Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 142) (1886 09 29)
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nt at nt i! a a i nt a aS a Copyrighted, 1886, by BrapLe anp Apams. Entored at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. Sept. 29, 1886. 2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams < Vol, XI, tem: No, 98 iia a New YORK. : Five Gents. No. 142, sou ARE FEELING BETTER, NOW, ARE YOU NOT?” WAS THE BOY’S QUERY, AS SHE GAZED UP INTO HIS FACE; ‘DON'T BE AFRAID OF ME,” HE WENT OK, “FOX I'M YOUR FRIEND, “I AM LITTLE TEXAS,”
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2 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Little Texas, THE YOUNG MUSTANGER, A Tale of the Texan Prairies. BY OLL COOMES, AUTHOR OF ‘SURE SHOT SETH,” ETO, CHAPTER I. LITTLE TEXAS, A summer day on a Texan prairie. A light south wind drifting across the great ocean of verdure comes laden with the sounds of wild excitement. Savage he the thunder of hoofed feet, and the occasional report of firearins disturb the silence, Then out of the distance comes a horseman at a wild, break-neck speed. Heis andld man, His face is covered with perspiration and dust. His horse is reeking with foam. He is being pursued. Close be- hind comes another rider—a boy; and still further on comes a band of wild Apache indians. The foremost fugitive is mounted upon a fine bay horse and is leading a dark chestnut mustang, both remarkable for their beauty and speed. The boy rides a dark bay mustang caparisoned with Mexican saddle and bridle. At the bow of the saddle hangs a coiled lasso. The young rider was not over seventeen years of age, and possessed of a lithe, yet well developed form. His face, which was bronzed to the hue of an Indian’s, wore an expression of manly pride and courage, while a pair of soft blue eyes looked out from under the brim of his sombrero, The chase was a wild and desperate one. The horses of all parties bore evidence of having been long and hard ridden, though that of the boy ap- peared to be the least fatigued. He was far beyond rifle range of his pursuers, and was gaining rapidly, while the distance between him and the old man was momentarily lessening. He was pursuer and pursued, and a look of defiance flashed in his eyes as he gazed back ac the foe, while a strange triumphant smile lit up his handsome face as he glanced forward at the oli man, Thus, under the burning sun, the cuase continued, mile after mile; but the Apache horses were no match in speed for those of the fugitives, and one by one the savages dropped out of the chase until finally the Jast one had given up in hopeless despair. Between the old man and tho boy, however, the race continued; and now that the youth was enabled to give all his attention to the man before, he seemed to gain more rapidly upon him. e face of the old man wore a look of anxiety, and as he clutched his revolver in one hand and the reins in the other he urged his panting horse onward with tongue and spur. His pursuer was now within a hundred yards of him, and, glancing baci, he saw the boy waving his hat above his head, and heard him, quite distinctly call out: “Hold up! hold up! I’m a friend; don’t you see T am, old strager?” The man gradually drew up, and in a very few moments more the young horseman had approached within a few paces, when the old man, turning half around in his saddle raised his pistol, closed one eye and screwing up his mouth, shouted back: “Tf you be a foolin’ of me, blest if I don’t air your innards in a twinkle—I will by the smilin’ Gatamozin, Halt, there! Do you hear me, baby-face ?” “Oh, yes!” replied the boy, in an easy, good-na- tured tone. ‘I’m not deceivin’ you, old mossy back. IT was a prisoner when the chase begun, and by vir- tue of a fast horse, I managed to escape from those Te Apache scoundrels, ‘Who are you?” yelled the old man, savagely, “I’m Little Texas,” “The Boy Mustanger?” his eyes opening with as- tonishment. “ ” ** Y.-ou ?” exclaimed the old man, in astonishment, ‘do you pertend to insinuate that ye-ou are the real, honest, boxa-fide Little Texas?” ‘*T do, sir,” was the boy’s prompt answer. “Wal, what do you take me for?” the man asked in a distrustful tone. “4 horse-thief, accordin’ to the Apaches’ story.” “Th-hump!” he ejaculated with compressed lips; “now, youngster, I'll asseverate that I’m not the handsomest eritter livin’, nor the honestest man in Texas, but Jam the aurora that’s rejoiced to collide with Little Texas; and so slap your paw (thar, you little vagabond of the prairie.” The man seized the Young Mustanger’s hand and shook it till he fairly rattled in the saddle. This odd old stranger was a man of some fifty ance of age. Ho was dressed in a suit of buckskin, nalf-civilized and half-savage in style. Upon his head he wore the battered remains of a white hat that was settled down over his small head until his ears were just visible under the broken brim. His nose was of a strong Roman type; his mouth quite large and surrounded by short, stubby whiskers, well stained with sun and tobacco-juice. ‘“Who are you, anyhow?” the Young Mustanger asked, as soon as an opportunity was afforded. “I’m Bill Morrel—O!d Morality for short, I are the centeral figger o’ moral gravitation in this ’ere sin-besot land; I are what keeps the morals o’ the deestrict up to te proper standard—wuite-heat, ye know! And, sir, I asseverate and affirm that the In- gin that says I’m a hoss-thief can discount Ananias so bad, that lyin’in Ana’s day looked like truth in- laid with fidelity. These hosses, my festive young gambolier, belong to Senor—well—ahem !—well, at any rate, the Ingins stole ’em fu’st from their owner and then I waltzed up to the ‘Pache country like a tropical wind, inserted my anatomy into their vil- lage one night, and—well, well, here I am, the same smiling sunbeam, Ole Mo-rality.” “ Bxactly,” said the boy; “I see how it is now; but where do you belong—live, Morality?” “ Anywhere, everywhere and nowhere; that’s me out and out! But, boy, I’ve hearn of you, course have, and have been dyin’ to meet you, You've never been up—over—down our way, have you?” “ Which way is that?” “Oh, never mind,” returned the old_man evasive- ly; “it’s anyway and everyway; but IT reckon them Inzins ‘ll still try to foller me up, don’t ye think? But if they'll ji. foller up till the last, P'll lead ’em to where they'll smell brimstone strong. Ob, my little captain, you may beat me throwin’ a lasso, or makin’ Jove to some purty gal; but jist rile me up, and I’m wusser’n a cactus-burr to sot down on—I’m a hornets’ nest full of tar-ant’lers—a small tempest. As to takin’ in deer and game of any kind, from a cochineal bug to an Ingin skulp, I’ve never bee d the critter that can beat me. Oh, I love to hunt, and, if I never told the truth in my life, I've shot and skinned many a deer afore if quit runnin’, Now, that’s what [am, my boy.” is “And for all this you're called Morality,” said Little Texas. < “Por all this, and more, too numerous to mention; but. Texas, hadn't we better be moseyin’ along?’ “Yes, it's just as wel ; our horses are rested. And so they rode on together. “What particular occupati n do you foller now, Morality?” asked Texas as they journeyed along. “ Anything that turns up, from herdin’ Texan bulls to fightin’ Regulators and Ingins. I oscillate from one thing to another jist as easy as lightnin’ slippin’ down a cloud, and I vib’ate un and down this kentry jist as nice as a gazelle; but when I take hold, boy, . it’s got to come or you'll hear somethin’ rip. But, ear naat do you think of the prospect of the catehin’ us?” “T have no more fears of that than of breakin? my
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Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. $8 neck by fallin’ over a gold nugget; but there is dan- ger of Black Boniface's Regulators,” “Pizen tar-vant'lers! do you mean to asseverate that them vampires are roamin’ hereaway?” “T do, for a serious fact, Morality; I’m just out of the clutches of the villain and his minions, and had stopped to rest when the Ingius stole a marchon me. Would you believe it,I give old Bonny a pop on the nose with my fist and made the blood just spout; but if ever y-wseen a feller git up and dust. it war that very Bonny. I'll tell you all about it when we stop.’ “Great JoJiphagus! I hope they won't find— well,”’ and the old man checked himself as an ex- pression of pain passed over his face, “all one can do is to hope for the best, and do the best he can,” Little Texas saw that the old man could be serious, that his mind occasionally reverted to something that evidently gave him great concern, The two rode on at a walk, though they kept a close watch behind them for their pursuers They finally came to a little creek where they watered their horses. and slaked their own thirst. By this time the sun was almost down, s‘ill they rode on a few miles further and finally turned into a little m tte of timber and halted for the night. Old Morality had a supply of dricd meats, and some water in a canteen, which he divided with the Boy Mustanger, and the two made a sumptu cus meal, The horses were not unsadél.d. Morality picked his animal out to grass while Texas turned is loose, knowing, t at should dang-r approach, the beast would manifest some signs of alarm. Morality kert wa'c. during the first Lalf of the night, and was relieved by Little Texas. And thus the hours wore away, and wi h the first streaks of dawn they were ready for departur:, but just as they were about to ride from the grove the keen eye of the imustanger discovered War-Ax and his warriors en- camped on the open plain nt over half a mile east of them, . This delayed their ay Page ts Old Mor.l- ity insisted upon keeping under cover until the course of the Apaches was determined. To the surprise of the two friends, bowever, the Indians made no preparations for departure as the day advanced, and so it became evident that they were resting there before beginning their homeward journey. The ndians mounted their horses about sunset and rode away northward. This afford d the two fricnds great relief and gave them the assurance of a quiet nizght’s rest. They unsaddled and picketed their anim «ls to grass in the eenter of the grove and made a meager supper of the remnants of Morality’s supplies. After darkness set in the two sat down undera tree to converse. The moon caine upin a soft blue sky, flooding the landse pe in amellow light. Nota breath of wind was stirring. “‘ Boy—Litule Texas,” Cemanded Old Morality, re from a reverie, ‘do you like this kind of 1Le ‘‘Tlike the life of a mustanger,” ye the boy; ‘it is so full of fun and adventure, though I must, admit I had all the adventure yesterday with Black Boniface I care about.” “Then Black Boniface is act’ly in the San Saba valley again?” “Yes, in force; yesterday, as I told you before, I was in his power, and nov I'll tell you the partic’lers, You know there has been a buck-skin mustang at the head of a herd on these prairies that has defied the lassoes of the mustangersfor years ” “Yes, Ido that, Texas,” interrupted the old man, “and I don’t b’lieve there’s a hoss in Texas that can run that buck-skin down. Do you?” Ro I caught that mustang myself yesterday, and— “You dia?” “Ves, after a five-and-twenty mile chase I took the buck-skin in,” eontinued the youth; “I was of. fered a hundred dollars by a trader for it; but searcely had I thrown the animal ere old Boniface and his whole gang surrounded meand demanded my surrend+r; but [wasn’t to be scared by words, and I drew my revolver and let into th m, and it’s a fact, M rality, I emptied thr.e saddles before they could close in on me.” “Good! good, you little tarrapin!”’ “But,” Texas went on, “they overpowered me and took my horses, ani waltz-d me off up to the timber where they went into camp. There Black Boniface, the villain, thought he’d git some secrets out of me about some ranches over east that he’d like to raid on; but he couldn’t get anything out cf me, and so he up and give me a furious slap on the cheek, and quicker’n a wink I lit into him likea sailor, and I give him a blow on the proboscis that like to kiltered him over. The blood just flew from his nose, and if ever you secn a madman it was that Black Boniface. He fairly raved and tore, and swore that the hand that struck him should be cut off. Among his men is one called Dr. Rocheford. He is a Frenchman, and served in the Mexican army asa surgeon, years ago. He is Boniface’s lieutcn- ant. He is the wickedest. cruelest wretch en the top of God's earth; and his looks ¢o not b. lie him. Weil, Dr. Rocheford was notified that he mu-t pre- are to re een my hand, and the doctor was real- y delizhted That night the job was to be cone, and after an hour’s balt I was mounted upon my own horse, Lightfoot, and we set off. Dr. Roche- ford couldn't hardly wait for night to come, he wanted tog tat mesobad. But we pegged slowly along through the woods, a pirate leading my horsc. By the way, Lightfoot was awful lame—he fairly hobbled on three feet. He’d strained his ankle. you see, when I caught the Luck-skin—at least, I made old Boniface believe such was the case, though I can make Lightfoot limp auy time, or do anything else, But, as I was sayin’, we went limpin’ along through the woods till we come to an awful thick spot, when Iputa flea in Ligntfoot’s car, andaway he went— jerked loose from the robber, and if ever you seen a pair of fellows po tearin’ through that timber it wes Lightfoot and Out into the prairie we sailed, and away we flew over the plain, doublin’ on those pi- rates at every jump. Oh, it was a glorious race— beats ours all holler. I soon left the dancin’ villains out of sight and rode on till I reached a little chap- parral, where I dismounted to rest and let Lightfoot raze. I was awful tired, and 1 sat Gown to restand ell asleep. Well, when 1 awoke. Lightfoot was frettin’; and, getting up, llooked around. Plagued if | wasn’t surrounded by a score of Apaches.” “Great tar-raut’-lers!” burst from Old Morality. “TL saw there was no escape for me,” Little T: xas resumed, “for not less’n a dozen elittering lance- points were so near my_ breast that J] was almost afraid to scratch my head. They acied awful mean to’ards me, and kept lookin’ around the grove as though they thought there was some more of us about; but finally I found out the whole secret of their presence there, and their strange actions. They were in pursuit of a horse-thief that had stolen two of their horses Thr y thought I was the chap; but they soup found I badn’t their horses; so they mounted me onto my horse ard awry we all went again. Lightfoot got lame again, all of a suddivt, and it was hard work for us to git along. but the Apaches lashed us up, and after riding a mile or so, whe shoul | we discover but the veritable old horse- thief himself, and that was you, Morality.” **Ho! bo! ho!” langhed Morality ; *‘ you don’t say?” “Yes, 1 do say,” replied Texas; ‘‘ and when 26 discovered you wy give chase. I lingered behind at firs, and when I saw the Indians were all crazy on catchin’ you I spoke to Lightfoor, and away we went, A few jumps brought us to the front, and he- fora the Apaches knew what was up, we was out of reach of harm.” “Hark, boy!’ suddenly commanded the old man, starting to hisf et, and listening. “What is it, Morality ’” asked the Poy Mustanger. “Thar’s somethin’ or other—my old ears don’t
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4 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. reach out like they did once, boy. You git up and listen, Texas.” The Boy Mustanger rose, threw the saddle on his horse, then crept to the edge of the grove and listen- ed. He heard the sound of trampling hoofs upon the plain, and it seemed to be growing plainer each mo- ment—a, peosehine. : Then, from ou: the depth of the moonlit night and solitude of tho boundless plain, he saw two hors2- men emerge at a sweeping gallop. T .ey drew near- er and nearer—they were before him—then they were gone like the wind apast him, and were soon lost in the dis:ant shadows. Little Texas turned and hurried back to his com- panion, e “That will never do, Morality,” he said, in a tone that betrayed some excitement; ‘‘ thereis something wrong, One of those night-riders was a m n, tue othera woman [shall follow them, for I repeat it, I believe there is something wrong. Morality, loan me one of your pistols.” The old man complied at once; then, turning, the boy leaped into the saddle, and a moment later he was flying over the moonlit plain upon the trail of the unknown, mysterious night-riders, CHAPTER Il. THE EMIGRANT CAMP, Camp on the S1n Saba Riv r. The San Saba Valley in the twilight of a summer evening. The sound of human voices mingled with the soft, musical murmur of the river. A camp-fire burning under the sheltering boughs of mesquit, and ce iar and oak, A dozen canvas-covered wagons drawn up in a cir- ele around the ruddy fire. In short, an emigrant train encamped there upon the banks of the little "exan river. Men, women and children, in all numbering some forty or fifty souls, comprised the numerical force of this band of adventurers. Isay adventurers, for they were such who dared to breast the hardships and the manifold dangers of Texan wood and Texan lain at the time of which I write; and when Colonel ‘sraal Miles led his little band into the valley of the San Saba, he did not do so without being fully ap- prised of ths step he was taking. Looking in upon that camp one would see at once that the emigrants did not consider th>mselves free from surrounding dangers for every precaution had been taken to guard against surprise by enemies, of which there were many. The wild Indians, the out- law Mexicans, and the white robbers, or as they were better known, the ig ecard still infested the woods and prairies of Texas, and being fully acquainted with the cowardly and cunning nature of these Bedouins, Colonel Miles was prepared for them, The colonel was a large and powerful min, wilh a quick, nervous disposition, and a short. bluff way of speaking that, to a stranger, would seem co'd and severe. But nowarmer or truer heart ever throbbed tnan that of lsrael Miles. He was a bachelor, which is the worst that can be said of him; but this was no frult of his, Death had robbed him of the only woman he had ever loved, more than twenty years before. He was not alone, however, for he had und +r bis guard anship two lovely girls, Christi+ May Miles and Edith (iyyton, of sixteen and twenty years respectively. Tue one was the -hild of his dead sister, and the other of an unfortunate friend, an old school-mate and army ecomrate. Both of these girls were very handsome and intelligent, ani had they been the colonel’s own daughters he could not have regarded them more ten lerly, for he idolized them. Christie Miles was a dark-eyed little nymph, just budding into lovely womanhood. She was possessed of a sweet, vivacious spirit, and was loved by all who knew her. 4 tlith Clayton represented another type of woman- hood, She was possessed of a sylph-like form—tall, | slender and graceful; soft blue eyes and a wealth of light flaxen hair that seemed to cast around her serene, angelic face a halo of infinite beauty. She was of a silent and gentle nature, yet that silence and gentility were possessed of an influence that made her loved and admired by all. The emigrants had been ae a in the San Saba Valiey for several days. For all they knew they were at their journey’s end, or nearly so, Colonel Miles had conceived the idea of planting a colony in western Texas, and believed the San Saba Valley afforded great advantages as an agricultural and tock-raising country; and it was only until they could determine upon a suiiable location for per- manent settlement that they had gone into camp. Settlements in this part of Texas at the time of which we write were very few and far-between. Here and there might be found a lone eattle ranch, or the quarters of a band of mustangers; and not infrequently were these rancheroes and horse-catch- ers in communication and upon good terms—if not in leagueo—with the wild Indians and white outlaws, or Regulators, of the prairie. Among the noted characters of Western Texas, and one who for years had kept the people, rancheroes and mustangers in a fever of excitement, was the notorious Black Boniface, the leader of a band of outlaws, or Regulators, whose retreat was somewhere upon the head-waters of the San Saba River. This man of all others Colonel Miles feared. Th -n there was another person in those parts, the very opposite of Black Boniface in character, though it had not been the colonel’s pleasure to meet him. This was little Texas, the Young Mustanger—a youth made famous by his wonderful horsemanship, his reckless daring, and the use of the lasso—a boy who had sent more wild horses and horned cattle to the markets of Galv-ston and Austin than any other person in Western Texas, The few days the Fgh had been waiting in camp by the San Saba had made camp-life dull and mo- notonous. Everybody was anxious to know where his and her home were to be located; and but for the presence of Christie and Edith, the hours would have dragged more wearily than they did. It was the wont of the maidens to walk by the river at evening, and watch the sun go down beyond the great plain stretching away for weary leagues into the west from the opposite shore of the river. Nor did familiarity with the scene dim its glory in the least, for the fourth evening we find them there seated on alog by the water’s edge, watching the declining sun. F “Oa, sister!” exclaimed Christie. enthusiastically, as she saw the blood-red sun sinking behind the hori- zon, “isn’t that delightful? Oh, why couldn’t Ihave been an artist, and then I could sketch such divine landscapes and—” Hor eyes were bent downward and resting upon a clump of brush upon the water’sedge, Edith saw that she had been suddenly startled, transfixed. “Ghristie!’’ she exclaimed; “‘ what do you see?” * Look, Miith!” she answered, pointing downward. Aesin Edith glane d at the point indicated, and this time she, too, started; for amid the tangled meshes of the clump of brush she beheld a pair of burning eyes set ix a brown, dusky face—a human face peering up into hers, “Ttis a Mexican!’ exclaim«d Etith. Her words broke the aoe that bound the fair Christie, and starting up the little maiden uttered a scream and started back from the river. Asthe maiden'’s cry of alarm rung out over the water and through the wood, the lithe form of a Mexican glided out from_under the cover of nl swam rapidly across, and beforea single man coul reach the spot where the maidens stood, the cunning nig had gained the opposite shore and disappear- ed, Colonel Miles was the first to reach the river, and learn from Bdith what had passed. A look of un- easiness settled upon his faco.
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4s BY Little Texas, the Yourg Mustanger. 5 “The aunians = is skulking around | ere for no |," be said; “if I could only have puta bul- let bh his brain it would have nipped his game inthebud. Are you sure it was a Mexican, girls?” “Yes, sir, quite sure,’’ answered Edit... “Boys,” the colonel exclaimed. addressing his men, who by this time had joined him at the river, ‘‘some of us must cross the river and search for that coyote.” A number of bis men volunteered 'o accompany him, and the party at once crossed the river and be- ganthe search. They bad no difficulty in finding the trail, but darkness came before they could over- take the Mexican. and so they returned to camp. Every point of bs Shee, was Pins guarded that night, but, to the happy surprise of all. the long, weary hours of darkness wore away without the visitation of sae ge On the second day, however, the approach of three horsemen was announced, and amid the excitement consequent upon the dis- covery the strangers rode into e2mp. They were dressed and armed as Texan Rangers and strode well-caparisoned and strong-lim horses. They bad in charge aled borse—a mustang stud of a beautiful cream color—that seemed wild and restive. . Colonel Miles advanced and saluted the trio. The lea ler of the party responded in a pleasant manner. The latter was a little above medium hight and size, straight as an Indian, with a fine physic.l develop- ment, a keen gray eye, 4 heavy dark mustache, and withal a rather handsome man; but tie symmetry and beauty of his face was slightly marred by an ugly red scar running diagonally acro-s Lis cheek. is companions were not as attractive aud pre- possessing characteis as he. One was a Mexican and the other a half-breed Indian. After the compliments of the day had been passed the white stranger sa d: “In passing up the valley the smoke from your camp-fire revealed your presence, and we could not resist the temptation to call and see who was here.” “That was right, gentlemen,” replied the colonel, **but whom have we the honor of addressing?” “My name is Seneca Lucas—more familiarly known as Captain Lucas. We are mustangers, or, io otber words, Texan traders—dealing and trading in horses with the mustangers or men that make a business of catching wild ho: ses.” * Ah, indeed?” exclaimed the colonel. “We have been down the river,” continued Lu “after this handsome buck-skin we have here. learned that it had been caught, and determined upon having it, for it is a remarkable horse.” “T declare he is a noble-looking feliow,” said the colonel, looking around the fretful little animal. “Uncle Israel,’ said Christie, stealing up to her uncle’s side, and speaking in a low tone, “‘ that is the very horse 1 saw a few days ago pass down the plain atthe head ofalargeherd.” “What, the one you’ve been wishing for?” asked \the colonel. ? ‘Yes, sir,’ replied Christie, with a pleading look. “Why, child, what could you do with a wild horse?” asked the bluff old gentleman. “Haven't I ridden horses, uncle, that some colo- nels we know couldn’t ride?” the maiden asked, with ‘a roguish smile; “and wasn’t I counted the best lady rider in Tennessee? Now, say, uncle?” “J didn’t say you weren't, child.” the colonel said, yielding to the anxious little heart and pleading ey«s of his fair protege’ ; ‘* but if you do want to get your precious neck broke. I'll buy that pony for you, if it takes the last dollar I’ve got.” Chrstie’s eyes brightened, and she fairly danced with joy. Captain Lucas had overheard a part of the conver- gation between the colonel and his daughter, and embraced the first Copper aint. to remark: “Your daughter, orwes ss Oh, yes, confound it!” blurted the colonel, in his observe, is an admirer of way. ‘T presume a horse’ll be the death of her, yet- Is that fellow for sale, Lucas?” “We are Texan traders, Mr. Miles, and are makin: our bread by buying, selling and trading, We'll sel! ortrade anything we’ve got. Fifty dollars is our figures on that buck-skin,” ** Has he been broken to the saddle?” asked Miles. “He bas been thoroughly conquered and broken, sir.” said the trader. ‘Dalza,” addressing the Mex- ican, ‘throw the saddle on Pegasus, and ride him.” The Mexican stripped the saddle from his own horse and placed it upon the back of the buck-skin; then he mounted it and rode up and down the river —tlrough the corral, and around the camp. The animal champed his bits and tossed his head a little at first, but fil.ally came in as gentle as an old horse. Everybody was delighted witb the beautiful little mustang, and in less than an hour Christie Miles was its owner, and upon ifs back. She rode with a side- saddle, and handled the reins with ease and skill. and the noble horse that, but a few days before, ran wild onthe broad Texan plain, was now guided by the little hand of a feeble girl. Having disposed of his horse, and satisfied his ap- parent curiosity, the traders took their departure. ! While exercising her new horse, Christie looked about for Edith, but she was nowhere to be seen; so the maiden rode up to the door of hertent and called for her to come out, But there was no response, and Christie was surprised, alarmed. She called to old June, Coloncl Mil s’s negro housekeeper, to come and see if Edith was in her tent, The old negress waddled cown to Edith’s apart- ment and entered; but a moment later she came rushing out, frant.c with excitement. ‘*Oh, Heabenly Father!” she cried; ‘‘ for de Lord Miss Edith am dead—lying on de cold floo’ dead !”’ With a ery of distress and grief, Christie leaped from her horse, and giving Pegasus in care of a ser- vant, ran into Euith’s tent. Then a piercing scream startled the camp. On the floor of her tent lay Edith, to all appearance dead. “*Oh, Edith! my poor, dear sister is dead!” cried Christie, falling upon her knees by the prostrate pir] and clasping her hand and raising her head. The hand was still warm. By this time Colonel Miles had reached the tent, and learning the condition of affairs he called the party’s physician, Dr, Jeduthan Dover, who came and examined the girl's pulse and heart, and an- nounced that she was far from being dead; but that she “ was laboring under the effects of neryous pros- tration,” and bad fallen in a swoon. Restoratives were at once administered, and it was found that the doctor was right, for signs of return- ing consciousness were soon manifested. It was some time, however, before she was able to cumpre- hend her situation, and when she did, she glanced quickly and excitedly around her and exclaimed: “ Sister—Christie, where is he? Where is he, Christie?” “Whom do you mean, Edith? Uncle Miles?” The sound of the latrer’s voice seemed to restore Edith to full consciousness, and, with a little cry, she exclaimed: ** What am I saying, Christie?” * You are ill, sister," replied the fair Christie. Edith glanced at the faces around her with bewil- dered look and said in a rather evasive tone; ““No, L have not been well to-day.” In a few minutes all withdrew from her presence but Christie. As the colone! walked away, a feeling of queer mistrust entered bis breast. From Edith’s words and actions he was led toinfer that there was a secret. buried in her heart, and that the trader, Senec: Lucas, had something to do with it. Then as his thoughts went back in o the past, he started with a deep-drawn sigh, as one thing occurred to his mind. Night came and went, and with the coming of oy it was found that three horses were ing. The picket-pios had been drawn, and it was oritent they
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had been stolen. This discovery caused great ex- citement in camp, and in a few minutes the impul- sive Colonel Miles and four of his friends were mounted and in pursuit of the thieves. Toe trail led southward, and was easily followed, as the thieves had taken no pains to conceal it; but after traveling a few miles it was discovered that the villains had separated, eacn one with a horse goin in a diffsrentdirvction. But Colonel Miles was equa to the emergency. He was determined to recover the horses and punish tha thieves in uch a manner that they would not trouble him again. and so be di- vided up his party, seading his men upon two of the trails, he taking the third one alone. Th» party pursuing the middle trail traveled in a due southwest course, and about noon came to a | little creek where, to their surpris? they found the thres horse-thiev’s had coms together. It wasa surprise to them because not expected so soon, and 80 they dismounted and waited the coming of their friends. In the course of an hour the two on t'e right came up. Colonel Miles alone was still abs n‘, sill they thought nothing of this until hours began to go by ani evening Vek rely then they became uneasy; and fears for his safety were entertained. “Tt can’t be he’s reached this point first. an 1 grow- ing impatient, gone on alone,”’ said Tom Harvey. It’d be just like him,” replied another, *‘in case he got sigh: of the thieves.” “At any rate, let us inquire into the matter.” Acareful search of the ground was made and true enouzh, they found where a fourth horse, un- questionably that of the colonel, had crossed the creek, Following this up they soon came to where the grass was trampled and cut with many hoofs; an here and there were little clots of coagulated blood upon the ground. **Good h avens!” exclaimed young Harvey, “‘here’s milions of proof that there has been a bloody fight here between the thieves and somebody; but whether the colonel’s had a hand in it I can’t say, but I’m of the opinion, friends, that he has.” Harvey's friends were of tne same opinion, and after discussing the probable result of the conftict, they concluded to return to camp and lay the case before their friends. The news that the four men brougt to camp cast a shadow of ths deepest gloom and sorrow over the hearts of the little band. Christie and Kdith were almost distrac ed by the news. Fearing an attack, now more than ever, from en- emies, the camp was strongly fortifled, and for two days and nights searcely a man, woman or child roe so close and constant was the watch upon all sides. Toward the close of the third day a horseman was seen approaching from the west at a rapid pace. A feeling of hope thrilled every heart, and every eye was fixed upon the rider; but bitter was their disappointment when the horseman dashed into camp, for h2 was an ent re stranger! The stranger was mounted upon a clean-limbed animal whose nostrils were smoking and_ sides steaming with bard riding. The man himself was a rough, bearded fellow dressed in a suit peculiar to the border-se tler, yet the unceremonious manner in which he entered the camp, and the freeness and frankness of his speech at once dissipated all doubts of his character. A3 he drew reia before the disappointed group he salu‘ed the », and then, fixing his eyes upon one of the el‘ler gentlemen, said: “T presume this is the camp of Colonel Israel Miles, ar‘n’t it?” “Tt is,” answered Mr. Boardman; “but what do you know of Colon] Israel Miles, stranger?” “*T have come direct, and fast as this hoss’d carry me, from Colonel Miles’s bedside,” responded the man. f ‘* Where is the colonel? Where is the colonel?” was asked by a number. “He's about twenty or twenty-five miles, as the 6 Little Texas, the Young Mastanger, re crow flies, from here, lying very low with a wound received in a fight with some horse-thieves and des- peradoes. 1 found him lying dead, as I supposed, on the prairie, but when I diskivered he wer’n't quite dead [ took him home with me and give him some brandy and herb-tvea and brought him baci: to life, and he may weather through if he has the rizht kind of treatment—better’n Lam able to give him. What he needs is some medicine and a good nurse, and so he sent me over here for Doctor Dover and his daugonter Coristie to come over and treat him tll he’s able to be moved, which may be in a week and maybe not for a solid month.” A little — escaped Christie’s lips—a cry of min- gled joy and grief—as the stranger concluded his story. In an eager, excited voice she declared her readiness to go at once to his bedside, and even turned and ordered a servant to bridle and saddle Pegasus, the beautiful buck: skin mustang pur- chased of Seneca Lucas, the Texan trader. Doctor Jedushan Dover, an odd old gentleman who was cross as a bear half his time, never seeme in better spirits than when he heard Miles was living and had sent for him. He ordered his horse, dressed himself for the journey and with his pill- bags on his arm was soon ready to start, Of course 20 one objected, under the circum- stances. to Christie going with the stranger so long as Dr. Dover was gcing with them; and as there could be no doubt of the truthfulness of the man's story the two were soon mounted and on their way. Those at camp watched the trio until the distance and gathering twilight shadows shut them from view; then they returned to their camp-fires and tents to discuss the situation and brood over the first misfortune that had befallen them in that ideal land of promise. The ranger, who gave his name as Victor Ure, and Christie roce together. Dr. Dover rode behind, They rode on a brisk gallop. Victor Ure watched the sun go down and the moon come up as if mea- uring the moments thereby. Their course lay over a broad expans® of prairie, broken only by an occasional clump of trees that rose up like a grim sentinel against the western sky, or croiched low in the valley like a murderous assassin. Deeo in the solitude of the great plain and under the shadows of night, with thoughts of what Victor Ure might be, Christie shuddered. The dread lon- liness of the surr undings impressed her spirit with vague and gloomy forebodings, aud a strange dread and anxiety came over her and made her f.el as though the presences of the gruff but kind-hearted oli doctor would afford her rlief. And with this feeling preying upon her, she looked back. and to her surprise saw that the distance between the doc- tor and them was widening. “Tm afraid the doctor’s horse will not hold out if we ride so fast, Mr. Ure,” she said. ¥ ** He will certainly tell us if he finds his horse fail- ing,” the ranger replied. “Ts would just like him to say nothing even were it well to speak. The doctor is a peculiar man.” “*T assure vou, he will not lose sight of us.” But this did not satisfy that uneasiness gnawing at the maiden’s heart; however, she made no reply. On they went—the beard-d ranger and the lovely girl, and on behind came the doctor. ; Mile after mile was traversed. The moon sailed aloft. and the shadows that had swept along at the riders’ sides now crept behind. As they rode on Victor Ur» became less commu- nicative, and urged their animals to a faster speed; and now and then he glanced before and arcun him with his keen eyes, and ever and anon he look- ed back over his shoulder as if looking for the doc- or 7 seemed uneasy, and Christis did not fail to notice it. The maiden did not look back, but now an! then she inquired about the doctor, and always ree ived
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Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 9 the assurance that he was in sight, always holding his ground. * Dover saw that they were gaining upon him, and called to them to wait when he saw them fading from his view; but they heard him nor. Still he urged on his beast, but if was no match for the wiry mustangs, and finally the two melted from his sight. The doctu.r now began to d: spair. He knew nothing of the country, nor no more where he wanted to go than the man in the moon. He looked around for a star or landmark by which he could keep bis present course. A little motte of tall trees arrested his at- tention. 1t was not far away, and as he approached it a horseman glided from out its shadows and drew rein before him. ’ Dr. Dover saw that it was neither of his friends, and before he could rein in his horse he found him- self at the stranger’s side. © Halt, there!” demanded the unknown. “Well, now I’m halted, confound you! what do you want?” and the crusty old doctor, gazing down upon the stranger, saw a youthful figure dressed in buckskin, and a boyish face looking up at him from under the brim of a sombrero. “| just want to know what ole cross bear you are, and where you're going,”’ was the rejoinder. “It’s none of your business who I am,” blurted Dover; ‘ but I am trying to follow a mau and girl to the ranch of the former; but, bless my eyes, if the rascals haven't outridden me.” “Whom were you follerin’,sdo you suppose?” asked the boy. . : “ Victor Ure and Christie Miles, that’s who! We're going to the man’s ranch, where a friend lies sick— wounded. He seut Ure after us.” * And they have outri den you?” “Yes,” short and crustily. “Tt’s well; the gait of your horse has no doubt saved your life.” “What do you mean, you little night-hawk, you?” “T mean that man Victor Ure’s made a pack of fools of you. Why, sir, he’s. the worst outlaw and freebooter in all Texas. He’s Black Boniface.” “ Boy, do you know what you say is true?” “Pas Tao! J “Oh, Lord!” groaned the doctor; ‘‘ what in the world willI do, then? ? ay, can you tell me, boy?” “Yes; go back to your friends and tell them what fools you've all been, and 7'U follow Black Eoni- ce. * You'll follow Elack Boniface? Heavens and hur- ricanes! what alarge dit critter you are! Who are you, anyhow?" “Yam Little Texas, the Boy Mustanger,” the lad responded, and then cerning ta borse’s head, dashed away on the trail of Black Boniface, CHAPTER III. TWICE LASSOED. On rode Victor Ure and Christie Miles. The bard-ridden horses showed no signs of fatigue, nor did a complaint escape the lips of the riders, To Christie it seemed that they had been hours upon the way, and that they must be nearing their destination er companion, hitherto so polite and congenial, had grown sileot and sullen. She no longer asked him questions, but finally, when de- sirous of know ng where Dr. Dover was, she turned her head and looked back, but she saw nothing of her friend. “Mr. Ure,” she exclaimed, “ where is Dr. Dover? I cannot see him.” “Weleft him far behind an hour ago,” was the cool response. sa eu rou have told me all along he was in sight.” “Well, but Tlic d.” Christie was startled by the cold, bitter tone in which the man spoke, but mustering her courage she asked: “Will he be able to find the way, do you think?” “Tt don't make a bit of difference whether he does or not, Miss Miles,” he answered, “Mr. Ure, why do you speak thus? Havel offend- ed you?" the maiden asked, with a trembling voice. “Not at all, my little darling,” the ranger replied, in a sinister voice. ‘‘ The fact is, and the truth may as well be told now, I've been lying like an Arab to you all along; my name is noi Victor Ure, but in short is Black Boniface.” A cry burst from t emaiden’s lips, and but for the hand of the man at her side she would have fallen from her seat. “Burt don’t take on pow, little lady, or I shall be under the necessity of taking you in my arms. I know it is mean in me to deceive you, but then it can’t be a eae It is your friends and not you that T consider the worst deceived.” Christie burst into tears, but when she heard the villain gloating like a fiend over his exploit in get- ting her into his power, her fear and terror turned to hatred and scorn. Deep in the solitude of the great plain black Boniface felt safe with bis captive, but in the very hour of his triumph, his self-assured safety, a rider dashed out from the Carkness and bore down to- ward him—turning Lis triumph into fear. With a muttered oath the villain urged on the two horses at rm newed speed. Like the wind they sped down the prairie, and on, closer and closer behind, came the unknown pur- suer. Boniface drew his revolver, for he saw he would soon be overtaken. “Halt, there!” suddenly rung out from behind, Boniface turned in his saddle and raised his re- volver and fired, A mocking laugh and the “ whiz” of builets answered lim, and the villain saw he was in danger. But again he turned end fired and again was bis shot answered by one from his pursuer. In this manner a running fight was kept up until the outlaw’s horse received a bullet in the leg and fell. As the animal went down Boniface endeavor- ed to land upon his feet, but his stirrup threw bim, and holding on to the rein of Cbristie’s horse the bits were torn from its mouth. Alarmed by the report of the pee and findin; itself uncurbed by the iron bits, the animal piunge madly away over the plain with his fair youn: Piller: Christie saw her danger ina moment. She had escaped from the outlaw, but was a prisoner in the saddle! She heard the sound of pursuing hoofs close bebind. “Stick to your saddle girl,” the unknown again called out, ‘‘ and I will save you!” The next instant something shot pest her head with a ‘‘ skirring * sound, and struck the outstretch- ed head of her pony. It was 4 lasso, and true to its aim, the noose s+ ttled about the animal’s neck. Ti.is was the last that Christie remembered of her wild ride for some time. She fainted, and when she again recovered consciousness she la m the moonlit prairie, while over her was bending the form of aboy. Hard by stood Ler own pony and that of her rescuer. “You are feeling better, now, are you not?” was the boy’s query, as she gazed up into his face; * don’t be afraid of me,” be went on, “for I’m your | friend. Iam Little Texas.” “You Little Texas, the Boy Mustanger?” the as- tonished girl exclaimed, rising to her feet. “That's who I am, miss; and 1’m yours now to command. Oh, but I did cheat old Boniface out of an angel,sure! But there's no tellin’ how soon he’ll be ie us again, for I didn’t have time to stop and kill him, Come, I have your mustang in charge. Let us mount and be off. I will see you safe with your friends, wherever they may be.”’ He had put bis own bridle upon Christie's horse, and assisting her to the mustang’s back, he mounted his own animal and the two rode away. In a few words Christie told the story of her night’s adventure with Victor OF oe the same with an account of Colonel Miles’s absence and the visit of the villain Ure. The two rode along for an hour or more, conyers-
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8 Little Texas, the Young Mustangé#. ee ing in a free, familar way, when they finally entered a belt of timber where the darkness was intense. “Ts this the San Saba timber, Little Texas?” Christie asked. “No, no, little girl,” the boy responded; ‘‘ we are along ways from the San Saba. This is the Llano timber, and my cabin is not far from here. I hope you wiil forgive me for playin’ the Victor Ure in not tellin’ you sooner where I was takin’ you. But my intentions are good I want you to have rest and food, for the San Saba is far from here. To-morrow I will take you to your friends.” “You know what is best, Texas; I will trust to your judgment.” And so they rode on until they entered a dark trail that wound through the valley, and in a short time drew up before a low, wide cabin, Leaping to the ground Little T»xas assisted Chris- tie to dismount, then hitching the horses. he con- ducted the maiden to the cabin, pulled the latch- string and threw open the door. But a ery of sur- Frise and horror burst from his lips as he dil so, for the light of a fire burning on the hearth flashed into his face, and in that light, seated upon the floor, were Dr. Jules Rocheford und a dozen more of Black Boniface’s freebooters! CHAPTER IV. THE GOOD SAMARITANS. We will now go back and look after Colonel Miles whom we left in a previous chapter in pursuit of the horse-thieves, After leaving his four companions he pushed on Hy eco for the trail was fresh. 6 result of this haste was that he came surden- ly upon the thieves with his horses in a little valley, and, without a second thought, he drew his revolver and charged upon them, Not knowing but a dozen friends were at the colo- nel’s back, the outlaws leaped into their saddles and attempted to escape. Butin an instant the colonel was upon them. At the first shot a robber fell dead, then followed several other shots and another horse- thief bit the dust; but before the brave man could serve the third in like manner the thief dashed up behind him and dealt him—the colonel—a blow upon the head that param stunned him. Miles’s horse dashed aney, the colonel fell from the saddla and 8 was ig stirrup. a desperate effort he succeede in free- ing himself from this danger, and then all became blank to bim—total oblivion. How long he remain- ed so he knew not; but when he had fuily recover- ed his sanses the first thing of which he becams con- scious was the sound of voices—then the outlines of a@ woman appeared before him—the walls of a room with strange pictures and devices upon it; and doors and windows were gradually unfolded from the dim- ness of his confused brain; and at length he had so far recovered as to be able to comprehend his situa- tion; he was lying in a room upon a soft bed. He was weak and suffering from a severe pain and a bbe 9 PF fever. losing his eyes the colonel collected his bewilder- ed thoughts. One by one he recalled the events of the oe He opened his eyes and gazed around him. e saw that the room he occupied was well and tastily furnished, and wore an air of neatness and comfort that only the deft fingers of woman can im- pare to the arrangements of a house. Near the ead of the bed stood a sma'l table, and upon this was @ number of bottles, a water-pitcher and some clean linen. The woman watching by his bedside was a negress. He fixed his eyes upon her with such a strange, bewildered look that she became frightened, and uttered a little scream. nstantly a voice with a slightly foreign accent ealled out from an adjoining room: ‘* What is the matter, Hagar?” “Oh, missus!” replied the negress, ‘ de sick gem- man’s opened his eyes and he’s lookin’ so awful wild —Jist like ole Mars’ Gray did when he died. A young woman, tall and slender, with dark hair ¥. ome distance with his foot fast in the | and eyes entered the room, end cdvyanced with a soft —_ to the bedside and lookcd upon the sick man, There were a few moments’ silence; the wo- man was the first to speak. “You are better, senor,” she sald. The sound of her voice broke the sp: 1) that hung upon the col- onel’s lips. He replied in a feeble voice. *T do not know—I am confused, weak.” “You have passed through a trying ordeal, senor,” the dark-eyed maiden said; “‘you have been near death’s door.” * But where am I, and how came I here?” ‘You are in the house of friends.” sho answered, “my brother found you on the prairie where the Regulators beat you down,” ‘In God's name, who is your brother that has sav- ed my life?’ Miles exclaimed, starting up and resting his elbow upon the bed, “Sonor Juan de Ro sevan,” she answered, fright- ened by the colonel s bluff, excited manner of s h, “You are Sp niards, then,” the invalid sail, in a milder tone, and with an air of resignation; “but I hope to Jehovah that I am not in Spain.” he maiden smiled and said: “You are in Texas, senor.” “In the San Saba Valley?” ‘**No, senor; you are many leagues from there.” ““Well, where in the plague am I?” “You are with those who have befriended you, senor. More than that I am no: at liberty to tell.’ * Consolation,” muttered the ungrateful man, lay- ing his head back upon the pillow and closing his eyes. “Pardon me; but how long have I been here?” he demanded. after a moment’s silence. “You came yesterday, or were brought, rather,” she responded. ‘You were very low, senor—you had bled much.” “ Yes, I must have been; but, oh, what will my friends—my_children—m daughters do? Oh! I must go back to my friends!” “The doctor was here an hour or so since.” the maides continued. “ and he said you must not leave for many days yet. If you have friends far or near brother will send for them when he comes.” ** Where is your brother, miss?” “He is out riding, but will be here soon, Tam looking for him ev. ry minute,” the girl replied. Thus the two conversed for severa) minutes, when the maiden finally excused herself and went out. While reflecting upon his condition the sick man sunk into a doze; and in this half-conscious state he began to talk aloud over his situation. “A bad beginning in Texas,” he muttered; ‘‘and there’s no telling when and where it willend, Oh my poor girls! if-they were only here now. I shall send for one of them to come and nurse me. Her so ereeghts will be better than medicine. Kind, gentle Mdith, poor girl, will be better for the sick-room than light toerint little Christie. I shall send for Edith, and—” A cool, soft hand was laid upon his feverish brow. He started, opesed his eyes and gaz-d around him. A stranger was standing by his bedside—a man whose face, magnificent form and brilliant attire were suggestive of a Spanish prince of the olden time. As their eyes met, Miles exclaimed: “Ah! you, sir. are Don Juan de Rossevan.”” “Yes, senor.” was the reply and drawing up a chair he sat down by the colonel’s bedside. CHAPTER V DR. DOVER AND OLD MORALITY MEET. We left Pr. Dover in the depths of the night and the solitude of the na outridden by Christie Miles and “er escort, Victor Ure; and when met by the Bov Mustanger, Little Texas, and informed that Black Boniface was the maiden’s escort, and advised to return to the San Saba, the doctor flew into a vio- lent yee, and even when Little Texas had turned and disappeared in pursuit of the outlaw and maid- en, the man of pills and powders sat upon bis horse ry
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and swore and raved like amadman. And while he was thus depor ing himself, a sharp voice ealled out: ““i'y the howling blasts of desolation, what ole p’izen pirate can you be?” The doccor whirled in his saddle, drew his pistol and fired into the air in his excitement. “Halt! who comes there? Curse your picters, I'll prescribe lead pills if y. u come nigh me!” “‘ Kasy, ole rantankerous!” was the cool response; “don’t stir your liver into sich a rage! The air smelis o’ brimstone, now, with your profanity.” “You're an inf rnal scamp, and J—" “T’m not; my nameis Morality, Old Morality,” ia- terrupted the ranger. “Old Rascality!” hissed the doctor, scornfully; “I believe you are Black Boniface’s rear guard, and I’ve a plagued notion to shoot you!” ‘*Well, shootin’, my amiable ole snappin’-turtle, is agame at which two can play,” retorted Old Morali- ty, raising his revolver; ‘‘and now, if you want to shoot, jist crack in, I’m ready.” “* Hold on, you cussed fool!’’ exclaimed the doctor, sliding from his saddle and taking refuge behind his horse; “hold on, l’m not going to shoot you! But it’d do me good to dissect your carcass. Say, do ioe know _who Iam, man? I, sir, am Jeduthan over, M. D., late of Grassville, Tennesse.” “And I, sir,as 1 said before, em Old Morality, Come, now, doctor, can’t “ford to be enemi.s, whén we're in need of frieads so bad; the fact is there’s abundance of danger on this prairie, and you and me are uot so numerous as to be divided in our forces, Now, Dr. Dover, honest bright, you can freeze to me—you can count on me till the cows come home.”” “Then, sir,” replied the doctor, climbing into bis saddle, “if you are such an icicle—such a true friend, ie put me on my way to camp.” “Wal, whar ye goin?” “T’m going to camp over on the San Saba River— up in Cedar Grove,” responded Doy r. ‘“Whew!’’ ejaculated Old Morality; “away up there?”’ “Yes, away—up—there.” “*\\ here’ve you been?” “Trying to follow a man and girl that went south awhile Bg0; but I gu ssI’ll give it up.” “T would if [was you, Doe, for Ipresume they’re ten miles from here by this time. If anybody can catch ’em, Little Texas can do it.” “Then that «as Little Texas, was it?” ‘* Yes, it war, Doc.” “He said so, but every man I’ve met to date in Texas is such a caustic liar that I doubted the boy’s word at the timne,” replies Dover. “He also said the man with our girl, Christie, was Black Boniface.” “Then it wasso, if Texas said so, rest easy on that; and if any man in the Southwest can catch that villain, the Boy Mustanger’s the lark. “Th n J cen go back to camp with some peace of pg said Dover; “So lead the way, Old Moral- y, The old ranger turned his horse’s head northward and rode away. the doctor following bim, though not without some doubt and uncertainty. But Old Mor- ality’s tongue ran incessantly, and his odd expres- sions. and pleasant anecdotes, finally drove all fears and doubts from the doctor’s breast and drew him into his confidence, making their ride together a very pleasant one. In fact, the time passed so rapidly in the old ranger’s company that daylicht was upon them ere the doctor was aware that it was anywhere near morning; and the sun was scarcely Pr igi high when they rode into camp on the San aba, The return of Dover so soon caused no little ex- citement in camp. All were anxious to hear how their old friend the colonel was, and they gathered about the doctor. plying him with a dozen questions. “Tam sorry to say, my friends,” Dover said, as he dismounted, ‘that I have not seen Colonel Miles, por do I know where he is,” Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. “Great heavens!" exclaimed a dozen in a breath. “Tt’s a gospel fact, men.”’ continued the doctor; ‘*we were a set of bind fools. That man, Victor Ure, was none other than Black Boniface, and he got away with Christie in spite of me!” The settlers were horrified by this startling intelli- gence, and for awhile the greatest excitement pre- vailed, The doctor and Old Morality were provided with breakfast. after which they were given a tent and bed, and laid down to rest and obtain a few hours’ While they were still asleep, the camp was again thrown into some little excitement by the appear- ance of a party, or cavalcade, on the plam below camp. As it drew nearer, al] saw that it was a coach, or covered carriage, drawn by four horses and followed by six or eight horsemen. With no litile curiosity and impatience the ap- proach of the party was awaited. In a few minutes the vehicle came to a halt on the margin of the camp. 4 The vehicle was an ancient-looking and clumsy af- fair, upon whose panels was embossed in gold the coat-of-arms of some Spanish house of nobility. It was closed with curtains drawn, and as the driver drew rein, a footman leaped to the ground and op*ned one of the doors, The mounted escort, as well as the driver and footman. were men of Spanish blood, dressed in their national garb, armed with swords and pistols, and mounted upon fine blooded horses; and as the footman desc nded from the box, these men drew their swords and held them before their faces. Then from the coach leaped a man who caused a cry of surprise to escape the lips of the settlers. It was the Spanish rc cluse, Don Juan de Rossevan, under whose roof Colonel Israel Miles had found soelter and kind treatment. He was dressed in pur- ple and gold. A long serapz of fine blue cloth lined with crimson sik and embroidered with gold was arount his shoulders. A broad-brimmed sombrero, banded with woven threads of silver and gold, was upon his head, A small sword with a jeweled hilt hung at his girdle, Altogether this stranger pre- sented an array of princely wealth and royal blood. He was young—n.-t over eight-and twenty—tall and straight as an arrow. Glancing around him, the Spaniard removed a eweled glove and saluted the emigrants. Raymond yrd, as spokesman for the party, advanced and reiurned the stranger's salutation. “Pardon me, senor,” de Rossevan said, *‘ but is this not the camp of Colonel Israel Miles?” “Yes, sir, it is.” responded Byrd, his heart flutter- ing with eager anticipation as he saw the stranger take a white envelope from his pocket and read the direction upon it. ; “Here,” said the visitor, ‘‘is a letter from Colonel Miles to his daughters, Edith and Christie.” An exclamation of joy burst from she and Edith, who had been well-nigh prostrated with her sorrow, ran forward and received the letter. “ Oh, it is his!’ she exclaimed, as she the handwriting upon the envelope. ‘Then you bave met the colonel?” asked Byrd. “T have. senor; he is a guest in my house. I took him there nearer cead than alive. He is slowly re- covering from painful wounds inflicted upon him b a parte ot horse-thieves whom he rasbly attacked, The |-tter will state the object of my visit here.” “ My Dear Grrts:—You have no doubt wondered what kept me from cane and ape ere me as Inst—dead. But thanks to a kind vidence, and Don Juan de Rossevan, the great-hearted Spanish gentleman who bears this letter to you, I am still permitted to live; but, my dear girls I am suffering —of wounds received in a conflict with the heinous wretches that stole our horses. 1 hope the other boys got back safe. I am very low and feeble from loss of blood; and it will be some time before I will be able to be moved. I am treated here with all the
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ENE TeT as rr ER HE <5 Ty SETS CN re £0 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. kindness and tenderness that human hearts and human bands could bestow upon a stranger, but still I want one, or both of my adopted daughters with me. I know your presence will be good medi- cine for me, and socome without delay. The gentle- man who brings you this will escort you here. To this man I owe my life., He and his body guard res- cued me from death, and 1 trust him with all the fullness of my heart. I know you will enjoy his company, and then he has a sister here. Her name is Anita, and she is almost as pretty and charming as my Edith and Christie. Tell the boys it can’t be helped, but to keep an unceasing vigil upon all sides. [remain Yours affectionately, Isratu P, Mixes.” Edith’s heart was all aflutter and her hand trem- bling when she concluded the letter. She was re- pg to know that her guardian lived, and yet the vp etopod weighed upon her a terrible burden of grief. Advancing to where the Spaniard stood with un- covered head, the maiden said: “Mr. Rossevan, lam rejoiced to hear from my dear guardian, but, oh! I have such a sad story to bear to his ears: Yesterday a man calling himself Victor Ure, came here in great hasta, saying Colonel Miles was lying in his cabin very low from the effect of wounds received in conflict with robbers, and wanted my sister Christie and Dr. Dover to come to him. Never suspecting anything wrong, they mounted their horses and started. That man was Black Boniface, and Christie is still in his power.” “© Ah, que desqracia!” cried De Rossevan, in his native: tongue, ‘your sister in the hands of Black Boniface, senorita?” “ Yes, sir.” replied Edith, struggling hard to keep back her tears. “ Ah, Dios!” he exclaimed, shaking his head sad- ly, “it will kill the father to hear this: moreover, you will hesitate to go with me, sen orits.” “No, sir, Jdo not doubt you,” cried Edith, “and I shall go with you to my guardian.” “It will affurd me pleasure, then, to offer you a seat in my calesa,”’ Rossevan said, “Then T will prepare for the journey at once,” and turning she sought her own tent to get ready. In the course of half an hour Edith Clayton mado her appearance ready for the journey. A look of admiration passed over the handsome, dark face of Don Rossevan. Taking the arm of Don Rossevan she was conduct- ed to the calesa and given a seat therein, and when her escort had taken a seat with her, the emigrants gathered around the vehicle and bid her good-by and wished her a safe and happy journey. When the “ good-byes” had all been said, the foot- man closed the door of the ¢ sles, mounted the box, and then the vehicle rolled away, fo'lowed by the mounted escort. In the course of a few hours they had forded two rivers, plunged across a number of small ravines, wound and twisted through a Jong, wooded valley, and finally debouched into a broad, open plain. Here Rossevan threw open both doors of the calesa, ‘that they might enjoy the scene surrounding them, and drink in the perfumed air. An ocean of green luxuriant grass waved around them, and above this carpet of verdure thousands of wild flowers of every hue and odor thrust their modest faces and distilled their sweetness on the soft south wind. Of the prairie, of the verdure, of the flowers, Don Rossevan talked in strains of elo- quence that filled Edith’s soul with a sense of un- bounded delight. * Nature,” he went on, ‘thas not only expended with a lavish hand upon the material—the outward beauties of thts prane country. but she has inspired it with a spirit of grandeur; and that spirit—invisible soul—pervades the atmosphere until we not only see but_/cel the beauties of Nature. No one with a true soul can gaze pen that landscape without feeling a sense of delight and exultation swelling within his breast. One can scarcely believe that this is a land of ruins, of crime—the home of latrones and wild men. God intended it for a Paradise. and to me itis a Paradise, a refuge, and a land of promise.” “Then the outlaws and Indians do not molest you?” Edith remarked. ~ “To some extent, senorita; they have stolen some of my horses and cattle, and killed some of my ser- vants. Of late, however. I have not seen nor heard of Black Boniface and his Regulators, and 1 had entertained a hope he had disappeared from the plains of Texas, if not from the stage of action alto- gether—Great God!” The last words were occasioned by the cry of “ Ladrones ! ladrones! Ind avs! Indians !” and the crash of firearms and wails of agony. Don Rossevan quickly put his bead out to see what the matter was. A number of leaden balls tore through the top of his calesa. He saw the footman fall with a heavy thud to the ground, a lifeless corpse. The party had been attacked by a band of Apache Indians and white robbers! CHAPTER VI. HOW LITTLE TEXAS DODGED. To return to the Boy Mustanger and Christie Miles whom we left standing in the door of the mustang- er’s cabin, face to face with the notorious Dr. Roc!ie- ford and a band of Boniface’s Regulators. “Smoke of the Inferno!” exclaimed Dr, Rocheford, in amazement. “ Who and what bave we here? Do my eyes deceive me? Is it the boy whose right hand belongs tome? Swre/ it is, by the stinging taran- tula! Nab him! ah—cut and after him, men”’ Before the Frenchman had finished, Little Texa:, with great presence of mind, sprung backward into the darkness and pulled Christie with him. The shadows of oak and cedar lay thick over and around the humble home of the Boy Mustanger, and into this darkness, in pursuit of the maiden and mus- tanger, plunged the outlaw rangers. So close were they after them that they felt sure of their capture; but with quick wit, the boy, instead of making straight for the wood, as would naturally be expect- ed, stepped aside and pressing himself close against the side of the house, whispered words of cheer and caution to Christie. They were within arm’s reach of every outlaw that went out of the door, but the villains were so blinded by their excitement, and the sudden change from light to darkness, that they assed them by unobserved, and were soon wrang- ing in darkness and confusion out in the woods, When assured they were all out of the building, the lad whispered to Christie: “Miss Miles, we don’t want to stay out in the woods to-night, and so let’s slip into the house and conceal ourselves in the loft. They'll never mistrust us of doin’ such a daring thing, and to-morrow when they go away, we'll be safe.” “Tam willing to follow you, Texas,” Christie re- sponded. . “Then we'll have to be awful quiet, Christie,” he ured. bei oi so they turned and entered the cabin, Lit'le Texas climbed into the loft and let down a short lad- der, by me .ns of which the maiden ascended also. Then Tex.s went down again and securing some dried venison from bis larder, and a couple of blan- kets and a robe from the pile on the floor, he returned to Christie, and drew up the ladder. This done, he spread the robe and invited Christie to a seat pee it; and when both had taken a position that they would, very likely. be required to keep through the night, he produced his dried venison, cut it into thin slices, and divided it with Christie. And, while awaiting the return of the Regulators, they ate their meaver supper. ‘ It was not long until Rocheford came in, out of wind and humor. for again had the boy thwarted him; and then, one by one, the rest of the Regulators re- turned and resumed their places, and their pipes, their oaths and ribald jests before the fire, :
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Pore Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 11 Little Texas himself was the topic of much con- versation among the vilains; but finally the dis- course turned upon Black Boniface and his visit to the emigrant camp on the San Saba; and our lasso- thrower smiled when he heard tem speculating upon the captain's probable success in pri curing a new wife among the fair ones of Colonel Miles’s col- Gy. As the hours wore on some of the ip aby stretcbel themselves upon the floor and fell asleep, end soon all became quiet in and sround the cabin. And, the noise anl excitement having abated. Chris- lis, overcome with fatigue. sunk into quiet slumber also; while Little Texas, pistol in hand. sat by her side and half cozing kept a watch over her. And thus the ni; ht wore on. In the m rning the ou!laws kindled a fire upon the hearth and break- fasted upon the Young Mustanger’s supplies, end, alth ugh it was still dark outside, they were soon ready for departure. Christie was stil asleep, and the boy thought cf the pleasant surprise it would be to her, upon waken- ing to learn that thcir persecutors were gone. The youth beard the Regulators tramping about below retting ready, as he supposed, for departure. He heard some of them go out and then come back and throw something solid upon the fluor. He heard them saying something bout fire. The pungent odor of smoke suddenly floated uv to his ¥ os‘rils. What did it mean? H-* stooped and peered through acrack of the loft floor. He started back with a suppressed cry of horror. The outlaws were firing the cabin. The Boy Mustanger’s soul was filled with terror. He awoke his companion—not to a happy surprise, but to a scene of terror, The hotsmoleand the red flame ben*a’h them filled her young hecrt with a dreadful fear. A shrick burst from her lips. The ro’ bers below heard t'! ““Wasn’t that in the loft?” cried Rocheford. “Ty ribby beli ve it was, doctor,” replied enother. “Gods of Olympus! Bunty, I thought I told you to search the 1 ft,” said the Frenchman. **And I thought I did,” rcturned Bunty. “ Sace! then search again, man!’’ was the order. Steps are beard crossing the room. The hanus cf aman ar- seen to reach upward and grasp the board at the entrance to the garret. Then a head appears through the opening and a pair f eyes set in a fat, bearded face peer into the smoke and darkness of that retreat, as the body hangs on the ecge of the opening. A pistol in the hand of Little Texas rings out with adull, stunning report. With a cry tre robber drops through the opening, his body falling on the floor below with a cull, sickly thud, “My Gorl! some one in the Ioft has killed Bunty!” shrieked Dr, Rocheford. ** Poke a the fire, boys, and whoever is in that loft, we will cook him « la Gatamozin! Ye gods! let our vengeance be swift and terrible!” CHAPTER VII. BOY INGENUITY VERSUS ROBBER VENGEANCE. Har fainting and half suffocating, Christie sat up on her couch, confused, bewildered, terrified. Little Texas felt the great a that he had brought upon himself by taking refuge in the garret, and determined to do his utmost to repair the blunder, as he now considered it. Stooping, he whispered to Christie: “Come. Christie, there’s an egress from the loft— we must escape.” Then. upon his hands and knees, the boy crept back to where the roof almost touched the floor and pushed aside some of the long el at making an opening large enough te admit the passage of his body and the ladder, Th» Istter he put out and placed upon the ground, The eaves of the roof were not over six feet from the ground, and it was by this means that the Young Mustanger intended to es+ cape, Creeping baek to Christie, he said; “We've not a moment to lose. Come, Jet me help you out upon the roof before we are strangled,” Stooping, they crept back to the opening and stepped out upon the low, flat roof. Texas pointed out the ladder to Christie aud assisted her upon it, endin a few moments more ‘hey stood upon the ground, Then the boy removed the ladder to con- ceal th-ir means of escape. The flames by this time had spread so that the Regulators were driven fr. mthe rcom. They stood in jront cf the cabin, listening. They were surprised, puzzled by ti e silence in the loft. Keeping the building between them and the out- laws, Little Texas led Christie back into the shadows cf the woods. “Thank the good kind Lord!" he exclaimed, when fTermitted to breathe the pure, fresh air of heaven; “apain are we out of their clutches. The next thing is our horses, for without them we will be left in a bad situation. I wi'l go and get them if such a thing is possible, if you think you can remain here until lreturn.” “Ob, yes, Texas, Ican stay. May Godspeed you!” she said. ‘Here, Christie, isone of my pistols; it may serve yeu a good turn—no telling,” and placing a tiny sil- ver-mounted pistol in her hand, he crept away through the shadows to the opposite side of the eabin, where the horses hae been left He succeed- ed in reaching Christie’s horse and getting away in- to the sbadows with it unobserved. Leading t!e animal around te wheve the maiden was waiting, he assisted her into the saddle and then set out after his own horse. About this time the flames began to eat through the roof of the cabin and light up the surroundings. A scowl of bitter disappointment was upon the faces of the ou laws. Their i human scheme had failed in its objet, and stupid as they were in their: blind fury, they, at length, began to suspect s ‘me: thing of the truth—that their victims had escaped. Rocheford walked around th: Luilding. A tongue of flame was darting through the hole in the roof made by Little Texas. On the ground near by lay a Jad- der. This told the whole story. At this moment the roof of the cabin fell in, and from the interior of the building went up a Vesuvius of sparks, flame and smoke. The vicinity was :it up for many reds with the glare of the mid-day sun, and within the radius of light, seated upon a buck- skin mustang, the astonished Regulators beheld Christie Miles! Fora moment the outlaws stood as if rooted to the spot. but they soon recovered their presence of mind and started toward the maiden. Christie look- ed for Little Texas, and in ber exci'ement and anxi- etv she called hisname. Put be cid not answer; he was nowhere to be seen. To tarry longer would be fata) to her, and turning ber mustang’s bead, she galloped away into the darkness of the woods. Meanwhile, Little Texas was making his way, rap- idly as possible, to where Lightfoot was hitebed; and although the iscovery of Christie proved a di- version in his favor thet enabled bim 10 reach his animal ard mount it, he was not quick enough to elude the eyes of the Regulators, who rushed in a wild charge upon him; but he made good hi- escape into the woods, only to realize, with & quickenin, pulse, that he was séparated from Cbristie, an when or where they would meet again the Lord only knew. However, he could not remain idle when re- minded that it was his own adven‘uresome spirit that lad brought about this separation and so he rode around into the Lead of the valley in hopes of finding her. Daylicht at Jength dawned and found him still alone, pushing on, he scarcely knew whither. At noon he stopped in a valley by a lit:le stream, watered his animal ana turned it loose to feed upon the Joxuriant grass. In the course of an hour he re- sumed his journey—still traveling on like a boat adrift at sea without a compass,
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ee Bee SM Sd APTOS Te TL EET SRS ES SL a SE ee ET A i2 Little Texas, the Young Mastanger. : The day was far gone when in the distance he saw a dark body moving over the plain—he awaited its coming. As it drew nearer he saw it was a body of horsemen and a carriage drawn by four horses. It was th: escort of Don Juan de Rossevan. “Tf the Ingins and regulators only rit their eyes on that ourfit,” the boy mused, “ they'll swoop down upon her like a duck on a June bus.” Thos boy's words se? ne |, ina measures, prophetic, for scarcely had ha spoken the last words ere the crash of riflss came up fron aliitle ravine to the left of th» party. Th-n from the tall era-s rosea score of Apache Indians and white robbers and with a yell charg+d up. the eseort, firing as they went. A battle ensued. Little Texas saw on» of the men on t1e cal>sa t irow up his hands, reelin his seat and then fall lifeless to the earth. Ano‘her voll»y from the enemy ani he saw the driver sink down, while the horses, frizutened by the din of the conflict started away at fullspeed and came plunging down the plain with fearful rapidity uncurbed by the hand of a driver. Little Texas saw that the runavay team was go- ing to pass near him, and it at once becam? a ques- tion with him wh» was in the carrivre; bat as if in answer to the question, a man in brilliant attire put his head and shoullers o1t of tha v_hicle and at- temp'ed to climb to the driver's box. _Th«n th» ear- riage swept past the Lasso-thrower. Upon the coach he saw the dying driver with th» lines still grasped in his hand. Inside he beheld a young and beautiful womin cowering with terror. Tis was enough. The sight of the lady’s faca was sufficient to rouse the spirit of manhood inthe boy’s breast, and as a loo« of re3oluts determination flashed in bis eyes he sai!, ad lressing his horse: “Priend or foe, Lightfoot, they shall have our help Coma, now, my ¢ 0d fellow, It us to the r's- - cue!” and like an arrow the noble beast shot out over the plain upon the trac almost insensibl> to fear. There was, also, another source of insviration to the little miiden’s ind >mitable couraze and pluc'; during the short tim: se hal known Little Texas, she had come to rag wl hin with 1 feeling of admi- ration 'hat was stronger than mer? friendship, ant when she at length found nerself riding alone in the dirk, dreary wool flssing from the followers of Black Bonifac>, her young heart erie l ovt in its lovy for its lost mate; an1 she raally lingered at times by the way in hopes the Boy Mustanzer might find her, an‘ not until the clitter of pursuing hoofs broke un- on her ear did sne give uo all hop23 of meeting her beats little friend, and put her horse to its utmost sp ed. Whore she was ging the maiden knew not, Dowvlicht dawned clear ani bright, and with the receding s) viows of night went the shado vs of fear from Chris'i>’s heart. $19 traveled on and on, until the sun crossed the meridian, and yet she s‘emod no nearer civilization or the abode of man than when the morning brok? upon her. Tie terrors of ancther nizht would sxon be upon her, and the knowledge of this, added to her fatigue ani fasting, began to tell upon her young soirit. While brooding over them, a voice called to her from the woods With a start she looked around, and saw a horse- man Lie | her He was a strancer, an’ al- thouch her first impulse was to turn and flee, some- thing staye1 her flight. Then it occurred to her, all of a suiden, that sho hid seen the stranger before. He was a middle-aged min with a smoothlv-shaven face, and a red scar uvon the left cheek, He lifted his hat and bowed as he rode up. “ Good-eyening, fair stranger,” he said, “I am truly astonished to find a lady riding alone in this lonely wood.” Christie started, and a shudder ran over her frame at the sound of the man’s voice. To her confused and worn mind it was vaguely and indistinctly as- sociited with something of the past, but she could not recall the time and place where she met this man. “fam not bere by my own free will, sir,” she re- lied; ‘I must confess I am lost Perhaps you will e kind enough to set me aright.” Tae man looked at her as if trying to recall the past, then glancing at the h rse she rode, a light of recognition passed over bis face. and he sai!: “‘T declare, my little waif, I think I have met you before, have I now?” ‘*Perhaps you have,” was the maiden’s reply. “Tf [mistake not, { sold your father that pony you ride?” “Oh, yes!” excl imed Christie, with a sudden start, for all was clear to her now, and a shudder went to her heart; but her woman's ready wit was brought into play. and she continued, without be- traying other than f elings of surprise and pleasure, “you are Captain Seneca Lucas. the Texa 1 trader?” “Tam, Miss Miles,” he said, with a smile. “Ch sir, lam Mat to meet you!”’ she said.a little excitedly, though she told whet was not true, but acted on the th-ory that the end justifies the means; ‘‘a series of great misfortunes have be- fallen us since you visited our camp. ‘Che robbers have stolen three of our horses, and for all I know, have killed Uncle Israel Miles.” “Indeed! Oh, that is too bad, too bad,” replied the trader; ** but may I ask where you are going?” “| know not where [am going! Lam fleeing from danger!”’ “Tam not far from my ranch, Miss Miles.” the trader said, ‘‘ and if you will accept of my company and hospitality 1 will be only too happy to escort you tu my residence, and thence to your friends to- morrow.’ “Oh. | shall be under many oblica‘ions to yo kind sir,’ Christie replied, with promptvess, “for jee be only too happy to accept your very kind of- er. “Then come with me, Miss Miles,” he s»id. Caristie turned her horse and rode along at the tra 'er’s side. She converse / with all the joy, frank- n-ss and enthusiasm of her girlish nature, but at the same time it was but a disguise to the most dread- ful, torturing f eling that had ev-r disturbed her young heart; for she knew that the smooth faced, silvery-tongued trader, Seneca Lucas, was Victor Ure, aia: Black Boniface! Th y ecomversed quite freely upon different sub- howe as taey rode along. They had extered a dark, onesome part of the forest, and were descending a rather steep hill. Christie was a little behind ar companion—perhaps half of the length of her horse’s neck. Se had been watching ber chance—the eye of the Regulator was not upon her. She took from her oock*t the tiny pistol that Little Texas had given her the night befor®, and without a second thouvht se held her pistol at the head of the Regu- lator’s horse and fired, Simultaneous with the report of her pistol, Cap- tain Lucas uttered an oath and attempted to strike the weapon from the girl’s hand, but he was just the fraction of » s»cond too late and with an almost human ery the horse plunged forward down the de- clivity headlong into the valley. ee a Lucas was portially stunned by the fall, and when he regained his sens°s, he found that confiding girl gone. The maiden turned her ho se’s head and rode west- ward after she had got rid of her escort, The ex- citement of her adventure with the Regulator had stimulated her nerves and strengthened her mind and courage. but this soon began to wear off, and bunger and fatigue attack her vital energies the maiden kent on; hope was implanted in her young heart. Finally she struck a dim wagon-road leading up a wide yalléy, and her heart gave a bound a RS
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Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 13 of joy. She had followed the road about a mile, when alight ahead burst upon her view. Sle rode on until she came to the edge of a little opening, when she drew rein. She saw a massive building before her. It stood upon an :levated piece of ground, and was outlined aga‘nst the blue sky. It was surrounded by a massive wall, upon the top of which sxe could see a sentinel standin with a mus- ket at kis side. He appeared to be listening, too; and having made these discoveries, Christie began to ask herself these questions: “Is that a fort, gar- risoned by soldiers, before me? or can it be that it is the stronzhold of Black Boniface?"’ The last question caused a shudder to pass over her form and fill her heart with a horrible fear. This was increased by strange sounds coming from the direction of the building. and turning her horse’s head down the valley, she fled with all speed. Down the dim way she rode until her ears were suddenly greeted by a sound coming up the rond to- ward her. She drew rein and liste «d. Was it Black Boniface's robber band approaching? Bcfore the maiden could fully satisfy herself as to this, the party halted, and a stern voice challenged her. Then from the shadows a man. dressed in all the elegance of a royal prince, emerged, and in the moonlight came toward her. CAPTER IX. A STRANGER RFSCUES ROSSEVAN’S RUNAWAY TEAM. Down the plain at a fearful rate dashed the terri- fied horses with the calesa of Don Rossevan, the driver doing his hest to hold them in. “Oh, my God!” criei Edith Clayton, when she heard the clash of fire-arms and saw the Apaches. “Courage, dear lady,” said Don Rossevan, draw- ing his revolvers. det rmined to defend the calesa and the fair girl to the Jast. The Indians seeing the team dashing away, fired another volley at i. Another cry of agony came from the top of the calesa, and the v-hbicla lunged forward so suddenly that Don Rossevan was almost thrown from his seat. Then the horses seemed to redouble their speed, for the calesa shot forward, bounding and rocking until it seemed it would be dashed to pieces. The most imminent danger threatened Rossevan and bis fair companion, The calesa was in danger of being upset or dashe to pieces at any moment. Don Rossevan saw that he must actif he would avert some dread catastrophe. “T must climb out and get hold of the lines, fair senorita,” he said; “‘ the driver is dead.” He drew a knife and was about to cut away the top of the calesa when a horseman dashed along- side the veh‘cle, riding as close to the wheels as pos- sible. He looked and saw that the horseman was a stranger—a mere youth. For a moment it was aquestion whether he was friend or foe, but before he had time for a second thought the youth, with the agility of a circus-rider, rose to his knees in the saddle-seat, then drawing up one foot and planting it by the other knee he made a quick leap and land- ed upon the flying calesa. An exclamation burst from the lips of Don Rosse- van. “Thank God, senorita!’ he exclaimed, “a friend has come to ourrescue! Blessed Virgiu! the team is coming to a halt!” A few minutes later the terrified horses were brought to a s'and by the young stranger. No sooner had they stopped than R ssevan, lame as he was, sprung from t e vehicle. doff d his hat to the youth in the driver’sse t, and in the most grateful tone thanked him for what he had don. “You're welcome, general,” was the youth’s re- sponse; ‘but I tell you things was lively as a hor- nets’ rest for awhile, and there's no time to be lost ingittin’ out of here. If them Apaches lick your friends they'll foller you up and raise Cain with you. Tamsorry I can’t go any further with you, for I've more work ahead,'y ‘*But, my boy,” said Don Rossevan. ‘*I must know your name. Sir, 1] mistrust you are Little Texas, the Boy Mustanger?” ‘*You hit the nail on the head, pineral.” “Ah, my bor, ’m rejoiced to meet you—to know you. Nore but Little Texas could have performed the feat that you did, and for your kindness, senor, Ido want to bestow something besides nore words upon you. In honor of my regard and esteem for your bravery and kindness, permit me to present to you th s sword and belt worth a fortune in itself.” He took from the «ales his sword, a small, keen Damascus blade with a hilt set in aiamonds and pearls, and handed it to the Boy Mustanrer. The lad took the blade, ignorant of its true value aside from that of a weapon. A look of Loyish de- light and pr'de kindled in his eyes as he buckled the belt aro nd his waist; then. when he saw how much smller he was than the donor, he laughed outright. “Better to buckle the boy onto the sword,” he said; “but, stranger, } am proud of this gift Ifthe *Paches and Regulators don’t keep away from me now I’ll_slice some of them up. Thank you, stranger.” The boy descended from the driver's seat. giving the lines to Don Rossevan; then ke galled up his horse, that was grazing a short way off, and mount- ed it. This brought him in a position wherce he could see the white face of Edith, to whom he touched his hat and bowed. The battle between the troopers and Indians could still be heard in the distance, and the Boy Mustanger seemed impatient to be off tothe scene of conflict. Witha wave of his hand and a“ geod-by” to the man and woman he was off like the wind. Speaking a few words of encouragement to Edith, Don Rossevan mounted the driver's seat and drove rapidiy away. he battle between Rossevan’s troopers and the Apaches was a Ccesperate cone, After the second discharge of firearms by the Indians at least a score of the red demons arose from the tall grass and charged the trocpers with lances. Th+ followers of Don Ressevan were brave and fearless men, and, being skilled and scientific swords- men, it was but play for them to parry the Jances of the Apaches, and at the same time deal telling and deadly blows. The result of this advantage was the utter demoralization of the Apa hes and a complete and overwhelming victory for the troopers. The Indians took to flight, and for some distance a run- ning fight was k pt up, and but for the superior speed of the Apaches’ horses not one of them would have escaped. When the troopers finally gave up the chase, they turned about and started in pursuit cf the Don. It was a couple of hours or more b fore they over- took the calesa, to find Rosseran in the criver’s seat with the driver lying cead at his feet. When he learned how the battle had gon>, the Spaniard spoke a few .wores of praise to his men, then descended from the box and entered the calesa, a trooper taking the lines. “ Praise God, senorita,” he said, “ we have escaped, but it was a miraculous escape. I hope I find you feeling much better, senorita.” “Yes, indeed, Mr. Rossevan.” she replied; “since your friends joined us with news of their victory, a terrible weight has been lifted from my mind.” The calesa rumbled on and on over plein and val- ley. The hours wore away and the sun went down, but, contrary to Rossevan’s most pos aha hope, they had not reached their journev's end. The shadows of nizht filled Edith with renewed fears and terrors. They had entered a densely- timbered valley where + very footfall, every creak of the springs or snort of a horse seemed freighted with a tuousand horrors as they were repeated in hollow echoes upon the dismal night. Her com- panion talked in cheerful tones and endeav: red, b every means possible, to dispel the gloom and shad- ows from her mind,
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eee ’ ‘ i t q ke Hy f , ‘4 i td '} , 14 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Suddenly the calesa stopped. Don Rossevan opened the door and looked out, A trooper rode up to the calesa and said: “Senor a horseman is c ming down the road from the direction of tne Ruins de Rossevan.” Edith’s heart rose in her throat, Don Rossevan sprung from the calesa. advanced to the head of the horses and looked up the road. ““That’s a woman!’ said Rossevan to the man be- hind him, as the unknown drew nearer to them. Just then a trooper cried, * Halt!” The woman drew rein, and Rossevan, advancing toward her, asked: ‘Lady, who are you that rides this way so late?” The woman hesitated with fear or doubt. “ Have no fears, lady; we are neither outlaws nor Indians.” A little ery of surprise and joy escaped her lips, then she sail: “*T am lost, sir.” ‘Your name, senorita?” “Christie Miles,” sh replied, and her words reach- ‘ed the listening ear of Edi h, wh» eried out: “Oh. Christie! Christie! my darling sister, can it be you oe “Edith Clayton!” burst from Christie's lips; “do my ears deceive?” “No, no, sweet sister, Iam here!” Christie role up to the calesa and sprung from her pony and rushed into Edith's arms. Fora mo- ment there was 2 brief silence 0’ joy; then Rossevan ordered a trooper to take charge of Chris ie’s horse, assisted the sist+rs into the calesa, and entering bim- self, gave orjers to move on, As they rumbled along Christie narrated her ad- ventures with Black Boniface, and recounted the events that had franepiced the night previous at the home of the gallant Boy Mustanger, as well as her second meeting with the Regulators and her escape, Then fr m the lips of Blith she receivel the joyful intelligence that Colonel Miles was living, and that they would soon be in his prosence. In the cours: of anoth r hour the ecalesa again stopped, when Rissevan said: “There, senoritas, we have reached the Ruins de Rossevan.” Christie recognized the place as the same from which she had fled but an hour bef >re. Don Rossevan assisted the girls from the calesa, then giving each an arm he conducted them into the house, Rossevan led the girls into a brilliantly-lighted and handsomely furnished room, where a young, handsome and dark-eyel sirl rose to receive them, “This, ladies,” said Don Rossevan to Edith and Christie, ‘is my sister, Anita Rossévan.” The young dark-eyed maidea greeted the girls kindly and welcomed them to the home of Don Rossevan: and having assisted them to disrobe, she conducted then into an adjoining room where, Ra and pale, Colonel Israel Miles sat in an easy- chair. CHAPTER X. OLD MORALITY IN TROUBLE—FAGAN’S CATTLE-RANCH Dr. JepuTHAN Dover ani Old Morality were sound asleep in their respective t-nts wnen Don Juan de Rossevan and his gay escort visite! camp, and ib was not until that gentleman had been gone with Edith more than au hour that they made their an- earanes from their tents. Dr, Dover was the first o join the little group outsi ie discussing the events of the day. an! as soon as apprised of the visit of Rossevan, the old fellow flew into a passion, “Thare! by the dancing dervishes!” he exclaimed, “you've all branded yourselves a set of nincom- poops!—gone and give the colonel’s other girl into the hands of the bloody*hellyons. Oh. Lord!” * Doctor, there was no d ception about that man Rossevan.” said Mr. Byrd; “besides he brought a letter from the colonel who lies very low, from ef- fects of wounds, in the gentleman's house; and it is a genuine letter too. He sent for Edith or Chris- tie, or both if they could both leave,” ““Whas did yer say the feller’s name war what come.for the gals?” suddenly exclaimed Old Moral- ity, who, at this juncture, made his appearance, “Juan de Rossevan.” replied Byrd “Vipers and tar-ren/’-lers!” exclaimed the ol man, in astonishment, “ you don’t tell me that Don Rossevan war here, do you? Why in thunder didn’t you wake me?” : “Then you know him, do you. Morality?” “Know him! yes, I should think ' did know him; and I know him weil enough to know that Edith Clayton will be his captive.” “There!” broke in Dr. D »ver, “‘ what did Itell you? You're a set of nincompoops to just deliberately give a girl into the hands of a vile old robber!” “Did I insinuate thst he was a robber ole pill- bazs?”’ asked Old Morality; ‘“‘did I even hint at his being any thing but what he is—a perfect gentle- man. a scholar and a Christian? Yea, verily Tsay unto you, folks, that Don Juan de Rossevanis one of the whitest-souled, big-hearted men that ever lived. Tf he said Colonel Miles war at his ranch, why the colonel’s there, you can bet your last fip on that.” This explanation relieved the settlers of the emo- tions Morality had first worked up in their minds, Upon being informed that the Spaniard had been gone but a short time. Old Morality took leave of the emigran's, mounted his horse and rode ayray, fol- lowing the track of the calesa. It was te intention of Morality to overtake the party when he left camp; but after riding for two or three hours upon the track of the calesa, he gave up all hope of overtaking it, and struck out across the plain toward the ‘est, Not a sign of life was visible except a number of buzzards circling in the heavens far to the westward. The old man rode on, apparently indifferent to all around him save those buzzards wheeling in the air, Their presence was portentous to him as if ever is tothe borderman He had journeyed perhaps five miles upon the plain, and was passing al ng between two little clumps of timber, when a rifle, in the fur. thest oneaway, sudd ‘nly rung out and the old man’s horse reared and plunged forward with a piteous ery and sunk quivering to the earth, Then forth from their ambush galloped half a score of horsemen with drawn pistols. They were outlaws, and the old ranger seeing it would be use- less to contend with such odds, returned his pistol to its place, and calmly awaited their approach. At the head of the party rode the notorious Dr, Rocheford. The Regulators drew up around the old man who. stood calmly regarding them with silent contempt. “A purty eriiter he is.’ said Rocheford and all laughed heartily, for Old Morality had assumed an air and attitude that bordered upon the ludicrous, “You gol-dashed tar-rant’-lers and blood-suckers of the peraro!”’ the old man exclaimed savagely, “vouecan ford to langhand giggle at an old hoary- headed man after you’ve got the ’vantage of him; but, dash your cowardly picters! I can take you, two at a time, and knock the butt end of your brains out easier’n slippin’ on ice.” “We know you, Old Morality,” replied Rochefor1; “we have had our eyes on your moral carcass for two weeks or more.” “The devil had hisen on you. ever since you draw- ed your first hreath.” replied Morality. “ Well this is not business; men, mount this speci- men of te genus catamount upon one of those horses and we'll be moving,” said Rocheford. There were three or four led horses in the party and upon one of these Old Moratitv was mounted; then the band moved.away toward the north. Thus they moved on, the ranger arguing and quar- reling with his captors. as thouzh perfectly indiffer- ent as to what they might do with hia. At different times the old man overheard the Reg- ulators talki 1g about Fagan’s Ranch, which he know
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i Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 15 was situated some miles abead of them; and as Je- ° “ What about?” rome Fagan had always borne a good reputation, “The bull-fight to-night; well, it’s been decided he came to the conclu-ion that their designs were to make a raid upon his ranch. It is rue he also heard them talkinz about a bull-fight at the raneh that night, bet supposed their language had a different meaning from that implied. But whatever bis doubts and speculations were, con- cerning his captors’ designs upon Fagan’s Ranch, all | were finally dismissed when the party, in open day, rode boldly into the ranch, and, to the surprise of the ranger, were cordially received by Jerome Fagan and his friends. This convinced Morality that the cattle-men were not what they had always been represented. Ifthe were not in league with the Regulators in crime, it was, at least, certain that they were courting the friendship of the robbers, and harboring them. Fagan’s Ranch was situated in an abrupt bend of a little stream called Mesquit Creek. The place was heavily timbered, and well watered—natural advan- tages fora cattle-ranch. A number of low log cabins stood upon a little eminence overlooking the penin- sula, or bend, and were occupied by Fagan and his employees, numbering in all, women and children, fifty or sixty persons, Of these, at least thirty were men. Back of the cabins werestables and sheds for horses, and south of the cabins were the cattle-pens. Of the latter there were four, with a capacity for thousands of cattle. One of the four, however. was quite small. and built in a circular form, of logs set upright in the ground likeastockade. This pen was fifteen feet in hight, and was called the Wild Pen, in contradistinction to the others. Upon one side of the Wi'd Pen, with front resting upon the logs of the stockade, and rear upon other upright posts, was an elevated cabin, or shanty, covered with shingles. This was a watch-house. When the pen was full of cattle it was found neces- sary to keep a man on guard, day and night, to prevent any accident. e sine In this watch-house, Old Mcrality was imprisoned, securely bound, and one of the robbers, along with the regular watch, was placed in guard over him, There was no window, and but a single low, narrow door in the building, but in this door was cut a wicket or opening large enough fora man tosee out, and through which Morality was enabled to survey his situation, For some reason or other there were no cattle in the Wild Pen with the exception of a single Texan bull—a wild, ferocious-looking fellow, with a fierce eye, glossy coat, and white, slender horns, sharp as rapiers, and fully four feet long. This animal stood near what app c side of the pen, bellowing, aud pawing the ground in apparent rage. he Regulator and ranchero, who were seated on the platform in front of the cabin, were watching the bull and laughing at his frantic efforts to destroy something, real or imaginary. 7 “That's one of the bulls you’re going to fight to- night, is it? the Regulator remarked. . “that’s the only one,” was the reply; “it’s to bea bull and lion fight.” “A bull and lion fight!’ exclaimed the Regulator, “well, that’s better yit, Ill swear it is,” “Yes; the boys caught a mountain lion, as they’re called. when up in California. and started right off to the States with it on a showin’ expedition, but by the time they got this fur on their way they got sick of the enterprise. and sold out their lion to ‘Rome Fagan, and then hired to him to herd cattle. "Rome ot the lion on purpose to chaw up that bull, and I o hope he'll claw the very innards outen the horn- ed cuss, for he’s the wickedest bull that ever calved on Texas soil.” At this juncture a man appeared from the cabins bringing the guards and prisoner some supper. They passed Morality’s in to him, and while the guards were eating, the other ranchero asked: “You haven't heard the latest, have you, boys?” eared to be a cage. on the opposite | that a man shall fight the victor, be it bull or lion,” * Bravo!” exclaimed the guards. “Yes, the Spanish blood of Senor Fagando and the French wit of Rocheford have arrived at an arrange- ment that’ll equal any of old Spain’s royal enter- tainments. Oh, it'll jist be gorgeuus!” ““Who’s the reckless man that’s going to risk his hide in a conflab with a bull or lion?” ‘“Why, sir,” said the ranchero, “the man you guard. Old Morelity’s to be placed u pon a horse and turned into the pen, to fight or die.” ‘Thunder rolling! the old man’ll not stand a shad- ow of a chance with the bull or lion.” Old Morality heard the ranchero’s words, and the news he brought with their supper from heacquar- ters, but instead of breaking down under the start- ling information, he calmly ate his supper and paced his narrow prison, whistling softly to himself. CHAPTER XL THE BULL AND LION FIGHT. i Iv was night at Fagan’s Ranch, but in and aroun the pens where the fight was soon to come off, the licht of a dozen flambeaux lit up the arena, with a gla‘e as bright almost as the noonday sun. Dr, Rocheford and bis followers and thé rancheros were seated upon a platform on top of the stockade, wait- ing for the sport to begin. From the door of the elevated watch-house, Old Morality was Le ae to witness the preparations for the struggle. In the course of an hour the ‘‘ committee on ar- rangements”’ announced all in readiness for the fight to begin. A man with a red lantern stood on top of the liou’s cage, and another with a rope in his hand stood by his side; the rope was fastened to the door of the lion’s cage and passed over a pulley. “Ready!” shouted the man with te rope, then the one with the red lantern lowered the light by means of @ rope and swung it to and fro before the door of the lion’s cage, The bull caught sight of it, shook his head, pawed the earth and then with a bellow started across the arena, As he neared the object of his wrath, the man with the rope raised the door of the cage. Every eye was fixed upon the lion’s cage. Then a growland a bellow breaks the silence. There is a rush in the lion's cage, and the fierce ani- mal springs out into thearena. As} out burstsfrom the lips of the rancheros and Reguiators. Crouching upon the earth the lion gazes around him, his green eyes blazing with rage, bis os open and dripping with froth, and his tail slowly lashing the ground, He utters a growl—a challenge. The bull shakes his mane, utters a deep, short bellow, and with his tail up he rushes upon the lion, They came together with a cull crdsh, a scream andaroar, With a leap the agile lion met his horn- ed antagonist and landed fairly between the animal’s wide horns and buried his fearful claws in the shoul- ders and his teeth in the shaggy neck, With a bel- low that was almost deafening and pitiful, the bull went down upon his knees. He had been taken at a disadvantage. The lion clung to him as if fastened there. In vain the bull tried to shake him off, but his weight almost overcame the strength of his an- tagonist. But at length the bull rocefrom his knees and charged across the arena with the lion still clinging to bis neck and shoulders. Suddenly the situation changed. The lion broke his hold and was hurled over the bull’s back to the ground with fearful violence. The bull, with torn, bleeding shoulders, starting eyeballs, and steaming nostrils turned, and again rushed upon bis foe, The lion made a second spring, but this time it was not so fortunate, for its body came in contact with the sharp horn of the bull, and was impaled thereon. . A roar that fairly shook the earth e*caped the : lion’s fearful lungs, and be sunk back, a!most par- $
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Seco a ean = I aa se i i Hy bd ) \3 ba ¥ ¢ > Rey 16 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. alyzed by the cruel horn rankling in his body. With @ snort and a roar the bull gave a sudden toss of the head, and the lion was disembowled. The bull had won the battle. Hats were swung in the air and shouts rung through the night. A red light was lowered and swung to and fro to entice the bull away from the carcass of the lion, Then several men slipped into the arena, attached a rope to the dead animal and dragged it out. ‘hen a silence prevailed. Old Morality shuddered, for he knew what was to come next; but he deter- mined to mest his fate without yielding a point. Five minutes or more had elapsel when two men oe the door of the watch-house, unfastened the old man and bade him foilow them. He was conducted around the cattle-pens and into the yard. Here a horse, saddled and bridled, was in waiting for him. ** Mount that hors >,” ordered one of the men. After handing Old Morality a lance, one of the men led the horse around to the entrance, the Regu- lators following be iind with pistols in hand. There wore two gates to the entrance to the Wild Pen, one opening inward and the other opening outward, with a space of a foot between the two. T:e outer — was locked, the inner gate fastened by a hook copped in a staple. The outer gate was unlocked and pulled open, the inner gate unfastened and pushed open, = The attention of the bullh ving | een drawn, by a red light, to the opposite side of the arena, a man led in the horss upon which was seated the unwill- ing matador, lance in hand. A shout hailed the old man’s entranc>. In a moment the gates were closed, and Old Morality was alone with the mad bull. A man who wore a mask carried the key that locked tho gate, and when he turned the key upon the old man, he did not, with the others, hasten to a point where he could see the conflict, but turned and walked away into the shadows, as if ashamed of what he had done. Old Morality took in the situation at a glance, He saw that there was no escape for him—no pitying eye among the many looking down upon him. His horse was old, and lame, and stiff in the joints. The first onset of the bull would destroy it, The old man’s situation was, indeed, precarious, but he betrayed no emotions of fear to his enemies. As the bull turned and saw him it began pawing the earth aad bellowing, then shaking its head, it started toward the horse. The old matador en- deavored to spur the horse out of its way, but it came like a hurricane ani struck the horse fairly in the side. driving its cruel horns deep into the ani- mal’s flank, and disemboweling it in an instant. The horse rolled over upon its side, u'tering an almost human scream of agony. Old Morality en- deavored to impale the bull with his lance, but the shaft, a cruel deception, snapped in two where it had been “ringed,” and he was left unarmed! Springing to the ground clear of the stirrups, as the horse went down, he ran across the arena. The bull did not see him. It was too busy with the poor old horse, The horso struggled to his feet and attempted to flee; but he could not evade the buil, and soon he was down again, to rise no more, Th> borse deal, it was no trouble to attract the bull with the lights, and the one nearest the old matador was swung rapidly to and fro. Ths mad beast seeing it, went lunging across the arena to- ward it. Oli Morality darted swiftly out of its way, for he was weaponless., Just_then the bull saw him and darted toward him. Runaing backwari th: old man approached the gate. He thought, perhaps. they would let him out, seeing he was completely at the mercy of the brute. In his excitement he passed the gate a rod or more. and the bull was almost upon him. His heel struck a clod; he stumbled and fell. With head lowered and tail erect the bull plunged toward him. As it passed the entrance to the pen, the gate swung partially open and the lithe figure of a man sprung into the arena behind the bull with a sword in hand. There was a downward flash of the weapon, and the bull halted—another flash, and the = sunk back upon its haunches, both hamstrings severed ! Old Morality sprung to his feet. * This way, Morality!” cried his rescuer, = old man ran toward his friend and the open gate. And on the way to liberty he met Littles Texas, the Boy Lasso-thrower, and together the two glided pe pe the arena and away into the shadows of night. CHAPTER XII. ADRIFT ON THE PRAIRIE. Nosty had the Boy Mustanger wielded his sword— the gifc of Don Rossevan. howl of rage and disappointment, rung out upon the night from the lips of the spectators. In the light of the flambeaux, the Rezulators had recognized Littl» Texas, and his name was rung upon a dozen lips. R->volvers leaped from th-ir holsters and a random fire opened upon the ycuth and the old ran’er; but the bullets rattled harmlessly against the stockade, for in a moment the two were out of the pen and beyond the radius of light. “This way, Morality,” whispered the Boy Mus- tanger, when under cover of the darkness; and then he led the ol 1 man, by a circuitous route to a dense clump of timber back of the stables where Lightfoot and another horse were in waiting. “Here, Morality, I’ve a horse for you old pard,” cried the boy; ‘‘ mount, and let’s make ourselves scarce in these parts.” Old Morality was so rejoiced that he could make no reply, but mounting the horse followed. They rode on in silence until they had reached the open prairie and assured themselves they were beyond immediate danger. Then Little Texas reined in his animal and rode by Morality’s si 'e. “ Good-evening, old pard,” the lad said, “ business has been 60 pressing that I hav’n’t had time to speak to you before.” **God bless you! give me your hand, you angelic little cuss,” responded the old ranger, in language more fervent than elegant; “if thar is a child on earth I adore hee now, it’s you. Boy, you are a first-class jewel, and I thank you from the very bot- tom of my old beart!” “Oh, never mind that, Morality; I’m only tooglad to know you are safe.” ‘én know it. But it's a question with me how you ‘ot in. “*T got in there in a rather singular way, Morality, and to tell you the story I must go back to the time of your capture. I was not far away when the Regulators took you in and marched you off this way, aud so I concluded t» foller them and see what they meant to do; and you can judge of my sur- ea when I saw them ride into Fagan's Ranch un- armed. Isaw themimprison you in the elevated watch-house, and made up my mind to git you out of there as soon as darkness s tin. YouseeI didn’t know anything "bout the bull and lion ficht, but when I saw ’em fixin’ up platforms and lightin’ torches I knowed somethin’ war up. Well, the fight came off; fromthe branches of a tree I saw the fiendish sport, I saw them take you into the pen; I saw 1. man—t*e one who wore a mask on—"* “That war Fagan, Texas, I'll bet a jp /” interrupt- ed Morality, ““Nover mind who you think it was,” continued Texas, “but I saw the man with the mask un- lock the gate and let you in, and then I s:w him 1 ck the gate upon yeu. Now, sir, my fingers just burned to git hold of that key, and to git the key was to git the man first. I didn’t want to kill the man forI saw he wasn't a Regulator; but, as luck would have it, he marched right straight into the
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Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. i? brush where I was hid jist as if he wanted to con- cral his guilty conscience; but what do you sup- | pose that man come there for? to kill kisself? to hide the kev to the cattle-pen gate? No; he come there to pray. It’s a God’s fact. he went upon his knees and prayed that vou, vou, Morality, might per see and that the hand of justice would forever rid the country of sich men as Black Boniface and his followers. I tell you there is s\rength in prayer, and I jist felt like shoutia’ when that man made some splendid bits, and when he had finished I couldn’t. to save my soul, keep from sayin’ ‘ Amen?!’ our loud. Gracious! you'd ought to ‘a’ seen him cs and start to run; but I said; ‘I am Little exas,’ and was there to beip the Lord fulfill his ‘Now,’ said I, ‘give me that key, and will endeavor to save the old man.' Without a word he pulled out the ey and give it to me. Then I went for the gate, and he went down upon his prares, knees again and for all I know he’s there yet, The rest you know, Morality.” “Yes, yes; and glory to King David! Boy, thar isn’t another you gster in Ti. xas that can eqval an 1!” exclaimed the old man; *‘ but say, don’t you hink that man in the mask was Fagan?”’ “Whoever he was, he’s to be pitied fer his moral cowardice,” was the evasive reply: ‘* Another question, boy; Ics ycu sport a sword; where did you run across sich a tool as that?” “Tearnedit, Irescued a lady and gentleman to- day from death or injury by catchin’ their runaway horses. They were crossin’ the prairie and th ir driver had been suddenly killed by ambushed In- dians, and away went their horses lickey-te-kilter over the plain.” “ Heavens!” exclaimed Morality. something of the truth beginning to dawn upon his confused mind, “what war ' is name?” “ Juan de Rossevan.” “Great horned gallinippers! de Rossevan and Miss Edith Clayton, I ere ? sad the cld man, “‘ Ah I see you know him Morality.” “Know him? I should think I did, boy; T have been his scout and sny and secret agent for five years, but, I’ll swear to man, you are the first stran- er ever breathed the fact to, and I hones you'll old your peace on the Don’s account for he’s a no- ble feller.” “Seerecy is my motto, Morality; but as I was going to say, Don Rossevan gave me this sword,” ““A worthy present, boy, 1t’s a wonder that Don Ju-n would part with it. It’s worth thousands, boy, for the hi't’s set with diamonds and—” “What? 1! thought it wes glass or stone.” “Diamonds, boy, diamonds; you're rich in jewels. But look here, boy; I've been dyin’ to ask you Low you come out in your pursuit of old Boniface and that g'rl.” “T catched old Bonny and—” “ Ohecked hiin for perdition?” “No, I bad no time to step and shoct him; I thought more of saving the virl than of killin’ him.” “Old Dr. Dover told me she was an angel.” “ Yes. Morality; but she is now—well, God only knows where. I have been hun'ing her since yes- terday morning; we became separated near my cabin in the dark, and where she went to I know not. I know this much, however; she is not in the power of Rocheford’s party ” “That gal must be found. then,” said Old Morelity. “Yes; I shall never rest until Imnow where she is, whether she be ded or alive,” replied the yout . Texas,” said Morality. as a thought suddenly oc- curred t> him, “let's cut a bee-line for the Ruins of Rossevan. Ones there and the Don "ll furnish us men and horses to search thi- country for the gal.” ‘How far away is it. Morality?” r “We can make it by breakfast.” “So near?—tben lead the way, and I will follow.” Thus was their course determined, ard they turn- ed in the direction of the Ruins de Rossevan. About midnight the two dismounted to rest and | aliow their tired animals to graze. They talked for nearly an bour or more, and were about to resume their journey, when the sound of hoof-strokes fell upon their ears. Starting to their feet they dis- covered a horseman approaching. Old Morality challenged him. He drew rein and answered: “ Alvrez, Senor Morality." He had recognized the ranger by his voice, “An exclamation of delight burst from the old man’s lips. Alvrez was oneof Don Rossevan's fol- lowers. The two friends advanced and clasped hands. Morality introduced his young companion, and the Spaniard uttered a little cry of surprise when he beard the boy's name mentioned. ‘Little Texas!’ be exclaimed, ‘then I have a message fr you, senor.” “From whem, Alvrez?"’ asked the boy. “Senorita Miles, senor; she wis] ed me to say to ou, if Ishould meet you, that sheis safe at the Ruins de Ressevan, where she will be delighted to see you soon.” Little Ti xas tossed bis cap in the air and uttered a shout of joy. "| ‘By the kiss‘n’ Judas, boy. I b’lieve you're in love with that gal, Little Texas ” declared Old Morality. “T'll bet you'd be, too, if you'd see what an angel she ic,” arswered T\ xas. “Bah, my boy, 1 soured on love years and years ago; sill I like a pretty girl—they’re nice to have around,” replied Old Morality; then turning to Alv- rez, ecntinucd: ‘‘ Where you going. Al?” “To the San Sata; I go with a message from the guest of Don Rossevan to Lis friends in camp there, They are to mcve at once to the Ruins de Rossevan and make i’ the nucleus of their cclony,” Alvrez did nct tarry long with the ranger and mustanger, but continued his journey toward the San Saba; while Little Texas and Old Morality mounted their} orses and continued on toward the Ruins de Rossevan at a steacy pace. When morning dawned it found the two some dis- tance from thir destination; but moving on they finally reached a little creek where they stopped to water their horses and make their ablutions. Tren our little friend erranged his clothing, « mbed his long yellow locks back fror his forebead and t m- ples, and even with this hastily made and simple toilet, the eppvar nee of the little mustanger was greatly improved. It gave a renewed luster to his cyes and f.eshness to bis checks. Mountinz their horses the twe moved on and final- ly come in sizht of the Ruins de Rossevan. “Good-morning, Daco!’’ exclaimed Old Morality, as they arrived at the pute of the great stone wall or quadrilateral), surrounditg the buildings; an dismounted, A colored man was there and took their horses. Then Dac» the guard, opened the gate and admitted them to the grounds, nice graveled walk led up to the door of the old mission- house. Orange trees and oleanders lent the fra- grence cf their b'oom to the peach and the rose that bloomed upon every side. The Lasso-thrower was surprised, astonished. “Great sun of the temple,” he exclaimed, ‘that is a sort of a seccnd-hano paradise,ain't it.Morality ?”’ “Tt’s a lovely place, Texas, and the people that live here add another pecooliur charm to it, Ivsa garden bloomin’ in a wilderness, my boy.” * ape two procecded slowly up the walk toward the uile ing. Little Texas's heart began to throb, wildly, A few steps mre, and he would stand in t! e presence of Don Rossevan, Colonel Israel Miles, Ecith, the beaut:ful hereine of the cal sa, and of ber whose jiresence had not been absent from his heart or mind since they ported. Christi» Miles! As the t*o approached the ruins, the sound of voices fell upon their ears, and three Lycveng ap- peared around a ee of shrubbery and stood face to face before them. It was Colonel Israel Milesand his two His pare Edith and Christie. At sight of the two strangers coming so sudJenly
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EE rae eS f " i8 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. and anexpectedly upon them, the three involuntarily started back; then Christie, with a quick glance at her father, and then at the intruders, uttered a little ery of jov, and forgetting that the others were aber epee ated the promptings of her own childish eart—left ner friends, and flying to Little Texas, threw her arms about the boy’s neck and kissed his brown cheek. Christie! Christie!” cried the colonel sternly, “what do you mein, my ehild?” “Oh, uncle Israel!” cried the maiden, turning and clasping her little hands with j.y, “this is Little Texas!” “Little Texas?” yelled the stormy old colonel, “this Little Texas? Then kiss him again, Caristie, forme, Boy, give me your hand!” CHAPTER XIII. LOVE AT THE RUINS DE ROSSEVAN. A pay had o.ssed since the arrival of Old Morality and the Boy Mustanger at the Ruins of Rossevan, and f und our her » still there, resting from the labor and excitement of the past few days. Col nel Miles had so far recovered as to be able to ride out; but he was still weak and feeble. Anita, the beautiful and accomplished sister of Don Rossevan. proved herself an admirable hostess and entertaining companion. : Don Rossevan was also an entertaining host and comp inion, and did everything in his power to make his visitors happy an! comfortable, His gre 't pen- chant was for fine horses, of which he possess*l a score of all colors and breed:; and his daily wont was to haraess aspan of these to his calesa and drive his ney. friends about the ruins, and point out to them the almost obliterated landmarks of that faith- ful pecel that once dwelt in the lind. Time passed pleasant/y indeed at the ruins after Elith and Christie had joined their guardian there. Don Rossevan was unremitting in his attentions to Edith, and it was evident enough to all that she en- couraged him in it; and so one day found them seated together at » open window overlooking the grounds and the distant forest, engaged in a pleas- ant onversation, Edith Clayton never looked more charming than she did upon this occasion. She was a great admirer of nature, and ag she gazed out over the grounds, she said: “When you became a recluse, Mr, Rossevan, you chose a very picturesque as well as isolated homo.” “T wil admit, senorita, that it is a far more ro- mantic spot than I had at first perceived.” “ But why did you choose a ruin and its desolation when there were plenty of broad, fertilo valleys in Texas inviting the settler?” “T chose this, senorita, becanse it was a ruin, knowing that the Indian and outlaw have a super- stitious dread of these places.” “ And you enjoy this lifer” “T prefer this. by far, to a Svanish prison ” YS age prison!” exclaimed B lith, *\do you mean to tell me that you are a—a fugitive from justice, Mr. Ross :van?” “Your people would call me a political offender— nothing more. I dared to raise my voice, and would have raised my sword against the crowned tyranny of Spain, and for this was I condemned to death; put I escaped and fled to America. Many of my old retainers and servants cvme with me, and many others have joined me here. O11 Morality was my first American acquiintance and frien}. I found him at Galveston, speaking th> Spanish language well. Ha has been with me ever sinre—he is an odd, strange old man. So far as our international Jaws are concerned, Snain could not_hav demanded me as a political offender of the Unite! States, and t could have settled in St. Louis or Washington. or anywhere but for one thing: I knew if my where- abouts should become known, my enemies, the emissaries of my native country, would hunt me down in secret,” “Then I am ig hs that you will, after living here for years and becoming attached to this place, permit others to come and share it with you, an publish your whereabouts to your enemies,” Edith remarked. “My dear senorita,” the young recluse replied, his voice full of emotion, “there is an attraction in Colonel Israel Miles’s party that makes me very de- strous of their location by me.” Edith blushed crimson; she knew what the young Spaniard meant, She remained silent for severa! moments, She glanced out over the landscape; the past came back with a bitter remembrance to her mind. Finally she spoke: “Oh, if would be too bad if your kindness to us should break up the peace and quietness of your happy, secluded home, Mr. Rossevan.” “Pate decrees the good and evil of our lives, senorita; tho wi'l of that inevitable fate decrced that your guardian, that you and your sister should be- coms my guests—that I sould love you, H 14h!" © Oh, sir.” Edith exclaimed, ‘*I am unworthy of any man’s love,” and tears gathered in her eyes, “Senorita!” he exclaimed, impetuously, “you are worthy of the love of a king; and it has been with no little hesitation that I, a poor exile here, have dared to declare my love to you. Oh, sencrita! do not turn me away from you; since the day of our memorable ride over the plain I have loved you, and hoved that my Jove might be reciprocated.’ Edith’s eyes were bent downward, wii'e a mingled expression of pain and joy overspread her face, A tear fell upon her lap. “T could be nothing but a friend to you, Juan,” she murmured, “even though I loved you dearly.” “Oh, my fair lady, do not tell me this!’’ h> cried, impassionately. “Tt is true, Juan.” “Then you love another?’ “1 do not.” “Then you do not love me,” he said, a little bit- terly, | ut with an air of resignment, ‘*T did not say so, Juan; I meant that [could never be your wife—not now.”’ she y pees Rossevan took courage. ‘* Wot now,” he rep2 ited, in his mind, for there was a faint spark of hope in these tw» words. “Oh, I shall continue to live in hopes!” he fin»lly exclaimed, rising to his feet and pacing the mom with restless impatience; “when we have kaown each other longer, I feel that you will say that you can be my wife.” “Oh, Juan!” she eried, lifting her tearful eyes to his, ‘you know not what I mean—what stands be- tween our happiness an |—”” “Brother! brother!” an excited voice sud ‘enly broke in, and Anita burst in upon them in great ex- citement; “Senor Muratity wishes to see you below at once! Iam so afraid something is wrong!’ “Excuse me, senorita.” he said to Edith, and with a bow he took his hat—and left the room, CHAPTER Xtv. DISTRESSING NEWS. Down in the yard by the front door Don Ross*van found Old Morality waiting his coming. “ What is wrong, Morality?” he exclaimed. Senor, in scoutin’ in the woods this morning I discovered an Indian skulkin’ near the north wall of the quadrilateral. I followed him, and saw him join two white men, whom I recognized by the white bands on their hats as being Boniface Regulators.” “Ctramba!” exclaimed Rossevan, fiercely, ‘we must keep watch on these /adrone:! Morality, look well to the hers, the cattle-pens, and stables, and see that every man is armed and upon the alert. To-mo.arow Colonel Miles’s party will be added to our force, and then we can defy the hosts of Boniface and War-ax.” The fairhful old man went away to fulfill his mas- ter’s orders, accompanied by his voung friend, Lit- tle Texas, while Don Rossevan, filled with doubtand
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Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 16 fear, began pacing restlessly to and fro beneath the shadows ofsome trees. While thus engaged he was joined by Colonel Miles, “ Well, my dear friend, you seem thoughtful this morning,” the bluff oli colonel said. “Tam. colonel, for they tell me enemies are lurk- ing near,”’ “The deuce you say, senor! Well, by Jove, I’m ready to fight again, and if my friends getin to- night or to morrew we'll make Black Boniface and those red devils b'iieve there’s a little Thermopy!e here. I tell you, senor, l’ve some men that'll fight like Spartans.” “T am delighted to hear i*, colonel, for with them ard my men we need have no fear ” Then the two men sat down under the shadows of an orange tree and talked long and earnestly, The day wore away, night came and went, and another day dawned upon the Ruirs de Rossevan, Lat+ that day Colonel Miles and Lit‘le Texas were walking in the grounds near the entrance to the in- closure, The colonel was restless and uneasy. His train had not yet arrived, and it should have been there by noon. He had not even heard from it. “Tm afraid, Tuxas,” the old man said, ** that these infernal robbers are troubling them, Don Rossevan instructed the messenrer sent to guide them here to come by way of the Sand Ridge Route, it being a neerer and better route.” “T know tbat route, colonel, and I must say it’s a bad one, though I say so with all Cue respect to Don Rossevan's opinion. It’snearer here, I presume. but it may be a never-encin’ road for somebody, colo- nel. Ah, who comes thers?” This question was caused by the sound of clatter- ing hoofs outside the quadrilateral, and a moment later a horseman rode up to the gate, and in an ex- cited tone demanded entrance of the men on guard. ‘‘My God!” cried Colonel Miles, ‘‘it is the messen- ger, Alvrez!” The colonel advanced and met theman, The fel- low was all excitement. His face and clothes were covered with dirt and dust, and his hcrse was reek- ing in foam. He saluted the colonel and Little Texas. “Senor Colonel,” he exclaimed, ‘‘I have bad news!" “What is it, man? for God’s sake, what is i?” “The train was attackrd by Indians and robbers on t'e Sind Ridge, and after a desperate battle—” ““Were cestroyed?” exclaimed the impatient old man, “ No, senor, not when I left. We drovethe enemy back and then went to work and threw up a defense of sand—dug holes in the earth for the women and children, and formed the wagons around all. In that condition I left them under a broiling sun, with but little water in their casks, They will perish with beat and thirst, if not by bullets, unless they are soon relieved.” “Help yon shall have, so far as it oes.”’ exclaim- ei Little Texas, ‘as soon as my horse can carry me to the bat leficld!"* “And my master, I know, will send an armed force to raise the siege,” said the excited messenger, “T shall wait on no one,” replied Little Texas; “ rood-by, colone)!”’ Turning, the youth hastened to the house, buckled on bis sword, loaded his rifle and Tis ols, then pro- curing his horse, mounted it end went fiving away at a wild. breakneck speed to the scene of corflict, Colonel Miles turned ard hastened back to the building as fast as his feeble strength would permit. CHAPTER XV. THE CLOUDS STILL GATHERING. Writ matters on Sand Ridge Route were assum- ing the condition of a siege. and Little Texas was hastening to the aid of the train, affairs at the Ruins de Rossevan were also overshadowed by a menacing cloud of danger. While Colonel Miles and the Boy Mustanger were taking their stro]l near the entrance to the ground, Don Rossevan and Edith Clayton were seated upon arustic bench undera cluster of trees a few rods from the entrance of the building. Rossevan had been reading to his fair companion a charming story of old Spain in the days of her pristine glory; but finally growing wearied with this, be closed the book, and turning to Edith, he said: ‘*Those were the haleyon days of my native land senorita, the days of mailed warriors and helmete: krights—days forever sone.” “You should bave lived in these days. senor, for they were the days of chivalry,” replied Edith, “Thanks, senorita, forthe compliment. but I must say that 1am very giad 1 live in this age-- glad be- cause it is the age in wLich you live, Edith,” “You may regret that you have ever known me, Juan,” she replied. “ Tsee, Edith, there is some mystery overshadow- ing your young life; and yet I feel in bopes it is no- thing s°rious—nothing but a mere matter of short acquaintance or national blood that causes you to hesitate, and no doubt prudently, in plighting your hand to me, admitting your regards for me were 8 ‘ficiently strong to admit of such.” “Juan,’’ she said, with a pleading, imploring look. “T cannot be your wife, nor is it because 1 do not love, for I Go.” “Bless you, senorita, for those last words; but may I ask you why you cannot be my wife?’ ‘*Because—"’ she began, but the rest of the sen- tence was taken from her lips by a stern voice that said: * Because, sheis my wife!" And a man stepped from behind a clump oi bushes and ccnfronted them. The look of a demon was upon his face and in his eyes. The man was Victor Ure, and Victor Ure was Black Boniface. Kdith uttered a startled ery and sinking back, fell unconscious in her seat. Don Rossevan drew his sword and cried: : “Back! back! do not press upon me orI will run you through!” Victor Ure laughed coldly, sardonically, and point- ing to Blith’s drooping form, said: “Sir Knight of the Run, that woman is my wife, and I demand you to leave us here alone!” “Never!” cried the young Spaniard. ¢ “Then, by my soul, you shall fall,” replied Victor Ure, drawing his revolver and cocking it, but as he raised it, Don Rossevan ep forward, and with a dexterous pass of his sword picked the weayon out of his hand and sent it flying from him. An oath of rage and disappointment escaped the villain’s lips; but catching the sound of approach- ing fect, a look of devilish triumph overspread his face, and he exclaimed: “Fight then, will you, sir knight—champion cf other men’s wives?” Don Rossevan saw a dozen armed Reguletors ap- proaching through the shrubbery from: he direction of the eastern wall of the quadrilateral, and seeing t»e imminent danger that he was in. Rossevan drew from h’s pocket a silver whistle and placing it ye lips gave utterance to a quick, sharp, piercing. call, Aimost instantly it was answered, and then from the dirce’ion of the house came old Morality and a score of peons and retainers, Seeing their danger Black Boniface and his men m lted away among the shrubbery as if by magic, while Don Rossevan, lifting the inanimate form of Edith in his arms, carried her to the house, and leaving her in the care of Anita and Christie he hastened back to the grove, where a sharp firing was going on. y Thins went on in this way for some minutes with- out any decided result. when finally Old Morality slipped around to Don Rossevan’s side and said: “Senor, the sooner we end this the better Beni- face has more men, surely, somewhere abou's and no tellin’ what moment theyll pounce upc us,”
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86 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. “Sound a charge, Morality, and do as you think besr,’? was the Don’s reply, and then he gave a sharp, cutting scream upon his whistle, Then forth from the bushes plung-d the old man shouting to his comrades and a moment more the retainers and peons of Rossevan were engaged in a hand-to hand struggle with the robbers. The battle was fierce. but soon ended, for the force of the Spanish recluse was treble that of the robber. Black Boniface was seen no more within the in- closure, althouzh Olid Morality and Rossevan kept on the lookoat for him. His men e-caped from ths grove into the woods by way of the soutuern gate, which was formd cpsn, and the guard Iving ead near it. The sulden disappearance of Boni- face, and the actions of his men in their retreat, caused no little speculation in the mind of Don Ross evan, an when the gate was reached he was joined by Colonel Miles, who hurried from an opposite quarter of the grove to ta‘re a hand in the conflict. “The hellyons come at last, didi they, Juan?” ex- claimd the colonel. ‘*Yes, senor,” “Furiation! I broke my neck, almost, trying to get here in ‘ime to have a hand ini’; but_the worst of itis, senor my train is surround:d by Ing'ns and robbers on that ’enrsed Sind Ridge, and—” ‘Heaven forbid it!’’ cried Rossevan. “Oa, but it's so, and Little Texas has gone there a-fl‘ing. Your man, Alvre , browg it thy word.” ‘Morality must go with men and assist your frien1s.”” - hy mercy, Rossevan, what is the meaning of at The colonel pointed in the direction of the stables and evttle-pens which were concealed behin1 the ‘ove, but fron the inmdiate vicinity of which lack smo’se was rolling into tha heavens. “Great Dios!” exclaimed Ross*van, his face as- suming a look of despuir, *‘ have the robbers drawn our atrention here while they robbed the casa and fired the stables?” “God forbid!’’ cried the colonel, and together the two men started coward the hous2, They soon reached tha door ani there, to their horror, they found a female servint lying dead; while from the shrubb-ry hard by another came crasling out, a picture of abject terror. “Oh, my master!” she exclaimed. wringing her hands and moanin~«, “tha la trons have kiil+1 poor Alta, and carried off my poor young mistress and the doar young Ivliss!” A groin of bitter anguish escaped the lips of Colonel Miles, Don Rossevan muttered something under his breath. His dark eyes blazed with a dea tly fire. H+ advance | to ths door of the building and loo ed in. A glin:e told hin thit the hin lof the 1 ‘spoiler had be*n thers, Ha turned around, and lev a call upon his whis'le, anlin a f»w mines Old Morality and a num ‘er of mn answer “1 it in person. “Thay hive beiten us at last, sonor,” sail Old Morwlity, ha'f chok +d wit’ his emo'ions. “Ys, Moality. they have trapp2d us at last,” ro- lied Don Rossevan, ‘“‘anl w2 must retri-ve our ono"; we must rescue our friends, and do. a just punish nent to the invaders of or home. Go, sen>r, and find who th®7 ar», an1 whitber they have gone, and we will follow them to—” “To the ens of the earth, which is eternity elaime1 Colon] Miles. The old ranzeranl seo1t moved away in search of tha enomy’s trvil; 21 while he wis zone, the frien1s and servants of Rossevan brouzht in their wound ‘d ecomrad?s anl buvi d the dea. Don Rossovan went throuzh the buil ‘ing and founi that th: robb°r; had not plun tered the house generally, but had hurried away with the women and such lieht valutbies as cam» in their way. Tie wounds of tye wounded were dressed, and a purty of six men detailed to remain and attend them and look after the stock; while the rest of the little !” ex- band were organized, armed and equipped for the pursuit of the foe. Pending these arrangements. Old Morality returned, “Well?” said Don Rossevan tothe old scout. **T had no trouble in finding their trail, senor, and I came in sizht of them about two or three miles from here. They are rushing Nor‘west. no doubt for the Double Mountains, or the retreats and fast- ness-s of the mountains of New Mexico. They have your calesa, and your four white horses.” * Ah, indeed!” exclaimed Rosseman; “it occurs to my mind, now, that Anita had just ordered the ca- lesa out when I carried Edith to the house in a swoop. But what else, Morality?" ‘Tt did not see the girls” the scout continued, ‘*but they, of course, were in the calesa, But tha worst of it is, the robbers are not alone. Not less than twenty Apache Indians are with them, and, alto~ether, they number forty or fifty.” ‘Great heavens! then there is no hope,” exclaim- ed Colonel] Miles. ‘*yus, there is, colonel,’’ said Morality; ‘‘there most bz he pe.” ‘Oh, what hope is there for me,” cried the col- onel. in bitter anguish of heart, “ with my children in the hen’s of those inhuman fiends, and my friends allsurrounded on the open plain by murderous say- ages and Regulators?” “*Cheer up. Senor Colonel,” said Don Rossevan; “I have lit‘le here, save the m»mory of the past to care for, myself; and a determin+d and desperate effort mist ba made to rescu our friends. I shall take every man that I can spare from those unforunate men lying wounded and put them upon the trail. But, senor, 2 word with you aside, if you please.” “With ple-sure,” replied the old man, following him to one sie. “ Colon 1,” Rossevan said, with some little embar- rassment, “I want to ask yon one question regard- int your adopted daughter, Edith; is she a married woman?” Colonel Miles started. and gazing into the face of his interlocutor, asked: “Senor, why do you ask that question?’ ‘*T was told she was.” “« Alas! senor, it is too frue, too true! She was a wife and a widow within the same hour. and that, too, when she was a child, senor, a child scarcely sixteen. The only woman I ever loved. senor, wag the mother of Edith Clayton; but her husband— Elith’s father—was a bad. soulless wretch. Mone: was his great desire, his love. There was no sacrl- fice he would not make for money, and it was with the belief of obtaining money that he forced Edith into a secret marriage with a man whom he believed immensely rich, But the villain deserted her the honr that the ceremony was performed, and sent a letrer bick to her father stating that he had only married Edith f r revenge upon! im for a fancied wronz allege] to hove been committed in a certain transaction between them. The blow killed her mother an her father died with remorse. Then I adopted Edith, pure, sweet girl that she was, with all the grace, the love and gen'leness of her sainted mother. Of course Edith never 'oved her husband, Child that she was, she knew not what marriage was: sh* only acted in obedience to her father’s wish; but it has fettered her liberty and bappiness, for ever and anon she has received a letter from the villain reminding her of her marriage vows, and threatening tor turn to her.” ‘ Wh re was he when she last heard from him?” aske1 Rossevan. ** At Naw Orleans, T believe; Fe was talking of go- ing to Cuba. Ion't think she will ever be cursed with his presence again.’ “Ah! senor, vo» are mistaken; she is with her bush nd thi: minnte.” “What? My Elith with that heartless villain? Ross ‘vai, you trifle with my heart!" “Nay, nay, senor, I speak the truth; Edith is with her husband, and that husband is Black Boniface.”
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> Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 21 “How do you know this, Rossevan?” Don Rossevan narrated all that had transpired in the orange grove, “Oh, God!” exclaimed t’e old man clutching bis brow, while his powerful frame shook with the in- tensity of his emotions, *‘ttis is more than I can stand, Rossevan, ir will kill me!” “Courage, senor, courag:,” replied the Spanish recluse, “all may yet be well.” At this ju cture Old Morality approached and “Senor Rossevan, we are now ready to march.” CHAPTER XVI. A STRANGE KNIGHT. Ir was night under the soft southern sky and a full moon and a galaxy of bright stars flooded woodland and plain with a mellow radiance, Not a breath of air was st rring, and scarcely a sound emanated from the pulseless bosom of the great green prairie stretching away northward of the Sou'h Concho River: but upon the summit of a bold eminence, crowned by mesquit and oak, the faint glow of a camp-fire could be seen for miles, and now and then the flash of a l2nce point, in the hands of a sentinel pacing to and fro outside of the | chaparral in the moonlight, caught the eye of a wataner in the valley below. " 2 In the chaparral, or motte, if you please, were en- camped Black Boniface and the Apache chief, War- Ax, and their followers; or most of them, at least. Three days had elapsed since the attack upcen the Ruins of Ro:sevan and the capture of Anita and the daughters of Colon 1 Miles, When they went into samt upon the night in question they were over one hundred and twenty miles from the Ruins. They tad made forced marches, and but for the trouble they had m:tin crossing streams with the ealesa. they would havo been well on toward the grcat table-land of North- western Texas. At the time we introduce the read r to the cutlaw camp, Elack Boniface, Dr. Jules Rocheford and War-Ax were seated at one side, smoking and con- versing in Jow tones. * Anotber day’s journey,” Boniface said, in reply to a question, “* will, in my opinion, pl-ce us beyond | reach of any disposed tofollowus, If weare attack- ed at all, it will be to-night or early to-morrow morn- ing; but I feel assured that our scouts patrolling the valley will see that we are nct teken by surprise.” “T think, monsieur, said Rocheford, bandlv, “that that little diversion at Sand Prairie will help us out,” “Captcin.” said a man running up to where the three men sat, *“*Red Joe wants to sce you on the south ig of the chaparral at once.” “ Ve i wonder what he wants,” said Eoniface, rising to his feet, Red Joe was a Mexican balf-breed a sly. cautious fellow, and Boniface’s mest trusted scout, whom the robber had sent out in company wit two Ar ache warriors to patrol the val'ey south of them, He sat in his saddle when Boniface came out of the grove and acked: ‘* What's the matter, Joe?” “ Somethin’ wrong in the valley. captain. A horse- man’s been seen there—a dark horse and strange- looking rider.” ‘Furies! it must be some of the enemy’s advance scouts!"’ replied the captain. “Tam satisfie1. captain, it’s some one reconnoi- terin’ our position, and '’d suggest the utmost silence—th»t not a run or pistol be fired at the horse- man even if a good shot be eff red. If we give chase. my trusty saber’ll answer all purposes in close quarters, while the ances and knives of the Apaches will do their work silently.” “ Allrig’t. Joe; use your own judgment in the remises; bring the unknown in alive if possible— Bead, if you must,” replied Boniface, Red Joe’s been on the scout to-night. I | Red Joe turned his horse and rode southward, passed the guards, and galloped down the bill and joined his two Apache comrades in the valley, and informed them that the strange rider was to be taken alive if possible. The three made their way slowly and cautiously up tle valley, Red Joe wih drawn saber and the Apach+s with their spears ready to throw. They rode up the valley upon one side, then back upon the other. Then they ecarched the tall grass and the shadows right and left. It seemed as though they bad ridden over every rod of ground where it was possible for en enemy to be concealed, but despite their close search, the looked-for horseman sudcenly rose upon their right. are savage who saw him first uttered a cry of alarm. “Ride, men, ride!” exclaimed Red Joe, and put- ting spur he cashed away iu pursuit of the unknown, the Indians following up. Not a word was uitered as they thurdered away. The un: nown horse fled as if upcn winged fi et. Although the first to start in the chase, it soon be- came evident that the Apaches weuld pass Red Joe, for their animals were fle: t; but fleeter stil was the horse of the strangeunknown. The Mexican seeing he was losing ground. plicd whip and spur more vigorously, but if was to no aa! ose; the Apaches passed him, and scon a lundred yards seperated them; but the Indians gained but a trifle if any upon the foe. and they had begun to despair of ever over- taki-g him, when suddenly and unexpectedly, the unknown came to a halt, and facirg about, prepared to meet them in combat. A sword gleamed in his bancs, ard his whole body se med to emit a sbim- mering, eparkling light. The Apaches dug their heels into their ponics’ sid‘s, end poising their lances burled themselves upon the stranger. The ore in the lead aimed his lance rt the breast of the foe; but to hissurprise the sharp steel glanced from his body with a ring as ‘f froma metallic breast-plate. and as he sped on apast the unknown, the latter struck him with the sword he held aloft, and the Apache rolled to the earth nearly beheaded. A moment tLereafter the second Apache met the same fate. R d Joe. PY this time, had come up, and seeing the fate of his companions saw that he had an enemy werthy of his own steel, and drawing rein he turned to the right ard began circling and maneu- vering around the unknown. But all this filled the Mexican with little concern, and with an oath he finally turned toward the enemy and charged upon bim. As he came un the masked strarger braced himself in his sa¢dle, and for several momenis the clesh of sword and saber reng upon the vibrant air. Red Joe was a skilled swordsman in his way, and this he soon iscovered his antagonist was not, a cextrou pass of | is saber be essayed to reach his enemy's heart, but the point of the weapon glanced off; and it was then that he discovered the stranger wore a coat of mail—wasin full armor even to helmet and visor. : Richt skillfully cid the rcbber-scout parry the blows aimed et his head and heart, for sirce his failnre t» find the unknown’s beart he h:d been placed upon the Gefensive. Sucderly he struck the poirt of his enemy's swerd Ccownward. irflicting a wound in bis horse’s neck which crused the animal to leap forward and carry bis rider beyond reach of the armored foe; but quick #s a flash, almost. the latter wheeled bis horse and followed him up and struck the saber from the Mexican’s hand. rendering him defenseless save in the speed of his horse; and this he put to good use, The mysterious victer did not follew up bis vic- tory, buf with a low, triumphant Jangh he crew rein, raised his visor and gazed around him, “They are there,” he mused. “Ah! if I only dare!” The thought uppermost in his mind seemed almost irresistible, and, as if in feer of its getting the better
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22 Little Tex1s, the Young Mustanger. of his judgment, he pues his horse violently around aid turning his back upon the camp of Black Boni- face rode ty The mailed horseman rode on until the level plain roke into a succession of wooded hills and bluffs overlooking the valley throug’ which flowed asmall stream paying tribute to tie South Concho, then he drew rein and listen:d. Heariug nothing be turned down a narrow defils and en ering the shadows of the dense woods rode on until a voice commanded: “Halt! who comes there?” ‘A frien 1 and scout,” replied the horseman. * Advance and give ths countersign.”” The armored knig'it advanced and gave the coun: tersign and then rode on a faw rods further when he cam? suidenly upon a score of armed men seated and reclining around the embers of a waning camp- tire. They were a band of Texan Rangers under one Captain Lore Reynolds. ‘The maied scout dismounted and hitching his horse entered the crowd where he was hailed with n9 lit le surprise aud eager joy. “Well, my good knight,”’ sail Captain Reynolds, * “f1 you flad the camp of Don Rossevan?”” * Yes, I found the camp of Black Boniface, and three of his scouts found me, when I proceeded to engage them in a tils with sword and lance. Icame out first best—in other words, I licked the robbers.” The rangers shouced with de'ight. Then the miiled knight removed his helmet and v'sor, and the rad, flushe! face of our hero, Little Texas, the Boy Mustanger, was revealed. CHAPTER XVII. IN THE FOOT-HILLS. Tae reader will remember that we left Little Texas in a previous chapter on his way to the as- sistance of Colonel Miles’s train that was surround- ed by robbars and Indians on the Sand Ridg:», Prai- riz. In due coursa of time the g dlant youth reached his destination to flail that Cap‘ain Lore Reynoljs aid his Ringers had prec»1ed him there more than an hour, and had already driven the Indians away aad relieved the train. So there was not»ing | ft for him to do but re urn to the ruivs, and thishe dil a’ tie head of ths train ani the Texan Ran cers, ar- riving there during the night to find the placa al- m st desertel, ani tolearn the terrib e an‘ distress- ing news of Boniface’s attack upon the Ruins and the capture of Anita, Curistie, and E.lith, The Ruins de Roisevan bad bes leftin cara of old Senor Alphonso Gomez, an agod ro‘ainer of the house of Rossevan and tie devoted andinseparabis friend of Don Juan, As a. natural consequences he haltakena great liking to our hero, Little Texas, an when the Young Mustanger came marciing into th> place at the head of the emigrants and ranzers, his joy knew no bounds. In his great admiration for the boy he was inclined to give him more credit and honor than he merited or claimed; ani before his departure with tho Rangers he took the youth into bis private room, and unlockinz a heavy chest, that bors the marks of tine, he took therefrom a beautiful knightly armor and said: My boy, y u aroa bravo and noble lad, worthy of the emulations of tha pen of tho inspired histo- rian, and icis my desire to bestow upon you a pr>- clous gif:—this armor, which was worn centuries azo by the young Prince of Gonz»mas. It is just your size, Iwore it wh nI wasa boy, and fought with it on by the siue of Juan’s father. It must soon fall to stranzers—a new heritaze, and T can think of no one that T would rather bestow it upon than upon ou, Little Texas, for you, I know, wil not disgrace Little Texas's boyish curiosity and admiration ware excited by the sight of the glittering armor, and ha cou'd not resist the temptation to put it on, It fitted him neatly, and thouch it was rather heay and cunbersome, the youth's heart swelled with ride, and he accepted the gift with many kind Thanks, Ho was too much of a boy not to wear it, and so he rode forth clad in the armor worn by Spanish knights of old. He soon became accustom- ed toit, and at noons and Ha feos when halting for dinner or fur the night, Captain Reynolds took great delight in drilling him in the sword exercise for he was an apt pupil, What little he had learned we have seen put to good use with the two Apaches and Red Jog, all three of whom he had vanquished, and ai rode back to the Raagers’ camp among the ills, “Did you ascertain Boniface’s strength?” asked Reynolus, “1 couldn't, captain; they had a double line of pickets. I couldn't get near the camp.” “Then we had better not attempt to do anything to-night. Daylight will enable us to find out their strength, and thenifitis deemed expedient wo will make the attack, whether we meet Rossevan's party or nob. Thus the matter was settled, and in a few minutes the Rangers were stretched alcng the earta with their saddles for pillows and a blanket over them, sound asleep. And taus the night wore away, and as the red dawn began to raise up against the sky the Rangers arose from a refreshing slumber. They wera su plied with rations from which they made their matutinal meal. Then their horses, which had been icketed to grass anh ur before, were brought in, ridled and saddled, and at a signal every man leap- ed into his saddle. The Boy Mustanger donned his armor and took his place at the head of the column with Captain Reynolds, when the order to march was given. As the little party filed up the narrow, wooded valley and d-bouched into the open prarie, the re- port of a rifle cam3 rullinz down the morning, with startling intonations. It was immediatel - followed in rapid succession by a dozen other reports that were minyzled with flerce, savage yells. “By Jove!” exclaimed the captain, “there's a fight going on!” “Cal rain.” replied Little Texas, with a sudden start, “that firing is just off to our right, and Dll venture the assertion that our friends und-r Don Rossevan have been attacked.” “T heartily agree with you, there, boy,” sai’ the captain, then turning his head he exclaimed; “ Right wheel, and forward at the double-quick!”’ Away went the Rngers at a sweeping gallop. They soon a'rived in the vicinity of the Battle, though they could se no enemies; but from the cover of the woode | bluffs that swept around from the South. they could see the smoke of battle rising on the still air. Without further delay the Ringers entered the woods, and then, at a signal. charged down upon the foe with a battle-cny that had struck terror into the heart of many an Indian and robber. Ths enemy, taken by surprise, fled at their approach, and mount- ing their ponies, escaped into the prairie. The rangers would have given pursuit, but at this juncture their attention was a'tracted by a deafen- ing cheer coming up from the valley on the right, and then a score or mors of horsemen galloped up the hill toward them, At their head rode Old Morality, Don Rossevan and Colonel Miles. “Tt’s them! it’s them!" shouted Little Texas, and waving his sword above his head he uttered a shout bed ws r-peated by the Ringers and the morning echoes, Colonel Miles was delighted to meet our hero, and his joy knew no hounds when he learned from Tex- as’s lips that his train had heen rescued by Captain Reynolds, and was then safe at the Ruins, But a few moments’ delay were made when the rangers and settlers, with a forces now equal to that of Black Boniface. pressed forward upon the trail of the enemy. They soon reached the grove wherein Little Texas had found the foe in camp the night be- fore. Far over the level plain they could just see the ‘im outlines of the fleeing foe~miles away,
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Little Texas, the Yeung Mustarger. 23 “Forward, men, forward!” commanded Captain Reynolds, and then the pursuers galloped on ata lively speed across the prairie. Little iexas, still clad in his knightly armor, rode with Rossevan, Miles and Morality. To him the old soldiers and the Spans Prince looked for guidance in the pursuit. He knew the country better than any of them, and in reply to a question in relation to the prospect of overhauiing the foe, he said: “t's dou tful whether. we overtake them before they reach the foot-bills of the Double Mountains.” The pursuers passed on, their eyes constantly up- on the moving column before them, and as the hours wore away and weary miles were traversed, they seemed to gain but litrle upon the foe. In view of this fact, they did not halt for non, and as the sun sunk slowly westward, the dark woods skirting the foot-hills of the Double Mountains came in sight, causing the hearts of Colonel Miles and Don Rosse- van to sink within their breasts. it seemed utterly impossible for them to overtake the enemy before the mountain was reached. F Reynolds and Little Texes cheered them up with the assurance that they were gaining upon the Reg- uiators facter than it seemed. And such was really the case, for when the sun was still to hours bigh, they were not over two miles behind Boniface, while the mountain was still miles away; but the fact that they could not overtake the foe before he reach- ed the foot-hills could no longer be c: ncealed. After some discussion as to their fu'ure plans, it was arranged that little Texas and Old Morality en- deavor to reach the timber. by a circuitous route, in advance of the foe. This seemed possible since both were mounted upon swift horses, and in cass they were successful, they could ascertain the exact strength of the foe, and perhans get an idea cf the course they would pursu* through the hills. With the best wishes of all. the cold man and the boy set off on their journey. The latter, in order to lighten the load of bis horse, had left his armor in care of a young Mexican. : The two kept in the valleys out of sight of the Reg- ulators, and as the way was smooth and unobstruct- ed, they put their horses to their utmost speed, and a little before sunset they reached the little creek as the soutern extremity of the woods. Crossing the stream they gained the cover of the forest a few minutes before the cavalcade of Black Boniface came in sight, not over a quarter of a mile away. ‘*Gold-dashed if we wer’n’t in the holy nick of time!” exclaimed the old ranger. aes “They reached the creek a quarter of a mile be- low,” said the boy, whose eyes had never for a mo- ment lost sight of the enemy, “‘ and are crossin’ this blessed minute. We'd better cdge down that way and see where they go. I’m of the opinion they'll give the calesa up soon, owing to the difficulty of journeying through ih wooded hills with it.” By this time it was sunset on the prairie and twi- light in the woods, and cur two friends were enabled to get within forty yards of the enemy unobserved. The last of the train had just crossed the creek and the carriage and some thirty men moved on, while a party of about twenty more remained at the creek— ostensibly for the purpose of disputing the passage of the pursuers. “That'll never do,” observed Old Morality; ‘‘ you can see what the hounds are up to, and I'll beat that little game, I will, by heavens! I'll circle back aud meet the boys as they come in and dropa bug in their ears,” ‘and I'll follow the carriage and escort,’’ said the Boy Mustanger. “All right, boy, do be keerful,”’ cautioned Old Morality, and the two parted—Morality going back to where he had left his horse, while Little Texas, on foot, took the trail of the calesa, As the shadows were deepening in the Cense tim- ber Boniface was compelled to move slowly. and so the Young Mustanger soon came in sight of the rob- Tho way lay across a level bottom, but this sud- denly broke into a chain of steep hills and narrow valleys. The hills were bald and barren, the valleys rougb and densely wooded. Into one of these de- files Roniface led his cavalcade; and Little Texas hurrying forward, passec_up along the hillside and by a wide d@ /ovr, descended into the valiey in ad- vance of the enemy. Satisfied that the Regulators must soon stop for the night. the boy climbed into a tree and creeping along a large limb concealed himself among the dense foliage. Here he awaited the approach of Boniface, and he had scarcely become settk d in bis position when he felt the limb, upon which he was seated, swaying, and heard a slight, scratchin sound thrilling along its length, He started an gazed along the bough, and through th» Egyptian gloom of the place he behel’ a pair of dull, glowing orbs. A shiver passed over the youth’s form for well he knew those balls of fire were the eyes of a Sapeaiee His situation was, indeed precaricus; but e prep red himself for the worst. A dozen Ayache warriors, the advance guard, soon passed uncer him, their plumed heads brus ing the foliage at his fect. Then came Black Boniface and several of his men, and close behind them the noisy calesa. Still Little Texas kept bis eyes upon those of the panther, and as the high tcp of the vehicle came dragging slong under the low-hanging foliage, he saw those burning orbs move, then spring toward him. With drawn knife the boy met the panther, and Grove the blade into his neck. With another horri- ble scream the beast broke its hold and fell to the earth, striking the edge of the calesa asit went down. The vehicle stepped. The horses reared and snorted with alarm. A wild confusion ensued. The panther, recovering itself, sprung upon an outlaw, A dozen men dismounted and rushed to their friend’s rescue. Cries and yells rent the night. Horses reared and plunged with affright. some breaking away and flying up the valley; and but for the assistance of cthers the driver of the calesa could never have managed his team. But the conflict soon ended and order wasrestored. The panther lay dead and an outlaw dying. The youth in the tree was unharmed. He sat on the limb, his feet resting on the carriage-top. Tn a few moments more the march was resumed, and when the calesa rolled on, the daring Boy Mus- tanger was a passenger. lying at full length upon the top, his héad within two feet of the driver. CHAPTER XVIII. THE VIALS CF A VILLAIN'’S WRATH. On through the dark defile cr: pt the cavalcade. In the calesa sat the captive girls, their hearts filled with shadows es dark and forebcding as the shadows of night around them. They had grown despondent as the day advancing brought no one to their rescue; but on the ccntrary brought them nearer the Double Mountains, where escape from the power of Boni ace would be impossible. After creeping alo: g a mile or s0 a voice suddenly commanded: “Turn in there, Jebu, under that tree, and we will stop till morning. “Oh, thank the good Virgin!” cried the fair Anita, Now we will get to rest.” The calesa was driven under some low-hanging foliage, where it was half-hidden from view, and the horses unhitched, A dozen guards were stationed around the camp, and a fire lighted a few rods in front of the vehicle. Then Black Boniface came with a lantern, and, unlocking the door of the wheeled prison. said: “Ladies, we have halted for the night, and, as ou rust be tired of your lon» confinement, per- cape you would like towalk out, If So, 1 assure you that you have the liberty of the camp.’ “Thank you, senor,” replied the Spanish maid we will avail ourselyes of your kindness.” ;
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24 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. The Regulator hung his lantern on a limb near the door of the calesa and turned and walked away. “On, my sweet littl» sister!” cried Edith, pusbing back Ghris ie’s disheveld locks and kissing her fair brow. “I s+e this suffering is beginning to wear upon your young heart.” “T am trying to be brava, Edih,” replied the maiden, ‘‘and bear my burden with— What, Aniti?” This abrupt question was caused by Anita, who, prasping her arm, raised her finger to impose si- ene, “Wark!” whispered Anita, Te three listeaed, anl, beside the murmur of the voices outsids, they heard a slight tapping upon the leather top of the carriag.. Tho girls continusd to list2n in silence for several moments. Finally the tappins ceas «1, and was im- m>dia‘el7 followed by a different noise—a noise li Texas.” It was woll the Young Muitanger gave words of recaution befors h3 gav3 his nama, for even then he vantivas could sciresly res'riin their emotions. Christio’s eves glowad wit’ jy and excitement, anl biting ier lip to keap bae’s ths emotions strurelins for utte:ancs sh3 clasp21 her hans over her br>1st ani started to hor fat, her eyes fix! on those look- ing down up92 her. But recoveriig her self-control, she sunk bick into her s3at by Anira’s side, “ Oaristie,” whisp2rel the daring boy, “come nearer. Cristie pulled the door of the cilesa shut, then, rising held har ear naar te youth's lips. “B> awful careful, Christi:,” the boy whisp2red: “wo're all in a b11 pic'le, but the robbers don’t know Lam hoarse. You als must get out and tale oir wuk. Colonel Miles, Don Ryss*van and somo orty citizens and Texan Ringers are not far away, and no tellin’ what moment tiev’ll coms plungir down on old Boniface But say, Christie,do you folks slesp in ths calesa?” “ Black Boniface,” she renlisd, ‘always has given us our choices of the carrivgs or n tent, and wa alwiys take th? tent bec1s7 we canlisdown. Here we hve to sit up a'l the time.” “Woll, you must taks the calssa to-night, and if T ean I'll help you, Ill bs nizth you, anyhow, and that’s a groat pleasure. Now go and teke your walk anithen come back here. Have them bring your supper here, too, and then—” ; ‘Then yo% shall have some,” interrupted Christie, her eyes sparkling, — F Thus ths conversation ended, ani putting on their hats and wrans. ts girls alizited from the carriaz3 ani sauntered listlosslv about the camp. The wom 'nspent huf oa hour or more walking about the plic4, an] then as they wer returning to the calesa, Bynifice advanced and s ‘id: “Tidiex, will you occupy the carriazo or the tent to-night?” 3 “Ths calesa, if you have no objections, senor,” re- plied Anita. ** Nono at all, ladies,” tho villzin revlied. Tho women entered tha vehicle foeliny much re- freshed and invigorated by their exercises. The lan- tern still hung up n the limb whers its red beams flood3d the interior of the apartment, Bopper was finally brought to tha captives. It consisted of bread, meats, fruits and wine, all of which had ben taken from Anita’s home. And no gooner was the servant’s back turned than Christio began to pass the lion's share of her supper to the brave boy lying on the top of the calesa. “T’ve heard abou the ravens feedin’ Elijah in the wilderness.” the lad whispered, * but this is three angels feedin’ a/boy mus‘anger.” When the quarte:te had finished their supper, the servant removed the remnants. and then Bl:zelr Bonifac »came and leaning upon one of the wheels talked to the women some time. He stood between tha lantern and th» door of the calesa so that his own shadow concealed the flushed, burning faces of the girls They were so afraid he would discover thea rentin the lining of the calese, overhead that they scarcely knew what they said and did, un‘il he bid them good-night, closed the door of the vehicle, and locked it and went away. the R ‘gulator took his lantern away, leaving tho women in blinding dar!ness; but this did not trouble them. In fact, they were glad of it, for it gave them an opportunity to converse with Little Texas; and f r the next hour the three plied the lad with ques- tions concerning their friends. In the mean time, mest of t’e robbers had laid down to sleep with their arms at their sides. The horses belonging to the calesa had been brought in from pasture and kept in harness ready to move at a moment’s notice. The party ieft at the creek to watch the pursuers had not come in yet, and as long . as they were absent, Black Boniface knew they sto71 botween him and danger, and so he gave bim- self no uneasiness about the pursuers. Tho night passed unevencfully. The three fair prisoners in the calesa and Li!tls Texas enjoyed much needed rest, until the noise made by the Indians inpreparing the morning meal. awoke them, Suddenly a scout came charging into camp with the startling intelligenc- that the T xan Rangers had flanked their friends left at the creek, and were then marching unon the can Had a bombshell exploded in their midst, it would not have caused a greater consternation; but in a very few minutes every Regulator and red-skin was realy tomireh, The horses were harnessed to the calesa, and, when ready to start, Boniface went to the vehicle with his lantern, opened the door, and looking at the captives, said: ‘* Ladies, I hope you had a good rest; we will start at once.” “Very well, senor,” replied Anita, Boniface close and locked the door, _ Then giving the lantern to one of his guid s, he said: “Take that, Pressley, and then Jead the way whore the driver can follow. Daylight will soon re- lieve you.” The guide turned and moved away, and the robber- chief, leaping into his saddle, shouted: “ Raady—march!”’ . The adv ince guard started off after tho guide, the ealesa rolied away, and the escort wheeled into line alongside tha vehicle—the cavaleade was in motion. Its course lay northward u» the valley. Boniface bal journeved but a short way when the sound of firearms suddenly broke forth upon ths clear morning air. It came from behind and told ths Regulator that the men he had left at the creek were engaged with the enemy. Doubtful of what the resu't might be. Bonifaco grew uwieasy ani hurried forward the calesa, and ere tha sin ross they were miles from the place where they had passed t ve night. Up to this time nothing had been heard from the battle-field, and cti'lin doubt as to the result of the conflict. Black Boniface grew mors restless and im- patient than ever, and kept urging the calesa for- war !, until at length the way became so broken and obstructed that it wos impo<sibl » to proceed further with the vehicle. But Boniface was nut long in sup- plying a contingency. H» ordered three of the horses taken from the calesa, unharnessed and sa4- dled with men’s saddles. Upon these he proposed to mount the captives and move vn. He advanced to the calesa, unlocked the door and jerked it open,
Page 25
Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 25 As he did so, he started back with a horrible oath, while his face became contorted with rage, and his eyes blazed with the fienzy of amadmau. Thera vas but one of the tire uplrd.s tu the calesa, and that one was Chrict e Mites! ch “ Hell and the furies!"’ burst from the villain’s lips; “ there’s a traitor in this party, and h> has release them women. I wil saoct the dog the moment I find out who he is!” i. - He drew bis revolver and ‘brandished it threaten- ingly above his head—all the demon of the man’s nature cropping out upon his anger-knotted face. Christie regarded him for a moment and believing be was going to shoot, she said: “Sir, you need accuse none of your men of releas- ing Anita and B7ith.” *Then you pretend to know who released trem?” “Wo time? 4 morning i would not be here either. released the girls.” “Tittle Texas?” repeated the outlaw, with fury. “Yes. Little Texas,” answered Christie, calmly. “T will recapture them girls if | have to wade throuch the fires of perdition.”’ replied the Rerula- tor; then turning to his men he continued: “‘ About face, men, and ride like demons to the south. Them girls must be recaptured!” should I not, when I have been here all the Had you not started just when you did this I Little Texas Obedient to the command of their leader the Reeu- lators and Apaches turned their faces down the val- ley and rode away at a wid, breakneck pace, CHAPTER XIx. THE CONFLICT IN THE VALLEY, Lirrim Texas deeply regretted his failure in car- rying out the plan he h«d matured forthe release of the three captives. The departure was made so uick that he was unable to relieve but two, and Shristie was carried away. The moment he heard Black Boniface inform the girls that they would de- art at once, the youth drew bis knife, and with as ittle noise as possible, cut away the heavy leather top between the two rear bows of tho carriage making a hole large enouth forthe passage of the slender forms of the captives. Through this op ning the Young Mus'’anger lifted Edith and Anita and laced them upon a lsrge bourh of the tree over- Fon but before he eould rescue Christe the driver spoke to his horses, an. the vehicle rolled away from under the tree, Bitter, indeed, was the disappointm<nt of the Boy Mustanger and the two mai ens when they heard the calesa roll away with brave little Christie, and bitrerer still must have bern the regret and disap- pointment of Christie herself. It was several moments before any one ventured to speak; but when assured the enemy had all left, Little Texas said: z “Girls, we three have escaped, I do believe,” “Qh! if poor Christie was only with us!” Edith lamented. 3 7 “The villains were a little too quick for me, or she’d have got out, too,” said Texes; ‘* but Christie must be rescued, You must first be in a safer place than this, fur no tellin what moment the robberz may find you missin’, and come backin search of you. There! some one is comin’ this way now!” The shouts of men and the blare of a bugle sud- denly awoke the morning echoes. “@lery!”’ burst from the lips of Little Texas; ‘we are safe! we are safe! The Rangers are comm’,” “Thank Heaven! murmured Edith. The next moment a dozen horsemen, leaning for- ward in their saddles in order to pass the low boughs, glided under them. “fo, there, gallant troopers!” shouted the Boy Mustanger, at the top of hisJungs. A dozen_men drew rein uncer the tree, Among them was Don Rossevan and Colonel Israel Miles, “Who's up here?” demanded the colonel, “We're here uncle; Anita, Little Texas and I.” responded the fair Edith. “Bless the good Lord! It is my Edith!” shouted the colonel, “Yes, aad Little Texas rescued us.” **God bless that boy!”’ the colcnel shouted. *‘ But, Christie—where is she?” “The Regulators got away with her, sorry to say,” the Boy Mustarger answered; ‘“T done my best, co'onel, to save her, too, but I failed.” “Brave and fearless boy. He has done nobly,” said Rossevan. ‘*Yes, he bas,” affirmed Colonel Miles; “come down here, children, and let me embrace you ” “We must not tarry longer. Christie must be rescued, poor child,” said Old Morality, after having complimented Little Texas in his usually ludicrous way. t “Shall we send Anita and Edith back to the Ruins with an escort, or—” “No; it will never do, senor. to weaken our force,” interrupted Old Morality; ‘twe’ve not a man to spare. “Uncle,” said Edith Clayton, “‘ we can accompany you. I would rather do so than return to the Ruins without you.” ‘*And so would I,” added Anita, and the question was settled. The Rangers having brought Little Texas’s horse from the creek, the lad was soon in the saddle. A couple of led horses taken from the enemy were caparisoned for the meidens and by the time the sun was an hour high, the pursuers. were again in motion. The Texan Rangers took the lead with Captain Reynolds, Little Texas, and Old M: rality at their head, wrile Don Rossevan, Colonel |srael Miles and afew others, wit Edith and Anita brought up the rear. Rossevan had dispatched two of his best scouts to feel the way in advance, and the party had not gone far when cne of them came back with the news that a band cf horseman. outlaws and Indians, was approaching from the north at a rapid speed. Ina few moments Captain Reynolds formed his Rangers in line of battle, the settlers a: d followers of Don Rosseyan forming behind them. and in this order they “awaited the foe. The clatter of hcofs soon burst upon their ears, then from the woods nearly the whole of Black Boniface’s band swept in- to view. The outlaws were «n their way back to search for tha missing girls. and not until they were upon them did they know their pursuers were near, With a yell the Regulators and Apaches charged upon our friends, but they were met-with a cco] and deliberate fire that emptied a number f saddles and threw the band into s: me confusion; but Dr. Roche- ford was as brave and fearless as he wts wicked, and, in tones that seemed to come from brazen lungs, he rallied his men and again led them to the onslaught. CHAPTER XX, A WRETCH’S END. For awhile the result of the conflict seemed to hang unon an even balance»; then it turned in favor of the Regulators, then in favor of the Rangers, ‘so that no one could have told how it would end. From their covert under the shadows of a clump cd eae Ed.th and Anita watched the sanguinary struggle. In the thickest of the fray was Dr. Rocheford, his head seeming to be encircied by a band of flashing steel, so skillfully did be handle his sword. His voice could easily be distinguished cherring on his men; but suddenly his voice became husbed, ard Little Texas, who had singled out the villain and was making his way toward him, saw him ride out from among the combatan!s and spur bis frantic charger towart the point where Anita and Edith were con- cealed. Not until the Regulator was upon them did the maidens notice his approach. Both uttered a ery and turned their horses’ heads to flee, but the Yrenchman was already upon them, and riding
Page 26
£6 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. alongside Anita, he leaned over in his stirrups and throwing his arms about her slender form, dragged her from her saddle. The villain believed that his movements were unobserved. so close was attention drawn to the battle; but he had gone but a lit- tle ways when he saw his implacable enemy, Little Texas, glide out from among the combatants and follow him. Th nb gana id race, but it was a short one. Rocheford, seeing he could not escape witb his captive on horseback, dismounted, and with the form of the half-fainting girl in his arms, at- tempted to dodge his pursuer among the trees and shrubbery; but, quick as a flash, the Boy Mustanger was off his horse and gliding, like a ferret, in and out among the shadows upon the track of the Regulator. The boy gained rapidly on his fue, and by the time they had gone twenty rods, Rocheford saw that he must either give up the girl and flee, or stop and fight. The latter seemed the most agreeable to him, since he believed that the boy’s friends were havin, all they could do, and that, alone and single-handed he would have no trouble in erushing the lite out of the troublesome youth. So stopping, he laid the now entirely unconscious form of Anita upon the ground and turned upon the pursuer. His pistols were emp- ty, his sword he had dropped when he seized the maiden. and his knife was the only weapon he had left; but this, in his powerful fist, he felt was suffici- ent to crush the puny boy now so completely at his mercy. Little Texas leaped forward. and with 2 dexterous ass of his sword struck the knifs from Rocheford’s nd and sent it flying ten feet away, and then, al- most with the same motion, he made a forward thrust and drove the point of his keen blade into the villain’s left breast, who fell back apparently dead. “The poor wretch,” said the boy hero; sadly, sor- rowfully; “he’s gone, and such a wicked, wickel soul. May the good Lord have merey upon him ” Then the lad clipped off some leafy bouzhs with his sword and covered the body of the Regnlator that it might not meet the eyes of the maijen when she re- covered from her swoon. This done, he turned to the girl and endeavored to bring h+r back to eon- sciousness, but after working with her for a tim? he found his efforts were unavailing—thit she was nearer dead than alive. Being unable to move her, and in doubts as to the result of the battle, the firing and fighting having ceased. the boy found himself inadilemma. He wasafraid to leave the girl until he could go for help, and yet something must b> done. Asif actuated by a sudden thought, he turn- ed and ran back toward the valley. Onthe way a groan arrested his attention, and stopping he looked into a clump of bushes where lay a wounded Mexican, with a bullet-hole through his left shoulder. Hewas oneof Don Rossevan’s men, who had crawled there from the battle-field. * Ah, Lit‘le Texas!’’ he groaned, “‘ the battle went ill with us.” “What! did the robbers whip?’ questioned the Young Mustanger, “Our friends were compelled to withdraw from the fleld—or they di7 withdra’>, when in truth we were victorious, and some of the enemy already flee- ing. Why it was, I know not,” *Porhaps the enemy received re-enforcements.” “T think not, Toxas; but they followed our friends.” “Thon the retreat of our friends must have been ane of Old Morality’s ideas to bag the enemy alto- gother. ‘*T hopa so? but, Texas, IT die of this wound.” “Let me see what I cando for you, Patro, though Thave not much time to tarry. Don Rossevan’s sis- ter lies near us in a swoon,” “Go, then, senor, and save the fair young lady. Tsholl die, anyhow.” “No, Patro, never; I cannot leave yon without helping you; but first I will run to Anita and try and earry her, then bind up your wounds, Don’t give up, Patro,” As he concluded he turned and ran back to where he had left the maiden; but to his surprise and hor- ror he f und she was gone, as was the body of Rocheford also. Upon examining the ground he found that he had been the victim of a foul decep- tion—that be had been deceived by the villain Roctie- ford, who was not only not dead, but so slightly wounded that he had been able to make off with the maiden. F With eyes swimming in a mist, he searched the ground for the villain’s tracks. He bad no trouble in finding them, and started off to follow the villain, when the promise he had made Patro suddenly oc- curred to his mind. baa he ran with all his speed back to where he had left the Mexican, and found him dying. Little Texas’s heart was touched with pity, and as the tears eee in his eyes, he knelt by the dying man, and, lifting his eyes toward heaven, murmur d a prayer—a true, sincere and beautiful Christian prayer; and as tne last words fell from _his lips. a voice behind him said ‘‘Amen;”’ and then f:om his concealment Oid Morality came with tears in his eyes. Taking the boy’s hand, he said: “IT know now the secret of your success, boy; you are a Christian; you trust in God.” “T recognize Him as the giver of all good,” re- sponded the Young Mustanger; “but, Morality, I must confess that I am in trouble.” ‘*What now, boy?" asked the old man. “ Jules Rocheford has carried Anita away.” “$5 Edith told me; she said you were aftr Roche- ford. and so I started to follow you up.” “Well, Lovertook the villain and slew him, as I supposed, for he bled profusely, and sunk down in all the apparent agonies of death. I covered his motionless form with some brush, then ran for help, for Anita lay unconscious—n _arer dead than alive. When I-returne1 both she and Rocheford were gone. He had deceived me by feigning death, and he did it well, or else I was very stupid.” * We can eatch them, can t we?” asked Morali'y. “We can try,” replied the youth, “and the sooner we start the better it will be.” Leaving the dead Patro they hurried back to where Rocheford had made his coup, and taking up the yillain’s trail they followed it and suddenly caught sight of the Frenchman’s head above a clump of bushes on the opposite hillside. He was looking into the valley in a doubtful, undecided way. “The infernal old frog-eater!’’ exclaimed Little Texas; “if I had my rifleyhere I’d drop him like a deer.” “Lot's keep an eve on him, boy, and mebbe we can find where he’s left the gal,” said Old Morality. “ Ah, see! there he goes up the valley, now!” “*So he does; now, boy, if you'll jist keep your eyes on him and see where he goes to, I'll slip over and search that hillside for the gal.” So saying the old ranger stole across the valley and cautiously ascended the hill, while Little Texas erept away pon the trail of the regulator. Rocheford walked rapidly along for some distanes, when he finally began to ascend a hill, upon the side of which our hero spied Don Rossevan’s calesn, There were no horses to it. Hard by stood the horse ridden by Black Boniface, and two other fine- lonking animals, all eaparisoned and ready for the rider, From the door of the calesa the sad face of Christie Miles looked hopelessly out into the dark, dreary wood, Black Boniface and his men were waiting the re- turn of those who had gone in pursuit of Edith and Anita, and they were surprised and rejoiced to see Rocheford approaching. The captain advanced and met the Frenchman. but what passed between the tivo Little Texas could not learn; but, certain it was that Rocheford scon mounted a horse and rode fown the-valley, takiog with him a handsome shawl and a Spanish blue silk bonnet that Anita wore at the | time of her capture at the Rvius.
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Gittie Texus, the Young Mustanger. 24 Rocheford rode rapidly down the valley. In a few minutes he reached the immediate vicinity in which he had left the unconscious Anita, and dismounting he led his norse up the hillside and hitched it to a tree. Then he advanced to the mouth of an artificial cavern, or “ dug-out,”’ that had been excavated years before by some hunter or trapper. In this cavern. whose entrance was con- ened from the valley by bushes and vines, R« che- ford had left Anita tied ta a pest or support, while he went in search cf assistance to bear Ler away. Over her unconsci us form be had thrown the long silken mantilla that was about her shoulders when he captured her; and as he strode into the place, he saw that everything was as he had lefvit; and stoop- ing he lifted the silken cover from the prostrate figure, but the figure rose with the cover. and when the latter was drawn aside, the face of Old Morality —not that of Anita—~was revealed to the outlaw’s astonished gaze. ‘“Uch-oh! ‘mornin’, doctor!’ exclaimed the old ranger, with a grin. Rocheford dropped the mantilla in an instant and attemp ed to draw a revolver, but the eye of the ranger was upon } im, and before the villain could even lift lis revolver trom his belt, a pistol flashed in his face, and he sunk down like an ox in the shambles. without a groan or struggle. Then from the darkness of the “cug-out ’? came Anita, and from the outside Little Texas appeared at the mouth of the “ dug-out.” “The thing worked, did it, Morality?” asked the boy. “Tike a charm; the jig’s up with Dr. Rocheford,” replied Morality. mite Anita’s heart was filled with joy when she learned that she was safe once more: but in the midst of her joy four horsemen were discovered coming up the valley. They proved to be Apache warriors retuning from the pursuit of our friends under Rossevan and Miles, and but for the horse left near the cave by Rocheford they would have passed by; but t'e animal did not eucere their eagle eyes, and in a moment they were on the alert. “ Trapped again, by Judas!” exclsimed Old Moral- ity; ‘“when in the thunder-rollin’ will we ever git out cf this accursed, demon-infested coun'ry?” “Well, we will have to abide our time,” replied Little Texas. And so they did; but the patient Indians remain- ed on the watch—never for 2a moment relaxing their vigils, CHAPTER XXI. aA BoGUS ‘‘KID.”’ Unprr cover of the first shadows Little Texas witb «ne 0° Rocheford’s revolvers crept frem the eavern to reconnoiter. He was gone but a few min- utes when the harsh twang of _a horn was heard. which all recognized as that of Boniface—who had come to see what wasdelaying Rocheford. He took in he situation at a glance. A few minutes later four or five horsemen came thundering up the de- file. passed by the cavern and then turned and came alleping back, This was repvated several times y the same horsemen, and Little Texas, who was concesled near where they passed, saw what they wer up to. It was to convey the idea, no doubt, that the valley was full of men. an} that resistance on the part of those in the dug-out would be mad- ness, Creeping back to the cavern the youth reported his discovery, a“ding: “T think six men will cover the entire strength of the enemy, and if we will act promptly and care- fully, I believe we can get away from he e with Anita by creeping out and hiding in the bushes, and then when they charge upon the cave we can slip away before they find out we're not in ther:.” “T ear soe no ether eourse,”’ said Old Morality. ; Shall queen it over the At this juncture a voice in the valley shouted: ‘**Hulloa there. in the cave!” “Let’s see what’s wanted, anyhow,” said Little Texas, and adv» ncing to the mouth of the cave he answered: ‘*What do ycu want out there?” ‘“Tmmediate surrender!” was the response. Old Morality and the Boy Mustanger laughed at the villain’s impudence. “We're not tuat kind of truck, Mr. Boniface,” the lad replied. “We'll starve you out unless you surrender, Already fifty men surround you.” “That's a lie,” said Little Texas to Morality. “What's your terms?” called out the old ranger. “Oh!” replied the Regulator, in a sneering tone, ‘that sounds more like it; I thought you’d weaken. But if you’ll send me that girl on Rocheford’s horse you shall go free and to the devil for all I care.” “Yes, we might go free, es far as he cares,” said Little Texas; *‘but bell take good care to let his bloodhounds loose on _us. But, Morality, his pro- position has suggested an idea te me, and I believe we can york him outof both Anita and Christie by conceding his terms. “What! by giving up the gal? Texas, that'll, be cowardly in us—I canmever consent to—” “ But look here. you don’t understand me.” "They went back into the “dug cut,” and telked with the girl and each other in low, hurried tones. There was some protest to the boy’s suddenly con- ceived plans; but finally the renger and maiden yielded, and going back to the mouth of the cavern he shouted: “Old Boniface, what assurance have we that you'll tr at_us as you promise, providing we surrender Miss Rossevan?” “You've my word, that’s all,” was the decided apswer. “ Black Boniface!” cried the sweet, quivering voice of the fair Anita, “it is because I love my ycung friend that J consent to go with you to save him.” “That’s noble and generous In ycu, girl,” replied Boniface, “ but I promise you kind treatment. You Ruins de Boniface, and I know you willlearn to love me fully as well as you do that little scapegrace, Little Texas.”’ At this juncture a ho:seman cane thundering up the valley, and the robber clief turning, screamed out: “Halt! who comes there?” “*A friend, captain!” was the reply of the horse- man, who recognized the villain’s voice; ‘“‘gads, I am glad 1 struck you!” ““What’s the matter?” demanded Boniface. “Oh, by the gads!” the Rangers and the followers of that Spaniard drew us into a trap to-day and whipped blazes out of us and—” “ Hush!’ interrupted Boniface, but his prisoners had heard every word, and a moment later the voice of Old Morality rung out: “Good! glory! friends are comin’! Come back Anita, come back quick, for friends are comin’!” As these words fell upon the robber’s ear he heard the tread of Lorse’s feet. and saw the dark outlines of Rocheford’s horse with the maiden apon it emeige into the valley; tien, in obedience to Mo- rali y’s order toccme back he saw the horse’s head turned; but quick as a flash, the Regu/atorspurr d alongside of t e horse, and leaning «ver, threw his arm about the form of the cloaked and bonnetea rider, and dragging her from the saddle and placing her befo e him, gall ped away. The captive uttered a little scream and s'ruggled to free her-elf. but her efforts were in vain, aud with a sob she swooned in the villain’s arms. Digging his heels into his animal's sides he urgi da iton at a cruel speed. Up the valley he fairiy flew, and soon he came to where the calesa stood, “ Stokely!’ he shouted to the man left to guard Christie, ** mount your horse and take that woman in your arms and let us ride! The Rangers | ave whipped our boys and are coming; but they shell not have these women if I have to kill them, for
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by paid dearly for them. Come, man, hurry up!” na few minutes Stokely was upon his horse with Chris ie in his arms, Then away they rode up the hill among the shadows. ““I'lt swear she’s heavy, Bonny,"’ said Stokely, as the half uncunscious form of his captive hung upon his arm. “Save her, Stokely, and she'll be yours,” replied Boniface, in hopes of encouraging his man; “this littl Spanish duck is not as light as a feather, for she’s fainted—wilted like 1 tender flower, too. Gods! what fools men are! what they will do—what sacri- fices they'll make, what dangers they'll risk for a fair woman—a pester face! These women have cost me two-score of men, I do believe—but here we are on the old Fort Concho trail with a smooth way and dense shalows. Nw let the bloodhounds of the Government and of Don Rossevan and old Miles fol- low us if they can. Ha! ha! ha! ye gods! I must have a kiss,” He dropped the rein. lifted the head of his captive, parted the borders of her bonn>t that had been crushed over her face and impyinted a kiss wnon the unconscious captive’s brow. He could not see her face so deep were the shadows. “That’s a delicious kiss, Stokely, even if it has been purchased with blood. But then we needed thinning out, Stokely; we were xe fine too numerous for health. If we can make New Mexic > inside of a week or so we'll not be li-ely to be found. Let’s s3e; we'll about make R:lay Sarony by midnight or son after; and think—in fact, I & 0 -—we will b? sa’e in taking a short rest there, get something to cat and fresh hors?s " It was a little past midnight when the relay was reached. A little old log-cabin a long low stablo and a few cattle-pens—all stuck in under ths brow of ahillalmost sutof sight—composed R»ay Sarony. All was dark and silent in and around the place, though the barking of dogs heralded the approac.1 of the two horsemen. Riding uy in front of the cabin Boniface shouted: “Ho, Relay Sarony!” There was a momentary silencs, then the doors opened and a sharp female voice shrieked: * Who ba you out there?” ‘It’s me, mother—Captain Bonny,”’ replied Boni- Fo “ Law-sakes alive, capting, have you fellers got around to last? Where's the ole’ man—I moan pap?” “H's coming: but there’s only two of us andearch of us has got a kid apiece and ve want to rest a little walle, get something to eat and some fresh horses to C) “Well, you know you kin havo ’em, capting, jist so free as warter; but what sorts 0’ kids ye got?’ * Girls, mother, two pretty girls.” “ Law-sakes, you naughty fellers; been into some- body’s cortile? That's jist like you, capting, alers up to sumthin’ mischievous, I'll take ’em darlinngs down,” said the old woman, advancing and liftiog Boniface’s erptive to the ground. Pandora Sarony took the silent, sobbing captives, one on each side, and conducted thea into the eabin, Bonif :ce following behin1. All was dark as Egypt in the room. but holding onto the virls, Pando- ra led them around the room unti! she had found, by feeling with her foot, a coup'e of stools upon whic she seated them, saying: “ There, now, darlings, just wait, and I'll light a candl»,” While the woman was searching for a candle and a match, Black Boniface took his position with his back azainst the door, and stood patting his booted foot and whistled softly to himself. An exclamation of satisfaction finally announced that Mother Sarony had found the candle. Then was heard the scratch of a match upon the wall. A tiny blue flame pierced the gloom. Boniface watch- Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Gate scoeueiia ed it in a sort of mental abstraction, and untilit had grown and changed in color and, applied to the wick, flooded the room with light. Then, holding the candle above her head, the old woman advanced to take a view of the captives. A scream burst from Pandora’s lips. Boniface uttered an oath, and a look of baffled rage settled upon his face, 3efore them with the blus bonnet of Anita Rosse- van thrown back upon his shoulders, and her lon silken mantilia lying on the floor at his feet, stoo Li‘tle Texas, with a revolver in each hand, and both covering the breast of Black Boniface! CUAPTER XXIL LITTLE TEXAS LETS HIMSELF LOOSE. “Fanps up, Bonny!’ demanded the intrepid Boy Lasso-thrower. the instant his eyes met those of the outlaw “hands up. or I'll fire!” Black Boniface attempted to draw his pistol, but the eye of the boy saw the movement, and then there was a flash a report, a groan, and the fall of a heavy body. Black Boniface had met his fate. Again had the young actor ix the drama turn:d up when least expected and least wanted. As Boniface went down, Texas turned to the old woman and exclaime 1: * Set that light on the table—quick! and be silent, or l’li shoot you, too!” Shivering with abject terror the old woman ob»yed. and then sunk cowering in the corner, Alarmed by the report of the revolver, Stokel hurried from the stable to see what was wrong. bullet went crashing through his brain as he entered the door; and then the worst was over and Christie had been rescue?. “Now, thank God, I guess we've rot a clear field, Christie,” the brave youth said, with some emotion, as he turned to his fair companion, whose brain was in a wild whirl of excitement and fear; for not until the familiar voices of the Boy Mustanger was heard did she know but that Anita Rossevan was her fel- low-captive; an‘ even then she was in doubt as she looked upon the slig t form of the youth in the silken robes and pretty bonnet of the Spanish mailen, C'asping the boy’s hend in both of hers, the grate- ful woman, with streaming eyes, called the bless- ings of Heaven upon the noble youth's head; ‘hen, pd sunk back into her chair, almost fainting, she said: “Tittle Texas, thisis a miracle.” “It was a narrow risk to run, that’s a fact, but if Old Morality comes out as well as I have, Anita is saf>, also” ‘But where is sister Edith, Texas?” “Oh, she’s safe and well; but I'll declare this beats all the nizhts I ever passed. Keep stiil there, old woman—quile down—” “Oh, the poor eapting is dead, dead!” she moaned, wrinzinz her bony hands. “Yes, and you ll be dead, dead+r if you don’t hold that clapper of yours still,” renlied the boy. Little Texas hastened to th: door. Hors men were com- inz down the road from the nort’. “ Christie, come!" cried the youth, “some one is coming!” T e maiden seized her hat and shawl and started toward th- door. Little Texas had alrea/ly passed out into the yard, and ash» was about to cross the threshold a hand seized her from behin1 and jerked her back. Then the heavy door was slammei shut and_ bolted. ‘Lam not as dead 1s I might be!” a voice hissed in her ear, and, lookin’ up, Christie beheld the liv- ing face of Black Boniface! The villain had only been wounded and stunned by the Boy Mustanger. A scream burst from the maiden’s lips. — Little Texas tried to force the door, but in vain. At this juncture the approaching horsemen drew rein be- fore the cabin, and the boy, standing in the shadow
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Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. £9 of the building, saw that one was a man, the other a woman are “Hullo. in there!’ shouted the man, and his voice sounded strangely familiar to the younz Mustanger. A moment p’ssed and then the call was repeated. Little Texas started from his covert and advanced toward the man. 3 4 “Tf am not mistaken,” he said, “itis Cap ain Lore »ynolds. * ahr, he vens!”’ burst from the man’s lips. “Oh, senor! It isthe Boy.Mustanger!” burst from the lips of the woman. | ; = To our hero’s i oie he found himself in the presence of Captain Reynolds and Arita. “‘What bas brought you here, Captain Reynolds?” the boy asked, : “We were forced to come this way to elude the enemy,” replied the captain; “‘ we wore cut off fr m the main column ant force’ into a narrow valley and compelled to fo‘low it. But what cabinis this?” “Relay Sarony—a robber station.” * An what are you doing here?” In a few words Little Texas narrated his acdven- ture wit" Boniface, and the final denoweme 1._ “You don’t tell me Black Boniface and Christie are in that cabin, do you?” exclaimed the captain. “Yes, captain; and God only knows what moment a horde of his friends may be upon us,” 2 Captain Reynolds leaped to the ground, and giv- ing the reins of his orse to Anita, advanced with Texas to the coor of the hut and listened. All was still within. Hs rapped upen the door. There was no response, An ax was leaning against the side of the building, and taking it up. Reynolds Ceslt the door a few sturdy blows It yielded ard burst in. The room was in darkness and silence. Little Texas called the name of Christie, but there was no an- swer, The titres 3 was deserted. \ “Captain, they have escaped I am afraid,” said Litile Texas, bitterly; “yes, here is a back wincow open. Oh, heavens!” “Hark!” commanded Reynolds. Ascream outside came tothcirears, The two rushed out into the yard just in time to see a man dash alongside the fair Anita, drag her from her horse and galiep away. “Oh, great heavens! nolds, leaping into his saddle; “come. Texas, mount Anita’s horse, and let us give pursuit.” In a minute both were mounted and in pursuit of the outlaw: but the chase lasted but for » few min- utes. The Revulator entered the dark woods and was lost from sight, and sick, almost at heart, the captain and Mustanger drew rein. Captain, we have both committed blunders that may cost us the lives of those girls,’ said the Boy fustanger, sadly. Yor Texas,” replied Reynolds, with the bitter- st agony. d ‘ “nu Captain, Tcan never face Colonel Miles again— never, unless Ican’ oto him with his daughter. I have no excuse for my blunder in lettin’ ole Boni- face defeat me as he did, for Doctor Rocheford played the samo trick on me but yestercay, and | sbould have been sure he was dead. No, I shall stay here and take the villain’s trail to-morrow.” «And I will stay with you, Texas; those girls must not be left to such a fate—but hark! More horse- men are coming u the valley ” The two sought the shel’er of the woods. A dozen horsemen rode up and halt d before the cabin. They were Regulators and Indians—no doubt from the bat le-field in the Double Mountrin. Some of them dismounted and entered the cabin. A light soon shone from the open door. Then high words, jntermingled with oaths and exclamations, came to the ears of the captain and Buy Mustanger. They had found the cabin deserted, and the body of Stoke- ly upon the floor. Finally one of the Regulvtors came out into the ard and placing a horn to bis lips, blew a sharp biast upon it. Searcely had the echoes died away nita is gone!” cried Rey- | ere the twang of another horn answere it from afar off among the hills; and then the Rerulators leaped into their saddles and dashed away in the direction whence the sound came, To them it was a well- known signal. “Captain,” said the Boy Mustanger, “they will pase near us—they are coming this way. That was Bonitace’s c2l]l among the hills—come, let us fall in and go with them; in their haste and in the dark- ness they will not discover our preserce,”’ Down past the two friends galloped th outlawsin a broken column at a breakneck speed; and turring their horses’ heads, Captain Reynolds and the Bo Mustanger wheele« into line ané galloped away wit re robber band who were guided by the peals from a horn, The peals became nearer ard louder each minute, and finally the quavering blast rose but = few rods before them. Then a voice cri: d out: “ Who comes there?’ It was the voice of Black Poni‘ace. Friends, captain,” responded one of the Regu- lators; “how bave you got along with your kids?” “‘ Bad, indeed,’ rerpond: d Boniface, with an oath; **did you not stop at the station?” “We did, and found Stokely there dead. What dors it mean?” * Little Texas was there when I arrived at the station, and he slew Stokely. but I outeeneraled him.” explaincd Boniface, though he took good eare not to confine himself to the truth concerning his adventure with the cg Bi Meg “T have the girls bere with me, and Mother Sarony, afraid of tha’ young fiend, came with me,” “Have you seen anything of Pap Sarony?” the old woman asked, in an eager, anxious tone. - “Tm sorry to tell you, mother. he was slain in a fight with the settlers and Rangers to-day,” answered one Chris Diebold. \ scream of agony burst from the old woman's lips, and in her sudden paroxysms of grief, she fell from her horse. dragging Christie Miles, who was reated beliind her, to the earth with her. Seating herself »pon the greund the old widow began a mournful lamenting ‘hat touched the hearts of Christie and Anita with pitv. Black Boniface dismounted. leaving Anita seated upon his horse, and going to the weeping woman en- ccavored to comfort her. But all wasin vain. The more he talked, the louder she moaned, Meznwhile, Little Texas and Captain Reynolds were silent listeners to ali that was said. The band had gathered around their chief, some dismounting and others keeping their saddles. “Captain,” said Texas Jeaning over in his stirrup ond Sanh ca to Reynolds, we've got to be a-spur- rin’ round or day‘ll be upon us. There those two girls are, within two rods of us. Shall we make a dash an | attempt to snatch them away? “Yous, I will take Anita and draw the attention of ‘he R gulators, and then you can come up and rescue Chrictie. If we get separated, and ¢on’t get shot, we wil! meet back at Ssrony’s cabin. Ah! listen to what Boniface is saying!” ‘T loft Little Texas and one of the Rangers at the cabin,” the outlaw was saying. “and if about a dozen of us would slip back there we might take them in, and avenge the dcath of poor Stokely. _ Every man present volunteered his services to go in search of the dreaded foes, but Boniface having learned, by bitter eapeieny that discretion was the better part of valor, detailed three Regulaters and five Apaches to go back, keeping about the same number with him. As the detachment mounted and turned to leave, Reynolds whisper-d: “Now, Texas, may Heaven help vs!” As he spoke, the captain rode out from under the tree, among the horsemen that were passing to and fro, and turned alongside of Anita, who sti!l sat upon Boniface’s horse, her head bowed in hopeless de- spair, Without even checking his horse, the daring
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80 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. young ranger threw his arm about the maiden’s waist, dragged her from the saddle, and then putting spur. galloped away. Anita uttered a scream of terror. But Captain Reynol is spoke one word and her fears had ended. lack Boniface, startled by th: maiden’s ery, ut- tered an oath, leaped into his saddle, and with a yell starred in hot pursuit. His men, acting unuer the impulse of the moment, joined in th; pursuit, yelling like flends, f In the excitement Christie and Mother Sarony w-re left alone. This left the fisld clear for Little T-xas, who, 'iding forward, called Cnristie’s name. With a glad ery of joy the maiden brok» from Mother Sirony’s grasp and ran to the Boy Mus- tanger’s side. for even in the moment of her fear and distress she recognized the voice of the darinz boy. In a few moments the lai had her seated on the horse behind him, and was galloping down the road; nor was he a m»ment too soon, for it occurr +d to Bonifac +, upon a sscon ! thought, that he was acting rashly, and he turned back. leaving his men to cou- tinue the case, But hs found Mother Sarony alone, and his fury know no boun Is waen h> learned from her that Little Texas hal escape1 with Christie. He blsw an ear-splittin 3 biast upon his horn, and in an- swer, a numer of his m1, red-skins and whire. cam? thunlering back, wild with excitement and crazed with confusion. A3 fast as thir hors» could travel, Little Texas and Christie Miles mads their way back along the dim, military road toward Relay Sarony, R>ynolds, however was not there; but he role under som? trees and waited, an1s on a bors+main came down th? roai anil paus2d before them, Is was the cap- tain and Anita, and having made their presencs known, the maidens and thir gallant rescuers conzratulated ea:h other upon their exploit ani esc ipe. But they had n> tims to tarry, for thoy wera far from safe. Horsemen were approiching from ths north at a fearful sp3e1, and so the fugitives moved on southward along the olitriil, But they had pr-:- sued this course but a short ways when ths thualer of hoofs was haart coming up b3for2 them, aad so they were compalled.to tura to the rightintoa nir- row mountain defile, not knowing whither it woud lea’ them. On down the narrow valley for more thin an hour the race continued, until finally ths bosom of a placid river burst. upon tha view of the fuzitives. It was tha Double Mountain For': of the Brazos River. Upon the banks of the stream the four soon drew rein, A ery of surpriss and disappointment burst from the lips of the two man. Ther> was no escanse, either up or down theriver. Bshinl then cams a score of Apicha saviges and white outlaws, while bofore them lay the murmuring river with its troasherous sands. “My God, Texas! what shall w2 do?’ exclaimed Roynolds, no longer abla to control his emotions. “We must ‘sink or swim,’” replied the boy; “it is our only alteraative—coms, I will leal1 the way. Kp your horse moving when you enter the water, for fear of the quicks nds.” The youth spurre1 bis horse forward and entered the river, closaly followed by Reynolds ani Anita, The horses swam a faw yirls and thenstrucka sand-bar, hidden under but a foot of water. “Havens, ba carefu'!"’ cried the Boy Mustanger. Thea horses bezan to flound=r violently in the sand and water, and in the attempt to turn them and get back into deen water, ths fuzitives saw that they had committed a fatal blunder. The animals sunt bs thoir knees in the quicksand and ceased to strug- gle. OHAPTER XXII. BONITAC™ CHEATED AGAIN. “Trrenps!” cried Captain Reynolds, “there is no hopa for us!” “Not unless we leap into the water and endeavor to swim ashore,” replied Little Texas; “‘and even then we dare not let our feet touch the sand. Ah! Legs The Indians and outlaws have discovered us, and— His words were cut short by the sound of a strange voice shouting: “Hold steady, strangers, for we're comin’ to yer rescue!’ All eyes turned in the direction from whence the sound came, and beheld a small bateau, with two occupants, a white man and an Indian, coming to- ward them. To Little Texas b th were strangers, yet their presence gave him hope. Both red-man and white were at the oars, and the prow of the bateau plowed the water with great rapidity, [na moment the craft ran alongside the sinking horses, and our four young 2 riends dropped from their animals’ backs into it; then the beat sped on, and soon disappeared from the enemy’s view around a bend in the river. Not a word was spoken until they had gone several rods, when the old man remarked: “You were in a sort of -efikilty, weren’t ye?” “‘We have been rescued from the at jaws of death,” replied Captain Reynolds, gratefully “Yes, yes,” replied the old man, “these Brazos sands are awful treacherous.” “Yes, and Texas Indians and Regulators are awful devilish,” alded Little Texas. “Then the Regulators were after ye, too?” ques- tionel ths old man. “Yes, with Black Boniface at their head.” “Horn of Joshua!’ burst from the stranger's lips; “do you mean to tell me Boniface is among that pack of yelli 1’ demons?” “T do, stranger,’’ Reynolds responded, The oll maa dropped his oars, rose to his feet and glancec back up the river. “T would give a little fortune to draw a bead on Black B niface,” said the old man; then he sat down and took up ths oars again. $ “Stranger, whom have we to thank for this res- cue?” ask2d Captain R>»ynolds. Ths old m2. made n9 response. but turning the beat her n it across th» river and into a little cove, where tho foli.ze of the trees hanging to the water, conceal>d them from view. Then laying down the oar3, the stran cer turn] and said: “Folks, my name is Kit Bandy.” “Kit Bandy?” exclaimed Raynolds; “Ihave heard ofhim. You are a detective.” “A kind 0’ butcher-knife sort of a detective,” he replie i, with a broad, comicalgrin; “ and this Injin is Rol Raven, my friend and guide. We're after Black Bonifacs.” “T wish to Gol you had him,” said the captain. “Tf we have tim» and hold our breath we'll rake that ‘cippy’ from taw, now mind what T tell you, We're no slouches "bout sich things, friends; but if T war a bettin’ man, I'd go a prize that boy is Little Texas.” “ You are right, Mr. Bandy,’ responded the youth. **Goo01—shake! T had an awful notion to hunt you up wheal set out after Black Boniface, but as the Raven here had a good reputation, I_took him. Folks, ye had any breakfast? Ain’t, eh? Well, we've got some cold mexts and b’scuits here—not very goo'l for angels, sich as you've got with ye, but it ‘Il keep off starva‘ion.” The oll detective brought out his supplies. and glad enouzh wers the maidens to partake of the coirse vianis. They were greatly refreshed in body and mind after they had eaten, and somsof the wonted spirit of Christie Miles and Anita Rossevan beean to return. The little band of fugitives remained there an hour or so longer, then Jande! and started southward throuvh the hills. Their way lay over a rough, bro- ken country, and their progress was slow and tecious, Old Kit Bandy and Red Raven broyght up therear keeping just in sight of their four friends; and they
Page 31
em aalo a Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 31 had journeyed some five or six miles when those in “And so you took Bonny in, Kit?” questioned Rey- advance were suddenly startled by the discharge of | nolds. firearms. a “Good Heavens!” exclaimed Reynolds. ‘‘ Bandy and Red Raven have been attacked!” ‘I am afraid so,” replied the Boy Mustanger, “but from the sound of the firing, I should think a regiment was engaged.” = ‘lhe firing lasted for several minutes, but before Texas and Reynolus had decided what was best for t.em to do, it ceased altogether. Then followed s veral minutes of dread suspense, which was fin- wily ended by the appearance of a number of horse- en, “ Hurrah !” burst from the lips of Captain Reynolds “weare saved! Those are my Texan Rangers.” And so they were. 4 few moments later the Rang- ers, accompanied by Don Rossevan and Colonel Israel Miles, drew rein before the fugitives. Then there rose on the morning air cries of Joy and shouts of victory thit were taken up by the echoes and | repeated in almost every valley of the Double Moun- ta:ns, Rejoiced, indeed, were Colonel Miles and Don Ros- sevan to meet their young friends; and while father and daughter, brother and sister, were recounting their adventures and tria!s, Little Texas and the captain paid their respects to the Rangers. Old Kit Bandy and Red Raven had suddenly disappeared, nor could the Rangers give any account of them. They had not ev.m seen them. They had come suddenly upon a score of Indians and outiaws and had attacked and defeated them with great slauch- ter. Boniface was seen among the enemy at the be- ginning of the ficht, but he had escaped. - Captain Reynolds ordered a search for Kit and the Tndian, but they could not be found, and after wait- ing nearly half a day for them in vain. the little band resumed its march southward. About sunset they reached the camp of the settlers near where Boni- face had deserted the calesa, 7 F 3 Evlith Clayton was there to receive her little sister, Curistie, and her y~ung friend Anita; and then and there was another joyous meeting. The night was spent there in the valley, and early the next morning the band took its line of march sonthward. The three women weregiven the calesa with Colonel Miles and Don Rossevan as companions. Little Texas recovered his horse, saddie and lasso, his sword and armor, and once more rode forth the free, happy young knicht of the prairie. Old Moral- ity was also there, the same lively ee old man. ‘The first night the party encamped in the very grove wherein Black Boniface had encamped the night before he reached the Double Mountain, and here they passed a. pleasant time, and bright and esrly the folowing morning they were astir. All were about ready to begin the day’s journey when the man on guard announced the approach of three horsemen. This delayed departure and threw every- body into excitement. In a few minutes the horsemen approached the grove. and drew up before the party. They were Old Kit Bandy, Red Raven and Black Boniface. The | last was a captive. : . Cheer after cheer rose upon the morning air, for Little Texas, Captain Reynolds and the maidens had told all who the old man and the red-skin was. THE END. “Yes, by the horn of old Joshua! the gentleman put his leonine head right into our trap, and we not only got him but a horse apiece to carry us overland to the post,” replied Bandy. ‘“Thank Heaven! our troubles from that scamp will be at an end.” said Colonel Miles; “I can see now that Seneca Lucas, Victor Ure and Black Boni- face resemble—in fact are one.” “ Oh, he’s an owdacious villain!” replied Kit,“‘and is wanted badly by parties at St. Louis. There's a price on his head.” Without further delay the parties took up their homeward march, and in the course of three days reached the Ruins de Rossevan. Here Kit Bandy, the old detective, rested a few days, then With Lis prisoner, and accompanied by Red Raven he set out for St. Louis. With the rescue of Christie Miles and Edith Clay- ton ended the first and last troubles of Colonel Israel Miles’s little colony in the Lone Star State; and with the capture of Black Boniface and the death of Jules Rocheford erded the power of the freebooters of the prairie in the valley of the San Saba and the Southwest. Moreover, the final conviction and death of Boniface removed all questionable obsta- cles from between Don Juan de Rossevan and Edith Clayton's love, and in the course of time that noblo Spanish exile and recluse, bad the supreme pleasure of leading Edith to the altar, and no truer and hap- pier pair ever joined hearts and affections. In the galiant young ranger, Captain Reynolds, Anita found a noble and chivalrous lover, a true oe and a faithful devoted companion for jife. Colonel Milvs’s colony grew and flourished, and although it had many trials, hardships and privations a contend with at first, it finally overcame them all. ; Old Morality ever remained in the employ and society of Don Rossevan. He had become as one of that gentleman’s family, and when the weight of years had bowed bis form and traced his brow with wri kles, Don Rossevan made light and pleasant for him the burden of life, while the fair anita. ever faithful to her religious duties, turned the old man’s fal‘ ering footsteps into that narrow way which leads into Erernal Light. Little Texas continued for some years in the wild, free life of a mustanger: but, in the meantime, he visited, regularly, the home of his first and only love Christie Miles. And as he grew older and mingled more and more in the fair girl's society, he began to realize that there was a broad gulf separating them in every way «xceptin love. He fully realized that “his social and intellectual culture was far below that of his promised bride—a difference which so often leads tothe lienation of the rffections. and to suffer- ing and misery. But instead of growing despondent and hopeless, the Jad’s spirit became aroused and with that resolute determination which had charac- terized all the acts of his boyhood days, he went to work to educate himself. In the school and college he labored, and never until he had gained that goal, and received the crown of all earthly} happiness, di he rest from his labors of love,
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