Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 146) (1886 10 27)
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4 LLLLLLLLL Lit Copyrighted, 1886, by Brantz awn Avaws, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter, Oct, 27, 1886. i Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams Vol. XII, a teak No. 98 wasn es, New York, , Five Gente. No, 146, CATTLE King . . . . . . . . AGAIN WINONA ENELT AT THE FEET OF THE OUTLAW,
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The Cattle King. The Cattle King; OR, CORTINA’S RIGHT BOWER. BY FRANK DUMONT, AUTHOR OF “WILD FIRE,” -‘‘ BRANDED HAND,” ‘‘ BLUE BLAZES,” ‘‘ EBONY DAN,” ETO., ETC., ETO. CHAPTER I. * A ORITICAL MOMENT. THE moon had just silvered the waters of the Rio Gants River and partially dispelled the shadows that a settled down upon the wild landscape A. furi- ous storm of wind and rain had raged for several hours, and after the calm that fol- lowed a deep gloom like a pall hung over land and water. The darkness continued until shortly after midnight, when the moon broke through the mass of clouds and bathed the scene with her silvery beams. A person stood upon the Mexican side of the river at a point midway between the Rio Pecos and San Pedro River. held the bridle of an impatient steed that pawed the soft earth, ever and anon snuffiing the air and uttering a low whinny. “You're acting very strange; what’s the matter? Danger?” The words were addressed to the horse by the young man, and as he peered across the river he seemed to find a reply to his question. “Youre right! Ill stake my life there’s danger ahead; I never knew you to be mistaken, old fellow.” Directly across the stream he saw a ‘dark moving mass that rapidly neared the waters of the river. He distinctly heard the sound of horses’ hoofs and the sub- dued hum of voices: As the moWing mass drew nearer to the water’s edge, the watcher upon the Mex- ican side of the river saw that the forward mass comprised cattle, followed by full a . Score of mounted men. ** Cattle-thieves!” he exclaimed; “ just returning from a successful raid and crossing back into Mexico. Villains! onee upon this side of the river they Imow they are safe from pursuit.” He led the horse into'a clump of tall “Inesquite bushes, and the animal obeying He | its master’s voice, knelt upon the earth and lay crouched like a huge dog. The young man sought his weapons and grasping them firmly, breathlessly await- ed the result of his discovery. From his place of concealment he obtained a good view of the river and point where he sur- mised the raiders would touch the Mexican shore. The rascals were driving the cattle into the shallow stream, and were even now midway across the river. The herd of cattle were urged forward by the mount- ed men detailed for that purpose, while the remainder rode about forty rods be- hind, acting as a barrier between the herd and any who might follow in pur- suit. Theirrifles reflected the palemoon- light and their loud callsand unnecessary noise plainly told that they expected no pursuit; and even if they did, the bound- ary line had been reached and the asylum offered by Mexican supremacy prevented the pursuers-from setting foot upon the ‘* sacred. soil.” While the’ cattle-thieyes are driving their spoils toward the Mexican shore, we will observe the young man hidden inthe tall bushes, for he is to play an important part in our story. His features are handsome, but bronzed by exposure. A dark mustache shades the upper lip and gives the owner quite a military appearance, This does not belie the young man, for Harry Powell is a son of Mars, though not clothed in the garb of a soldier, He is a lieutenant in the United States forces stationed at Fort Duncan on the American. side of the river At present his clothi: comprises a well-worn coat of dark ma- terial, with vest tomatch; buckskin pants and heayy top-boots give him quite a semi-civilized appearance. A huge som- brero finishes ie nicture, while a broad leather belt holds ne necessary weapons for safety while traveling over the roads in the ‘land of revolutions.” “ A few days previous to the opening of our story his horse—a most intelli¢ent and valuable animal—had been stolen from the vicinity of the fort. It is a well- known faet that the border is in a con+ tinual state of agitation. caused by the — incursions of marauding bands. Ses These scoundrels penetrate into thé border counties of Texas, drive large herds of horses and cattle across the Rio
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The Cattle King. Grande into Mexico and there dispose of the animals for good round sums, Al- though the animals are branded, it is next to impossible to recover them. Pursuit ends at the river, for the Mexican au- thorities will not allow armed Americans to follow the thieves into Mexico. Of course there is a very good reason for all this. The rascally Mexican alealdes are in league with the robbers and wink at their crimes and share in the plunder. It has been proven beyond a doubt that a Mexican Governor named Cortinas was the head and front of a robber crew, and waxed fat upon the proceeds of the cattle- thieves and gave them an asylum at his own ranch. Once in a great while a horse can be ransomed. Many valuable animals are thus stolen and an opportunity given to the owner to cross over and regain pos- session of the creature by paying down a good figure. It was for this reason that Harry Powell had discarded his uniform and donned one resembling a ranchero, Ob- taining a short leave of absence, he crossed the river, accompanied by a private of his command named Jacob Slaushorn, a stout German, eccentric and faithful in the ex- treme. Before starting upon the expedi- tion, Powell was given to understand that his horse would be found at a certain ranch near San Fernando, a small Mexi- can town. To his great joy he recovered his horse, and paid down the amount asked and started on his return trip. The rascally “‘Greaser ” who had received the amount hastily gathered a few cut-throats and started in pursuit of the American and his companion, intending to again possess the horse and rob the two adventurous men from Texas. Mid a howling storm that suddenly swept through that region, the banditti caught up to Powell and Jacob and after a short conflict, and aided by the gloom, Powell succeeded in eluding the guer- rillas. Jacob disappeared in the-chapar- ral, and when Harry finally reached the banks of the Rio Grande, his companion ~ was nowhere to be seen, and his pursuers had evidently abandoned the chase, The young American had just dis- mounted and wasseeking a suitable place to ford the river when his horse, acting ina strange manner, had caused him to seek an explanation, and to his astonish- ment he discovered the cattle-thieves on the opposite bank about to cross the river. From his secluded point of observation he noted the landing of the raiders and saw the herd driven by. The Mexicans were all armed and mounted upon fleet mustangs, Searcely had the rascals disappeared with their drove when another detach- ment touched the shore and fora moment halted upon the bank. Powell's eyes were riveted upon a cen- tral figure that seemed to bear a burden upon the pommel of his saddle. As the moonbeams fell upon their per- sons, Harry saw that the white mass was the figure of a woman held in the arms of the horseman and that the woman in question was either passive to her fate or insensible. The horseman was a tall, dark-featured man whose sombrero shaded his face in such a manner that Powell could not see the countenance distinctly, although the moon shone directly upon the group. As the cavalcade halted, the woman turned her features in such a manner that the hidden officer saw them quite plainly. Powell uttered an exclamation. It was the face of a young and beautiful girl. Golden hair swept down upon garments white as snow. Her pale countenance denoted anguish, and her eyes were turn- ed in an imploring manner toward the Texan shore. “By Jove! the rascals have abducted an American girl. She’s a prisoner in the hands of those Greasers,” said Powell between his clinched teeth. He placed his hand upon his horse to compel the steed to remain quiet, and again his revolver was grasped in a threat- ening manner. About a dozen of the marauders were still in the river, allowing their gers to drink, while the remainder were gath- ered near the person with the captive, evi- dently listening to the commands he was uttering. Suddenly the white-robed figure leaped from the saddle to the ground, and utter- ing one little scream broke away from the horsemen. On she came and Powell’s heart leaped as he saw the girl dashing directly to- ward the chaparral where he lay con- cealed.,
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A moment later and several Mexicans, springg from their saddles, started in pursuit. A tall ruffian had almost over- taken her, when Powell, darting from his hiding-place, met the fugitive. With a glad cry she rushed into hisarms and was clasped securely, while, with his right hand, he leveled his revolver at the ad- vancing desperadoes. ‘Back, you dogs, or I will stretch you dead at my feet! Look up, miss! You are safe for the present,” exclaimed Powell. Without a word of warning, a bearded ruffian discharged a pistol full at the head of the American. The bullet whistled close to his temple, but, before the scoundrel could again raise his arm, Powell’s revolver cracked and the yellow- skin pitched forward upon his face, elaine at the grass in his death-strug- gles. 7 CHAPTER II. “HEMMED IN.” Tue pistol-shot and the fall of the Mexi- can occurred almost instantaneously, and the mounted robbers sprung from their mustangs and hastened toward the spot. A score of scowling Greasers surround- ed the young American, who supported the girl with one arm and swept the circle of foes with the other hand grasping the polished weapon. The fate of their comrade caused the cowardly miscreants to hesitate, and the daring young officer held the cut-throats at bay for full five minutes ere one of their number moved. As the remainder of the group reached the spot, a wild yell broke from their lips, and a dozen weapons flashed. “Stand back, or I'll shoot the first that advances an inch toward me!” cried Powell. The beautiful girl crept closer to him, and her face turned toward her champion imploring his assistance. “Do not let them take me away,” she whispered. ‘‘Save me from that man!” and her glance of terror plainly told that the object of her special dread was ap- proaching. A tall, swarthy man, attired in Mexi- ean habiliments drew near the group. His appearance and swagger denoted that he was no ordinary personage. The Cattle King. A repulsive feature of this individual’s appearance was the left eye. The pupil was entirely white, as if the sight had been destroyed by some accident. The other orb gleamed like the eye of a wild beast in the gloomy jungle. His face was quite dark and a black mustache of wiry hair covered thin, cruel lips, exposing the gleaming teeth behind them. The awful eye gave an expression to the man’s features that was most diabolical— something of: the look of a hyena. Pow- ell knew by the manner in which the girl clung to him, shuddering and gasp- ing, that the man approaching was her most dreaded foe. In a moment he had thrust aside the Mexicans and stood before the young man and his charge. ‘‘ What's the meaning of this?” de- manded the new-comer in apeculiar grat- ing voice resembling the low warning of the rattlesnake about to strike. He turned his eyes full upon the young American as'he spoke. ‘Tt means that the young lady now in my care fled from these ruffians, and as she has implored my protection, I am bound to assist her even though I lose my life in the attempt. , owell’s attitude cowed the semig¢ircle of men before him, and his clear ringing voice pronounced every word distinetly. A jeering laugh escaped from the lips of the ferocious outlaw chief. ‘You are an American,” said he mock- ingly, ‘“‘and you constitute yourself the Capea of that young lady? Do you now the risk attending such an act? I wouldn't give that for your chance of liv- ing. ‘The Mexican snapped his fingers and then turning to his minions exclaimed: “You are a nice set of men to allow a single man to bluff you in this manner. Why do you stand there like a lot of j sticks? You are not fit to be members of the band; you are not fit to be under an Dealt betrayed Spanish he s er’s voice betrayed no i accent e thus haranguing, his followers, but, on the contrary, showed plainly that the man, although displaying Mexi- can garments, was a renegade from the States. Often had Powell heard the name of Lvil Eye, the most crafty and daring raider that ever infested the southwestern bor-
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der. He had often trailed the villain and his infamous gang to the Rio Grande, and longed to cross at the head of his de- tachment and give the raiders a taste of Yankee powder and bullets. The very name of Evil Kye was a ter- ror on the border, and his depredations were carried far into the western coun- ties of Texas. Immense losses were in- flicted upon the cattle-owners, and _ re- dress was beyond the reach of the unfor- tunate Texans. Often a pursuing party followed after the raiders, but beyond killing a few, or recovering part of the stolen stock, the pursuit ended at the river, while the rascals hurried over into the friendly arms of the alcalde or to the ranch of the robber governor, Often had the famous cattle-thief been described and his peculiar eye pictured by those who had met the renowned out- law. He had styled himself ‘‘ King of the Cattle Thieves,” and he certainly ruled the lawless band with despotic sway. “This is the infamous Evil Eye,” thought Powell, as he serutinized the man and observed the optic that had gained the sobriquet for its owner. It certainly was an evil-looking eye, and an eyil countenance acted as a setting to the “ gem.” **You are an American,” said the rob- ber, again turning to Powell, ‘ and you have interfered with my men. Hither one of these entitle you to aspeedy death. I never spare an erican!” he hissed. ‘Return that girl instantly, and prepare to die!” “Now, sir, hear me. I have under- taken to shield this lady from the scoun- drels who pursued her. She has come to me for protection, and she will have it. As for returning this poor girl into your hands, you ean take her, but not until you cross over my dead body.” With flashing eyes the young Ameri- can faced the villams, and the trembling girl clung closer to him, “Tet them kill me with you,” she whispered; ‘‘ better death than the fate in store for me. He has stolen me from home, and Heaven only knows the mis- erable life to which he would consi me. Kill me, but do not let them take me from you.” : Fear not, my poor littleone. I will not abandon you. We shall die here, if . The Cattle King. 5 needs be!” cried Harry, in the warmth of his excitement. The outlaw chief waved his hand to the mongrel crew at his back, and a yell arose that would have delighted a Co- manche Indian. ‘‘Down with him!” cried Evil Eye. “Do not harm the girl, but hack that dog of an American into small pieces. Out with your knives and slash him into rib- bons!” The ruffians sprung toward the young man and attempted to surround him, Powell’s finger rested upon the trigger of is revolver and the weapon cracked spitefully twice in quick succession, and a howl from two of the Mexicans told that the bullet had found a vital spot. The ruffians in return blazed away, in spite of Evil Eye’s orders, and seyeral bullets grazed the “bodies of the young couple. “Give me one of your weapons if you have one to spare,” cried the girl; ‘do not be afraid to trust me.” Harry placed the weapon in her hand and quickly produced another one from his belt. “*Quick; follow me!” he cried, and he aprune toward the clump of bushes, at the same time uttering a peculiar signal. His faithful steed bounded from the depths of the wild undergrowth. Then a loud ery of rage broke from the lips of the ruffians, for with wonderful agility Harry was in the saddle; the next mo- ment he had leaned forward, placed his arm about the girl’s waist and lifted her to the pommel of his saddle. Almost si- multaneously the intelligent brute wheel- ed suddenly around and dashed into the depths of the chaparral. A howl of excitement arose from the Mexicans as they saw the American make for the interior country, and at least a score of the thieves on fleet mustangs followed in pursuit led by the outlaw chief. : Powell passing the chaparral finally gained a tract of wild country where the trees afforded a friendly shelter. Pisougs this he made his way until at length he emerged into an open plain which he knew would be dangerous crossing. His steed now began to show signs of fatigue and the Mexicans were rapidl gaining upon him. Suddenly he rein in the horse, and uttered-a cry of aston- “5 £
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rat ishment. A wide and deep chasm yawned directly before him, and like a barrier prevented further movement in that di- rection. A wild yell told that the Mexi- cans were aware of the dangerous place and now regarded the capture of the fugi- tives as a foregone conclusion. CHAPTER III. THE VULTURES’ ROOST. “Wr are hemmed in!” eried Powell, ‘‘and our only chance of escape lies in turning and fighting our enemies.” On came the exultant ruffians, feeling that the American was now in their grasp. They discharged their weapons as they advanced upon the young couple, while Harry wheeled and faced the murderous gang. One swarthy bandit raised a rifle and drew a bead upon the young officer, but ere the Greaser,could discharge the wea- pon a sharp crack echoed close at hand, and a bullet went crashing into the brain of the mounted ruffian. Powell turned to ascertain who had fired the saving shot, | when the howling pack of Mexicans dashed upon him, and in spite of his des- perate struggles and the deadly execution of his revolver he was overpowered and secured. Powell could not suppress his admira- tion for the young girl. She had fought like an Amazon in the short conflict. Nerved by despair, she had defended her- self with the courage of a heroine. But it was an unequal struggle, and Evil Hye’s minions easily triumphed. The repulsive villain glared upon the prostrate young man, and once he raised | foot as if to plant his heel upon Powell’s face, but a grim smile played upon his evil countenance as he checked himself and then leered in a diabolical manner: “Tll save you for something more pleasing to the members of my band. I won't kill you outright, you dog. No, Pll kill you by inches.” - Powell made no reply, but correctly surmised that the villain contemplated in- flicting some horrible tortures upon him. One thing puzzled him greatly, and that was concerning the hidden marks- man. He wondered that the Mexicans had not sought for the lurking-place of the fatal rifleman. But all thoughts upon the subject were abruptly dispelled by the bandit’s orders, A The Cattle King. | the mountain retreat. “Bind the American upon one of the mustangs, and tie him fast, hand and foot. That’s right. Now mount and away to the Vultures’ Roost!” ee Powell was secured upon the back of a mustang very much after the manner of the famed Mazeppa. His captors were in high glee, and handled the prisoner in a brutal manner. ’ Evil Eye assisted the girl upon the mus- tang belonging to the dead Mexican, and then seated himself upon the back of his own steed. He gave the word of com- mand, and the cavaleade dashed away to- ward the low range of hills. Powell’s position was most excruciat- ing, but he pare up bravely, and did not allow a groan to escape from his lips dur- ing that long and painful journey. Evil Kye never once left the side of his fair captive, and his confederates rode in a hollow square, thus hemming in the ban- dit chief and his prisoners. The hours wore on until the horsemen. reached a wild, mountainous district. Huge bowlders and giant cactus plants arose upon all sides, and the surface bore evidence of the mighty volcanic erup- tions of bygone ages. Throughout certain portions of Mexico, Arizona, and New Mexico, are to be found the remains and traces of wonder- ful dwellings perched among the cliffs and precipices. Savans agree that a race prior to the Peons and Aztecs occupied these dwellings. They were built upon ledges, and were reached by means of ladders. Once the ladders were drawn up by the inhabitants it was impossible to reach these almost impregnable fortresses on the cliffs. : The race of people inhabiting these mountain cities long since passed away, but their wonderful dwellings still re- main, some in a good state of preserva- tion, while others have erufabled away into sightless masses of debris. It was toward one of these buildings upon the verge of a precipitous ledge that Evil Eye and his lawless crew made their way, and within its walls the cattle- thieves found a safe and secluded refuge. They had made great improvements in Instead of using ladders to reach the ledge, they had tun- neled into the base of the cliff, and thus formed a passage that led in winding tunnels upward into the walled inclosura
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Lb? The Cattle King. — RS above. This entrance was artfully coy- ered up, and it was only by careful search among the masses of mesquite and cactus that it could be discovered by hostile parties. i Evil Eye feared no attack, for he was hand in glove with the authorities, yet the wily scoundrel had provided for a breach of friendship by fortifying his re- treatin various ways, and undermining the cliff with underground exits. The bandits dismounted and one of their number led the animals into a large chamber and there fastened them. Pow- ell was released and allowed to stand erect, but his hands were secured. The entire party proceeded up the inclined passage and reached the open space of the walled inclosure. Two vicious-looking Mexicans led the girl toward a disman- tled adobe building and placed her in charge of a wrinkled Indian hag, while Powell was thrust into a small hut with aswarthy Greaser for a guard, while the bandit chief and his followers partook of refreshments, and became very hilarious. About a half-hour later the prisoner saw a gaudily dressed Mexican pause near the hut and place a small iron furnace upon the adobe pavement and ignite a fire within it. Then he thrust a small bar of iron into the coals and heated the metal to a bright red. Before Powell could divine the object “ this, Evil Kye strode to the hut, his fol- owers at his ok “ Arise! Your doom is sealed and the executioner 1s waiting,” said he, and a malicious chuckle escaped his lips. “Remember that IT have comrades who will avenge my death. Iam an Ameri- can officer and demand a soldier's death,” returned Powell. ‘*- You shall have the death we prepare for you cowardly American dogs. You're an officer, eh? Voil're one of the hounds that follow us whenever we choose to cross the Rio Grande to borrow a few head of Texas cattle? Ha! ha! ha! Glad to know it. Here, Sancho; heat the iron until ’tis almost melted! Tl fix you, my fine fellow. You interfered with me and my intended wife. Tl warrant that you'll aA aa ay be 8 fe with any one again,” cried Evi e. “Your inténded Tvife?” said Powell, with a look of contempt. ‘That fair __. girl your wife? The dove mate with the hawk? The lamb with the wolf? Mon ster, your crimes are known throughout the States. Your hands are red with the blood of your victims, but I implore you to spare that poor girl. Return her to her sorrowing parents. My life is in your hands. ‘Take it, but add not another crime to your blackened soul.” Evil Eye’s face was convulsed with rage. His fiendish eye fairly blazed in the light of the flames of the iron fur- nace, “Seize that red-hot iron!” he yelled to the grinning Mexican at hisside. ‘‘ Drag out that American! Burn out his eyes! Burn deep into the sockets! ’Tis the brand of Evil Hye!” CHAPTER IV. DON COSTA’S TREACHERY. Upon the right bank of a wide stream emptying into the west fork of the Nueces Riverjwas the large cattle ranch and plantation of Bryan Walters. Crockett county, im Texas, is a vast tract of territory, over which countless herds of cattle roam at large attended b the rancheros in the employ of their vari- ous owners. The herds are distinguished _ by the brands, and are thus identified when the annual count is taken of the animals. It is mostly to this and the adjoining county that the Mexican eattle-thieves confine their operations, running off immense numbers of steers and mustangs. Bryan Walters was a widower with an only child—a lovely maiden of scarcely nineteen summers, and the image of an angel mother whose memory Bryan Wal- ters cherished as a priceless legacy. He had fondly watched over his little girl, year after year, until she grew into are ding womanhood. His hopes were cen- tered in his darling, and Winona returned the affections of her father tenfold. _ The day before the opening of our story both father and daughter sat within the cosey little parlor, and opposite Bryan Walters was a remarkable penencee: He was remarkable because the cast of his features was such as would impress a beholder. This person was tall and dark- featured. His coarse, black hair fell upon hisshoulders in profusion. His lips were thin and almost hidden beneath the dark mustache growing upon the upper lip. The singular feature was the eyes, One
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The Cattle King. seemed restless and the other passive, giv- ing him an odd appearance. e was attired in dark velveteen gar- ments decorated with lace and a profu- sion of silver buttons. The manner of the person was extremely polite, and his accent betrayed Mexican origin. Such is a pen-picture of Manuel Costa, a Mexican silaasioe: said to be fabulously rich, who aspires to the hand of the beau- tiful Texan girl, Winona Walters. It was plain to be seen that the Ameri- can girl paid but little attention to the compliments bestowed upon her by the Mexican planter. Winona arose, and bowing to the Don, gracefully left the room, The Mexican drew nearer to the old entleman, and in a low voice addressed m: “Your daughter is a most charming erson. Ever since the day that I was ortunate enough to stop her runaway horse, and thus find an introduction to yourself and daughter, I have visited your home with pleasure. Ihave but one object in view, sir—I love your daughter and would make her my wife. You know that I am wealthy and have large estates in Mexico. Now, sir, I leave the case in your hands. I would like your consent, first, and I think I can gain Winona’s afterward.” “T think you will find that quite a hard task, Don, because Winona does not trouble herself with lovers or love matters. As for my consent I must be plain with you: Before trusting the hap- piness of my child in your hands it would be necessary for me to know more of you. You know, sir, that I have but your word for your antecedents and so- cial standing.” Bryan Walters’s voice was firm, but its tone was friendly and polite. The words “seemed to arouse the suitor, for his swarthy face changed to a sickly color, and his thin lips were pressed together in a nervous manner. “Do you doubt my word, sir?” he de- manded, after a momentary pause. “No, sir; do not mistake my mean- ing. It is the custom of our people to know more of an intended husband than hearsay. I love my child devotedly, and cannot trust her in the hands of a com- parative stranger, though he possessed the wealth of a universe,” Don Costa arose and glared upon the old gentlemen, who, however, bis Sah his visitor calmly, and then slowly pro- ceeded : : ‘You are aware, sir, that my child has not been consulted in the matter.” “‘ But a parent’s authority—” ‘Should be very cautiously exercised in matters concerning the heart and wel- fare of a child.” ‘*Then, sir, I am to understand that you refuse to aid me in my courtship by barr a parent’s authority?” ‘That is exactly what you are to un- derstand, Don Costa,” ‘replied Bryan Walters. ‘* And that is my answer also,” said a sweet voice close behind the Mexican and Winona glided into the room, and her white arm encircled the neck of her parent. ‘*T am mistress of my own heart, Don Costa,” said she sweetly, ‘‘and I think your suit should have been addressed to me; but, papa has answered you for me. I wish to retain your friendship, but to love you is something entirely out of the question.” The sprightly American girl spoke in pleasant tones, rather aprovingly, yet de- void of ill-feeling. The effect upon the Mexican was some- thing startling. His anger was ill con- cealed and his face betrayed the passion rankling in his heart. “ ‘*Very well; I accept the verdict,” he separa harshly; ‘‘ I have proved my- self a valuable friend to you, an Wal- ters, and you thus repay me. I have pre- vented the cattle-thieyes from depleting your stock, and this is my reward.” ‘Indeed, sir, I did not know that I had you to thank for the safety of my cattle ranch. I would be pleased to know how you prevent that scoundrel, Evil Hye, from invading my pee and running off my cattle? It is generally known that the bandit fears neither law nor the military, on the Mexican side, so how is it possible for you to hold him in check?” Don Costa’s face changed color and he cast a strange look upon the Texan. “Tt matters not to you, sir, what my influence amounts to on the Mexican side. Once that I cease to interpose be- tween your ranch and the followers of : Evil Eye, you will quickly feel the rava-
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a of that bold outlaw,” answered the exican, somewhat peony. “You must be on friendly terms with that scoundrel,” affirmed Walters, ‘‘ for he certainly respects no authority in the matter.” ‘As I said before, I will not reveal the secret of my power.” ‘Perhaps, Don, you are closely related to the person in question?” suggested Winona, and, as [must admit, I see a re- markable likeness in the principal features of your countenance. I have only the descriptions of the person and they tally with yours, with several exceptions,” “The repulsive eye, you mean,” re- turned Costa, with asneer; ‘‘ but, no mat- ter; I have proffered my friendship, and it has been refused. You will bitterly re- pent it—both of you. Remember that up to the present hour I have been a frienc to you, Bryan Walters.” The Mexican strode from the room haughtily, mounted a swift mustang, and dashed away from the spot at a full ore ‘““We have made an enemy of that man, and I fear that harm will befall us in some manner,” said Walters, as he ed after the disappearing horseman. inona reassured her father, and her ga conversation and laughter banished all apprehensions. sight came on apace, and the shadows lengthened. Bryan Walters had scarcely retired when a commotion at the door constrained him to rise and hastily attire himself. A scream from the lips of Winona caused a thrill of terror to sweep through his frame. He dashed into the room in time to see his lovely daughter in the hands of several Mexicans, who bore her screaming toward the lawn, A blow from a tall, swarthy villain laid the father senseless upon the floor, and the bandits dashed away with their beautiful prisoner. When Don Costa rode away from the home of Bryan Walters he proceeded to- ward the “Vekican frontier. He had robably journeyed a dozen miles when hs enadenty disappeared in a grove of native palms and cottonwoods. ; As he disappeared in the dense foliage, there came a body of horsemen follow- ing, the well-beaten trail leading from the cattle ranch to the river. Their gay cos- ‘times, lassoes at the saddle-bows, and lit- - The Cattle King. 9 tle, wiry mustangs proclaimed them at once to be Mexicans. The cavalcade paused a few moments near the grove, as if undecided. A shrill whistle sounded from the chaparral, anda horseman emerged from the shadow of the trees. The mounted group saluted the bandit chieftan as he rode among them and ad- dressed a few stout Mexicans who rode in advance of the cavalcade. After a brief conference the horsemen proceeded toward the ranch of Bryan ‘Walters. When near the house the troop dismounted, and crept forward like a group of Apaches. Within the house there reigned a death- like stillness. The Mexican bandit leader approached an open window and peered within, He started back with a low cry of satisfaction. Winona Walters was seated before a small table engaged in reading. Cat-like, the ruffian sprung into the room. A elie scream broke from Winona’s lips as she saw the dreaded form and features of Evil Hye, and re- called the words of Don Costa. A mo- ment later she was in the arms of the bandit and borne toward the open space before the house. Evil Eye’s ruffians swarmed into the house, beating down all who opposed them. Several minutes later the cattle- thieves and their captives were speeding toward the Rio Grande. CHAPTER V. A NEW ENEMY. AxovT ten days before the opening of our story an incident occurred at the military post on the Rio Grande, called Fort Duncan. As this incident becomes part of our story, and relates to the characters we have introduced, it will be well to ac- quaint the reader with the affair, and in- troduce a new personage. , The Fourth Cavalry caceeniee the post at the time mentioned, and among the non-commissioned officers was a dark- complexioned young man who had resided .for years in the _ border towns of Texas. He spoke Spanish fluently, and mingled to a great extent with the Mexican element. In facet, his comrades were accustomed to chaff him on the subject of a war
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with Mexico, and, in a laughing manner, ask him on which side he would array himself in case of a struggle, which then looked close at hand, owing to depreda- tions on the border. - Rafael Sanders merely smiled at these playful insinua- tions, and when the jokers went too far, or hinted at the cowardice of the Mexi- eans, his brow would grow dark and a strange light would come and go in his restless eyes. Sanders hated Harry Powell, and he could scarcely hide his dislike. The only reason he could possibly offer for his hatred was that the young officer beat him at every little game of chance, wherever the two young men sat down as op-| onents. ‘Sanders rejoiced to think that owell’s favorite horse had been stolen from the post and inwardly hoped the animal would not be recovered. He showed his displeasure plainly when it was rumored that Powell had obtained leave of absence and was soon to depart across the river to ransom his steed. “T hope he’ll feel the stiletto of some native,” muttered Sanders. ‘‘ How I hate him! Curse him; were it not for him I should be ina better position here. Every- body likes him, and that is why I hate him so bitterly.” The fellow slunk into an obscure corner of the inclosure and drank from a con- cealed flask. The aguardiente seemed to loosen the demon of hate within his breast, for when Powell passed by and cheerily greeted him, Sanders, with knit- ted brows, failed to return the salute, and turned away with a scowl upon his dark features. Toward sunset Powell strayed beyond the stockade and had almost reached a little cluster of trees on the banks of the small stream flowing into the broad river when the sound of an altercation reached his ears. Powell hastened toward the spot and the blood within his veins fairly boiled with indignation at the scene sud- denly presented to his view. An old man, respectably attired, was defending himself from the attack of a man in the military dress of the cavalry regiment stationed at the fort. One look. at the man and Powellrecognized Sanders who, in a semi-drunken fury, had raised asword to strike down the gray-haired person before him. The old gentleman was completely at the mercy of the armed The Cattle King. ‘bear you no love. assailant. The next moment Powell had leaped between the two, and with a stout cane dashed aside the sword in the hands of Rafael Sanders. ‘‘Shame on you, Sanders!” said the young man, in tones of reproach; ‘‘ shame on you to attack an unarmed man—and one with gray hair. I gave you credit for manly qualities, but I am sorry to see I have been mistaken in you.” “Stand aside, Harry Powell! Don’t ou interfere in my quarrel, or, as there is a heaven above us, you shall share the fate of the old fool who has been rash enough to provoke this quarrel,” and Sanders again raised his sword and ad- vanced, “Sanders, you are beyond yourself. Calm yourself and listen to reason. This old man is unarmed, and you are disgrac- ing your uniform by a cowardly attack. Stand back and lower your sword!” cried Powell. “Tlrun it through your heart if you oppose me, Harry Powell,” fairly hissed Sanders. ‘‘Let me here tell you that I I hate you, and if you dare to stand in my way I'll redden this blade with your heart’s blood. The quar- rel is between me and Bryan Walters, and he who interferes is a dead man to a cer- tainty.” ‘Will you listen to me?” demanded Powell, as he saw the furious man again advancing to attack the old gentleman with uwpraised sword. 3 “Out of my way, I tell you!” shouted Sanders, and the sword gleamed in the air, ready to descend. Powe stout stick and caught the blade upon it. One dexterous movement of the wrist and the sword was sent flying from the grasp of the assailant, and before Sanders coul roduece the concealed weapon that his nand sought, Powell dealt him a blow upon the head with the cane and Sanders fell to the sward senseless and bleeding from a slight wound. “‘T am sorry that I was compelled to strike him,” said Powell, ‘‘but I know the dangerous character of the man and aoe on the defensive, as you will tes- ye ‘““Young man, receive my heartfelt thanks for your timely interference. Had you not arrived, I fully believe the fellow would have murdered me, The only instantly threw forward his,
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The Cattle King. il reason I can give you for his cowardly attack is because I have refused him the door of my house. My name, sir, is Bryan Walters; I am the owner of a large cattle ranch on the Nueces River. Occasionally I visit the post to communi- cate with your ecidittianneke This fellow, Sanders, managed to gain my good will, several months ago, and I invited him to my house. My daughter Winona ex- pressed a dislike for the man, and upon examination here, and elsewhere, I found im to be a dangerous character to have even as a casual visitor to my home. I explained my views to him, and it seems that he was considerably angered. Iam a plain-spoken man, and I told him my reasons, or this he attacked me, and I firmly believe that I should have fallen a corpse, upon this spot, but for your ar- rival.” “T am pained to see that one of my comrades in arms should have so far for- otten himself as to lose respect for gray airs, and disgrace the uniform that he wears. I offer you an apology, sir, and will at once report to the commander of the post.” “Your name, sir?” asked Walters, ad- mirine the handsome officer, “Harry Powell.” The old gentleman extended his hand, which the young man grasped and wrung cordially. Walters mounted his horse and rode toward the military post, while Powell walked beside the horseman. Sanders lay perfectly quiet upon the earth until the two men had almost reached Fort Duncan. The villain then arose and wiped the blood from his fore- head. “That's the dearest blow you ever struck!” he muttered, glancing toward the now distant form. ‘‘ Beware of me, for I will run you to earth like a blood- hound. You are about to cross over into Mexico, after your horse, eh? Perhaps you'll meet some one over on that side that you little dream will be there to ex- tend a welcome to you and whoever ac- companies you on your journey.” For a while Sanders stood gazing to- ward the distant stockade which he saw indistinctly in the fast descending shadows of evening. He seemed ponder- ing and waiting for the night to cast her gloomy mantle upon the surrounding eet 2. > sir, Ses 4 / ON OS cae Eri ts sie landscape. Then he moved away like a phantom in the direction of the river, and once upon its bank he paused to search for an object among the rank bushes that grew closeto the water. It was a package, which he quickly opened, and from its folds he withdrew some garments which he placed close b while he removed his uniform. He attired himself in the garb he had selected and exchanged his cap for a dark som- brero. He cast the military uniform into the river and watched it float away. ‘‘Tll never want to see you again,” said he, ‘‘for when I again cross over into Texas it will not be asa servant of the United States, but perhaps as one of the followers of Evil Kye. Now, Harry Powell, look to yourself! You are no longer my superior officer. If we meet upon that side of the river we will bal- ance accounts, and you may be sure the odds will be in my favor. You are about to cross over upon Mexican soil, but Tll warrant youll never leave it again.” Then Sanders cautiously waded into the river and made his way toward the Mexican shore. Reaching the opposite bank, he gazed toward the American side, - shook his clinched tist in the direction of he fort, and disappeared in the chapar- ral, Bryan Walters returned to his ranch, after extending an invitation to Powell to call, should he be in the vicinity. Harry prepared himself for his tri into Mexico, and Jacob Slaushorn di likewise. Sanders did not make his appearance within the limits of the post when the rates were closed for the night, nor did the next morning bring any trace of the absentee. Toward evening a cavalry- man brought the discarded uniform of the missing man into the fort. He had discovered it floating down the river and had brought it ashore. It was rightful- ly surmised that Sanders had deserted, but none dreamed that he was the vil- lain that he was. CHAPTER VI. DOOMED TO A HORRIBLE FATE. ‘“‘Taxe that red-hot iron and burn deep into the sockets!” The words proceeded from the lips of the outlaw leader, and the Mexican who a: * PARE Se ee ee ee
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held the blood-red iron advanced to the prostrate form of the young American. Powell could feel the intense heat of the metal as the Mexican drew near, and he closed his eyes and shuddered; but, before the ill-looking bandit could opply the iron to the eyes of the helpless cap- tive, a piercing scream startled the up, and Winona darted forward and Bexhad aside the wretch with the awful object of torture. She placed herself above the youth, and with her hands covered his features. “Oh men! if you are men, stay the hand of that monster! Do not allow such a crime to be committed. It is hor- rible, horrible!” Her pale features were turned to the group, Dut she saw no signs of sympathy on the dark, scowling faces of the assem- bled bandits. Instead, their faces wore a a disappointed look—disappointed because they had anxiously awaited to see the American put to a death of tortures. Nothing was so horrible as to touch the hearts of these fiends. Winona’s words fell upon heedless ears, and only added to Evil Hye’s fury as he saw the execu- tioner dashed aside by the frail girl. - “Back to your prison!” he yelled to her, and you, Manedo, seize that iron and obey me.” “No! no!” screamed the fair girl, ‘burn into the flesh of my hands if you will, but he shall not be harmed. These hands will protect his face and eyes until your cruel iron has burned each muscle and fiber. Stand back, monster! Do not approach this helpless man with such orabs purposes |” The Mexican with the iron stood as if undecided in his actions. “Dog! dare you disobey me?” thun- dered the bandit chief, wits a struck the Mexican a blow that sent the fellow reel- ing to the earth and the hissing iron fell to the adobe pavement. Winona sprung forward and seized the handle of the instrument of torture and before Evil Eye could divine her inten- tions, or his minions prevent the act, she had flung it far above and over the walls toward the cliff and it fell into the glen far, far beneath the battlements of the Outlaws’ Roost. A hoarse cry of rage broke from Evil Eye’s lips as he saw the act, and he gnashed his teeth like a wild beast in impotent fury. The Cattle King. Winona sunk down upon her knees before the outlaw and raised her hands in supplication. ‘Spare him, sir! Do not inflict such tortures upon him. Surely you are not so cruel as you have been represented, and you will relent. I ask you upon my bended knees to spare his life.” ‘““Why do you beg for his life? Is it through motives of pity, or is it because you love this man?” There was something peculiar in the man’s tones and Evil Eye glared upon the little figure at his feet, as he spoke. “Tt is because I wish to spare all bloodshed. I have caused all the trouble; I am to blame for the miseries he has en- dured, and I wish to avoid injury or tor- ture to one who has befriended me !* She raised her tear-dimmed eyes toward the outlaw, and again implored his clem- ency. “Are you sure that you have not learned to love this American?” Evil Eye demanded. ‘*T cannot answer that question,” Wi- nona responded, tremulously. “Do you forget the attention paid you by my friend, Don Costa? He offered ou his hand and heart, and you spurned th. Do you remember your reply to him?” ‘‘Yes, because I could not love the Don. It would be wrong to deceive him.” ‘*TIndeed! You could have learned to love him if you had tried.” ‘“No! I could never love him!” Evil Eye’s face grew darker, if such a thing was possible. ‘Whether you love him or not,” said he, ‘‘ you shall mate with him. You shall be his bride. If you learn to love him, so much the better for yourself, will warn you in time that your tears and stubbornness will avail you naught. You will never leave this place except as the wife of Don Costa.” ; ‘“Why do you detain me for Don Costa? What is he to you?” cried Wi- nona, ‘“He is—well, it matters not to you at present. Don Costa is a friend whom I wish to favor. I know he loves you and will guard you well from the storms and boat se life. oo are to bos his wife.” 3 you spare the prisoner? said Winona, rising, and approaching Evil Eye. —— ee
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about to dor" The Cattle King. “Ah, I had forgotten him. I will spare him,” said the bandit. ‘Heaven bless you for this one noble act!” murmured Winona. “T said I would spare him—I spare him from the death I had prepared for him, but not from the torture I have just now decided to inflict upon him. Seize the American and bear him away in the » vault!” Kvil Eye’s command was obeyed with alacrity and several ruffians prevented nme from again reaching Powell’s side. The outlaw chief smiled hideously as he saw the result of his little piece of de- ceit. Several of his bandits bore the Seml-conscious girl toward the building from whence she had escaped, and the lieutenant of the outlaw band upbraided the hag for her want of vigilance and saw that Winona’s bands were fettered with a giken cord. The pions aie hee Into alow passageway and descended a flight of rough end: x _ They halted before a low doorway and inserting a large key into the ponderous lock one of the Mexicans opened the door and handed the key to Kvil Eye. The gloomy vault resembled a charnel-house. t was evidently the prison-keep of the Outlaw’s Roost, and in all probability the dungeon for the condemned members of the league, or for the unransomed wretches that were cast into its dark depths, never to come forth again. A blazing torch served to expose this vault, to the eyes of the helpless prisoner, and a shudder eat through his frame as he saw the moldering remains of mortality scattered upon the slimy flooring of the vault. “*Remove his coat and make bare his chest and arms,” said the outlaw chief in a low voice that sounded ghostly in that tomb-like apartment. Powell’s hands were loosened in order that his upper garments could be re- moved, The youth made no effort to re- sist, nor did he reply to the insulting re- marks of the outlaw chief. ‘ In a few moments Powell was stripped to the waist and his hands again secured. Then his feet were bound with a rope and he was laid upon the damp floor. “ Perha you wonder what I am said the bandit, with a leer, “and perhaps you would like to be enlightened upon the subject? By aid of the torch you can look around you and behold your tomb, for you will never again behold the light of day. Death by starvation would be a blessing to you compared to the fate in store for you. Even should you guess for years, you would be unable to divine my intentions. Tt will be a loathsome death—one that should strike terror to your soul, and one that will repay me for the trouble you have caused by your interference.” ‘‘Wiend and monster! Leave me to my fate. I do not fear any death you may have in store forme. I can meet my doom likea man. I will be amply avenged, and my comrades will demand blood for blood!” eried Powell. The outlaw gave vent to a mocking laugh, and turning to a Mexican at his side, he spoke a few hurried words to him. The Mexican departed from the vault but shortly returned with two small boxes which he placed in the hands of the rob- ber chieftain. ‘Tn these small boxes you will find the means of your death,” said Evil Kye, ‘‘a death that will be lingering and horrible. Leave the vault, men, ere I open these little cages. Stop! one of you hold the torch so I may see the stairway after raising the lids.” Powell glanced toward the boxes in question, and his brain was in a whirl to ascertain the contents of the mysterious little cages. Evil Hye noticed the look of inquiry resting upon the features of his prisoner. ‘“You wonder what it is that I have within these boxes? I will satisfy your curiosity. In one cage I have about a dozen deadly centipedes, whose poisonous touch is certain death, and such a death! The mind sickens at the very thought of it. In theremaining box I have the ven- omous tarantulas. _Can you now see the manner of death I have selected for you? I will allow these deadly insects to crawl - upon your bare bosom. One movement and you are a doomed man, Your yeins will be filled with the virusand your body will swell with the loathsome poison of the tarantulas. Allready! Look out forthe door and the torch.” Evil Eye emptied the repulsive insects beside the prostrate youth and hastened out of the vault and locked it. The hideous hairy spiders and centi-
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i4 - pedes crawled upon the helpless captive and crept nearer and nearer the bare bosom. CHAPTER VII. JACOB ENTERS THE ROBBERS’ DEN. Ir will be remembered that when the band of Mexicans dashed toward Powell, who then stood at bay upon the verge of the chasm, a concealed person discharged a weapon, killing one of the mounted bandits. In the confusion that followed Powell’s capture, the hidden marksman was lost sight of by Evil Eye and his band of ex- ultant cut-throats. The Mexicans bound the youth, and both he and the maiden he had sought to save from the cattle-thieves were con- veyed in the direction of the outlaws’ mountain rendezvous. It was then that the concealed person emerged from the interior of the decayed tree that stood be- yond amass of mesquite and wild cactus. He gazed after the cavalcade as he step- ed forth. and then strode toward the ead Mexican, who still lay with up- turned features upon the spot where the fatal bullet had stricken him to the earth. His comrades had departed, scarcely deigning to look upon the un- fortunate wretch, much less to bear away his corpse. The person approached the body and closely scrutinized it. “He vos ded—ded as a smoked her- rings,” said the person after an examina- tion. ‘‘ Vot a rascal-looking feller dot vos,” contemplating the features now dis- tinctly exposed to his gaze by the bright moonlight. **Yust so sure as my name vos Yacob Slaushorn I hit him mit de bullet right square in der bull’s-eye.” ~The stout German seemed evidently pleased at his handiwork, and a thrill of ride swept through him as he again ooked upon the dead bandit. “By jimminy crackers, I vos getting to be a sharpshooter. I recommember der time ven I couldn’t hit der side of a house, unt now I can hit a mans in der middle of der eyebrows. Dot’s von of dem cow-robbers! Dot’s one of dem fel- lers w’ot goes mit Evil Eye—dot snoozer mit a crooked eye! By himmel, dot make me mat to see dem fellers catch _ Harry Powell like dot; but vot kin one’ rer e. 2 = Ses ce, bad beaieaiaen, ak “wefan iieians ee oe The Cattle King. Dutchmans do against a whole crowd like dot? I vonder who it vas dot lady is? By himmel, dot gal got some plucks! She fights like dem vildeats dot I hear tell about! Now, v’ot is to be done yet? Me unt Harry Powell com’d over in dis country togedders, and it von’t do dot I go home to the fort separated mitdout him! I yust hided myself in dot tree ven dem crowdt come along, but I fixed one of the spitzboos, anyhow! Now I tell mineself just v’ot I will do: I vill be brave like a shackass unt follow der cow-thiefs and see if I can’t hellup Harry Powell unt dot nice littlegal too! Hereis a goot chance. I vill take dem clothes off dot robber unt dress me in dem; and by jim- miny I vill be a Mexican! Dot’s votI vill do.” Without further ceremony Jacob be- gan to remove the clothing from the dead Mexican and to transfer the garments to his own person. ‘Now den! I’m a Dutch Mexican!” admiring himself, “‘unt den next ting vot I do is ter follow on der track of der thiefs unt see if I kin hellup Mistor Powell unt der lady of dem troubles out.” Jacob really looked every inch a Mexi- can in his fantastic garb. His obesity was perhaps the only drawback, but he found no diffleulty in forcing his stout figure into the wide, loose garments of the dead man. He now started on the trail of the cat- tle-thieves. Hestill retained hisrifle, and after slinging the weapon across his shoul- der he commenced a dog-trot after the the bandit horsemen and their captives. ‘‘ By himmel!’} he eried, suddenly. ‘TI never tought of von t’ing yet v’ot is great importance! I can’t speak von vord of dot Mexican langvitch.” This discovery seemed to stun him for a few moments and he stood undecided whether to go forward or retrace his steps. “Dot's all right!” he exclaimed, as a brilliant idea seemed to suddenly dawn upon his mind. ‘I'm got Mexican clothes on and if I gets in a fix I vill talk Dutch to dem. Dey von’t know der diff’rens, onyhow; such fools vill tink I am anew kind of Mexican v’ot uses high-toned langvitch. So, dot’s all right, go "hed, Yacob Slaus- horn, unt you keep your mout’ open wnt your eyes wide shut, and you vos_all | |
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| i ee right! You vos alvays a schmard feller, unt I guess you can fool dem greasy Mex- icans so easy like eating limburger.” Jacob’s complimentary remarks to him- self restored his confidence, and he again ursued his way over the rough trail. ver hill and dale, through chaparral and over sandy plains the German fol- lowed the plain trail, until he finally reached the valley where Evil Eye and his followers had found an entrance in the base of the giant cliff that towered up like a barrier upon all sides, Far aboye could be seen the walls of the robbers’ retreat, built upon the plateau overlooking the glen. _ ‘By der great pipe of my gran’fadder !” ejaculated the German, as he gazed up- ward, “‘how der tuyvel did dem build a house up dere? Howcan dem get up dare mitout ladders? Dot’s only a vall, any- ways. How der tuyyel can I get in dot place?” His question a shrill whistle the wild glen, Jacob had but time to crouch down be- hind a mass of wild vines, when a form emerged from the tangled underbrush and vines and again gave vent to the signal. From his place of concealment the Ger- man could see the person distinctly, and to his great surprise he recognized Rafael ders. Jacob was on the point of rising and going forward to meet Sanders, when he again observed that the deserter was at- tired in the gay and picturesque costume of a Mexican guerrilla. “Dot beats der Dutch!” whispered Jacob. ‘‘ Dot feller is acquainted mit old Evil Eyes, I bet you. Dot’s der reason he deserted. I yust tought of somedings. Dot spitzboo is a bad fr’ent to Harry Powell, and if dem two young mans meet each odder, dere vill be troubles, and—” His remarks were interrupted by an incident that caused him to stare and gape as if he was awakening from a nightmare. The spot opposite Sanders had been un- dergoinge a transformation while Jacob was giving vent to his ideas. A huge rock in the base of the massive cliff was Swinging around, disclosing an aperture in the Sitherto solid mass of granite seemed to be answered by that startled the echoes of bowlders. - _ “Vell, dot does beat der Dutch!” The Cattl. King. 15 Jacob clapped his hand over his mouth for he hse blurted out his favorite ex- pression in a loud tone. Sanders walked toward the opening and disappeared in the entrance. Slowly the rock swung back into its place, mit the same silence reigned in the wild glen. ‘‘T vish somebodies vould kick me, yust tosee if I am sleeping, or if my eyes is yet vide avake,” said the German, gazing toward the spot in the cliff where he had seen Sanders enter by means of the revolving mass of rock. ‘‘I know vot I vill do,” said he, rising from the bushes, ‘“‘I vill go right away out dere unt vistle yust like he did, unt go right in. By himmel, I’m going into dot place ant dot seddles it.” Jacob walked boldly forward, and placing his fingers into, his pepecists mouth, blew a discordant whistle that rung from crag to crag. He waited a few moments and repeated the signal. To his great delight he saw the rock slowly revolve and he quickly glided to- ward it, In a few moments it had swung half- way around, and the yellow face of a whiskered Mexican peered through the opening. The bandit seemed somewhat surprised to see the person. who was seeking admit- tance. He scrutinized the German from head to foot. The features puzzled him, but the garb seemed to satisfy him, to a certain degree. pi ge vive ?” said the Mexican tiler. ‘Yaw, dot’s all right! Open der door!” replied Jacob. ** Caramba !” hissed the Mexican. ‘Yaw, cramberries; dot’s goot!” The Mexican evidently was puzzled, and began working the lever in order to close the aperture. But quick as a flash the German darted into the opening, and seizing the unsuspecting Mexican, drag- ged him out into the open air and dealt. - him a tremendous blow. The Greaser fell headlong to the earth, and his head striking a rock, he was ren- dered oblivious to everything. ‘‘Dot’s der kind of a man v’ot I am,” announced Jacob, with a smile of satisfac- tion. ‘‘ Ven I hits aman he can make w his mind dot it vos a mule v’ot eieken him!” Jacob now seized the inanimate body of the bandit, and taking the sash from tid
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. = Re lara - eee ee et ie : », 1 ié The Cattle King. about his waist, he secured the fellow’s hands. Having accomplished this he ed him into the deep underbrush. ‘“Now, Yacob, you can valk right in, aad as if dot house belonged to you. ow, den, be bold as_a shackhorse, and brave as a lion, and you will be right.” The German entered the opening, and finding the lever, he slowly closed the huge rock. The narrow passage was plunged into ae but he groped forward, scarcely owing in what direction to find the Sei ay entrance to the robbers’ strong- old on the cliff above. CHAPTER VIII. AN ALARMING DISCOVERY. WHEN Sanders entered the passageway he procecded upward by means of a windi | Sega of rough slabs and tim- bers. He spoke a few words to the guardian of the entrance, previous to mounting the stairway, and from that worthy he obtained a lantern that served to illumine the difficult ascent and aid him to pick his way over the uneven roadway. He toiled slowly upward and had barely emerged into a large circular chamber when the sound of many voices fell upon his ears. A moment later and the well known form of the cattle-thief 5 ag from an opening in the side of the rocky walls. Evil Hye extended his hand to the new-comer and both rascals greeted each other warmly. “‘T heard that you were here,” said Byil Eye, ‘‘ and I am pleased to have you among us. I have just returned from over the river and I feel highly elated over the plunder I’ve bagged.” “Glad to hear of it,” said Sanders. ‘‘T hope I will have a hand in the next ex- cursion. I’ve been here almost a day and a night awaiting your return. Thanks to our previous acquaintance and friendship, I was enabled to make my way here, gain admittance and make my- self at home until your return.” “Consider the Vultures’ Roost your home, and I am glad to add you to the Vultures of the Rio Grande as your countrymen call us.” “Not my countrymen!” said Sanders hotly. ‘‘ My mother was a Castilian and my father a native of Texas when that State was under Spanish rule and ere she was W from Mexico. I bear the Americans no love, I assure you. Ihave borne their ridicule for years, because my heart and rhe Sa were with Mexico. True, I entered the American army but it was because it afforded easy times, good pay, and allowed me to be near my countrymen. But I have turned my back upon the United States forever.” ‘Tm glad of it. But tell me, why do you come to me instead of making your way to some Mexican city and there min- gle with the gay population; why doyou prefer a life in the saddle and among the mountain retreats?” The robber chief glanced half-suspi- ciously at the new addition to his ranks. ‘“ Because I have an object in view,” declared Sanders. ‘‘ Were I to seek the cities I should be cheated of the revenge T contemplate. Joining your Vultures I will enjoy the wild, free, and reckless life that my heart yearns for. I will be near the object of my hatred, and sooner or later my vengeance will be satisfied.” ‘Who is the object of your enmity?” “An American stationed at Fort Dun- can—Harry Powell!” Evil Kye started; then a strange smile flitted across his hyena-like features. ‘Harry Powell? Then I haye news for you! The very man you seek is be- neath the rocky flooring of the next cay- ern—my prisoner!” Had a thunderbolt exploded at San- ders's feet he could not have leaped more wildly or his features exp greater astonishment. “What? Powell here—your prisoner?” he cried, fearing that he misunder- stood the bandit chief. “Yes, he is here, doomed to an awful death. Even now the horrible deyice employed for his destruction is at work, and he is perhaps a corpse.” ‘*Oh, the news is too good to be true,” Sanders exclaimed in a delirium of joy. “Gan I see him? Can I behold him with my own eyes, to know that my psn is eee. in your power and doomed to ie?’ I “Ts not my word sufficient? J hate the man, and cause I have for so do- ine, Itell-you he will never. see day- light again. He is bound hand and foot in a vault, cut out of the solid rock and prepared expressly as an execution cham-
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Se a eee ber. He lies there surrounded by centi- pedes and tarantulas, which are even now crawling upon his bare bosom—poi- soning the flesh at every puncture, send- ing the deadly virus into every vein. You know the effects of the sting of a tarantula? You know that the bite and very touch of the centipede is far more ane gitee than the scorpion; why then oubt that the man must die surrounded by such horrible insects?” _“Tdo not doubt it; I merely want to listen at the door of the yvault—listen to cries and then allow him to either look upon me or know that I am near. I wish to mock his groans of agony—to taunt him with my presence, and remind him of my oath of vengeance. I want to make his dying moments a perfect hell if I can.” The face of the scoundrel grew livid as he uttered the threat. “Never fear; he is enduring a world of torments, at the @resent moment. You may go and listen at the entrance if you choose, but I will not consent to open the door. Here, Manedo, show this gen- tleman to the prison vault of the Ameri- can. _ The Mexican attendant bowed and mo- tioned Sanders to follow, which Sanders did readily. Eyil Eye, followed by the remainder of his comrades, sought a large chamber where a blazing fire dispelled the chilly cavern atmosphere. While the cattle-thieves regaled them- selves with aguardiente and some /ri- Jjoles, Eivil Eye stepped into the small chamber set apart for his private use, and began to change hisattire. He robed him- self in a gorgeous suit of dark blue velvet, trimmed with silver lace, and a profu- sion of buttons composed of the same shining metal. He wrapped a brilliant scarf about his waist, and having perched &@ gaudy sombrero upon his head, was ready for inspection. “Now, then, to. visit my fair ori said he, ‘‘I will bandy no words with her. Why should I? hy should the King of the Cattle Thieves allow a wom- man to swerve him from his purpose? No! she shall be mine, and tears or en- treaties will avail her naught. My mind is made up and I will act quickly.” He passed out of the a ent into a passage leading toward the adobe build- . A iy i z 5 “ ie a “on Le a * Sete See oa Sneaeee pera SB ta. og at a Is a > ein Te — Sr ke z — ai! > ¥ = er : PeRO te Rea yt he, The Cattle King. ing upon the plaza of his mountain fort- ress. While the leader of the cattle-thieves is pursuing his way toward the prison hut of his beautiful prisoner, we will follow the footsteps of our German friend, Jacob Slaushorn. ‘ Muttering to himself, and cursing the intense gloom that pervaded the place, he slowly groped forward until he reached & spot in the side of the passage where sey* eral planks lay upon bowlders as if to revent incursions in that direction. acob had scarcely touched the planks when his foot slipped and he fell against the timber in such a manner that the planks were displaced, and both Jacob and the wooden barrier were hurled into a deep pit. He floundered about in the depths of this pit, having escaped with a few bruises. but no broken bones. “Wot afools lam! Dem boards vas: laced across dot places yust so dot no- odies vould fall in—unt I had to go yust like a fool.and fall mineself in. Dot's a yonder dot I don’t got my het broke unt. my backbones smashed. Vere der tuyvil am I? Dot’s so dark by dis place dot 1. can’t see my face right before my noses:. I must got out some kind of way, any how.” Suiting the words to the action, he commenced creeping forward. He noticed that, as he proceeded, the way inclined upward very much after the manner of a log ‘‘shoot.” Upward he toiled, grasping at projections, secur- ing a footing here and there, until he finaly paused, blowing like a steam en- gine. ‘‘ Mineg racious! v’ot.a kind for place is dot? I’ve been climbing up now for more asa half-hour, unt I can’t see vere I am going, yet. If I keep on climbing dis vay I vill get close by heaven or der sky, because it 1s up in his vay. Vell, I start again.” . Jacob once more began his arduous as- cent and thus endeavor to seek an outlet, He finally paused again, for a mass of won barred further progress in that direc- ion. “I’m dished again!” he growled; “‘af- ter all my climbing up, I can’t get out. T vonder if I couldn’t find a. mouse-hole some page vere I could creep in?” He felt around in all directions, Noth: . y ee ~% ae > bh ae Iq Sh ee Pay pee
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- ground, and then with the ol ing greeted the touch of his hands but the cold, damp rock directly in advance. Large irregular masses of stone inter- locked as if some upheaval had thus thrown the mass in wild confusion, yet presenting a formidable wall and barrier ashioned by the hands of nature. As Jacob was groping about near the base of this wall his hand came in con- tact with an object which he instinetive- ly grasped. It proved to be an imple- ment resembling a pick-ax or old-fashion- ed mattock. He was able to determine this much by the sense of touch and examination. This discovery prompted him to another one —for he felt in the pockets of the dead Mexican’s clothing, which he wore, and to his great joy he found several match- es and a coil of some material which roved to be a thin waxen taper or fuse. a a few moments he had struck a light, and the flame of the taper disclosed the strange spot where he now found himself, revealing the rugged barrier of dark granite. Even as he listened to the sputtering taper his ears suddenly caught the faint sound of a human voice—a subdued groan, coming apparently from beyond the rocky barrier. Once again the sound came distinctly to his listening ears; then he drew nearer to the wall, and ina low voice he called: *“Who’s in dot?” “Ts that you, Jacob?” came the faint reply. ‘*Help me or I’m a dead man. It's [—Harry Powell. I’m in this vault, bound hand and foot.” CHAPTER IX. OUT OF THE TOILS, JacoB almost sunk to the earth with astonishment at the call of the well- known voice. ‘* Ish dot you, lefftenant?” “Yes, Jacob; for the love of Heaven, aid me. I am surrounded by poisonous insects, and cannot defend myself,” came the reply from beyond the wall. ‘Hold on a minute, Mister Powell; don’t let dem bite you till I come inside, den I knock de’r brains out mit dis pick- axes v’at I got.” He placed the ta m the broken r coil u mattock he began dislodging the loosen- ed masses of the wall, © ' te * ss The Cattle King. One by one the pieces of granite gave way, at length dise osing an aperture suf- ficiently large to admit the German. Eagerly he seized the light, and crawl- ed through the opening into the vault, but started back with a low cry of hor- ror. His eyes fairly leaped from their sockets, as he viewed the spectacle re- vealed. Upon the floor lay the youn lieutenant, with bared bosom an he hands and feet firmly secured. But what caused the ‘exclamation of horror was the loathsome objects that ~ crawled about the body of the prostrate man, Large, hairy spiders—large as a man’s fisi—erawled about upon the helpless man. Then the repulsive centipedes glided here and there, seeking the bare flesh of the victim. The rays of the light interrupted the horrible insects, and they paused as if petrified. Their little green, fiery eyes flashed back the light of the candle. Jacob did not really know the danger- ous creatures he had to deal with, for he plucked the ugly spiders from the body of the young man and crushed the insects beneath his heels. Ere he began his wholesale extermina- tion of the deadly creatures, a violent blow upon the heavy door of the vault startled both men. Some one was trying the door and vainly endeavoring to force it open. “Someboddies is going to open dot door,” cried Jacob, in tones of alarm. “Unt you unt I vill be cotehed unt scooped in again. Holt on, I guess I got me a knife yet.” "Twas a fruitless search, however, for Jacob suddenly remembered that it was another man’s garments which now graced his form, consequently his knife was left with his cast-off clothing at the time of exchange. The noise at the door and- confused hum of voices warned him that a few moments yet remained to act or all would be lost. Jacob seized the ropes binding the limbs of the youth and tore at them wildly, until he cast the fragments upon the floor, and Powell stood erect, free from his ligatures. Not a moment too soon, for a key was inserted into the lock. “This vay; come!” cried Jacob, ex: | SULTAN feds <4 Gla eee oS 5 ped ak
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—_—. ia": = hOlUOUw.CUF Benet + —. " ee ee a ee ne ee ea re citedly, and he forced Powell into the | aperture and quickly followed the dis- appearing figure. ust as the German entered the open- ing in the wall, the door of the vault opened and Sanders, followed by a dozen fierce-looking: bandits, leaped into the cell. Sanders held the torch in such a manner that the entire chamber was revealed to hus gaze. The prisoner was gone! Sanders gave vent toan unearthly yell of fury. “Just as I thought!” he cried, vehe- mently. ** Evil Eye wouldn’t listen to me. told him I heard voices in the vault. See! the tarantulas are crushed and there is— Ha! what’s this?” The villain's eyes rested upon the broken wall and the passage forced by the German. ‘‘ That's it! Some one’s helped him to eoeee! Into at passage, boys! They escape, ‘ve got t i Pe after all» e’ve got them in a trap, With diabolical yells, the Mexicans dashed toward the aperture, and the fore- most ruffian had scarcely peered into the opening when a pistol cracked from the gloom beyond, and the bandit fell back- ward into the vault with astream of blood flowing upon his swarthy features. : Another howl from the group of ruf- fians rung through the vault, and ere the cry had ceased to echo, the form of Evil Eye leaped into the cell. Comprehending the situation, he ap- ared more like a wild beast than a uman being. His ery resembled the screech of the panther, and even his fol- lowers quailed before the towering pas- sion of their leader. “Why do you stand here?” he yelled. ‘* Follow upon the track of the American and bring him back, dead or alive.” It needed but the voice of their leader to instill courage into their hearts. The next moment they swarmed through the narrow opening, and followed upon the track of the fugitives. Sanders followed, with his torch, but pi Eye remained in the vault, peering u bandits, ever and anon risin the and pacing to and fro like an imprisoned tiger In its : _ He trod upon the tarantula, and erush- =. €d the creeping centipedes that had es- The Cattle King. gh the opening, and shouting after’ caped Jacob’s heels. He crushed them viciously for failing to perform the deadly work allotted to them. Suddenly he remembered that the fu- gitives might distance ‘the bandits, and reach the exit of the lower passages. He remembered the shoot, although it had never been called into use by his follow- ers. Evil Eye had explored every nook and corner of the old Aztec ruins, and he knew that the shoot led to the lower pas- sages. In a frenzied manner he bounded up the steps, out of the vault, and into the rocky corridor, signaling as he ran, until his banditti appeared and gathered around him. In a few hurried words Evil Eye ex- plained the situation to his followers, and the outlaw group dashed into various pas- sages, arming themselves hastily, and re- jomed their leader. The howling pack sped away after their chieftain down the winding roadway, echoing hisshouts, and doing all in their power to make the occa- sion a pandemonium of unearthly cries. The foremost ruffian brandished a torch, and led the way over the broken flight of long natural steps. Meanwhile, Jacob and Harry sped downward in their precipitate flight; only once did the German pause and that was to send a bullet into iis group he saw at the opening in the barrier. “Come along quick, lefftenant!” he cried. ‘‘ Jump down like a cat. Don’ mind if you broke your neck-—dot’s not- tings; better broke your neck as get once more a pris’ner by ee loafers.. Jump! Dot’s right—make right avay haste. I know vere I think ve can get out of dis tuyvil’s nest.” acob having extinguished his taper. leaped here and there in the gloom at a frightful rate of speed, while Powell kept close behind his guide, listening to his rapid instructions and totally guided by his voice, The sound of the pursuing bandits came from above and large stones dislodged by the pursuers came rattling down the shoot, fortunatel doing no harm to the fugitives, but a serving to accelerate their speed. ‘* Here ve are in der pit vere T first fell into. I knows der places by der planks. Now it ain’t high to climb ha she must try it. I vill yust strike a match und den blow it ovit quick. Look out now. Ven I strike der match look out mit your eyes
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for a t places to climb, and den, go for it ike a oe feller!” Jacob struck the match upon his cloth- ing and a momentary gleam disclosed the pit and both men hastily noted the only mode of emerging from the cavity. Again the place was plunged into pro- found gloom. Far up the shoot a red light arose and fell. It was the bandits coming down carefully, and shouting at every step. ; ‘Up ve go!” cried Jacob, and the next moment the German was clutching at the rocks and climbing up out of the pit. Powell reached the top first, and ex- tending his hand aided Jacob to the verge and landed him safe. *“Goot!” grunted Jacob; ‘‘I vas yust out of breethe, unt didn’t got a snootful of wind. Hello! Listen. By jiminy! dere’s a crowd coming down. from anud- der stairs! Quick; come dis way! I didn’t forgot der door yet.” Again the two men dashed forward, J re leading the way. He reached the door in the chff wall, and had just laid his hand upon the lever used to swing the mass of rock, when he gave vent to a low ery of astonishment, and he flung inselae upon the lever in a frenzied man- ner. Evil Eye and his group of bandits were just coming into view, and their torch disclosed the fugitives to the out- laws’ gaze! Slowly the rock swung around, and a dozen weapons cracked from the robber up, the leaden missiles spattering upon e moving rock close beside the escap- ing men. A moment later Powell glided through | the narrow opening, and Jacob squeezed through also. Evil Eye howled hike a ainesicied hyena, and dashed in a blind fury toward the spot. CHAPTER X. THE VULTURE LOSES HIS PREY. WINONA remained within the little adobe hut and gave vent to a flood of tears. The old Mexican crone sat in the low doorway, watching the fair captive from beneath her shaggy eyebrows. A form suddenly darkened the doorway, and motioned the old creature aside. Winona glanced up and beheld the per- sonage known as Don Costa. He was The Cattle King. ee attired in rich velveteen garments, and it was evident that he had made his toilet with great care. ) Before he could utter a word the young girl had bent a keen, searching glance upon the villain. ‘Don Costa, why doI find you here, in the outlaws’ stronghold? Are you in league with Evil Hye, or have you come here to mock me?” demanded the girl. “You judge me harshly—I am on friendly terms with Evil Eye, ’tis true, but I have not sought you to add to your sorrow. Nay, Miss Walters, I come to offer you liberty and a speedy return to your home. Then I ascertained that livil Eye and his followers had stolen you from your home, I became indignant and sought the powerful chieftain to ob- tain your release. I have visited your father also, and he is now anxious to recognize my efforts and acknowledge my friendship in its true light. I have ar- ranged to ransom you from the hands of Evil Eye. Everything is ready for your return home. I only wait your reply— for you ave to decide whether you remain here or depart.” ‘‘Am I to infer, sir, that you are to ransom me from this outlaw? “Tam to ransom you from the power of Evil Hye,” he responded, quickly, while a shade of anger crossed his dark face. “I do not know why the term outlaw should be applied to him, but we will not waste words over that matter. You hold the balance of power by speak- ing the words that give you freedom.” “What is it, sir, that I am expected to say in order to regain my liberty?” ‘Winona, I have previously spoken to you of my love, and you east it be- neath your feet. You were then safe under your own roof, without an atom of care or sorrow. The sceneis changed. You are in the hands of a powerful league who ruled this part of Mexico. You can not hope to evade their vigilance, much less expect to be rescued from this moun- tain stronghold.” He grew impatient as he noted the calm - expression resting upon Winona’s face. “Did you fully understand me?” he demanded, after a short pause. _ **T understood every word, Don Costa; and I have weighed their meaning, also. True, I am not now under my father’s roof. I have been torn from his side—
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{2 rhaps through your machinations. vat threatened a visitation from that fiend in human form, Evil Eye, and the blow fell. It is strange how you resem- ble that man. Your voice is almost the same. The features are those of that in- famous wretch. Ay, you resemble him all save the terrible eye.” ‘ ‘“‘ We are not speaking of Evil Eye, at present,” admonished the villain, hotly ; ‘we are speaking of the situation in which you now find yourself. Youhave not faghiod to my question. You evade it by comparing and noting my resem- blance to the mountain leader, but let that pass. "Winona Walters, I awain ten- der the love that would save you.” “ And I again reject it!” cried Winona impetuously. ‘You have worn the mask long enough. .You are hand in glove with the wretches that plunder and. kill the inhabitants of our frontier. If such is not the case, then why do you associ- ate with them? You offer me liberty in return for the love I can never give you. ’ Nay, Don Costa, since I know that you are responsible for the indignities which I have borne, I detest you. Speak not of love to me, sir! Do not profane that sacred word. Leave me, sir! Your mis- sion is a fruitless one. You can return to Evil Eye and tell him that the little Texas girl does not fear to remain a cap- tive surrounded by the dogs who follow at his beck and call.” ‘‘There is one in this retreat who even now is enduring the torments of a hun- dred deaths. 16 young American who ‘interfered in your behalf is in a gloomy yault, surrounded by tarantulas and cen- tipedes. You can well imagine the hor- rible fate he must endure. You know as well as I do the deadly effects of these in- sects—” “No more! Do not torture me with a description of his sufferings. Monster! you know that he is doomed to this death and yet you seem to gloat over it!” Her flashing eyes almost struck terror to the villain’s hardened soul, and he instinctively drew back, while she, like a young lioness, followed him up, denouncing the craven in the most bitter terms of reproach. ‘ ey in you wrong me!” whined the hypocrite; ‘I would save him also. You love this young American—” : “JT do—I do! I did not know it until The Cattle King. 21 now. With my soul I lovehim! He is so brave—so noble! If you can save him, do so, implore you! See, on my bend- ed knees I implore you to be merciful and spare him from the horrible fate you have described to me.” ‘**So you love him? You kneel to me in supplication to spare your American chav! Had he a hundred lives, I would kill him by inches, because you love him! You love him, and that in- ey his speedy death. Curse him—curse im!” The scoundrel ground his teeth with fury, and his face fairly turned blue with the tempestuous passion that her words had awakened in his black heart. But ere she could reply there came a hasty tramping of feet, and a second later a tall ranchero burst into the hut and breath- lessly exclaimed: ‘‘Senor, some one is in the vault with the American, for we can distinctly hear voices. We would have forced the door, only you gave strict orders not to tamper with it. Quick, senor! you have the ey and we may capture the intruder.” The arch villain, without a glance at the girl, turned and dashed from the hut, closely followed by the Mexican. ‘“Who is it that has found a way to en- ter that vault?” he growled, as he sped along. ‘‘Could it be Sanders? No! for I have the key, and the door is still lock- ed. A thousand fiends seize the whel that has interfered with my plans! His careass will feed the jackals in the glen. Haste there! We may be too late!” In a very short space of time he had joined the group gathered about the cell door, and in his blind haste he lost a few moments in fitting the huge iron key into the lock, then he flung open the door, When the two men rushed from the hut, Winona ran toward the door. She was alone! The old hag was not visible, . and the way was clear! She instantly passed out into the walled inclosure and darted into the shadow of another adobe building. Behind this hut she saw an oval opening in the wall and hastily entered. Down, down the tortuous passage she sped, with one thought uppermost in her mind, and that was to escape, and in some way guide a rescue-party to save her lover. Even as the scoundrel urged the Mexi-
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-Jeave you! young lieutenant, he had suddenly re- membered that he had decamped from the hut on the esplanade without leaving any one to look after his fair captive, and had hastily instructed a ferocious looking bandit to hasten tothe hut and guard the ‘maiden; but, before he caught sight of Jacob and Powell at the lever moving the rocky barrier, his emissary had re- turned in hot haste. ‘““Why do you return?” he shouted. “Did I not send you to guard the young girl—what do you mean by disobeying me?” “The girl is not in the hut—she has escaped !” ie eet CHAPTER XI. VILLAIN ARRAYED AGAINST VILLAIN, Ir will be remembered that Harry Powell and his faithful ally, Jacob Slaushorn, made a successful exit from the Vultures’ Roost and emerged into the tangled vegetation of the glen. They ran into the rank shrubbery beriding down low, dodging behind every bowlder and tree clump, until they were at a considerable distance from the secret entrance ere the bandits came into view. The Mexicans glanced in all directions, and a howl of disappointment arose from the group when they failed to see the fugitives. They knew full well that the two men had not had sufficient start. to escape from the glen, and consequently were lurking amid the dense foliage that arose on all sides. Ata signal the bandits separated, and armed with the stiletto and the inevitable lasso, the cut-throats plunged into the bushes, the hiding-place of their crafty foe. Powell and the German glided from bush to bush, until they had almost reached the outskirts of a belt of wild cac- tus and broad-leafed ferns. “*Jacob, we will have to separate,” said Harry, in an undertone, to his corpulent friend. ‘‘If we remain together we will be retaken. By separating, we will divide the bandits, and thus increase our chances.” “Yaw, dot ish ver’ goot, but I von't - No, sir! I stays right here mit you, and fights like ter tuyvel!” stoutly averred Jacob. “My good fellow, listen to me, You can, in their pursuit of Jacob and the 7 a mars Se a te ‘ The Cattle King. “a esca the fort. Tell the commander what you have discovered, and bring a rescue par- ty if you can. Go! or it will be too late.” But Jacob remained stubborn. “Tf I goes avay you vill be killed dead,” declared the honest fellow. “‘T will never leave the vicinity until T rescue that beautiful girl from the ban- dits’ hands. You can aid me to save her by doing as I ask you. The boys will come over or scout along the river’s bank, and thus aid me, should I sueceed in say- ing her and making a dash forthe Texas side. Wil you do as I ask you?” ‘“Yaw!” answered Jacob, reluctantly. “‘T vill do it, but I feel like a sneak to leave you here by dem yaller-faced tuy- vels. Ach! I didn’t see dot you didn’t had any coat on, and noddings but your bare arms unt chest. Here, take dis jack- et unt slip it on.” All the above conversation was held while the two men were dodging here and there amid the dense vegetation and foli- age. The yells of the pursuers sounded unpleasantly near as Jacob removed his Mexican jacket and gave it into the hands of the young officer. ‘“Now, goot-by, lefftenant,” said he, in a voice choking with emotion, and the two men separated. Jacob hurried away, while Powell crept into the tall weeds and began a retrogade Tiree: toward the abode of the ban- itti. A how! of satisfaction soon after arose from the outlaws. Powell arose and peered forth to ascertain the cause of the joyful shouts. He saw Jacob speeding away toward the outlet of the ate but almost at the same moment he beheld a Mexican whirl a lasso and the coil went whizzing through the air. The loop set- tled down on Jacob’s shoulders and the powerful bandit jerked on the lariat. Jacob was hurled backward and another outburst of yells greeted the clever piece of work done by the lasso-thrower. Pow- ell closed his eyes and uttered a quick ery of anguish. Jacob had risked life and liberty to befriend him and now he saw the poor fellow in the hands of the infamous cattle-thieves. Powell leaped to his feet, and, though unarmed, he had just sprung forward to assist his comrade when another series of if you can, and make your way to }
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cries caused him to halt and give vent to an expression of relief. Jacob, after falling to the earth, had severed the lasso with his sharp knife and was again in full flight, leaving the Mex- icans in his wake howling like a pack of Indian squaws. Powell watched both the pursued and the pursuers until they disappeared be- yond the huge rocks that acted as a por- tal to the glen. He had scarcely taken a dozen steps toward the cliff when the form of a female suddenly confronted She started back with a ery of alarm, but the next moment her eyes rested up- on Powell’s face, and, a second later, Winona was beside the young American. and his arm encircled her waist. ‘My darling!” he murmured. She started from him. “Pray excuse me,” said he, ‘ but I could not check the words that rose to my lips. Since our first meeting I have done nothing but think of you—dream of you—love you!” _His tongue would say it. She noticed his excited manner, and raised her finger im a warning motion. “Do not speak of loye now. Do you know that we are in terrible peril? I have escaped from that den, but I will be pursued. Even as we stand here, our enemies are gaining time.” ‘True, but speak one word of hope to me. I do not regret what I have under- gone if I have proven my worthiness of your love.” “T can truthfully speak the words you long to hear, because I do love you, Harry Powell. It is not a love that springs forth in aday. I saw you first at Fort Duncan when, in company with my father, I visited that military post. I then treated it as the romantic passion of a school-girl, for you had not even bow- ed to me then. Our next meeting was but a short time ago, when you nobly rescued me from the ruffians who had taken me from home. I love you be- cause you are noble and good and brave.”’ “And.I love you because you are worthy 6f any man’s affections—a noble little woman,” protested Harry, warmly, ood his lips touched hers in a sacred 88. ; But what a strange place and what a The Cattle King. 23 strange time for love-making, the reader will exclaim! Surrounded 4 foes, and in the very center of the robbers’ domain ; but love is ever the same, knowing no time nor place for its expression—all places are alike to it. For afew moments the young couple stood amid the wild vines, oblivious to the surroundings. Suddenly the vegetation swayed violently, and then a person dash- ed forward. Winona repressed the ery of fear that arose to her lips, as she beheld the coun- tenance of the man. It was Rafael Sanders! “So, so! The love-making is at an end,” sneered the renegade. “Proud to meet you, Miss Walters, and happy to meet you, also, Harry Powell!” As the villain spoke he presented a brace of revolvers at Powell’s head, at the same time uttering a fierce whoop. The dusky faces of Mexicans appeared amid the tall weeds, and in a trice the young couple were hemmed in by the circle of batidits. Powell felt the lithe form of her whom he had learned to love so devotedly, tremble and creep nearer to him for protection. It was madness to resistand endanger the life of the mai- den. The cattle-thieves would not hesi- tate a moment to destroy both. Powell was unarmed and could offer but a slight resistance to the brutal Mexi- cans who now surrounded him. ‘‘ Bind him!” commanded Sanders. ‘Tf he dares to resist shoot him down like a cur. Now, Mister Harry Powell, the tables are turned at last. e are on Mexican soil and I have you in my grasp, As for you, Winona Walters—you are in my care, and when you become mine I will cease to persecute you. Mine you are to be and no power shall take you from me.” A form aygroached. Like a bird of evil omen came the tall figure of the bandit leader. The King of the Thieves arrived upon the scene in time to hear the concluding words of Sanders. A con- temptuous e arose to the lips of the Mexican bandit and his unnatural eye seemed to reflect the blood-rays of the set- ting sun, but @ malignant lool rested up- on his swarthy features as he bent a pecu- liar glance upon the young couple. } “So, you thought to escape me, did you, my halt American? And you, Gees he sen era ee een
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The Cattle King. Winona—sought to leave the Vultures’ Roost? Ha! ha! ha!” Kvil Eye’s laughter sent a chill to the very soul of the beautiful girl. ‘Yes, captain, I captured them both,” interposed Sanders, in a triumphant tone. ~ “You can take the American and I will look after the young lady. | We two are old acquaintances, and I will see to her safety.” “You need not trouble yourself,” re- plied Evil Eye in a meaning manner. “The lady is to become my wife, and I'll look after her personally.” Sanders smothered the oath that arose -to his lips. CHAPTER XII. A HUMAN TOROH, SANDERS felt as if a knife had suddenly been thrust into his heart. He could searcely believe that his ears had heard aright. He had been raised to the high- est pinnacle of hope when first he beheld Winona Walters, for he felt’ certain he would have the lovely girl in his power. But his hopes were dashed by the words of the powerful outlaw. In the brief space that followed this ‘declaration Sanders allowed his imagina- ‘tion to run wild, and his thoughts and lans came rapidly as he stood regarding Evil Eye. “So he wants her! I have a rival in the person of this Mexican bandit! Am T to lose her? Shall I allow him to take her from me? No! Tllshow hima trick worth two of that, Tl bide my time and cheat him. If it comes to the worst Til kill him!” Sanders thus revolved his plans men- tally and he gritted his teeth as he con- cluded his meditation. Evil Eye scarcely noticed the deserter, but issued a few orders in Spanish to his wild followers. Several of them convey- ed Powell toward the base of the cliff. Evil Bye then placed Winona in the care of two of his most trusty men and she was also taken toward the Bandits’ Roost. The Mexican brigand and the new mem- ber of the League were thus left alone. ‘*Sanders,” said the bandit in a firm voice, ‘‘if you ever had any idea of mak- ing that girl yours you had better banish _ the thought at once. I have set my heart upon making her my wife, in order to gain the large estate and cattle ranch owned by her father. I don’t propose to have you stand in my way. My word is law here; and remember, you are ex- pected to obey. Dare to cross me in my purpose and Ill retaliate without a mo- ment’s hesitation. You fully understand the situation; do you not?” “T understand, captain! Ihad no idea that you held a prior claim, and I with- draw mine. I would not stand in your way for a moment.” The wretch fairly quivered with rage as he spoke but he artfully masked his chagrin and betrayed no sign of the in- tense hate that rankled in his heart. “This is my reward,” he said to him- self, ‘‘this is my recompense for aiding him in the raids, and giving him valua- ble information, and often delaying my detachment in order to give him time to reach the Rio Grande. This is my re- ward for deserting to this side! him; I'll bide my time and repay him for his threats and insult.” Evil Eye turned upon his heel and walked slowly toward the secret entrance at the foot of thecliff. Sanders followed very much like a whipped cur. He muttered to himself as he walked along, and once or twice his hand rested upon the hilt of his dagger as if he was about to leap upon the unsuspecting villain and dispatch him. At the foot of the cliff we Hye paused and again faced San- ers. ‘* After seeing to the safety of my pris- oners I will leave the Roost for a short time. I must attend to the division of the cattle brought over from Texas on our last excursion. If I am not pres- ent I am sure that Cortinas will try to chisel me out of a big share of the plunder. It’s dog eat dog with men in our line of business and I attend to this rc to in person, The cattle are upon is lands by this time. I will send you in command of the expedition that leaves to-night for the Texas side of the river, Several scouts have returned and bring information of herds easily off. You will command the detachment detailed for that purpose.” Sanders listened attentively tothe Mex- ican, and finally replied: 4 “Captain, ie not allow me to guard the prisoners? I hate the American, and want to see him die a death of tortures,
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The Cattle King. 25 Grant me one wish, let it be my hand | rancheros, lay upon a mass of blankets, that will inflict the death-blow upon | unable to move hand or foot. Mf » was the wretch doomed to a bit- pointment, for Evil Eye shook his head, and cut short the deserter’s ap- by saying in an impatient manner: Pee. is iicoenible; no hand but mine will send the American out of this world. I have reserved him to gratify a personal revenge. He loves the girl, and she loves him in return. She shall witness how I dispose of a hated rival, and then, willingly or Shee she becomes the bride of the King of the Cattle Thieves.” The bandit’s words eat into the very soul of the craven, who longed to vent his hatred upon the young lieutenant. He had not dreamed that Evil Eye would re- fuse him the office of executioner, and the Mexican’s reply burned into his heart as if the words were of the deadliest venom. *“‘He. even refuses me the pleasure of destroying my sworn enemy. This is ungratefulness indeed,” he said mentally, “but Pll be even with him.” Then he exclaimed aloud: ‘‘ When do I start out on the expedition across the Rio Grande?” ‘Tn less than an hour. The men will be ready by the time the sun has disap- peared beyond those hills. Prepare your- self for the raid. Remember you share one-half of the profits enone you and your men. Follow me, and I will give ou further instructions and describe the ocality you are to visit.” Evil Eye passed into the aperture in the base of the mountain of granite, closely followed by Sanders. = They ascended the winding passage un- til they reached the plaza on the level surface of the cliff. ; The Mexican outlaw led the way into one of the huts built within the inclosure and seated himself upon a saddle. He drew forth a small map and explained the ‘‘lay of the land” to the ruffian seat- ed before him. While the two villains are thus occu- pied we will follow our hero and his fair companion whom we last saw in the care of Evil Eye’s Mexicans. Leaving the two rascals, both distrustful of one another, both cordially hating each other, to their him. coat ter _ plans for a raid into the border counties, will glance within a small roc 5 iaoaber below the surface of the cliff. Powell, ‘guarded by several scowlin~ wae ‘Winona occupied another corner of the gloomy apartment, but the bandits had not secured her hands. A small table stood in the center of the room, and an oil lamp cast a sickly glare upon the oe- cupants and their keepers. As the out- law chief had given no instruction re- garding the fate of the young couple, the exicans merely placed them in the strong room, guarding the only doorand waiting the coming of their master. They never once relaxed their vigilance and they prevented the young people from holding conversation with one another. But their eyes conveyed the intelligence that words would haye done had they been permitted to speak. Winona read the language of love expressed in the gaze of her lover, and he in turn under- stood every glance of her beautiful eyes. A heavy footfall aroused them from this semi-reverie. The forbidding countenance of the out- law chief appeared in the narrow door- way, and he slowly approached his _pris- oner. ‘““When I secured you in the vault, and left you to the tarantulas, I thought that no power could save you from the doom in store for you, but it seems that, aided by an outside accomplice, you baffled me, and my plan was thwarted. You sought to escape, but failed. You are in the meshes, and I will not trust to f any one the fate I have marked out for ou. No! I will attend toit personally, pare for the most excruciating tor- ments that Ee can picture to yourself, for such will be your doom!” Winona arose and quid approached the outlaw. She cast herself at ans feet, and while the tears streamed down upon her cheeks, she prayed for the life of the man who had won her heart’s first and only love. ““Kneel not to that monster!” eried Powell. ‘‘ Arise, Winona; plead not for me. Let him do his worst, ond then let him beware of the day of reckoning!” Evil Kye glared upon the young man, and turned to the pleading maiden, “‘Cease your prayers for mercy. He dies! Every word and action reveals the love you bear him, and only inflames my anger a thousand-fold. You love this man, and I hate him for it, Much asI oe He ee
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eR HN cae me ; Mey? he 7 ee fine aT ths tea Me At Se - Spanish. Two of t: The Cattle King. love gold, no amount could induce me to forego my vengeance—and such a ven- geance!” The bandit chuckled as he uttered the word, and in an abstracted manner he re- moved the pistols from his belt and plac- ed them upon the table, then, as he tight- ened the broad, leather belt, he con- tinued: ‘‘T have spared him from the fury of Rafael Sanders, who begged me to be al- lowed a chance to retaliate for former in- juries received at the hands of yonder ‘American; but I could not rob myself of the infinite pleasure of destroying him personally.” ‘““Wretch! cease your bombastic talk. IT can die but once. I have the extreme pleasure of knowing that I have made several vacancies in your robber league, and that is some consolation, at any rate. I can die much easier, knowing this,” said Powell, in a taunting manner. While he was thus occupying the ban- dit’s attention, Winona drew nearer to the'table, and in one quick movement she had secured the brace of pistols and con- cealed them within the folds of her dress. The movement escaped the lynx-eyed Mexicans at the door, and Evil Eye was in such a fit of blind fury that he failed to notice the absence of his weapons, nor did he even miss them from his belt. The words of the youth made him oblivious to aught else but his rabid desire for speedy ve ce. He turned to the low-browed ruffians at the door, and — a*few words in eae = e a for- We and roughiy gras the young man and bore him toward the at “Take him to the verge of the cliff. Call all the members of the league. Ill treat them to the greatest sight they have ever witnessed. You can follow and be- hold the awful fate of your lover,” said he, turning to Winona. The maiden clasped the weapons in a firm hand and followed after the group. Once upon the plateau the entire Ziel passed out upon the ledge beyond the walls A heavy upright beam stood upon the verge of the cliff. The lower end was imbedded in the bowlders- and gravel forming the surface of the elevated mass of rock. the meaning of this,” remarked Evil Hye, pointing to the beam. ‘‘In the days of the Roman emperor, Nero, the early Christians were tied to the upper part of a tall post, and then, surround by inflammable matter, a torch was ap- plied and the victim burned while thus secured. Nero called them his human torches, and they served to light his gar- dens. I will also have a human torch to serve as a signal from this cliff. Bind the American to the post and bring forth a torch, and combustible matter, I will revive the sports of Nero!” Again Winona knelt at the feet of the outlaw. CHAPTER XIII. THE LAST SWOOP OF THE VULTURES. WHEN Bryan Walters revived from the blow dealt him by the brutal Mexican outlaw, he summoned the frightened attaches of his ranch, and mounting the only horse which the raiders had over- looked, he rode toward ort Dunean. The bandits had over an hour’s start, and the grief-stricken father urged ihe steed post-haste to the military barracks to re- port the dastardly outrage. When he reached the fort he found the commander of the post in a high state of excitement, and the cavalry company preparing for a reconnoiter in the vicin- ity. Scouts had brought news of an ex- citing nature; several had seen a detach- ment of Mexicans cross the river and en- ter Texan territory. The officer in com- mand of the fort felt uneasy regardin; the fate of the young lieutenant who fot ventured into the interior of Chihuahua. He greeted Bryan Walters kindly and listened to the details of the pp and abduction. A frown settled upon his bronzed fea- tures, and he brought. his clinched fist down upon the camp-table in an em- phatic manner. “Tf the Government will only allow me to cross the river in pursuit of these brigands, I'll warrant they won’t repeat their raid in a hurry. That is just what makes them so bold. They know that we can’t violate their territory by pursu- ing them on Mexican soil. Our Goyern- oe “Perhaps it will be better to erulabs sof us ment is too squeamish about the matter; L these dastardly Greasers fully believe xt we Americans are afraid of them} _ . > % ogi on 4 *] a
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a . The Cattle King. how General Scott whipped them; they don’t believe it was a defeat. Heaven help them if ever war is declared between that infernal land and the States!) The - Texans have suffered so much that I fully fi believe the Lone Star State would furnish all the volunteers for such a war.” Bryan Walters coincided with the offi- cer, and then mentioned Don Costa’s share in the outrage. “T can searcely believe it,” responded the officer. ‘‘I have met him here fre- uently, and he was so polite and so gen- emanly that I rather liked him. Now that you mention it, I do see a striking a resemblance between the Don and that infamous ruffian, Evil Bye. Ican see all , the features; but that infernal optic, : that’s what puzzles me.” “Tt is very, very strange; they are either twin brothers or it is a remarkable : resemblance,” declared Walters; ‘‘ but, oF colonel, what’s to be done? My child is - in the hands of that demon and he has doubtless borne her away to his retreat in the mountains ;—what’s to be done?” > “Tl use my judgment in this case, a Mr. Walters. Your daughter will be + restored to you or I'll hang every dog of . a Mexican that was concerned in the 7 matter. Neutrality be hanged! I'll give pi Ps them some cold steel and bullets, and if Congress finds fault T’ll resign from the | Pes army. I won’t sit here and permit these ra outrages on American soil any longer— 2h Tl be hanged if I do!” Ke The American officer arose and issued es a few orders to a young person standing rea near the colonel’s quarters. Shortly af- Ry ter the cavalrymen darted hither and thi- _ ther, evidently preparing for an earlier ost start than anticipated by the garrison. While the men are thus engaged we will follow the fortunes of Jacob Slaus- i Bee horn, whom we last saw dashing away i. ‘from the glen with a pack of howling a ‘Mexicans in full retreat. = Jacob was quite stout and short-wind- * ed, consequently he labored and puffed - like an ‘a steamboat struggling against the tide. . Now and then he cast hurried glances over his shoulders and to his great joy he saw that he was actually distancing the _ bandits. __ Several hundred yards further on he headlong into a dense chaparral aad ch | They laugh at you when you tell them of the stake and secure him by means of _ and glided into Ths damp vegetation in a zig-zag course. Thanks to the increasing gloom he eluded the ruffians that sought in vain for him among'the bushes. While ; they beat the bushes and thrust aside the =| huge leaves, Jacob was swiftly creeping away from his enemies. if Foiled and crestfallen, the chattering Mexicans returned toward the Vultures’ Roost while the corpulent German con- tinued on his hasty journey to Fort Dun- ean, skulking in the chaparral but ever | proceeding onward. While Jacob is ap toward the Rio Grande we will take a hasty glance 4" at the detachment of ‘‘ Vultures” led on za by Rafael Sanders, who were now en 4 route for the Texan side of the river. es! The raiders were all well armed and > prepared in various ways for the perilous expedition into the river counties. San- ders had ridden several miles when, feigning to have misunderstood import- ant orders, he ordered the men under his command to proceed about five miles fur- ther and there wait until he overtook ae them. He then took the back trail and <9 ever and anon the devilish gleam that oy came into his eyes told that his reveries afforded him intense satisfaction. He aad kept his mustang traveling rapidly, and y soon neared the precincts of the Roost on a the cliff. sr 4 Having thus shifted our characters in- ae to new positions, we will ask the reader pad to again look upon the plateau beyond ~ the walls of Evil Hye’s citadel, where the “ae brutal outlaw has prepared for the speedy f execution of Harry Powell. ie When Winona arose from the spot im where she had east herself down to plead < for Powell’s life, two brutal Mexicans seized the young girl and prevented her from rushing toward her lover. The merciless ruffians grinned at her efforts to shake off their grasp. She had taken the precaution to con- ceal the revolvers in the pockets of her dress, therefore the weapons escaped the me notice of the wretches who grasped ande —| held her. ; ae Tn a yery few moments the youth had been rudely seized, and while a bandit placed an old chest close to the stake the ruffians bearing Powell were thus en- abled to place the young man at the top lariats. A mass of dry moss and straw
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: lowed — — ne 2 oi SP IR ME 28 The Cattle King. ‘was fastened about the youth from his waist down to his ankles. As soon as this was completed, Evil Eye seized a blazing torch and approached the stake. “Your hour has arrived! Look your last upon Winona Walters, and as the flames encircle your body, I'll bear her away to become mine.” : “Farewell, Winona! With my last breath I still whisper words of love to you and bless you.” Evil Eye dashed forward, and had al- most touched the combustible matter with the torch when Winona uttered a pierc- ing shriek and flung aside the two ruf- fians that held her. One quick movement and she had se- cured the long knife from the belt of the nearest ranchero, and before Evil Hye was aware of her intentions she had leaped upon the chest and severed the lariats binding the hands of her lover, and placed the knife in his grasp. Evil Eye uttered a shriek of baffled rage as he saw the act, and thrust the torch forward. Even while his arm was thus extended, Winona’s hands sought her dress-pocket, and the revolvers flash- ed into view; a quick puff, followed by a sharp explosion, rent the air, and Tvil Hye’s arm fell to his side, shattered by a bullet. He dropped the torch, and a blood-curdling yell broke from his lips. Powell had made good use of his time, for while the young girl faced the horde of ruffians, Harry quickly severed the re- maining thongs and leaped down upon the chest. In a moment he was beside Winona and taking one of the pistols from her hand, he pulled the triggers rapidly. A bandit fell before each shot, and the young couple fought their way to the opening in the wall. Winona had barely passed through the gate when a pair-of arms were thrown about her, and she was borne away through the dark passage leading into the glen. Powell was fighting his way slowly toward: this same exit, covering Winona’s escape. He failed to notice the person who suddenly seized the girl and bore her away. It was Rafael Sanders. He placed his coarse hand over her lips to prevent an outcry, and he dashed away’ through the gloomy tunnel. Evi e and his furious Mexicans fol- er Powell and the echo of fire- arms reverberated through the tunnel, and the hoarse shouts of the bandits -re- sounded from all quarters. Sanders reached the glen where his mustang was waiting his return. “Not a word or I'll kill you!” growled the scoundrel, as he rushed onward. He mounted his horse and placed the young girl before him. He sunk the spurs into the flanks of the mustang and dashed away. Just as he sped away, HKvil Eye and a dozen of his followers came into view. ‘* Villain!” shrieked the bandit chief; ‘‘ you seek to carry her off from me. Ho! there, every one of you! mount your steeds! A thousand dollars to each man that helps to recapture that traitor. Let the American go! Speed away after that imp of the deyil and overtake him. Ho! horses! horses!” In an ineredibly short space of time the horses were at hand and each ranchero in the saddle. Kvil Eye led the chase, urging the screaming Mexicans to redouble their ef- forts. Sanders saw that the bandit chief and his followers were gaining upon him and that his only ape would be to piange into the chaparral and thus evade 1is pursuers. He leaped from his mustang and at- tempted to take Winona from her posi- tion on the saddle. That movement was the last hostile act in Sanders’s career, for a rifle cracked from the neighboring foliage and Sanders fell heavily to the earth with an ounce of lead in his brain. ‘* Dot’s der kind of a mans v’ot I am!” cried a well-known voice, and the portly figure of Jacob Slaushorn arose from the bushes, followed by a full score of armed menattired in Mexican habiliments. One form from among the group forced a glad ery from Winona’s lips,: and the next moment she was clasped. to her father’s bosom ! But even as father and daughter em- braced each other, there came the tramp- ling of men and horses and forms were seen close at hand. It was Evil Eye and his raiders. ‘Back to your ambush!” cried the one in command of the disguised men, whom we will at once recognize as the colonel commanding Fort Duncan and a squad of his cavalrymen. As the Americans sunk down behind — inal 4 a
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he thick bushes, Evil Eye and his out- laws dashed into view. A sheet of flame leaped out from the tangled vines, and a rattling echo of fire- arms startled the approaching bandits. Simultaneously with the crack of the rifles fully one-half of the bandits fell from their horses, and the riderless mus- tangs plunged about, adding to the con- usion. Evil Eye turned his steed and sought to escape from the trap. At the very moment that he wheeled his horse, a mounted person dashed beside the terror- ‘stricken outlaw and blazed away at the | ruffian, who fairly leaped head-first from the animal he bestrode and fell motion- less to the earth. Another volley from the ambuscade sent a shower of bullets into the remain- ing rancheros. A wild yell broke from the swarthy Mexicans, and away fled the terrible Vultures of the Rio Grande in the wildest disorder. They urged their horses away in a frenzied manner to es- _ eape the hidden foe. t was Harry Powell who had arrived at the opportune moment to prevent the escape of Evil Eye and rid the Texans of the greatest scourge that ever infested the border. Powell was soon beside Winona, and the young couple greeted each other with undisguised tokens of love. Then came the cordial greetings of the Colonel of the Fourth Cavalry and the ** Mexicanized ” members of his company. Then Jacob stepped forward and wrung Powell’s hand in a paroxysm of unbound- ed joy: ; s “Shere lies the notorious outlaw,” said Bryan Walters. ‘‘Now, gentlemen, see for yourselves the resemblance between Don Costa and Evil eye.” , The group approached the dead bandit and a cry of astonishment came from each beholder. : Tn the fall from the saddle of his steed Evil Eye had displaced that awful optic that had won for tit the name that made him famous—or ratherinfamous. Jt was of glass. : 3 ie artificial eye lay close beside his repulsive features, broken into fragments. is was the outlaw’s disguise. Having lost an eye the wily rascal saw an op- portunity to improve the calamity, by ‘Wearing one intended for a disguise, The Cattle King. i. 29 while another eye, matching the remain- ing one was worn while representing Don Costa. By using a dark substance upon his face and a wig of dark coarse hair, he succeeded wonderfully in mak- ing Kvil Eye and Don Costa two distinet characters, although the likeness caused much speculation and wonder. The pe- culiar whitish eye baffled all recognition when Don Costa was compared with the bandit. As for the expedition of the Fourth Cavalry, it was kept a profound secret, in order that no complications might arise from violation of Territory. Suffice it to say, that the Texans were not subject to any great annoyance from the remainder of the Vultures. They had received a wholesome lesson and Yankee bullets to impress it upon the survivors and their friends. Cordnee lost his right bower when Evil Eye fell, and for a time the cattle-thieves were wary of the ‘‘ boys in blue.” A few words will complete our story. The officers and men of Fort Duncan are preparing to attend the nuptial ceremony that will make Harry Powell and Wino- na Walters man and wife. Perhaps it will please our readers to know that Ja- cob Slaushorn is to be the “‘ best man” on that occasion. Should any of our read- ers chance to visit the milita post, just ask Jacob about Evil Eye, and the corpu- lent German will tell you how he killed the bandit himself! “Because Lish a deat shot unt I al- vays hits der bull’s-eye. Dot’s der kind of a mans y’ot I am!” THE END. THE Dime Dialogues No. 32 Containing eighteen Minor Dramas, Extravaganzas, Burlesques, Farces, Dress and Humorous Pieces, for the Amateur Stage, Parlors, Schools and Exhibitions, All original and by favorite authors, professors, teachers and amateurs, For sale by all newedealers, or sent, post-paid, on receipt of price—ten cents. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PvpiisHErs, 98 William Street, New York,
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‘SURIVAASMOAN TIV AG AIOS #3909 9 PoP PRP CPCI ee eee soldo9 o[suls 00's ee ee eeeeeee eee sane “Avon ELitiy 104 ee \ OOS Stree BOR oug a0 soydop OME OOTES reenter squ0M an0d 104 a= tsozeq Supmoyoy 04} 3% PSUsTqnd st spype0 mM AOMUV” OWL Pa] a a 3 “quourureyioyue pue ZuIpBet AyHOOA IMNOA IOJ SIOTIO TTB JO szoded a3 SI4J “‘oanjet Sut | 4Apxe pus Zuyse19jUT your oy} JO Surpwor WIM Zarmopseao st Joquinu AJeAe PUB YOUVE 4VqI OS "070 “me ‘aonei0jdxg mi @ / ‘gmquaapy ‘deoq y8a1N 943 JO SeLlo1g ‘suoWepeacy AOpeys pus eamoojeq ‘SeouBuIoYy 4SeA\ PIM PUB Buran i x! “A ‘lepiog JO Sppey peLiva oy) [Te Uy suoyonpoid 4s0q AI0A JJoy} ATHST AM BANNVG aH], 0} oats WIOYA JO TV wv ‘ H a i —) GaN QD ' g(a ae Oe oa ca a & s } a As =) a qjioy j (=) j=a} isa) ae A a & gi} —) rg. a, 8 { E> a a a $44 a & Ok oc ee co “LNW “SH ‘Burpy huvuazy ‘uosnyM “H UYyor ‘yoipnog “Q ss2t x A A b e * pagdnay, YwDlsT ‘yonol) “M “IV ‘Buguunyy “ET “wa ‘Qulm ‘SF anyYd nf reey | i ta ‘euloyy “q huoyur ‘MH ‘AM ‘MOM pLONpE Myon gua “wo \ O Bit ia sayy M Youlepaiy umjdny ‘souloog, NO ‘uayiy (M 29 ‘uoynlbuy ssquaty JUo]ep é —ojndar yeuoneU jo sioyjyne SuLAcyoy eq} soovaquie—sseysTiqnd s3} 10y Apaassnjoxe o}]J1M WLOTTA\ JO rv ysowly A iSHOLAGINLNOO JO SOO CHTIVAIUNDA Sil WA eee RA ARAL AAA PI LPL DLL LID LD EEEE -S da Peer cate” ot ae BS fe ks ti ace Ree Ree 2 aN AL a oe a ae ee ie
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Deerhunter the Boy Scout. By Ol Coomes, Buffalo. Bill, from Byyhood to Manhood, By Col. Pren- tiss Ingraham. = Kit Carson, King of Guides. By Albert W. Aiken. Gordon Lillie, the Boy-Interpreter of the Pawnees, By Major. 1 2 8 4 I w. H. B. Stoddard, & Bruin Adams, Old Grizzly’s Boy Pard. By Ingraham, 6 Deadwood Dick as aBoy. By Edward L, Wheeler, 2 Wild BIll, the Pistol Prince. By Col, P. Ingraham, & The Prairie Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 9 Roving Joe. By A.H. my Texas Jack, the Mustang King. By Coi. P. Ingraham Charley Skylark. By Major H. B. Stoddard. Mariposa Marsh, By Joseph EF ger, Jr. Roying Ben, By J J. Marsh: Spring Steel, Ki sush, >» Wide-Awake George. B. 6 The Boy Wizard, By Barry Ring 17 Peter Peppergrasa, the Greevhorn from Gotham. By Nouh Nuff. 18 Adrift on the Prairie, and Amateur Hunters on the Buffalo Range. By Oll Coornes, 19 The Fortune Hunter; or, Roving Joe as Miner, Cowboy, Trapper aud Hunter. | Bs Post. 20 Trapper Tom, the Wood Imp. By Tarbaugh. 21 Yellow Watr, the Boy Chiefor the Pawnees, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Snow Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh. Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Frank Powell, Woods and Waters. By Capt. Fr derick Whittaker. A Rolling Stone: Incidents in the Career on Sea and Land of Col. Prentiss Ingraham. By Wm, R. Eyster. Red River Rove's. By C. Dunning Clark. Plaza and Plaing or, Wild Adventures of Buckskin Sain,” (Maj. Sam. S. Hall.) By Col. P. Ingraham, The Sword Prince, ‘The Romantic Life of Col. Mon- By Capt. Frederick Whitt ker. Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbangh. Paul de Lacy, the French Beast Charmer. By C. Dunning Clark. Round the Camp Fire. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. White Beaver. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 88 The Boy Crusade By Capt. . Whittaker. 84 The Chase of the Great White Stag, and, Camp and Canoe. Sy C. Dunning Clark. 85 Old Tar Knuckle and His Boy Chums. By R. Starbuck. 86 The Dashing Dragoon; or, The Story of Gen. George A. Custer. By Cx Fred, Whittaker. 87 Night-Heawk G e. y Col. Prentiss Ingraham. BS The Boy Ex fSiberia. By T. C. Harbaugh. B9 The Young Bear Munters. By Morris Redwing. 40 Smart Sim, the Lad with a Level Head. By Ed. Willett. 41 The Settler's Son. by Edward 5. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson’s Cruise, ’. Dunning Clark, 48 Rifle and Revolver. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By T. C. Harbaugh. 45 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Prin By Col. Ingraham. A6 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 2 The Colorado Boys. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 4 he Pampas Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh. . 4” The Adventurous Life of Nebraska Charlie, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. FS 50 Jack, Harry and Tom, the Three Champion Brothers, By Gapt. Fred. Whittaker. 51 The Young Land-Lubber. By C. D. Clark. 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 6S Honest Harry. By Charles Morris. 54 California Joe. By Col. Prenties Ingraham. 55 Tip Tressel, the Floater. By Edward Willett, 56 The Snow f . By Barry de Forrest. 57 Uarry Some 5. W. Pearce. 68 The Adventurous Life of Captaty Jack, the Border Boy. By Col. Rene aa ham. cae Lame Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By C. Morris, 4 The Young Trail Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By / oseph E. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the “ Evil Spirit ” ofthe Plains, By Col. Prentiss Ing sham. 9 68 Black Horse Bill. By Roger Starbuck, 64 Young Dick Talbot. Sy Albert W. Atken. 65 The Boy Pilot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 66 The Desert Rover. By Charles Morris. 67 Texas Charlie, the Boy Ranger. By Col. Ingraham, 68 Little Rifle. By Captain “ Brain”? Adams, ger, Jr. baa eae Price, Five Cents, 69 The Young Nihilist. By Charles Morris, By Major H. B. Stoddard, «Bear. By Captain Adamo, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, By W.H. Manning. J By R ger Starbuck, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By T. C. Harbaugh, By Roger Starbuck, F (Pr By Edward Willett oone, the Hunter. By Captain F, Whittaker, Ke cky Ben, By Roger Starbuck. The Kit Carson Club. By T. C, Harbaugh. Little Buck, the Boy Guide. By Barry Ringgold. Pony Bob _ the Reckless Rider. _ By Col. P. Ingraham. Capta Fly-by-Night. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer. By C. D, Clark. Little Dan Tasks. By Morris Redwing. The Menagerie Hunters, By Maj. H. Grenyille. The Boy Tramps. by J. M. Hoffman. *Longshore Lije. By C.D. Clark. 90 Roving Rifle, Custer’s Little Scout. 91 Oregon Josh, the Wizard Rife. 92 Hurricane Kit. By A. F. Hols. 98 Jumping Jake, By Bryant Bainbridge. 94 Sam Spence, the Broadhorn Boy. By Ed. Willett. 95 Moscow to Siberia, By Charles Morris, 96 Fighting Fred. By T. C. Harbaugh. 97 Cruise of the Flyaway. By C. Dunning Clark. 98 The wey, Vigilantes, by Maj. H. B. Stoddard. fe 4 ite atecre.. By Capt. Charles Howard. ie Snow-Shoe Trail. By St. Geor, * 101 Mariano, the Ottawa Girl. Heer ase 72 The Ice Elephant, 28% The Young Mooxse-Hunters. t4 The Boy Coral - Fishers. 7 Revolver Billy. The Condor Killers, 7 Lud Lionheels. Flatboat Fred, By Harbaugh. By Roger Starbuck, Alaska, the Wo f-Queen, By Capt. Howard Lincoln. Christian Jim, theW hite Man's Friend. By E.S. Ellis. Plucky Joe, the Boy Avenger. By J. M. Hoffman. The Border Gunmaker. By James L. Bowen. Left-Handed Pete. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. The River Rifle By Capt. J. F.C, Adams. Alone on the Plains. By Edward Willett. Silver Horn, and His Rifle Fircdeath. By R. Starbuck. Exploits of Hezekiah Smith. By E. Rodman, The Young Mustangers, By C.D. Clark, Old Traps; <r, the Boy Kivals. By Barry Ringgold, Center Shot, the White Crow. By T. C. Harbaugh. A Mot Trail, By Charles Morris. pants eee ee By Boney Starbuck. The Esquimaux ueen, y G. Waldo E i Tim, the Hox sores By Charten Morris, so for ueen Besale, the Border Girl. By Henry J. Th ‘Tom Tabor, the Boy Fugitive. By Barry Ringwold. Mink Coat, the Death-Shot. By Jos. E. Badger Jr, The Deer Hunters. By John J. Marshall, 7 Wolf-Cap. By Capt. Chas. Howard. b+ abet By Edward Willett. cetsea, Queen 0, the Plains. By Percy 5 os Henly teary By Percy B, St. John. Yistah, the Child Spy. By George Gleason, 182 ‘The Island Trapper. By Charles Howard, 188 The Forest Specter. By Edward Willett. 184 Wild Nat, the Trooper. By Wm. R. Eyater. 185 The Silver Bugle. By Lieut. Col, Hazelton. Ready Nov. 13. 186 The Prairi . By C. Dunning Clark, Bho, eeehis franten.3/c Dame 187 The Antel Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken. Ready Nov. 7. ne en 3 188 Long Shot; or, The Dwarf Guide. By Capt. Comstock, Rea y Dee. 4. Beadle’s Boy’s Library ‘s for sale by all Newadealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents ofth. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, RD RE OS ee ek et tpt pk HAR SSC EVIAT RO SeLrdededertnterleteleterlantal
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82 OCTAVO PAGES. a PRICE, FIVE CENTS, ee Sekine ¥ i POCKET LIBRARY.. ROADHRRAARDRBARDA DW SY DADA DAD DHDORDDADANDDHDAOHDAMA! Deadwood Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 85 The Boy Miners. By Edwerd S. Ellis. Kans: 6 Ki By Buffa o Bill. 86 Jack Harkaway In New York, By Brace- The Flying bridge Hemyng. The Double Dage y 87 The fi . “ » ussar Captain, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Two Detect A . 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. By E. L.Wheeler. The Prairie Pilot. $9 Bill Biddon, Sranper. By Edward S, Ellis: 90. Tippy, the Texan, By George Gleason, 91 Mustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. "0 By “ Texus Jack” | 92 The Ocean Bloodhound. By Samuel W. Pearce. Pistol. By E. L.Wheeler. | 98 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. Ralph Roy, the Boy bue . By C 1. Ingraham. | 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L.Wheeler. Nick o’ the Ni. A rl h 95 Buck Buckram, By Captain J. F.C. Adams. Yellowstone Ja By Joseph &, Badger, Jr. 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L.Wheeler. )07 The Black Steed of the Prairies, J. L. Bowen. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 98 The Sea Serpent. By Juan Lewis, Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies, By Oli Coomes. | 99 Bonanza Bill, the Man Tracker. By E, L. Wheeler. Oregon Sol. . By Capt. J. F.C. Adams | 100 Nat Todd, By Edward ellis. Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 101 Daring Davy. By Harr . George. By Oll Coomes, 102 The Yellow Chief, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry. By Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead. By Edward L. Wheeler, 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, By T.C. Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider. By George W. Browne. ‘ 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. By E. L.Whee er. ittnker. 112 The Helpless Hand, By Capt. Mayne Reid. . L. Wheeler, 18 Sear-Fa aul, the Silent Hunter. By OC: 14 Piney Paul, the Mountuir Boy. By T. C. Harbangh. Badger, Jr. 15 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By EF. L, Wihieler. c. L. Wheeler. | 416 Jabez Coffin. Skipper. By Capt. F. Whittuker. Bart Bunker, the Trapper. 17 Faney Frank, of Calorado. By Buffalo Bill. The Boy Rifles. By A. C. Irons. — 18 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Chas. Morris. The White B ffalo. By George E. Lasalle. 19 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Homie Base. Jim Bludsoe, Jr. I rar y heeler. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt. Adams. | 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. Deadly Eye, the Unknown Scout. “By buffalo Bill. | 121 Harry. Armatrong, the Captain of the Club. By Nick Whillles’s Pet. By Cupt. J. F.C. Aduina, Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkawsy.) Deadwood Dick’s Eagles, By E. L. Wheeler. 122 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward §, Ellis. The Border King. By Ol] Coom 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By E. L. Wheeler. Old Hickory. By Harry St. George. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr. By I. C. Harbaugh. 44 The White Indian, — By Capt. J. F.C. Adame, 4125 The Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. Buckhorn Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 126 Bine Blazes. By Frank Dumont. The Shadow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton, 128 Willi Wildfire’s Racer, By Charles Morris. Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 129 Eagle Kit, the ! oy Demon. By Ol] Coomes, Hurricane Bill, By J gap E. Badger, Jr. 180 Gold Trigger, the Reports By T. C. Harbaugh. Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. A Game of Gold, By Edward L. Wheeler. Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. Dainty Lance, the Poy Sport. By J. E. Badger, Jr. The Border Robin Hood. By Buffulo Bill. W ild-fire, the Bors of the Road. By Frank Dumont. BS Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 4. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By C. Morris. Old Zip’s Cabin. by Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 5 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By Wheeler. Delaware Dick. by Ol] Coomes. Old. Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. Mad Tom Western, By W. J. Hamilton. 2 Dandy Rock. | By G. Waldo Browne. Deadwood Dick on Deck. By E.L. Wheeler. | 488 Rob Nocketts the Boy Dodger, By Chas, M:rris. Hawkeye Harry. by 01] Coomes. The Black Glant. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. The Boy Duelist. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 40 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Warne. Abe Colt, the Crow-K ler. By Albert W. Aiken. New York Nell. By Edward L. Wheeler. Corduroy Charlie. By*Edward L.Wheeler. ; 42 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. WIIL Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas Morris. 3} Dendly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By A. W. Aiken, 4 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col, Ingraham. Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 5 The Tiger of Taos, By Geo. Waldo Browne. Lightning Joe. By Capt. J. F.C. Adana, 46 The Cattle King. By Frank Duniont. : Kit Harefoote By T. C. Harbaugh. 4A? Nobby Nick of Nevada. By E. L. Wheeler, -Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ol] Coomes Thunderbolt Tom, By Hurry St. George. Idyl, the Girl Miner.. By Edward L. W heeler. Ready Nov. 10. Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 49 Rob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles aa Shot Spe ee sey au neee By O11 Coomes. Morris, » Ready Nov. 11, Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten, Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. Ready The Lion of the Sea, By Albert W. Aiken, 150 Le) ry y , Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By E,L.Wheeler. | 451 The Sea Traller. Sy Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 4 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morr s. Ready Dec. 1. Island Jim; or, The Petofthe Family. By Brace | 459 Dandy Darke. By William R. Eyster. Rendy bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 4 Dec. 8. Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. [459 Yild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By Edward 4 Pick Dead Hire, BC, ene MAMA ay, | | be Whevler Ready Des woo ck’s Device. By Ed. L. Wheeler. S t The Black Mustanger. By Capt. Mayne Reid. Taaucd Every Wednesday. : 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by ali News- @81 The Sea Viper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, dealers, ays cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt f six Seth Jones. By Edward S. Ellis. cents each. 83 Stunde Chet, the Counterfeiter}Chiefi By Wheeler, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, $4 The Dumb Page. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 98 William Street, New \ ork.