Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1029) (1899 10)
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| rm ; a : ce . 7 7 *, 1899. | Copyricur, 1899, By James SULLIVAN. ENTERED AS Skconp Crass Marrer at Yau New York, N. Y., Post Orrice. October, 1899. | Sta ba Pig ‘ Mm. PL TY ERS & CO., Publishers, WOKS atalarCopys No 124 Published Every (JAMES SULLIVAN, Proprietor), ot on . Saat ge 0 . i 22 - Month. 379 Pearl Street, New York. ‘ _—* BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. - AU ro. alll nt ; BUFFALO BILL IN ARIZONA MEN UP THERE! COVER THESE MEN WITH YOUR RIFLES!” CRIED THE YOUNG RANCHERO, ©
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2 Buffalo Bill IN Arizona; Buckskin San’ g s Shadow Trail, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. A STARTLING DISCOVERY. f “Great Heavens! It is a woman! and ; in this wild land alone! i “Her horse is running away with her i —no, she has checked him, and—Ah! she has fallen from her saddle!” ; And as the words were uttered, the speaker sunk spurs deep into the flanks of his horse, and with a bound and angry snort, the animal went flying toward the one who had dropped so sud- denly upon the ground. There she lay, limp and motionless, as though dead, while the rider was speed- ing like the wind to the spot. It was in the wilds of Arizona, far from habitation, fort, or camp, and in a country over which even brave men cared not to travel. And yet a woman was there—no, say, rather, a girl, for she was still in her ae teens, and in spite of the deathly pallor a upon her face, was very beautiful. i, Her long golden ,hair had been loos- PHN i, ened from its comb, and fell about her i) like a veil, and the bosom of her dark a blue riding habit was stained with blood, flowing from a wound upon which her gloved hands were pressed, as though to still the anguish she suffered. She lay prone upon the earth, just as she had fallen, stretched out upon a bed of grass, and her head rested upon a bunch of moss, while from her lips were wrung the oft-repeated words: “Yes, this is death! this is the end that is to be mine!” Then would follow a moment of silence, and the words would break forth: “My God! do I deserve this fate?” Suddenly her ears caught the sound of rapidly approaching hoof-beats. Near her was her own horse, who raised his head in a startled way, as he turned toward the approaching horse and rider, N With a great effort the girl raised her- et self upon an elbow, and her eyes caught he sight of the now rapidly nearing horse- f man. Her face, still pale and drawn, took on a look of determination, and, with an- other effort, she drew from a ‘small hol- ster swung to a belt about her small - waist, a revolver. But—strange! The weapon was Riiriae $. not toward the horseman, but the muz- aale zle was pointed at her own breast! By" “He shall find me dead when he 2: comes, and by my own hand,” she said ’ with startling firmness and strength of voice. Another second and the firm finger / would have pulled the trigger; but— | Ry er There came a sharp report—a bullet nat struck the barrel of the little gun whose~ muzzle then rested against her breast, |, and the weapon was hurled half a dozen feet away. The sharp-eyed horseman had seen her act, had understood her intention, and, confident in his aim, had forced his horse suddenly back upon his haunches, thrown his revolver to a level, taken lightning-like sight, and fired the sav- ' ing: shot. f “Good! I have saved her,” he cried, while, from her lips, burst the words: “God help me! I am lost!” / } Again she made an effort to rise. but in vain, and with a moan she fell back with her head upon the grass. A moment more, the rider reined his steed back upon his haunches to a sudden standstill, and, leaping from his ' gaddle, dropped upen one knee by the - gide of the wounded woman, ~ ; _» Her eyes were closed, and as he saw. _ the red stain upon the front of her dress ne bia sudden dread: W Buffalo Bill in Arizona. “ Good God! did I give her that wound? No, no, no! Surely my aim could not do so cruel a deed as this.” At his words the eyes of the young girl opened wide, and were fixed upon the man, as though to look him TOUS and through. She started. A slight color tinged ‘ie pallidness, and she murmured: “No! no! Your shot did not wound me, It struck the pistol from my hand, just as I intended to kill myself.” “But why? I am your friend, not a foe,” the horseman returned, in an ear- nest, kindly tone, as he grasped her hand, while a slight shudder swept over his frame as he glanced at the wound, still ebbing the, life-blood of the young girl away. “You are my friend?” she repeated. “Yes, yes, in truth I am, and I will do all I can for you.” “You can do nothing.” “T may, for I know much of wounds. Let me be your surgeon, for I have a small case of instruments and medicine with me.” “You cannot help me, for I am dying.” “Oh, no, lady; not so, I feel certain.” “T know that I am dying. One smit- ten by death is given the power to know. I will not live very long.” “T cannot believe it; but, who wound- ed you—who are you?” The large eyes met his own now, and, in a firm voice, she asked: “Who are you, and what are you?” “T am called Buffalo Bill, the Army Scout,” was the quick response. The answer seemed to have a strange effect upon the young girl. ' CHAPTER II. THE SECRET UNTOLD. ““You are Buffalo Bill?” The wounded girl uttered the words as if with surprise, and yet with pleasure. “My name is William Cody, miss, but I am better known by the name of Buffalo Bill, the scout,” was the answer. “T am glad. I am not afraid of you. I know you too well by reputation. “T did fear you, for I thought you were—” She paused, and the scout asked: “Who? “The one who has brought ruin upon my home, and those I love—yes, and has brought me to this, to die here in this wild region, alone, save for you, and you will not desert me, I know; you will clasp my . hand as my life fades out?” “ Yes, I will fematn by you to the end; but, I cannot bring myself to believe that such as you can die thus. “Your wound may be a severe one, yet not fatal, I can help you to the ranch to which I am bound, some twen- ty miles from here.” “What is the name of the ranchero?” “Manton Marr.” “He is dead.” ae Dead? ” “e Yes. ” “When did this happen, for I have a letter in my pocket from him, asking me to visit him upon a most important mission, and I was on my way to his ranch.” “He is dead,” ‘and the lips of me girl quivered. “When did he die?” this morning.’ “Ah! there has been foul play there, and—” escaped, for I am—” She stopped suddenly, for the scout had sprung to his feet in some alarm. — At first she supposed that her words | he was. listening attentively to some sound. — he also heard it and cried “ Last night, or rather before dawn ‘then; a raid of outlaws, or of Indians, | “Tt was a raid of demons, and I alone had been the cause; then she saw that | Buffalo Bill glanced quickly about him, and his eyes fell upon a clump of trees on a knoll not far from him. It was a good position to defend against odds, and a sheltered retreat for the wounded girl, In an instant he had raised her gently, in his arms, and as tenderly as possible bore her to the little timber motte. A call to his horse had caused him to follow his master, and taking a. blanket from the saddle, the scout spread it upon the ground and placed the slender form upon. it. ““T will get your horse, miss, and bring him here, and then go to meet whoever is coming. If they are foes, they must fight; if friends, I shall be glad, for your sake,” “You are very brave, and so good to me! But, I have not told you my secret, and I wish you to know it, though I youd not tell it to another living be- ng.” “JT will gladly hear it when I return, and if you have been cruelly wronged, as I believe, I will mercilessly avenge j you; I swear it!” Buffalo Bill evidently, was deeply moved at the suffering of the unfortunate and beautiful girl. “Tf you will avenge me and mine— and you have sworn to do so—I will rest content in my grave,’ was the low reply, and the scout felt that she in- deed must have suffered cruelly, for lips like hers, and almost pressed with the seal of death, to wish for revenge. Quickly he walked off, and soon re- turned wita her horse, which he hitched near her. “will you ieee my, secret now?” “Not now, for I must head off those who are coming; I wish no death strug- gle here. “T saw them cross yonder ridge a quarter of an hour ago, and they must soon come into sight. I will go out and meet them.” “ But if they should be my foes?” “JT will be glad if they are,” was the stern reply. “But, they are many?” 3) How many?” “A fatal number—thirteen!” “TI have had to face even greater odds | than that, miss.” “But, the one who leads them is a neo incarnate, yet daring, desperate, an paoead’,/ J “So much the better reason his career be cut short.” “No, no! Do not kill him. if you can, avoid it, for I must see him face to mane E must know—” The scout interrupted her suddenly. “They will soon be over that ridge, and I must meet them.” “You will come back to me?” and the voice and look were pleading. “Tndeed I will. I could never desert you—no, no! your suffering appeals to the inmost depths of my nature,” and the great plainsman spoke with deepest feeling. “T believe in you; I trust you,” and | she raised her hand. Buffalo Bill ‘giving it a gentle pressure, turned and leaped into his saddle. . Off he dashed at a swinging gallop, for the top of the ridge several hundred — yards away, and as he reached the sum- mit his horse was reined back, for near | at hand was a party of horsemen. | A glance was sufficient to show him ty that he had every reason to fear them.) ie ? CHAPTER IIL. THE BLACK BROTHERHOOD. _The sight that met Buffalo Bill’s eye 4 as he appeared upon the ridge bahar enough to startle any one. ie He was face to face with a dozen or i more black-masked men. Die aes iis
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“Tf they go right on they will find her, -and then God help her, dying as she may b a RE BT Buffalo Bill in Arizona. They were dressed, likewise, in deep | black, from head to foot, and their horses were all of a sable hue! Buffalo Bill belonged further up in the northwest, and was a stranger to the geography of that section. He kad heard up at headquarters that the country into which he had been sent upon a special mission was suffering under the curse of a band of daring out- laws, who made every man, and woman, too, their game and prey. ; Ranches were raided by them, wagon trains attacked, cattle run off, coaches and travelers held up, and yet the coun- try could not be freed from this terri- ble bane. The outlaws where wholly unknown, it was said, to all. Thirteen in number they were; yet, though time and again it was asserted that one of the band had been shot from his saddle, and whether dead or wounded, had been carried off by his comrades, when the black brigade was next seen there were, as before, the thirteen men im the saddle. This caused people to dread them the more, as the fatal and fated thirteen, who, from their dress, were called the Black Brotherhood, .I¢ deeds of lawlessness were commit- ted, always it was discovered that the brand of the brotherhood was left be- hind, to show whose red work it was. This “ brand,” as it was called, was in reality a small black flag, with skull and crossbones, stuck up on the scene, whether it was death they left behind them, or ruin and ashes. From whence they came, or whither they went—who, or what they were, no one could say or surmise. They were wont to appear suddenly when least ex- pected, do their work of rapine and death, then disappear as suddenly, yet never leaving a trail! Literally, they were Trailless Terrors! No trail could be found, either of their going or coming! All these stories, and many more, had Buffalo Bill heard of this remarkable and mysterious Black Brotherhood; but it was a surprise to him one day, when on duty. as Chief of Scouts at Fort Fet- terman, to receive a letter asking him to visit the scene of operations of the brotherhood, and to come upon a special and important mission, which’ would be explained to him upon his arrival. Going to the colonel -with this letter, to his yet greater surprise that officer told him that he had just received a letter from the department commander, ordering the colonel to detail his Chief of Scouts for secret serviee in Arizona, the exact nature of which would be explained to him by one to whom he had orders to report upon his arrival there. Still further: he was to go alone, and start at once, Obeying orders promptly, Buffalo Bill had arrived within a score of miles of his destination, to suddenly come upon the wounded girl, as has been recorded; and now, he reached the top. of the ridge, it was*to find himself face to face with a band of horsemen whom a glance showed him could be no other than the Black Brotherhood. The black. cohort were coming on up the trail, and not three hundred yards distant from him! ; To see the danger was to instantly act. His thoughts ran about as follows: “Men with masked faces must be -eriminals, and that sable troop answers the description of the ruthless Black Brotherhood of whom T have heard so - much. “Tf they are the outlaw thirteen, then shooting is too good for them, and as they are on the trail the girl came, and she said enough to show that great wrong had been done by some one, they must be her foes and now are pursuing her. | ( . { e, though I hope it is not so ex- | Rae UMA a es FB ile te oc ra a av “ Now, mounted on my good Flyaway, here, I fear no horse that can pursue me, and I can give some of the thirteen a very bad reminder of law and order with my ever reliable repeating rifle. “But, first, I must turn them away from that girl, and to do so, must make them very anxious to catch me. “Night is but an hour or so away, and eluding them, I can return to her, and she can tell me where help can be near- est found.” Thus had Buffalo Bill mused, or rea- soned, and having made up his mind, he coolly rode into full view of the coming horsemen, for they had ‘not yet seen him, and throwing his rifle to his shoul- der, called out: “Halt! or I shall order my men to fire on you! “Hands up, each one of you!” CHAPTER IV. THE FIRST SHOT. The sable thirteen drew rein as one man, at the loud, stern order. They beheld confronting them a single horseman. Who else he might have beyond the ridge they of course did not know; but they obeyed his command and halted. They did not, however, raise their hands above their heads. - The rider who thus barred their way they looked upon with surprise, com- mingled with admiration. A finer pict- ure of a horse and man they had never beheld. The horse was a phenomenal animal in beauty and superb equine points that tell of speed, endurance, and rare in- telligence. The man was a phenomenal one in the perfection of manhood, handsome-faced, daring, determined, and of indomitable will, unless all signs failed. The accountrements of the horse were handsome, and the dress of the rider was a. buckskin suit, broad-brimmed sombrero, and top boots. i He held, thrown gracefully across one arm, a repeating rifle, and there he sat,. one to thirteen, yet with unflinching najen. Who was he? what was he? and what could it mean for the Black Brotherhood to be challenged by one man? Assured- ly he could not be alone! Thus full a minute passed, and a min- ute of such suspense is terrible. ‘The scout said no more, gave no other command; but actions spoke louder than words, ' His actions were the raising of his rifle to his shoulder. At that distance not one of the Black Brotherhood could tell at whom the death-tube was aimed; he surely was covering one of them—but which one? Would his aim be fatal? Would his rifle carry a killing bullet at that dis- tance? Would he fire to kill, or only to frighten them? - All these thoughts flashed through their minds like lightning. The scout did not hesitate long, for with that poor, wounded girl lying back in the little clump of timber, time was indeed precious. ip Up went his rifle, and along the bar-— rel catching the sights ran his piercing eye, bright as a diamond. fas The thirteen had halted as they were traveling—in single file, The leader must be in advance, but the |, rescuer recalled the words of the wound- ed girl: She must see him—the leader— fuce to face alive. : , So, instead of aiming at the man in the lead, he would take the last one in the line—the thirteenth! _ { A rather longer aim was taken than was Buffalo Bill’s wont, for he wished to be sure. 1 .At last came the touch on the trigger, the burst of smoke and flame, and the MODDEUY al Oeasea . WA Pht tye Whey Buffalo Bill had sent his shot of defi- 4 . | ance, warning, and vengeance! = Pea I fon i Wa ta on) : two men and two horses CHAPTER V. A CRY OF TRIUMPH. The shot was followed by a wild com- motion among the Brotherhood, for the rear man, the thirteenth in the line, fell backward in his saddle, and a bound of his horse threw him to the ground, where he lay in a heap, motionless. The others at once began to, wheel im line, as if to charge the enemy, it seemed, but evidently expecting that there would be other shots from the single rider’s comrades. But Buffalo Bi} knew his weakness as well as his strength. He must not allow those men to come up the hill and them go on and discover the wounded girl; so, the intrepid plainsman made a bold move toward the Black Brotherhood, as though to charge them, and with a dar- ing which must cause them to feel that he had others to back him. He advanced but a few paces; then he obeyed halted and again raised his rifle. The outlaw band swerved wildly at this, for they had had too fatal a proof of the deadly aim of their wonderfully, dar- ing foe. “Fire!” the command was shouted, as the men swung about uneasily, and as the order was obeyed the scout’s rifle also again spoke. A dozen rifles flashed, and all but one were aimed at Buffalo Bill. The latter did not flinch at the fire, and took big chances. His keen eyes already had taken a look, through his glass, at the weapons of his foes, and he discovered that they were armed with carbines only. This told him that they carried no re- peating rifles, and the gauge of range of their weapons he set down as about the distance he was from them. He could, therefore, take the risk of the fire, As it was, their bullets, under their quite aimless and hurried fire, flew wild, while a second one, of their number dropped from his saddle! Each man looked exactly alike, as to dress and horse, and Buffalo Bill, there- fore, was unable to pick: out the leader. ‘Taking advantage of the dismay into which the men were thrown, he at once sent a third shot on its way. This brought dowii 2 horse, and the rider seemed to have @ hard fall, as the horse reared and fell backward with him. “Good God! that man will pick us off, one by one. Charge him!” was the peremptory order. Having gained the point he purposed —that they would pursue him—Buffalo Bill started along the ridge in flight, not riding upon the summit, where he could be outlined against the sky, and so be a fair target, but kept the hill as a back- ground. — f Two of the men had stayed to pick up their dead and strap them upon their saddles, and also to strip the fallen ani- mal of his equipments, and, at the same- time, aid the rider to a mount behind ~ one of them. k The rest of *he command had obeyed the order to charge, and were riding at full speed up and along the hill, { Away sped Buffalo Bill, his horse in a gallop and his rifle ready. He would not ride at full speed, to» show what his horse could do, for he wished to lure all in pursuit of him, to get them away from the place where lay the wounded girl. As they came on the outlaws halted suddenly, and once more the carbines rang out. ; ; / . The scout, without halting, fired as they did. . oy ; Their shots were again wild, and the lone rider still kept his saddle, while his shot brought down one of the sable . horses. — Fant Pept “Too bad! too bad! He has killed as well! We: must ca that man. %,
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aes _ descended th 4 in Buffalo Bill “Come on! low!” Buffalo Bill heard the words as he started on more rapidly, with a word to his good horse. ’ : But, suddenly arose a wild yell of triumph from the Black Brotherhood, and following came the cry! “See! his horse is wounded! “We have got him now!” Every man of you fol- CHAPTER VI. THE PATAL THIRTEEN. The sight of Buffalo Bill’s horse going at a gallop, but limping badly, was a joy to the outlaws, They felt sure of their game, and dashed forward, seven in number now, leaving the others to come at will. Seven of the brotherhood were cer- tainly far more than a match for the one man, they thought, though thus far they had not proven themselves even his equal, _Now his horse was wounded; he was riding along the ridge toward a plain, wide and barren, and where there could be no escape for him. Far across this plain the mountains loomed into view, but the fleeing horse- ‘ man couid not reach one-fourth the dis- tance to them with a mount going al- most upon three legs. Their game would fall an easy prey to them! With this belief the Horsemen in Black rode rapidly on in pursuit; they began to gain upon him! , Suddenly, there came the steep de- scent from the ridge, and, as the scout came to it, he wheeled in his saddle and sent another shot at his pursuers. This shot was returned as they rode on at a gallop. Bullets struck about Buf- falo Bill, yet he was untouched. But the fourth shot. of the daring rifle- man had found its mark, for a third man had thrown his arms above his head, waved them wildly, and then had toppled head downward to the ground.’ Buffalo Bill\saw no more, as he at once disappeared over the edge of the ridge. : “You are a good one, Flyaway, to play lame, but you are not so any longer,’ re-, marked the rider, and he sprung from his saddle to go on foot down the steep _ descent from the crest. As he did so he patted Flyaway affec- tionately on the shoulder, and the well- trained animal had started, off without the slightest limp. “We fooled them well, horse-pard. They thought you’ had been wounded and so believed you, and I would soon be in their grip; but, I guess not; though we must still deceive them when they come into sight again. ; “This is a rough ‘trail, down-grade, and no mistake, but so long as they will follow, and be drawn from: the trail where that.poor girl is; we won’t care. “Come! we must not let them get too near us, for some of their shots will hit: us by accident yet.” : With this the scout went rapidly down the steep incline, the horse following with no sign of iameness. . > Here and there rocks and trees con- cealed the two, so that they were not visible to their pursuers at first, when they reached the descent; but, ‘soon their game was discovered and the Men in. Black pushed on, yet slowly, fearing to throw their horses down the steep | decline. ‘ Reaching the heart of a canyen, into which the trail ran, Buffalo Bill disap- peared from view, but his pursuers knew that he had to continue on, with no hiding place, and thus out into the open plain, from-_whence escape, with a lame” horse, was impossible. | With this belief, and an hour yet of: sunset, they took no risks of a fall, but | e steep trail at a moderate | Bi SS alan canteens, then reloaded the empty cham- bers of his repeating rifle. Strangely cool he was and apparently in no hurry, but his quick eye had de- tected that the canyon was winding, and had very crooked turns in it, so he knew he could thus avoid shots, though the outlaws had drawn much nearer to him. Starting on his way he caught a glimpse of the pursuers, and at once a word to his horse caused the thoroughly trained creature to limp badly again. Seemingly sure of their prey now, the outlaws halted to water their horses. At last Buffalo Bill left the mouth of the canyon and rode out upon the opeh plain. There was a slight rise ahead of him, just out of range of their carbines, and toward this he rode at a gallop. Halting upon this rise, he waited for his pursuers to come into view. Minutes passed and they did not ap- pear, Could this mean that they had given up the chase. This he did not believe, so he waited on. : At last, as he was beginning to fear that they had returned to the trail over the ridge and would discover the wound- ed girl, he saw them appear in sight. And then, strong-nerved as Buffalo Bill certainly was, devoid of all super- stition, he started and gazed in some- thing of awe at what he beheld. And no wonder was it*that he did so, for the sight that met his vision would have appalled most men. There, in full view, ‘were the Black Brotherhood in pursuit, and they were once more thirteen horsemen! , Buffalo Bill had seen the men and horses fall at his fire. He knew his aim was. deadly; and where he had expected to see ten men in pursuit, he now beheld the full band of thirteen Horsemen in Black! Drawing his. horse to“a halt, and wheeling in his saddle, Buffalo Bill said ‘in a mystified way: “I killed three of the Thirteen Men in Black, and yet there come thirteen horsemen on my. trail! “What does it, can it, mean? s CHAPTER VII. , A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE, ; It is speaking mildly to say that Buf- falo Bill was amazed at what he beheld. He had counted thirteen horsemen In. the Black Brotherhood band. Out of this number no more no less, as he was assured, in his own mind, he had killed three, or at least had fired upon that many, seen them drop from their saddles at his fire, and certainly he had no reason for doubting the dead- liness of his aim. ; And: again, he had brought down two of the thirteen horses; but now, he saw in pursuit of him, no less than thirteen horses, and upon the back of each animal was a rider! He took his field glass and leveled it upon the horsemen, to see that the three riders whose presence he could not ac- count for were not dummies. 2 No, they were live men, and masked, ‘as his glass revéaled. ; : Arizona. Pa lose them in the darkness upon the | plain, and then sweep around and get back to that poor girl again. That is my plain duty.” So saying, the hunted scout sent his horse off on a run, as soon as he got around a bend in the canyon, and had the outlaws observed him they would have marveled greatly that the lame- ness of the animal was so suddenly ab- sent. But, they did not see him, on account of the bends in the canyon, and! only upon coming out upon the open plain did they discover the horseman well out of the range of their rifles. He was pushing along for the distant mountains, and night was coming on, so if they did not overtake him quickly, he would elude them in the darkness. The scout’s horse, they now remarked, still went lame, but, hard pushed, he must break down, they felt certain. Pressing in line, the Sable Thirteen went dashing along to push the sup- posed lame horse to the best speed he could make, and thus break him down the sooner. But, the crippled beast still sped on, and it seemed that the pursuers gained but slowly, if at all. \ At last the night shadows began to fall; the scout and Hfis steed looked like grim spectres in thé distance, until, at last, they faded altogether from sight. Confident that the scout must hold on to the mountains, entering them by a well known gap, the pursuers pushed on, yet hoping to come up with the lame steed before night fully settled down. But the solitary rider held his way, though he allowed the thirteen to gain ° upon him, yet not enough to bring him once more under their fire. Gradually the night came c=) and the keen eyes of the scout could yet discern the band, though, being alone, he was hardly visible to them. Wheeling his horse about so as to face them, he gave his defiant war cry; that defiance was enforced by the rattle of his sixteen shots from the chambered rifie, taking no particular aim, but let- ting the bullets find a target at chance. A commotion among the band fol- lowed, and in the glare*of his fire the horseman disappeared like a spectre. Making a flankemovement, as he rode, he was not long in getting around to the trail he had deserted, and hoped that he was well in advance of his foes, should they have turned about after his fire. That he was on the right trail, he soon discovered, for the canyon opened before him, and, leaving it to his horse to find the way, he held on at a canter. Reaching the ridge, he went up out of the canyon, and at last saw a dark ‘object. ahead. : It was in thre trail he had passed over, and a closer approach told him that it was one of the two horses he had shot. Dismounting, he found that the animal had been stripped of his saddle and bridle; but: the rider was not there, and when he came to the other dead animal no human body was: visible: the dead. outlaws, if he had killed them, were not to be seen. ; iy With gome anxiety about the wounded | girl he nad left in the little grove, he rode rapidly on, just as the moon began to rise. A p . ; : Coming in sight ot the timber, he ap- proached cautiously, for if the outlaws could produce men so quickly to replace those who had been shot, they could find others to lie in ambush for him in the timber, feeling certain, should he escape those pursuing him, he could | \ ./ ‘and would surely re-
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- grove where he had left the wounded girl. “her.” Bib to 2 Buffalo Bill in Arizona. eee a ee There were his own trails, where he had entered the grove, the evening be- | fore, but no others, save that of the | girl’s horse. But, he made a discovery which set him to chinking. He found that which, he coult, swear, was not there when he visited the timber the night before! That discovery was a small black flag, with skull and crossbones in white, upon a tiny staff, which was stuck in the ground just where he had placed the wounded young woman; and, upon the flag was pinned a slip of paper. proaching the grove; and dismounting, the scout made his way on foot. At last the grove was reached, entered, and a quick~ search revealed that a wounded girl was not there. CHAPTER VIII. THE BLACK FLAG. “Gone!” The exclamation came from tlie lips as though he was amazed at the dis- appearance of the girl. With thirteén completed by reserves who must have come up, the and joined the band, Buffalo Bill had hoped that none were left to send on after the girl. But it seemed as though there hau been more of them, for the wounded, perhaps dying girl, was surely not where he had left her eS Lhe CHAPTER IX. THE WARNING IN RED. “This has been placed here since I left the spot, last night. Some of those fellows must have an eye on me,” de- cided the scout, as he took up the little flag and unpinned the slip of paper. It was but a few lines he read, writ- ten in red pencil, as though to the more impress wnat was said. It read: “You are known, and you are now warned that you’ must leave this coun- try at once, or your doom will be sure and terrible. “The Black Brotherhood, like the Rat- tlesnake, warn before they strike. “Disregard this warning and you will receive the brand of “The Black Brotherhood.” Buffalo Bill smiled. He had received so many warnings in his lifetime, had been threatened with death so often, that warnings and threats made no fur- ther impression upon him than to ren- der him more cautious, though his cau- tion was of a kind that did not show even to his intimates and pards. He pinned the paper back upon the flag, rolled the latter about the little staff, and put it in his saddle bags. “This must surely be intended for me, though no name is given, But I really dc not believe they know me, be- cause 1 was a long distance from them all the time, and they could not recog- nize me unless one of them happens to know me well. A quick search for her horse’ showed that he was not at the tree where the scout had hitched him. | Had she recovered her strength suffi- ciently to mount and fly? Had she heard the firing, and thus gained energy to rise and mount her horse? The scout remembered that he had hitched the horse to a swinging limb, as high up as he could reach, and cer- tainly the m&iden, who was not very tall, could not have unfastened the rein. |! Some one had done it for her, beyond H all doubt, but who was that some one? The Black Brotherhood, of course! By rapid riding, after discovering that he had escaped them in the darkness, Buffalo Bill knew it was possible for them to retrace the trail, to find the maiden and to carry her off with them. | He stood in silent and painful medita- tion, gazing down upon the. ground where he had left her. “His large serape, which he had spread for her to lie upon, was also gone! “Tf they have moved her, it will kill her, for surely brutes who would shoot at a woman would show her no mercy even when wounded. I “But where have they taken her? and who is she? and why was she shot? “And more: what was the secret she| “Perhaps that poor girl told who I did not have time to make known to was. me, and who were those whom the out- ‘Well, thinking is not acting, so I must get to work and see what the trail tells me.” With this the expert in wood-craft be- gun to “read the signs” that °a true borderman knows as an open book. It was not very long before he begun | to feel mystified. The fact was that he could only find a few trails leading to and from the timber. “Two of those trails were made by the horse of the wounded girl and his own, when he first went there for shelter, Another trail was his own, in leav- ing the timber when he went to head off the coming outlaws, and the fourth that of‘his last returns to the ereres These were all! Search as he might, he could not find the trail left’ by the girl’s horse in leaving the spot; nor was there the track of a man or other horse than that he could account for, to be found any- where about the timber! This was a strange thing for the scout to ponder over, for, certainly, the wound- ed girl was gone, there was no trace of her horse, nor of his serape, yet the little black flag and its red warning were proof that the outlaws had been there. But, how had they come and gone and left no trace? That was what mystified Buffalo Bill. The more he thought over the situa- tion the mere was he mystified; but, at length, finding both thought and search useless, he remounted his horse, deter- mined to continue on his way, but, as a to find out, if possible, while the trail liminary to this, he decided to ride to was yet fresh, just what had become of _ the spot where he had just met the band. This he did; but the earth was hard laws had raided? “T must and will find out. be my mission, now.” So the scout had mused, as he stood there in the timber, the moonlight streaming through the foliage upon him. Knowing that he could do nothing until daylight, and feeling that both his horse and himself needed rest, he went to where the patient animal awaited him, and mounting, rode off in search of a retired camping place. He was not long in finding a good spot, wheze water, wood, and grass-+— three stern necessities to the wild west wayfarer—were in. abundance. These were quickly put to use; his horse was watered and staked out; sticks were gathered’ and a fire kindled; then he cooked his own supper of coffee, bacon, and crackers. He missed his serape, but he had other covering, and knowing that his horse would warn him of danger by \a_neigh, he lay down to rest, and, in spite of be- ing troubled about the strange disappear- ance of the girl, he passed into sleep at once. The horse gave no warning: the night passed quietly; and the Wilderness Path- finder awoke greatly refreshed by his undisturbed sleep and rest. His horse, also, had had a good rest and plenty of grass; so both were ready for the day’s work. Breakfast. was soon, had, and mount- ing, Buffalo Bill started back to the That must To the timber he This and dismount- Ae Ligh as hey coe for; signs. be detected. there, and no trace of hoof print could rhdsouchie disappointed, Buffalo Bill muttered: “They have their horses shod in some peculiar way to keep from leaving trails. All the same, I will yet find them, and know the fate of that poor girl. I have given my vow to her to avenge her wrongs, and that vow must be redeemed. * Now to go on to the ranch of Manton Marr, and see if it can really be true, as she told me, that he is dead and his home a ruin. “Tf so, my duty is plain; for though I came too late to save, I can avenge.’ With this determined’ utterance Buf- falo Bill rode on his way, taking the _trail he had been following the after- noon before, whe nthe wounded maiden so unexpectedly crossed his path. CHAPTER X. A LIFE CLAIM. There was no finer ranch in the Ari- zona country than that of Manton Marr. The owner had been a miner, it was said; he had struck it rich, and had started homeward, carrying his treasure With him, when he had come upon the country under the shadow of the San Francisco range, and within easy ride of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado Mountains, the greatest of Nature’s mighty upheavals in all that rugged region. Impressed by the marvels of grandeur about him, and charmed with the coun- try around his lone. night camp, the miner had said then and there he would remain and make his home. The others of the party had gone on their way, but he had remained. He had first buried his gold, -hidden it most .securely, save so much as he needed for his work, and going down toward the New Mexico line, had hired a number of Mexicans, and taken them back to his new abiding place. Then he had set to work to build his home—a fine cabinand outbuildings, and all else to make him comfortable. . Cattle were purchased in Texas and driven to Overlook Ranch, as he named it, and half a dozen cowboys were em- ployed to look after them. Then Manton Marr had gone to Ten- nessee to bring his family to’ their new home. In Tennessee he had known much of ‘misfortune and sorrow; he had left there a poor man, to seek his fortune in west- ern mines. He had been successful, and returned to his old home to get those he loved to go back with him to the new abiding place in Arizona. It had been a long, hard journey, but, at last, the wagon train had arrived one afternoon at Overlook Ranch, and his devoted wife and daughter had been glad to behold their new and novel home, The wagon train had been well laden « miner-rancher knew would be needed, and, though Mrs. Marr and Helen had discovered that the nearest neighbor w2s far away, they seemed content to live a,life of solitude. “Here we are safe, Helen, for the shadow will not follow us. “1 am content,” Mrs. Marr had "said upon arriving at ‘the new havyen—to her a haven, of repose. “Yes, mother, father will be happy here, and we need not live in deadly, fear any more. “We can soon make our new home a happy one, and I will learn to be a real frontier girl, in a very short while,” the young girl had averred. With the furniture brought, and Will- ing hands to make all bright and cheery, Overlook Ranch very soon took on #@ tall cheerful appearance. —, . Manton Marr seemed content in look- ing after his horses and cattle, cultivat- ing a garden, and finding fish and game 2 a for his table, while his good wife, with = |the aid of a negro man and woman, — . ure aoe folioied: their somes. to the with furniture, supplies, and all that the i
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a te ee eee 6 Buffalo Bill in Arizona. Arizona wilds, made all about the ranch delightfully inviting. Helen soon learned to throw a lariat, and being already a fine horsewoman and good shot, she would accompany her father upon hunting trips, and seemed to revel in the wild life. Several raids of Indians had been beaten off by the rancher and his people, and all began to feel that the worst was over, when other settlers came to find homes in the same fine country, and located a dozen miles from Overlook. Then followed a stage line, running on a trail a dozen miles away, and emi- grant trains began to travel the same way, while miners in the mountain were wont to send their hard-earned gold eastward over the same trails. These chances of getting the gold of others outlaws were not long in finding out, and it was now made apparent that a band known as the Black Brother- hood were well informed as to where to strike a coach, wagon train, or traveller, and thus secure a rich haul of booty. In vain did the settlers get the cow- boys from their ranches together, and attempt to hunt down the marauders. The bandits could never be found after one of their lawless raids, nor could they be tracked to their retreats. Soldiers had been sent from Fort Win- gate to protect the settlers and trails, but, when the mounted detachments were _there on the ground, no marauders were ever seen. The stage company had sent men to hunt them, but without result. The work of lawlessness still went on, and no clue could be found to the daring waylayers. One of the new arrivals in the coun- try, 4 young man, who with -his sister had established a ranch a score of miles from Overlook, had been most persistent and daring in his hunt for the mountain miscreants, and the result was that twice had his home been raided, booty taken, and a number of times; his horses and cattle had been stolen. At last, he organized a band of rang- ers, from the cowboys of the different ranches, yet still the Black Brother- hood continued their marauding, and could not be driven off or caught in the toils. In despair at their inability to wipe out the band Manton Marr had decided to call upon one to aid him upon whom he had a strong claim. So he at once wrote to this man, tell- ing him the story, and begging his aid, while he also addressed other letters to ‘army officers in the west whom he well knew. . The man upon whom he had a claim “was Buffalo Bill. CHAPTER XI. ON THE RIGHT TRAIL, The claim that Manton Marr had upon Buffalo Bill was one of life. In the mines, one night, when in the discharge of his duty, Buffalo Bill would have been killed by a gang of desper- adoes, and where no man had dared to take his part, Manton Marr had stepped forward, taking all chances, and by his determined stand and deadly aim had quickly shown that the scout was by, no Means without a friend in need. Buffalo. Bill appreciated all that the brave miner had done in his behalf, and that he had drawn upon himself the enmity of a certain few of the worst characters in the mines, that kept his life continually. in danger. “Remember I am ever your friend, ; Mr. Marr, and if 1 can ever serve you, command me to the full. extent of my power to do so,” Buffalo Bill had said. That he meant all he uttered was “proven when, nearly two years after, a: ‘letter came to him from his friend from _ Arizona, which read: LoD d cat anet “I struck it rich beyond my brightest. es, a a eae sic cao i family under the shadow of the San Francisco Mountains, down here in Ari- zona, “For reasons I cannot now explain, I do not care to go east again to live, so I hid my gold here, and have a fine ranch, with comfortable quarters, while my wife and daughter are with me. “Neighbors are few and far between, but there are coaches, wagon trains, travellers, and settlers enough to cause the lawless element to develope, and a band of outlaws, known by the two names of the Fatal Thirteen and the Black Brotherhood, has robbed, raided, and killed, until life is a misery here. “We, that is the respectable element, are victims; but, try as we may, we can get no clue to the retreat of these in- human scourges, or run them down, and knowing your record, my dear friend Cody—remembering the deeds you have accomplished, and recalling your re- quest to me to call upon you, if ever you could help me, I now write to you, ask- ing you to come to me, to look over the field, and decide if you cannot wipe these wretches off of the face of our fair land. , “J also write your commandant at the fort, and other officers whom I know, and I feel that, in calling upon you for your services, I am doing the right thing to end this bitter curse upon us. “Come to my home, Overlook Ranch, in the old Mormon Valley, under the shadow of the San Francisco Mountains, “T need give no further directions to you. “Should you come with your scouts to act at once, you know best, or whether to first come alone to look over the field. ““Whateyer your decision you will be welcome. “Hoping for your coming soon, I am, as ever, Your friend, . “Manton Marr.” This was the letter, added to the re- ports to the commanding officer of the nearest post, where Buffalo Bill was Chief of Army Scouts, which started him on the trail that led to the meeting of the wounded girl, flying from her foes, and the sharp action with the Fatal Thir- teen, “T have begun both well and badly, for I have met the Black Brotherhood with the advantage on my side, yet have lost that poor girl, for whom I feel the deepest sympathy. “Now to go to Overlook Ranch and see just what is before me.’ From the little he had learned from the maiden he could not tell just what had happened, nor did he then know who she really was. Yet he had learned enough to know that Manton Marr had not exaggerated the need of help against the Black Brotherhood, and that outlaws who would add to their other crimes that of shooting a woman were indeed a band of miscreants to hunt to the bitter end, to run down until brought under the shadow of the gallows. To such a pathfinder as Buffalo Bill the directions given by Manton Marr. meagre as they were, were sufficient. The scout had gone on unerringly, guid- ed by the lay of the land and the almost phenomenal instinct which he possessed. He was nearing his journey’s end now, so, unheeding the warning of the Black Brotherhood flag left for him, he went on his way, his eyes on the watch, his ears open for every sound, and riding slowly and cautiously, avoiding all spots anes to furnish a good ambush for a ‘oe ee The San Francisco Mountains towered above him as he drew nearer their base; ‘the sun sunk behind the horizon, and yet he rode on until: the moon arose to light his way. { {i “Overlook Ranch cannot be far away from here,” he decided, and as he coined , the words he quickly drew rein, for he had baw perce Rie it upon a Serene ne, ee : CHAPTER XII. REVEALED BY THE MOONLIGHT. The sight which caused Buffalo Bill to halt so suddenly was a strange one. He had been riding through a canyon, thickly grown’ with ‘timber, and was nearing the end, for he could see out upon a moonlit valley beyond, when he beheld a man standing in the full light of the moon. He was tall, clad in frontier garb, and the moonlight revealed a revolver thrust in his belt and a rifle leaning against the tree behind him. The pose of the man was striking, for he leant one hand upon a pick, with which he had been digging, while the other hand was held out, the palm open, as though in pleading. With face up- turned and eyes riveted upon the moon, he was talking as though addressing it. “The man must be demented, for he is talking to the moon, and at ‘his feet is an Open grave, that is certain,” said Buifalo Bill, as he sat upon his horse in the shadow of the timber, and gazed upon the strange scene, not more than three hundred feet from him. A spade stuck in the open grave, and the moon’s rays revealed the striking picture almost as clearly as the sun- light could have done. Drawing slowly nearer, and dismount- ing, Buffalo Bill left his’ horse standing unfastened, and gained a position from whence he could more distinctly see the: man. The latter had not heard the clink of the iron-shod hoofs over the canyon trail, seemingly too much absorbed in his own occupation to hear, see, or heed aught else. His face appeared strangely white in the moonlight; his hair was long; he wore a beard; and his lips moved as he muttered aloud words which the scout could not catch. The large slouch hat was turned up in front, so that the light fell full upon as he passed on out of the timber: “My God! it’ is Manton Marr! Can ae sorrows have driven him to insan- ity?” A few moments the scout stood, un- decided what to do to make himself known to the man whom he had come so far to see, and whom he now found had been crazed by his sufferings, when suddenly there came the cracking of a ee as though under the weight of a oot. The scout started, though the man did not appear to hear the sounl, but kept on with his musing aloud aux gazing at the moon. But, Buffalo Bill’s eyes were now upon the spot from whence .he vouad kad come. Some man was there, for a deer, or bear, or panther would uot nave ep- proached that near a human being. He had not long to wait. In the semi- darkness heneath the tree behind Man- ton Marr the shadowy form of a man appeared, and the watcher saw the white face, the slouch hat, the border garb, top boots and all, and that the hands grasped j a rifle. Who was he and what was his inten- tion? Buffalo Bill’s rifle was slung to his saddle horn, where he had left it when he came forward on foot; but he had his revolvers, and one of these he quickly, — drew. To him the movements ‘of the shad- owy form indicated an evil purpose, He saw the man reach forth and take ' hold of the rifle leaning against the tree. AD glance at it seemed to. satisfy. the : prowler, for it was quickly replaced, and | a man stepped a few feet closer to Manton Marr. + his words to the 1 What those wi | could not catch, ve to do his face, and Buffalo Bill said earnestly,. x es E = > ee —— ae, . 1, EE = le ES a a Os 0 ike te ‘ ~ <3 wan oF ei a =) re
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ae a an as hc Ma ADE NTO geese on Buffalo. Bill in Arizona. AS ter saad agree Rage oe A call, a word from the scout would Ihave warned the grave digger, but Buf- falo Bill was fearful to call out, as then the prowler might escape and the alarm might give the rancher a shock, in his condition of mind. He therefore decided to await devel- opments, and act as circumstances de- manded; so he devoted his attention to the man in the shadow of the tree. Suddenly there came the distinct and rapid clatter of approaching hoofs. Manton Marr did not hear, or hearing heed them, but the other, on the instant, threw his rifle to his shoulder and pullea trigger, his aim being at Manton Marr! But; Buffalo Bill had acted even more quickly, and his revolver flashed, too. CHAPTER XIIL THE SCOUT’S CHASE, The sound of coming hoofs had taken Buffalo Bill somewhat by surprise. The horse that made them was yet some distance away, yet coming along the trail through the canyon, the way that Buffalo Bill had come. The sound had also startled the stran- ger beneath the shadow of the trees, but the man by the grave still kept his plead- ing attitude, still talked to the moon, The scout was none too alert, for, as ‘we have seen, the rifle of the man was rising to a level, and the muzzle was pointed toward Manton Marr. In the twinkling of an eye it came to the watcher that he could save the ranch- er, yet not have to kill his intended slay- er. Then— It was a quick aim, a touch of the trigger, and a sharp report—but a second in advance of the shot of the intended assassin. { That second was enough, however, for it destroyed the slayer’s aim, and the hand that grasped the barrel of the lev- ‘eled rifle had dropped wuselessly to his side, as the revolver bullet had torn its way through it. The crack of the rifle and revolver , almost mingled, but the man with the rifle, uttering a cry of commingled terror ‘and pain, as his weapon dropped to the ground, leaped back into the timber. Buffalo Bill had his eye upon him, ‘however, and he followed with the speed wf a deer. Reaching the place where he had stood, the scout lost sight of him in the dark- ness of the timber, but heard him tear- ing along through the woods. He wished to take his man alive, so ‘pursued for several hundred yards, when he came out suddenly into an open space. The moonlight revealed the fugitive to him at once, but it likewise revealed a short distance from the pursued man a * horse staked out and saddled. mee SE The shout of the scout was unheeded. “Halt, or I will kill you!” The man gave a backward glance, ytooped as he ran, and pulled up the stake which held the horse. Another moment and he was in his saddle. The pursuer halted, raised his revolver, and as the horse darted off the scout fired. A snort ‘of pain and fright from the animal showed that he had been hit, "but went on in his flight. Again and again the scout fired, to bring down either horse or rider, but the distance was too great, and Buffalo ‘Bill beheld the horseman disappear in a dense growth of timber some three hun- dred yards away. “He has escaped me! “Now to the hoofs that I heard and to find poor Manton Marr,” and with this the scout started back at a run to the. ‘spot where he ‘had seen the ranchero 5 Higelng a grave. CHAPTER XIV. THE SECOND WARNING. | When Buffalo Bill deat Ae isabel ranchero, all was as eect as the grave that lay open before his eyes. The man whose life he had saved was gone! . He felt that he had fired in time to save him from the assassin’s bullet, and yet he feared that he might not have done so, and, consequently, was quite anxious to know the truth. But Manton Marr was not to be seen. Listening, Buffalo Bill did not hear a sound. The hoof falls had ceased, and the one who was coming had halted, or gone back—perhaps was in hiding, to ascertain the result of the shots, which he must have heard. Extreme caution, therefore, was neces- sary, or he mighf get a shot from out of the darkness, so he quickly sought the timber, and made his way to his horse. There stood the animal, just where he had left him. “Whoever was the rider did not get this far, but turned back, or hid at the sound of firing. “T must go slow,” decided the scout. He began to move around on foot, and made a thorough search of the surround- ings, and many minutes were thus occu- pied; but he found nothing. Convinced that, whoever the ‘horseman might have been, the firing must have scared him off, he set to work to find the ranchero. Unmoved by all that had happened about him, as he stood talking to the moon, Manton Marr had been aroused to |a sense of his danger by the shots fired so near him, one bullet coming near him. The scout argued that he had sought cover, instinctively, and might still be- in hiding. Returning to the spot, ealled out: “Manton Marr, where are you?” There was no reply. “T am your friend, pard—the one you wrote to for aid, and have come to help you. ” Still no reply answered the call. “ Pard, do not fear me; come out! You will see that I am your friend.” Still no response, no sound. As others might be near, Buffalo Bill would not call his own name. There was the open grave, half finished it seemed, but the pick and spade were gone! Even in his flight and fright, Marr had taken the implements with him. '“T think I shall camp right here for the night; and see what daylight will re- veal,” Buffalo Bill decided. ‘His horse was unsaddled, and staked out, his blankets spread, and he lay down to rest. Buffalo Bill At first he did not care to sleep, but } waited to sec what might turn up, for he had taken up his position very near to the trail, yet concealed by the timber. After awhile his eyes grew heavy; no one came along the trail, as he had hoped would come, if hiding Manton Marr did not reveal himself, and the scout dropped off into a deep sleep. When he awoke it was with a Btart, He had a feeling that some one had been near to him, or was then near. It was yet dark, but experience told the great pathfinder that dawn was at hand. The day was breaking, but with the apprehension that some person had been near him, he would not again go to sleep; so he sat, rifle in hand, and waited. The gray light slowly dispelled the darkness, and at last a ray of the rising sun fell into the canyon. _ The scout had not moved from his blankets, Tf others were near, he wished them to peat themselves first. Convinced at last that no one was close at hand, he arose, rolled up his. blankets, and went to his horse. left him, onion 3 him to where Be haa left. yh saddle and bridle, in the edge of the tim- ber, quite near where he had slept, Buf- falo Bill stopped suddenly. ; His eyes were not upon his saddle and bridle, but upon an object near them. “The Brand of the Black Brotherhood again!” he said, as he bent over and pulled from the ground a tiny staff to which fluttered a black flag! The skull and crossbones were upon it also, and, pinned to it was a slip of paper, “Be warned a second time! “ Beware of the third warning! “Go back from this trail, for the end will be fatal!” This Buffalo Bill read, written in red pencil. “T felt that some one was near me when I awoke. “Well, bad as they are, it seems I have a friend among the Black Brotherhood. “But, I never took kindly to warn- ings, so I will stick to this trail, and see just whom it will prove fatal to. “Now, to look and see if the Black Brother who so kindly warned me left any trail.” With this he saddled his horse, led him to where his blankets were, strapped them on, put the little flag away with the other one, and mounting, rode back to the open grave, to find it as he had last seen it in the moonlight. It was dug on the bank of a stream, dry, except in the rainy season,,and was but half finished. For whom had the grave been in- tended? Why had the ranchero beer digging it by night? Questions the scout could not answer. CHAPTER XV. ‘ THR RUINED RANCH. Buffalo Bill looked attentively all about the grave. Only the tracks of the ranchero were there in the soft dirt, but no trail going from the spot was visible. The soil of the canyon bed was too hard for a footprint to show, though an iron-shod hoof would leave its mark, Making no discovery about the grave, Buffalo Bill rode over to where the man had been in ambush when he fired upon the ranchero. Quickly he dismounted, for, lying upon the ground, was the rifle, and its barrel was stained with blood. The scout’s bullet had evidently struck — }true, and the hand that supported the rifle had been badly wounded, But, that was not all, for, at the base of the tree, not far from the rifle, was a mask and cloak, both jet black! In his haste the assassin had not had time to pick up the disguise which stamped him as one of the Black Brother~ hood. The scout swung the rifle, which was a fine one, and of recent manufacture, to his saddle horn, and, rolling the) mask ‘a in the cloak and folding them in his — blankets, he strapped them again to the cantle, That done, he followed the track the man had taken in his flight, and saw that it was marked by red drops from the wounded hand. Reaching the spot where the man had mounted his horse, Buffalo Bill, to his surprise, found no trail leading away from there; the horse. of the outlaw had left no tracks. “They work it well; but Yll solve the secret yet,” muttered the pathfinder. _ “Now, to get out of the quandary I am in. I don’t dat like the situation,” ” he continued. “T know that the man who dtedentioad ; to kill Mr, Marr was one of the Black Brotherhood, for his cloak and mask prove that; I know, too, that one of the same gang warned me to give up this trail, and he it was whom I doubtless The animal was. there just as he had heard coming when that fellow G4 ark eg nt ee “Manton Marr. He BPP R eRe: 2 : ee ee ong SiR A ts aS a
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8 Buffalo Bill in Arizona. than a brother outlaw. I only wish he had waited and I could have seen the meeting, and then chipped in. _ “But, who is it that warns instead of kills me, when he certainly had the chance? . “ And why does he spare me, I wonder? “And where did Manton Mass go? ““Tf T stend here asking mysel? ques- tions which I canct answer I'll never reach the end of this trail; co come, old horse! We'll go on and see what there is at Overlook Ranch.” With this the scout rode on his way down the canyon. All his skill as a trailer was at fault ‘now, for he coud neither track the rancher cr the outlaw, nor find any. trace of the one who had placed the second ‘warning by his saddle. The trail through the canyon was well defined, and he knew that he must be drawing near to the sought-for ranch. Soon the end of the canyon was reached, and he saw smoke rising over a distant hill, as from a large fire. “Tho heme of Manton Marr must be in that timber on the hill, but that smoke looks cminous,’”’ he said, as he turned in the direction of the hill. In half an hour he had ridden up the hill, and, seated upon his horse, was gazing with sad face upon the smoulder- ing ruins of what had once been a com- fortable frontier heme, The cabin of the ranchero, the out- buildings, ail lad been burned, and all Was new a sceze of desolation and ruin. Two large dogs lay cead near by, and from the ashes at one end of the living cabin appeared the charred remains of a human hand and erm. The hand grasped a revolver, and the fate of a human being was known. - What others had also died in that burred cabin? Who knew? Who would tell? Was not this the work of the Black Brotherhced? About the valley, far away, and seem- ingly still pasha were herds of cat- tle, and this was al! the scene of life about the ruincd Senet Buffalo Bill’s face was set and stern. He had reached his destination, to find | the home of his friend in smoking em- bers and ashes. That friend had he seen.the night be- | fore, maddened by his sorrows, talking to the mscn, at the side of a grave wich he had been digging. $ Who had been the ones he had had } to mourn of his f amily? Was the wounded girl he had met with one of his household? Was the loving wife dead, in the ashes before him? The scene aroused sympathy, sorrow, and a feeling of intense desire for revenge in the breast of the scout, against the perpetrators of such a terrible deed. ak ae 8 TP Er al | ee Ee ns CHAPTER XVI. THE YOUNG RANCHERO’S VOW. For a long while Buffalo Bill walked about the destroyed. home, while his horse fed near, and pondered over the sad scene before him. If he had only arrived sooner, he thought, might he not have averted the tragedy? What was,to be done? , Whom could he cali upon for help, or for information, or for advice? For answer, suddenly his horse raised ‘ his head and gave a low whinny. Buffalo Bill was on the alert at once. It might be one of the cowboys from the ranch, who had escaped the de- stroyers. » It might, also, be a foe. A horse was certainly coming, *and at a gallon. but was concealed by a clump of small timber. : Soon he came into view. and not a “hundred yards rae as where the scout g Bto0d, ; E Buffalo Bill’s attitude was not hostile, but he was ready to meet friend or foe. Tho stranger’s eyes were upon the smoking ruins, and he had advanced some distance toward the scene before he discovered the scout. When he did so he drew rein, while his hand dropped upon a revolver in his belt; but Buffalo Bill called out: “Hold, pard, and take it easy, for there may be no need of revolver practice be- tween us.” The horseman still held his hand upon his revolver, but asked: “Who are you?” Buffalo Eill saw a handsome young fellow, clad in a garb half Mexican, half American, with slouch hat, embroid- ered in silver, and a striking general appearance. Fe was mounted on a splendid horse, and the saddle and bridle were Mexican and heavily adorned with silver. He wore a red sash about his waist. In it were thrust two revolvers, and with his neglige silk shirt, top boots, and mele-up he wes a very attractive- looking individual, indeed. His face, too, was one to admire, for it was fearless, and a winning smile hovered about the corners of his mouth, which was hidden by a dark moustache. In answer to the stranger’s query as to who he was, Buffalo Bill replied: “T am an army scout from the north- west, bearing dispatches, and knowing Manton Marr, came to visit him, but this is all I find. ““Can you explain, sir?” “ Ales, but too well, for it is the work of those accursed “demonds, the Black Brotherhood, the terror of this part of the country. “T was away after stray cattle, for my ranch is a score of miles from here, and the Marrs were my friends, and I only learned of this terrible affair from one of the Overlock cowboys, last night, who came wounded to my home. “th, sir, you do not know how fear- fully this blow fell upon me, for the one I loved above all others on earth lies buried in those ashes,” and the strong man’s voice quivered with emotion. “Nou refer to the daughter of Mr. Marr, I suppose, sir?” ht ¥es, to the beautiful Helen.” “Of how many persons did the family consist?” Mr. Marr, his wife, and daughter, and two negro servants, W while half a dozen cowboys lived in their cabin in the foot- hills; but it is alco burned, and only one ef the men escaped the deadly hatred of the Brotherhood. The poor fellow lies at my cabin now, wounded quite Se- riously.” “JT knew Mr. Marr, when he was a miner in the northwest, and I have had reason to regard him as my friend. I will make it my duty to investigate this frightful affair, so I will be obliged to you, for any information you can give me,” said Buffalo Bill. “J fear it will be put little, sir, more than to say that the Black Brotherhood hated Rancher Marr particularly, as he has been very persistent in hunting them down, and, though all of us in this coun- try have been sufferers at their hands, none of us have felt the weight of a cruel blow like this. and I shall avenge the deed to the bitter end—yes, I shall de- vote my life to it!” and the young man spoke with a determination of lock and manner that showed he was desperately in earnest, while he added, as he raised his hands toward Heaven, and looked upward: “Yes, here by this ruin, by the ashes of the dead girl I so loved, I vow to track the Black Brotherhood to the gallows!” “ Amen!” answered Buffalo Bill, fer- ventl¥, and then he asked: “ May I ennuire your name, sir?” “Runert Redwood, sir, and I live with mv sister. Rena, on a ranch a score of miles from here, as T said.” “And mv name is William ¥. Codv. - / make known this red deed to the com- an army scout, as in told you, and I shall mandant of the nearest fort.” ‘And little good will it do!—Oh, no, I will take it upon myself to avenge my friends—you have heard my vow.” CHAPTER XVII. A FAIR HORSEWOMAN. Jn his conversation with the young ranchero Buitfalo Bill had uttered no word of his having, as he believed, seen Helen Marr the night before, wounded and in great distress, nor of his discover- ing the father digging a grave and be- having as though his mind had been crazed by his sorrows. The scout, still cautious, wished to know just who the stranger was before he made any further advances or ad- missions; he would not betray his own knowledge of: what he had discovered until he knew for a certainty that the man was just what he represented him- self to be. So he told him that he must push on to the fort, a day’s ride from there, and. attend to the business which had brought him to Arizona. It was true that Buffalo Bill did have: dispatches for the commanding officer at Fort Verde, and a letter to him asking that the scout should receive any aid re- quested by him in the special duty he went to Arizona to perform. “You must visit me, Mr. Cody, if you remain ia our country for any time,” said Rupert Redwood, as the scout said that. he must goon his way. “T shall ‘take pleasure in giving yora . call, sir; but I suppose you will see to getting ‘the bodies from this ruin and burying them?” “Oh, yes, I will attend to the sad duty. I shall return to my ranch for my‘men, and my sister will accompany me. “Tt will be a terrible blow to her, when. she hears the appalling story I have to tell, for she was devoted to Helen and her parents.” The scout and the young rancher part- ed, Buffalo Bili asking him to tell him, the most direc, trail to Fort Verde. This Rupert Redwood did, and the: scout started on his way, but halted on a distant range, and went into camp near a spring in the foothills. He found good grazing for his horse, gathered some woed, and soon had a fire by which he cooked breakfast, and then going to a high hill, glass in hand, he began to sweep the valley far and wide. He particularly kept his. glass upom the smoke that still rose from the ruins, and, after a long view, returned to his. horse, saddled him, and started back toward the place where he had met the young ranchero, and not upon the og to Fort Verde. He rode at a canter, and approached this. smouldering ruins by the timber in the rear, making a flank movement to do so. As he reached the edge of the timber, where he could see all about him, he drew rein suddenly, for there, seated upon 2. horse, gazing at the charred remains of \the cabin, was a woman! “Tt is the wounded. girl I saw last. night! “Thank Heaven, she was not so se- riously hurt as she feared, and escaped. the Black Brotherhood, after all,” and Buffalo Bill rode out of the timber to» meet her, His approach was quickly discovered, and she turned as though to fly, but changed her mind and faced the scout, though her hand fell upon a revolver butt in a holster in her saddle. Drawing near the scout realized. his: mistake, for it was not the same horse, nor was it the wounded girl whom he had befriended. She was not unlike her; however; and her habit, or dress, was much the same. Raising his sombrero, he said, as he approached. “A sod sight, Iadv, especially as I te- lieve this was your ae ‘She turned eae ‘a pair o dark,
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Ane aT saan ate gpeeyrs PTL RRR _ Buffalo Bill i in n Arizona. glorious eyes, and a face that was beau: ! Ariat, and the fourth had his rifle jane tiful, yet strangely sad looking, and . replied in a low, sweet voice: — “It is a sad sight, indeed, sir, cially as I fear those who dwelt h in the ruins; there.” “Some, at least, do. of yours, I suppose.” espe- ore. tie They were friends She hesitated before she replied, in a! ‘strane e way: « Yes, friends; here, for surely but you are a stranger you cannot be one cf those Who did or who permitted this | cruel deed,” “No, no, indeed, I am 10 human mon- ster, such as the perpetrators of this act were. I am an army scout, miss, on my way to Fort Verde, and, knowing Mr. Manton Marr, I stopped to see him, but only to find, alas! ruin and death to greet me.” “TI beg pardon for my words, sir, a mo- ment since. Verde, tell the commandant there that it would be well for him to quit the hunt for poor redskins and send his soldiers upon the track of the band known as the Fatal Thirteen, fatal to all whom they select as their prey. “When he does this faithfully, and cannot find any clue to the lawless band, tell him there will be one to tell him a secret, but not until his every effort fails. Good morning, sir!” “Stay, one moment, miss,” “Well, sir?” “Suppose I take the trail of this ruth- less band, may I depend upon you to aid me if my own efforts fail?” She gazed fixedly into his face a mo- ; ment, and said in a decided tone: “Yes, when you have done your duty fully, and I will know, for I am awara that you are Buffalo Bill.” She was off like a flash, as she uttered the name, and, though Buffalo Bill called to her several times, she did not halt, merely waving her hand as she rode on her way in a rapid run. “Who and what is she?” muttered the scout, as he watched her until she disappeared. Then he added: “Now to take the trail of that young ranchero.” He had passed through the timber, and was following the rancher’s trail into a narrow pass, when, suddenly, several lariat coils came swirling through the air, and he and his horse were both en- snared, while a voice called out: “Sur SRagS or has Take your choice! ” i? , CHAPTER XVIII. A LIFE IN DEADLY DANGER, Buffalo Bill's severe training had ‘schooled him for every emergency. He had not expected an ambush, so was caught wholly off his guard. Before he could draw a revolver, grasp the rifle swinging at his saddle horn, he was encireled by a lasso, which pin- joned his arms to his side, while a sec- -ond noose was drawn tightly about his neck. With the same deadly coils about him, ‘a third had béen cast over the head of his horse. The animal would have bounded away in fright, but a word from his master. ‘checked him, for the latter knew but too well that his faithful horse would» be dragged to the ground. — To the words of the man, Buffalo Bill coolly responded: “mM a choice between life and death I prefer to live.” - “Who and what are you?” was asked. “TI am an army scout, bearing dis- patches to Fort Verde.” If you are going to Fort | ‘ranch came in sight—an adobe dwelling om Roe oa eat et for quick use if needed. A good reader ot human nature, Buffalo Bill decided at a glance that the men be- fore him were not of the lawless. element, and felt that he had little to fear from them, “Well, gentlemen, what is your will, for I do not care to be detained, as time with.me is precious,” he said. “Very precious, now that your neck is in the noose, and you know that you have about come to the end of your rape,” replied the leader. : The scout smiled and said: “Who do you take me for?” “The leader of the Black Brotherhood, the Fatal Thirteen, or whatever else you may call your lawless band.” Buffalo Bil laughed and replied: “ And who are you?” “The Regulators, on the hunt for all lawless men,” “T am glad to find there are some hon- orable men in this country, after the scenes of lawlessness I have lately seen here. But, come! I am Buffalo Bill, Chief of Army Scouts in the Northwest, and you must look further if you wish to catch those who burned the Marr Ranch and slaughtered its people.” “Ah! then you know that Overlook and its inmates were burned last night?” “Yes: I just left the place. All is in ashes there, and a human arm is visible to prove that some of the people perished in the flames.” “ How did you know of this?” “T knew Mr. Marr when he was a miner, and on my trail to Verde came to see him, but only to find his home in ashes.” “Can you prove this?” “By my word only.” “That is enough. We have reason to believe that you are one of the Black Brotherhood, without your disguise, re- turned for some reason to the scene of your devilish act, though I must confess you do not look like a man to do such a deed,” “ Thanks.” “We just learned at dawn that Marr's Ranch had been burned, and he and his family with it, so you must give proof that you are what you say, for we are out on the trail to avenge this foul crime against the noblest of men and his loved ones. “Tf you cannot prove what you assume tell you.” Buffalo Bill was silent, for a moment, and then said: “T think Rupert Redwood would be willing to vouch for me.’ “Do you know him?” “T never met him but once, sir.” “We will take you to his ranch, then, as soon as we have seen the ruined home.” They rode back to the scene of the midnight tragedy, held a few minutes’ conversation together, apart, and then set off at a canter, the scout in their com- pany, for the Redwood Ranch. As they went along Buffalo Bill’s keen glance took notice that the tracks of the horse ridden by the young ranchero led that way, so he hoped to find him at. home. It was late in the afternoon when the situated at the base of the mountains, It had once been an old Mexican mission, and was, therefore, as strong dwelling place. “A likely story, but one that does: not go down with us,” and a man stepped into view, his revolver: cocked and coy- ering the scout. . He was a tall, good-looking fellow, a. ‘fine type of a frontierman of the better class, ‘and as. he st ped into the canyon from a break in the rocks, he was fol-— lowed by four others, all apparently of his kind. s . ' Three ‘of them held the ends. of the: es Aerust can’t ontan th Cattle and horses were feeding upon the plains about the place, but not a soul was visible until the party of Reg- wlators dashed up, with Buffalo Bill ghee prisoner. i A loud halloo! caused the door to ‘open, | and out stepped the young ranchero. | ‘He seemed surprised at the visitation, and demanded: Rit Welk what is your wish, men? ‘You come, I suppose, to tell me, as usual, Pa yaa to be, your neck is in danger, I frankly as a fort, but made a very comfortable, hood and ask the and cowboys?” “No, Redweod, we seek no aid of you or your men; but we have a prisoner here whom we intend to hang as one of the Fatal Thirteen, unless you can prove that he is what he says he is, for, after last night’s work it is time for deeds, not talk,” responded the leader. “Ho, men up there! Cover these men with your rifles and obey my orders!” cried the young ranchero; and to the surprise of Buffalo Bill and his captors, there, suddenly arose above the battle- ment surrounding the flat roof of the hacienda, half a dozen men, armed with rifles. aid of myself CHAPTER XIX. A FRIEND IN NEED. What. the young ranchero could mean in suddenly calling upon his men to cover the regulators with their rifles and obey ‘his orders the others could not understand, nor did Buffalo Bill com- prehend his hostile act toward his cap- tors, whom he certainly regarded as honest men and law-abiding citizens, anxious to do their duty, The leadet of the regulators saw that he was fairly entrapped, and wholly at the mercy of the men upon the roof of the hacienda, but so great was hfs amaze- ment, he did not know how to act. Redwood did not keep them, long in suspense, for he called out: “You see my men, Van Soulsby, and unless you set that man free this in- stant, I will order them to fire upon you, for in making him a prisoner you com- mit an act of lawlessness.” The regulators were more than gsur- prised at this, while Buffalo Bill was astounded, for he had found a friend in’ need with a vengeance, and one who, to serve him, was daring the very regulators themselves. But he remained perfectly calm, to watch the outcome, and turned his eyes upon the young leader of the regulators, Van Soulsby. The latter at once replied, and in a somewhat reproachful tone: “Tf you vouch for the man, Redwood, that is sufficient, and there is no need of your show of hostility toward us, who you well know are anxious to do no more than our duty, though I am aware that you do not like the men, since they chose me, instead of yourself, for their captain.” “That is not it, for they had a perfect right to select whomsoever they pleased to lead them; but I am tired of this pre- tended claim that you are the protectors of the people of this country against all lawless bands, and yet do nothing, and now arrest an innocent man, an army, scout. \ “The only protection this country has had from the Black Brotherhood I have given with my men, as you know, while you have done nothing but hang about Overlook Ranch, trying to win the love of a girl whom you could not protect night—she and her family.” “Tt is false, for I have done my best, with the few men at my command, and asked” you and your cowboys to unite with me and form a company strong enough to be of some avail, but you re- fused, “and upon your hands rests. the life. of that lovely girl and the others who met-the awful fate those wretches brought upon her,” said Van Soulsby, hotly. , Ey will be. ‘no man’s follower, Van Soulsby. I am my own master, and I ef loved,” replied the young. ranchero, hy God help henf: J; too, wi and hers!” “Yes,'as you have “protected her and shall avenge the girl whom I do not deny from the fearful fate she met with last will avenge her — (ly ai from the. Black, vad nape ate
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\ 10 Buffalo Bill in Arizona. you and I to quarrel, rivals though we were. This is my home and you are wel- come, all of you. I request you all to pass the night; only first set my friend there free.” “T will do the latter at once; but, thank you, we cannot accept your invita- tion, Redwood, though I care for no quar- rel with you, and to prove it, again ask you to unite your force with mine. I will yield the leadership to you, though the men dread you from your hot-headed- ness alone, and not that they have any- thing else against you.” “Thank you; I must refuse, for I shall take my. own men and proceed on my own way to avenge Helen Marr and her people. “Will you accept my invitation, for it is well meant?” “Thank you, no.” ‘’ “ Are you supplied with provisions, and all you need for a trail?” } “Oh, yes, thank you.” “Then release my friend, for he will be my guest.” “Certainly, for it is not our desire to harm an mnocent man; but we were told by a cowboy that Overlook Ranch had been burned, with all its people in it, and he thought one of the Black Brother- hood had removed his disguise and re- mained behind for some special reason, So we very naturally suprede! this stran- ger to bé the man. “JT beg your pardon, sir,” and Van Soulsby turned to Buffalo Bill, who an- swered, pleasantly: f Granted with pleasure, and I hope we may meet again.’ With a bow, Van Soulsby wheeled his horse, hesitated a moment, and called back« “Remember, Redwood, if I can help you at any time against these outlaws you have but to call upon me.” CHAPTER XX. THE SECOND MEETING, Rupert Redwood bowed in silence at the generous offer of Van Soulsby, and saw the regulators ride away without comment. Buffalo Bill had dismounted, and was standing by his side, and turning to him, extended his hand and said in his frank way: “JT am much obliged to you, sir, for getting me out of a very serious fix, and I appreciate your act, especially as you really have no proof of who I am other than my word.” “Oh, yes; I have seen you before, and know that you are Buffalo Bill.” “Then there is’no need to show you the dispatches I bear, as proof?” “None whatever, and I am glad to have you as my guest as long as it is your pleasure to remain, but I did sup- pose you were well on your way to Fort Verde.” “T returned,’ after going a short dis- tance, to try and get more information about the burning of Overlook Ranch than I really had, feeling assured that Colonel Garrett would ask me much more regarding the terriue affair than T was able to tell him with what I then knew.” “T only wish I could give you some particulars, sir, but the truth is, | know only that the cabin and all else about it is in ashes, and poor Marr and his family are dead amid the ruins. .I shall zo, to-morrow, to bury what remains we can find in the ruins. “The fact is, Manton Marr-was sup- posed to be a very rich man, and it was generally known that he had _ buried somewhere in or about his ranch the gold he got in the mines. “Of this the- Black Brotherhood had heard, and you can, therefore, see their motive in attacking his home, though I do have the hope that his daughter was not slain with the others, but held as a nostage, or for ransom, though this is only surmise.” “But with her father dead, and his gold taken, who would save her? was much attached to her, so would pay any ransom within my power for her release.” “ Ah, yes; that might be.” “Then, too, Helen Marr was loved by all in this country, for her beauty of face and form, her winning manners, lovely character, and strangely sweet voice; so all who knew her, and every cowboy, even, would chip in his money to save her from harm.” “Tt is just what might be expected of brave fellows such as most of these men of the border are. “Now, let me admit that I like that young Van Soulsby, who wanted to hang me.” “He is a fine fellow, brave, dashing, daring, and pretty well off in cattle and horses. ° “He was my rival, and a dangerous one, too, and would give all he possesses to save Helen Marr from danger; but I did not think I was treated just right in not being made captain of the regulators, and so neither I nor my men belong to the band.” “And just who are these regulators?” “Well, Soulsby is their captain, and they number twenty-five, with him. Sev- eral are cattle owners and ranchers, the others are cowboys from the ranches, three or four being from Marr’s home, but the latter I fear met the fate of the family. “They are a band of gallant fellows, too, and are supposed to be the pro- tectors of this country, only the Black Brotherhood are too clever for them, “T have seen service, and also am the more fitted for leader, while I would have carried with me ten good men and true, my cowboys; but, it was a case of personal popularity, and Van Soulsby won, so I drew out with my men, yet have no ill will against the band—none whatever, and I really wowld do all I could to help the regulators run down the outlaws, though I do not expect they will, and so I shall take the trail with my own men. “But come! I am forgetting all hos- pitality, yet I feel that you will pardon me, as I am completely undone by this terrible affair.” With this, the young rancher called one of his men, to take Buffalo Bill’s horse, and then led the scout into his large, rambling, fort-like old home, which had once been an old mission, as Rupert explained. “The chapel is now in ruins,” he said, “vet we make ourselves comfortable and have ample room for our guests. The Mexicans and Indians say the place is haunted by evil spirits, but, as it was the home of good people, I do not see why bad ones should be here in spectre form. “They do not trouble me, however, and we are not disturbed, though I be- lieve that many tragic scenes are said to have been enacted here.” Buffalo Bill-was gazing at the interior of the old mission with interest, but was surprised at the comfortable room he was led into, and just. then saw a dady rise to greet him. The rancher introduced him: “Sister, this gentleman is an army officer, of whom you have heard—Buffalo Bill.” To the surprise, of the scout he saw before him the horsewoman ke had seen at the burned ranch! \ V4 CHAPTER XXI. THE FAIR MAID OF THE MISSION. When introduced by the young rancher to his sister, Buffalo Bill’s face lighted up with imstant recognition and pleasure, for he had thought much of the strange horsewoman he had seen at the ruined eabin, and wondered when and . where le would find her, if he needed the aid she had voluntarily-promised, if he ‘failed to find the outlaws. He had been half tempted to ask Van | ¢ ! “They know that I am well off and Soulsby who she was, but had not done so, after second thought. He preferred to let his strange meeting with the un- known girl remain a secret, at least for the present. But now, meeting her in her own home, he supposed he had the right of rec- ognition, and stepped toward her with’ courteous bow. She was not dressed in her riding habit then, but looked equally as beautiful, yet just as sad-faced, as when he had met her at the ruined cabin that morning. To his surprise, she showed no sign of recognition, whatever, but extended her hand and said: “T am pleased to weleomeymy brother’s guest—especially one who has won such fame as a borderman.” Buffalo Bill’s smile of recognition changed. He checked the words he was about to utter about their previous meet- ing, and it crossed his mind very quickly that she did not wish to be recognized, not wish that meeting known to her brother. So he merely replied in thanks for her complimentary greeting, and, a moment after, followed the rancher to the pleas- ant room he was to occupy. “Well, she does not wish her brother to know of our former meeting, that is certain, from her manner. “So be it, I can keep the secret if she wishes,it, and I will be mighty careful of what I say and do here, but keep my eyes open, all the same. “These are pleasant quarters, surely, especially for one who sleeps out of doors three hundred nights in the year. “Tt shows the care of a woman’s hands, and a beautiful and refined woman, too, yet how inexpressibly sad she looks,” and Buffalo Bill glanced about the pretty room with considerable interest and ad- miration, He soon made his toilet, such as was possible for one who lived in the saddle, and ‘went out into the large living room where he had met his fair hostess. He hoped to find her alone, and have her give him some reason for-her refusal to recognize him: In this he was successful, for she was alone in the large room, and laid down a book as he entered, at the same time rising and saying, pleasantly: “ Sit down, Mr, Cody. My brother will Hie soon return, and then we will have sup-— Buffalo Bill took a seat. and replied: “Tt is not often that I get.an opportun- ity to enjoy the hospitality of so pleasant a home, Miss Redwood. “May I ask if you are-not often very lonely here, for you surely have been reared in very different surroundings? ” “True, yet I do not complain, and were some things different from what they are I would be content.” “Tt will be a great loss to you, Miss Mar’s unfortunate fate.” and not a hint did Buffala Bill give of his belief in her being alive. He had made up hig mind that he would tell watbing, only listen and watch all deveropmenits. “T can hardly believe that she is dead, sir, it is so terrible, for, bad as we know the outlaw band to be, I can hardly think they would have purned down the cabin of Mr. Marr, knowing that his wife and daughter were in it, or with even men ¥ under its roof.’”’ “Tt was an appalling crime, and they deserve the worst punishment that can be meted out to them.” “They do, indeed; but I see no way of punishing them—in fact, feel very sure they will escape, as they always have, for no one knows who they are, where they dwell, or auythige about them,” This was certainly , different from ‘her words at the destroyed ranch, when she had said that if all other attempts to capture the Black Brotherhood failed to call upon her. Of this Buffalo Bill ey 5 ae ath and replied: f
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Buffalo Bill in Arizona. “Have you no clue as to their ident- ity?” “No, I only wish that I had, or could be instrumental in bringing them to the , gallows, for it would be a great/boon for this country. “Captain Van Soulsby of the regulat- ors, I am sure, will be desperately in earnest. now that they have carried off or killed Helen Marr, and he is a brave and clever man, while my brother will leave no stone unturned in the same good cause. “Still, I fear all will be to no purpos no purpose, unless—” She paused and the scout asked: “Unless what, Miss Redwood?” “Unless you take the trail, Mr. Cody; but, then our people are very jealous of having strangers come in and do the work they should accomplish. “But here comes my brother,” and Rupert Redwood just then art tiie room. CHAPTER XXII. THE MIDNIGHT ASSASSIN, It was a very tempting meal that Buf- falo Bi'l sat down to in the Redwcod Ranch, and he enjoyed the good edibles greatly. Over both the sister and brother a} gloom seemed to rest, which the scout naturally set down to their having lost dear friends in the Marr family. But, he was somewhat surprised, for this same reason, when the rancher asked his sister to sing. She obeyed, asking the scout what his favorite songs were, and promptly sing- ing several ballads he named, as well as some of her own selection. The rdncher left the two alone, and seemed much worried with his prepara- tions to go with his men upon the trail of the Black Brotherhood at dawn, in- tending first to go by the Marr ranch and bury the dead. Several times Buffalo Bill tried to lead the maiden to admit ‘her meeting with him that morning, but she eluded all efforts to draw from her the admission, and at last, when he bade her good-by, for he, too, intended to leave for Fort Verde at dawn, he was in a quandary as to what to believe regarding her. “Upon your return, Mr. Cody, stop with us, and if you find, as I feel sure will be ‘the case, that nothing has been done to capture the outlaws, try and make up your mind to take the trail, for that will mean their capture and punish- ment, I am certain,” she said. “Perhaps I may, Miss Redwood; but I have every faith in your brother, and also think that handsome young Soulsby will give.a good account of himself and his regulators,” was the answer. Retiring to his ropm, Buffalo Bill sat down to think, for he certainly was in a quandary. “Ts that the woman I met at’ Marr’s burned cabin or not? “Why, of course, it is, for two persons could not be so alike; and then, too, if it was not Miss Redwood, who could it be? “She did not give herself away by look or word, and I am giad that I did not, either, for these old missions have ears in the walls, they say. “Yes, it was Miss Redwood, and for some reason she wished not to refer to it, yet certainly she did say she believed that the outlaws would never be taken unless I took the trail! “Well, in oie time she will speak, no doubt, so I will wait patiently and watch events as they pass, only I am de- termined to find poor Marr and his daughter, if the wound those devils gave her did not kill her. “How strange that each time I was about to tell of seeing her and him some- thing checked the words upon my tongue! “T heeded; too, and I will keep the secret, at least until I deem oe ait ae ‘to divulge it.” So mused the scout as he sat in his room before retiring. At last he threw off his clothes and went to bed. The windows were open, and a cool breeze lulled him to sleep, for it came through the flower garden and was ladén with fragrance. How long he had been asleep Buffalo Bill did not know, but he awakened sud- denly, yet did not move. His long experience on the plains told him that he had awakened from a sense of impending danger! But what danger could come to him in that secure house? He did not move; he simply lay with eyes wide open, looking toward the win- dows. He had taken his belt of arms to bed with him; that was his unfailing custom; and one hand was resting upon the butt of one of his revolvers. As he continued to gaze toward the window he suddenly saw a form arise from the floor—the form of a man! Buffalo Bill saw the intruder by the dim light, for it was moonlight without, and the man’s entrance through the window it was which had awakened him. The man was crouching, and one arm was outstretched, and in the hand was } something very like a long knife. Noiseless as a cat, nearer and nearer crept the person toward the bed, and, in a moment, bent over the scout. The hand was raised and there was no doubt now but that it held a knife. Another moment and a death-blow would come, CHAPTER XXIII. _ TO WIPE OUT A STAIN. When the knife was poised above him, and the assassin had discerned the spot where to strike, it seemed as though nothing could prevent the deadly act. Still Buffalo Bill did not move! He even breathed naturally, as one in a deep sleep, yet it was too dark to see that his eyes were watching every sos esr of the assassin. Then there was a startle! As the knife stroke was made, up shot the seeming sleeper’s hand; a..clash of steel; the descending blade was caught in the guard of the revolver; a wrench of an iron wrist snapped the plade in twain; the scout’s left hand closed upon the throat of the midnight assailant, and dragged ‘him down upon the bed, where . he was held in a grasp he could not shake off. It took the scout just two minutes to bind his prisoner, who, wiry and strong as he was, could do nothing against such giant strength. The sash of the prisoner served to bind him, and striking a light, Buffalo Bill turned it upon the man. The latter turned his face away and did all he could, bound as he was, to con- ceal himself, but in vain. The scout recognized the wretch, for he said: “Ah! it is you, Pedro Garcia, my old- time enemy when you were scouting in the northwest! “TJ thought you were dead, but I find you very much alive. I recall that you left the fort with the murder of a soldier against you, and I shall deliver you over to Colonel Garrett at Fort Verde, with a list of your crimes that will hang you. “As our little fracas does not seem to have disturbed the house, I shall not. do so now, but let you_rest until dawn, for we have some hours to sleep yet.” With this the fscout more securely bound his prisoner, after which he again | lay down to sleep, leaving the man upon the floor, groaning in agony of spirit. Just at dawn he was awakened for an. early start, and’ when he entered the | breakfast room, to his surprise he found | Rena Redwood up and with her brother. As he entered he had his hand upon | aoe shoulder. of his prisoner, and in the other grasped the broken ‘hilt and blade of the knife. At sight of the two, both Rupert Red- wood and his sister started with amaze- ment, the former crying, out: “My God, Mr. Cody, what does this mean?” “Simply, Mr. Redwood, that thiS man crept into my room at midnight through the open windows that, look upon the garden, and, believing was asleep sought to knife me. : “T have the ‘happy faculty of waking up when danger threatens, so I watched him until he sought to strike the blow, and then shattered his knife with my, revolver, as you see,” “Tmpossible! That is one of my best men, Mr. Cody.” » “That may be, sir, but he serves an- other master as well, the Devil, as I hap- pen to know.” “No, no!” “Yes, I recognize him as a scout in the northwest, and I know of half a dozen crimes he can be hanged for. “This is not his first attempt upon my life, for he is an old enemy of mine. “T am sorry you have been so im- posed upon as to harbor such a wretch in your home.” “But, why did you not give an alarm, sir?” Rena asked. “There was no need to disturb the household, Miss Redwood, when I could manage him very comfortably, so I bound him and went to sleep again.” “You are a strange man, Mr. Cody,” and turning to her brother, who jas pac- ing the floor with angry face and flashing eyes, she continued: “ Brother, what are we to do about this act toward our guest?” Before he could reply Buffalo Bill said: “Don’t worry about it, Miss Redwood, for I shall take him to Fort Verde with me, and my testimony will ‘hang him.” Instantly Rupert Redwood wheeled upon the man, and, whipping out a re- volver, leveled it at him, as he cried: a No, I will wipe out this stain upon our hospitality, Rena. 4 rh Bs i you shall die by my hand!” CHAPTER XXIV. SAVED BY HIS FOR. Tho white, angry face of Rupert Red- wood, as he paced the floor while Buf- falo Bill told his sister and himself the story of Pedro Garcia’s midnight attempt to assassinate him, revealed how deeply he was moved by the act of one of his own people. Pedro Garcia was his Chief of Cow- boys, his right-hand man, and had ever borne a most excellent reputation with all who knew him in that part of the country. ’ Elsewhere it had been different, as the scout could prove. Ever hot-headed and impulsive, reck- less in his actions, guided by impulse, Rupert Redwood did not think or take cognizance of the result of his act toward the Cowboy Chief. | He simply intended to shoot him dead before Buffalo Bill, and thus wipe out — the stain put upon his hospitable home by so murderous an act as Pedito Garcia had attempted. He would take all the consequences. of his summary punishment of the man. Another second and a bullet would have torn through the brain of the in~ tended murderer of the scout. The Mexican cowboy shrank back with shield himself with his bound hands, at the same time shouting out some Span- ish words and prayers commingled. But. there was no mercy in the face of Rupert Redwood. . Brother! agcent of terror. > But still, in the few seconds that were | passing in this dread ordeal, Rupert a yell, anticipating the act, and tried to ~ Rupert!” cried Rena, int Redwood had. strode toward the pris- _ Witiaa ae akin: nee been drawn ria Peete
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12 ———— Buffalo Bill in Arizona. his belt, was leveled, and the aim was upon the man’s head, the finger upon the trigger. But Buffalo Bill was accustomed to just such scenes. The terror of the Mexican, mad rage of the rancher, and alarm of Rena did not disturb him in the least. _ He knew that a murder must not be committed to avenge an attempt at one. He realized the young rancher’s posi- ais tion, ‘his feelings, and that he was in | deadly earnest. But he must not permit a crime to avenge a crime. In an instant he sprang forward, and his good right hand struck up the leveled | Tevolver, Just as he did so Rupert Redwood : pulled trigger. K The sharp report followed, a vase of } flowers was shattered to atoms by the bullet, and. the two servants in the break- fast room dashed out of the door for their lives. “Mr. Redwood, you are mad! “Would you commit a murder, sir?” sternly said the scout. ip “Yes, Rupert, would you do an act . so heinous, when this man is Mr. Cody’s ; prisoner?” cried Rena. a The words of both recalled the young lx rancher to himself. 8) Instantly he calmed down and said: ie “Yes, I was mad, ah “T am myself now, and the man is pe your prisonér, Mr. Cody, to carry to a; Fort Verde for punishment. y} “T will see that he is safely guarded 3 while we have breakfast.” $e With this he led the Cowboy Chief, | white and trembling at his narrow es- 4 _ eape, out into the plaza of the hacienda \ and sent one of the terrified servants ss after several of his men. * Then, in low, earnest words in Span- ish, the man addressed the rancher, wit seemingly pleading for his mercy. 1 _ But soon the cowboys came, and with ry but a word in answer to his pleadings, ri Rupert Redwood turned the prisoner ce over to them, with the remark that if # jhe escaped he would be merciless toward rss the one who allowed it. a Returning to the breakfast room, the Hs young rancher again expressed his deep ; regret at the occurrence in his home, i, Buffalo Bill remarking: '-- .. “As I told Miss Redwood, sir, I tell ney you, not to think of it Siete for it is. ' What one who leads the life I do must -—- gonstantly expect.’ : ““T shall take the man to Fort Verde, J and a trial there will hang him for his Fa. ' many crimes.” With this the conversation turned upon other subjects, and the breakfast pass¢d without further mention of the subject. “We go different trails, Mr. Cody, so I have ordered Garcia’s horse saddled : for him, so you can take him to the fort, | and I will put you in the right way.” pe Again farewells were said, and with his prisoner, bound in his saddle and riding. by his side, Buffalo Bill started for Fort Verde, while the rancher and ' ‘his cowboys went on the trail to the - ruined home of Manton Marr, : Vy 4 a { : CHAPTER XXvV, ; ON THE TRAIL * / Pedro Garcia, in spite of his faithful Bite services to Rupert Redwood, had a face that was against him. . He was a Mexican, and spoke English about | him that so many of the lower class” of his race possess. / @ was very indifferent | in “manner, ¥ e hidden, ‘ uy Buffalo Bill. had secured. him to his sai- ale, chad ‘seen that he could a escape t was not anxious to cause him suffer m the ride, so ‘had, left his ' fluently, but there was the sinister look after his first fright was over, and eyed the scout with a ‘scowl of hatred not to | As the scout had nothing to say to his prisoner, he rode along in silence, but Pedro Garcia was anxious to talk, and after several miles had been gone over he said: “T suppose you intend to hang me, Buffalo Bill.” “Oh, no, I’ll leave that for the proper persons to do, when you have been tried.” “Ts not a bag of gold better use to you, senor, than the pleasure of seing me hanged? see ‘No, for I do not accept bribes to do a wrong, and if I did I would simply have to hunt you down later. “You had the chance to choose be- tween right and wrong, so you have to take the consequences.” “T’ve been a good man since I saw you in the northwest.” “There was no temptation in your way, for just as soon as I came you de- cided to be ayenged on me, caring noth- ing for the trouble you would have got- ten your kind employer. “No, Pedro, you are through.” “T feel kindly toward you now, for you did not let Senor Redwood kill me.” “T simply did not wish a tragedy in the presence of a lady, and also have him cheat the gallows.” “He meant to kill me.” “Of that there is no doubt, for he is rash, impetuous, and acted without con- sideration, “T am glad, for his sake, that I pre- vented him from killing you. ” “Then we can’t trade?” “What do you mean?” “Cant come to terms for my ; life? iit “No, indeed.” & All right, if I don’t hang, remember it is war to the knife between us, Buf- falo Bill.” “ All right, I accept the consequences, for it was that before.” “Then, don’t you forget it, when it comes my time to be master.” “You talk big for a man with a rope about his neck. “Why, Pedro, my testimony of half a dozen crimes you have been guilty of will hang you.” “ Perhaps,” was the laconie remark. Buffalo Bill made no reply, but saw ahead a narrow pass through a ridge. “Tt will be miles out of my way, Pe- dro, but I don’t like that place a little bit, so shall flank it. “What fer?” almost gasped the man, and Buffalo Bill saw that his face had turned deadly pale, while he had sud- denly become very nervous. “Well, it is too good a place for an ambush, and some of your cowboy pards may have taken a notion to head us off and rescue you.” “Nothing of the kind. “Tt’s only because you are scared. bad clean “Why, it will be twenty miles further to flank that pass.” “T do not believe it, from the lay of the land, and think I can do it in two or three miles.” _ “ At any rate, it is better to ride twen- ty miles further than to be shot. “Well, I didn’t think you was so easi- ly seared, Buffalo Bill.” — “T confess that I am, for ui don’t go. ‘through that pass.” - ‘The prisoner» urged, ridiculed, and tried hard to make his captor go through | the pass, but. in vain. Brave as he was, the scout was cau- tious, and he had a suspicion ‘that some of the Mexican’s comrades might attempt to rescue hi acienda. If they. did, the scout mace that the pass ahead was the very p his hands im. ’ He had seen them talking to him ear- | nestly at the ace for them right, the words and look of the Mex- ican were sufficient. As he turned from the direct trail Pedro Garcia became moody and silent. He evidently saw a chance of rescue fade from him, and the gallows loom up before his eyes again. Buffalo Bill did flank the pass in a ride of several miles, and then he regained the trail further on, and descended a cut leading down into the bed of a swiftly flowing stream. Giving the horses their rein to drink, he was patiently awaiting for them to take their fill, when suddenly above him, before and.behind him, peering over the banks were half a score or rifles, and a voice said: “Don’t throw your life away, Buffalo Bill, for we’ve got you dead certain.” CHAPTER XXVI. FORCED TO TERMS. At the words of the one who addressed Buffalo Bill from the bank looking down into the stream where his own and the prisoner’s horse were drinking, the scout glanced quickly about him, while Pedro Garcia gave a wild shout of joy. Buffalo Bill took in at a glance that the spot was an excellent one for an am- bush, The stream just there ran through a very thick growth of small cedars, that would readily conceal a number of men, if not their horses, The men had doubtless reached the spot ahead of the scout, in time to hide themselves on both sides of the stream. The banks on each side rose some twenty feet above the water, and were about sixty feet apart. Buffalo Bill saw that there were rifles covering him before and behind him. . To attempt to make a dash to escape would be certain death. ! Who his ambushers were he ,;had no doubt about, as over’ each rifle were the masked head and shoulders of the Black Brotherhood. But Buffalo Bill’s nerve did not desert. him for an instant, and he said, quietly: “Tobey, for I have no desire to throw my life away; but I warn you that you are holding up a Government officer in the discharge of his duty.” : “We are well aware of that fact, but we also know that your duty conflicts with ours,” said the voice. “In what respect?” “We tried to ambush you some miles back at the pass, but you flanked us, and gave us u very hard ride to get ahead of you at this point.” “Well, now you are here, and have me under cover, what is your wish?” “To secure that man you hold as a prisoner.” “And intend to,have hanged as soon me so. “Don’t powwow with him, pards, but some of you,”, cried Pedro Garcia ero edly. ; “ Silence, pit.) “Be satisfied with. ‘our ‘reéenie’ of you and make no suggestions,” sternly said the leader. not know what sack man can do as I know it.” “JT know all, aad will have no inter- ference.” ‘“ As T take it, you are ine gang of mur- dering outlaws known as the Black Brotherhood? ” said Buffalo” Bit ses “We are. eh at the Redwood Ranch.” en “We do not say that he is.” Ae ih Hy See WY? rescue him, then?” Nae “We rescue any one as he reaches Fort Verde, for he told riddle him with bullets, or he’ll yet hang “Pardon, senor captain, but you do. | “Then this man Garcia’ is one of your — ‘i | number, yet has been a trusted conan °
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_prisoner escaped from you, and you can Buffalo Bill in Arizona. “A silent tongue sometimes may save your life.” 7) take all chances. “ But come, what do you wish?” “Your prisoner.” “Suppose I refuse to give him up?” ““We will riddle you. with bullets.” ““T do not believe you,” “Why not?” “You would have fired on me at first, if you had intended to. kill me.” ““We do not wish to kill you.” “Strange that, when you love to kill women and children;” “T lave had enough of that talk, so if you value your life keep a civil tongue in your head.” “T have been threatened before, and though I do not doubt but that you would be glad to kill me as Buffalo Bill, as a Government officer you dare not, for the Black Brotherhood would be very quick- ly wiped off the face of the earth.” “We wil: not discuss that, and I don’t believe the soldiers would be sent to avenge you.” “T have about a hundred scouts under my command who would go on the trail for scalps, did you kill me; but don’t let that deter you, for my life would be cheap, indeed, if it resulted in the hang- ing of your gang of cut-throats,” * Will you listen to what I have to ‘say?”? impatiently asked the leader. “T am compelled to do so.’ “T will spare your life, ru though our bitter foe, and we have comrades to avenge, we admire you for what you are.” “Thanks, awfully; but what is your little game?” “Don’t report having seen us when you reach Verde, and merely say that your go on your way, in safety.”) “T refuse.” | “What?” “To lie for you. “T shall report your rescue of my pris- oner, where it was, and that you were ten in number.” “Your refusal will cost you your life.” “JT don’t believe it—fire away!” -« It was a bold bluff for Buffalo Bill to \make, but it had its effect, for after a moment the leader said: “Remain where you are, Buffalo Bill, until I give you further orders; but re- lease the rein of Garcia’s horse, and allow him to come to us.” Without a word Buffalé Bill obeyed, CHAPTER XXVII. THE TWO SHOTS. The bold bluff of Buffalo Bill had won, though he had taken desperate chances. The outlaws did not fire upon him. He had defied them and they had backed down, as he had expected they would. ‘Then, too, the stand they had taken had forced the scout to terms. It went sadly against him to have to give up his prisoner, but he was no fool, and knew that if he resisted, or forced them to do so, he would be killed. “ Hello, there!” he called out, as the prisoner rode out of the stream to go up the narrow cut to the bank ahead. “ Well!” said the leader, peering over the bank. “TJ should like to know why you do not kill me?” “Tt is my pleasure not to do so.” “Scared, eh?” “No, put I wished to rescue ese Garcia, and am glad to have done so | without taking your life.” l 4 TI see, 2S a 4 “When I give the word you can go on your way.” _ | “When will that he?” “After a consultation with my men upon a certain matter.” “ All right, give the word | soon, for I = getting impatient to go on, to pie | ort.” ~“You refuse to say that your ae ee a0.” wettest yy aid?” RE rie. | “You may regret it.” “TH take ajl chances.” “See that you do,” “T say, before you Skip off, for that’s what you are preparing to do, tell me what you did with that unfortunate girl last night, who fell into your hands after you had wounded her?” “To whom do you refer? ” “Miss Helen Marr,” “No such thing occurred.” “IT know better, for'Miss Marr is dead.” “You killed her, then.” “Tt is not so, for she was burned With eaci member of her family, and the ranch cowboys, as her father refused to surrender, set some powder afire, and all perished. “Yes, that was his work, not ours,” “T have my own ideas as to that, and when you are brought to book, those who try you will think as I do.” A savage imprecation was the answer, and when Buffalo Bill called out again he received for answer: “Tf you leave that stream before you are given permission, you bullet through your heart! “T have warned you, so beware.” Buffalo Bill’s reply to this received no answer. He called out several times, but no reply was returned, and at last he said to himself: “They have gone, “T think I'll take chances and go, too. “They slipped off to where they had left their horses, and are making tracks, anxious to get all the time they can. “But why they did not kill me is the question, for certainly they know I sent their comrades on their last trail two nights ago. “And this story about the Marr girl, and her father burning his own cabin, I do not believe a word of. “Well, I'll take chances and go.” As Buffalo Bill gathered up his reins to leave the stream his eye suddenly fell upon the bank above him. What ne saw caused him to quicky whip out a revolver. There, close to the bank and peering over he saw the evil face of Pedro Garcia. The man’s malignant look he recog- nized in a flash. And more, he saw him leveling a rifle upon him, It came to Buffalo Bill like an inspira- tion that the others had come on foot to the stream, from some distance away, where their horses had been left. That Pedro Garcia having his horse, had been freed from his bonds and left there until his rescuers could get a good start, remaining simply to make Buffalo Bill ‘believe that they were all there, should he attempt to ride on his way. Left by himself, to follow his com- rades on his horse, as soon as the others got a good start, he could not resist the temptation to kill the scout before leav- ing, rob him, and make what explanation he could to. his captain, should his shot have been heard. Such was Buffalo Bill’s quick surmise of the situation, and his revolver was out and leveled just in'the nick of time. The rifle and revolver cracked almost together. But Pedro Garcia, seein terition was discovered, and knowing the scout’s deadly aim, had been hurried and rattled, and did not fire true, for his bul- let cut. through the brim of Buffalo Bill’s | sombrero. On the other hand, Buffalo Bill did fire true, and his bullet entered the brain of his foe. Instantly the scout spurred out of the stream, up through the cut, and there saw the horse of the freien? hitched back from the bank, . And there, upon the very edge of the. bank, where he had fallen,’ was Pedro Garcia, dead. ‘CHAPTER XXVIIL.~ THE TWOFOLD SURPRISR, Buffalo Bill ane not hesitate pone: a8 will get a! that his in-. ee Oa Ce a ees DLT ee SS ee No other of the outlaw band was near, apparently, and his surmise was doubt- less right, that Garcia, being mounted, was left to force him to remain in the stream until the Black Brotherhood had gained a long start and covered up their tracks. He had had his prisoner rescued from him, but now he had gotten him back again, though dead. He would go on to Fort Verde with all haste, and carry the dead body with him. “Left alone, he could not resist the temptation to seek revenge by killing me, and a very close call it was that he gave me. “But my usual luck held true, and though I do not carry him alive to Fort Verde, I take his dead body. “Tt is a pity, though, he did not live to be justly punished for him crimes. “Now to strap the body to the saddle and go on my way.” With this Buffalo Bill led up the horse of the dead outlaw and took the lariat from the saddle. Before wrapping the form ina blanket, preparatory to strapping it across the saddle, the scout made a hasty search to see if there was anything of impor- tance to be found. He found a belt with several hundred. dollars in gold, some papers which he hastily glauced at, and a crumpled letter. The latter he read, and it seemed to make a deep impression upon him. He reread it, and his face was dark and threatening at its contents. “Well,’I was lucky, that is all, and forewarned is being forearmed. “T shall keep this for my secret.” With this he put the papers in his saddle pocket, along with the belt of gold, strapped thé weapons to the horn, and then secured the body firmly across the saddle. Mounting his own horse then, he led the other animal by the stake rope, and continued on his trail. He had not gone far before he saw something in the trail that cdused him to halt. “Well, they came and pees this © way on foot. “ Ah! they turned off here. } - “J shall see to this.” He followed the foot tracks of the out~ laws for a mile, and came to a bluff. He saw that it had been both scaled and descended by the Black Brotherhood, and his experienced eye told him that horses had been staked out upon the plain ‘below. ; “T see, this is a plateau they could not reach by riding, without going a long distance around, so they came here and ascending the bluff on foot, cut across to thé trail where it crossed the stream. “They did not wish me to leave the bed of the stream before they got back to their horses. “ But they have mounted and gone, so evidently did not hear Garcia’ s shot and mine. “T at least know where to pick up their first.” On the scout dane) back to the trail, and after going several miles he came to | a canyon through which the trail led down from the plateau to the valley. 4 Down this he continued, and just as _ he rode ont: into the valley he heard a loud shout. Instantly he looked up the valley, and erhood, He realized the situation at a glance. valley than he did across: the pleateau, they had reached the same spot alpioat ) together. | : _ Buffalo Bill felt sure that the outlaws. dias not intend to turn into the trail lead- ontinue on down ‘the valley to some: ne if helt retre 4 trail in that valley, bids coming here tilere beheld the band of the Black Broth= They had regained their horses, but having much further to ride down the ing to Fort Verde, but to cross it and ~
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ne Sop ee a eT ee ee eee eral forged ahead. Buffalo Bill in Arizona. One of their number had just seen him and given the shout of alarm. At the same time Buffalo Bill had seen them. They were thirteen in number, his eyes saw at a glance, and that it would be a running fight he quickly realized. In an instant he had led the outlaw’s horse up alongside his own animal and fastened him by short rein. The outlaws had headed him off at their trail crossing, but they saw that he was not alone. The horse he led, and that blanket- wrapped form across the saddle, told them that Pedro Garcia had come to a sudden end, and with his boots on. It was another case for revenge, and now there must be no mercy shown the scout. Almost as one man they threw their i to their shoulders and fired upon m. CHAPTER XXIX, UNERRING AIM, The situation, for and against him, with the band of the Black Brotherhood, Buffalo Bill took in at a single glance. In the first place, he saw that they were at long rifle range from him, with their weapons, which did not have the matchless carrying power of his splendid repeater. They were coming toward him, but he could stick to the trail and escape them, unless Some well-aimed shot should strike him or his horse. Once he got them behind him, in a chase he knew his horse could rapidly distance them, and the dead Mexican’s horse was a rapid runner, and looked enduring, too. The first act of the scout was to bring the outlaw’s horse upon his right side, for the Black Brotherhood were in that direction. This done, Buffalo Bill brought his rifle around for use, bent low upon his horse’s neck, and spurred forward along the trail. ’ This was when the outlaws had fired npon him. They had seen that their comrade was dead, that the scout was carrying it to the fort. : They hoped to be able to retake it, and to kill or capture the scout. This was the general wish, and thus 4t was that involuntarily and without orders, their rifles had risen and a dozen ot them had pulled trigger. Their leader had halted his men and was looking at the scout through his glass. Hence he did not see what his men were doing until the crash of a dozen rifles came. Even Buffalo Bill heard his cry: “My God! what have you done? “How dare you fire without my urders? ” One of the men vouchsafed the-reply: “He started to run, sir, and—” “Ts running now. “Catch him, but the man who fires I will kill! “Let your horses do the work!” The band drove their rowels deep, and the whole band, the Fatal Thirteen, who had so readily recuperated their num- ber, were at once in rapid pursuit. Buffalo Bill had heard a bullet fly close over his head, another had sunk, with a dull thud, into the body of the dead out- law; a third had flattened itself against _the scout’s saddle-horn, and others d knocked up the dust here and there. But not a bullet had done any harm. Still, the fire of the outlaws’ rifles had shown Buffalo Bill that they were some nearer to him than he had supposed. ' He must not remain within that range, that was certain, so he urged his horse * on and the animal by his side was put - to its full speed, ; - As the outlaws’ horses got stretched out in full chase, Buffalo Bill realized _ that they were good ones, : _ All came along like the wind, but sev- | , / d vk iz “na His own horse could do much better he knew, was at little more than half speed. But the horse of the dead Mexican was doing his level best. He did not wish to give up the dead body, and yet he saw that several of the pursuers were gaining upon him. “T do not wish to kill those fellows, unless driven to it, for they certainly spared me, so I will give them a hint to give up the chase,’ muttered the scout. With this he halted suddenly, half wheeled in his saddle, up went his rifle, and with the report the leading outlaw’s horse went down, throwing his rider heavily. On then sped Buffalo Bill, but the shot had not checked the pursuit. The outlaws believed that the shot had been aimed at a man and hit his horse. They did not believe the scout could do it again. There was now one leading horse, and four others bunched together, and all five were gaining upon the scout, retard- ed as he was by the animal carrying the dead man. Again Buffalo Bill halted, wheeled in his saddle, and up went his rifle. At the shot. the leading horse went down. But the scout did not immediately dash |, on again. He had halted to give a more decided lesson. He would show the outlaws that his aim was sure, that his first shot had not been an accident, that he was not aim- ing at the riders, for some reason, but at their horses to check pursuit. So once more flashed the rifle at the four horses grouped together, and then again and again. ; There was a loud command to halt. It was obeyed most promptly, for no less than five of the pursuing horses had been picked off by the unerring marks- man, and as many of the riders had been dismounted by heavy falls. y, CHAPTER XXX. THE SECOND MEETING. It did not? take long for the flying horseman to see that his unerring aim had taught the pursuing Black Brother- hood the lesson he had intended. They halted, and he drew his horses down to a slow pace. Turning in his saddle, he saw that they were much excited, and seemingly in a hurry. He knew that the pursuit had been given up. The dead horses were stripped of their saddles and bridles, and the five dis- mounted men mounted up behind com- ‘rades. The saddles were packed upon one horse, his rider riding -behind another of the band. ‘ Then the whole party turned back up the valley for some reason, as though to retrace their steps from whence they had come. Buffalo Bill did not understand this last move, unless as he muttered: “They ‘wish to throw me off their track, and then, when I am no longer in view, turn and go down the valley, where they must haye a retreat.” Continuing on, Buffalo Bill reached the mountain range and halted by a brook ‘for water and rest. It was noon, and he decided to have his dinner, while giving his horses a rest and allowing them to feed, for grass was plentiful there. 2 After a frugal dinner he lighted jis pipe for a smoke, and was lost in deep reverie when he was startled far more than he cared to admit by the words, close by him: ' “We meet again, Senor Scout.” The pipe dropped from between his lips, his hands fell upon his revolvers, and in a second of time Buffalo Bill was ‘Placed and he a facing the speaker and ready for trouble. nswered: But instantly his weapons were re- | Ae ep Le av Raine Gaia = “Tt is a surprise, but a pleasure to meet you again, miss.” “T am glad to see that you are now on your way to Verde.” “Yes, I will arrive at the fort before night; but may I ask why it was that you refused to recognize.me when in your brother’s house last night, or had you a wish to keep our meeting at the ruined ranch of Manton Marr a secret?” “T had my reasons—we will not speak of that, sir.” She spoke with evident feeling from some reason, and said before the scout could reply: “What I do is wholly independent of Rupert Redwood. “T act for myself alone.” “You know best, Miss Redwood.” “Yes, I do, as some day will prove. “But you have a dead form wrapped in that blanket, without doubt,” and she pointed to the outlaw’s body lying near. “Yes, it is your brother’s Chief of Cowboys on his ranch, the man whom you know attempted my life last night.” “ Ah! Pedro Garcia.” ae Yes.” : “You killed him, then?” “T did, when the Black Brotherhood held me up and left him to guard me, for again he attempted to kill me.” “You have met the Black Brotherhood, then?” “T have.” “ And live to tell the tale?” “Though strange,-it is true.” “Very strange. “ But you will do all in your power to hunt these outlaws down?” “Tt is my intention to do so.” “You will find it no easy, task; in fact, I believe it is impossible for even Buffalo Bill to accomplish ‘such a hurcu- lean work; but when you are assured that you have done your best and need aid, come to me.” “You can help me?” “T can.” “Why not do so now?” “That is impossible, for I. must bide my time.” “J will find you at your brother’s ranch?” “ No, no, oh, no! don’t go there for me.” “Certainly not, if you so wish it.” SUE do, -T doz “That you have seen me must re- main a secret. “Did you speak of doing so to any one?” “Not to a soul. i “T have told nothing, have kept every- thing I may think or see to myself.” “You are, wise. “Tt is the best way to conquer success.” “You have headed me off here for some reason, and have ridden hard to do so. “Can I aid you in any way, or do you wish to tell me anything you dared not at your home?” “T met you here to tell you not to let the Black Brotherhood escape you, to avenge your friend, Manton Marr, and his family. p “Hunt the Black Brotherhood by day and by night, and show them no mercy, save one. “That one is the chief, and I wish him taken alive.” “JT understand, and there is one other has the same wish regarding him,” and Buffalo Bill was thinking of the wound- ed girl who had made a like request re- garding the leader of the Fatal Thirteen. “Who is that other one?” quickly asked the woman. “Myself,” was the evasive reply of the scout. CHAPTER XXXI. A REQUEST GRANTED. In naming himself as the other one ‘who wished to see the chief of the Black Brotherhood taken alive, Buffalo Bill had not expressed his real thought. i It was the wounded girl who had made — the same request of him, that the one a Lar OyTe eee a
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= a, ae ac A 15 before him now did; but as he had kept secret the fact that he had seen Helen Marr, and knew that she, as well as her father, had escaped alive from their burned home, he had made up his mind to still nét speak of this fact, but keep it to himself, for the present at least, He believed that he could trust the rancher’s sister, yet if there were any secrets to tell, and her secret meeting with him implied that there were, he was determined that she should make the first advance toward- a confession of what she knew. That she wished to keep her knowledge of certain things a secret from her broth- er her actions thus far had shown. So it was that he implied that he wished to capture this outlaw chief alive. “Have you any idea of who the man is?” the girl asked him. “None whatever. ““Have you, Miss Redwood? ” “ Prankly, yes.” “May I ask is it a secret?” “ee Yes.” 7 “You know him, then?” “ Perfectly well.” “But wish it not known.” / *Veaz: “Until a certain time, I judge from your words.” “Yes.” “Until I and others fail to hunt him down?” “In part, yes.” ; “There are other reasons?” | “« Well, yes.” “You expect others to do what you wish done, yet do not care to have a aand in?” , “You read well.” “But if others fail, then you will act from a sense of duty?” “That is just it.” “Yet not now?” “Not until a certain time.” “You wish to gain certain time?” “T wish to see just, what time will re- veal.” “ae Ah! ” “Tf you, for instance, run down these outlaws, or others even, without aid from me, I am the more satisfied.” “But if not?” “Then duty demands that when I can bring them to justice I must.” “Yet you desire that the act rest upon other heads than yours?” “ Bxactly.” “T believe I can understand your posi- tion,” said the scout, thoughtfully. “T am Very sure that you do not, for {I have proof that you do not. “But, then, you are a most excellent reader of human nature, I observe, and a ‘good guesser, and you will do much to rid this country of the Black Brother- hood, and I sincerely hope that you will.” “But when all my acts fail, you tell me to come to you?” “Yes, only then.” “ And you will help me?” «eT wil “You will grant my request that you put me upon the right trail to run down the Black Brotherhood?” “T will.” “ou pledge your word to do this?” pee ¥ “ Just when will you do this?” “ When you fail.” “Tt may be soon.” “Tt will not be cmt) you have done your whole duty, for I know your char-- acter, Buffalo Bill.” ““That I promise you.” “ Good! »”» “But when and where shall I find yout: 4 She was silent for a moment, and then “said: “T may see you, in fact will do so often perhaps, between now and the time you come to tell me you give up the fight; but let me tell you now whenever | or wherever we meet, under no circum- ‘stances must you speak to me of our former meetings and conversations, un- til I first allude to them.” ee scenes, “Miss Redwood,” et “T must be the first to refer to the subject.” “You shall.” “Then you will know that we can talk freely of the secret between us.” “Then your brother even must not know a word of our meeting, save in your home? ” Again she hesitated, and then replied: “Tt is “better that he should not, at least until I decide to tell him.” “Tt shall be as you wish, I promise you.” “And Buffalo Bill never breaks his word?” “Not with intent to do so.” “Very well, but when the time comes for you to say that you give up the fight between you and the Black Brother- hood, come here, alone, and, do you see that large’ stone?” “ee Yes,” “Place under it a note, telling me of the fact, and making an appointment, at least four days after, for fear of acci- dents, when you will be here, and I will come to meet you. “Good-by,” and with a wave of the hand the girl rode away, leaving Buffalo Bill alone in his little camp. CHAPTER XXXII. A COMPACT BETWEEN THEM. ‘ Buffalo Bill silently watched the young girl until she was just disappearing from sight. His thoughts were busy, and evidently he was evolving something in his mind, for suddenly he said: “T will tell her, for she must not act in the dark.” With this he gave a loud halloo. The girl at once turned her horse and rode back toward him, he advancing to meet her. “T wished to tellyyou something, Miss Redwood, for I feel that I can place per- fect confidence in you.” “T wish you to so feel, Mr. Cody.” “To prove that I do I will tell you a secret.” “Tam a woman who can keep a secret, as you will find out when you know me better.” *T do not wish you to act in the dark, nor do I wish to do so.” “Tt is better not to do so.” “T will tell you, then, frankly, that I was ordered to Arizona to hunt down the Black Brotherhood.” “That is unfortunate for you, as it will be a huvculean task, as I have told you, one.” “True, and the supply of Thirteen ap- pears to be inexhaustible.” “ How is that?” “To my certain knowledge I have killed. four of the Thirteen, counting Pedro Garcia as having been one of them, and I know that he was.’ , “You have killed four?” “Yes, for I met them the night ‘be- fore I met you at the ruined cabin, and they pursued me, with a result that three were shot.” '“ But not killed?” “When I send a bullet on a death mis- sion, Miss Redwood, I know just where it is going, and each man I shot at that niet is, or should be, in his grave to- ay.” “Then the Fatal Thirteen are but nine now?” “You are mistaken,” “Byven less?” “No, still thirteen.” “How do you make that out?” “The supply equals the demand, as I said, for the band that attacked me to- day numbered Thirteen, and that did not count Pedro Garcia.” ss “ Strange.” heard, even in the northwest, Miss the band were supposed to be killed, the number was never lessened, but kept up to its limit.” “T, too, have heard this, put then sup- | posed it was a mistake, that those who she had taken notice of it, May waite is, Gn ate ‘ i ‘Ci ea and you will have a Fatal Thirteen to’ claimed to have killed members of the band only thought that they had done so.” “No, they have a reserve always on hand to supply the deficiency.” “Tt seems so, and after what you tell me I know that it must be so.” “Tt is so.” “You were saying that you came here to hunt them down?” “Yes, I am under orders to do so, and I wished to confess as much to you, that you might know I am on this trail to stay to see the end.” ‘*T am glad to know this, for I feared your duties would call you back to the northwest before you could accomplish the purpose I have in view and desire you to do, for no one else should have the praise of this great work, for great work it is.” “Then you may, feel that you can trust me, and that I shall play this dead~ ly game without limit. “To-day I could have emptied half a dozen saddles, but they allowed me to go when I gave up Garcia to them, and I returned the compliment, merely giving them a hint that I spared them by drop- ping their poor horses, which I disliked to do, though it stopped their pursuit of me.” “You were far more merciful they were deserving, Mr. Cody.” “It goes against heart and brain to take even the life of an outlawed man simply because he is bad and it is in my power to do so. “IT must have some resistance, for it is cowardly otherwise.” “A noble sentiment and worthy of you. “But the Fatal Thirteen still have their number complete? ” “Yes, and doubtless their reserve sup ply is not exhausted.” “Tam glad to know this. “Tt explains some things to me that were not just clear before,” and the girl was very thoughtful, yet did not ex- plain what it was she had not before understood. Without further comment Buffalo Bill said: “Now that you know why I am here, Miss Redwood, suppose that we ,make this a rendezvous, where I can leave a note for you, or you for me, and find oc~ casion to visit it each week.” “T will be glad to do so.” “But if I see you at your home you do not wish me to refer to anything, no matter how important?” . “No, indeed, never! “Let this be the rendezvous and post office, and should you meet me anywhere, never under any circumstances must you speak to me of what is between us un- less I give you the signal to do so, shak~ ing hands with you with my left hand.” “} shall not forget.” than CHAPTER XXXIII. MYSTERIOUS ALLIS. The girl, as though to enforce her words, held forth her left hand to Buffalo Bill, who grasped it with his left. She had withdrawn her gauntlet glove to do so, and Buffalo Bill was at once impressed with the knowledge that there was something wrong in the grasp, some~ thing unnatural in the hand, He was quick to perceive, and as she |drew her glove on again he observed that the left thumb was missing from the hand. He was almost startled by the Sie: covery. Was it a deformity? Was it an accident? : The scout saw that the thumb of the ‘ : ra.) ‘glove was stuffed, to supply the missing _ member, as far as the eye went. He had not noticed it before, when he. ; Radtrood, that no matter how many of |! had met her at the burned cabin, and at» her home. She made no remark about it to CX. 0 plain. She did not even appear to observe that.
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A SS See ‘sons for serving under you.” 16 Buffalo Bill in Arizona. But the fact impressed him somewhat painfully, and yet he dared not speak of it to her. If she wished to do so she would ex- plain, for she it was who had said that the sign between ‘them should be to shake . hands with their left hands. The glove was drawn on again, and the hand looked natural to the scout. But he knew that the left thumb was missing, and he could not get over the feeling it impressed him with. . With a man it would hardly caused a second thought. But with a beautiful girl, to the scout it was terrible, and yet the fact was hard- ly noticeable unless he shook hands with her. If not an accident of birth, it not tell? Was there not some story attached to that missing thumb on a young girl’s hand? - Was there not some tragedy? What was the secret of it? It set Buffalo Bill to thinking. Without apparently noticing his look and manner, the young girl said: “You remember our sign now, Mr. Cody, and no other must go.” “T understand.” “No matter where, when, or under whatever circumstances we meet, you must not utter a word to me of the com- pact, the secret between us, unless I first give you full permission by offer- ing you my left hand.” “So it shall be.” “And you ‘have grasped my left hand, so know what it means.” “a Yes.” Buffalo Bill waited for more to be said, a story to be told about the missing haye what did ‘thumb. But none came. Instead the girl said: “Now that your mission here is known to me, and I know how well you have begun work already, while you under- stand that you have a secret friend in me, let me ask you upon whom you in- tend to cali when you need aid?” “Do you mean men?” “Yes; do you expect to do ‘your work with soldiers from Fort Verde?” “No, indeed, for, though I have the highest opinion of what soldiers can do, they are not just suited for this outlaw hunting business.” “You are right. “ But who will you call upon, then?” “There are a score of scouts at Fort Verde, several of whom I know person- ally, and they are all brave, clever fel- * lows, whom | can rely upen wholly.” “Yes, all good men, and Buckskin Sam is their chief,” “Yes, I have met him, and know him thoroughly. ewe “Yes, he is a man to rely upon, and it will be well to have him and his scouts as your allies, when you need them.” / “1 will.” “ But do you object to having allies . who will be even more valuable? ” “And who can they be?” “Those whom I can place under your command. “ “In what respect can they be more valuable than Buckskin Sam and ha Verde scouts?” “Tn that they, all ride equally as well, are just as dead shots, can throw the lariat better, are’ tireless, enduring, and ‘never-failing trailers, while they know every acre of this country even better than do the old owners, the Indians, “They are men to trust with your life, who will die by your side, die for you if you demand it, and have the best of rea- if What are these reasons?” “They all know Buffalo Bill as the | | King of Bordermen, and their stories about the campfire are often about you, ; ie they ee raster and will gladly iy a Rovdure! ” and she uttered the toed with almost savage earnestness. “But who are they?” “They call themselves the Revenge Rangers.” “Where are they?” “Come to this rendezvous the third day from this, before sunset, and you shall meet the Revenge Rangers,” said the girl, earnestly. t CHAPTER XXXIV.. VICTIMS OF WRONG. Buffalo Bill was deeply impressed by the description given by Rena Redwood of the mysterious allies whom she wished him to leave there. He became inter- ested in her story of them, and when she had appointed the time and place for him to see them he said: “T will be here on time, if I am alive.” “They will meet you.” “But how many are they, may I ask?” “ Thirtee1.” “ Ah! ” , “They are thirteen in reality, with no resources to draw upon.” “Like the Fatal Thirteen? ” “The Revenge Rangers, in the end, under your leadership, will be the Fatal ‘Thirteen,’ she remarked, confidently. “But, I will make fourteen, though there is luck in odd numbers, they say.” “No, they will still remain thirteen, unless you are superstitious about the number.” “No, indeed! But, how can \one be added to thirteen, yet remain thirteen? ” “One will be taken away.” “To keep the number inviolate?” “Yes; their leader will yield to you.” “That is remarkable, for leaders do not often yield.” “In this case it oe different.” “ Why so? ” “The leader I Rs to is not capable of doing all that should be done, and realizes the fact fully.” “And admits it?” “Yes, for, led by you, the thirteen Re- venge Rangers will do their work, even though the Black Brotherhood should double, yes, treble, them in number.” “Thanks, but I do not like the idea of displacing the captain of these Re- venge Rangers.” “I can give you full authority to do 8S « But, what will he say?” ek have the say.” “And will consult him?” “There is no need, to. The Revenge Rangers work with one purpose in view—to bring to justice the Black Broth- erhood. This accomplished, they will be satisfied, no matter who leads. I can vouch for the leader.” “Ah, some one very dear then? : “Tn some respects, yes—the leader is a woman.” “A woman?” echoed the scout, in sur- prise, but only to add: “T need ask no more, for you are “that woman,” — Lam. x Which fact means that you have wrongs to avenge?” “Yes, the bitterest!” was the low, stern response. “T felt so; the intense sadness of your face betrayed that much,” “Tt has betrayed but the truth. I have sorrows and sufferings I cannot speak of, to you, and, bitter as has been the treatment of. some of the Revenge Rangers, none of them have suffered as I have—none have so much to avenge.” Her face and quivering voice ‘pevealed this, and Buffalo Bill said, in all earnest- ness: “Yédu have my full sympathy, Miss Redwood; but it is strange that your _| brother does not avenge r | and his, for, i must ha suffer ed, po | = > r wrongs, “Well, you have but to command me in all I can do for you.” “JT thank you. But, I am detaining you, when you are anxious to go on to Fort Verde.” “Do not think of me in the matter, for, except to find Manton Marr and his daughter, time is little to me just now.” “Find Manton Marr and his daugh- ter?” she repeated, quickly. He had made a slip of the tongue and saw it. He had kept back his having seen Helen Marr, wounded, and her father a madman; but he answered with no show of confusion: “T wish to find out the truth as to just who perished in that burned cabin.” “T hope to Heaven some may have escaped; but, remember the appointment with the Revenge Rangers,’ and again she drew off the-glove from her left hand and held it forth. Once more he had that strange feeling as he grasped the thumbless hand of a. woman; but she made no explanation, and he asked no questions. Then she wheeled her horse suddenly and robe away. —— CHAPTER XXXV. THE WELCOME As’ FORT VERDE. Buffalo Bill stood watching the strange girl until she disappeared in the distance. “Well, a maimed hand on a young girl is worse than an armless man to. consider; it seems so very cruel. And then there was Helen Marr badly. wound~ ed. Is it a custom for the lawless men of this country to be more cruel to wo~ men than to their own sex? “T must be on my way now,” and he glanced about him at the little camp he had made, It was an ideal spot for a secluded camp, with fine water, grass, and wood at hand; and, well off the trail, would’ not be readily found. Leading to the spring from different directions were half a dozen deer trails. This had told the scout that water was there. Game of all kinds had made it a retreat, but there were no trails of horses and men to the place. “T’ll mark the place well in my mind,” the scout decided, and, with a sharp scrutiny of the vicinity, he mounted his horse, and with the other animal in lead, carrying the dead body of his mas- ter, the pathfinder rode on his way back to the trail he had been following to the fort. He camped for dinner at that spot, ang tarried there for a couple of hours, so that the horses were well rested, hav ing also a good time to graze. Again mounting, he pushed on at a — canter, constantly on the alert for an. ambush. Knowing the country as the Brother- ; hood did, and having seen how they had . headed nim off once before, Buffalo, Bill did not care to have the same iar movement played on him again. But he saw no foe, only here and there a herd of fleet-footed, graceful antelope that stood afar off and gazed wonder- ingly at him, with their large, dreamy, ' beautiful eyes. As the sun neared the horizon, in the distance Fort Verde came into view. _ The horses were still at a canter, and had been kept’at that pace ‘wherever. the nature of the ground permitted, and as he was admitted within the fort ‘the sun- set gun was fired, flashing forth, as it. were, a salute to the departing orb of day, and the coming of the King of the Border. A sergeant was sent by the officer of the day to conduct the scout to head- quarters, _ and Colonel Garrett was just — returning there. from dress parade when — he beheid the scout and his led horse vis fit orm of ie dead man. A
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a aa Sn FOE ~~ nie iia einen aire mats ai Buffalo Bill in Arizona. i” light was falling. to an orderly, and puniaached the two officers, giving a military salute. “‘He is, indeed, sir, and a stranger to the fort. Who can he be?” answered Adjutant Hastings. Buffalo Bill at once came-up, and, after his saluce, said, courteously: “ Have I the honor of addressing Colo- nel Garretl? ” “Yes, sir, and who is it, may, I ask, that‘claims my acquaintanceship?” and the colonel gazed upon the handsome face and picturesque bearing of the scout with admiration. “Tt am Chief of Scouts in the North- western Military District, sir. My name is William F. Cody, and I bear a letter to you from my commandant at Fort Fetterman, Colonel Garrett.” “Ah, yes, and I am glad to welcome you; but, is not that the name of the great plainsman and scout,. known as Buffalo Bill?” “T am the one they call Buffalo Bill, sir.” “Indeed! I might have known, as you look it, Mr. Cody. I am indeed glad to meet you. . “Let me present you to Captain Hast- ings, Post Adjutant.” The colonel shook. the hand of the scout warmly; the adjutant did likewise; then the colonel led the way ate his quarters, remarking: “We know you well by name here, Cody, and hear much of your doings in the northwest. “T believe you know my Chief of Scouts, Sam Hall, better known as Buck- skin Sam?” “Yes; ‘sir.” “Then you will make your quarters with him, in the young officers’ row, and I hope you can remain some time at Verde.” “T expect to do so, sir, as the letter I have will explain.” “You have had trouble on the way, I see—a comrade slain?” “ “No, an outlaw whom I was forced to yA Vee “Ah! you begin well, indeed, visit to Verde, ; “But, come in and we’ll talk matters over,” and the two officers and Buffalo Bill entered headquarters just as twi- in your CHAPTER XXXVI. BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY. Seated in Colonel Garrett’s cosey quar- ters, Buffalo Bill gave to the command- ant the letter he had brought, and which was quickly read. “The general is most complimentary in speaking of you, Chief Cody, and says that if any man can wipe out the Black Brotherhood, it is yourself. “This rancher, Manton Marr, I know of, yet have never met, but, having army friends in the northwest, he used his influence there to get you sent on this mission, it seems. “Now, you have but to say in what I can aid you, and I will cheerfully do so, though our duties here are not directed toward running down outlaws, but In- dians; hence the former do pretty much as they please. “The Government thinks that the stage companies and the wagon trains should protect themselves from road- - agents. There is too much red tape busi- ness before we can act, so you es the situation.” ) “ Perfectly, sir.” | “But you are free to act as you wish, I see—a special officer for this special work; therefore, I consider myself justi- fied ‘in aiding you without red tape de- ays.” “T thank you, colonel; but you seem "not to have heard of the late blow of ‘these ranch scourges.” “No; Di ae they — been on another |, raid? cowboys who were ‘arate | in its Aatvies | but he did not speak of the wounded girl he had met, nor of seeing Manton Marr himself, digging a grave by moonlight. Some feeling, the same that had be-! fore suggested keeping these facts secret, restrained him from doing so, though why he could not explain to himself. It was with almost consternation that Colonel Garrett and Captain Hastings listened to the terrible story, and the former, With white, indignant face, cried: “Without orders, I’ll put my whole force on the hunt for those inhuman wretches, and hang each one as he is taken,” “IT beg pardon, Colonel Garrett, but a thousand men could net do what a dozen could, sir. “These outlaws are men who must be right here, in our very camps, but secret- ly members of that heinous band, other- wise they could not constantly escape as they do, “If they knew the soldiers were to take the field against them, they would simply become invisible. “But, without looking for a force to pursue them they, can be run down, and I believe I have a band of men that will do that work, but of this I will acquaint you within a few days, and if I need more help, call upon you, sir.” “T believe you are right, Cody, upon second thought, for thus has it been in the past, when a large force has hunted them, | “But, they number only thirteen, I have heard,” “Nominally, sir, though how many more I do not know.” “ How is that?” “Well, sir, I had a brush with them coming on, ‘before reaching Manton Marr’s ranch, and killed three of the thirteen.” *“ Ah! splendid work, that!” “The number was almost immediately, brought to thirteen again. Then this man, Garcia, was certainly one of the band, and yet thirteen pursued me with- out counting him.” “They act mysteriously, then?” “Yes, sir, but just what their reserve supply may number I do not know, yet I am assured that the band is recruited from the ranchés, settlements, and others ‘who hang about this country, thus know- ing exactly what takes place, the move- ments of trains, coaches darrying treas- ure, and where they may strike a blow with profit and little. so dat to them- selves,” “That must be the way it is; but, tell me now what your intentions are? ” “ First, to make my quarters here, sir, and thus be able to call for aid when needed, yet to go from here alone, upon the trail, among the ranches to the northward. “Tn a few days I will be able’ to ad- vise you what force I can collect to help me, without having to attract attention by taking men from tke fort. “Tf I can get once upon the real trail of the bandits, I can track them home; but they have some method of. covering up their tracks that is really wonderful and which i am not able to catch on to.” ' “Well, do as you deem best, and call upon Verde for help when you ‘need ihre? “ Outwardly, I suppose you appear here only as a bearer of dispatches.” “Yes, sir.” Buffalo Bill was conducted by the ad- jutant to Buckskin Sam’s quarters, and the dead outlaw was left at the guard- house unti! morning. Thus ended Buffalo Bill’s first in‘er- | ‘view with Colonel Garrett, and the scout felt the better satisfied, for both sides of the story had been ‘told and Laas girs CHAPTER XXXVIL THE TwO scorTs. S He had made a name as a Confederate scout, and later, had become captain of a band of Texas rangers who had been taken into the United States service asi guides, scouts, and Indian fighters. The men had made a record for them-~ selves a.i Buckskin Sam’s Boys, and each one was to be depended upon ‘in what-~ ever duty he was assigned to. “Why, Buffalo Bill, I am glad to see you,” cried Buckskin Sam, when he saw the distinguished borderman enter his: quarters, and heard Captain Hastings” Words: , ‘ “Sam, here is an old friend for you to welcome.” Buffalo Bill was made royally, welcome, and given pleasant accommodations, t While a tempting supper was prepared, after which the Secret Rangers, who had heard of the new arrival, began to drop in to pay their respects ‘to the great chief. of the northwest trail finders, whom they were most anxious to see. The two scout-chiefs were at length left to themselves, when Buitalo Bill said: “Now, Sam, for a quiet, confidential talk. How many men have you?” “ Twenty-seven, including myself, and all good as they make ‘em. Want any, of the boys?” ; “T may, but. I sean you first.” { “T’m ready.” j “T came here with dispatches.” “Yes, but there is something behind them.” “You have heard of the burning of the Manton Marr ranch and the killing of its inmates, to-night.” “Yes, and its a downright horror, and I am surprised that Colonel Garrett has not been driven to ordering out the whole garrison, and awaiting for orders after- ward; but, then, there is so much red tape business in Government movements, I suppose he does not dare do so.” “No, he wished to; but I asked him not to, for I came here to look up these outlaws.” “That means that they are doomed.” “T am not so sure of that, but am hopeful.” “You want me to help you with my boys?” “T want you, alone, at first, but may have to call upon you to have your boys aid me, after awhile.” “Say the word, William, and I am yours.” “T am going to tell you first why I came and all that has taken place so far.” “Tll be glad to be informed.” “As ar as I could I have kept my own counsel, not making all known to Colo- nel Garctt even.” “1 see.” “T know you from wayback, and you can help me, so I will tell you first what has been done, all I know, and ask you about one thousand questions, for I am not acquainted down here, you know.” “Just get to work, and I’ll fire the an- swers at you double quick.” Buffalo Bill then, in a low voice, re- lated why, he had come to Arizona, and — just what he had seen and discovered since his coming. He‘told of meeting: the wounded girl, her mysterious disap- pearance, then his. seeing the rancher who. was supposed to be dead, the at- tempted killing of him by a foe, his re~ derer, and after that his being unable to find Manton Marr, ruined house, his capture by Van Souls-— the Redwood ranch, where. Rena Red- would refuse to admit | that she had met him before, he also spoke. The attempt on his life in the ranch by Pedro Garcia, the scenes of his trail the | next day, with his prisoner, and at last. | | ‘Buckskin Sam was a. small, wiry fel- ! ‘the burn- | low, with ring Fee iplide Leak his again meeting Miss Redwood, were — also divulged, but nothing was sald: as_ to any ine td made aucun Bets 0 turn shot, the flight of the would-be mur- x Of his meeting with the girl at the ‘ _by’s regulators, and becoming a guest at
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‘ 18 Buffalo Bill in Arizona. Ss = = | “Never; but I should think there ‘would be many of them, if the people who have cause for revenge in this country, should take the trail.” “Well, there is an organized band of such peop.e, and day after to-morrow I am to meet them, and shall then ascer- tain who and what they are; that done, I can decide, with you, what is best to be done.” “ Good as gold! Ls “When I leave the fort, I wish you to start upon my trail, say, a couple of hours hehind me.” “T’ll do it.” “Just why I will explain.” CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE START ON THE TRAIL. Buckskin Sam had listened to Buffalo Bill’s well-told narrative of his trail through Arizona with the deepest inter- est. He envied the scout the thrilling ad- ventures he had encountered, and yet his only comment had been: “You were the very man to send upon this mission, and you have begun right. You’ll get there, pard.” As they talked on Buckskin Sam had told how he had been hampered in his efforts to hunt down the Black Brother- hood, and Cody had assured him that the same rules existed up in his country. It was the civil authority constantly conflicting with and retarding the mil- itary, the real power to act. Going on to tell his scouting comrade why he wished him to follow his trail, Buffalo Bill said: “Now, I have told you the full facts of the case, Sam, so that, should harm ~ befall me, you will fully understand the situation and know what to do.” “T see.’ “You will not be acting in the, dark, but be able to carry, out the plans, as formed fer corralling this band of cut- throats, and I do not wish my death, oe it occur, to cause the work to a hdd ae will do just as you wish throughout, (|b bpd “YT know that. The plan fs that you follow me out of the fort, two hours after. You can start in another direction, but flank around and get upon my trail when out of sight of those whose interest it may be to watch you.” “Yes, that is best.” “T'll mark my trail well, where it is necessary, and so:not cause you any de- lay, in searching for it where it may be dim,” “ All right.” “Tf you find a cross marked in the trail, that means that you are to go slow and halt for an hour or so, for there is no knowing what I may run upon. “But if you find a hand marked in the trail, push on rapidly, though with cau- tion.” “T understand.” “My first duty is to find out the Re- ‘vvenge Rangers, and see just what they are, or are not, worth to me; then I will see you, and we,will have a talk. After that, if I work with the Revenge Rang- ers, or with you alone, I shall make it my, business to find Manton Marr and his daughter Helen.” “That must be done, sure,” “Yes, and in finding them we will be on the trail of the Black Brotherhood as well. “Now, tell me what you know about Van Soulsby’s Regulators?” ‘ “A good fellow is Van, daring and clever, and he has a lot of good men to follow him; but “hey are cowboys, not scouts, and he does his best with the ma- terial; he has, and certainly keeps the outlaws in- check. to a certain extent.” “{ confess that I liked him very much, in spite of his desire to hang me.” “But what of Rupert Redwood?” “A fine fellow, too, and rich, with as. _ beautiful a sister as one would are is : "Bee, as you know.” » “ But hotheaded.” “Yes, wild as an antelope and reckless as the devil. If he got a chance at the outlaw band he would count no odds and fight like a demon, and, he has imparted his spirit to his men, who are all a lot of dare-devils. “Why, his attempt to shoot his cow- boy chief in his home, before his sister, when he found what he had done to you, shows what a reckless fellow he is.” “Tt does, indeed; but, was he the ac- cepted suitor of Helen Marr, that you know of?” “God knows what a woman intends to do, Bill, or not to do. She seemed to care for Redwood, but then it was said that Van Soulsby was a dangerous rival of his; that is the gossip of the camps, at least. Women go by contra- ries, and Miss Helen Marr had her pick in Arizona, you know, and a strong pull upon the army officers, too, who were in love with her and her money as well; but, she is a noble girl, for I cannot be- lieve her dead, and I hope she will not throw herself away upon any one un- worthy of her, if, poor young lady, she is rescued from those Satan’s Imps, and you are the man to do that, Bill, and will.” “T will rest here to-morrow, and to- morrow night, Sam, starting upon my trail the next morning at dawn, and you now know just what to do.” “ Yes, I’ve got all points down fine, and there must be no mistake.” “ None.” 4 “You wish the colonel to know that I follow you, however, or do you wish him to think I merely start off on a scout of my own?” “He must know, Sam, but no one else.” “Tt is best.” It was after midnight, so the friends retired to their blankets; but Buffalo Bill on the day after made an early start to go to the appointed rendezvous made with Miss Redwood, to mest the Revenge Rangers, An hour after his departure, Buckskin Sam rode away in an opposite direction, but, flanking around, picked up his trail and followed it. CHAPTHR XXXIX. THE WARNING. Buffalo Bill left Fort Verde in good time to keep his appointment with Miss Redwood, when he was to meet those whom she had called the Revenge Rang- ers. The scout was anxious to see and know just what they were, and was fully aware of their great value as allies, if they were what they were represented to be by their fair captain. Numbering, as she had said, thirteen, and all peiag men who had known what it was to bitterly suffer under the cruel persecutions of the Black Brotherhood, they would be just the ones to take the trail under his, Buffalo Bill’s, lead. Then. too, the fort, the ranchers, and the regulators would all doubtless be watched by the outlaws, to see that they were’ not set upon their trail, after their frightful holocaust at the cabin of Manton Marr. The scouts of “Buekskifi Sam would also be kept under espionage, to see if they were, ordered on their trail, and they had more cause to fear’these rang- efs than any one else, should the com- mandant ‘of Fort Verde put them on the duty of hunting down the Black Broth- erhood. — Buffalo Bill was therefore most anxious for the men he was to meet at the little camp, to prove just what he needed in his work of bringing ne guilty ones to just punishment. He was glad to have ‘made Buckskin Sam his bower in the work, for he knew how thoroughly he was able to rely upon | the Texan, and, if need came for them, the army scouts under his command eopla be readily’ brought into use. - Soldiers could not move without notice, j and if ia aia their. coming wend weit on his way, as before. heralded very quickly, so that they, would be of little use in hunting outlaws. With great hope of success, now that he was embarked in the work of ferret- ing out the outlaws, and with such allies as he expected to command, Buffalo Bill left Verde in the full belief that the trail would be followed to the end. He had held a long talk with Colonel Garrett, and that officer had told him to : | call upon him for all the aid he needed, and added: “Now that you are upon the trail of this band of outlaws, Cody, I feel that their doom is sealed.” Taking the trail he had come, as though bearing back return dispatches, Buffalo Bill rode away from Fort Verde, having made a most favorahle impres- sion with all who had heard much of, yet had never before seen the great scout. He soon dropped the fort out of sight, and begun to turn his attention to the trail ahead. His time of departure had been kept a secret, but it was well known that he was not to remain long at the fort, and there were those who would he only too anxious to head him off and hold him up, if not kill him. This he knew, and he was correspond- ingly cautious not to be entrapped. ; He had fitted himself out at Verde, be- : tweer. the commissary, quartermaster, : and sutler, with all he needed for a long trail, hot fighting, and comfort in camp- j ing, along with provisions, for he was ' a good liver when good food was to be had, yet never grumbled when he had to live upon the worst, or nothing at all, if ; it was in the discharge of duty. f He had ridden some twenty miles from the fort, when he suddenly saw a band of antelope flying along a couple of i. miles away from him. | He saw them dash along at the foot of a range, but suddenly make a wide and ; startled swerve away from some rocks. that lay right by the side of his trail. | Tuere was a pine tree there, and about it was a group of boulders, several of ‘them being six or eight feet in height. They were closely, grouped together, and the trail led around them; but from the further side they were open, and any one hiding there could have been © seen from the ridge beyond. The antelopes were dashing along on a line that would have carried them on 4 the further side, but suddenly they ii "swerved far away from them and passed between the rocks and the scout, thus } continuing their flight up the valley. i? “T could bring one of you down easily, but I’ll spare you and go without my steak, for you have just saved me from riding upon an ambush, for there are men hiding among those rocks,” said Buffalo Bill. : CHAPTER XL. THE FOE UNEARTHED. A man reared as Buffalo, Bill has been, to look for danger in every sound, every movement, naturally saw something to . ND dread in the sudden swerving of the band ae of antelopes from their direct course, ¢ , t% They had scented danger in that group Te of -rocks. : It was not then danger to them, but to the scout. Those who lurked there were after human game just then. Tut the scout read the sign and at once, decided to profit by it. ae He did 10t make a movement to indi- ee cate that he had even observed the act ; of the antelopes. pal Twice ‘he raised his rifle, as though to — er: bring down one of them, but lowered it~ ~ with the air of one who thought ithat a shot would be a miss. Si eis He felt eyes were upon him, and so rel this was but acting. at He could readily have brought down _- r one of the beautiful creatures, for he Was: 2") alae within easy range. AeA. ‘After’ they had passed he ps eee
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| 4 : 19 Buffalo Bull in Arizona. But he kept his eye upon the rocks. He was measuring tthe distance per- fectly, having no intention to get within too close range of a rifle. If there was some one in ambush there, and he was sure of tthe fact, whoever it might be would allow him to come very near before firing, perhaps attempt to hold him up before doing so. So on he kept along the trail, and his eyes were taking in the situation. He saw that the base of the ridge be- yond the rocks was fully a couple of hundred yards distant. Here and ‘there the ridge was broken by clumps of cedars and boulders, afford- ing a safe retreat. On either side of the lone tree and the surrounding rocks there was no place of refuge, the scout observed. Keeping on his course in the even tenor of his way, Buffalo Bill approached to within a couple of hundred yards of the lone tree. Then he suddenly, grasped his reins, swerved to the right, and at a full run started to flank the rocks, making for the ridge the other side. That he had studied the situation well | was very quickly proven, for the~ heads | of two men appeared above the largest | boulder, a couple of rifles were thrust | oyer,.and aim that might have been | deadly was taken at the flying scout. But he had planned for this, and as. he dashed along his repeating rifle be- | gan to rattle shot after shot. The shots were aimed as well as they | could be by the scout riding at full speed, and they so incessantly and rapidly | rained upon the top of the reck, and with such true aim, that one of the men ! dropped back with his rifle discharging | as he fell, while his companion pulled | trigger quickly without seeking a good aim. While he was firing the scout was going like the very wind, his horse at full speed, and circling the spot of am- | bush. He was riding for one of the breaks in the ridge already spoken of, and was not long in gaining its shelter. Placing his horse under shelter of a boulder, he sprung to shelter himself, and | a glance sh»wed him that he was master of the situation. He had the two men in the rear. He had completely and quickly flanked their position. One of the men lay upon the ground motionless, and near him two horses were hitch2d The other had dashed around the boul- der for protection, but his rifle was all he had. He had left his horse, his provisions, blankets, and comrade behind, and in full view of the scout. \ And his comrade was dead, or, if not, utterly helpless. How tong could he stand a siege was the question that he had to confront. If until night, he might escape, for his chances were good if the scout left his shelter to advance upon him. “Ho, pard, come out and surrender, thus saving time and trouble,” shouted | Buffalo Bill. “T’ll see yer in Hades first,” was the very decided answer. “All sight. “Tll give you just two code to de- cide, and then down go your horses and then you are on foot.” « - The man evidently realized the truth of this, but did not surrender, and the scout quietly ‘sat down to await the com- ing of Buckskin Sam, whom he felt very sure Was then on his trail, and would drive the fellow into a position between two dires. 7 j " CHAPTER XLI. BETWEEN TWO FIRES. With tue patience of an Indian Buffalo Bill sat down to await the coming of - ‘Buckskin sigh He night be a little late at the rendez- vous with the Revenge Rangers, but he would get there as soon as he could. He was anxious to take this man alive, to discover just who he was, and see why the attempt on his life was made. So he calmly waited. Twice the man behind the rocks called vut to him to make terms, “Tf you'll draw off, I’ll go with my pard and call it quits,” he said, “No!” It was the only reply. Again came a call to make terms. “Tl go and leave yer ther outfit, dead man and all, if yer’ll let me hey my horse.” “No!” The scout at last begun to turn his eyes across the valley. He had them miles back on the trail he had come. At last he was rewarded by seeing a | horseman appear in sight. A look through his glass, and he said: “Tt is Buckskin Sam, and he is just in time. “ Yes, he will be here just two hours behind me,’ and he glanced at his watch. On came Buckskin Sam, and his eyes were roaming ahead and upon the trail. The man behind the rocks did not see him. He was not looking for danger in that direction. All he bad to fear he thought was in | his front. Before the eyes of the scout still lay that motionless form, If not dead, he was playing his part admirably, Buffalo Bill decided. Nearer and nearer Buckskin came. ; Would he discover that man at the Sam | rocks? If not he must be warned. The feilow might see him, might have found some hiding place, and fire upon the Verde scout. Buffalo Bill was preparing to warn him with a shot, when he saw Sam stop, and then ride to the right, making a flank movement as he had done. But he had started mach further back than he had. At this he raised his voice and shouted: “Ho, Sam, I’ve got him corralled on this side, and he’s between two fires,” As*quick as a flash Buckskin Sam was out of his saddle, a word to his horse, and the animal had dropped upon his ‘side, and using him for a breastwork, with his repeating rifle pointed over his saddle, he called out: “Hands up, there, or I'll put daylight through you!” The man had at first believed Buffalo Bill’s call was to him, but quickly real- ized his mistake. But too late, for Buckskin Sam was already down and sheltered, his rifle cov- ering him, and he was fully exposed to his fire. He was indeed betweén two fires. Up went his hands, and Buffalo Bill heard his frightened cry: “Don’t. shoot! “Tis doomed, and knows it, too!” “Walk out from that boulder into full view of both of us!” cried Buckskin Sam. pial UNC atch | hg “ Leave your rifle and belt of arms be- hind you!” “Thar they is,” and the weapons were laid down by the rock. “No funny business, mind you, or you'll get into trouble. ” “T knows that, you bet.” With this the man stepped out into full view of Buffalo Bill. “Hands up, I told you!” They were quickly raised. Buffalo Bill now advanced on foot, and the two scouts met at the ambush. | “Well, Sam, I was waiting for you, as this fellow had the rocks on me; but | I guess his pard is all right yonder, as through firing at random rT think I}. wounded acon if a eS ss “They laid for you here, Bill?” “Yes, but a herd of antelopes dodged the place, and gave me warning.” “ Good! “But where is this fellow’s pard, for this one is about the worst man in Arizona, unless it’s the fellow I expect is with him?” “He lies behind the rocks yonder— ha!” As Buffalo Bill uttered the words he saw Buckskin Sam suddenly drop on one knee, throw his rifle to his shoulder, and fire. He had fired at a horseman who was dashing away two hundred yards dis- tant and shielded by the group of boul- ders, ’ CHAPTER XLII. THE PRISONERS’ DUMB GUARD, The shot of Buckskin Sam was a dead- ly one. The man tumbled from his saddle. The horse, released of his rider, circled around and went back to his comrade at the rocks, then uttered a glad neigh, and trotted up to Buckskin Sam at his call. “My own horse, Bill, which those fel- lows stcie from me a week or so ago,” said Sam. “The man was not dead after all, but played ’possum well, for he lay motion- less on his back for two hours.” “Yes, and I’ll be sure he’s dead now, for he’s as*tricky as a coyote,” and they walked toward the man, taking the pris- oner with them, % He was dead. He lay upon his face, and the bullet of Buckskin Sam had cut through his neck. “As I thought,” said the Verde scout, turning him over. “He is the man you thought?” Yes: “And there is what your shot did,” and Buckskin Sam pointed to a fresh wound in the top of the man’s head. The bullet of Buffalo Bill had cut along the top, grazing the skull, and leaving an ugly wound. “Tt had doubtless stunned him, Bill, and knowing you were about, when he came too he played ’possum to get you when you came up, or to escape, if he could.” “Yes, Sam, and skipped when we were busy with this fellow.” “That’s what he did.” “Will you go back to Verde with them?” 4 Fortunately, I don’t have to.” “ How is that?” “You saw my horse come up to me just now?” Ld Yes. ” “There are no better in the botinser than that horse, and he can do all but talk. “ But he looks fagged now.” a Yes, ” “This other horse belongs to Colonel Garrett, and it nearly broke the colonel’s heart when he was stolen.” “T am glad he’ll get him back.” “ Like mine, he’s trained,’ and I’ll tell you what I’ll do.” “ee What? ” “Write the colonel a note and send it by my horse, and you can go right on, as I happen ‘to know you are‘in a hurry.” “T will be glad to do so, Sam.” With this Buffalo Bill and Buckskin Sam securely bound the prisoner, and then the former mounted his horse and rode rapidly away on his trail, for he knew that he would be behind time in keeping his appointment. After Buffalo Bill had departed Buck- skin Sam thought for a moment, and said to his prisoner: “ Now I think of it, Nat Low, Yu send you to Verde, and your dead pard with you, for if anything should detain the party to be sent after you, and night come on, the coyotes might eat you, and bad as you are T don’t want that.” The man shuddered, and Buckskin, Sam ‘ ordere@ him to mount, meaning hia own ite
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a eS Se a = = en eS ee deft. 20 Buffalo Bill in Arizona. horse, which the outlaw had stolen from him. The man hesitated, but a prick with the point of his bowie knife made him obey with promptness. “Now, Nat Low, why did you attempt Buffalo Bill’s life?” “We didn’t know him.” “T do not believe you, for I think you were sent out to kill him by some one at the fort.” ““Tain’t so.” “T believe you and your dead pard are secret members of the Black Broth- erhood band, and I shall so state in my note to Colonel Garrett.” “Lordy! don’t do that,'Sam, for horse stealing is the worst we have done, least- wise me, though my pard were a leetle wickecer.” “You were both alike.” But were there others to follow? Quickly she arose and led her horse into deeper concealment. Hardly had she done so when she again heard the sound of hoofs. s She at once rushed to her place of hiding. Were other men of the Black Brother- hood band coming, or were her own men near? There she waited and watched. Nearer came the hoof-falls. Soon a horseman came into sight. He was riding at a gallop, leaning over in his saddle and was watching the ground a3 he went along. He was directly upon the trail of the masked horseman, who had gone along ten minutes before him. The girl uttered a moan as she beheld the second horseman, for she had recog- With this Buckskin. Sam sat down |} nized him, and with a pencil wrote a note to Colo- ‘nel Garrett, in which he explained the whole affair. It was Rupert Redwood, the young rancher. He passed within two hundred feet Then he ordered the man to dismount | of the crouching girl, but she gave no again, and the note, addressed to the colonel, was firmly pinned upon his breast, sign of recognition. It seemed very evident that she was there without Rupert Redwood’s per- The next move of the Verde scout was | mission, that she did not wish to be to make a gag, and this he thrust firmly | seen by him. into the mouth of his prisoner. Again the man was forced to mount, Her face was deathly white, and she trembled violently. as though in great nis legs were secured beneath the horse, ! fear of being discovered by her brother. the reins were tied up securely, and next Buckskin Sam turned his attention to the dead man. The body was strapped across the sad- dle of the animal stolen from Colonel Garrett, ard the two horses were tied bit and bit, and started upon the trail for the fort. They went off at a canter, the prisoner writhing in his saddle, and Buckskin Sam watched them until they disap- peared from sight, four or five miles away. But he rode on at a gallop, his eyes downcast upon the trail he was follow- ing. He neither saw nor suspected her presence there, that was certain. When he had passed her by unseen she’ gave another deep sigh of relief. Then she buried her face in her hands and uttered a moan of both bodily and mental pain, seemingly. Thus she’ remained for a few moments, and was rising to her feet, when sud- Then he mounted his horse and once more followed on the trail of Buffalo Bill. CHAPTER XLIV. THE TWO PASSERS-BY. Miss Redwood was ahead of time in reaching the rendezvous appointed with Buffalo Bill to meet the Revenge Rang- ers. She had hoped to find the scout al- ready there, for she wished to have a talk with him. But he was delayed, as the reader knows. From some reasor she could not ac- count for, her Revenge Rangers were also delayed, It was strange, for they were always prompt. ; _ She had hitched her horse, and was pacing to and fro when she heard hoof- falls approaching. At once she was upon her guard. She knew that she might find a foe there as well asafriend. © i She crouched down into the thicket “near where she stood and waited. , The hoof-falls fell louder and louder and the horseman came on at a canter, for there was but one. phils “Another moment and he appeared in full view, She started as she saw that he was dressed in black, was masked, and she knew that he was one of the Black Brotherhood. - Were others following him? Would he pass and not see her or her horse? n ; She had not gone direct to the little camp appointed as a rendezvous with Buffalo Bill, but had halted a short dis- tance before reaching it. But she hoped she would not be seen, and so she crouched low down in her _ place of concealment. The man continued on at a canter, - looking neither to the right nor to the | She muttered a deep sigh of relief as are that he had gone by and had not we: denly she was startled by hearing a dis- tant shot. vf “My God! what does that mean?” she cried. Then for the first time she seemed to realize that the trail taken by the masked man in black was the very one leading to Fort Verde, — It was the very one that Buffalo Bill must come along to reach the rendezvous. And along that trail had gone Rupert Redwood, following the Man in Black. Who had fired that shot? What did it mean? Had it’ been fired by the Man in Black -at his pursuer, Rupert Redwood, or had the latter killed the man he pursued? And again, thought the girl: . “Was Buffalo Bill the one who fired that shot, or had it been fired at the scout?” } ; None of these questions could the girl answer, and in the midst of her quan- dary she again heard hoofs approaching. ‘CHAPTER XLY. . THE MASKED HORSEMAN. After leaving Buckskin Sam to dispose of the dead man and the prisoner as he deemed best, and then continue on after him, Buffalo Bill rode at a rapid lope mile after mile. t He was anxious to be ‘on time at the rendezvous, and not keep Miss Redwood and her band of Revenge Rangers wait- ing. { : The -pace he kept up pretty steadily, but halted at times when he approache another ambush, and flanked several ex- _cellent covers for an enemy. — { At last he neared the rendezvous, but somewhat behind time, in spite of his rapid ride. — : ‘ a 4 Another mile would bring him to his little camp of several days before, when suddenly he faintly heard the sound of hoofs. | Mike fi At once he was on his guard. It might might be an enemy. e at once withdre ‘ | be the fair maid of the hacienda, or it hh for quickly there appeared over the ridge a horseman. / “A Man in Black, and no mistake! Are there others following? Now to business! I want him!—want him alive! He is my game or I am his.” So deviding, the scout unslung his long” lariat, and his horse perfectly. quiet, he waited. Concealed as he was by the thick pines, the Black Rider would approach without suspicion. The man, when first heard, had been riding in a gallop, but as he came near he suddenly halted, as if undecided as to which of two trails to take. The scout anxiously awaited his de- cision, but he had not long to wait, for, in a moment, the Man in Black turned to listen, as though hearing a sound behind him on the trail. Thus he stood for quite a long while, but at length started on again, taking the trail that led by the waiting scout, Intently watching his man, as he drew nearer, Buffalo Bill did not see a second horseman appear in the trail behind and coming over the ridge. Nearer advanced the Man in Black, and the lariat of the scout begun to make its whirls in the air, preparatory to being thrown. Another moment and the - scout launched the line, and, cast, unerringly, the loop settled- over the man’s head, to be instantly drawn taut. Out of the saddle the Man in Black was dragged, falling with considerable force, while Buffalo Bill spurred toward him, halting quickly and dismounting. As he did so a shot was heard, some distance off, and the captured man fell forward on his face, dead! A bullet had cut through his body! Buffalo Bill was upon his guard’ in- stantly, for the shot was a surprise to him. He saw, not two hundred yards away, and riding toward him, rifle in hand, no other than the young rancher, Rupert Redwood! He it was who had fired the shot that killed the Man in Black. \ Buffalo Bill’s face flushed angrily, and he called out: “Why did you kill this man, Mr. Red- wood?” “Why, to aid you, Mr, Cody, for, catch- ing, as you did, with your lasso, I sup- posed from some cause, you were un- armed.” ‘ i “No, I caught him purposely, as I wished to have him alive; but P thank you for your desire to serve me, though I fear we have lost a good chance to get the information we wanted about the Black Brotherhood. : “Do ypu know the man?” and Buffalo Bill arew the black’ mask from the dead man’s head and face. “My God, yes! ‘ “He is one of my most trusted cow boys!” CHAPTER XLVI. A STRANGE MEETING. at the turn affairs had taken. ae He had caught his man fairly with the lasso, but lost him by a shot from Ru- pert Redwood’s rifle. from whom she wished to conceal the part she was play’ng as leader of the the very last man he wished to see, just then. f scout’s coming. | to me Buffalo Bill was by no means pleased He had come to that spot to see Miss Redwood. but here was her brother, Revenge Rangers; therefore Rupert was But, there he was, ‘and hardly a mile nia) away was the sister, waiting for the ndez- i hia
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ee Se ee a a irae wait to capture him and lead him to your Y hacienda.” “T had been following him for some time, and was within sight of him when your lasso shot out and caught him, so of course I fired, when I saw him strug- gling to his feet.” | “Tt is too bad; but I thank you just the same for your intention to serve me. Now that I have met you, Mr. Redwood, Yl] not go by your home, but push right on my trail.” “Why, no! You must not go by the ranch, for we will be .delighted to see you, and by a cross trail it is not so far, you know, from here.” “Thank you, but I will push on. You ‘will see to the burial of this man, for you say he is one of your cowboys.” “Yes, one of my most trusted men, Garcia was. A person hardly knows who to trust in this country, as their best friends may secretly be members of the Black Brotherhood.” “Have you made any discovery since I saw you.” “My intention is to take the Black Brotherhood trail, independent of Van Soulsby and his regulators, and I was out collecting men when I came upon this man and followed him. “But, what did Colonel Garrett think of the Manton Marr murder?” “Naturally, he was horrified, but he wisely says soldiers are not the ones to hunt outlaws, with. “T will aid you in putting the body upon the horse, and then push on, for I am in somewhat of a hurry.” This the scout did, though Rupert Red- wood protested that he could do it alone. Buffalo Bill insisted, for reasons of his own, and aided in the search of the body, Much to their surprise, they found a lot of papers and a bag of gold, jewelry, and gems. Redwood was astounded, for he cried: “ Why, these belong to my sister, while the gold and the papers are mine! The scoundrel must have stolen these before leaving the hacienda, though how he did so is a mystery to me. “J am, indeed fortunate in regaining them, and my sister will feel the deepest gratitude to you, Mr. Cody, as I do.” — “T am glad the valuables were recoy-| eréd, sir,” and Buffalo Bill added: “y leave all in your hands, Mr. Red- wood, and must now bid you good- -by!” “T am very sorry to part with you, Mr. Cody, and my sister will be disappointed not to have you come by our home, but I suppose you know best. “T wish you well, sir, and hope we may some day meet again. I trust I ‘may be able to send you word before long that the Black - Brotherhood band has been wiped out, and poor Helen Marr and her family avenged. Hi “JT hope so, indeed; but that reminds me to ask about the burial of the bodies found in the ashes of the burned ranch.” “All were decently buried, sir.” “How many did you find? » “Just ten, which accounted for Mr. Marr, his wife, and Helen, the two ne- groes, and five cowboys, who had rallied there to defend the place.” . “Tt was a sad fate, indeed, for. them, and may they be more than ‘avenged is. my prayer!” fervently said Buffalo Bill, Then he shook hands with the young “yancher and rode on his way. Getting over the ridge, he dismounted * and walked back, fearful that Rupert |, Redwood might suspect his intended’ meeting with his sister from some rea- son, and be on the watch, for it certain- ly was a coincidence to meet him there, though the trailing of the outlaw had apparently explained it. He beheld the rancher/ riding away | ‘on the trail that led, him homeward, leading the horse of the outlaw, the body: being strapped upon the saddle. © ‘ _ Confident ge the young ranch owner V him, Buffalo } We ie the _ Buffalo Bill | in £ Arizona. 21 CHAPTER XLVII. AT THE RENDEZVOUS. y For some time the scout rode on, yet kept looking behind, for he still suspected that Rupert Redwood might be following nim, As far as the himself was concerned, he did not care, and would rather have lec the young rancher know about his meeting with his sister, but he could not betray her confidence, and so must guard her secret. At last he halted for some minutes, and then, convinced that he was wrong in his suspicion about Rupert having discoyered his sister’s intention, he pushed on and soon reached the little camp. The young girl was there awaiting him, and was alone. This he was sorry to discover, as he decided that the Revenge Rangers had | not been able’ to get there. Courteously saluting Miss Redwood, he dismounted and asked, as he took the gloved hand that she extended: * Are your Revenge Rangers not here, Miss Redwood?” “Not yet, and it worries me greatly, for I cannot understand their delay; but you also are late, ‘SO. uy begun to grow anxious aboyt you.’ “Yes, I was twice detained on the trail.” “ Did anything go wrong?” she asked, nervously... “Well, yes.” “Will you tell me about it?” “Certainly. Two men ambushed me, and one was killed, the other made pris- oner, and is now on his way to the fort,” “You had help, then?” “Yes, Buckskin Sam, an old friend of mine, and Chief of Scouts at Verde. “He came after me, and was in time to serve me well, so I left the dead man and prisoner with him.” “You were most fortunate to escape with your life.” “JT am generally lucky, Miss Redwood;, but, I have a surprise for you.” * Ah! another?” “Do not be anxious, for the danger is over now.’ “Then I am interested?” “Yes. Did you hear a shot some little while ago?” “JT thought that I did, but was not sure, “T intended to ask you about it, for I am particularly anxious, having seen @ Man in Black ride by here, and close upon his trail no other person than Rupert Redwood.” “Yes, I met them both.” “You did?” “ Yes. » “With what result?” “T lassoed the outlaw, to take him alive, but just as I was about to secure him your brother, whom I did not be- fore see, believing my life in. danger, shot him dead.” “ Ah! “Then you could not get your hoped- for information from your prisoner? oy “No, Iam sorry to say.’ “But what was for killing your prisoner?” my brother's Yekapnt , “He seemed to feel that I was un-. armed, as I used my lariat, and that my life was in danger, so killed the man at long range with his rifle,” sf ‘Yes, he is always very quick ko. use | a weapon, and a dead shot, too. “But where is he?” She asked the last question with con- siderable nervousness. “He went on to his home, trate a the body with him.” | / “Tam glads) ~ “But are you sure?” “Yes, I watched and waited until I felt sure that he was not Miah on your account.” “No, no, he did not know, could, not _know. ? ; FD: wae only a eotheldenee.” ” ‘trust you fully now, and you “Did you see the face of the dead man?” “Yes, and your brother recognized the man.” “Indeed!” “Yes, as one of his most trusted cat- tlemen.” “A man who was also one of the Black Brotherhood?” “So it seems.” “Tt is a pity he killed him.” “Yes, it was a cause of deep regret te me, under the circumstances, “ But the man was a thief and a traitor as well, for we found upon his body val- uable papers, jewels, and gold he had stolen from your brother and yourself.” “The more, on that account, do TI re- gret that he ‘did not allow you to take him alive.” “Yes, but his will to help me was good, so I do not complain. owt how about your Revenge Rang- ers?” “T cannot understand their delay.” “You “appointed this rendezvous?” “ Yes.” “And there was no mistake in the time?” “ None. “T saw the messenger who reports for orders to me, and not only told him, but wrote a note to the one who leads them in the field.” “Then they should be here, unless some harm befell your messenger.” “T had not thought of that. “But, if he went through all right, they will come, no matter what may de- tain them.” “Mhen let me tell you a secret while we wait for them, for I know that I can should know all.” “TI will be glad ‘to know anything that you care to make known to me—. but, hark!” “They are coming now, Miss Red wood, or some one is.” CHAPTER XLVIII. ‘THE REVENGE RANGERS, The quick ear of Buffalo Bill hao caught the sound of hoofs. He listened attentively for an instant and then said: * Yes, they are coming, for a dozen horses at least, make that sound.” “And yet I do not hear anything?” . “Your ear is not attuned as is mine, 'to catch every sound, and—” “Ah, yes, I hear them now. . But suppose they are not the rang- ers?” “Unless they see my fresh trail lead- ing here they will doubtless pass on.” “ And should they come here?” “You can mount and readily escape, if they be foes, for you have a fine horse, I notice.” ) “Yes, as fleet as a deer. “But I would not desert you,” it Tt would be far better that you be not seen, than to have us seen together. % “True; but would you remain ‘to fight them, should they be outlaws?” — “No, only to stand them off until your escape was assured, and I could then \get away.” — : “Tf it comes to that, I will se here , each day at noon until I meet you again.” “That be the arrangement, then.” — “Now go, and be near your horse, please.” She obeyed, and Buffalo Bill awaited ‘ the coming horsemen. They, were advancing in a trot, and were not far off now. The trail, if they kept to it, would Jead , them by within several hundred yards, 'and unless they noticed, if not the Re- venge Rangers, that there was a fresh trail leading up the little valley, they hier gouniors continue on their way. ‘they | teheyy ~ he ions er ee ae surely branch off toward the ca: hey, came in sight of the scout,
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ay Tr — a a a 7 ‘ es ar Buffalo Bill in Arizona. and were seen indistinctly through the} young girl appealed to the oldest man of | from avenging loved ones, ‘put to wipe f trees. the party. out a lot of desperadoes who held mercy i They were riding at a brisk trot, and He glanced at Buffalo Bill and said: for neither man nor woman in their greed Wc in single file. | “ Your note to me, fair comrade, stated | for gold. f A moment more the leader wheeled} that you would have one here with you “These men will do,” he mused. } off the trail, the others following, and | of whom we all knew, and that each one “T could have no better, and I will be A clear rang the voice of the fair maid of | would be glad to meet. proud to command them. a the ranch: “Tt stated that it was Buffalo Bill, and “Tf I mistake not, the Black Brother- P “They are the rangers!” | you would explain all when we met you hood are nearing the end of their rope.” a) As she spoke she advanced toward | here, With this he turned to the girl who I the spot where the scout stood, and the “But am I to tell my story before him, | had appealed to him, and who was some- HK eyes of the horsemen falling upon her,| or not?” - what anxiously awaiting his decision, if they all raised their sombreros with “Yes, we are to have no secrets from | to see if he was satisfied with her band Ny marked respect. this gentleman, for he is the one who| of Revenge Rangers. ij Just then the eyes of the party fell| is to lead you on the avenging trail.” All eyes were upon him as he spoke ! upon Buffalo Bill, and. instantly they “God bless him!” said a voice, fer- | and each ear caught his words: * ih repeated the salute given to their fair | vently, and then followed from the others “T feel honored at the position given } leader. an earnest: me, as captain of the Revenge Rangers, P| The scout raised his sombrero and| “Amen!” and if they, are satisfied to have me lead i bowed, saying, in his deep, mellow voice: “Well, comrade, we have discovered | them, we will start upon the trail of the th “T am glad to see you, comrades.” that Rancher Manton Marr was not| Black Brotherhod at once.” ay “And I to introduce my brave rang-| burned with the others in his cabin.” ‘ } ers to the distinguished borderman they “Can this be possible?” ; ' all know so well by the name of Buffalo “Ort Iss CHAPTER L. 1} Bill,” said the girl. “ But how do you know this, for surely A FAIR MASCOT. The scout gazed with interest ypon the | it was reported that all perished in the The Revenge Rangers could hardly be ty men. flames.” restrained from a rousing cheer when rt It was a look that took their measure| “It is a mistake, for Manton Marr did| Buffalo Bill accepted the command of Ph from head to foot, and they realized the} not. ~ their band, and, led by the young girl ' ti fact. “In some mysterious way he escaped.” | in the act, each one of them stepped | t + He saw, in the first place, that each| “Well, I hope it may be true; but. what | forward and warmly grasped his hand. ° ini man was splendidly mounted, equipped, proof have you of it?” Then Miss Redwood said: af and armed. “We have seen him,” was the reply. “Comrades, I feel now that the end we i They looked prepared for hard riding, “You have seen him?” asked the girl, | have sought is at hand, and not through } camping, and trailing if need be. | in great surprise. my act do you gain your revenge tor | a But the men? | Ves.” , the wrongs you have suffered. i They were darkly bronzed by exposure, “Then he is alive?” “T have been only an humble instru- bi they wore their hair long, and their faces| ‘‘ He is.” ment in a certain way, and I resign all he. indicated indomitable pluck and will. “And why has he not shown himself, | Tights to our distinguished friend here, Perfect horsemen they were, well-| come to those who could sympathize with | 204 far better is it so, for I did not wish i. formed fellows, and it took but a glance him in his sorrows?” that my hand should strike the death- 4 of Buffalo Bill’s eyes to see that they| “Alas, he is, I fear, crazed by his grief.’ blow, if it could be avoided. rit were men to tie to, come what may. “ Poor fellow! “A woman’s hand was not made for 4 There was not the light, devil-I-care| “But you cared for him, I sincerely| Vengeance, but she can profit well by 7 look about them that plainsmen so often hope.” the blows of brave men, such as you are. i wear, but an, expression of seriousness| “On the contrary, fair comrade, we “JT have a secret I have kept from Bie, to sadness seemed stamped upon each | were unable to do so.” you all > : Py face. “Ts he wounded, or dying?” “T shall still keep it, for it is best; but i They were men bent on one stern re-! “No; we came upon him suddenly,|in good time you will know all, and iy solve, and not to be lightly turned from as we passed through a canyon, and he| then you! will appreciate my position, _ A their purpose. | was digging a grave.” re Remember, IT am with you heart and {5 One, the leader, was a’ man of sixty,; “Ah!” : soul in this work, and call upon me as i with gray hair and mustache, and an-| “He saw us and fled like a deer, carry- | before when I can be of service. 3 aaa other was a boy of sixteen. ing his pick and shovel with him.” “ But, you will now follow the lead of hae Then there were others, both youthful, “This is sad, indeed.” Buffalo Bill, and, as before, you will 3 and along in years, “We called to him, told him we were | Still number thirteen, as he takes my ny They had been picked as men who, friends, and then several of our fleetest place. Ve had been made to suffer by the cruelties; mounted men tried to catch’ him. “Now, we will let him say what his t of the Black Brotherhood, and were! “But in vain, for ne escaped us in the | Wishes are, and then I will go my way.” Rs: banded together by the stern demand of ; timber and could not be found.” She had spoken in a low, earnest tone, | vengeance. “Tf he has gone mad, better had it| 2nd Mr. Custer replied: Hy But why should a woman, a young girl, been had he perished with the others,| “ We are not to give you up, comrade, # a lead such men in their work of revenge. | poor man, for great must be his suffer-| ONly have Mr. Cody for our captain, for bh This was Buffalo Bill’s first thought. | ings. he can lead us to success. it He did not know that she-had suffered,| “But you are’ sure, Comrade Custer,| ‘We remember how you sought us ‘i save in the loss of her beautiful and! that there could be no mistake about its| Out, one by one, in our despair, and or- \ loving friend, Helen Marr. being Rancher Marr?” ganized us into the band we now form, / Ne And yst she had organized the Re-| “None, for we all know him well, and and if not. our leader, you will surely Fi venge Rangers, the scout remembered, | al] I can say is that it is our duty to be our maacot : 3 ie . before the burning of the home of Man-| find and tare for him now, this being | ,, ) 4/8 idea seemed to please the girl, and F ton Marr. done even before we strike, the blow: we | ‘@ men as well, the former replying: He The scout could not just understand it. | are prepared to against the Black Broth- Yes, 1 will be your mascot, and Mr, a But was this not the secret that the! erhood.” ; Cody your captain. F it girl, had intended to tell him, when the| “Yes, that duty-is plain, He will lead you to the bitter end, coming of the rangers had checked her| «But now let us know what our new| 2° What it may, for he came to Arizona words? Captain. has to'aey,? sand the girl turned |/t2,. 00. Pony nine, ie near Eten Buffalo Bill judged that it must be, and! to Buffalo Bill. takes, to run down that outlaw band. Bat i then turned to await the pleasure of the|' The latter had listened attentively to Now, Mr. Cody, we will hear what te te fair maid of the ranch. all that had been said about the men |\7OUr biggies bi “You are late, Comrade Custer,” she} having seen Manton Marr. Again appealed to, Buffalo Bill said: | said to the eldest of the band, who were}. fe knew that it must be true, for he, | , Let.me say that our fair mascot i Mee teak tae too, had seen him. eon an ACERS FO tne Ra nota eee eset Al ie “JT had begun to feel anxious about Fell Age oe : 0 ai Be eee “ , . fi as i i i ‘ } Yes, Sel captain, we had a startling | “t6 had read in the face of all stern d bse Ae Red : bea pi it ie adventure om our way, which I wish to Pina ; ; and meeting Miss NIOO was so Fahy he tell you of,” vas the reply, and the looks | ¢¢termination to do and dare anything | fortunate as to get you men as my allies. oF ' . of the speaker showed that something belie ts mi ol ig Be eens SEs eat riaee Teche AeSspc teed aimed Will yi Os 3 ae out ‘of the usual run had impressed him. | “ayy of them had been made to suffer in at ihe eae cath ae a comrade se a Fi os Way. raed ae each one was| | “Tt is one who will follow our trail, oy Ai a ey etermined to avenge those wrongs. see that we are not dogged by the out- ay t ; CHAPTER aii 5! He could not get a better band to fol-| jaws, and he will be within call to re- poe | te _. THE SCOUT CAPTAIN. low him he well knew, even though he | turn to the fort for aid, should we need it, A ate “Dismount, comrades, and go into| had brought his own trusted scouts with! though I did not deem it:best to bring sees ne camp, for together we have nothing to| him from the northwest. ‘any force from there, knowing that we ie “a fear, and I wish you to hear what I have They were to be depended upon, were | were closely watched by spies.” te ‘ PR 8 to say. | these dozen wronged men, and more, “You were wise, sir,” said Mr. Custer, ; “But first, Comrade Custer, let me ‘they knew the country thoroughly and| The outlaws have spies everywhere, — meh,” hear what you have to report, * and the| had a good cause to enlist: in, not only! and they will “ite eis men baer thi
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Buffalo Bill in Arizona. fort to take their trail, after this last | inhuman deed of theirs. “Not seeing them leave the fort, they will believe that Colonel Garrett can- not act without orders, and so their fear of being hunted will be allayed.” “That was the view I took, and it will give us the better chance to act.” “Tt surely will, sir.” “Now, pards, I have said that I came here through letters from Manton Marr, and I wish to add that he was an old friend of mine. “In coming here, when nearing the end of my trail, I came upon a strange sight, which I will tell you of.” Then Buffalo Bill told of meeting the wounded girl, who could have been no other than Helen Marr, of his leaving her to lead the outlaws away from the scene, his brush with them, and his re- turn to find the maiden gone. He did not miss anything in his re- cital, told of the Black Flag of warn- ing, his continuing his trail, and then his meeting in thé canyon with Manton Marr, whom he recognized in the moon- light, and who he saw was digging a grave, and was assured had had his brain turned by his misfortunes. He told of the attempted assassination of the rancher, his firing upon the assas- sin, his flight, and in fact of all that followed, up to his meeting Miss Red- wood at the burned cabin, and later becoming her brother’s guest at the hacienda, with the story of his trail to the fort, the killing of Pedro Garcia, and the ambush laid for him upon his return. The whole story was listened to with intense interest by all. CHAPTER LI. THE TWO SCOUTS. The scout captain and the Revenge Rangers fully understood each other now. They knew what was before them, and the men had abiding faith in their new leader. His reputation was too well estab- lished for them not to have full confi- dence in him, and to them it began to look as though the end was at hand. At last Miss Redwood said that she must return to her home, and a plan was settled upon where a message could reach her, or the band, at any time within twenty-four hours. “JT will ride a short distance with you, miss, as I desire to meet my pard, Buck- skin Sam, and have you know him, as well as feel that he knows our fair mascot. “Then I shall take him to our camp und let him know just who each member of our band is. “His duty’ will be, as I said, to shadow our trail, a couple of hours or so behind us, and in this way he will be most use- ful, though not with us directly.” , A mile they had gone’ together, when Miss Redwood said that her trail would lead he> from there off to the right. Buffalo Bill halted, and ag “he did so he heard a whistle which he knew was a peculiar note of Buckskin Sam. m It told him ‘that the Verde scout was near and saw them. At once he signaled for him to come forward, and almost immediately there arose from behind a boulder Buckskin Sam and his horse. They had been lying down there, hav- ing done so when they saw Buffalo Bill and the maiden approaching, Sam not knowing whether he was to show him- self or not. < Buffalo Bill at ,once presented the Verde scout to his fair companion, who greeted him cordially, and then the} situation as explained as it was, and what the movements of the future were to be. : Miss Redwood then said good-by, and ; off she went at a rapid gallop. The two scouts sat upon their horses “You like your Revenge Rangers, then, Pard Bill?” asked the Texan. “Indeed, I do, and one and all of them are to be relied upon, so we will make a record together, mark my words, espe- cially as I have your aid.” “T am with you in all that I can do.” “T know that; but how did you arrange about your prisoner and dead man?” Buckskin Sam told what the had done, and then Buffalo Bill had his story to make known, of his meeting with the Man in Black, lassoing him, and having him shot by Rupert Redwood. “Why is it that Miss Redwood keeps her actions secret from her brother, Bill, in this manner?” asked Buckskin Sam. “T do not exactly know. “Tn fact, she has some reason for it which she has not yet made knowh to me. f But you may be sure it is a good one.’ “Perhaps she knows that he would not sanction her allying herself to these men as she has.” “ Doubtless.” “Ts there any handsome young fellow in the band who might account for it?” “No, and the real leader is an old man by the name of Custer.” “Then love is not at the basis of her actions?” “Not that I have been able to dis- cover.” — “Do you know that I had an idea, in spite of the claim of others, that Van Soulsby held the best show with iam Marr?” “Rather than Rupert Redwood?’ Ks “Yes, for the latter is a reckless devil, not, I consider, the man that Van Souls- by is.” “And you think Miss Marr was the same way of thinking?” “T do, for a woman said so, the wife of an officer who visited the Marr Ranch, and it takes a woman, you know, to find out the secrets of one of her own sex.” “Tt surety does. “But I hope young Soulsby and his men will not drive the Black Brother- hood to cover, so that we cannot find them.” “No, I think not, for the outlaw spies have already reported that the regulators are upon their trail, and they’ll either ambush and annihilate them, leading them into a death-trap, or they will simply scatter and let them look for them in vain.” “So I fear; but that young Soulsby, seemed to me a clever fellow, and one who knew what he was about.” “True, and he is as brave as they make them; but he labors under the samé disadvantage that scouts and soldiers do in moving against the outlaws, that is, their movements.are known and reported by spies, and that lays them open to be led into a:trap,or gives the gang a chance to escape. “Now, you have gone about it right; you have not heralded your coming.’ “Park! listen to those hoof-falls!” cried Buffalo Bill. CHAPTER LIT. NO MERCY FOR WOMEN. The two scouts had not moved from their position, after parting with Miss Redwood. Buffalo Bill had been anxious to have ‘his comrade fully understand the situa- tion, before he took him to the camp of the Revenge Rangers. But while Buckskin Sam was talking the keen sense of hearing possessed by Buffalo Bill, heard a sound in the dis- tance he could not mistake. It. was the fall of hoofs, and at a rapid run, ~ If so, something had gone wrong with her, or she had forgotten some idea of importance she wished to convey. Yet why: ride at that breakneck speed, for the clatter of hoofs now showed that the coming horse was on a run. “Sam.” Yes Lill? “ Hark! “Do you not notice other hoofs further away?” “T do, now that you refer to the fact.” “Tt is Miss Redwood. returning, and she is being pursued.” “ Doubtless.” “Let us go into hiding yonder where you were.” “Will your horse lie down flat at your bidding? ” “Oh, yes, he’ll do anything but talk.” “Then it is the very place to hide.” “Come on. “We have no time to lose.” They rode rapidly for the rocks that. had concealed Buckskin Sam, and at a word, as they dismounted, their horses dropped down. In an instant horses and riders were cancealed, and the two scouts were ready for business. On came the rapidly flying hoofs, and now distinctly heard, there came others further away, yet pressing on just as rapidly. “How many, Bill? ” “T should say five or six, from the clatter.” “ About that.” “Well, we will give them a surprise, and that will even matters up in our favor.” “Oh, yes.” “And the Revenge Rangers will be on hand soon after they, hear the firing.” “No doubt.” Both men were crouching now among the rocks, their rifles leveled and hidden . by a pine bush they had broken off and stuck up before them. Their horses lay flat down behind the rocks, so could not be seen, and the trail led by within thirty feet of them. With eyes riveted upon the spot several hundred yards away, where those coming must dash into view, the scouts awaited for the ordeal, whatever it might be. A moment more and there bounded into sight a horse*and rider. “The girl, as I feared.” “oe Yes.” “And riding for her life.” “Tt looks so.” On she came, her horse at its greatest speed, and she urging it on the faster, if it were possible. But suddenly there came a volley of shots, from back out of sight, and the animal sprung into the air, nearly fell, then kept up his running, but at a slower pace. He could do no more, for he had been. pare hit. “That settles it, Sam, for they deserve no mercy, firing upon a woman as they have.” “So I say, Bill.” The faces of the scouts were stern as” death now, white and determined. They forgot about odds, and were ready to do battle to save that poor girl from inhuman foes. Another few bounds, then a wild sway- ing, staggering, and the faithful horse went down, not twenty yards from where the scouts were, and just then the pur- suers dashed into sight. “Wriends are near. “Rush to these rocks for shelter!” The girl had not fallen with her horse. She had caught nimbly upon her feet, and then had stood like a frightened deer pursued by hunters, ready to bound away. She heard the deep-toned voice of Buf- The sound came from some distance | | falo Bill and recognized it. off. Gathering her riding skirt about her, It was drawing nearer, hence could not | she flew towaré the rocks. together, The sccuts were not ‘visible, but the | girl was, and her, paces eee ai yell of triumph, ’ watching her until she disappeared from | be the hoofs of the horse ridden by Miss sight, and then had a confidential talk Redwood. But might she not be returning? hi
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al SIE eh OE I! 24 RD on, {Buffalo Bill in Arizona. aie: a an er ee es oe a ee = nl They had killed her horse, and they felt that she was at their mercy. The flight to the pile of rocks could not save her, though they knew she was armed and might show fight. They were all in plain view now, and they were five in number. Their black clothes and masks told plainly who they were. Sooner than he had anticipated Buffalo Bill found himself face to face with the Men in Black whom he had set out to h trail to their doom. hi CHAPTER LIII. THE OUTLAW’S MISTAKE. if) The fugitive girl sunk down by the two horses, and was hidden by the rocks from her pursuers. AS she did so she gasped: : “Thank God, you are here to saye | H me! ” Jt was all she said, i watched and waited. Neither Buffalo Bill or Buckskin Sam hhad spoken a word to her. { They were peering through the pine bush upon the coming Men in Black. ,» The latter were still riding rapidly, and they held their rifles in hand. They felt sure of their game now. “Are you afraid that they will kill Wy you?” suddenly asked Buffalo Bill. Ft “They fired upon me.” |) “True, but your horse was outfooting i theirs, and they were determined you i should not escape.” — ( ay se Yt aie { . “Dare you advance to meet them, sd | that they will not see us?” “T will.” “We will drop the man that attempts to harm you; but we wish to hear what they have to say, if possible.” *“T) will go.” 4 . “With this the brave girl arose, and, 4 ‘holding her hands above her head, in token of surrender, she quickly advanced jtoward the five horsemen, now within a few hundred feet of her. bi ' ‘They were surprised at her act, and/ ‘half drew rein. Up eem One of them raised his rifle, but was be checked by his companions, ‘ “She’s dead sure our game now, pards,, ‘and our orders was to kill her only when we couldn’t catch her,’ said one. They now halted in front of the girl, who indignantly demanded: “Well, what means this outrage upon me, a woman, even from such devils as you of the Black Masks have proven yourselves to be?” The men seemed utterly amazed at something. They| made no reply, but sat upon their horses. gazing at the girl with glaring eyes. ‘Then they looked teward each other. But for full a moment they uttered no word, Miss Redwood stood her ground fear-_ lessly, but seemed surprised. at their conduct, She had lowered’ her hands, and stood and then she = Le 7 mien, her face very pale, her bosom heaving, and her eyes. flashing. - oi, “Well, I be duened fer a sinner, ef we /— ‘hain’t fools, fer it hain’t ther gal thet Me yIRY escaped after all, but Miss Rena Red- wood,” at last said one of the five. “TE do be fer sartin, ‘ie another re- marked. “Well, now, that you see that you. have made a mistake, what is’ your ja~ tention regarding me?” We has ter consider,” “You did not know me as Miss Red- bs SL ROOET 22 )4e) Neite y i You bet we didn’t.” | “Who did you mistake me for? 4 _.“Thet Marr gal.” keh ue Helen. ‘aside i gazing at them with unflinching eyes and | “But it was not mercy to make her a prisoner of such as you; death were preferable.” “ Thet’s your opinion, miss.” “Where is she now?” “She gave us ther slip in our camp in some way, and we was huntin’ fer her when we met ther cap’n, and he told us ter bring her back dead, if we couldn’t catch her alive, but not let her escape under no circumstances.” “And you saw me and supposed I was Miss Marr?” ; “It’s just what we did, and thet’s why we chased you, miss, and fired on you when we seen yer horse was a droppin’ us.” “Say, Jack, yer talks too glib, fer you is givin’ ther whole thing away ter Miss Redwood, and she’ll tell her brother and then ther whole of Arizona will be out lookin’ fer Miss Helen Marr, and it will bé know’d she be our prisoner, if she hain’t escaped us, which I is afeerd she hey.” “Thet’s so, I hes been a fool, and no mistake, and go I’ll hev ter jist git out of it as best I can,” said the man who appeared to be the leader of the gang of five, They were all securely masked, dressed in black, well mounted, and armed, and no eye could penetrate ‘their disguise. Miss Redwood stood watching them closely, and there was an _ expression: upon her face which they could not read. She knew that there were listeners to every word that had been uttered. What they would do to cet out of the serape their glib-tongued leader had led them into she was curious to know. She wished to have them say why they had known her to be Miss Redwood, and not Helen Marr, they would not have captured her, so she asked: “Why did you not wish to capture me, knowing me to be Miss Redwood, as I never heard of your showing mercy be- fore to man or woman?” “Well, we don’t intend ter now, as you knows too much, and we’ll jist take you along with us, yes, and git big ransom money fer you, too,” was the answer of the man who had betrayed their secret to the girl. 4 v CHAPTER LIV. hs DEADLY WORK. Miss Redwood slightly shrunk na at the words of the header, about making her a prisoner. — ‘But instantly she remembered that she had two brave defenders within a few yards of her, and she shrunk no more. She was inxious to make the outlaws give more information, if possible, that the scouts might find useful. She dreaded the scene that must fol- low, not so much on her own account as for her two protectors, They were two against five, and she felt that the odds were: terribly against them. $till, Buffalo Bill had told her they would protect her, and she bad. every confidence in him and his pard. . But could two face five successfully? Tf they killed two or more of the out- laws, must not one Rt the two fall, Bap argued. ©» > She begun to jong. for the coming up of the Revenge Rangers. But they were a mile away, nearly, and though they would come quickly enough at the sound of the weapons, they m alsin) be too late to save pres lives. All these thoughts flashed throuen the _| mind of the young girl, and in sie of | herself she was growing nervous. Still she said, fearlessly: dare make me a prisoner? ” “Do you mean to say that you will t more, will pay you ransOm money at any place and time you will name?” “T never trusted a woman yet, and I hain’t going ter do so now.” “Remember, I am armed, and you will attempt to take me at your peril.” “See here, miss, men’s lives is valua- ble out here, and you just better not play a shooting act on us, fer you will be given your own medicine, ef we has ter swar to ther cap’n we thought you was ther Marr gal.” “T cannot appeal to you, then?” “Not a little bit, for we knQwe what we is about.” She had dropped her bent hand upon the revolver she wore in her belt, but they saw the act, and quick as lightning had their weapons out. “ Drop that, and quick, too!” cried the leader, He leveled his revolver as he uttered the words, But tho words were his last, for over the top of the rocks rang out a rifle shot, and the man dropped dead. Instantly another shot came, second one fell in his tracks. This, too, in a second of time. Ny Hands up or take your poison, all of! you!” Tt was the commanding voice of Buf- falo Bill that gave the order. At the same time Miss Redwood sprung out of the line of fire, and leveling her revolver, shouted: “Yes, hands up, all of you!” It was a bold act, but then she was a girl who acted fearlessly. The scout, as he rose, had said: “Keep down, Sam. “Don’t let them see you!” As Buffalo Bill faced the three out- laws, instantly a rattle of revolvers be- gun, and bullets flew, thick and fast. Buckskin Sam also fired, but he still remained hidden, as told to do. The leader did not wish to show all of his strength at once. But the rapid fire had been fatal, in- deed. Just how it happened there was no time to see, but within ten seconds five men lay dead or dying upon the ground, Buffalo Bill was standing upon the rocks, wiping his cheek, which a bullet had grazed, and Buckskin Sam had risen with the remark: “No need of hiding now, Bill. “But did you see that girl fire her revolver?.” “Yes, she stood at bay like a lioness, and at ‘close range. “It would not have been so easy for, us, but for her.” Just as Buckskin Sam was about to rise from his crouching avtitude a horse- man dashed into sight, coming along the trary eo It was a Man in Black. He had heard the firing, a quick glance had shown him that his comrades were down, and also revealed the tall form of Buffalo Bill standing upon the rocks, Instantly he had wheeled his horse about, as though on a pivot, and drove spurs deep as he dashed away. and a the captain of the gang. “ll follow him!” cried Buffalo Bill, and a call to his horse brought the ani- mal to his feet. With a bound Buffalo Bill was in m4 saddle and off in pursuit of the Man in Black ‘who had it quickly retr eated from the BOSues j CHAPTER TEN teat é \ E THE RECOGNITION. — The short, sharp, and fatal fight “aed jin a complete victory for Buffalo Bill, “By Heaven, bui I believe that man is ne pea Sam, and ae girl who had <
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ere ery Buffalo Bill in _ Arizona. realizing that he was too late, had turned and fled. The scout at once took the idea that it was the unknown leader of the Black Brotherhood, and so had gone in pursuit. He was some little time behind the fugitive, and just then time counted a great deal; but he had marked where the man in black had disappeared, so was quickly upon his’ trail. The scout rode rapidly, for night was not far away, and if he caught up with | the man it must be before dark. After riding a mile or more he halted. The trail showed where the.Black Rider had come to a stand, and from that spot | there was no trace of track continuing on. “Up to their old tricks again of hid- | ing the trail, and I must say they do it | well. But I must learn their secret, for it | is a good one.” The scout dismounted and began to ! examine the ground closely, and at last | was able to discover the trick played. “He simply muffles the hoofs of his horse, for here the mufflers have passed; but it will be impossible to trace them on this ground fast enough to overtake him before night. “Tll have to give him up, but he’ll have néws for his band, and, as I was the only one ‘he saw, he'll think I rescued the girl and did the shooting. That will | \make them anxious to find me, which is ; just what I want. “Now, to return, to send Miss Red- wood home before night, and then to | get the Revenge Rangers to work.” And remounting he rode at a gallop back to the ridge. | Meanwhile the Revenge Rangers had come with a rush to the scene or combat , to find not Buffalo Biil, but their mascot standing there with the scout in green, whom all of them knew by sight, and respected and admired greatly. Miss Redwood related what had hap- pened, and told where the scout had gone. At once several of the Rangers were going after him, but Buckskin Sam suggested that it would be best for the horsemen to keep hidden, as his army pard was fully able to take care of him- self, and he pointed significantly at the five dead outlaws. Sam then told how bravely Miss Red- wood had behaved, and said that he had seen one of the outlaws level his revolver upon ther, and he tried to fire quick enough to save her, but was surprised to see the man drop, and it was the Rang- ers’ mascot who had fired the shot that saved her. Catching the horses of the outlaws, the Rangers then unmasked the dead, and exclamations of surprise showed that they had made a discovery. “Why, here is oné of Rancher Martin Marr’s own cowboys! ” cried Custer. “Tt is, indeed, and one of his most trusted men, as I happen to know,” was the reply of another. “This man was one of the Redwood ‘Hacienda cowboys—you recognize him, miss?” “Yes, he was from the Eacienda. Do } you recognize any of the others?” “Yes, every one of them; they all | come from the ranches. Now we under- stand how they always scattered so soon after their lawless deeds and seemed to become invisible, while they knew just who to attack, and when,” said Custer. “JT wonder, after this, if the band of the Black Brotherhood will still boast of having their fatal thirteen members,” ‘remarked a young Ranger. CHAPTER LVI. SHADOWED. Just as the remark was made, as to whether the Black Brotherhood, after the losses they had met with, would still | claim to be a fatal thirteen, one of the Rangers called out: ; “There he comes!” ; ~All eyes turned in the See indi- ! rapidly toward them. | large and round, and only in the softest ‘cleverly. covered up their trails. | chase of her. .made no reply and rode away. rugged, winding, and here and there over- hung with mountainous cliffs. | there before the sun had gone down be- cated, and har beheld Buffalo Bill riding He soon drew rein in their midst, raised his sombrero, and said, pleasantly: “You were promptly on hand, Rangers, I see. “But my game escaped me, I am sorry to say. “ He covered up his tracks so well that I could not follow him, and, as we have some captured horses of the band, will you look and see if you can find on them any mufflers with which they hide the hoof tracks with?” Several men at once began the search, and on four of the five horses wrapped up in the blanket roll, were found a set of | leather boots, a muffler which could be drawn on over the hoof of a horse and laced up. The bottom of these were well padded, ground would they have made any im- print. Thus had the scout discovered the se- cret of how the outlaws had so well and “Sam, as you are to shadow me, take one of these sets, and I will take an- other, leaving two pairs for the Rangers to use, though we will soon steal the outlaw’s thunder and have mufflers for all of our horses,” said Buffalo Bill. The five bodies were then packed upon their own horses, to be taken to the camp for burial, and as Miss Redwood was anxious to get off at once upon another attempt to return to her home, Buffalo Bill offered to accompany her. But this she firmly refused to allow him to do, saying that she did not feel in the least timid, and her horse could outfoot any animal that might be put in With a cheery good-by to all, she started on her ride, Buffalo Bill saying to her: “Do not be surprised to see me at your home at any time, for I am anxious to see your brother about what you cannot tell him.” She looked a little anxious at this, but “Men, you can go to camp, and I’ll be there to-morrow morning, for I do not intend to allow Miss Redwood to go alone, for I shall follow, to be near if aid is needed.” The men were all glad to hear this, ‘and after a few instructions, and telling Buckskin Sam that he had better remain in the camp of the Revenge Rangers un- til his return, the scout rode off on his mission to shadow Miss Redwood home. The trail of her horse was readily fol- lowed for several miles, and then en- tered a canyon, where the trail was so hard no iron-shod hoof would leave a track. But Buffalo Bill felt that she could go no other way, so kept steadily on. He had seen by the tracks of her horse that she had ridden rapidly, but he, too, had kept up a brisk pace, and was a lit- tle surprised that he had not come in sight of ‘her. The canyon was a long one, wild, There was heavy timber upon the slopes and cliffs, and the way was dark low the horizon. As Buffalo Bill reached the end of the canyon night had come on, so all was darkness about him. But he had begun to understand the lay of the land well, knew just about the direction where the Hacienda Ranch should lie, and saw dimly after leaving the canyon that there was a trail which his horse seemed to wish to follow. “She has gone this way, has. she, old ‘fellow? “Well, you push along the same trail.” said the scout to his horse, and he went on at a canter. After a ride of miles he came out into the prairie country under the TAREE that re ne he knew stood at the base of the Hacien- da Ranch, and far away in the distance a. light was visible. “It is the Hacienda, and I will go there, for I do wish to let Rupert Red- wood know about the men on his ranch whom we have discovered to be outlaws. “Wor reasons, I will say nothing of any one having been with me, but Pll have a talk with him, and see if he can- not give me a few good pointers. “Miss Redwood will be surprised at my coming so soon, but then she will know that anxiety for her safety prompt- ed me to do so.” With this the scout kept up a steady gait, and at last rode up to the Hacienda gate. It was opened when he announced his. name by an attendant, who. told him his master had just lately come home, and was waiting for supper tobe served to him. A moment after he was ushered into the pleasant dining room and was face to face with Rupert Redwood and his. sister. The former rose with evident surprise eated hard riding and fatigue. Rena Redwood rose quickly, and with a cordial manner extended her hand. . She was neatly’ attired and there was not a trace of fatigue about her, though the scout knew well what she had just gone through with. CHAPTER LVII. THE SCOUT’S VISIT. The manner of Rena Redwood was im strange contrast to that of her brother, as Buffalo Bill could not fail to notice. His greeting of the scout was cordial enough, but yet he seemed to show that it was a surprise. Knowing that the rancher had also had a hard day of it, Buffalo Biil could appreciate his fatigue, yet he could not have gone through as much as had his sister, and she came up bright and smil- ing. “Tam glad you are in time for supper, Mr. Cody, and let me tell you that I have just returned, for I have been on a long trail since we met this morning,” said Rupert Redwood. “T may say that I have also, sir, for after seeing you I had come to halt on my trail, and I decided to come by and see you to-night, if only for an hour.” “No, no, you must remain all night, and longer if you can. “ Get a good rest, as you have a long trail ahead of you to the Northwest.” “Yes, but both my horse and myself are used to hardships.” “How I envy men who can go when and where they please, while I, a woman, must be content with a daily gallop of a few miles and then ‘have to be bored with an attendant.” “T rather like it because women are so dependent, Miss Renwood ; us appreciate them the moré for being so totally the opposite of men. “Why, I cannot look with patience upon a woman aping man’s ways any more than I can upon’a male creature, a dude, who tries to appear effeminate. “Such women have all the mannish- ness of men without their manliness, just as dudes are effeminate es Ses be- ing womanly.” Rena Redwood looked at the scout with positive admiration and said: “Mr. Cody, you have well said, and deliver me from ‘a mannish woman, as you aptly call them; but I meant that women missed so much of life because they cannot do certain things thet fear of danger or talk prevent them from doing. ' “Now, I admire a brave woman, and manv are such.” Yes indeed. Tl vouch for that, + wan he srou*’s hearty response, and he looked at Rena Redwood ‘in a very ‘Significant way. at seeing him, and his appearance indi-~ it makes |
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Saar PN ee ea - the gat be all right.” 4“ n I eT SR. SS @ 26 READ PPR S48 eT. Buffalo Bill in Arizona. oe ed a ee Br eee rr tae Supper was then announced, and the three sat down to it, and Buffalo Bill ate heartily, though neither the rancher nor his sister seemed to have gained an appe- tite from their day in the saddle. After supper, as Rena Redwood saw that the scout wished to have a talk with her brother, she bade him good night and good-by, for he was positive in his declining to remain, saying that he must continue on in an hour or two, and would camp miles away upon his trail. When the young lady had retired, Buf- falo Bill said: “ After our adventure this morning, Mr. Redwood, I did not expect to see you so soon again.” “JT am glad that circumstances caused | such to be the case, however, Mr. Cody.” “Thank you, sir. “ But my reasons for coming is to tell you that I met with another adventure that I think you should know.” “Yes, yes, certainly.” “Tt has been my good fortune to aid in reducing the Black Brotherhood band by five more of its men to-day.” “ Great Scott! “Can this be possible? ” “Tt is, sir.” For a moment there was a silence, and then Rupert Redwood asked: “Tell me how you were so fortunate.” “Well, sir, it is a short story, for a scout came after me from Fort Verde, overtaking me upon the trail, and we were run upon by five masked men in black, and our position gave us the ad- vantage, so, save this scratch you see on my cheek, we received no harm, while the, were utterly wiped out,” “You cre a wonderful man, Cody.” ‘““Ah, no, it was only a case of outlaws who had the odds against men in the right and who held the position on them; but that is of littl» matter, the main point being that = desire to acquaint you with the fact that two of those five men were from your ranch.” “ Great God! “Do you mean it?” “T do, sir, for my comrade, recognized them,” “Tid jhe know for sure?” “tie said there was no mistake about them.” “ And the man you iassoed ‘and I killed this morning was another of my cow-, boys?” “Yes, sir, he was Pedro Garcia, you remember, so that makes five false men in one band on a ranch,” “Tt is too true,” and the rancher ap- peared deeply moved. “Have you many men on your ranch, sir, may I ask?” “Wifteen cattle men, or I had that mumber, and I now dread to trust any of them. “Why, Mr. Cody, these very men I in- tended to lead on a hunt after the Black Brotherhood, for, above all things, I would like’ to get ahead of Van Soulsby and his Regulators,” said the rancher naesidin Ges Mr. _ CHAPTER LVIII. SEEN BY THE MOONLIGHT. The distress of the young rancher of ‘the Hacienda at the falsity of his men touched Buffalo Bill; and he said; “JT am sorry, Mr. Redwood, that the facts are as stated; but it gives you fair warning that to go upon the trail of the lack Brotherhood with men you ane. ‘in fear of would be useless.’ id “Very true.” “Your own life might be endangered, cand you might find that you had hardly -a true man among ‘them, while the bad. ones may all have been weeded out and et it will never do for you to take | id. trust povarigh ee “file “As these men have shown that they are members of your band of cowboys, it may be that each ranch can furnish its quota of outlaws in the disguise of hon- est men, and the whole lawless band be made up of men from the neighboring country engaged in one occupation or another.” “T had not thought of that.” “ Yet, it may be true.” “Ah, yes; but if I do not go upon this trail to avenge the Marr family it will be a terrible blow to me, while Van Soulsby is doing all in his power to hunt those fiends down.” “He may and he may not be success- ful.” “T fear he may.” “He has started upon this trail, it is true; but after discovering what I have, I would not be surprised that there is a spy of the outlaws, perhaps several, right in his band of Regulators.” “By Jove, you may be right, and if so he will be led off their trail and then give us a chance.” “That is a selfish remark, Mr. Red- wood, I am frank enough to say to you, for there can be no rivalry now between you, and if Mr. Soulsby can hunt down the band of outlaws, all should be glad, for you, with traitors under your own roof, can hardly expect to be success- “You are right and I was wrong in making the remark, Mr. Cody. “T really do not see that I can do any- thing.” “Until you get men about you that you are sure of. “ But I have ‘told you what I came by here to do, so must go on my way.’ “T am sorry I cannot persuade you to remain.” “Thank you, no, I must be going.” “You know best. “But do you think there could be no mistake about those men?” “oe How? ” “Whether they were really of the Black Brotherhood or not?” “Oh, no, for they wore the garb. sé “Were men in black and masked? ” “e Yes.” “Did you find nothing upon them to convict others?” “Some money and weapons, that was all. “ My pard cared for that.” “And, of course, as a scout from Verde, carried all back to the fort.” i He had the bodies strapped upon the horses to start as I left,” said Buffalo Bill, quietly, and then. added: “T must go now.” “ Allow me to have some food put up for you—I will return in a few minutes.” Buffalo Bill tried to check him, but he had reached the door. Just then he met his sister, who said: “T have returned to say, Mr. Oody, that I have shad a bag of provisions put up for you.” “You are very kind, indeed, Miss Red- wood, and I accept and appreciate your goodness to me. “But now good-by again,” and Buffalo Bill was escorted to the plaza of the Ha- cienda, where his horse that had been, well cared for was led up by a servant. With a grasp of the rancher’s hand, he mounted and rode out of the adobe walls upon the plain, turning to the left, as the rancher had directed him to do. But only a short distance did he go in this direction, when he halted, took the hoof mufflers he had taken from one of the dead outlaws’ traps out of his saddle roll and fastened them OR his own horse. Then he turned off the well-beaten trail upon the plain and cut across to gain the same way by which he had ap- proached the Hacienda, _ He had not gone Aa far eae the _— - —- ————_.. a a Ee ee ee ee ee ee eee re With this he rode on slowly, keeping his face to the rear to try and detect any shadowy form upon his trail. He had arrived somewhat late at the Hacienda, and, remaining for some time, it was after midnight before he left; so that the moon as it arose was brighten- ing the horizon and threatened soon to appear. Buffalo Bill was glad to see that it would rise directly behind him and mut- tered: “Just my luck, for it will reveal whether I am right in the belief that any one is following me.” Soon after the moon appeared, just as the scout was going over a rise down into a valley beyond, which led him into the canyon before referred to. With just his head peering over the rise he looked behind him and his eyes fell upon a horseman following him. CHAPTER LIX. BUFFALO BILL'S LUCK. Buffalo Bill continued on his way, after the discovery he had made by the light of the moon and turned neither to the right or left. He seemed not to dread the discovery cf a man on his track in the slightest degree. : After going a short distance he began to whistle, and several times yawned aloud. But he was not the indifferent man that he appeared, for his ears were.strained to catch the slightest sound, and time and again he looked back to see if he could catch a glimpse of his shadower. He several times did so, and saw that eisai had dropped further be- ind. The scout knew that this was to avoid being seen by him, should he glance be- hind him. He was not riding very fast, for his horse did not seem to like the mufflers he wore, and had shown his disappro- bation of them several times. “Never mind, we'll take them off at the canyon,” the scout had said encour- agingly. Soon the canyon was reached, and, dis- mounting at a spot that seemed to catch his eye, Buffalo Bill led his horse quickly behind a large boulder, drew off the muf- flers from his ‘hoofs, and then remounting began to whirl his lariat about his head. His follower was coming slowly along behind him, some four hundred yards distant, and little suspected that there was danger ahead for him. Neither did Buffalo Bill suspect that a third horseman was following the second one. The third horseman was robed in black and was masked. Whoever the one shadowing Buffalo Bill might be, the third man wore the garb of the Black Brotherhood. If the one on Buffalo Bill’s track knew that he had’a follower also, he did not. appear to do so, No more did he suspect that the scout had halted amid the shadows of the can- on. ; On his way he went, not anxious to get too near, but expecting to come within the dark canyon. The spot chosen by Buffalo Bill for an brought his follower into the full glare of the moonlight just as he came up, but allowed him to be mounted and unseen among the shadows. The first that the shadower knew or ten was when a lariat rattled over his his horse he was dragged from his’ saddle, in his own game, and said quietly: “Tf you ae life ids) Sis make Tesiatance,! es emake oe view of Buffalo Bill when he got out of | ambush was an excellent one, for it — suspected — that the biter. might ‘be bit- shoulders and by a spring forward of Buffalo Bill stood over him by the time | he realized that he ‘had been trapped
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) ‘quickly to a stunted pine, and went for- is not to be trusted when tempt Buffalo ‘Bill i in Arizona. 27 cried the man in broken English, and his looks revealed that he was a half-breed Mexican and Indian. “Tam a Government scout and wish to know why you are following me?” “No, no, senor; I was not following you.” “Where were you going?” “To look for stray cattle, Senor.” * At night?” “T wanted to be on the plains when day broke, senor.” ““Where do you live?” “At the Hacienda Ranch; the Senor Redwood is my boss, senor, a very good man.” “Yes, but his cattle men do not appear to take him for an example,” “Me good man, senor.” “Then you belie your looks. “Come, you must go with me.” “Oh, senor!” “No nonsense, for I’ll stand none— see!” The fellow’s belt of arms was taken from him, and for a moment, being a stout fellow, he appeared about to resist, but a wrench of his arm and a grasp on his throat showed that he was utter- ly powerless in the scout’s hands. His hands were quickly secured behind his back, his feet tied, and then the scout went to catch ‘his prisoner’s horse. This done he led the animal back to where his bound rider was, and was ex- amining his equipment when he suddenly uttered a very vehement expression, fol- lowed by the words: “Ah! You'are one of the Black Broth- erhood, are you?” “Oh, no, senor, no!” “Well, here is your disguise, lying across your saddle ready to slip on when needed,” “No, senor, no. trail.” °)s “A costly find for you, my man, and let me tell yoy, that the Black Brother- hood will find “it hard to keep up their Fatal Thirteen at the rate that I happen to know they are dropping off. “But, come, mount your horse, for I have freed your legs.” “ But, senor—” “Obey, or I’ll strap a dead man across that saddle.” The man fairly leaped upon his horse at this, his act causing Buffalo Bill to remark: “T think you are just the timber: I want.” i I found it on the * CHAPTER LX. THE DEATH-SHOT. The man who had been shadowing the shadower of. Buffalo Bill halted sud- denly after he had entered the cabin. He heard a sound ahead he did not like. . It was the sound of. voices. = age that should be seemed to trouble m. As has been said, he wore the garb of the Black Brotherhood. He wheeled his horse in among the shadows of the canyon, hitched him ward on foot. He did not go very far, but it was far enough for his purpose. He discovered the cause of his hear- ing those voices. His words showed _this, for he mut- tered. “Curses! that man has roped him. “There will be no safety for any one until Buffalo Bill is in his grave. i “Tt is an act that will create a stir, yet must be done. “TN think about it. 4 “Now to follow them, for though ‘the | ‘best trailer in the outfit, that half-breed | a 7 With this he returned to his horse, as soon as assured that Buffalo Bill had ridden on with his prisoner, and mgants( _ Ing, followed on their trail. The man chatted away in his broken English, intermixed with Mexican patois and Indian, and vowed by everything good that ‘he was innocent of any wrong- doing. “Only a poor cattle herder, senor.” Buffalo Bill let him talk on, making a mental note of some things that he said, and asking only an occasional question, One of them was to the point: “Which would you rather do, live or be hanged?” The man shuddered, but soon became very curious to know just what the scout meant by his terrible words. “IT mean simply that I have an idea that a horse, good outfit, a bag of gold, say several hundred dollars, with a chance to make tracks for Mexico, to be seen no more in this country, would be more pleasing to you than to hhave a rope put around your neck and you hoisted upon the limb of a tree,” “Oh, senor!” “Now quit talking and go to thinking.” “Yes, senor.” ’“ Just turn it over in your mind wheth- er it is not best to take my offer, an- swer all questions I ask you, and then light out, or refuse and be hanged by sunrise, for I am taking you to a camp where the men will hang you at sight, unless I can vouch for you.” “Senor, oh, senor, I will—” “Think, don’t talk. “Turn it over in your mind, as we ride along, and when you have con- cluded what you will do just say what that conclusion is.” “T will think, good senor.” For some distance they rode on in silence, the prisoner silent, but dowvtless very thoughtful. They had reached the end of the can- yon, and were going over the ridge upon the plateau. The moonlight fell brightly upon both, and either could have been distinguished at a distance of a hundred yards. It had been rough traveling for the horses on approaching the end of the canyon, so that they had gone in a slow walk. A man on foot could travel much faster than they just there. And a man on foot did. He seemed to know the canyon perfect- ly, and he left his horse and ran on until he came closer and closer to the scout and his prisoner. His feet gave no sound, and in the shadow he got up to within easy range. The scout had mounted out of the shad- -ows, and side~by side with his prisoner was near the top of the ridge. Once there, and the two horsemen would be relieved in full outline against the sky. _ As they reached the ridge the prisoner turned toward Buffalo Bill and said: “Senor, me think heap.” ae Well? » “Me talk and live, not keep silent and hang. ““Me no fool, senor.” F “So I had observed.” “Yes, me talk all you want and live.” The last word had hardly left his lips when a red glare illemined the silver light of the moon. _ At the same instant the loud report of ‘a rifle echoed among the rocks. Buffalo Bill saw his prisoner lunge forward upon the horn of his saddle, from which he would have fallen but that he was bound to it. The two horses both sprung forward in affright, but they were quickly checked ‘by the scout, who dismounted, and, leap- ing to the ridge, peered over, rifle in hand. “Oh, senor, he- rag me!” cried the half-breed. ae Who? ” be Him ~ ae, ” : “ The chief. “ He—I tell you—” | But the ip tone;) Seamer) for the 1 man was CHAPTER LXI. THE RETURN OF THE CHIEF, The shot from the rear had _ been wholly unexpected by Buffalo Bill. At first he regarded it as his luck to escape while his prisoner was killed. But he thought differently later on. Going back to the ridge, he waited, rifle in hand, He peered down into the canyon, but could see nothing. : But ‘he detected the sound of running eet. : The one who fired the shot was escap- Let mt Anxious to at least try and strike back, Buffalo Bill leveled his repeating rifle in the direction of the sound, and at once the lively music of the matchless weap+ on begun. It was all at random, in the dark, yet he felt that a stray shot might strike the fugitive assassin. This done, the reloaded the weapon and went on foot back through the canyon as far as he deemed necessary. But he came upon no dead or dying man, heard no sound, so returned to his horses and his dead outlaw. He saw that the body was secure upon the saddle, and, finding mufflers in the outlaw’s traps, he put them upon the horse and once more his own animal had to submit to them. He did not care to be tracked to the camp of the Revenge Rangers. Continuing on his way, where the nature of the ground allowed the scout pushed rapidly on, and at last turned off the trail toward the camp. Hardly had he done so when, in the darkness, came the stern command: “ Halt and hands up! “We have you covered! ” “Ho, Sam, on watch, I see.” “Ah, it is you, is it, Pard Pie “Ay, ay.” “The second horse fooled me, and then it is so dark here. Mi “Yes, “ How goes the camp?” “ All right. “T made the men ‘surn in, while I stood watch.” “Just your style, Sam. _ “You are a perfect owl.” “TIT can sleep when I get the chance, too, pard, “ But, you have a prisoner there?” fi Well, he was, but he’s free now.” “Then you found a Man in Black who was willing to sell out?” “Yes, but let me tell you that he fol- lowed me from the Redwood Ranch, but I got onto his curves, so roped him in. 7 “We got along all right, for we had agreed to terms, but he was not alone, or he did not know that he was shad- owed.” “T see, “Why, the man is dead,” and: Sam had now etouped. up to the horse bearing the body. “Yes, he was shot from behind.” “Well, well.” “Those Men in Black do not allow one of their band to remain a prisoner, fear- ing they may be tempted to turn traitor.” “So kill them when they are caught?” “ Exactly. Buffalo. Bul explained how the shot a been fired, and continued: “Both horses are muffled, so I cannot pe! tracked here, and you can come on to camp and turn in, Sam, as you'll get several hours’ sleep, and there is no danger.” “But may, you not have been shad- owed?” “No, the hint that I gave with my rifle, that I would keep my eye behind me, was enough, and I halted on my way now and then, hoping some eas would come upon me. — TH tell all of you my night’s ride.” F The body of the outlaw was taken _| from the horse and placed on the ground, “Come, we'll turn in, and at breakfast i ye folded on hide ge and a dears! ae
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ee ee ee Sr room for this other body. Buffalo E Bill in Arizona. spread over it, and the two pards were | not long in seeking rest. | Several of the rangers awoke, and were | glad to know of their chief’s return, and told him they would not call him until breakfast was ready. A couple of hours after, they arose, built a fire, and when they had a good ! breakfast ready, Buffalo Bill and Buck- skin Sam were called, and, making a hasty toilet at the brook, they joined their comrades. Then Buffalo Bill told his story, and said at its conclusion: “Did you bury, the dead you brought pase camp?” “Not until you return, sir, but the |} grave is dug and there is ample spare “We congratulate- you your escape, sir,” said Custer. “T was not wanted near so much as the captured outlaw. “He was simply silenced by being killed.” “T guess that is the way. it was}’’ Buck- skin Sam remarked, adding: “They would’ not kill you, Bill, if they had the chance, for well they know | that every scout and soldier in Verde | would be turned loose to sweep this country,of évery suspicious character. “No, they are afraid to kill you; but all the same, don’t expose yourself, for some fool may be tempted.” | “Tchave always trusted to my luck, | for it seems I was born under a lucky star. “But now, comrades, my plan is to send. scouts out singly, and for three pur- poses.” All were at once deeply attentive, to hear more from their leader. upon CHAPTER LXII. UNDER SPECIAL ORDERS. } Continuing, Buffalo Bill went cn to gay, every Revenge Ranger listening with the deepest attention: “There is no doubt in my mind that} the cattlemen on the Redwood Ranch | are the most deeply concerned in this lawless work. “Mr. Redwood is known to be oe and he employs,more men than any, one else in’ this part of the country. “The hacienda is as strong as a fort, and situated right at the base of the mountains, so that it could be readily defended, and an easy retreat made if the outlaws had to give way. “And in their retreat they would be very careful to carry with them Mr. Red- wood and his beautiful sister, to hold for ransom, while all the booty in the haci- enda would be taken also, along with the splendid lot of horses that are known to be upon the ranch. “The hacienda is centrally located, and all things considered, I have decided that the centre of operations, the head and front of this lawless band, is there or near by. “See how I was attacked there by Pedro Garcia, and again see how quickly I was followed from there last night. “Then, too, the fact that: Miss Red- wood is so interested, to me, is proof that’ she knows, or suspects, that her home is the headquarters of the outlaws, and for some reason, we know not what, she keeps the secret hidden from her brother. - “For this reason “I wish to have the Redwood Hacienda shadowed, and two of you men, who best know the surround- ings, must do the work.” “T have this to suggest, sir, and they know every foot of the ground,” said Custer. “That is settled, then. “Now to the fact that Mr. Marr is not dead. Manton “He must be found, and ¢hree men; | find Helen Marr, be, she a captive, a must start on this duty. ~““As you saw him where I did, it proves that he is haunting the vicinity ¢f his ruined home, and there he must be | Liege : Ce “Mr. Custer, you know the men to suggest for this work.” aT GO; Sin. “ Now, terday, outlaws. “When I saw her, was, I knew she feared she was going to die. “JT did not think so, and great fatigue, fear, and excitement caused her to be- lieve death was at hand. “She was wounded, as far as I could discover, in the neck or shoulder; but the wound might have been only a slight one, magnifigd by a girl’s fear into a); mortal one. “Tf she did escape, and was not re- captured, we must find her. “Tf she is wandering about or in hid- ing, we must find her, while if she was recaptured, she must*be retaken, 80 I wish three men for this special duty.” “TJ will name them, sir.” ; “ Good! “Now, that takes eight from our band, and Buckskin Sam and I will go off on special scouts, leaving four men here in camp. “JT wish one man to be constantly | ready to go off after one of the parties of these I have named for special duty, and I desire that one man be sent here every twenty-four hours to report. “Mr. Custer, you will remain here with the, three other men and be in charge.” “Yes, sir.’ “You will E eden one man constantly on watch out on the trail, and be ready to move camp within five minutes’ no- tice.” “T will, sir.” “Now, men, you all know the duties you are to perform,.and as there are no traitors in our band, we will win suc- cess,” and the penetrating eyes of Buf- falo Bill swept around the group and rested upon each face. There was not a flinching eye, and each gaze met his own fearlessly. The Revenge Rangers were true as steel. “There is ‘one thing more, men. “Should any one, save our cwn band, and of course that means our fair mas- cot, come to this camp, or visit the place where any of the three scouting parties may be, no matter who he may be, hold him a prisoner for me to see.” Why he wished this Buffalo Bill did ; not explain,, but the men felt that he had some good reason for it, and would , obey, though it was a strange command | they thought, as they might meet with a Fort Verde scout, a soldier courier, one of Van Soulsby’s Regulators, or a well-known rancher. Having put the Revenge Rangers under special orders, buried the dead outlaw, and gotten all ready for the move of | the separate parties, Buffalo Bill started them upon their varied trails. Then he had a talk with Custer, and, mounting his horse, rode out of camp with Buckskin Sam. “You have not told me, Pard Bill, | just what I am to do,” said Buckskin Sam. “Shadow me.” “Ah! I see, and a good idea.” “Tt may turn out so. ; '“Drop back now, and keep well out of sight behind me, ready to answer any call or signal, and I will be on hand should you need me,” scout dropped back, while Buffalo Bill rode on ahead alone. : CHAPTER LXIII. THE FAIR FUGITIVE. The first, thought of Buffalo Bill was to ‘| wanderer, or dead. He knew that the five men whe had been pursuing Miss Redwood the day it is very sure, from what we | know of the chase of Miss Redwood yes- | that she has escaped from the wounded as she | and the Verde . who had escaped from the outlaws” clutches in some way. P If so, then she must have been some- where near the scene of the fatal com- bat in defense of Miss Redwood. The latter’s horse must have been like the one Helen Marr had escaped upon, and their riding habits were similar, while both had worn slouch ‘hats, with. | plumes, so had Jooked enough alike to | cause the mistake of the outlaws. The five men had been detailed for | the search, and the one who had appeared later, to fly and be pursued, Buffalo Bill believed was the chief. His desire, then, was to pick up the: trail of the five outlaws, and follow it, {for they must have been tracking the ‘escaped girl until they came upon Miss Redwood. With this very reasonable belief as to | how matters had been, Buffalo Bill took |up the trail of the five horses, whose | riders then lay in their grave, and fol- lowed it for half a dozen miles. It led back toward the Redwood Ha- 'cienda, until nearing the canyon where the half-breed had been killed the night before, and then branched right off into | the mountains. Buffalo Bill followed the trail, making his own, so that Buckskin Sam should make no mistake. He got down, where the soil was soft, | and closely examined the tracks. Just then he noted the tracks of six horses instead of five. | At once he turned back, going on foot. ‘now, and had nearly reached the place where they turned into the main trail, when he detected that one track turned, short off to the right. | It was the track of the sixth horse. | He felt sure, as the other trail could be seen from there, that the outlaws, fol- lowing the fugitive’s track, up, to that point, had suddenly discovered Miss Red- wood and dashed away in pursuit of her, believing her to be (Heir game. All “signs,” as he read them, pointed to this having been the case. ! Dropping sticks in the trail, to mark his way to Buckskin Sam, Buffalo Bill | turned off on the track of the sixth horse. This led him fer a mile or more almost parallel with the trail leading through the canyon, and then went off into the foothills. The horse seemed to be wandering at _his will, unguided by, ais rider, if he had ‘ one. But the scout followed ‘the winding trail for miles, and then halted suddenly. What he saw was a picture. In a pretty little glen in the hills, on the bank of a stream, was a horse staked out. A saddle, a lady’s, and a bridle were by the stake rope, and under a tree was a small fire, while by it, upon a blanket, lay a form. It was that of a young girl in blue rid- ing habit._ A slouch hat was near her, with @ ~ plume in it, and a bag of provisions, a small coffee pot, and a canteen lay close at hand. She was fast asleep. She doubtless had gone into camp there the night be- fore, and tired out, had remained there. As he drew nearer Buffalo Bill saw @ | ‘rifle lying near her, and a belt of re- volvers was within reach of her hand. | hee some time the scout gazed apo er. Was she asleep, or dead? ‘a Fearful of the latter, he called out in a tone not to startle her: “Miss Marr!” Several times he called, not daring to approach and awaken her suddenly, ifs) ee she was only asleep. At last, to his great joy, she moved, then suddenly sat up. ‘Phere, a hundred feet, from her, seated i upon his horse, she beheld the scout. | A ery burst from her lips, but Lae ‘ as a flash she aan Her gat ae 3 * ad Hola, La Fay chet) were in- bisa e ae i Marr, he ay
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} + 1 our ‘ Buffalo Bill in Arizona.’ ' * “Do you not recognize me, Miss Helen Marr?” “T don’t know. “T have no friend on earth now,” she Said, in a pitiful voice. “JT am Buitalo Bill, whom you saw the other day when you were wounded. “ Do you remember me now, for I left you to keep the outlaws off, and when I returned you had gone.” “Yes, I know you now. “ At last, I meet a friend,’ and she burst into tears. The scout allowed her to weep, for he knew it would relieve her pent-up feelings. 3ut soon he said: “J have been on the search for you, and other friends are near to save you, while still more are looking for your father.” “He is dead.” “No, he did not perish, for I have seen thim; but, lite you, he is a wanderer and we will find him. “Come, let me get some dinner for you, and we will talk it all over, and we'll get enough for three, for I have a friend coming, Buckskin Sam of Fort Verde,” “Yes, I knoW him, and am so glad, for I am safe now.” / CHAPTER LXIV. . HELEN MARR. The change from despair to hope, the knowledge that she was safe, that her father was not dead, made Helen Marr almost cheerful. \ She rallied quickly, and insisted upon getting dinner herself, while Buffalo Bill went out to lqok up Buckskin Sam and stake the horses out. They were all soon in camp, and eat- ing heartily, while the girl plaintively told her story. * She had been found where Buffalo Bill had left her, and the outlaws had at once carried her on with them, several being sent by the chief to take her to the re- treat. She found that she did not suffer from her wound, and when late at night she arrived at a camp in the mountains, she was given into the care of a beautiful Indian girl, and had a chance to exam- ine how severely she had been hurt, she found that the’ bullet had glanced upon her breast bone, and had cut its way out through the fleshy part of the shoul- der. The bullet had been fired from one side, she said, and by a pursuer who.saw that she was escaping, in fact by the leader of the outlaws. She ‘had not been at home when the house was set on fire by’ the outlaws, having been visiting at a distant ranch, but got lost on her return, night had come on, and she found her way by the light of the burning cabin, Coming near, she realized that all were dead that she held dear, and deter- mined to ‘ive for revenge, she had wheeled her horse to fly, when she had been pursued, and later fired upon. ‘When taken to the cabin in the mount- ains, the Mexican girl referred to had dressed her wound most skillfully, heard her story, and then had said that she. would aid her to escape, to avenge her- self upon the chief, who was her sworn lover. ! This she had done the day before, when the outlaws in camp had been taking their afternoon, nap, and she had fitted ther out with food and all she would need in her flight. wr Afraid to’ turn into the regular trail when she came in sight of it, she had stuck to the hilis, and at last had camped, rt _ while, utterly prostrated, she had slept on far into the day. : i Such was Helen Marr’s simply told story of her sorrows, sufferings, and “hardships, all of which the scouts told. her were at anendnow. ; » “You will return to camp with us, and | ur first duty will be to find your father, | and then we will strike a blow at that +i Sten f Re ua 3s iy : f aman was seen, digging a grave. ~ retreat in the mountains where you were, and be assured that the Black Brother- hood will cease to exist before many days.” “And their chief?” asked Helen Marr. “He will be taken, too.” “He must. be; but I alone know who he is, and my home and all were doomed from the moment I discovered the se-+ eret.” “You will tell us who he is.” “Not now.” “Take your own time for that, Miss Marr,” was Buffalo Bill’s rejoinder. Dinner over, the three mounted their horses and when a couple of hours after the trio rode into the camp of the Re- venge’ Rangers, Custer and ‘his pards were astounded and delighted. “What you set out to do, Chief Cody, you accomplish, and no mistake,” said Custer. “Any reports from the three parties out?” . “Not yet, sir.” “Well, as I know the spot where Mr. Marr was seen, I will go there to-night, and Buckskin Sam will accompany me.” “That means success, Mr. Cody.” “JT hope so; but not a word to the young lady that her father has been maddened by his sorrows.” “No, indeed, sir.” It was just after supper and near sun- set that Buffalo Bill and Buckskin Sam set out together on the search for the Mad Rancher, while Helen followed them to the edge of the camp and called out: “Something tells me that I am not to lose all, that you will find my poor father, and I can cheer his later years, if mother has been taken from’ us.” “We will do all in our power, Miss Helen,” was Buffalo Bill’s reply, and the two scouts rode off in the gathering twi- light. CHAPTER LXY.. THE MAD RANCHER. “Balt! Who comes there?” , The challenge rang out stern and threatening, and the two horsemen‘ at whom it was directed halted, while one answered: . “The chief!” At once, came reply: ¢ Scout or ranger?” “ Both.” ** Advance! ” i The horsemen rode forward, and a voice said: “JT thought I knew your voice, chief, but I wanted the signals agreed upon.” “You are wise, and on the alert. Where are the other two men?” — ‘ “Up the canyon, after Rancher Marr, whom they saw digging a grave, as he is said to do almost constantly. “J was with them, but remained here to start for camp if they brought any news, and I think they will, for they |. were close after him.” “JT will go.on up the canyon—ah! there they come now,” and as Buffalo Bill spoke, the other two Revenge Rang- ers came in sight. . They seemed pleased at sight of their leader and Buckskin Sam, and reported that they had followed Manton Marr up ihe canyon a mile or more, and then lost him. Seta S “T will return with one of you on foot; and, Sam, you can follow, leading my horse. , The moon will rise within half an hour, and it will give us a good light.” - Soon after Buffalo Bill started out on foot with one of the rangers, while the- other two. were told to guard the pass. Buckskin Sam followed mounted, and leading the chief’s horse. : The moon came up when they had gone about a mile, and the canyon was quite plainly lighted up. f i . Suddenly the chief halted. “See there!” and he pointed to where. “TJ will catch him with my lasso, tor it is about the only way to secure him, — ‘i Or ia aN “Go back and halt Sam. I can get near the poor fellow by keeping in the shadows on that side of the cliff.” The scout had brought his lasso with | him, and, keeping in the shadows, he crept nearer and nearer to the man, who stood in the moonlight, digging awav with his pick. Creeping closer and still closer, Buf- falo Bill managed to gain a position not forty feet from the Mad Rancher, who seemed only intent upon his work. The lasso was coiled and ready, and Buffalo Bill noticed, as before, that the rancher halted at times in his work to gaze at the moon, and mutter to himself. “Tf I could only speak to him without his running off I would be glad, for I hate to lasso him like a wild animal,” and the scout hesitated. But he felt that the man must not be allowed to bound away, in flight again; so the lariat was thrown. The aim was true, for the noose set- tled squarely about the body of the rancher and he was dragged backward to the ground, with &s little force as would throw him. Ere he could rise Buffalo Bill had leaped to his side, and, extending his hand, cried: “Why, itis you, my old friend, Manton Marr! I made a mistake; but then, you are the man I came to find, for I am | way, after the two faithful cowboys, who, — aided me in defending my home, were _ I killed, we escaped and came cutee. Hobs. ain wat < "I ; here at your bidding, in answer to your es You have not forgotten Buffalo i1].” : The rancher sat upon the ground, mak- ing no attempt to rise. He seemed dazed, as though trying to recall his scattered senses. At last he said, sadly: “Yes, you are my old friend, Buffalo Bill, and you came at my call, too, but - you came too late to save my child, my darling Helen.” - “Not so, my friend. Your child is safe in my keeping, having escaped the trap set for you all by the outlaws.” The man vose to his feet, and, facing the scout, placed both hands upon his shoulders, while he said, plaintively, yet with terrible earnestness: “Buffalo Bill, would you lie to me and say that my Helen lives, when I know she is dead? “T have searched for her body every- where; and see—I am digging her grave.” *“T tell you, Manton Marr, it is you, not I, that is mistaken, I left your daughter this very morning,, safe and well in my camp, while I came here to search for you. - “JT have ‘friends with me—Reyenge Rangers they call themselves—and they are sworn to avenge their wrongs, and yours, also. “Listen to me, pard, while I tell you how I met her, lost her, and again fgund - your Helen, and then you will under- stand all... f “You have suffered, but your brain will soon be cleared, for you have at least not your daughter to sorrow for.” In his quiet way Buffalo Bill went on to tell his story, The amazed man list- ened. His brain. was cleared as by a ‘cloud-lift, and, as the narrative proceed- ed, he covered his face with his hands ‘and sobbed aloud. Buffalo Bill gave a signal for the others to advance, and the greeting that Manton Marr gave Buckskin Sam, and the two rangers, whom he knew, showed that he was no longer distracted and de- mented with grief. Without even glancing grave he said: ‘ “Come, my friends, J have been in a. troubled dream, how long God only knows. met 7 “TI now must tell you that my. good wife and my two faithful servants are in hiding not far away. abe denis “When I built my cabin I found an at the half-dug j.underground passage or cavern. It sled... from the cellar to the cliff, and in that fe ee to the Te- my , =
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ae Wate PF aa ei SRC PLAS bi Pane named Be ia CO SEE CIGAR Nao Te 2 AREY =. Re Buffalo Bill in Arizona. treat near here, and which I found one|as also did Buckskin Sam, and their | miles the trail from the ridge ran day, while hunting. “T supposed that Helen had been cap- tured by the outlaws, for we saw her dash up while the cabin was burning, and she was fired upon by the demons. “T believe the shock almost crazed me; but my wife will be happy now, as i} I am.” |} Then he led the way to his retreat. CHAPTER LXVI. THE SECRET OUT. The retreat was found, and Mrs. Marr, and the negro man and woman were with her. All rapturously rejoiced to see the rancher return with his brain no longer Hs clouded, and they welcomed the scout if - and his comrades most cordially. t They had food in plenty, brought with i them from the cellar of the cabin, and if with Mrs. Marr and the negro woman H mounted upon the horses of two of the Revenge Rangers, the mafch was taken up for the camp of the Revenge Rangers, for Buffalo Bill was determined to take | no chances of leaving the fugitives in Wh their retreat. He wanted them where a there would be force enough to defend them. The sun was just rising when he rode ih ahead into the camp, and he saw Helen if up and getting breakfast for the men, ie Instantly she came towardshim, and he told her that he had not only found her father, but her mother as well, and ! the faithful negro servants, so that two i} of the cowboys alone had perished in the cabin. ; { ‘ On his way back Buffalo Bill had de- cided that it was best to first break the happy news to the girl, so that the shock of joy might not be too great for ‘her to bear, and when he saw how overcome ete she was, he was glad that he had done so. h phe But, she soon rallied, and was ready to ju welcome the others when they rode into camp. Hae: The meeting under such circumstances 4 Pac can be imagined, but not described, and hy Fw a happy party sat down to the camp ; . breakfast, which the negress soon had ready for all. Buffalo Bill found in camp the three rangers sent in search of Helen Marr. They had found her little camp in the hills and had trailed the party, from there. The two men sent to watch the move- ments at the hacienda had returned, also, es and reported that they had seen seven eee horsemen ride away from the Redwood Wee uy.” Ranch, the evening before, and had | + tracked them to the mountains, ee Thén they had come back to make their report, for the men had put on the - garb of the Black Brotherhood, after getting well away from the hacienda, and so they deemed it best to remain no longer on watch, but come and let their chief know what they had discovered. “You have done right, boys. They were bound to their mountain camp, you say there were seven?” . “Yes, sir.” BSF) and the Mexican girl in the camp, but five of those ‘pursued her, so are account- ed for by those graves yonder. \ “The three left in camp, and the seven you saw go there, make ten, and there may be a few more outside, for you know thirteen by the reserves they must haye. “ We now number, with Buckskin Sam, Rancher Marr, and the negro, just six- to-night for that cabin, for Miss Helen “T will test until noon, and then start ahead, with Buckskin Sam following. The rest of the party can follow, so as” to S strike the mountain trail by sunset. “Then we ask’ no more.” This array fal where Miss Marr was a prisoner, and | “ And she says that she. left eight. men | ‘they must keep up their fatal number of teen men- and we’ take up the march. can guide us there, once I put her upon the trail she came in her escape. | 4. venga was carried out, | horses as well. After: dinner the chief started upon the trail. With the horses of the five outlaws, Rancher Marr, his wife, and the two negroes were mounted, and there was an animal left to carry the camp outfit. The rangers started out upon the trail of their chief in time to allow them to reach the mountain trail by sunset, and strong enough in force to defy the Black Brotherhood, should they even muster the Fatal Thirteen in number. When Buffalo Bill had gone along a mile or so with Buckskin Sam, he re- marked: “Well, Sam, it looks as though it was just what we should do, to take the Revenge Rangers as our allies.” “Yes; you always seem to hit it right, } Pard Cody!” “ Well, I do begin to feel as though we had the Black Brotherhood by the hip.” “Tt looks so.” “Yes, and as though the wind-up was not far off. If we catch the gang in camp we’ll have them, and if there’ are others at large we can round them up in short order, for some fellow will talk if his life is to be the stake.” “You bet he will.” “ But we must get that unknown chief, or all the work will have to be done over again in time, for he has certainly proven himself a very clever general, though an inhuman devil.” “Yes, but we’ll catch him,” “You seem certain.’ “TI am, for I rely upon one who prom- ised to aid me in the end.” “Miss Redwood?” “ Yes. ” Bae as 48 not strange that she has not been again to camp?” “No, for she may have been watched, and knows it. She is awful clever, you know.” “ “Yes; but I cannot make her out.” “There is where I have the advantage. I can make her out.” “You know her, then, you think?” “TI know both of them. hi “ Both’ of whom?” “Miss Redwood and the other girl.” “T’m all in the dark.” “Sam, Miss Redwood has two un- ‘maimed hands, while the other girl has lost the thumb of her left hand, ep “Great God!” “Tt is true; they are two, not one and the same. “T am going to find out the. girl with the pags left hand, now. ig CHAPTER LXVIL. _ RIGHTING A WRONG. As on their other trail, when the two scouts had progressed well on the way, Buckskin Sam dropped back behind Buf- falo Bill as his shadower. . On went the leader for miles, anti he drew rein near the ridge where the Mex- ican had been shot by a foe in the rear. Buffalo Bill was now very cautious, so ae did not ride over the ridge. _ He made a reconnoisance first, for he | was aware that he could see a mile down the canyon from the top of the ridge. Leaving his horse hidden in a thicket, he crept up to a pine on one side of the ridge, and peered over. , It was well that\he did so. He could: see a long distance down the canyon, and his eyes fell upon a flight and a chase. It was a horsewoman flying from a horseman. The woman, he knew, must ‘be Miss Redwood, as she was ‘considered; the pursuer was a Maw in Black. The chances were apparently with the Eto ryes, oaRUURE NE De Ei ars ah ol Nalgene B man, if he was the eee mounted and ly. fe would let besten ‘Kenn. ‘thus through a cut in the mountains, the sides too steep to allow a horse to leave it— which was what he now wanted. Ho saw, too, that the pursued and pur- suer must soon go slow, om they could not ride rapidly up the rise to the ridge. Just before reaching the top there was a sharp climb of thirty feet. If the man did not catch his victim. there, he would let him pass him and then follow, calling out to the girl, if he on do so, that he was on hand to aid er. He looked to his weapons then, and waited. The girl rode more slowly as she reached the bad footing, and the man then gained rapidly until he got within a hundred yards of her. But, he, too, had to go slow there, and thus they came on. The girl neared the ridge; then came a shot, and her horse fell. ° Her skirt was pinned beneath the an- imal, and at first Buffalo Bill had believ- ed her hurt, while, in her fall, a revol- ver she held in herfhand had been hurled beyond her reach. Violently struggling to,,free herself, she did so just as the ah had leaped from his horse and approached her. But, as she rose and faced him, he staggered back and cried: i herd God! you are not Helen Marr, u ae) He stopped suddenly, while she said, sternly: “No, Iam not Helen Marr, as you be- lieved, the captive who escaped you, but—” ( She, too, paused at the word “ but.” He then spoke again, and the scout, not thirty feet away, heard each word uttered. “JT thought you were one we deemed harm to you, Miss Rena Redwood. ““T will meet you here, later, with a horse for you to ride.” “You will remain here now, sir.” “ What? ” . i “Do you believe that the grave gives up its dead?” “What in Heaven’s name do you mean? »”» “ Whose/deed was that?” — She had pulled her left glove off as she spoke, and held up her thumbless hand! The man reeled backward, covered his face with his hands, and in sheer faint- ness, his knees gave way and he fell. | In an instant’ she had leaped forward and snatched off his mask, Have I not cause to do so? Have I for- gotten that when I became your wife you believed that I, not my twin sister, souzht to get? and finding your mistake, do I not know that you brought me to this wild land to kill me? “This is the hand you left when you aimed the knife at my heart, but severed over the heart, that left its scar. - “But, neither killed me, for I’ owe my life to an old Mexican woman with “whom I have since lived. “Hold! You shall hear, ant if you move an inch I shall kill you, for see, I have another weapon here! “Believing that you had ‘killed’ me, you went back and won my poor sister. You brought her to that old mission ranch, with part of her inheritance from the gentleman who owed his life to my father, and who, dying, left his’ fortune | had two. “It was decided that it was for Rena, ‘for he had only seen her, se “You found the fortune was not so \ her here, and forced her ‘to say she Wee | your sister. ; ba “You told her ‘that, if not known to - married, get dead, and, as you are not, you can go . ‘| your way to your home, for I wish no “Do I not know you, Rupert Redwood? ~ Rena, had been left the fortune you ’ my thumb; and I received another blow, | to his daughter, he not knowing that he " large as you had believed, so you brought —
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* t explain, to trust Rupert Redwood, and _ Buffalo Bill in Arizona. “In the meanwhile you knew that one, a Mexican girl who loved you, would ex- pose you, did she know that Rena was your wife. “That girl is the daughter of the wo- man who cared for me, and now she knows you as you are, for I have told her all. “Her daughter is in your mountain retreat, for I know you as the Ranchero Bandit, the leader of the Black Brother- hood. “T know that you- were plotting to get rid of that Mexican girl, to also get rid of my sister, Rena, that you might ’ marry Helen Marr and get the fortune in gold her father has hidden away. “But, she unmasked your intended villainy, and then you sought your re- venge, to hush her tongue forever, hop- ing that you would find her father’s gold in ths ashes of her home, “She escaped you, and you sought to kill her; but that Mexican girl aided her escape. “There is no escape for you, Rupert Redwood, for there is one upon your track from whem you cannot escape, and that one is Buffalo Bill.” “ Buffalo Bill is here!” With the words a lasso settled over the head of the Bandit Rancher, and he was dragged violently down upon his face. He rose, pistol in hand, and there were fired two quick shots. Russert Redwood fired one. The other was fired by Buffalo Bill. Th2 bandit leader 'ropped dead. “That was.the worst act of my life, to fire that shot and thus cheat the gfal- lows of that man’s neck. “But, his aim was at you, not me, and I had barely time to save you by the shot,” said Buffalo Bill. CHAPTER XLVIIL NEARING THE END. Buckskin Sam arrived upon the scene as the shots were fired. He then had the story told to him, and neard the woman tell how she had not, on her sister’s account, wished to be the one to bring the man to his doom, but intended to do so, if no one else did. As her sister believed her to be dead, and the man was dead, she would now have Buffalo Bill go to her and tell the whole sad and pitiful story. But first, she would go to her own re- treat, and as Buffalo Bill told her of Helen Marr’s escape, and that she would be along later, she said that she would take all back with her, while the Mex- ican woman, who knew the outlaw’s camp, being in secret communication - with her daughter there, would guide the Revenge Rangers to it. “ Remember, Mr. Cody,” she continued, “the poor Mexican girl who is there is no outlaw, only forced¢by her love for -that wretched man lying dead at our feet to remain there—doing so for revenge now, for her love turned to hatred when, several days ago, her mother told her my story of wrong and sorrow. “She, the mother, will guide you to the retreat to-night, and the girl there knows each one of the outlaw band, so can tell you where to find those ‘hot caught there.” Buffalo Bili then told how he had feared, from some cause he could not ‘SO never had made a confidant of him, He had also discovered, through papers _ found on the body of Pedro. Garcia, the name of Rupert Redwood and the ha- _ cienda mentioned, but not reading Span- pe he had kept them for future refer- _ ence, yet they increased his suspicion “that the m: man knew more of the Black - Brotherhood than he admitted. ,The scout also told how, upon his last _ visit to the hacienda, he had begun to suspect that Rena Redwood was not the ies dinate hee tae overe. at she hand which, a wounded, were taken. Buckskin Sam and several of the Rangers were Wo! nded, | Thus had all auapidioen been puna. and the whole truth had come out of what had at first seemed baffling. j As Rita Redwood—as she called her- self, her maiden name having been Rita Royal—said that her retreat was not two miles away, Buffalo Bill said that, he would strap the dead bandit leader upon his horse, while she could mount behind him, on his own horse, and they would go on there. At the same time Buckskin Sam waSto ride rapidly back over the trail, to hasten on the Revenge Rangers party. “You cannot pass down the canyon without our seeing you, sir, so we will not miss you,” Rita Redwood had said. The Scout in Green then rode rapidly away, and soon after Buffalo Bill, with the woman mounted behind him, and the bandit’s horse in lead, with the body strapped across the saddle, started for the retreat in the canyon, When he saw how cleverly it was located, Buffalo Bill did not wonder that no one had ever suspected its existence. But; the Mexican woman and her hus- band had sought the place to be near their daughter. The man had been one of the outlaw band, but had been killed a year before his wife had found Rita Redwood almcst dying by the side of the trail and had carried her to her home. Believing he had killed her, Rupert Redwood had left her body to be de- voured by coyotes and thus cover up his crime. It was a comfortable cabin that Buf- falo Bill found, and the Mexican woman greeied him pleasantly, ard said: “My husband is gone, my daughter is avenged by your hand, senor, and can now live in peace with me, while the ‘Senorita Rena, here, will go to her sister and be content, if not happy. “Yes, senor, when your men come along, give me a horse to ride, and I will guide you to the retreat of the Black Brotherhaod. “They did number forty men, and not one knew who their leader really was. | “But a number have been killed with- in the past week or so, and you will find about half that number in camp. “Tf all are not there my daughter will know, so those who escape to-night will be doomed to-morrow. “Yes, great senor, I will guide you, and this accursed band will cease to exist. ; “You have done more, senor, in a week’s time, than have the many who have hunted the Black Brotherhood for years. “They have made many graves, de- stroyed many happy homes, have been merciless to man and woman and child alike, but you have avenged the wrongs of many, senor, and Heaven will bless you, senor.” \ CHAPTER 'XLIX, _ | CONCLUSION, -The Revenge Rangers came along rap- idly, after being met by Buckskin Sam and told the news. Buffalo Bili met them in the canyon Mexican woman. There a good supper was had, and leav- ing Mrs. Marr, Helen, Rita, and the ne- gress at the retreat, Buifalo Bill, with | sixteen all told and the Mexican woman as guide, started for the camp of the Black Brothertfood. But why dwell upon another scene of carnage? It was a complete surprise’ and almost a wipe out of existence of the Brother- hood, for it was “council night,” and every man of the’ band save a few spies | was present. A few prisoners, wounded and un- three of the latter were killed. L ace secured, 8 start upon the. but. when | 31 and guided them to the retreat of the | retreat the Mexican woman and her daughter were not to be-found. Three of the best horsese were miss- ing, ard the mother and daughter had gone, carrying with them the band’s treasure, which the girl knew the hid- ing-place of. “Let them go; they deserve it,” said Buffalo Bill, and no one disputed his de- cision, Arriving at the Mexican woman’s re- treat, it was found that she had prepared not to return. 7 All went into camp, and Buffalo Bill started for Hacienda Redwood, while Rancher Marr followed with the wronged wife. The scout told his story, and he was glad to gee that, in spite of the terrible shock, that the joy of her sister’s being alive counteracted the grief of what she now knew Robert Redwood to have been, and, in fact, she had long suspected him of lawless acts, and the fact that he made her pass as his sister and other deeds he was guilty of had caused her to lose every atom of love for him. The meeting of the sisters need not be dwelt upon, and both of them in- sisted that the Marrs should dwell with them until the rancher rebuilt his home, and this was decidea upon. Back tuen to Verde—went Buffalo Bill with his party, and Colonel Garrett said when the story was told: “T take off my hat, Cody, to you, for you are most surely the King of Border- men, and now this land will be one of peace.” Back to his duties in the Northwest went Buffalo Bill, and his , Reyenge Rangers were employed by Manton Marr to first rebuild his home and then be- come his cattlemen. Van Soulsby and his Regulators found that a traitor in their midst led them — on wrong trails each time, but they still remained a company of rangers for home guard, and the young captain won the heart and hand of sweet Helen Marr, and was happy. As for the two sisters, they still dweil upon their ranch, and no man could ever win their love, but many a poor fellow blessed them for their kind acts to all who were in distress, and to-day they are known to the people about them as the “ Sister Saints of the Old Mission.” To-day, a hero of world-wide fame, distinguished, rich, the last type of the — grand men of the frontier, Buffalo Bill lives in remembrance of the strange past that was his, and among the most vivid of its memories his trail with the Re- venge Rangers of Arizona stands out. most vividly. THE END. ‘Beadle’ s.Dime Library. BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR, 886 The King of Croo! 858 Number One, the Seg set Detective 850 The Planter Detective. 730 Duke Despard, the Gambler Duelist, + 604 The Detective in ater or, The Grim Shadower, 500 The True- -Heart Pards, BY CAPTAIN WARK WILTON, 323 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Bi thers, 811 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked 5 Piet ny eves yeas Sol, the Montana Rover, oe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, Ss Penn ng Bolt, the Canyon Terror, 376 Texa Chick the Southwest Detective. 271 Stonefist,.of Big Nugget Bena, : Leopard ‘Luke the ty of Horse-Thieves. 263 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchtack Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo. 287 A cg Haired Max: or, The Black Le 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man- Hunter of Idal yk 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain. 219 The Seorpion Brothers; or, ne Tom's Mission — 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant ‘Guid e, +5 e. | ‘Don Sombrero. the a ee te etl 76 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Quee: 4 new issue every Wednesaey a ; Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale ‘by al Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or nent oid mai) on neceint of twelve cents eath, seat
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————eEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEee—e—eeEee a OES Pe aN at ns Fublished Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Ur BEADLE'S*] )IME*]IBRARY. niform Price of Ten Cenis. No Double Numbers BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 923 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis, 925 “White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. 918 The Donble Edgei Detective. 907 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. 898 silky Steele, the Stay-in Sport, 881 Te pe pc an 8 Neck-Tie Party. 870 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. $62 Riata Rob, the Range Champion. 855 The C -whov Chief’s Sure-Shot. $48 The Rival Red-Hat Sports. $37 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. 824 The Soft Hand Detective, $15. The Soft Kand’s Clutch. $09 Dan D . the Soft-Hand Sport. 796 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. 489 Sam Cary, the River Spurt. ‘80 The Dead Sport’s Double, 171 Prince John, Detective Special. 763 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. Y54 the Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield. Doctor Detective, 744 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport. 720 The Secret Six; or, O.d Haleyon. The Man of Siik. Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte. Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport. 3 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective, 75 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunrise, Solemn Saul’s Luck Strvak The Get-There Sharp. : ; Silveetip Steve, the Sky Seraper from Susxiyou. Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. ) Dandy Darling, Detective. Mossback Mose, the Monntaineer. 617 The Grip Sack Sharp's Even up. 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. 588 Sandy sands, the Sharp from Snap City. 576 Sitver-Tongued Sid: or, Grip Sack Sharp's Sweep. 564 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom, 555 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. 547 Vhe Buried Detective; cr, Sa .l’s Six Sensations. 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. , 585 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift 527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective, 514 Gabe Gunna, the Grizzly from Ginseng, 504 Solemn Saul. the Sad: Man from San Saba. 495 Rattlepate Kob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal 485 The Thorcugnbred Sport. 474 Daddy Vead-Bye, the Despot of Dew Drop. 466 O.l Rough and Ready, the Sage of Sundown 458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. 443 A Cool Hand: or, Pistol Johnny’s Picnic, 438 Oklahoma Niek. 483 Laughing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard. 42) The Ghost Detective; or. The Secret Service Spy. 416 Monte Jim, the Black Sheep of Bismarck. “09 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The {mps of Pan Handle. #2 The Nameless Sport. ¢ 405 Degdly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. 887 Dirk Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills. 872 Captain Crisp, the Man with a Record. 367 A Royal Fiusi; or, Dan Brown’s big Game. 269 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 255 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athjete. 251 Nor’ West Nici, the Border Detective. 345 Masked Mark, the Mounted Detective. 339 Spread Eagle Sam. the Hercules Hide tlunter. 831 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport. 317 Prank Lightfoot, the Miner Detective. 202 Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabkout. 286 Pistol Jounny; or, One Man in a Thousand, 288 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. 257 Death Trap Diggings; or, A Man ‘Way Back 219 Elephant Tom. of Durango, the * 241 Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers. 4 233 The Old joy of Tombstone. ] 20) Pirate of the Placers; or, Saree te Death Hunt 186 Old ‘49; or, The Amazon of Arizona, . 170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective, 165 Joaquin, the Terrible _ 14 Joaquin, the Saddie sing. ’ : 46 Equinox Tom, the Bul'y of Red Rock, “119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters. 105 Dan Brown of Denver; or. The Detective. ' 88 Big George; or, The Five Outlaw Brothers, 7 Captain Cool Blade: or, Mississippi Man Shark, 6% The boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness, 60 Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport. i BY Wi, G. PA'TTEN. 310 Fire-Bye, the Thug’s Tgror. 795 Old Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower. 968 The Printe of New York Crooks. 56 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective, 47 Double-voice Dan's Double Disguise. 215 Double-Voice Dan on Deck. 2 Double-Voice Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective $96 Double-Voiee Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective, 689 The Sparkler Sharp. 676 Hurricane Hal, the Cowboy Hotspur. 669 Old True Blue, the Trusty, 663 The Giant bo ay or, Sold to Satan. 656 Old Plug Ugly. the Rough and Ready. 648 Gold Glove Gid,. the Man of Gric. 641 Aztec Jack, the Desert Nomad, 631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp. “602 Captain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. u71 Old Dismal, the Ravgs Detective. ad Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. BY GEORGE ©. JENKS. i ctive. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 916 Two Dead-Square Sports. 902 Soft Velvet, the Man from Sandrock. 891 Genteel Jim, Sport-at-Large, 881 The Clubman-Crook's Cat's-paw. 867 The Frisco Sport. 52 The Stracger Sport’s Shake-up. 828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of Siiver Bend, 718 Unc'e Bedrock’s Big Bounce. 707 The Rival Rovers. 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm, 677 Mr, Jackson, the Gent from Jaybird. 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 650 Lucky Lester's Lone Hand. 684 Old Handcart’s Big Dump, 622 The All Around Sports, 608 Desers Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug, 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile, 568 The Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 583 Oregon, the Sport Witha Sear, 508 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back, 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives, 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Flat Racket. 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 875 Royal George, the Taree in One, 856 Thr e Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 333 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop, 268 Magic Mike, ~he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutsiveve; or, The Little Sport, 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Guich, 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon, 160 Soft Hand, Sharp: or, The Man with the Sand. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. . _ 633 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover, 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King. 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail. 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 1i1 The Smuzg'ter Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime, 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. BY JACKSON KNOX—** Old Hawk.” 838 Old Grips Still Hunt. 827 Detective Walden’s Web. 778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Grip 779 The Showman Dete tive. 762 Old Grip, the Detective. 740 Capt sin Clew, the Fighting Detective. 732 The Hurricane Detective. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. ‘| 595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective. 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon’s Double, ' 561 The Tauug King; or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Faleon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. bI5 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective. 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective. 501 Sg ter Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective’s Spy. ‘ 485 Rowlock, the Harbor Detective. 477 Dead-arm Brandt, 487 Mainwaring, the Salamander. 462 The Ciscus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. . 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. , 386 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective. BY J. ©. COWDRICK. 752 The Suspect oa of Daisy Drift. 626 Dueats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry. 598 The Dominie Detective. \ ( 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective, + 580 Shadowing a Shadow. { 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards: or, Riddles’ Riddle. 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas, s 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine. 422 Blue Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 300 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John's Jubilee. BY EDWARD WILLE. 483 Flush Fred, the River Sharp. — 368 The Canyon King; or. a Price onhis Head... 348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut. , 337 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp 327 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective. 315 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters’ League 308 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True. 298 Logger Lem; or, Life in the Pine Woods, 289 Flush Fred’s Full Hand. 274 Flush Fred, the Mississippi Sport. 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp. 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack’s Crime. 209 Buck Farley. the Bonanza Prince. vrs 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man's Sacrifice. i BYC | 287 The White Sq _ | 284 The Hunte: nth BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound, 906 The Cuban Cruiser, 5 854 Tne Ocean Gipsy. 834 The Wild Steer! Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Terrors, 8 The Rival Monte Cristos. 805 The Last of che Pirates; cr, Docm Driven. 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapping the Grave Ghouls, 791 The Coast-Raider’s Death-Chase. iy, 748 Arizona Chariie, the Crack-shot Detective. 704 Invisible Ivan. the Wizard Detective, 685 The Red-skin‘Sea Rover. 679 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser; or, The Rival Rovers 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sta Rover's Bride, 662 The Jew Detective; or, ‘fhe Beautiful Convict, 640 The Rover’s Ret ibution. 5 The Ex Buccaneer; or, The Stigma of Sin. Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas, 5 The Three © uccaneers. The Red Flag Rover;or, White Wings of the Deep. The Shadow Silver Ship. The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of *76, The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution, Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or. True Hearts of "76. The Outlawed Sk? per; or, The Gantlet Rumer. The Man from Me-cico. 3 Ma, Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig, © Tks Doomed Whaler: ot, The Life Wreck, ¢ The Savages of the Sea, The Sea Chaser; or, Fhe Pirate Noble. El Moro, th: Corsair Commodore, 493 The Scouts of the Sea. 57 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son, Ucean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair, 5 The One-Armed Buceaneer. The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and Waa 9 The New Monte Cristo. ‘ 93 The Convict Captian, Afloat and Ashore; or. The Corsair Conspirator. 369 The Coast Corsair: or, lhe Siren of the Sea. 364 Toe Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of tne Coash 341 The Sea Desperado, . 336 Tne Magic Ship; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. 225 The Gentleman Pirate; or. The Casco Hermits, 318 The Indian wuccaneer;: or, The Red Rovers. 207 The Phantom Firate; or, The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler’s es agape 246 Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Overland, 235 Red Ligntning the Man of Chance. ‘ 224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer, 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother’s Crime, 210 Buccaueer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea. 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon, 198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer. 184 The Searlet Schooner ; or. The Sea Nemesis. 104 Montezuma. the Merciless. 103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor Brané. BY PHILIP/S. WARNE, x 802 Dan Dirk, King of No Man's Land, 583 Captain Adair. the Cattle King. 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft. 544 The Back to Back Pards, 622 The Champion Three, 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur. of th 472 Six Foot Si; or, The Man to “ Tie T. 431 California Kit, the Always on Hand. 404 Silver Sid; or, A “* Daisy” Bluff. 880 Tiger Dick’s Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, 359 Yellow Jack, the Mestizo. #88 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Tewn, 209 Pnree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Sport. 2x1 Vieer Dic« vs. lron Despard, 207 Old Hard Head: or, Whirlwind and his Mare. 171 Tiger Dick, the Man of the fron Heart. 114 The Gentleman from Pike. 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hills Sport. é Plains, 0.” 20 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier's Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, $23 Hotspur Hugh; or,"The Banded Brothers, 811 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked ilen. 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 985, Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror, %6 Texa: Chick, the Southwest Detective, 271 Stonefist, of Big Ruger Bend. 266 Leoparc Luke the King of Horse-Thieves . 268 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyel 258 Bullet Head, the Colorato Bravo. Canal 237 Long-Haire:l Max; or, The Black League. 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain. — 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Mission 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent. 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. BY OLL COOMES. | 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectives. rs 148 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter, ~ ‘ 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger, BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY, 236 Charapion 8 ) 150 El Rubio Eaves King of the Swordsmen, fen ae The Detectiv | 500. The ‘frue-Heart Pards, aye Ne 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. > or, The Monarchs of the Show a BY DR. NOEL DUNEAR.. a