathed, and in a minute he began to show signs of returning consciousness. Water was quickly procured, and friendly hands were soon bathing his temples and caring for his wound, which was not thought to be very serious. No one then hinted the enmity they held against the sufferer, or the dark crime hanging over his name. While Hart Range was being cared for, there was another scene of equal interest close by. The dyi bandit, for his life-blood was ebbing fast away, sud- denly rallied from the stupor overpowering him, and asked, plainly: “Ts he dead?’ meaning his antagonist. ar ao a negative answer, he continued, fer- vently: “Thank God! But where is Kate?’ ‘* Here,” replied a low voice, and the strange waif approached his side. ‘Oh, Harry! why did you do this?”’ she cried. “Forgive me, sister, for I was mad with whisky and revenge! You have told me it would come to this, and I laughed at you in scorn! But I see my mistake now, when it is too late! You will be alone in the world now, Kate! But you will be better off, for father and I were a curse to you! I can see it now!”’ “Ask him if he can tell anything of Miss Ray- mun,”’ said Hard Cliff. “Yes, yes; I can,” he replied, catching the word; “and I am glad to know I can do one good act be- fore I die. Joe Cornith and the Mexican were warned of your meditated attack by me, for I was one of their scouts, and learned of it from Doc Kill- hurn at the Prairie Home less than an hour after Kate saw True Bill! The Doc was one of our spies, end always kept us well posted around Chester- e! Here the wounded man paused for breath, but soon resumed: “Well, too cowardly to face you in a fight, our leaders took Miss Raymun and fled out of the secret pass, as we called it, unknown to the boys. This iy leads out of the south end of the cave, upon he cliff overhanging the river. In what appears the solid rock is a section easily removed from the inside, and fitted in so closely that it would be hard to detect it from the outside. They have gone to the Taos valley with the girl. But they will stop to- morrow night at an old jacale, on Walker’s creek, a league north of South-west Bend. You will strike their trail the best from the Black Gulch region, and by. bd ia sharp, you can overtake them where I sa ” Again the speaker broke down, exhausted. After awhile the expiring man rallied once more, and said: ‘ ‘** Among the animals you will find in the corral by the river is the white horse I rode when actin as a decoy, for I was the white rider! Kate, ive him to you, to remember one good act of me. “ais that my body has proper burial. Forgive me, 8 — The thread of life had broken, and Harry Rane, the outlaw, was no more! Hart Range soon recovered his senses, and it was thought he would be able to ride on horseback to Chesterville. Accordingly preparations were made at once for a speedy departure. e a part were urying the body of Harry Rane, Wild Kate’s brother, the only person who had been killed in all the struggle and rout of the outlaws, some were getting the horses from the bandits’ corral, and still others were bringing out whatever valuables they could find which the rob- bers had collected in their rendezvous. At last the cavalcade was ready to move, and with True Bill and Rock Randel at the head the procession started on its long and tedious journey. The outlaws, who had been mounted upon some of their own animals, had to be closely watched against escape, and though it was bright starlight, there was no moon; thus, across a broken, t ess waste, but slow progress was made. But without any mishap the Black Gulch was reached about sun- rise. Here, it had been decided that a party should take the trail of the fugitive desperadoes, to follow them, and rescue Alice Raymun, Thus a halt was ordered just by the edge of Chester Plain. The cavalcade had barely drawn rein when a horse was heard to gallop out of the growth upon rairie. It was the dead rider! Determined to solve the pe et if possible, Hard Cliff and Gil Rey with others, quickly rode down b the timber to intercept the strange centaur. Bu frightened by their sudden appearance, the sorrel turned and dashed back for the forest above. Wild Kate had ridden out upon the edge of the clearing to watch the capture, and seeing the mys- terious horseman was likely to escape the scouts, she urged her mustang almost into the other's path, and quickly undoing the line dexterously lassoed the wild steed as he was passing. The violence of the sudden stoppage threw the singular rider from his seat, and he fell to the earth in a huddled heap. A curious crowd instantly gathered around the form, and when it was straightened out, with its white features upturned, every face blanched with horror! Before them lay the body of Walter Raymun, stark and lijeless ! CHAPTER XXIII. THE AVENGERS’ DOOM—LOST AGAIN! “ WALTER Raymun! and dead!’’ some one gasped. Alas! it was too true! and, spellbound, the look- bee could only stare and wonder, and wonder and stare! ‘“‘What does it mean?’ a voice at last found cour- age to ask. Silence alone answered. Save, poseys, the outlaws, there was but one per- son in all the assembly who was not sorely affected by the startling discovery, and to him it had no shock! Why? Because he was expecting it! Who? Hart Range! Why don’t he speak? Wait, please! As soon as the consternation had somewhat abated, various conjectures were offered by differ- ent members of the throng as the probable interpre- tation of young Raymun's fate. But suddenly they were interrupted by Hart, who said in a low but dis- tinet tone: ‘‘Gentlemen, I think I can give you the key to the mystery. R ‘Hear! hear!’ cried a chorus of voices, and eager listeners waited for him to continue. “Without doubt in my mind Walter was killed by Corinth or some of his followers the night Miss Ray- mun was abducted. Ifound his body on the plain, and putting it on the back of my horse was about to return with it to his father’s house. But, just as I had got it secured in the saddle I was surrounded and captured by the outlaws. The horse escaped with his burden. Oh! I have much more I wish to say, but Ihave not the strength todo it now!” and overcome by the exertion and excitementin addition to the severe fatigue of his ride, he sunk back in his high Mexican saddle too much exhausted to continue his explanations. Though the reasons given by Hart Range were Jausible enough, it would have been better, per- aps, for him had he remained silent, or said more. He had made no allusion to the crime of which he was known to be guilty; and while he was speaking this was in every mind present, and paramount to it was the thought that if he had done the one deed he had both! He was of the robbers, then, and even —— little better—only a deserter from their ran Giving the lie to the story and ‘“‘ public opinion” as well, the outlaws, most of whom were on the raid at the time, all stoutly protested that no person was killed ms any of their number that night. Still that was no place nor time for further delay upon the subject. Of course it was necessary to bear the body of the unfortunate collegian to his home; and how could it be better and more easily done than by placing it as the back of the sorrel in the same manner in which they had found it? A party of four was dele- gated to carry the plan into effect. Owing to the peculiar | ae oy er of the Texan climate, the re- mains had not begun to show the signs of that de- composition which three days in a more northern clime would have unmistakeuly marked them, and rendered a removal impossible. ; Hard Cliff, Rock Randel and Gil Rey, with three others—all that could be well spared—volunteered the hazardous undertaking of hunting down the out- law leaders, and saving their victim. Just as the divisions were about to separate, Rock called True Bill aside, and in answer to that worthy’s wonderment, he addressed him in an impressive manner as follows: ** Bill, old hoss, for nigh onto twenty years we hev hitched teams. It has been a heap lon trail, it has! an’menny’s the hard show wehev had! But, whether on the war-path or in camp, has this beaver ever played ‘possum?’ ” ‘*“Nary a chip!” exclaimed the other, grasping his hand, and ‘wondering what his strange companion was after; ‘ye hev been a true ’coon, ye hev; an’ menny’s the time ye hey saved my h’ar.”’ “Wagh!" continued Rock, “ye hev never turned on me, an’ I know ye won't now; so watch the stick! Iam goin’ on a blind trail! but Tam bound to foller it, fer hain’t thet sneakin’ Greaser to the end 0’ it? An’ though this am a big ball o’ dirt, his path an’ mine cross too often. But, as I said, it am a blind trail, an’ I may ee throwed! 'Tharfor’ I hev a favor to ax o’ ye. e boys are bound to wring a cold deal on the Taos Tiger! I see it! He may be frisky with the bowie, and belong to a gang o’ desperaders, but he ain’t a coyote! e is a true hoss to any team! He has kept this 'coon's top-knot twice; an’ I want ye to swear that he sha’n’t be harmed till I git back! Fer if I go under, see thet he has ‘his ‘ng right, and don’t git fogged! Will ye swearit, 2 Yes old ’coon; quicker’n a wink o’ a mule’s ear} Isw’ar I'll stand by the lad till he is safe, or I fall in the scrimmage!” ; “ God bless you, Bill! I wish every man in Texas had as true a friend as you are.” Thus the noble-hearted twain parted; and a few minutes later,with their respective parties,were pur- suing their different courses. We will follow the fortunes of the trailers, noting
Page 13
‘The Tiger of Taos. 13 what occurred of interest. As H Rane had said, the trail of the outlaws, which had been made but a few hours before, was discovered to the west of the Black Gulch. After following it a while with retarded progress, and finding it led in the direction indicated by the dying bandit, they abandoned it when under the guidance of Rock, who affirme that he could go directly to the expected rendez- vous, they were enabled to advance at better speed. The sun poured down hot and sultry, so that our horsemen were obliged to allow their steeds to rest long before midday, and after, too. But they did not care to reach their destination before nightfall, and there was no need of hurrying; thus the time hung lightly on the hands of all but one, and he was racked by the feverish heat of a fearful ae : About sunset the cavalcade drew rein by Walker's creek. Just.below them was the old jvcale where they expected to find their foes. : Leaving the others behind with the horses, Cliff and the Regulator chief resolved on an immediate reconnoissance of the place. ‘ The lone structure so isolated from all habitations stood near the stream, thus by keeping in the thick bushes which skirted the latter’s bank, our scouts found but little trouble in getting within plain view of the anxiously looked-for hut. But around the deserted spot there was not a sign of life! Fearing, after all, that they were on the wrong track, or else that their enemies had come and gone, they continued to slowly advance, and still not a sound or move broke the stillness and solitude of the ominous scene. What did it mean? Were they to be baffled and disappointed again? or had the desperadoes learned of their pursuit, and were lying in wait to spring & trap upon them? Be it as it would, they yet crept cautiously nearer, unable to bear the suspense of uncer ainty. At last the friends were close enough to see that the ground in front of the building was com sletely trodden up by the hoof-prints of horses, y, the worst was realized! The abductors had been there and left, for there were no animals visible now. Throwing aside all further caution, they boldly approached and entered the vacated hut. Va- cated? No! As they crossed the threshold they saw two men lying upon the rude flooring! two men lying so stilland quiet that, though surprised and startled, they did not draw back, but kept on! Amazed, the scouts paused in the center of the room, gazing in speechless wonder upon the spectacle so abruptl y blazoned on their vision. / Side by side, where they had fallen in fierce en- counter, with knives still clutched in their rigid grasps, lay the bodies of two persons, weltering in their life-blood! They were Joe Corinth and San Mullre, both dead! ; In silence, the living couple gazed upon the life- less twain. Bygone years told of deep wrongs and fearful sufferings the stricken ones had done the others. But death effaces enmity, and no feeling but regret and pity rankled in the breast of the sur- vivors. Near by was an empty bottle; upon a rickety table was strewn a pack of cards; together they unfolded a secret. Rum—gambling—drunken anger—a uarrel—bowies readily drawn—nd crime at its own hands had secured its inevitable retribu- nivel ” said Hardinge Cliff at last, with a breath of relief, ‘‘ His will not mine be done, Without the interference of our hands they have gone before that Most High tribunal. Who would gainsay it? We have only her to find, and then go on our way in peace. She is probably in this other apartment. Come, let’s free her as quickly as possible, for her captivity must be fearful! Oh! can it be possible that I am going to behold my long-lost darling? Father in Heaven, give me strength to meet the or- deal, if it should be all a dream! ai “xcuse me, cap’en,”’ suddenly exc aimed Rock, like one awakened from a trance, “ fer I came nigh fergittin’ her / But can it be possible that he am rubbed out? an’ will hunt me no more! Wal, who'd d-thought the trail would hev ended so? Still, es ye say, itam allfer the best, though life am a blind trail!” ‘ hey turned tosearch for the captive maiden; but, took where they would no trace of her could be found! Alice nd a was gone | In wild anguish, the grief-stricken father rushed hither and thither; yet, vainly! Alice was certainly lost, and now there was no clew to tellof her fate! Good Heaven! the fiendish persecutors may have murdered her ere they destroyed themselves! The thought drove. the wretched man nearly mad! Where should they go? What could they Oo now? Oh, the fearful despondency of that hour! CHAPTER XXIV. STARTLING DEVELOPMENTS—SUNSHINE SUCCEEDS SHADOW. ‘alan Two days have elapsed since the incidents record- ed last. ; ‘Three horsemen were ote rein in front of Col- onel Raymun’s residence. They were Hard Cliff, Rock Randel and Gil Rey. Since we last saw our friends butone thing had oc- curred to them worthy of note, and it was that which had brought them here, After a day’s fruitless search for some trace of the missing maiden, @ messenger from Chesterville found them, bearing the joyful tidings that Alice Raymun had come back in safety to her home. Aus- ten Warne, anxious as any in regard to her fate, had left the colonel to his attendants, the same night the Regulators went to the Red Lands, and reaching the Black Gulch, he was just in season to see the outlaws fleeing with Alice. Recklessly, the Hd collegian followed. In the wild chase Which ensued he at first lost his course, but finally ran upon the old cabin where he found the abductors, dead, when he quickly freed Miss Raymun. After a few hours’ rest, they started to return, and going by the South-west Bend of course missed our party. But | in all, the Hand of Divinity had shaped the end, and it was well. hd Those two days were closely interwoven with joy and sorrow at the home we are about to enter, Colpnel Raymun had passed the crisis of his dan- ger, and, in spite of the excitement surrounding him was on the way tow rapid recovery. In sorrow, the fond father and mother beheld the lifeless form of their only and beloved son, But theirs was a true Christian spirit, and they bowed their heads in grief without complaining. His body was borne to its grave by sympathizing friends, with many a regret and tear. The joy of Alice’s return, safe and unharmed, was a halo of light in that dark hour, for though she was not their own, she was cherished with true parental love. Of her sufferings, anxiety and grief in that tedious and dreadful captivity, we beg to be spared the pain of relating. Ever ge 3 Him who ruleth all things as He thinketh best, she had a strong help- er, and bore up with remarkable fortitude. The sud- den and terrible fate of Walter had cast a gloom over her usual buoyancy, but, perhaps, not as might have been expected. Dee own in her heart was lacked a secret, which she dare not acknowledge even to herself. Hart Range had been escorted by True Bill to the home of Rock Randel, the best place in all Shelby where he could have found shelter, for there he had been tenderly cared for, and had true friends. There was no danger from his wound, and in a few days he would be well. But from another source he had been in extreme peril, and only through the heroic bravery of True Bill had he lived to see this day. Loud and bitter had been the denunciations against him, and once Bill had been forced to draw his rifle to keep the mob at bay. Ay, Rock Randel had been a true prophet, and his friend a noble protector. When the Regulators got back from the Red Lands, Doc Killhurn had fled, and he was never seen again in Shelby county, Thus he escaped their just wrath, but a career like his is surely destined to meet its punishment sooner or later, and rumor afterward told that he finally perished in a drunken brawl in Taos. The outlaw prisoners had been summarily dealt with according to the strict mandates of border law and justice. Thus we find affairs the morning last designated, With joyful anticipations, though tinged with a feeling of nervous dread, Hardinge Cliff, with his companions, was ushered into Colonel Raymun’s room, As the usual formality of an introduction was passed, and he mapped forward to grasp the wounded man’s hand, a low cry escaped his lips. “Ray Hart!’’ he cried, ‘‘can this be possible?” While the other, in equal surprise exclaimed: ‘‘Hardinge Clifford! or am I dreaming?” Then the friends of former years were locked in each other’s arms. “This is indeed a eae surprise,” said he whom we have known as Hard Cliff; “I came here hoping to find a daughter, but little thought of meeting you!” “*'To find a daughter!’”’ repeated the colonel. “What! Alice your child? Why have I never seen it before?”’ “Nay, nay, colonel, don’t excite yourself! Though T hope to find in Alice my long-lost babe, I may be disappointed !”’ “Tell Alice her father has come to see her!” cried the strangely affected, impetuous colonel, and then, Pataca by his exertions he sunk back upon his pillow. Wondering and amazed, Alice soon entered the apartment. A single glance and the father recognized in the heroine his life-separated daughter. Pen is inadequate to ey the joy and gladness of that reunion, Questions were asked and explan- ations given till it hardly needed the chain and locket to prove the relationship. The happiness of that hour was unbounded. Still, there was a greater sur- prise in store! While the father and daughter were yet in the ecstasy of their joy, and the guardian was jubilant with congratulations, Hart nge, pale and weak from suffering, entered the room. But, seeing who was present, he seemed about to withdraw, when the colonel exclaimed, cheerily: “Hold on, Hart! you are just the person I was wishing to see! Come,my boy, you accused me of killing your father, when here he is alive and well!” ‘* Excuse me, colonel!” cried the Tiger, not com- prehending the other’s meaning. ‘I could not rest without seeing you! But, had I known you had company, I—” “Tut, tut, my ney I have a great surprise for you! Please Kep this way; and you, too, Hardinge. here! Walter Hardinge Clifford. allow me to make you acquainted with your son, Arthur Hart Clifford! Hart, this is your father whom you and I have thought dead!” Unspeakable amazement! Inarticulate joy! Un- able to realize at that moment the glad tidings, the two men stood in speechless wonder. “« Ha—ha—ha!’ laughed the colonel, gleefully “you don’t seem to think it possible! But it is all plain tome!” _ To the astonished lookers-on, the relationship, too, was evident, for the score and few odd years difference of ages served only to mark the like- ness in their features and general appearance. eer ge they not only saw but /elt the tie between them, and a mutal recognition followed. “Come, Alice,’ cried the senior, when the first was probably killed by the robbers; and transport of his new joy had passed, “you have not only found a father, but a brother!’ “Can it be possible you are my sister, Alice?” exclaimed Hart, as he pressed her to his breast. * Oh, brother, brother, my heart long ago seemed ° to tell me of this, for since our first meeting I have felt for you a sister’s Jove!”’ Verily that was ahappy scene. When) at last the first sensation of the joyous page had somewhat — the Tiger turning to the wounded colonel, said: *“One thing more, Colonel Raymun, and I shall! indeed be happy. I have come here to-day to humbly sue your forgiveness for the wrongs I have done you. I could not content myself until I had done it!” “T hardly understand you, Hart. Surely you have not wronged me, for your conduct was per- fectly natural under the mistake we both were la- boring in.” “No, no, colonel! I abused you and acted like a madman! ButI wish to offer some explanations in regard to my past course of action; and if you think proper to grant it, I shall indeed be glad to have your pardon, ® ‘““My younger days,” Hart began, “were spent with an old ranchman in the Taos valley. At first I supposed he was my father, but soon learned my er- ror; and when he died he called me to his side, when I was told the secret of my life. ‘My father’s name had been Walter Clifford, and he had been foully murdered by one Arthur Hart, This had occurred nineteen years before in the par- ish of Perth, Louisiana, As proof of the deed my foster-parent, who at the time was a justice in the place, left the court record of the trial and sentence of the murderer, By some secret aid the ¢ uilty man escaped, and under the name of Arthur Raymun was living in Shelby county. “The untimely fate of my parent so preyed upon my mind that I finally resolved to find his’ assassin, and see that he had the punishment he had so long escaped, Vor that purpose I came to Chesterville. “You all know the unfortunate circumstances of my arrival, and that same fatality has seemed to fol- low me ever since; but after a while I learned that a secret foe was hunting me down, and I no longer wondered at the cause. ‘“*Killhurn of the Prairie Home, as I was after- wards told by Kate Rane, had been hired by Corinth, the bandit chief, to sce that I was hung at my trial; and he it was who excited the mob to the deed, But thwarted there by that noble, heroic girl, who has done so much for me, he devised another method of ending my career. “The afternoon of the night I had fixed in my mind to call upon you for explanations of that affair uppermost in my thoughts, a slow poison was given meé at the tavern, Of course I did not realize it then, but, crazed, maddened by the intoxicating influence of the flery drug, I sought you! “Thank God! Ican_ truthfully say that not for a moment had I intended to avenge the death of my father by taking your life; but had decided to punish you through the justice of ourlaws, Thus, when my ride through the night air, after I left you in that fearful rage, partially restored me to my right sen- ses, I turned my horse, and came back to make amends for my conduct, and plead for your forgive- ness. “When I reached here, my arrival drove off the outlaws from their accursed work, The leader had barely finished his murderous attack upon you; and, supposing you were dead, I was in the act of draw- ing the knife from your wound, when I was dis- covered and mistaken for your murderer! In real terror I fled! As I mcunted my horse a bullet struck me in the side, and, still suffering from the poison, I rode away more dead than alive! “Upon the plain I found the body of Walter, who lacing the remains upon my horse, for alone I could not carry them in any other way, and I dared not leave them on the prairie to iM for help, I resolved to run the risk and return with them. “Then a party of bandits surprised and captured me, but my horse escaped with his burden. I was riven the choice of jo ning their ranks, or to meet eath. Knowing Alice was a prisoner in their hands, and thinking perhaps I could be of service in te rescue, I accepted the former without hesita- ion. “You know the rest. Through a kind Providence our foes have been overthrown while we are spared. Iam thankful to know that, though under a cloud, IT have ever acted conscientiously and in an humble way tried to do my duty, There, you all know my secret and the mystery surrounding my course, Now, Colonel Raymun, will you forgive me?” “Without sin there can be no repentance. I see nothing for me to forgive. We have all had our in- defatigable foe in some person. When boys your father and I, with another, Paul Worth, were ar- dent friends. Together we three grew to manhood. But Paul frequently associating with vile company became wild and reckless. Then, as fate ordained it, he and I loved and sought for the hand of the same woman. Allowing eo (as to become his master, he lost what I gained. In jealous rage he swore to be revenged. Again he sought for mar- riage; this time your father’s choice. Of course, he was unsuccessful. Then he commenced his dou- ble vengeance. My wife and I lost our darling girl- baby, and to this day we have never been able to get a single clew of her! Your father was supposed to have been drowned while out in a row-boat, Iwas with him, escaped, and was arrested and convicted of his murder. I couldn't deny to myself that I had accidentally been instrumental in his death! But, God knows I was innocent of any crime. My brave
Page 14
14 The Tiger of Taos. wif> cided me to escape, and we came here, where, dro~>ing my last name, I have lived in security. On our way here we found Alice, but a wee bit of a babe, and she seeming to partly take the place of our lost Eda, we have tenderly cared for her, But atlast the flencish avenger—”’ *TTush, hush, colonel! he is dead! Let the past be fu. -otten, and we will begin a new life. Isympa- this > with ya in your great loss of a son and daugh- ter. And I, too, have suffered! My darling Anna, the wife of my bosom, sleeps in her lonely wildwooc gravo, the victim of those savages who carried off Ari urand Alice. But I find much to live for yet and ia God’s great mercy I will not murmur.”’ CHAPTER XXV. BACK FROM TUE GRAVE—UNMASKED! A wont has passed, when again we raise the cur- tain on another scene in our border-life drama. QOolonel Raymun had 50 far recovered that he was ablo to move about. But the loss of his only son had filled his heart with sorrow and his old-time be pe city was now seldom seen. Still he did not com- MAIN. . Hart Range Clifford had fully recovered. He was no longer a hunted fugitive, but a respected citizen loved by all. From their frequent intercourse, we judge that a strong intimacy has sprung 4 between nim and Wild Kate, More than that! It has ripen- ed into a trua, lasting love. But after all, it is noth- ing surprising. Wemore than half guessed it from the first! Sincerely, we wish them a happy union, and know they deserve it. Austen Warne was still at the colonel's, a welcome visitor, for since his rescue of Alice he had fared well for friendship. Still he had seemed restless and uneasy. Something was preying upon his mind, Something, too, which was wearing his very life away! Young, educated, accomplished, vigorous in body and mind, with a future apparently so bright, what was it that hung so eer, over his being? We must know ere the curtain falls! At the time we speak of, he and Alice were alone in the colonel’s library. This was an interview he had long sought for! Perhaps, here laid the secret! “*Yos, Alice, I have waited impatiently for this opportunity, and I know you will forgive me for my haste when you learn that ag Bek has driven me to it! Say, dearest, will you mine? Can I hope? ag 4 ‘yes,’ and I shall indeed be happy !”’ s he spoke he clasped her hand in his, and gazed entreatingly into her face. She, pale and nervous, was about to reply, when his eye wandered from her to the door, and then, with a startling cry, he suddenly released his grasp, and stood like one paralyzed! Merciful Heaven! standing in the doorway, pale, ghostly, motionless, was—could it be?—no—yes—ié¢ was Wailter Reymun, or his «pp irition ! “Good God!” cried Warne, ‘look! see! Ze has come back from his grave |” Then, with an exclamation of terror, he fell to the floor, senseless! Wi*h a shriek, Alice would have fallen had not the form darted forward, and caught her in his arms. **O4, Alice! speak and say Ihave not killed you! I should have known the shock would have been too much!” and in anguish he clasped her to him. The cries and nojis: soon brought others to the room, and what a wild confusion followed! Fright- ened, some fled, and others shrieked and fainted, and still, those who were stronger stood in blank amazement, bound by a spell, for, strange and im- ossible as it seemed, Walter Raymun in flesh and blood had come back from the grave to the living world! An hour later. Austen Warne was dying! He had awakened from the stupor into which his shock and fall had thrown him, in the wild ravin of delirium, An internal injury was fast taking his lifeaway. But with the ebbing out of the tide his reason returned once more. “Was it he or his spirit I saw?” he asked, faintly. ‘Walter is alive and well,” soon one of the crowd which had gathered around him answered. “Tt can’t be possible, for I saw him dead!” “No, Austen Warne, not dead,” said Walter, “though you intended it so! But your scheme has failed! “They tellme your accomplice, Alex West is no more!” ; . Yes, yes/’? moaned the stricken man; “and I killed him |” are killed him!’’ repeated the other in amaze- ment. “Spare me, Walter, for I am dying! It was an accursed plot, but forzive me for my treachery and perfidy! When Alex and Ihad slain you, as we sup- posed, he prepared to personate you and was suc- cessful, for no one detected the difference. But up- on seeing her, whom of course taking your place he would marry, I grew jealous, and tired of the decep- tion, for I wanted her a lang I threatened to ex- pose him, when we quarreled, and I shot him through the heart. Then, Lintended to reform and be wor- be hos Alice’s love. Idid allin my power to win her esteem, and flattered myself I should be successful. But I have not known one moment’s true peace since the first! I have been haunted day and night by ior face and his! Willingly would I have given my ife couldI have undone thosecrimes. But, too late! too late! Now,I am dying! But I have a secret and another sin which I cannot carry to my grave untold. When I rescued Alice from the outlaw I found him before he was dead, and knowing he could not live, he charged me to bear his last m e to your father, Arthur Raymun. Wild Kate, as she is called, is his daughter—your sister! I have not told this before, for I feared she would be in the way of my getting the property, asIhopedto. There, you know all! Oh, howLhave sinned and suffered! and how dark the future looks! for me?” While an earnest petition was being offered up to the Power on High for his soul’s salvation, the erring man’s spirit left its mortal tenement to seek its judgment for the great Eternity. Can’t some of you pray Walter Raymun had written to his parents that his chum, Austen Warne, would accompany him home from college. After writing, another friend conclud- ed to bear them companionship. “This was he called Alex West, who bore a decided resemblance to Walter in looks and appearance. But thé true me- ter of man—the heart—was not the same, or our tale would have ended ere this. The friends proved traitors, and they left him dead, as they supposed, on the, way. Still, he lived, and found by a settler where the plotters had done their-fiendish work, he was cared for, returning to his home as soon as he was able. Need we tell more? Four years away at that time in life when changes are most manifest, his friends and relatives were not surprised to find him considerably altered from the boy who had left. The heart of our betrothed heroine alone felt the change from the Walter of her troth, and the girl love she had felt for the boy was lost to the man. That night there was a joyous gathering at Colonel Raymun’s. There were glad hearts and smilifig countenances. Wild Kate, no longer the lone, des- pised outcast, was now the daughter of fond parents the hatter of thehappy. Well might Hart Cliffor be proud of his promised bride. alter and Alice, though too much overjoyed in their reunion to mingle the company, were not forgotten. In fact, it was a scene of praise and re- joicing, and without a speck on the horizon of the uture of our sometime friends, the curtain falls. THE END, The Fireside Library Of notable works by notable authors. Beautifully printed in the popular folio form, from clear, open type; each issue a complete novel and sold at the uniform price of Ten Cents each, No double price on double or extra size numbers. The cheapest library ever published; embraces only the choicest of recent fiction. 1 Was Sue His Wire? Mrs. Mary R. Crowell... 10c. 2 FLEEING From Love. By Harriet Irving .... 10c. 3 Dip He Love Her? Bartley T. Campbell ... 10c. 4 A SrrRaNGE Woman. By Rett Winwood . 10e, 5 Napa, THE Russian Spy. F. Whittaker.... .. 10c. By Mrs. Mary R. Crowell. 10c. E. Braddon 10c. 6 Two Girzs’ LIVEs. : 7-8 LADY AUDLEY’s SECRET Miss M. 9 Taz War or Hearts. Corinne Cushman.... 10c, 10 Leicuron GRANGE. Miss M. E. Braddon ..... 10c, 11 THe Fase Wipow. Mrs, J. D. Burton ...... 10¢, 2-13 Lost ror Love. Miss M. BE. Braddon...... 10¢, 14-15 TorEeRs or THE Sea. By Victor Hugo..... 10c, 16 Tar Qvaproon. By Catharine A Warfield... 10c. 17-18 Uncie Siuas. By J. 8S. Le Fanu _........ 10¢, 19-20 DeaAp-SEA Fruit. Miss M. E. Braddon..... 10¢, 21-22 LirrLe Kare Kirpy, IF. W. Robinson,..... 10c. 23 SowING THE WIND. Mrs. Mary R. Crowell.... 10, 21-25 Brrps or Prey. Miss M. E. Braddon ..... 10¢. 26 Taat Boy or Norcort’s. Charles Lever . 10e, 27-28 CHARLOTTE’s INHERITANCE. By Miss M. E. Wradnon 2 as he ett eee re aa 29 A Giru’s Heart. By Rett Winwood 10c, 80-31 Rep as A Rose 1s SHE, Rhoda Broughton 10c, 32 THe Lity or St. Erne. By Mrs. C mt 83 STRANGELY WED. By Mrs. J. D. Burton..‘... 10c. 34 Tue Grpsy BRIDE. Fog E. O. Malen ....... 10c, 85 ANNIE TEMPLE. By Rev. J. H. Ingraham.... 10c. 36 Wirnovr Mercy. By Bartley T. Campbell... 10c. 87 BLACK Eyes AND Biur. Corinne Cushman... 10c. 88 Brave BARBARA. By Corinne Cushman...... 10c. 39 A DANGEROUS Woman. By Margaret Blount.. 10c. 40 Ovipa’s Love. By Henrietta E. DeConde.. . 41 Lost: A Wire. By Corinne Cushman.. ..... 10c. 42 Winnina Ways. By Margaret Blount ..... 10c. 43 A Woman's Heart. By Mrs. M. V. Victor.. 10c. 44 Tae Drap Letrer. By Seeley Regester .. . 45 Lorp LisLe’s Davauter. By C. M. Braeme, 10c. 46 A Woman’s Hanp. By the author of “ The Dead Letter,”’.. intr AV Ogee Rime} sc 10c. 47 Viats or WratTH. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. ae iG, Jenny Davis Burton.,............ ae apse 10c. 50 Love In A Maze. By Mrs. E. F. Ellet......... 10c. 51 CATHOLINA; or, WALLED up ALIVE. By Dr. J. WT MRO Sev ars n pokes taAca? oc 1ePancelee For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid, on receipt of twelve cents. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ¢8 William street, N.Y. The Sunnyside Library. 1 Latua Rooxn. By Thomas Moore....... 10c. 2 Don Juan. By Lord Byron. ....-0e.06 «ss 20¢. 3 PARADISE Lost. By John Milton ......... ... 10e. 4 Tue Lavy or tuk Laxe. Sir Walter Scott.. 10c. 5 Lucite. By Owen Meredith a 10c. 6 UNDINE, OR THE Warter-Sprrir. From the German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque... 10c. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid, on receipt of twelve cents for single numbers, double numbers twenty-four cents. ADAMS, VICTOR & CO., Publishers, 93 William street, N. Y. - Beadle’s Dime Library. 1 A Harp Crown. By Philip S. Warne.......... 10c. 2 Tye Dare-Deviz. By Col. P. Ingraham..... 10¢c. 3 Kir Carson, Jr. By Buckskin Sam.......... 10e, 4 Tae Kipnaprer. By Philip 8S. Warne.... 10¢, 5 Tre Frre Frenps. By A. P. Morris, Jr....... 10c. 6 Witpcar Bos, By Edward L. Wheeler... .. 10c. 7 Deatu-Notcn, THe DESTROYER. Ol Coomes. 10c. 8 Tue HeApiEss Horseman. By Mayne Reid .. 10c. 9 Hanpy Anpy. By Samuel Lover........ aes e100, 10 Vipocg, THE FRENCH Potice Spy. By himself 10c, 11 MrpsuremMaNn Easy. By Capt. Maryatt.... .. 10e, 12 Tue DeatH-SHor, By Capt. Mayne Reid 10¢, Sh As aii Ratos CIS 14 THAYENDANEGEA, THE ScouraE. Ned Buntline 10c. 15 Tue Ticer Stayer. By Gustave Aimard.... 10c. 16 Tare Wuire Wizarp. By Ned Buntline....... 10c. 17 Niautsuape. By Dr. J. H. Robinson......., 10c. 18 Toe Sea Banvit, By Ned Buntline....... .. 10e. 19 Rep Cepar. By Gustave Aimard....,..... 10c, 20 Tux Banpir at Bay. By Gustave Aimard... 10c. 21 Tue TRAPPER’s Daventrer. Gustave Aimard 10c. 22 WuirrLaw; or, Narrre or THe LAKE SHORE. By Dr, J. ROMEO. 20. . 10¢e. 23 Tur Rep Warrior. By Ned Buntline ...... 10c, 24 Tue Prairie FLrower. By Gustave Aimard. 10c, 25 Tue Gotp Guipe. By Francis Johnson....... 10c, 26 Taz Dearu Track. By Francis Johnson ... 10ce. 27 Tue Sporrer Derective. By Albert W.Aiken. 10c. 28 THREE-FINGERED Jack, THE ROAD-AGENT OF THE Rockies. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr ... 10e., 29 Tiger Dick, THe Faro Kine. P.S. Warne _ 10c. 80 GospeL Grorer. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr 10e. 81 Tue New York Swarr. By Albert W. Aiken. 10e, 82 B’noys or Yate. By John D. Vose ......... 10c. 83 OverLaND Kit. By Albert W. Aiken... ... 10e. 84 Rocky Mountain Ros. By Albert W, Aiken. 10c. 85 Kenruck, Tae Sport. By Albert W. Aiken. 10c. 86 pNgun Dick, By Albert W. Aiken .......... Ue, 37 Hirt, THE Huncupack. By J. H. Robinson.. 10c. 88 VeLveT Hanp. By Albert W. Aiken. ... 10e, 89 Toe Russian Spy. By Frederick Whittaker. 10ce. 40 Tae Lona Harrep ‘Parps.’ J. E. Badger, Jr, 10e. 41 Gotp Dan. By Albert W. Aiken.... ........ 10¢, 42 THe CALIFORNIA Detective. A, W. Aiken... 10ce. 43 Daxota Dan, By Oll Coomes.... ........., 10¢e. 44 Otp Dan Racksack. By Oll Coomes........ 10e, 45 Otp Butu’s Eve. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.,... 10c. 46 Bowre-Knire Ben. By Oll Coomes ......... 10e, 47 Pactric Petr. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr......... 10e. 48 IpaAnHo Tom. By Oll Coomes, . Faveeag sate Los 49 Tux Wour Demon. By Albert W. Aiken..... 10¢e. 50 Jack Rassir. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr....... 10e. 51 Rep Ros, THE Boy Roap-Agrnt. Oll Coomes. 10¢ 52 DeaTH TrRaILER. Bv Wm. F. Cody........... 10c. 53 Srtver Sam. By Col. Delle Sara...... be ter 0G; 54 Anways on Hanp. By Philip S. Warne..... 10c. 55 Tue Scare Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid . 10c. 56 Tue INDIAN Mazeppa. By Albert W. Aiken... 10c. 57 Tue Sinent Hunter. By Percy B.St. John.. 10e. 58 Srrver Knive; By Dr. J. H. Robinson....... 10c. 59 Tue MAN FrRoM Texas. By Albert W. Aiken 10c. 60 Wipe Awake. By Frank Dumont........... 10e. 61 CapraIn Seawarr. By Ned Buntline.......-.. 10c. 62 Loyal Heart; or, Toe TRAPPERS OF THE AR- KANSAS. By Gustave Aimard........... -- 63 Tor Winaep Wuate. By Albert W. Aiken... 10c. 64 Dovere SiaHT, THE Duara SHoT. By Jos. E. Badger JT os 'sisi-0's + lenses eaves 0 cite oe econ es 10e. 65 Tue Rep Ragan; or, THE Scource or THE Inpres. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. .... 10c. 66 Tue Specrer Barque. A Tale of the Pacific, By Captain Mayne Reid. ........ 10c. 67 Tue Boy Jockey. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. 10c. 68 Tus Fiautine TRAPPER. By J. F. C. Adams. 10c. 69 Tue InisH_Caprain: A Tale of Fontenoy. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. ....... 10¢ 70 HyDRABAD, THE STRANGLER: or, ALETHE, THE CHILD oF THE Corp, A Tale of Jungle and Bungalow Life, By Dr. J. H. Robinson. Rasy: June Th yc... Beet tose eel peewee 10c. A new issue every two weeks. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, |
Page 15
32 Large Three-Column Pages, 1.4 Hard Crowd: oR, GENTLEMAN | Sam’s SISTER. By Philip 8S. Warne. 2. The Dare-Devil: or, THE WincEp WiTcH OF THE SEA. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 3. Kit Carson, Jr., THE CRACK SHor or rHE West. By Buckskin Sam. 4. The Kidnapper: SHANGHAI OF THE NORTHWEST, oR, THE GREAT By Philip S. Warne. 5. The Fire-Fiends: or, Hercures, raz Honcusack. By A. P. Morris. 6. Wildcat Bob, Tur Boss Bruiser: or, THE BorpER BLoopHoUNDs. By Edward L. Whee- jer, author of “ Deadwood Dick,” “ Double Daggers.” 7. Death-Notch, THE Destroyer: or Tue Sprrir Lake AVENGERS. By Oll Coomes. 8. The Headless Horseman, A strange story of Texas. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 9, Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10. Vidocq, THE Frencnu Pouice Spy. Written by himself. 11. Midshipman Easy. ryat. 12. The Death-Shot: or, TRACKED TO DeatTH. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 13. Pathaway: or, Nick WHIFrLEs, THE O.tp TRAPPER OF THE Nortuwest. By Dr. J. H. Rob- inson. 14. Thayendanegea, THE Scourcz ; or, THe War-EaGur OF THE Monawks, By Ned Bunt- ine, author of “The White Wizard.” 15. The Tiger-Slayer: or, EacLe- Heap To THE Rescur. By Gustave Aimard. ? By Capt. Mar- 16. The White Wizard: or, Tur GREAr | PROPHET OF THE SEMINOLES. By Ned Buntline. 1%. Nightshade, Tur Rosser PRINCE or Hounstow Hratu. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 18. The Sea Bandit: or, THE QureENn or THE Ise. By Ned Buntline. 19. Red Cedar, Tur Pramm OvutTLaw. By Gustave Aimard, 20. The Bandit at Bay: on, Tue Pr- RATES OF THE Prarries. By Gustave Aimard, 21. The Trapper’s Daughter: or, Tae Ovuriaw’s Farr. By Gustave Aimard, 22, Whitelaw: or, NATTIE OF THE LAKE Snore. By Dr. J. H. Robinson, 23. The Red Warrior: oR, STELLA DELORME’s CoMANCHE Lover. By Ned Buntline, 24. Prairie Flower. By Gustave Ai- mard, author of “ Tiger-Slayer,” etc. HANDY ANDY.—No, 9, KIT CARSON, JR.—No. 8, 25. The Gold-Guide: or, Stern Arm, THe Reeunator. By Francis Johnson. 26. The Death-Track: LAWS OF THE MountTarn. By Francis Johnson, 27. The Spotter-Detective: or, Tux | Gris or New Yor. By Albert W. Aiken. or, THE OvT- | 28. Three-Fingered Jack, Tur Roap- | AGENT oF THE Rockies; or, THe Boy Miner or Harp Luck. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 29. Tiger Dick, Tux Faro Kina; or, THe CasHrer's Crime. By Philip 8S. Warne, author of ‘‘A Hard Crowd,” ete, 80. Gospel George; or, Frery Frep, THe Ovrtaw. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 81. The New York ‘Sharp ;’ or, Tux FuiasH or LigutTnina, By Albert W. Aiken, 32. B’hoys of Yale; or, Toe Scrarrs or A Harp Set or CoLueaians. By John D. Vose. 83. Overland Kit. By Albert W. Aiken. 34. Rocky Mountain Rob. By Al. | | bert W. Aiken. 35. Kentuck, the Sport. By Albert W. Aiken. ' OF THE INDIES, 836. Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. | 87. Hirl, the Hunchback; or, Tur SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE. By Dr. J. H. Robinson, 88. Velvet Hand; or, THe [Ron Griv or Ingun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. 39. The Russian Spy: or, Tar BrotTa- ERS OF THE STARRY Cross. By I'rederick Whittaker, 40. The Long Haired ‘ Pards;’ or, Tur TARTARS OF THE Ins, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 41. Gold Dan: or, THe Wuirr Savacr oF THE GreaT Sart Lake. By Albert W. Aiken, 42. The California Detective: on, Tue WitcHes oF New York. By Albert W. Aiken, 43. Dakota Dan, Tue Reckiess RANGER; or, THe Bre-Hunrers Excursion. By Oll Coomes. 44, Old Dan Rackback, THe Great EXTARMINATOR; or, THE TRIANGLE’s Last Tram. By Oll Coomes, 45. Old Bull’s Eye, Tar Lronurnina SHoT OF THE Piains. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr., 46. Bowie-Knife Ben, HUNTER OF THE Nor’-west, By Oll Coomes. 47. Pacific Pete, THz Prince or THE Revo.ver. By Jos. E. Badger. 48. Idaho Tom, Tue Youna OvTLAW oF SILVERLAND. By O! Coomes, 49. The Wolf Demon, or, THz QUEEN OF THE KANAWHA. By Albert W. Aiken. THE LITTLE | Each Number Complete, ' CARSON TO THE REscuE. Price 10 cts, 50. Jack Rabbit, Tue Pram Sport; or, THe CHILDREN oF THE LLANO Estacapo. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 51. Red Rob, Tur Boy Roap-AGEnr. By Oll Coomes, 52. Death Trailer, THe Cnrer or Ecouts; or, Life and Love in a Frontier Fort. By Hon. Wm. F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill.) 53. Silver Sam; or, Tor MystErRy oF Deadwoop Ciry, By Col. Delle Sara. 54. Always on Hand; or, Tuk Sportive Sport or THE Foot Hris. By Phillip 8. Warne author of ‘‘ A Hard Crowd,” “‘ Patent Leather Joe ’ 55. The Scalp Hunters. A Romanceor THE Puams. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 56. The Indian Maseppa; or, THR Map Man or THE Puarms, By rt W. Aiken, 57. The Silent Hunter; or, Taz Scow. Hau. Mystery. By Percy B. St. John. 58. Silver Knife; or, WICKLIFFE, THE Rocky Mountarn Ranaer. By Dr. J. H. Robinson, 59. The Man From Texas; or, THE OvuTLaw or ArKaANsAS. By Albert W. Aiken. 60. Wide Awake; or, Tux Ipior or THE Buack Hints, By Frank Dumont. 61. Captain Seawaif, tux Privareer, | By Ned Buntline. 62. Loyal Heart; or, THe Trappers or ARKANSAS. By Gustave Aimard. 63. The Winged Whale, W. Aiken, 64. Double- Bight, the Death Shot. By Joseph B. Badger, Jr. 65. The Red Rajah: or, Toe Scourcr By Captain Frederick Whittaker. By Albert 66. The Specter Barque. A Tae oF THE Pacrric. By Captain Mayne Reid. 67. The Boy Jockey: or, Honesty VERSUS CRCOKEDNESS. By Joseph E, Badger Jr. Ready 68. The Fighting Trapper: wr, Kit By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, Ready *” 69. The Irish Captain: A TaLEe or Fonrenoy. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, Ready June 4th, A new issue every week. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS. Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. MIDSHIPMAN EASY.—No, 11.
Page 16
1 Deadwood Dick, THE PRINCE OF THE Roap, By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, THE TRAPPER OF THE ENCHANTED GrounD, By J. E. Badger, Jr. 3 Kansas King; or, THe Rep RicHT Hanp. By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F, Cody). The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe; THe YounG WANDER- ING Jew. By Oll Coomes. 6 Bill Biddon, Tepper’ or, LirE IN THE NortHwest. By Edward S. Ellis. rf The Flying Yankee; or, THz OcEAN Ovurcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. be} Seth Jones; or, THe CAPTIVES OF THE Frontier, By Edward 8, Ellis. 9 The Adventures of Baron Mun- chausen. 1 Nat Todd; or, THe Fate or THE Sroux Caprrve. By Edward §. Ellis. 1 1 The Two Detectives; or, THE , Fortunes or A Bowery Girt. By Albert W, Aiken, author of ‘‘ The Spotter Detective,” etc. 1 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. 1 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, author of ‘‘ Vagabond Joe,” etc. i Aladdin; or, THe WonpERFUL Lamp. 1 The Sea-Cat; or, THE WircH or Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 16 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surprising Adventures, (27 illustrations.) 17 Ralph Roy, The Boy Bucca- neer, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1 Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- ages. From the Arabian Nights. 19 The Phantom Spy 3 or, THE PrLor OF THE PRAIRIE. ffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers; or, Drap- woop Dick’s DeriaAnce. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of ‘‘ Deadwood Dick.” 21 Frontier Angel. A Romance of Kentucky Rangers’ Life. By Edward 8. Ellis, author of ‘* Seth Jones,” etc. 22 The Sea Serpent: or, THE Boy Rosrinson Crusoz. By Col, Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o’ the Night: or, TH Boy Spy or °76. By T. C. Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk: or, THzt Mystery OF THE YELLOWSTONE. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, author of “The Flying Yankee,” etc. 2 5 The Boy Captain: or, Tux Prrate’s Davauter. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler yx Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomes, 28 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol: or. DkApwoop DIcK IN Diseuise. By Edward L. Wheeler, 29 The Dumb Pages or, THE Doaer’s Davucutrer. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THE RecKLESS RanaErR. By Harry St. George. 3 Keen-Knife, THe Prince or THE Prairies, By Oll Coomes. 3 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian: or, THe Girt Deap-Suor. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of Deadwood Dick,” éte., ete. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THz Rep PrraTEs OF THE CARIBBEES. By Samuel W. Pierce, author of ‘The Boy Detective,” etc., etc. 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick WHIFFLES’ Boy Spy. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. 3 5 Wild Ivan, Tur Boy CLAUDE DUVAL; or, THe BrorHerHoop or Deratu. Dead- wood Dick Romance No. 4. By Edward L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown; or, THE QUEEN OF THe ARENA, By Frank 8. Finn. 3 J The Hidden Lodge; or, Tux LiTTLe Hunvrer oF THE ADIRONDACKS. By T, C. Harbaugh, author of “‘ Nick o’ the Night,” ete. 38 Ned Wylde, Tue Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, the Detective; or, Lire AND Love IN New York. By Ed- ward L. Wheeler. BEADLE’'S HALF-JIME LIBRARY. Every one of them ‘* Live” Stories by *‘ Live®? Authors, a Complete Novel, at the extraordinary price of a HALF-DIME, 40 Roving Ben. A story of a Young American who wanted to see the world. By John J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack, THE YOUNG MusTanc- ER. By Oll Coomes. 4 The Phantom Miner: or, Drap- woop Dicx’s Bonanza. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube: or, THE Nicur- HAWES OF TUCKY. By Harry St. George. 4. 5 Old Avalanche, the Great An- nihilator: or, THE Giri BRIGAND. By Edward L. Wheeler. > . 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot ofthe West. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 4.7 Wightingale Nat: ok, THe Forest ApTaIns. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Black John, the Boec-Agent, or, THe OuTLaw’s Rerreat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 49 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror, or, Dgapwoop Dick in Dancer. By Ed- ward L, Wheeler. 5O Burt Bunker, Tue Trapper. A Tale of the North-west Hunting-Grounds, By Charles E. Lasalle. 51 The Boy Rifles, or, THE UNvER- arounp Camp. By Archie C. Yron. 5 The White Buffalo. A Tale of Strange Adventure in the Northwest. By Charles E. Lasalle. 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THE Boy PHENIX; or, THROUGH TO THE DraTH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 5 Ned Hazel, THE Boy TRAPPER; or, THE PHANTOM Princess. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 5 5 Deadly-Eye, Tuz Unknown Scour; By Buffalo Bill. : 56 Nick Whiffles’ Pet, or, IN THE VautLey or DeaTH. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, Tae Parps or FLoop Bar, y Edward L. Wheeler. 5 eg The Border King; or, THz SEcRET For. By Oli Coomes. 59 Old Hickory, or, Panpy ELLIs’s Scare. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian; or, Taz Scout OF THE YELLOWSTONE. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill, or, Tue Rev RirLe Team. By Edward L, Wheeler. , 62 The Shadow Ship, or, THE RIvaL LizvuTeNANTS. By Col, Prentiss ngraham. G 3 The Red Brotherhood, or, THE TWELVE AVENGERS. By W. J. Uiamilton. 64 Tandy Jack, or, THE OUTLAW OF THE OREGON TRAIL. By T. C. Harbaugh. 6 5 Hurricane Bill, or, Mustanc Sam AND HIs ‘“ParD.”’ By Jos. E, Badger, Jr 66 Single Hand, or, A Lire ror 4 Lire. By W. J. Hamilton, 67 Patent-Leather Joe: or, OLD Rat- TLESNAKE, THE CHARMER, By Philip 8. Warne, author of ‘‘A Hard Crowd,” “Tiger Dick,” ‘“* Always on Hand,” etc. 68 The Border Robin Hood; or, THE Pratrie Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle, THe Youna S#arp- SHOOTER; or, THE Boy DETECTIVE OF THE Buack Rancuw. By Edward L. Wheeler. wf QO Old Zip’s Cabin; or, THE GREEN- HORN IN THE Woops. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. we 1 Delaware Dick; THe Youne Rane- ER Spy; or, BrorHeR AGAINST BROTHER. By Oll Coomes. - 4 Mad Tom Western, THz TEXAN Rancer. By W. J. Hamilton. 7: Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, CALAMITY JANE, THE HEROINE OF THE Wuoop-up. By Edward L. Wheeler. v4 Hawk-eye Harry, THE YOUNG TRAPPER RanGeR. By Oll Coomes. vd 5 The Boy Duelist; or, THE CRUISE OF THE SEA Wo.r. By Col. Prentiss In- graham. Each number ed 6 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer; or, Tue GREAT FIGHTING MAN OF THE WEST. By Albert W. Aiken. 7 wf Corduroy Charlie, Tar Boy Bravo; or, THe Last Act or Dgapwoop Dick. B Edward L, Wheeler. ‘ wf be Blue Dick; or, THE YELLOW CuIErF’s VENGEANCE. By Captain Mayne Reid. 1G Sol Ginger, THe GIANT TRAPPER; or, THE FLOWER oF THE BLACKFEET, By Albert W, Aiken, & (jp Rosebud Rob; or, Nuccrer NED, THE KNIGHT OF THE GuicH. By Edward L. Wheeler. & i Tigbtning Jo, THE TERROR OF THE RAIRIE. A Tale of the Present Day. By Captain J. F. C, Adams. &2 Kit Harefoot, THE Woop-Hawk; or, P Op Powprr-Facr anp His Demons. By T. CO. Harbaugh, 83 Rollo, the Boy Ran, HEIRESS OF THE GOLDEN r; or, THE orn. By Oll Coomes. ba) 4. aay? the Girl Miner; or, Rosrspup B ON HAND, By Edward L, Wheeler, & 5 Buck Buckram: on, Brss, THE FE- MALE TRAPPER. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams &G Dana Rock, THE-Man-FRoM-TEX- as. By G. Waldo Browne. &} 7 The Land Pirates: or, THE LEAGUE oF Drviu’s IsLanp. By Capt. Mayne Reid. & & Photograph Phil: or, Rosesup Rop’s REAPPEARANCE. By Ed. L. Wheeler. &9 Island Jim: oR, THE PET OF THE Famity. By Bracebridge Hemyng, author of “ Jack Harkaway,”’ etc. 90 The Dread Rider: or, THE TEXAN Dvueuist. By George W. Browne. 9g 1 The Gupta of the Club; or, THE Youne RrvaLt ATHLETES, By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 92 Canada Chet, THE COUNTERFEITER CHIEF; or, OLD ANACONDA IN SITTING Buiu’s Camp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4) 3 The Boy Miners; or, THE ENCHANTED Isuanp. By Edward §. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack, Tiz RoAD-AGENT; or, GOLDEN GEORGE’S GREAT PRIzE. By T. C. Harbaugh. Q 5 The Rival Rovers: or, THE FREE- BOOTERS OF THE Mississippi. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch - Eye, tHE DErTEcTIVE; or, ARABS AND ANGELS OF A GREaT City. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers: or, THE Captive OF THE Harpes. By John J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, THE OUTLAWED EARL. By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos: or, WILD Kats, Danpy Rock’s ANGEL. By George W. Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville ; or, A SrranGgE STROKE FoR LIBERTY. By Edward L. Wheeler, Ready June 2th, 1 O 1 Jack Harkaway in New York, or, THE ADVENTURES OF THE TRAVEL- ERS’ CLuB. By Bracebridge Hemyng. Ready July 1. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, Tur Boy Smvuc- LER; Or, THE CRUISE OF THE VIXEN. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready July 8th. 103 The Lion of tke Sea; or, THE VaILeD Lapy or San TROPEZ By Col. Delle Sara. Ready July 15th. 10 Deadwood Dick’s Device, 0r, Tur SIGN or THE DovpLe Cross. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready July 22d A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS Publishers, 98 William Street New York.