Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 189) (1887 08 24)
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Ls Copyrighted, 1837, by Brapix anp Apams. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. August 24, 1887. 5 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams Price, Vol. XV, str eat. No. 98 arian ss ew York. : Five Gents. No ' 189 ’ ROSAS Bovg Perro are w Qa et 2) Ss : i 4 TBE MULE GAVE A TERRIBLE KICK WITH BOTH HIND FEET, KNOCKING PACK AND SADDLE AGAINST GREENWAY’S BREAST,
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Old Rocky’s Boys. Old Rocky’s Boys; Benito, the Young Mustang-Breaker, A Romance of Adventure in the ‘© Lone Star State.” BY MAJOR SAM 8. HALL, ( Buckskin Sam.”) CHAPTER I. FOUR ADVENTURES AND A MULE. AFTER pouring down its almost stifling heat all day long, from a cloudless, brazen sky, the Southern sun was slowly sinking. Its blood-red disk, like a huge ball of fire, appeared to rest upon the far-off line of horizon in the west, and shot arrows of gold through the branches of the stately, towering trees, and amid the long, waving festoons of Spanish moss, which hung like funeral vails from every limb, drooping over the laughing, gliding waters of the San Antonio River. The dark, gray adobe walls of Mission San Juan, loomed up amid the mesquites, a pistol- shot from the river; its front, dome, and ruined dormitories, gilded by the warm good-by of the god of day. Straight across from the Mission, on the east bank of the river, almost entirely shielded from obs2rvation, stood a youth just verging on man- hood. He leaned against the trunk of a huge pecan tree, with his arms folded, and his eyes resting upon the beautiful shimmering stream, He was not over eighteen years of age, of medium hight, and rather slender in build, though, as from time to time he nervously changed his position, his movements indicated strength as well as grace. He wore a green plaid shirt, with wide, open collar, broad-brimmed, soft sombrero, one side looped up by a silver star; and leggings that were thrust into the tops of cavalry boots. In the way of arms his outfit consisted of a pair of Colt’s largest six-shooters, a bowie-knife, and a Sharp's carbine, the latter leaning against the tree-trunk at his side, within easy reach. The ends of the belt that held his knife and pistols were connected by a huge silver clasp, richly chased, and having engraved in its center ib Benito, Et Bocarro.” Well known was this youth, from Boca Chico to Santa Fe, and north to the head-waters of the Canadian. Born in the Alamo City, his father being an American, and his mother a Mexican, he led a wandering, unfettered life; sometimes breaking wild mustangs, sometimes acting as a guide or scout to some wagon-train, and again striking out along through chaparral or plain. Benito was brave, and fearless even to reck- lessness, and strange to say, repudiated utterly everything Mexican. A stray word in the Mexican tongue, a trick now and then of their ways in camp, these he had in common with all Texans; but otherwise he seemed to strive to bet legs in act, deed and word, like to his abvher, If by so doing he seemed to despise his moth- er’s race, they returned that scorn with hatred, intense and deadly, and more than once while in San Antonio had his life been in deadly peril. Now, atsunset he stood by the river-side, and the hundreds of spotted turtles on moss-lined rocks and logs that rose above the surface of the dashing water, all with heads stretched from out their hard shells, and their bead-like eyes turned toward the setting sun, showed by their listless manner that for a long time he had made no motion nor noise to disturb them, 3 Away down the river, a a long vista of hanging moss, drooping branch and vine, was a clear, deep pool, smooth as a mirror, and to this aslight splash in the water drew his attention. His eyes brightened and a gratified expression rested upon his features, for, elevated at least ten inches above the surface of the water, was the long, snake-like head and neck of a soft- shelled turtle, that greatest delicacy with the bordermen of the Southwest. But Benito’s quick eye also caught sight of a huge moceasin snake ina line with the turtle, but beyond it, upon the opposite bank of the stream. Its head was gyrating rapidly from the apex of its coil, its mouth was wide open, anda tiny bird was fluttering within its charmed circle, slowly nearing those terrible jaws. It was but an instant that the head of the turtle was in a direct line with that of the dead- ly moccasin snake, far beyond, but in that in- stant Benito’s Sharp’s rifle was leveled, his quick eye glanced along the sights, and a loud report rung through the bottom-timber, causing the draperies of hanging moss and leaves to quiver like aspens. Then the turtle was headless and strug: fing in the stream, the moccasin was writhing in the agonies of death, and the little bird was darting away on eager wings. _ ; Quickly thrusting another cartriige into his rifle, Benito bounded from rock to rock, and soon secured the turtle. A few moments later, when the last golden rays of the sun had kissed the turrets of the old Mission, and the gloom of night had come on, he stood by a camp-fire he had just lighted and listened with a smile to the sounds of some one tags 3 There was a swishing of branches and crackling of bushes as two young men, both Americans, came dashing toward the camp-fire. i The new arrivals were fine-looking young men, evidently fresh from the States, but dressed and armed exactly as was Benito; the blankets, tin cups, canteens and other camp gear lashed to the cantles of their saddles show- ing that they came_ prepared for come: life. Their names were Robert Sinclair and Henry Greenway, and they had been raised in com- fortable homes in the far East, but having caught the frontier fever from cursory n they had come to the conclusion to see for them- selves what pleasures could_be found in an ad-~ venturous life in the ‘* Lone Star State. “ Bueno senores !” exclaimed Benito, as he grasped the extendee hands, which were eageriy placed in his. ‘‘ You are late, I thought you had but few friends that would cause y uto delay in San Antonio. I have been waiting here since the middle of the afternoon, and was almost on the point of riding in in search
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Old Rocky’s Boys. 3 of you. If I had I suppose we should have remained there all night, for the senoritas of the fandangos dance late and I never miss a danza at Dona Candelerio’s when [am in town.” “T am very glad, then, that you did not come,” returned Sinclair, as he sprung lightly to the ground. ‘‘ We want to start early in the morning. We were delayed by the gunsmith, Jacob Lynne, who had neglected to put swivels and straps on our rifles. But what the dickens have you over the fire? It smells delicious; and our ride has given us a sharp appetite.” ““When you taste some soup,” responded Benito, ‘‘ perhaps you will know what it ismade from, but I doubt it. Unsaddle and water your mustangs, and by that time the supper will be ready.” “The young men obeyed readily enough and when they returned they found Benito had taken their tin cups from their saddles and filled them with steaming soup, while spread upon green leaves were several roasted fox squirrels and corn cakes done a golden brown. and through the camp spread the aroma of coffee. ““Where is Old Rocky?” inquired Benito, as, with perspiring face all aglow with the heat, he pushed the coffee-pot off the coals with a stick. ‘‘ I expected he would come with you.” “He didestart with us from the plaza,” an- swered Bob, ‘‘but the pack-mule is an ugly, balky brute, and I reckon he has a hard time getting along with it. We will not hurry about reaking our fast for he must be as hungry as a wolf yelling at that mule, and we want to take no advantage of each other on this trip. Green, let us—” He did not finish the sentence for he was in- terrupted by a yell that would have done honor to a Comanche brave, and at the same time tearing and crashing through the underbrush at a fearful speed came the pack-mule, heading directly toward the camp-fire. There was danger on foot for the supper. But Benito realized the danger, and spring- ing toward the mule, he raised the walnut club with which he had been stirring the fire and struck it a violent blow just behind the ears, bringing the animal to the earth as though it had been shot through the brain. » “Why, Benito, you’ve killed the mule; and I paid twenty dollars for him yesterday.” “Don’t fret! I only struck him on the mus- cles of the neck, and for the moment he is par- alyzed. You've heard of creasin, mustangs by shooting them below the root of the mane?’ “ Certainly.” “ Well, knocking them down with a club pro- duces the same result, if you don’t strike too hard. The mule will be as bright and lively as ever ina moment. You had better unpack be- fore he comes back to himself and mischief.” Another wild yell rung through the bottom- timber, there was another crashing of brush, and a rough, hoarse voice reached their ears: “Shoot the Segoned mule’s ears offen his head! Gimme a chance to chaw the corner 0’ his left hind huff off! May I be chawed inter hash by an alligator-gar ef I’d 'sociate with ther kan rous cuss ag’in, Benito! Diablo Buckaro! I'll gi’n yer four bits to straddle thet gap 2 Satan an’ ride ther devilment outen im! But “Old Rocky,” for he it was, suddenl: changed his tune, as his horse broke throu the branches and he came in view of the cant “Waal, may I be skulped by a Piute squaw? I didn’t ‘low you’d take me at my word an’ lay ther contrary critter out cold at wonst. What are we~uns goin’ ter do fur an animile ter tote ther camp outfit ‘long ther trail?” As he looked somewhat regretfully at the ions gt defunct animal the mule suddenly re- covered, and, with a snort and Plunge, threw the saddle and kialt clean off of his back, the girth having been unbuckled by Bob. Greenway, thinking himself in the safest piace, stood watching the epee te from be- ind the mule, which, as the pack slipped over its tail, gave a terrible kick with both hind feet, knocking pack and saddle against Green- way’s breast, overthrowing him, and literally covering him with flour from a sack that bursted. At this all hands, except Benito roared with laughter. The horse-breaker, ons the tricks of the animal, quietly slipped a half-loop about the under jaw of the mule, and by a quick movement ran around a sapling with the lariat, while Old Rocky sprung from his horse, and picking up the club, vented his feelings by a few sound whacks upon the hind-quarters of the animal, which, springing away from him was drawn up to the sapling by Benito and there secured. ; By this time Greenway had picked bimself up, with a woe-begone visage at first, which gradually brightened as he realized how comi- cally he really looked, and that he was not at all injured. hile he brushed himself off, Old Rocky stripped his horse of his accouterments and staked him out with the others. Then all conempentes about the fire. Old Rocky, the Scout, really deserves more than a passing mention. He was short in stature, of iron nerves and sinews, a man known from the Gulf of Mexico to the Rocky Mountains. So many years had he passed in the latter region, and so many stories had he to tell of that rugged range that he got to be known rather as ‘‘ Old Rocky ” than as William Young, the name by whlch he had been called when residing in Victoria, Texas. An old, greasy, slouched sombrero partly covered his gray hair; bright twinkling eyes looked out above a beard that matched well bis hair, and left but a small portion of his face visible; a blue, woolen shirt was tucked into buckskin leggings that were *tangled and torn with chaparral traveling and they in turn were stuffed into the tops of his long: legged boots, while about his neck was knotted a large blue and red cotton handkerchief the ends of which bung loose hehind his back. Add to this a huge bowie-knife, an army re- volver and a long-barreled, muzzle-loading rifle, and gaunt gray mustang, more noted for en- durance than beauty, and you have the man and his outfit, clear through. Drawing bis bowie, and throwing his som-
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brero on the sward, he seated himself with the rest, with a grunt of relief. { “ Pare me down inter a Piute pappoose ef I ain’t az hungry az a no’thern b’ar in spring- time. Thet mule gi’n me a hefty ole rifle to make, an’ I’m ready now fer sumthin’ ter chaw. I tell 1 ef he’d hitch that mule toa genewine Gospel Sharp fur a day, I’d beta slug ag’in’a pickayune ho’d turna wuss pirat? then Cap Kidd ever war.” Probably Benito’s supper offered some conso- lation for his late trials since he joined with the rest in making a hearty meal, after which Old Rocky filled and lit his pipe, and Benito made some cigarettes with corn-shuck wrappers for himself and the boys. As the smoke rolled up the conversation began. “ Boys,” said Old Rocky, ‘‘ we has glided ter- gether az pards fur sum consid’r’ble period, an’ we calkerlates on havin’ sum lively times in ther futur’. Bob an’ Green, yere, wants ter see per- rary life, an’ Benito an’ this ole coon air goin’ to give yer a show that-a-ways. We all starts fur ther Bravo with ther ijee o’ fun ahead, an’ sum- thin’ what?ll be rough fun at ther best. All [ haz ter say ar’, keep yer peepers on either this ole coon er Benito, er yer mou’t lose yer ha’r an’ cum ter buzzard-feed er kiote lunch afer ther fuzz sprouts fa’r on yer lip.” The two youngsters seemed inclined to put in afew words, but Old Rocky held up his band, and continued: “ Ter make things run smooth on ther trail, I reckon Green kin look out fer wood an’ tend ter ther coffe-pot soon’s. we’un’s make a camp. Bob kin freeze ter ther pack-mule, an’ tend ter cookin’ tricks soon ez Benito haz took some 0’ ther cussedness outen ther gotch-eared kicker. I shell hev as much ova job on my paws as I kin tend to, I reckon, ter shoot game enuff fur this healthy outfit, an’ along o’ Benito keep a lookout fur reds an’ Greasers. “ Fact ar’, boys, we don’t know what’s ahead, an’ can’t count on nothin’ on ther perrarer, so we better glide under our blankits now an git upan git airly to-morrow. Ain’t thet plum’, double-barrel, self-cockin’, back-actin’, four-hoss sense? Eh, Benito?” As the old scout concluded he spread his blan- ket under the pecan tree, and threw down his saddle for a pillow. “ Si, senor,” answered the horse-breaker, as he followed his example. _ * Buena noche, senores, buena noche, Senor Rocky.” “‘Good-night!” chorused the boys, and as, on account of the proximity of the Alamo City, no guard seemed necessary, the occupants of the camp were soon all buried in profound sln.uber, CHAPTER IL. BREAKING IN THE GREENHORNS. Lona before old Sol had kissed the prairie- flowers, the crack of Benito’s rifle rung through the river-bottom, and a fat coon fell from the vee pecan directly upon the feet of Greenway, who was fast asleep. The report caused both boys to spring upright on their Mlankoes, but half-awakened; and the fall of the coon, crashing through the branches and striking upon his feet, made Green yell and Old Rocky’s Boys. comprehend what had happened or where he was, he had run squarely against the mule, which plunged, squealed and snorted in a terrified man- ner, and Green barely escaped receiving a broad- side from the animal’s flying heels. Still fright- ened and bewildered, the youth sprung in an- other direction, just as a roar of laughter burst on his ears and he found himself close hugged in the arms of Old Rocky. When he found just what had happened, Green was disgusted enough with himself, but Old Rocky soothed the feelings that had been hurt by the general laugh, and by the time the morn- ing ablutions had been performed and the savory odor of the breakfast saluted his nostrils, he was again in a good-humor. When the mea] had been finished, Old Kocky rose from the sward and turned toward the mule: “* Benito, I reckons ther time ar’ come ter take sum h’ ther pure, nat?ral-born cussedness outer thet gotch-eared, double-barreled kicker,” As he spoke he loosened the rope, while the boys stood ready with clubs to prevent the mule from rushing back into camp. Benito, with quick movements, drew on his bridle over the rope, and thrust the powerful jaw-breaking Spanish bit into the animal’s mouth, which, regardless of its kicking and tear- ing about, he was ready to mount. At his wrist, secured by a buckskin loop, hung a dong quirt. and this from time to time he used, as, assis by the united yells and pounding. of the whole party, his muleship was drag ed and pushed through the bottom eastward, to the prairie, where only a few scattering mesquites could in- terfere with the intended proceedings. Seizing the rope and taking the reins in his left hand, the same hand resting on the horn of the saddle, his right hand grasping firmly the further side of the cantle, Benito sprung astride with a yell, and the old scout, who had with both hands griped the snorting animal’s nose, bounded to one side. As Old Rocky leaped aside, the vicious mule, trembling in every limb, sunk down until its Les 4 touched the prairie sod. Then, with one wild bound straight into the air, the animal came down with terrific force upon all four hoofs at once. ‘The next instant Benito was ele- vated on the apex of a pyramid of mule. Then, quick as thought, speeding away like an arrow from a bow mule and rider shot over the prairie the quirt of Benito cutting about the animal’s hams at every bound. “Talk bout yer sireuss-ridin’, boys!” broke out Old Rocky. ‘‘’Tain’t nowhar. I know’d he’d make his cantanker’us carkiss hum lively, fur no human's straddled him'fur six month! Pll bet a bufiler bull ag’in’ a sick kiote thet them fellers that sold him ter yer hed ter knock him down ter git ther pack-saddle an’ kraik onter him. Jewhitaker slam-ups! but he'll comb the lad’s ha’r wi’ mesquite thorns ef he don’t ’tend ter biz!” The last remark of the old scout was occa- sioned by seeing the mule make directly to- ward a mesquite motte, evidently with the in- tention of brushing the hated burden from his back. But Benito was not to be beaten by a mule, bound quickly toward theriver. Beforehe could .
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Old Rocky’s Boys. 5 He drew on the powerful bit until the animal’s head was brought around against his own thigh; though even then, as they went past, the hind-quarters of the mule brushed against the thorny branches. By this time half a mile had been passed at | breakneck speed, and the horse-tamer, keeping the same pull on the bridle, gradually veered around, until they faced the starting-point. Then, slacking rein and rope, with a wild yell he applied his quirt without mercy, and galloned back past his watching friends into the bottom- timber, the mule reeking with sweat and obeying the slightest touch on the bridle-rein. ‘““Yer see,” said Rocky, as he and the boys re- turned through the bottom, ‘‘ thet mule hed a tuff break onst afore but hed kinder furgot ther urtic’lars. Howsumdever, they haz cum back his *membrunce, an’ he’s made up his mind now thet he can’t be ther Guv'ner o’ ther State, ner even hoss this yere outfit. He'll be do-sile, I reckon, fur ther futur’, but yer can’t gamble on nary mule in ther country, They’ll pear az meek an’ humble az ther boss ov’r Sunday skule one minnit, an’ ther next kick yer kidneys clean outen yer.” The explanation of the disposition of mules in general ended as they reached the camp, and then to their surprise the boys found all the various cooking utensils and their stock of pro- visions packed upon the mule, the apron of the kyack buckled securely over all, and the brute hitched to a sapling, breathing heavily, and evidently well convinced that as long as it belonged to this party any expression of a difference of opinion would only prove disas- trous to himself. “Saddle up, senores!’ yelled Benito, as he dashed after his mustang; and all hands fol- lowed. In preparing for a day’s march in the South- weet everything must have a place, and be in lace. - If the loosely-woven corn-sack, which must in that country be placed next to the animal’s skin, is put on wrinkled the horse will have a sore back before night. If a woolen saddle- blanket is thrown on next the hide the horse will have a scalded back, the hair will come off, and the animal be spoiled for saddle service for some time. Consequently ‘“‘saddling up” is a matter of great importance in a hot climate. It would be impossible to use in the South pad- ded saddles, such as are used inthe North. A Mexican tree brings the weight more on the ribs of the animal, and leaves the backbone almost free from pressure. Every Mexican saddle is provided with long, buckskin strings, four pairs on the cantle and one pair at the base of the horn, besides the loop which holds the stake rope to the horn, from which it can be slipped in an instant. The blankets. are rolled compactly and bound fast to the cantle, the same strings holding the canteen and tin cup. In addition, a pair of malettos or saddle-bags, are generally used, to take extra clothing, medicine, ammunition and the like, which rest upon a ‘‘ sweat-leather,” that reaches back from the cantle. <A piece of leather four inches wide and a foot long, with a hole in either end, is used as a gun-holder, one end being slipped over the horn, the gun placed in position, the holder drawn about the barrel and the other end of the holder secured over the horn. The breech of the gun being to the right is easily grasped, and in fact serves as a rest to the right hand while riding. Themuzzle by a slight pressure can be depressed or elevat- ed, or directed right or left with such accuracy that, riding at full speed, a practiced hand can kill a buffalo every shot without taking the gun from the holder. Having saddied his own animal Benito had taken the time to instruct Bob and Green on such points as these, and in five minutes from the time the command to saddle up was given, the four were mounted, and Benito and old Rocky were watering their horses at the ford below. Soon after Bob made his appearance, followed by Greenway. In fact the latter followed far too closely, as the branches thrust aside by the former swished back into his face. As his animai sprung clear of the bottom-timber he was seen by Benito and Old Rocky to have his hands thrust out before him to ward off the blows and both eyes closed. “ That'll never do, Green,” broke out Rocky. “ Yer’ll hay’ yer han’s full o’ somethin’ wuss ner brush afore long. Yer’ll hav’ ter Yarn ter keep one hand on yer bridle an’ t?other on yer n, an’ not ride so close to none o’ ther party. f brush are in ther way lean forrards an’ skin under slick an’ clean, all ther time keepin’ yer peepers at steady bizz, an’ not ‘low ’em to throw off on yer ther leastest. I wants yer ter understand, an’ I ain’t tendin’ ter hurt yer feelin’s, but are spittin’ it out fer yer futur’ benefit, thet we’uns don’t run an Express, an’ yer can’t chalk C. O. D. on yer back an’ git checked through on this line ’thout any trouble on yer own side, I b'eves yer chock full an’ b’liim’ over wi’ grit arter you git woke up, but yer don’t want ter be cotched a-nappin’ when we allows to meander.” “Thank you, Rocky,” answered Green, with- out showing he was in the least offended. “TI know I need advice, and if you will give it I will take it. In a day or twol trust I shall act to suit you better.” ‘We have forgotten something!” suddenly in-~ terrupted Bob. ere had been no interruption in their march, and their dripping horses were now standing on the opposite side of the river. . ‘* Caspita !” exclaimed Benito. ‘‘ Whatis it? Your malettos?” ‘“Why, no, it is the pack-mule,” answered Bob, with rather an important air, Much to the surprise of the boys the informa- tion was greeted with a roar of laughter from the two experienced hands, and the old scout, as he started his animal, leaned back, turning on the greenhorns what was intended for a pitying smile. “Never yer mind thet mule. Yer’ll see the gotch-eared gellampebtus haff-shooter cum b’ilin’ along like a blue streak o’ Mexican lightnin’ in just three shakes av a Rocky Mountain goat’s crupper-holder, Jis’ lis’en. What'd I tell yer? As Rocky concluded, the prolonged squeal of the mule rung through the bottom, followed by a crashing of brush, and soon the animal appeared,
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Old Rocky’s Boys. coming with an awkward lope from the woods, its pack wabbling this way and that as it dashed into the ford, drank hastily, and then came trot- ting along behind the cavalcade, It is useless to detail the trivial incidents oc- curring to our friends during their march to the Nueces River. In good time they made the trip through the stretch of mesquite country to the Medina, from there through the post-oak belt and prairie tothe Rio Frio, and the long ride over the bold, rolling plains to Fort Ewell, on the Nueces, without adventure worthy of notice, though Bob and Green picked up a vast amount of prairie knowledge and every day saw things new and strange, To them camp life seemed both easy and pleasant, and the way had led through a section of country where there was no onl for any great suffering from heat or st. CHAPTER III. PRAIRIE COOKERY--THE SPORT BEGINS. THE two young adventurers and their body- guard camped on the margin of a small lake, about one mile from the Rio Nueces; and the first day after arriving there was a busy time. Benito and Old Rocky, leaving Bob and Green on guard at camp, mounted and proceeded to the Saunders Ranch, situated on the south bank of the river, where formerly the United States fort or station had stood; though Fort Ewell was now like many another fort on the frontier, only such in name, having been abandoned so long before that no sign of its military occu- pancy remained. Gladly were the two received by the Saunders boys, Pless and Bob—well known mustangers at that time—and a trade was soon made for a lot of raw hides, a mule, and a pack-saddle. The raw hides were stretched on the ground and fastened in place oy wooden pins, driven through the edges. Benito quickly set to work with a sharp knife to cut them into narrow strips, to be used as lariats or lassoes. He be- gan by making a small, circular hole in the hide, and starting from this he cut round and round, paring off a strip until the whole hide, except the narrow, worthless edge, formed one long narrow strip, with the hair on. Several hides were cut, forming quite a load for the mula, and this work being doue Benito and Old Rocky gave the Saunders boys a hearty good-by, and returned to camp. There they found that the boys had not alto- gether wasted their time, since, in a bayou, ad- joining the lake they had caught several catfish that would weigh from fifteen to twenty pounds apiece, and Bob was in a quandary, for they were so large that he did not know how they were to be cooked. Benito soon solved the question for him. He requested Bob to dig a hole a foot deep and two feet long and wide, and directed Greenway, as there were no stones, to gather some petrified wood, great quantities of which are found about the lakes near the Nueces. When this had been done, the horse-breaker filled the hole with dr mesquite wood, which was set on fire and al- lowed to burn out, By that time the sides of the make-shift oven wore heated, and Benito, placing two of the best fish in the hole, without breaking the skin, cov- ered them with embers, and the sod that had been removed in digging. ‘* Now, senores,” said Benito, as he finished his work, ‘‘ we will make coffee and bake some corn-cakes, and by that time our fish will be ready.” Bob and Green had looked on in wonder, thinking the fish would be burned to a crisp, and not at all liking the idea of having them cooked without removing the entrails. “T don’t think I care for fish to-night, Benito,” said Bob, rather ruefully. ‘‘I think Ti take my rifle and see if I can’t knock over some squirrels, or other small game. Come on, Green.” ‘* Bueno,” answered the horse-tamer, with a laugh. ‘‘ Go ahead, butdon’t stray far. As to the fish, we shall see about that when you re- turn.” Greenway, delighted at the. prospect of a stroll, joined his friend, and the two started, with their rifles on their shoulders, striking into the timber which stood thick, all around the lake-shore, They found it difficult to make their way through the tangled vines, and over huge petri- fied logs and limbs, black as coal, which lay in every direction, Separating some thirty yards, the boys, with their rifles cocked and at a ready, proceeded toward the lake, in a timorous manner, for they knew that panthers, bears, and even Indians ie frequenters of the deep shades around them. They had not advanced far when Bob was brought to a standstill by a wild yell of fright from his friend, and at the same time he heard a great crashing of bushes, as if some large ani- mal was coming directly toward him. e re- covered himself barely in time to spring behind a tree when a huge alligator rushed past, tear- ing down vines, and breaking the bushes in his course, its long tail whisking in all directions. From its actions Bob concluded that the alliga- tor was as much frightened as himself, and knowing that, at the speed it was making, he could not hit the brute in any vulnerable part, he turned toward the point at: which he expected to find Green, Upon reaching the vicinity there lay his com- rade’s rifle, but Green himself was nowhere to be seen. Filled with fears Bob was about to give a signal yell when the well known voice of reen reached his ears, and looking up he saw Green seated upon the limb of a tree. ““ Well, old boy!” he exclaimed. ‘ What are you doing up there? Hunting birds’ nests?” 4 “Not much,” answered Green, recovéring from his fright at seeing Bob so unconcerned. “Tm hunting a young earthquake. I ran against the old one about where you stand. ave you seen a petrified log, about twelve feet long, playing circus down your way?” Bob burst into a merry axe as he compre- hended the cause of his friend’s late alarm. “Yes; I saw a huge alligator, that I suppose you took for a log.” “You are right,” Wyichamee Green, as he de- scended hand under hand by a hanging vine. “*T stepped directly on the monster, who must
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Old Rocky’s Boys. yy have been asleep. It did not take him long to wake up and go under me, and it did not take me many seconds to establish myself in that tree, although I do not know how it was done. I do not think I could climb it again in the same way—unless I had asurgentacall. But come on. We'll see what’s next on the bill. The surprises and mishaps seem to be all re- served for me.” Once more advancing, the two soon reached the bottom of a gully, and, as they were climb- ing the opposite Feeak the loud gobble of a tur- key sounded just ahead. Creeping on hands and knees the two climbed the ascent and ae rer cautiously over the bank. To their joy they saw a huge gobbler strutting proudly around some half-dozen hen-turkeys. The boys lay but for a moment to admire the, to them, novel and beautiful sight. Then slow- Wy, without noise, their rifle-barrels were thrust orward over the bank. “‘Give me a whack at the gobbler, Green, and you knock spots out of ahen. Allready! One —two—three!” Both rifles spoke together, and their mingled reports were followed by the loud flapping of wings. Springing to their feet they saw that a hen- turkey was just giving its last kick, while the gobbler was dancing and rolling around ata reat rate. Bob, who did not see that the head f the gobbler was only hanging by the skin, ran to knock the huge fowl over with his rifle, thinking he was but slightly wounded; but the cock-turkey, in the agonies ‘of death, suddenly sprung against him with flapping wings, and with such force as to knock him flat on the ground. As he arose, laughing, the headless gobbler sunk dead at his feet. Having reloaded, the boys tied the feet of their turkeys together and hung them over their rifles, shouldering their game, which they found to be as heavy a burden as they could comfort- ably carry. As they were now near the lake, they decided to go on and take a look at the water. They soon found themselves at the very verge of a jump-off, and the lake at their feet: The sheet of water was not more than two hundred yards wide, but extended east and west as far as they could ses, although that was not far, since the timber upon the tortuous bank soon shut off the view on either hand. At first sight the whole surface of the water seemed to be spotted with stumps and drift- wood; but they soon saw, by sudden move- ments, that the apparently Imnocent objects were alligators. Hundreds and hundreds of the monsters were in sight, many of them of pro- digious size, and the boys involuntarily stepped back as they made the discovery. As instantly they returned, attracted by a disturbance in the water, and glanced directly below, to see what might be its nature. Another surprise awaited them, : Just below, plainly shown bya glimmer of sunlight through the trees, was a huge fish, some bg te feet in length, with a long bill ex- tending from its head. The fish was shaped like an immense pike, and Bob, who had never beard or read of a fish of the size and description in fresh water, looked narrowly at the stranger, determined to relate this discovery to Benito, and try to get the lat- ter to assist in its capture. It was with a shudder that the two boys Fave a last look at the lake, and saw two bul al iga- tors in fierce conflict, throwing the water high in the air, by thrashing their huge, powerful tails, every blow making a report as loud as the discharge of a gun. A little before sun-down Bob and Green en- tered camp, perspiring freely under their heavy load, but very proud of their success. They were complimented by Benito and Old Rocky, the former, however, telling them that supper was awaiting them, and that there wasno time to cook turkey meat. Somewhat disappointed at not being able to cook their game the two boys seated themselves by the side of the old scout and poured out their coffee, Benito coming from bis novel oven bear- he a huge piece of bark the two catfish. treat was the surprise of Bob and Green to see that the two fish laid before them were white as the driven snow; and tosee Old Rocky, by a dexterous flip of his bowie draw great chunks away from the bones, ready for eating. After seeing Benito sprinkle salt over the de- licious looking morsels, the boys could not resist the temptation to taste; and having tasted to gorge; meantime expressing their surprise that a catfish could be served up in so neat and tcothsome a manner, “There is no better way to cook than in the way of the Montezumas,” answered Benito. ** A beef’s head, a buffalo cow’s udder, or buf- falo tongues are delicious when cooked in a hole in the ground. All the juices and nutritious gases are retained.” After the evening meal was eaten, and the animals changed to fresh grass, all seated them- selves in camp, to smoke, and tell over the inci- dents of the day. Then Bob told of the remarkable fish that he had seen, and no sooner had he described its immense length than Benito became intensely interested, at the conclusion of the story bring- ing his hand down on his thigh in an excited manner, exclaiming: “ Senores, can be godirect to the spot where you saw this fish?” ‘“‘T think—yes, I am sure I can,” answered Bob, _‘* Couldn’t you, Green?” “Why, certainly.” “Don’t matter a bit whether they kin, er not,” broke in Old Rocky. ‘* We'd be purty spess’- muns 0’ scouts ef we c’u’dn’t foller ther trail. Yer seem to hev fell in love with that fish, Benito. Ar’ he an old pard 0’ eee “You are just right, Senor ky. Twice be- fore, when cam here, have I tried my best to sink a lasso over what, Iam sure, was the same fish. It is the largest alligator gar I have ever seen or heard of. We must try and cap- ture it to-morrow. The attempt will afford us some sport, and it will not interfere much with the braiding of our mustang snares.” * Good!” ant —— a | a. will be nd sport, and perhaps you can rope an Siento, as you say you have oftendone. I would like to examine one closely,”
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* An’ thar’s a heap o’ them same allygaturs,” broke out the old scout, laughing, ‘‘ what ’u’d like ’mazingly ter ’zamine you clussly, too. They kin beat a dozzen doctors in ther dysectin’ bizz, and gi’n em an hour’s start. I say, Green, why didn’t yer ’zamin’ thet one yer hed sicha de’d sure thing on ’while ago?” ‘““T hadn’t time,” answered Green, laughing. “T happened to take a great interest in astro- nomical matters about then, and went for an permit position for observation on short no- ice, “T couldn’t make up my mind,” here inter- osed Bob, ‘which was the most frightened, reen or the alligator. But before I forget it, here’s a question I wang to ask: I noticed large heaps of dry prickly pear sticks and bark in some of the mesquite mottes on the prairie to- day, and wish to know what kind of an animal builds and lives in them. Some of the heaps “Yes; an’ ther prairie rats lives in em,” ad- ded old Rock, ** an’ snakes,” “ Just as larger rabbits, small owls and rattle- snakes take up their quarters in a prairie-dog town; occupying the same holes and the snakes devouring the young oe **T should very much like to see a prairie-doz town,” said Bob, ‘I have read so much about the marmots.” “You'll see a big sight more’n yer want ter up kentry,” remarked the old scout as he knocked the ashes out of his pipe. ‘I reckons we-uns hed better stake ther stock cluss in ter- night. Bob an’ Green kin stan’ g’ard fu’st part o’ ther night, an’ Bonito an’ me’ll take ther wu’st watch, when ther reds’ll come ef they’re comin’ at all.” At this hint all proceeded to lead in the ani- mals and secure them with less length of rope, ina more compact body. With the exception of Green, who took the first watch, all were soon sleeping sweetly. CHAPTER IV. THE DEMONS OF THE LAKE. BEntTO was on the last, watch, and well did he employ his time, enlarging the prairie-oven and building a huge fire ir and over the same. The young horse-breaker then removed the feathers, and entrails of the two turkeys and prepared a dressing: composed of wild onions and corn-bread, hashed with a bowie-knife, and seasoned with salt and chile chipnes, which grew in abundance on the river. He then bound the fowls around with green ‘ass, securing them compactly with strings of resh stripped bark, and the fire having burned down low, the fowls were buried in the glowing embers, and covered over with sods and earth. Breakfast well under way, in half a dozen trips Benito conveyed the pack-load of raw- hide strips, obtained at the Saunders Ranch, to a pool of water a few yards from the camp, where he sunk them under water with pieces of petrified wood, of which there was a plenty be- a: Old Rocky’s Boys. neath the bottom-timber. Then he baked a fresh supply of corn-bread in the iron camp oven, prepared coffee, removed the animals to fresh grass, and, as the first gray streaks of morning lit up the east, aroused his comrades. When Bob and Green entered camp from their morning wash at the pool the horse-breaker was in the act of removing the covering of burnt grass which enveloped the fowls, caciosing them, Faakad to a turn, the air being filled wit a savory smell. There was no delay, however, for at once the four began in a workmanlike manner and soon there was left but a remnant of bones, “A tip-top feast!” said Green heartily, “‘ and I hope to enjoy many another such.” “Yes, but the turk’s w’u’d ’a’ bin mighty dry eatin’ ef Benito hedn’t stuffed em wi’ bacon an’ onions, an’ cooked ’em the way he did, Take ther breast o’ a wild turkey, an’ brile it ona stick, an’ it’s dry eza chip, Take a spring tur- key in ther fall, when the’r’ rollin’ fat, an’ yer kin run ’em down. The’r’ good feed then.” ‘Then you can run a turkey comm cee you?” “* Bet yer life yee kin,” answered Old Rocky. ‘* Late in ther fall, arter a fair crop o’ oak nuts an’ the’r’ fat, they can’t fly fur. Cut ’em o! from timber when they’re on ther perarer, an’ run ’ema while, an’ ther fools ‘ll stick the’r heads in under a bunch o’ grass, thinkin’ ther hull ov ’em iz outer sight. I’ve see’d Benito, thar, take in half a dozzen ov ’em, goin’ at fu speed, pickin’ ’em yp ez they stuck tha’r heads in ther grass, plum tuckered out wi’ runnin’, an’ Benito not slacken up his nag whilst he war doin’ ther job, but leanin’ off his mustang, an’ ba, ga! the’r necks an’ droppin’ ’em fur me ter round up,” “And how many turkeys generally flock to- gether?” asked Green. “Not many ’round this-a-ways; but up ken- try, on ther upper Nueces, an’ on ther ecos, yer kin ’see five an’ six hundred ata single sight.’ Once started on the subject of turkeys and Old Rocky and the boys might have wasted an hour or more had Benito not recalled to their mind the programme for the morning—an at- tempt to capture the alligator gar.—After some little discussion it was ag: that the cam should remain without a guard, as there seeme little risk in so leaving it. With extravagant ideas of the fun ahead Green and Bob got their rifles and ammunition and were soon at the heels of Benito and the old scout. In a very short time the party halted within ten feet of the lake, and Benito cautiously peeped over in the exact spot where the boys stood when they saw the mammoth fi-h. With a gesture of vexation and disappoint- ment the young horse-breaker drew back ex- claiming. : is st Caspita ! we arein badluck. The gar is not ere. “Don’t be so danged r’iled "bout it, Benito. I reckon I kin call ther cuss ef he’s anyways near —an’ plenty o’ alligators along wi’ Pu Taking his lasso from Benito he secured one end of therope to a tree and then made his way down the bank to the water’s edge, partially supporting himself with the cord. “Bueno hombre!” exclaimed Benito, in a
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» Old Rocky’s Boys. 9 tified voice. ‘1 understand your trick now. me hither, senores, and I think you'll soon have the pleasure of seeing the huge fish.” Both boys sprung eagerly to the side of the horse-breaker, and observed that the lake pre- sented an entirely different aspect from that of the previous evening. Not an alligator was in sight and the lake was smooth as a mirror. L Where are the alligators now?’ exclaimed Bob, in surprise. an They are across the lake, on the shore, lying in the sun, but if I’m not mistaken, you will see plenty of them soon. Watch Rocky.” The old scout, who had secured a foothold on & projecting root at the water’s edge, now leaned over, and with the palm of his hand struck the surface of the water, pat, pat, pat, sounding, as it was intended, as though some animal was lapping the water with its tongue. is experiment was repeated for some time. Then a half-suppressed cry broke from the lips of the horse-breaker, as a series of waves stirred. the surface of the lake, showing that some large fish or amphibious monster was approaching the point where Old Rocky was stationed. ss Quick!” whispered Benito to the anxiously watching boys. “Get the pole, and thrust the small end to- ward me.” Full of excitement, the boys sprung to obey, and almost at the same moment Old Rocky clambered up the bank by the aid of the lasso, which he then loosened first from the tree and then secured to the end of the pole which the boys thrust toward him. n an instant more the entrails of the turkey, which had been saved for the purpose, were at- tached to the other end of the lasso, and the pole drawn out from the timber and held over the water by the old scout, Benito grasping and cock- ing his rifle, the boys edging up to obtain a view of the proceedings, Nearer and nearer approached the waves, which betrayed tho presence of some monster beneath them. Taking a warning look at Benito, Old Rocky let fall the bait on the surface of the water, the same instant drawing it up some six inches, Not ten feet away from the bait the waters suddenly became troubled. Then the boys saw a huge body dart with a velocity through the water into the air, a huge pair of long jaws opened, filled with saw-like teeth, snapping the a lasso off as though it was but a cotton ing. But at the same instant Benito’s rifle rung sharply in their ears, and they beheld the mam- moth fish spring bodily from the water, fall back and rollover, showing its belly uppermost, which was of a yellowish-white color. “By the jumpin’ Jehossifat! Yer done that neat ez a pin!” exclaimed Old Rocky. ‘I swan ter cricky thet’s ther biggest fish I ever seen w’ar skin or scale. He’d chaw a dry rawhide inter hash afore yer c’u’d wink twicet!” A wild hurrah rung out over the lake from the delighted boys, who threw up their sombreros, and eames down at the big fish in wonder. “*Hezy, eezy, boys! Look yonder!” interrupt- ed the old scout suddenly, cocking his rifle as he spoke, while Benito reloaded, Out on the lake a score of huge alligators could be seen approaching, their hideous heads plowing through the water, sending long waves out on either side. ‘* Now, senores,” said Benito,‘ you have an op- portunity for trying at once your rifles and the thickness of an alligator’s hide. Fire away!” The boys leveled their guns at the foremost two of the advancing saurians, which were now not twenty yards away, but when they fired, to their surprise the monsters continued to ap- proach. ‘* You see that it is true that you can’t make . an impression on their hides with a rifle ball. Now do Rocky and me the favor of casting a piece of dead wood just to the east of them, so as to strike about ten feet from their heads.” Leaning his rifle against a tree Bob did as re- quested, As the dead wood struck the water witha splash, the alligators slightly turned, bringing their heads so as to point down the lake. On the instant Benito and the old scout fired. At once the lake became a boiling mass of water. Hither and thither darted the two alli- gators, thrashing the waters into foam with their tails, and driving the unburt reptiles in fear into the depths below. This lasted for but a moment, Then the monsters, after lying a little while upon the surface, still save for the maging of their pon- derous jaws, rolled over, dead. Both were shot through the eye—the only vulnerable spot save the tender skin just: back of the fore leg, ‘* What in heavens are you going to do now?” exclaimed Green, as he saw that Benito was rapidly disrobing. ‘T am going into the lake after the gar.” “Going into the lake? Surely you are not wild enough for that! The alligators will tear you to pieces.” “I do not intend to give them the chance. The fact is, an alligator will not attack a naked white man, and I am nearly white. A man witb clothes on, that is in the water, or a naked colored man, would soon be snapped up by them. Am I not right, Senor Rocky? “Purty nigh right,” answered the scout. “ But ef a naked white man war ter linger lens enuff among ’em ter git ’quainted, they would- n't mind shakin’ his paw, an’ chawin’ his ears off—head throw’d in—jist to make things lively. But, Benito, I dozen’t mind takin’ a soak, an’ Tl help yer git ther gar; though I don’t see what good ther critter is.” So saying Old Rocky also began to undress, regardless of the alligators which, now that the tumult had ended, began to bob up their heads until a large number was to be seen, every one pointed toward the gar, whose blood dyed the waters. Removing their revolvers Old Rocky and Benito. buckled their belts which held their knives, around their naked bodies, and Benito plunged head-foremost off of the bank, disap- pearing beneath the water and coming up on the other side of the floating gar. en the scout cast him the lasso which he made fast to the fish. The boys hauled away on the line le Rocky sprung into the water to aid his riend,
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Previous to springing from the bank Benito had cut off the limb of a pecan tree, taking from ita portion about a foot long, and per- haps three inches in diameter, which he had sharpened at both ends, This he had taken with him, thrusting it inside of his belt. What he was to do with it was a mystery to the boys; which was now to be explained, When the horse-breaker had secured the lasso to the gar-fish, he placed the back of the blade of his bowie between his teeth, loosened the billet of pecan wood in his belt, so that it could be readily drawn, and then, whirling in the water toward the middle of the lake, with bis hands deep in the water he swam toward the alligators, which seemed to be watching the proceedings more in curiosity than rage. Old Rocky, knowing the adventurous spirit of the brokaro, and supposing that he was about to do some dangerous feat to show the boys he was as fearless in the water as upon the land, swam quietly in his wake. No sooner did Benito approach the leader, an enormous alligator, than, as if eager for con- flict, the huge king of the lake slowly swam to- ward the brokaro. **Bo kinder keerful 0’ yerself, leetle pard,” admonished Old Rocky, but the horse-breaker swam steadily on, until, not five feet. from tho reptile, his right arm was raised from the water, disclosing the sharpened stick that he grasped tightly in his hand. Then the huge jaws of the lizard opened, and his tail squirmed as if gath- ering strength for a lunge. CHAPTER V. FIGHTING A MONSTER—A “ MITEY” FOR, ONLY an instant did the alligator and man occupy the position just described. Then the brokaro, with a rapid dart, thrust his hand be- tween the fearful, teeth-lined jaws, and at once the two disappeared from sight in a boiling mass of foam, the spray flying twenty feet into the air. With paling faces Bob and Sam watched the -foam-lashed waters, until to their delight and surprise they saw Benito, cool and unharmed, darting away toward the shore, seated astride the back of the alligator, whose mouth was stretched wide open by the sharpened stick that had been placed in the gaping jaws by the young brokaro. Not only was the huge lizard made harmless, as far as biting went, but its mouth being held wide open prevented its diving down into the lake, and so getting rid of the unusual load upon ts back. Tt was a wild and extraordinary: sight to wit- ness; and Old Rocky, who swam ashore after seeing Benito safely mounted, sat with the boys, all laughing heartily at the extravagant exer- tions of the strange steed, and the dexterity of its supple rider, who seemed to be enjoying him- self hugely. In a very short time the brokaro and his water-horse arrived beneath the overhanging boughs of the opposite shore, and reaching up Benito cut with his bowie-knife a strong piece of vine, some four feet long. Leaning forward, before the alligator got its paws upon the shore, the brokaro thrust one Old Rocky’s Boys. end of the vine within the jaws, and drew it through. Then, with all his strength, he pulled backward and to the right, bringing the am- phibious monster about, into the lake again, and having it under fair control by means of the vine with which he had bridled it. Amidst increased laughter from the amused spectators, Benito came at great speed across the lake, yelling as he came: ‘Make the lasso fast to the tree!” This was quickly done by Old Rocky, and as the alligator reached the bank, its eyes rolling in agony, the sharpened stick still between its distended jaws, Benito grasped the lasso with his left hand, and raising his right drove his bowie-knife to the hilt just back of the forearm of the monster. Springing quickly up the bank, hand over hand, by the lasso, the brokaro barely escaped the thundering blows given by the alligator’s tail, as it lashed the water in frenzy; its blood staining the lake for many yards. Eager hands pulled Benito up the bank, and all turned to watch the dying struggles of the saurian, “Tallers sed yer c’u’d ride anything what wore legs!” exclaimed Rocky, gazing with pride at his friend. ‘But I never counted in one o’ them tarrifyin’ drink-thrashers. Gin us yer paw, leetle pard. It war ther purtiest sight I ever seen, but risky, pard, ’tarnal risky.” “Risky!” broke in Bob. ‘‘I should think it was. I would not dare to venture iuto the lake, even now, when the alligators seem thor- oughly frightened.” “It is a feat easily accomplished. by one with a little nerve,” inter Benito. ‘' As soon as I inserted the stick 1.dove below, and knowing by the lashing of his tail where the danger lay, IT came up by its fore paws, and climbed on its back, I bed a good ride; also a bath, and feel refreshed. Now, after the time we have lost in ech capa what are we to do with the big gar- sh? ‘*T wish,” said Bob, ‘‘ that we could, in somo way, preserve it. It would be a great curi- osity.” ““Thero is no way to do so,” returned Benito. “Tn a few hours it will be swelled to twice its present size. Still, [have an idea, We might draw the fish on shore and convey it to one of the nests of the red-ants, By the time we re- turn this way, the ants will have eaten every vestige of flesh from its bones without in any way disarranging the skeleton, I do not know of any way you can transport it there, but you can have the satisfaction of seeing how this fish, which darts like a lightning flash through the water, is framed.” 2 “‘ As yours is the only plan proposed, I guess we will have to adopt it; but where is there an ants’ nest, such as you speak of?” At Bob’s question, mito turned to Old Rocky and gave a peculiar look, a merry — dancing in his eye, though unnoticed by the S. eganon Rocky, did you not observe a red- ants’ mound to our right, as we came here, not far from our trail, and back some dozen yards from this point?” ‘ ‘““Purty sart'in I did,” answered the scout,
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Old Rocky’s Boys. il = by the side-winks of the brokaro, but nowing that fun was in the mind of his ques- tioner. Both Bob and Green sprung eagerly into the woods on a tour of discovery, and the old scout, after a word of explanation from Benito, lay down on the bank, struggling hard to suppress his laughter, while the brokaro, with calm vis- age, awaited the course of events. One, two, three minutes passed; and their loud yells came to the ears of the two who were awaiting the return of the ant-hunters, Nearer came the yclls, accompanied by the sound of crashing brush; and then Bob and Green, their features convulsed with pain and fear, rushed wildly past, without looking at their friends, and sprung down the bank into the lake, Die LpesTne beneath the waters, which, a few moments before, they had declared they would not enter tor any consideration. he old scout rolled about on the bank of the lake, his loud laughter sounding far and near; but only a faint smile rested on the face of the brokaro. The heads of both boys popped above the sur- face at the same instant, both gazing with re- proach at their friends as they trod water and vigorously rubbed various parts of theur body and limbs, or struck viciously at floating specks about them on the water. The loud laugh of the old scout at first grated harshly on their ears, and highly offended them; but soon, the ludicrous side of their adventure overcame their anger, and the boys clambered. dripping, up the bank, hastily disrobed, and picked the remaining red-ants from their cloth- ing, joining, meanwhile, in the laugh at their res , “Why did you not tell us, Benito?” asked Bob, reproachfully, ‘‘ You should have let us know that they bit.” ‘*In the first place,” answered the brokaro, “T knew you would ridicule any representation of the danger of approaching the mounds of such a small insect. In the next 1 knew you must learn the danger by experience, or we would have you yelling wildly at us some time when it might peril our lives. { knew vour curiosity would lead you to inspect the habita- tions of the red-ants, and that they, in turn, would make war on you. This was a good place to have it out with them, as water was near. Truly, senores, these little insects would swarm on you and torture you to death, if you were not where you could get them off by plunging into the lake.” **T do not disbelieve one word, now, in regard to their torturing abilities. Do you, Green?! ‘Not much. I would as soon be rolled down hill in a barrel of needles as to venture near another nest, and as for the gar-fish—Dve no desire to see its skeleton if Iam to be forced to go near that mound again where the little creepers live, that carry chain lightning in their sting. We won’t get over this trip for a day. The bites burn like fire.” : “Wait until you get into camp,” said Benito, ina reassuring manner. ‘I will mash some bare pear for you, and the pulp will remove he stinging pain immediately.” As the boys were really suffering, an almost instant move was made, and on reaching camp they were soon supplied with the green pulp of the round-leafed cactus, to apply to the various ae made hy the red-ants, hile the boys were attending to their stings Old Rocky and Benito commenced prepeice the raw-hide strips for braiding into lassoes with which to catch mustangs when they had arrived further up the river. One end of a long strip, which consisted of a whole beef’s hide, cut in the manner previously described, was tied toa tree. Then holding the strip tight with one hand, a knife in the other scraped off the hair aud pared down the irregu- larities, making the thong of unifcrm thick- ness the whole length. Then the strips were again cast into the pool, and others made ready, until all were prepared. During the afternoon and the two days fol- lowing all were busy; Benito and Old Rocky braiding, Bob and Green rubbing tallow into the las30es after they were finished and dried in the sun. The raw-hide ropes being braided when taken from the water were at first soft ore * organ but shrunk up completely when ried, After the first greasing the ropes were thrown over limbs of trees, and quickly drawn back and forth to rub off the sharp edges of the hide, and make them more easy to handle. ~ By the evening of the third day after the kill- ing of the gar-fish twenty lassoes were ready for use and Benito and Old Rocky decided on a move up-stream the following ore Everything was made ready, and though, as yet, no signs of Indians had been seen, on this, the last night in the lake camp, the boys re- ceived a long lecture from the old scout, in re- gard to future vigilance, as Indian war-parties, especially of the Apaches, frequently came down the Nueces, on raids upon the stock ranches of the Frio and Medina, CHAPTER VI. A “SIGN” IN THE SKY—THE WOLVES OF T TRAIL. f Bricut and early the next morning every- thing was securely packed on the two mules, and soon all were on the march. Bob, while riding along, ever anxious to learn all he could about the strange Cony, through which be was traveling, was continually asking questions of Benito, who gladly returned all the information desired. “The plant with the sharp-pointed leaves,” he responded, in answer to questions,” is what the Texans call sop-weed, and it is appropri- ately named. The root, powdered on a stone and rubbed on clothes, gives out a suds and cleanses woolen stuffs much better than manu- factured soap “ That tall shrul, with leaves almost similar to the soap-weed, and belonging to the same family, is the Spanish dagger. Its leaves being as tough, almost, as steel, and sharp and strong, you could easily run one through a man, Mus- tangs in a stampede often get wounded mortally by running against them, “That large, wide-leaved plant, which also has a sharp point, with others along its sides, is
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the maguey. There are large plantations of it in Mexico. At certain seasons the heart is cut or ry out, into the cavity a large amount of sap flowing every day. This sap is collected and distilled into mezcal, or whisky, of great boy’, Sarg “That small plant you see my mustang has just trodden upon and broken, is rattlesnake weed, the under side of the leaf, as you see, be- ing figured and mottled exactly like the skin of arattlesnake. Should you get bitten by a snake a portion of those leaves, immediately applied to the wound, with a plentiful quantity of the leaves chewed and the juico swallowed, will ward off the effects of the poison. Many, how- ever, prefer to kill the snake and bind the quiv- ering flesh to the wound. The meat changes ia color to a green as the poison is drawn out, when a fresh piece is applied.” “T should prefer not being under the nece of using either remedy,” began Bob, but ho was suddenly interrupted by a low cry from tho horse-breaker, “ Hold!” said the latter, reining his horse sud- denly in upon its haunches, an act which brougit all toa halt. ‘ Look ahead, over the bend in the river, Senor Rocky.” ‘Thar’s what mought be a bad sign, an’ then, ag’in, it moughtn’t,” said the old scout, in a low, deliberate manner. ‘‘ Howsomdever, I reckon as this ’ere outfit ain’t sp’ilin’ fur ter be sculped, I'd better skin out an’ see what’s ahead. You- ‘uns had better lay lowin tha bush ontil I gives a whoop er shows myself.” With this advice Old Rocky turned his hors> into the timber, threw tho end of his lariat to Benito, and, taking his rifle, disappeare within the dense wood, which, for froma quarter of a mile to a mile in width, extended along both sides of the Nueces. Bob and Green were both puzzled and alarmed by this mysterious movement. As Rocky passed out of sight, Bob exclaimed: “What is the meaning of this, Benito? I see nothing alarming over the bend where you seem to locate something dangerous.” “Look high upin the air. You will seo a number of turkey-buzzards circling.” * And what does that indicate?” ** Tt is not a sure thing, but it is astrong proof that there isa camp there either of Indians, Mexicans or mustangers. If either of the for- mer they are our deadly enemies. The buzzards fly high. If the camp was abandoned they would be in it, or on the adjoining trees. They await either the departure of humans, so that they can pick up the offal left behind, or the death of some animal which has been wounded and their singularly acute instinct tells them has been doomed. Old Rocky will soon ascertain which it is. Allow your animals to feed, senores; they will not be so liable to whinny or the mules to squeal.” ; “Tain’t no camp, boys,” exclaimed the scout, ashe swung himself into the saddle, “But I haz struck ther trail o’ er party o’ tarnal ha’r- one” what can’t be more ner ten leagues from “What tribe, senor?” asked Benito eagerly. “Ther a party o’ Paches, sum o’ Lone Wolf’s cut-throats, rec’ons; an’ ther best ov it ar’ thar Old Rocky’s Boys. ain’t more ner a dozen ov ’em, an’ haz got "bout forty hosses, more or less.” ‘*T don’t see,” exclaimed Bob, “how you can make anything good out of being within half a day’s ride of a war-party of murderous Apaches, whether they have extra horses ernot. How will that benefit us?” “Yer skin’s thin, y’unker,” returned tho old scout. Then, without paying any more atten- tion to the boys, he turned to Benito: “T tell yer, lectle pard, we’uns haz got a soft thing ef we handles our ropes kerrect, an’ I spose we kin. Leastwise, thar’s a dead certainty, ef the lads warn’t so ’tarnal green, ov our wipin out the hull caboodle, en’ bein’ a heap o’ horse- meat ahead o’ the game.” Benito listened attentively, weighing every word, and watching the face of the old man as he spoke. When he ceased the eyes of the horse- breaker sparkled, he slapped tho breech of his rifle with his hand, and in a voice full of deter- mination exclaimed: “Senor ag the Apache dogs shall not all see the Pecos. Wo are after mustangs. If we can get the broken horses from the thieves ahead—tho horses that have been stolen from the ranches below—we can herd and drive those much better. Besides we shall punish the mur- derers of women and children, and have the pleasure of returning the stolen stock to its real owners.” “ Kerrect ev’ry time, leetle pard; an’ we'll do some tall thinkin’ ter-night ter plan how we kin sarcumvent the painted cusses, An’ we'll take ther boys into council right away. I say, boys!” Old Rocky paused, and turning in the saddle, beckoned to Bop and Green, who at once ranged alongside. “reckon yer hez heerd an’ read a heap "bout Injuns, an’ hez cum ter ther ’clusion thet th’ar’ az vengeful, an’ filled wi’ az much pure b’iled down cussedness az any critter what walks, crawls, er flies bout this yere yarth. But th’ar’ a danged sight wuss ner yer thunks. Benito, sling yer lariat round a limb, an’ you boys kim on, all ov yer.” All had now arrived within the horseshoe bend of the river, and dismounting, their lariats were secured to the limb, Then Old Rocky, fol- lowed by the rest, descended a steep, rocky bank, filidg into the timber, but not going half a pistol- shot from their horses. “ Thar’s a sight, pards, thet shows ez plain an’ plainer’n loud talk ’bout what ther size o’ a Pache’s h’art are.” It was indeed a pitiable sight at which Old Rocky pointed. An Indian horse, which, from the traces of war-paint on its hams, had evidently belonged to a chief, stood before them, its eyes shining with agony, its head hanging to the earth. The feathered shafts of three arrows projected from the animal's body, and from the wounds caused by these torturing weapons the blood had flowed and dried in the sun. Still, at every slight movement, the crust broke and the vital fluid slowly welled forth. “ “Great heavens! What is the meaning of this, Benito?” Bob was full of pity for the poor brute, + i
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Old Rocky’s Boys. is “Ther hoss hes suffered enuff,” said Old Rocky, and earns his bowie-knife, the old scout, with a careful blow, struck with the point of the blade just back of the animal’s ears, sey- ering the spinal cord, At once the horse dropped dead. “*The meaning, senors,” said Benito, answer- ing Bob’s question, “is that an Indian rode this horse from the Pecos, down on the raid, and did not spare quirt. In fact, as you see, the animal was completely broken down, When the Apache brute found that the horse could no longer car- ry him, he doomed the poor beast to a lingering death, that was full of torture. He fired his ar- rows into the body where they would give in- tense pain and produce running, festering fly- blown sores, but carefully avoided giving a wound that would produce any death but the most lingering. Perhaps you have not noticed that thie horas s lips are cut and aie in’ several places so as to torture him should he attempt to eat grass. One of his hamstringsis cut, too. It’s as fiendish a set of acts as I ever saw done to a dumb brute, though I havo seen worse tortures inflicted on human beings by Apaches, Coman- ches and Kioways.” . ‘‘ How do you know these Indians belonged to the Apaches?” asked Green. “We know by the arrows,” explained Benito, as he drew one from the dead horse. ‘* Witness another devilish bit of ingenuity in these un- tutored red-skins. As you see, there is a groove running spirally from the feather to the point of the arrow.” “ Yes,” answered both of the boys in concert, as they examined the long, blood-stained shaft, held in the hands of the brokaro. “Well, that is cut to allow the blood to flow freely when the arrow is fired into man or beast and thus cause death more certainly. The Co- manches cut two grooves straight with the shaft; the Apaches, as you observe, one, spirally wind- ing about the shaft,” ‘The points are made of iron; where do thoy get them?” “They exchange buffalo-hides for them with the traders,” Once started Benito might have held the boys for a long time as interested questioners and listeners, but Rocky, to whom these things were a good deal more than a twice-told tale, put an end to the conversation by calling upon all, rather impatiently, to follow him. hen he led the way back to the horses. 4 ‘Dangers are all ’round us, bet yer bottom dollar; an’ ef yer eyelids lose the’r grip ther hull outfit stan’s a show ter be wiped out. We'll camp in ther thick timber, Benito, an’ make our fire plum under ther bank o’ ther river, whar the blaze can’t be see’d.” “Tt’s a good plan,” assented Benito. After some little search they found the spot that was entirely suitable, the position being guarded on three sides by the river, and only open to attack from the north. r : The mules were here quickly relieved of their burdens, and staked with the horses in an open spot, well shielded from outside view by the surrounding trees, Then a hasty meal was pre- pared by Benito. ; soon as supper was over Benito and Old Rocky, having cautioned the boys to be silent and watchful, shouldered their rifles and moved out from the bend to take up and follow the trail of the Apaches from the point where the had left, the wounded horse, Phe sun was still two hours above the horizon, and they hoped, by a careful examination, to ascertain the exact number of this war-party, and other facts in re- gard to it which the “ signs” might disclose. Bob and Green, with arms ready for defense, took up a position where, screened from view themselves, they could still watch the animals. CHAPTER VIL. THE BOYS DRAW BLOOD—A GHASTLY JOKE, Nicur came slowly on, and still the two boys sat in the same position they had occupied at the departure of their friends. They were nervous enough now; in fact, were more than half frightened. Even men of considerable frontier experience might have felt anxiety for the safety of the absent comrades; and it was no wonder that Bob and Green a tines were tortured by gloomy forebodings, By crawling a few paces they could peep be- tween the branches, down upon the waters of the river, and at the spot where their now dead camp-fire had been built. Just above the ashes at a distance of some ten feet, and about twenty from their hiding-place, were the camp tricks—saddles, bridles, ropes and the like— lying in a space entirely clear of brush. The boys, not dreaming of any danger from that point, were vatching the animals as well as they could through the gloom when a slight splash in the river caused their hearts to jump into their throats, and each to lay his hand in warning on the other’s shoulder, Then they silently crept to the opposite side of the clump and parted the branches. Zunenge they could not see distinctly the marks which we shall point out, they had no trouble in distinguishing the form of an Indian, who, from the opposite bank of the river, was stooping over, and throwing water into his mouth with one hand. With bated breath Bob and Green pressed through the leaves—they knew that the Indian could detect no signs of a camp from where he stood, but they dreaded his inactivity since at any moment some one of the animals might be- tray them. When, however, they saw him step slow] into the river, and holding his bow above head, ford the stream, stepping on the shore at the very point where they had cooked their supper, their feelings were too deep for deserip- tion. As if to favor the young adventurers, the moon now threw its mellow light directly down upon the waters and upon the site of their camp, though tbe same illumination showed to the sharp, snake-like, wandering Fk of the Indian the ashes of the camp-fire. ith a single gut- tural ‘‘Ugh!” the savage stooped, thrust his hand into the ashes, and then rose once more erect, while his hideous face, upturned, showed a fiendish look of exultation, and his throat swelled with the yell of delight which prudence forbade him to utter, : By this the boys knew that the ashes still con-
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* tained hot embers, a plain indication that the fire was not long since made, So great was his joy at the discovery that the Indian lost prudence, and in two silent bounds was on the bank above, , But as he sprung his features suddenly changed; his hand flew to his quiver, and fitting an arrow with a dexterous movement, he stood with bow half drawn, a perfect picture of _sayv- age warfare, a bravo of the forest at bay. Upon the banks he bad at last seen the various utensils, acks and saddles of a party of white men. Like Fohtntng the thought struck his brain that he himself had been outwitted, that a trap had been laid for him, and that the eyes of his ene- mies were upon him. As the Indian leaped upon the bank, Bob and Green brought their rifles to bear, that strange, indefinable feeling filling their minds, which is always more or less present when deliberately aiming at a human foe. Only a moment stood the young Apache with half-drawn bow. Perhaps his instinct told him that he was in deadly peril; perhaps the animal magnetism of those eyes glancing along the rifle- barrels that were hidden from his view in the shadow, sent a thrill through his frame. Quick- ly he turned on his heel, his gaze bending back- ward, and then he sprung afar out toward the waters, But as he sprung the blended reports of two rifles broke upon the air, the hands that prasgen bow and arrow were thrown up spasmodically, and his sharp death-yell rung through the bot- tom-timber as he fell with a dull thud on the bank below. The report and yell was followed by the snorting and trampling of the horses and mules, Then beast and bird hushed how] and hoot and song, and the river-bottom became, for a mo- ment, silent as death as the two boys bounded from their covert in among the horses. Quickly they slipped cartridges into their rifles, and stood looking anxiously toward their camp,every moment expecting to see the form of an Apache, or to receive the point of a hunting-arrow. Situated thus, to their excited minds the bot- tom peopled by a savage foe, it was no wonder a few moments later, as the sound of cracking branches came to their ears from their rear, they should whirl in their tracks and stand with rifles leveled and fingers on the trigger as Benito and Old Rocky broke into sight, *‘Gehossifat—Gerrusilem!” yelled the old scout, ina voice of alarm. ‘ Ar’ yer both git- tin’ luny that yer goin fur ter git practice on a Injun trail, an’ end off wi’ takin’ a shoot at yer pards? What’n thunder'n Jightnin’s got in- ter yer? Didn’t we-uns say shootin’s ruled outen this game fur a while?” All this the old man rattled off in short meter, with a yoice and manner which showed he was greatly offended. “Don’t be so fast, Senor Rocky,” interposed Benito, as he came nearer and saw by the man- ner and look of the boys that something had occurred that was outside of the usual course of events, “The senoritos can, I presume, give a good reason for firing, and we know that the war- party is too far away to have heard the report.” Old Rocky’s Boys. With feelings somewhat hurt, Bob and Green made rapid strides through the animals and brush to the camp in the open by the river bank, Benito following, and the old scout grum- bling in the rear. Both boys now knew that the Indian was dead, for they saw his painted face by the waterside as they came into camp, and they seated themselves on their saddles, while Bob knowing that neither Benito nor Rocky h: seen the Apache, suddenly recovered his uncon- cern as he was struck with a desire to play a game on the old scout in return for his show of ill-temper. With this idea in his mind Bob spoke up, ab- ruptly. *Do you both, scouts that you are, and used to this kind of hfe, mean to say that you came through the clump of bushes where we first saw you and did not catch a glimpse of a dead panther?” “‘T don’t giner’ly hunt dead panthers,” an- swered the old scout, his voice somewhat changed. ‘*Ef ye see’d a panther so close ter ther stack az thet, I duzn’t blame yer fur shoot- in’. Yer must ’a’ killed ther jumpin’ squaller er we'd ’a’ heard him kick. Let’s take a peep arter ther karkass, Benito, ther boys might er bored him, an’ ther hide ar’ jist what we want.” Speaking thus Old Rocky retraced his steps, followed by Benito, who thought nothing of the boys holding back. No sooner had Rocky and the brokaro disap- peared in the brush than Bob dropped his rifle. “Quick, Green! The Indian is dead, and we'll bring him up to play a game on those two, even if it is a tough job!” Without hesitation Green followed down the bank, and the two, with much exertion brought up the Apache and placed him against a sapling where they buckled him fast with two straps, the one sree under his arms, the other under his chin. The red-skin still held his bow and arrow in the gripe of death, and faced the point of entrance from the horses to the camp, looking terribly natural, All being thus hastily arran; the boys grasped their rifles once more and quickly passed in among the animals, as they came near their former positions Bob crying out in a voice of well as- sumed anxiety: “* Can you find the panther, pards?” “Nary a panther!” shouted Rocky, in as surly a tone as before. ‘I yeckon it war a owl a-blinkin’ at yer.” “Te it was a panther,” reasoned Benito, ‘ it would be a mere chance if they should kill the animal, for they would have been too excited to shoot accurately.” ‘* Panther er no panther, I’m goin’ ter pick up sum more fodder. Ther tramp hes giv’ me a appertite fur more grub. Boys, I reckon yer panther are a-tearin’ up dead hoss by this, an’ a-laffin’ at hisself *hout yer loose shootin’.” Once more Old Rocky started back for camp, Benito stopping to tell the boys not to mind the old man’s ill-nature as he had walked far, was tired, and felt hurt at their disobeying orders when the safety of all depended upon their silent and circumspect movements. __ Benito, as he spoke, thought that the boys did
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Old Rocky’s Boys. ib not seem to pay much attention to his words, their looks being bent toward the camp: He passed on, leaving them to change the horses to fresh grass. But the brokaro had not taken half a dozen steps when he was startled by the report of the old seout’s rifle, which rung sharp through the timber. Alarmed, he cocked his own piece and rushed through the bushesinto camp. There Old Rocky stood motionless and silent before an Apache Indian, Springing to his side Benito saw in an instant the a tO of the rifle-shot that he and the old scout had heard before reaching the vicinity of the camp; and now, too, he understood the singular manner and actions of Bob and Green. he face of Old Rocky was a study. “Bamboozled! Sold out an’ nary a thing left to stand!” exclaimed the scout in astonishment and chagrin, as he gazed from the dead Apacho to Benito. “Dig ahole an’ kiver me up, kiver me up deep. Ther old man’s gittin’ wilted, wore out, an’ ain’t fit fur perarar life. Whar’s ther boys?” ‘““They’re changing the horses. Forgive them for this joke, old pard, for they had proyoca- tion you must admit, and that after they had ust proved themselves men. Had they not illed this young brave our chances to carry out our plans would have been spoiled.” “Long ez yer has scouted with me yer don’t know me,” returned Old Rocky.” “Why, I thinks a heap more o’ ther lads fer this than I did afore.” At this moment Bob and Green entered the opening, both dubious about the reception they would meet with, All hesitation was put to flight when the old scout advanced: with out- stretched hands, saying: “Bob, give CEL claw; Green, shake. I sets yer down as X , right from this time on, an’ ar’ sorry I spit out cross-grained words at yer. Yer haz paid me back full measure, b’ilin’ over; but [ holds no hard feelin’s. Now take a sot down an, give us ther ’ticulars, how yer wiped ther red sculper offen our trail.” Much ot that the old scout took their joke so P easantly Bob and Green sat down on their saddles, and related the circumstances of their late adventure, examination had shown Benito that their two bullets had gone through the body of the Apache, while that of Old Rocky had pierced his brain, As the brokaro announced this the scout an- swered: ““Yaas, thet ar’ whar I plugged him; an’ boys. when yer think it over I warn’t sich a blam ole fool arter all. Fu’stly I war bothered *bout yer shootin’, fer I ’spected thar war a red left ahind, ter watch fer any part ov whites what mou’t come on ther trail; by zaminin’ ther sign that’ ther cusses had some captur’d whites along, thet I'c’u'd ’a’ took oath they hed left a scout on ther lookout. Az I cum this-a-ways' arter huntin’ fur yer panther thet yer didn’t shoot, ther fu’st’ thin see’d war thet ’Pache stan’in thar: my head bein’ full o' ther likelihood 0” his bein’ round an’ seein’ him in our camp, I blazed quicker ner lubricated lightnin’, but know’d I war fooled afore my shooter got cl’ar 0’ smoke, Now Benito, you take ther skulp 0 that Pache fur ther boys to kerry, an’ then drag him outen camp, while I hump myself to knock together sum feed. Thar’s work ahead an’ we must bé gettin’ ready.” The Indian was scalped, dragged away from camp, and thrown into the river, to float down stream. As the boys refused to touch the scalp Benito secured it to his saddle, while Bob an Green rested satisfied with bow, arrows and belt as trophies, CHAPTER VIII: WAITING FOR THE GRAY. ‘Terie pards!” said Old Rocky, after hé had satisfied his reawakened appetite, and lit his pipe, ‘‘I reckon yer ar’ kinder hankerin’ ter know what Benito an’ me run ag’in’ in ther way o’ sign on ther ’Pache trail, an Pl ax him ter tell yer hisself; but az I’m squar’, an’ more ner half white, I'll say thet; et fu’st, what we did see, an’ what we know’d war ahead made me wish we hedn’t got you-’uns in our leetle party. Thet war afore we cum in, Now, I hez found yer a-pannin’ out hunk, an’ o’ ther right stock fur scoutin’, an’ Injun-fightin’, ef yer on’y know ther pints, which Benito an’ this old cudermudgin "ll gin yer. Now, Benito, I passes, Yer kin play yer talker lively, fur we hes hefty biz ahead, ‘Well, senoritos,” explained Benito, ‘‘ you see we knew a small war-party had passed as soon as we saw the wounded mustang and the evi- dences of the trail, but it was only after a lon, inspection of a dozen different points, an traveling many miles, that we obtained certain proofs of the extent and character of the raid. To sum up, the trail is made by a war-party of Apaches, who haye swooped down on the ranches of the Medina or Frio, and not only stolen a number of horses, but held as captive a some girl and her father. Senor Rocky and miysel: ave determined to save both or die in the at- tempt. We have decided to give up our plans for SAPenene, mustangs, cache our lassoes and everything not actually in use, leave the two mules behind, and starton the trail. If you do not care to risk the dangers ahead you can s! in camp here until we return, and try your han at the capture of wild horses, at say you, rancheros?” U P to their feet sprung the boys, much excited at the bare suggestion that they might not be willing to brave the dangers of the trail, while Bob exclaimed: ‘“Never! For what do you take us? I, for one—and I know I can speak for Green, too— will go on the trail of the red devils.” “ And I,” cried Green, as deeply moved, ‘‘am ready to follow the red fiends, at any risk! Count us in as two men; for, boys though we may seem, while this chase lasts you will find us Willing to at least attempt men’s work, How we will succeed, perhaps one dead Apache may give some sign.” “ Buenos muchachos !” cried Benito, pleasure beaming in his eye as he grasped a hand of each. “Shake, leetle pards!” added Rocky. ‘‘ Yer words show I hazn’t kallkerlated wrong. Biz is biz. Hump yersel’s lively, an’ git things straight fur ther trail.”
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£6 Old Rocky’s Boys. It was the intention of the brokaro to cache what things they did not need, in a small cave near by, and which he had discovered on one of his previous visits. To carry this out every one worked with a will, When the last armful bad been transported thither, the mouth of the cave was blocked up carefully, and the pack-mules were led out on the prairie, where they could not see the horses depart, and turned loose. Half an hour from the time that all had shaken hands as pards on the dangerous trail, they rode out from the Nueces bottom at a point half a mile up the river from their camp, and silently in the moonlight galloped over the prairie sward, keeping near to the timber line, and intending to strike the trail atthe point last inspected by the old scout. hen this place was reached, the bridles were slipped off, the horses were given plenty of slack lariat, and all seated themselves at the edge of the timber, intending thus to await the morning light, by which they might follow the trail. ** Come, senoritos, said Benito, when they had fairly resigned themselves to waiting. ‘You must learn all you can, even if you are sleepy, You may have wished to know how we were certain an old man and a young girl, his daugh- ter, were held captives by the Apaches. First, we learned something by the footprint: The man wears rough boots and walks with a slouch- ing gait, while she has a small gaiter and a step as light as a fawn’s. Then, however, we found this little slip of paper, that made everything clear, Read it and see.” He passed over the note as he spoke, and the boys, by the aid of a few carefully-shadel matches, perused the few lines that were hur- riedly enough written, and yet in a delicate hand that spoke a higher grade of education than is, sacatiy found on the border: “Tf any white man fiods this let him, for the love of God, ak, rescue ms and my father from the hands of tha murderous Apaches, who have taken us from our home. Follow this trail and save us, as you hope for mercy. JeNNIE GRANGER,” “As we. hope for mercy, we will follow it!” exclaimed Green, as he ceased reading this brief but terrible appeal, and every one of the rest echoed his words, Thon Benito continued his baa ** Now, to the lndians. We found by examin- ing the bank of the river in this vicinity, that there were from twelve to fifteen warriors in the party, and that five of them had firearms, of which one was a small-bore rifle, another a bar- rel that shot a blue-whistler or ounze ball, an- other a Mississippi yager, while a smooth-bore and a shot-gun completed the assortm nt.” Now you are making fun of us, interrupted Bob. ‘ How could you find out the number of uns, to say nothing about the size of their ores?” “There are a great many things on a trail that are easily discovered, though they may seem difficult enough until the explanation is given. In this camp the Indians took their arms to the river to clean them, and in wiping the barrels out they threw the dry leaves and strips of buckskin which they used upon the ground. These tell-tales betrayed to us the ’ , ee exact size of each bore. Now do you compre- hend?” “Tt is just as you say,” replied Bob, ‘Im- possibilities, or what we take to be such, be- come simple when explained. I never would have believed, though, that such facts could have been learned in regard to a party so far ecg fe ‘“‘T have explained in part how we examine a camp and the kind of knowledge that can be gained. To-morrow when the sun rises you will see, if you watch Senor Rocky and myself, how difficult some parts of a trail are to follow, es- pecially if the party try to cover their tracks and delude those following.” “You are very kind explain matters to us,” said Bob, as Benito ceased speaking. “Your lessons’ in prairie craft will not be thrown away. Green does not have much to say, but I know that he keeps up a great think- ing, and has not lost a word.” “That is as it should be. Now I must take measures to Baga meat without using fire- arms. I would take you with me, but you would retard my movements too much. If you feel like sleep, one of you had better take a short siesta while the other keeps guard. I shall be back before daybreak.” So saying Beaito took his lasso from the can- tle of his saddle and silently left the camp. It was almost daybreak when he returned, bearing upon his shoulders the best parts of a fat young buck. The epicures of the great cities of the world spend a small fortune for a single meal, and still know not the pleasure of an appetite that can enjoy it. i The free air of the plains, the refreshing sleep on mother earth, the excitement of the chase, each a natural tonic, keep the stomach of a prairie ranger in that healthy condition to en- joy and partake of such a quantity as would give ample grounds for calling him a gourmand were he in the settlements. The quantity of venison our friends caused to disappear certainly ought to have fitted them to follow the trail for some length of time without showing fatigue. “‘T have left a large quantity of venison on the. coals, genoritos,” said Benito, ‘‘a part of which you can, pack in your malettos. That, with the barbacued beef and hard corn-cakes, must Jast us perhaps for a long time. We know not how far this trail of the Apaches may lead es or when we may, with safety, make another re, “You are very thoughtful,” said Bob. ‘ And now may I ask how you captured this buck?” “Certainly. You ought to ask an explana- tion of all things you do not understand. I se- creted myself ina thick mass of branches just over a deer-path, along which I knew the ani- mals were in the habit of passing to water. I had my lasso ready to drop the noose over the head of the first one to appear, the end being secured to a stout limb. Of course I had to take into consideration the way the breeze was blow- ing, so that the deer would not get my scent, The chance came, as l expected. I dropped my lasso over the antlers of the leader, sprung down, cut his throat, and that ended the job,
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Old Rocky’s Boys. However, Senor Rocky, previous to laying fer the buck, I traced up the trail to the big herd, so that we need not trouble ourselves until we arrive at that point.” “ Jest like yer, leetle pard,” said the old scout, as he swallowed the of his coffee. “Now I'll light my old corn-cob an’ hev a smoke az we glides toward ther bend. Tobaccy can’t be burned arter this, on this trail. Now saddle up, pards, an’ scoot.” _ The scout threw his saddle on his horse, and in less time than it would take to describe it all were equipped for the trail. “All set?” inquired Old Rocky. ** All ready!” responded the boys. ‘* Bueno! Vamos !” ordered Benito, in a lively tone, and spurred his horse away at an easy lope, followed by the rest. CHAPTER [X. A RED-SKIN’S WOOING—THE ROSE OF THE FRIO. Soon after reaching the point to which Benito had gone during his still hunt of the early morning it was found that the Apache trail could be followed at an easy lope without any trouble. So rapid was their progress that long before noon the four found it necessary to follow the river within the bottom-timber, where they were screened from view, and at last they were forced to halt and await the cover of darkness as the yells of the braves who were driving the stolen animals came plainly to their ears, As the shadows of evening darkened the tim- ber they proceeded up-stream as far as the old scout thought it advisable to take the animals, Then, slipping the bridles, each horse was se- cured within a small opening with loose lariat enough to allow him to feed, Bob and Green were then posted in a thicket from which they could observe the stock, with strict orders not to leave their position under any circumstances, while Benito and Old Rocky started through timber and brush to spy on the Apache camp. A half-hour of silent groping and crawling through brush brought them within hearing of the occasional snort of mustangs, and the staell of burning wood, and as it was quite dark they could distinctly see the light from the camp-fires shining upon the trees ahead. Worming their bodies snake-like along, using great care not to crack a stick or rustle a bough, side by side the two penetrated a dense thicket of bushes which bordered one side of the opening in which was located the Apache camp. Accustomed as they were to wep in their feelings under control, it was with difficulty that the two suppressed an exclamation at the sight before them. Benito, indeed, ground his teeth together in his rage so that the sound was dis- tinctly heard by Old Rocky, who lifted his hand with a warning gesture. Not twenty paces away lay Colonel Granger, bound to stakes driven into the ground, his arms and limbs extended in a painful position, his white hair soiled with bl and earth, and his upturned features showing ghastly as those of a corpse in the moonlight. This was nothing more than they expected. That which affected them the most was the av sight of a golden-haired girl, bound to a stake, standing upright over the form of the suffer- ing man. e stake to which the girl was bound being driven at the feet of her father. each was thus forced to witness the sufferings of the other. The watchers knew that she must be the writer of the note which Benito had found, and that the white-haired man was her father, Both Benito and Old Rocky were forced to rub the moisture from their eyes before they allowed their gaze, heretofore fixed upon the captives, to wander about the camp, to take an inventory of the strength of their foes and the advantages of position of which they might avail themselves in case they entered for the purpose of rescuing the man and maid, There were four fires burning and but fifteen braves in sight. One of these, the chief, was a tall, fine-looking man; too symmetrical, indeed, to be an Apache; and his light, olive skin, his well-rounded form and graceful movements suggested that he was of Mexican parentage. He wore buckskin leggins, embroidered with beads, and confined at the waist by a wide belt made from the skin of a rattlesnake, a necklace of rattles taken from the same deadly serpent hung about his neck, while an exact representa- tion of the same dreaded reptile, coiled fora spring, painted in vermilion, ornamented his breast. Two eagle-plumes, torn and bent, hung drooping from a beaded band which confined his long black hair. he Indians had slaughtered one of the cap- tured horses, and this being the first time since entering the settlements that they had felt secure from an attack, or could eat to their satisfac- tion, they had been gorging themselves accord- ing to the manner of the race after long ab- stinence. While Benito and his friend gazed the chief arose from the feast and approached the captives. With arms folded, and in a voice intended to be kindly, he addressed the weeping girl. ‘“ Why does Rose of Frio ery like the young squaw when warrior no come back from war- path? Why her head bow like broken reed when north wind howls? Look! Rattlesnake, the great chief of Apaches, speaks. His words are sweet, and his voice is not like the roar of the buffalo bull. “He is speaking to Rose of Frio with soft words. His heart is full of love. His lodge, away beyond the Pecos, is empty. t the say that she will go to his lodge; let her say that she will be his sqnaw; then flowers look bright, birds sing sweet, she will be free.” The bowed head moved not, and no answer came from the young girl. With a grunt of on prea Rattlesnake drew his scalping-knife and quickly severed the cords which bound her to the stake. Exhausted as she was, the poor girl could no longer stand, and would have fallen had not the chief thrown his arm around her to sustain her. : At an order from him, one of his braves. brought a gourd of water, which he pressed to her lips, and then poured some of the cool con-: tents upon her forehead. : Her form, meantime, reclined on his brawny, hideously-painted breast, her golden hair hang-
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Old Rocky’s Boys. ing over his arm as he bent one knee to the earth, a look of deep solicitude Shon Cae the thick streaks of vermilion that bedaubed his face. From the lips of the half-conscious Colonel Granger there burst a low moan. At the sound a low gasp, a cry like that of a frightened child, sprung from Jennie’s lips. Her eyelids quivered, then her blue eyes opened, and with a shriek of terror she sprung from the arms of Rattlesnake, and stood by her father’s side, trembling with fear and weakness, The chief drew himself up, and gazed with admiration at the lovely figure before him. “Let Rose of Frio speak; Rattlosnake’s ears are open. Let her say she will go to his lodge, she be his squaw, north winds shall not blow on her—she shall dress in the skins of the fawn— flowers shall grow on her trail. Let Rose of Frio say yes, Rattlesnake tie her up no more.” Lower and lower sunk the girl upon her knees, until her lips touched those of her father, while her golden tresses mingled with his white, blood-stained locks. ‘Lat Rose of Frio speak. ‘Will she be squaw of Rattlesnake; or will she be tied to stake?” The chief spoke impatiently now. Her speech- less agony began to anger him. Clasping her hands above her head, Jennie Granger, with tear-moistened cheeks, turned upward, gazod at the Apacie with a supplicat- ing glance that would have maltel a heart of stone, and, with a terrible effort recovering her voice, spoke after the figurative manner that he himself had used: . “Do the sweet singing birds of the prairie mate with the soaring eagle? Can the fawn love the wolf that has it in his jaws? Why does the Rattlesnake sting thosa who have not dis- turbed him in his haunts? Cut loose my father and let m2 minister to his wants. Taen I may think you worthy to be a chief among your psople; and not a growling bear who tears up those who have naver harmod him. Cut my father’s bonds and the Groat Spirit will smile upon you. You must know that he caanot es- cap3, and that hisdaughter would die before sha would leave him a captive among your merci- le33 braves.” “ Rosa of the Frio speaks not with a forked tongue. Her words are now more soft and sweet than they were asleep agp. Before moon grows small, she will be glad t) go into the lodge of Rattlesnake.” Regardless of the low grunts of disapproba- tion from the braves who hai gathered near the captives, the chief stoopel and severed_ the cords which bound Colonel Granger. Then, turning to the warriors, ho adied ia a voice of thunder: : “Are my braves fools that they think the oung squaw will leave her padre. White Hair is a@ mustang whose ham-strings have been cut with alanc3, He cannot walk. Let your eyes be open. Many of our braves have fallen but the yells of the ranchero and White Hair shall fill your ears like sweet [music when torture fire burns in the Apache Valley.” The warriors dispersed, and Rattlesnake seat- e1 himself a short distance away, watching the captives, ‘serape. Pouring the remnant of the water in the gourd on her father’s head, Jennie chafed his temples for awhile, in a tender, soothing man- ner. Then, with tottering steps she proceeded to the river, some twenty paces distant, passing through the dense thicket that lay along tho water’s edge. eturning with refilled gourd she bathed her own wrists and ankles, as well as those of her father, giving to the latter, from time to time, a sip or two of the refreshing water. The chief sprung to his feet and brought with his own hand, on a large green leaf, some deli- cate portions of meat that he had reserved, and laid them down upon the grass by the captive, then returning to his former position. All this Benito and Old Rocky had seen, and noticing that Jennie Granger had not been fol- lowed when she went to the river, they imme- diately wormed themselves from their pace and crawled around through the underbrush to the point where she had dipped up the water. They hoped that some lucky chance might give them the opportunity to warn her that they were working for the rescue of’ herself and father. They were not mistaken when they thought she might return to the stream to refill the gourd, Soon she staggered through the brush. It was a delicate piece of business that they now had in hand. In her nervous state, when they revealed themsélves, she might scream and bring the war-party down on them. Gripping their pistols, ready to fight for their lives should she give the alarm, Benito and Old Rocky awaited in the brush until she had stooped and dipped the gourd beneath the sur- face of the river. Benito breathed a low “ hist,” and then whis- pered her name. “Gracious heavens! who speaks?” responded the girl in'a low, husky voice. “Git back to camp speedy, leetle gal, whis- pered Old Rocky hurriedly.’ We're on ther watch ter help yer, an’ we don’t kalkerlate ter quit ther trail until we hez gotten yer outen ther Yer dad ain’t goin’ to be left ahind, neither. Git quick, er ye'llsp’ile our game.” She understood the necessity of this, and at once hastened away, while the two men with- drew as silently as they had come, and made their way back to the spot where they had left the two boys, whom they found safe but anx- ious. “Now,” exclaimed Old Rocky, as he and Benito seated themselves under the trees, ‘‘ we’ve had a talk wi’ ther’ purtiest leetle gal in Texas, an’ one as haz as much bed-rock sense as ther best ov ’em.” Bob and Green heard this announcement with surprise, and the latter exclaimed, in astonish- ment: “Why, then, did you not bring her along?” “ Because she are true grit, an’ too white ter levant’ wi’out ther ole man, her dad.» Benito, ole pard, what sort o’ a plan is yer batchin’ in yer brain-box?” “TJ havea plan which I am bound to make work. Their horses are two hundred yards to the west of the camp, and they will have the strongest guard there. I will agree to get Jen-
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Old Rocky’s Boys. 19 nie Granger and her father to a place of safety seemed to have struck him hard. That babe if you three will work up astampede. “Duz yer think yer kin make ther riffle, leetle pard?” “T am sure of it,” returned Benito, **Ah, younkers, duz yer think yer kin go inter hullsale biz with ther old man, and not miss fire?” ‘We are ready to try!” answered the two boys, speaking together. “Waal, then, we’d b tter cache our rifles in the bush, fur we can’t git thru’ with them in the darkness without rattlin’ ther branches, an’ ie work ahead hez got to be did mostly on the sly. “Tshall not take my rifle,” affirmed Benito, “as it would be impossible to accomplish any- thing with it. I intend to do all my work with knife and rope, and I shall have to borrow your extra lariat, old pard.” Oi All right, yer kin have it; but Isw’ar I can’t git through my head what yer calkerlates ter do wi’ it. Owsumever, I won’t ax no questshuns, an’ ’ll low yer ter boss yer own job,” “Remember,” said Benito, as he secured the two lariats to his belt, and paying no attention to the remark, ‘if 1 give three sharp coyote barks in quick succession, I am anxious for you to draw attention toward the horses, and if I hoot three times like an owl, you'll know I am successful, and coming to your aid. Now, if you three will catch a few winks of sleep, I will keep guard,-for we do not wish to start this thing until the last watch two hours before daylight.” ‘Right, every time!” agreed the old scout. “Tl take about forty ov them winks meself. an’ then yer kin turn me over, an’ I'll peep *round ther bottom while yer slumbers, We'll let ther bo s snore it off while they kin.” The old man lost no time, but lay back on the dry leaves, and was soon sleeping profoundly. Not so with Bob and Green, They could not close their eyes, knowing that the war-party of Apaches was so near, and finally prevailed upon Benito to allow them to keep guard, the brokaro accepting them more readily since he knew by the manner of the two boys that it would be im- possible for them to sleep. CHAPTER X. THE SACKING OF THE GRANGER RANCH—SINGLE : EYE, THE SCOUT, WHATEVER may have been the anticipations and designs of Benito and Old Rocky, there were oon piesions of which they had no sus- picion, and to explain them it will be necessary to take the reader back to the very night on which Benito, the brokaro, was introduced, leaning against a pecan tree, amid the bottom- timber of the San Antonio river. At that same hour Colonel Granger and_his daughter were seated opposite their log cabin, also wrapped in admiration as they gazed at the golden sky and its reflection upon the slow, gliding waters of the Rio Frio. Colonel Granger was one who had grown old and gray through thought and trouble. The loss of his fondly-loved wife upon giving birth to a daughter, was his one great never-to-be for- gotten trouble, though in other ways fortune was now a maiden of sixteen, and in face, form and mind was fitted to queen it in any circle. Not six months had passed since James Gran- ger had sold out his plantation on Red River, which had been heavily mortgaged, and brought his daughter, his only loving, loved one, to this far-off frontier home. Having been reared to a life of ease and luxury, and having the tastes of a scholar rather than those of a business man, he had neglected his affairs, leaving them entirely to an agent, who had defrauded him for years, and decamped with every cent he could realize, when he found he could no longer conceal his heavy defalcations. The perfidy of the man whom he had so im- plicitly trusted worked upon the mind of James Granger until he resolved to retire from civili- zation with the little remnant of bis fortune and establish a home in the wilderness away from his kind, there to enjoy his books, nature and the companionship of his daughter, whom the old man ieee as t.1e apple of his eye. Having given Jennie a perfect education, he doubtless thought, bis selfish feelings swaying him thoroughly, that he was doing no wrong in isolating her in the bloom of her youth, from the gay world and bringing her to this little two-roomed cabin, which well furnished though it might be, was little better than a prison to a fresh young soul. Yet Jennie Granger had vague longings rather than vain regrets, and this balmy even-- ing she and her father were pictures of content- ment as they sat upon the little veranda that faced to the southwest. Before them Jay the bottom-timber of the Rio Frio, stretching open westerly and easterly like a huge green snake upon the prairie, the point nearest to the cabin being not a pistol-shot away. In fact the ee. post-oaks grew quite up to the’ building, which was almost en- tirely covered with creeping vines and flowers of every hue, Directly to the west was a huge corral—for Mr. Granger had invested his capital in stock and had employed two Mexican herders, who lived in a smaller cabin, near the corral. At sundown the two heard the Mexican herders driving the stock into’the corral—for being on the frontier, exposed to the danger of Indian attacks, thecattle were not left upon the prairie ae the night. After that all was silence, and the two sat conversing in a low tone, as the shadows deepened. But suddenly father and daughter sprung to their feet inan agony of pap ees for from the direction of the corral there arose the blood- curdling yell of the Apaches, mingled with wild screams for mercy, uttered in the Spanish tongue, a few shots, shrieks of agony, death yells, the dull thundering sound of stampeding cattle; and then, again, a silence, though this time horrible, accursed, brooded around. Chilled, shocked, dismayed, yet not altogether stunned, the two sprung within the cabin, and bolting their doors caught up their weapons, Colonel SEenere seizing a carbine while Jennie handled the little, gold-mounted rifle which thanks to her father’s forethought, she could use with deadly precision,
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80 Old Rocky’s Boys. “Wather, what do you see?” She whispered the words anxiously to Colonel Granger, who was gazing through a loop-hole which commanded the view toward the corral. “T see nothing but darkness, daughter; but the moon will soon throw its light on the scene. Ah, me! I fear we are doomed, I care not for tiyself; but that my selfishness should have dr: ged you into the path of such a fate breaks my heart. It seems as though there is not a Chance, Yet all remains quiet. The savages miay be in ignorance of the location of our cabin, and thanks to your love of flowers the vines may hide it from view. They may think that the herders’ cabin is the only dwelling about the corral. This is our only hope, an God grant that it may not fail us.” “Can we not defend the cabin until Pedro or Antoine bring assistance?” ** Alas, Jonnie, Pedro and Antoine are both dead, Their screams of agony fill my ears, and will while I live. But look! Great God! I feared as much. The fiends have fired the herders’ cabin, and the painted demons are dancing in the firelight.” ; Higher shot the flames, illuminating the bot- tom-timber and the corral, and showing plainly the faces of the dancing demons. “But, father, must weremain here? Perhaps the house is not altogether surrounded, und we might make our escape. “Heaven only knows; we may try, though it seems like running from one danger to face a thousand. Buthark! Something or some one is in our cabin.” A prolonged hiss, like that of a snake, struck his ea i But he was slightly mistaken, as he knew in a moment, for he heard the voice of some one speaking through a loophole in the rear of the cabin. “ Jist ez I s’posed. Strangers, I ain’t a snake ef I duz hiss when I give warnin’. I war passin’ by an’ see’d ther ’Paches war givin’ yer a s’prise party, so I thort I’d drop in, jist fur company.” “Thank Heaven! we have help, my prayers are answered!” To the back door sprung Colonel Granger; on unbarring it he admitted the man, whose voice had rung in the darkness with such an honest twang. He had the pure Texas style of ex- ression also, which fact alone would proclaim ee a friend to them and a foe to the red fiends, «whose yells were still ringing througao the bot- rtom-timber. - The colonel gave him a hearty shake of the “hand, as he entered. ‘¢-Your coming in this direction was most for- itunaté for us, and I only hope that it muy not result in harm to yourself, We are cut off from our horses, and are unused to the ways of the ‘savages, Do you think they will attack the cabin?” a nete “Waal, stranger, I rec’ons they will, directly, can’ kim a-b’ilin’ fur blud; kinder sing’ler they thain’t afore this. Are yer darter with yer?” “Yes, sir; but hoy did you know that I had a daughter? Have you been here before?” ‘‘Rec’ons I hev,” answered the stranger, as he struck a light and ignited a small tube of taking with it a lightning view of the cabin and its occupants, and then stamped out. “Yer darter, here, give me some medicine about a moon ago, when I war sick, an’ sung a song ter me what’s bin in my ears night an’ day sin’ thet time. Yer war a-flutterin’ ’round ther bottom fur bugs, an I, bein’ orfle ockard in company scooted afore yer arrove. Duzn’t yer *member me, leetle one?” ** Indeed I do!” answered Jennie. ‘Ef ther red cusses scarifies me, takes my ha’r off, an’ cuts me inter gibblits I ar’ goin’ to keep ’em offen you, leetle one. Fact ar’ I’se hankerin’ ter exkoryate a few o’ ther hethun an’ [ rec’ons atween we~uns tha’ll cum off ’bou se.ond wu’st.” ‘“*May 1 ask your name, and if you reside near here?” asked Colonel Granger, ‘My handle ar’ Single Eye, an’ I lives where I happen ter take a sot-down,” answered the old scout, The old settler at once remembered him by report as a noted Indian-fighter, who had gain- ed his sobriquet through having but one eye. With the knowledge that such a man was by his side, to help in the defense of his home, he gained renewed hope. 4 ‘Now, kinder ‘low me ter squint outer thet hole,” continued Single Eye. Without hesitation, Colonél Granger resigned his piace, and Single Eye gave a long and earn- poe coe at the party surrounding the herders’ cabin. “The cusses ar’ a-gittin’ over thar festive- ness, an’ sum o’ them ar’ scootin’ arter them loose saddle-bags, what ar’ loose an’ squeelin’. Lawd a’mighty! Thet ar’ awdashus luck! One 0’ ther ponies, a white one, ar’ comin’ this ’er’ ways!” ith a cry of joy, Jennie, who did not realize how this increased the danger of discovery, sprung to the side of Single Eye. “Oh, that ismy pet pony. He knows I am here, and being frightened comes to me for pro- tection.” “ He'd better a danged sight not knowed so much,” growled the scout, as the whinny of the pony sounded at the door, and an Indian galloped in pursuit to within ten yards of the cabin, where he brought his horse to a sudden halt and gazed in surprise at the dwelling. One instant the warrior gazed, then there was a crack of a rifle, and witha gurgling death-yell on his lips the Indian fell to the earth a corpse, while his mustang sprung away with a snort, and galloped toward the war-party, now getting ready to mount, Hardly had Single Eye pulled the trigger when he sprung to the door, and pushing back the bolts, threw it open to admit the entrance of the white pony, which, at a cry from Jennie, rushed in, At once the scout closed the door and shot the bolts, just as a loud, ringing war-ery from a score of throats, and the ge clatter of many hoofs sounded without. The Indians, havin; heard the rifle-crack and the death-cry, gallo toward the spot. “Now ar’ yer time, kurnel, ter show yer means business. You an’ ther leetle one take a park, which he held over his head an instant, ; pop at ther crowd o’ rollikin’ smoky-skins 9’ -
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Old Rocky’s Boys. 21 Satan, when they arrive whar ther cuss dropped that I sent on ther long dark trail. But mind what I tells yer, kurnel. Jist az soon az we hez slung ther lead to’em, pitch a saddle on ther nag, put yer leetle gal on, an’ git up an’ git outen ther back door, keepin’ ther cabin atween er an’ ther red-skins. Do it afore they scatters round or yer chance ar’ gone. I'll give ’em music ter keop ’em lively fur awhile, then scoot an’ j’ine yer. Don’t be squeemish bout givin’ them pills. Ready, now, an’ let ’em have ’em!” There was no more hesitation now. The three rifles spoke as one, their report being followed by yells of agony, and war-cries, and trampling and snorting of mustangs as tho Indians dashed to cover, leaving three of their number dead. Driven to shelter now by the sudden and un- expected volley from a point which, in the un- certain light seemed a motte of bushes and vines, the Apaches soon rallied and securing their horses to trees, prepared for an assault. Those in the cabin were not idle. The scout hurried on the execution of his plan. “God bless you, my friend,” said Colonel Granger. “It is cowardly to leave you; but ou should know best what is to be done. May eaven guard rs and bring you to us quickly.” “Git!” said Single Eye tersely, and he swung open the back door, slapping the white pony on the hams, while Colonel Granger, holding his rifle inone hand and grasping the reins with the other led out the animal on which Jennie was already mounted. Single Eye followed out and saw that they took the right direction, among the post-oaks, Then, instead of re-entering the house he en- scouced himself among the vines, and placing his rifle where it could be easily grasped he drew his revolvers. Meantime the Apaches were creeping forward like snakes in the grass, and had approached to within a short distance of the door when they were filled with surprise by a loud yell from one of the guards left with the captured horses. The sound brought them to their feet in amazement, and at that instant Single Eye, sounding his own well-known and dreaded war- cry, opened fire with a revolver in either hand. In rapid succession he rattled a dozen shots, and then sprung around the cabin as bullets and arrows flew thickly about his recent place of hiding. With a pandemonium of yells filling his ears, Single Kye, slinging his rifle, ran fleetly toward the point at which he hoped to join the colonel and his daughter, The pees | discharge of revolver shots killed and wounded many of the Apaches; but the remainder, with the exception of three who were ordered to follow Single Eye on foot, sprung for their horses; but before they could reach them and mount, a part of the guard from the corral had broken away at a break-neck gallop. These not only were speeding after the scout, but they in view, also, the colonel and his daughter. ee Eye, on the run, reloaded his revolvers and thrust them back into their scabbards and unslung his rifle, pat as the panting of an Apache sounded behind him. Giving a side glance, the scout slackened his pace, feigning be f and sprung to the so just as the knife of the Indian was cleaving the air, Then he brought his heavy stock down with a dull crunch upon the warrior’s skull. Not ten paces behind came another brave, whose arrow scratched the cheek of the scout as the latter leveled his rifle. Another death-yell sounded on the night air, and the third Apache stopped, appalled by the sudden death of the two who preceded him. His mounted comrades were coming fast, but meantime Single Eye dashed on and was soon within ear-shot of the colonel. “ Save yerself, Sunshine!” shouted the scout. ‘“‘ Kurnel, give ther pony a crack wi’ yer rifle. *Tain’t no use. We can’t git ’way from ther cusses ef we stick together. You streak to ther north, an’ I'll glide south an’ try an’ cut ther party.” Colonel Granger drew his daughter’s hand to his lips, and then, with a ‘‘Good-by, darling! God protect you!” he struck the a a violent blow with his rifle, regardless of the cries of his daughter. “T cannot, will not leave you!” she ex- claimed; but the pony, frightened by the wild ells of the fast-approaching Indians, and the on that it had received, sprung away over the plains, With a glance, Single Eye saw that he could at present do nothing more for his friends, and now he turned toward a dr ully, which he knew was near. He believed that the capture of Colonel Granger was almost certain, but that if he could gain the concealment of the river- bank he might yet assist Granger to escape, or, by regaining his own horse, aid the golden- haired maiden whom he called Sunshine, should she be so fortunate as to elude present pursuit. At the edge of the gully Single Eye paused and looked around. At that moment Colonel Granger was being tied to a mustang by his captors, while further on to the north the white pony, bearing Jennie, scurried over the plains, a dozen Indians in swift pursuit. But the scout had little time for thought or regrets, for the mounted Apaches were coming toward him like a whirlwind, and the “zip” of a rifle-bally dangerously near to his ear, warned him that he had no time to waste. Accordingly, Single Eye sprung into the gully and ran with all his speed down its bed toward the river. The winding course of the wash-out made it a long run for the old man, but the wild yells in his rear kept him from faltering in his pace. Just before reaching the river, when in the midst of the timber of the bottom, Single Eye cast his ammunition-pouch into a hollow tree, which overhung his course, and then, reaching the bank, he cast his rifle into the stream, plunged in himself, and swam under water to the other side. Then he came up under the shelving bank, overhung so thickly by vines and reeds that he was entirely screened from view. Never had the old scout come much nearer to capture. He had not been in position a mo- ment before the Apaches came crashing ee the brush on either side of the gully, filling the timber with yells of disappointed rage as they saw that the much-dreaded scout had escaped,
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22 ‘Old Rocky’s Boys. water told no tales, The ripplin; ow was it faring with Jennie Meantime Granger? When her father struck the blow that sent her poy, speeding away, hope failed and courage eft her. She dared not look back lest she should see her father stricken down by the howling fiends, and disregarding the fact impressed upon her by Single Eye that her fate, if cap- tured, would be worse than death, she strove with all her power to guide her pony back to the side of her loved father. But the pony no longer obeyed its gentle mis- tress. The yelling borde hal frightened the animal beyond control, and on, on, at break- neck speed sprung the panting animal, Yet tho clattering hoofs and frightful whoops sounded nearer and nearer, until the very pant- ing of the pursuing mustangs came plainly to her ears. Then the heads of snorting mustangs appeared on either side, and red hands roughly grasped her arms, Sunshine was a prisoner, CHAPTER XI. WAR WITH THE KNIFD, “Hr Lain’t thor wu’st kerral’d human on ther Frio I hope ter be nibbled ter de’th by cat-fish!” soliloquized Single Eye, as he lay soaking under the river-bank after the Indians had given up their search for him. “T duzzn’t ‘low ter play alligator but a few flectin’ periods, er I'll loss ther rest o’ ther show, an’ not know waether Sunshine an’ ther ole bug-hunter hoz bin wiped out er tuck to’ard the Pecos. One thing ar’ dead sure—the pesky rel blud-suckers won't linger this-a-ways, but’ll glide off speedy fur fear o’ my fotchin’ a party arter’em. Fer this samo reason they won’t be apt ter leavea cuss ter watch my jumpin’ -off plase, thinkin’ I hez scooted down-crick, rec’ons [ll jist glide ’cross, easy-like, an’ pros- pect on t’other side o’ the drink.” Bracing his feot against the bank the old scout gave a swift, strong plunge under water, and swam across the river, coming up only when near to the opposite shore, Resting but a moment, Single Hye drew him- self cautiously up into the water-wash which had been the avenue of his escaps from the Apaches. There was no sign of the presence of a foo, yet Single Eye was distrustful. The very silence, after suzh a pandemonium of Phat was suspicious. Knowing well the ground, the scoat believed that if a sentinel had been posted at all it would be on the left side of the gully, which was the nearest to the Granger ranch. Drawing his bowie-knife and te 9 the blade between his teeth, he silently made his way up the bank of the wash-out until he reached the fringe of brush upon the top of the bank. Thon, by good fortune, ho happened directly ona bear path, which here wound along the edge of the gully, leading through the bushes toward the river at the very place he wished to penetrate. Crawling carefully, Sige of Eye soon came from out the thicket, into the towering bottom- timber, which was nearly clean from under- growth, and here and there lighted by streaks of moonlight. ; Not twenty feet away ran the river; and be- tween the scout and the stream leaning against the trunk of a pecan tree, an Apache brave, with bow in hand and arrow between fingers, watched intently the river below. Doubtless the sentinel had but lately come upon the scene, for those who had pursued the scout down the gully had all been mounted, and no horse was now in view. Thus, at least, reasoned Single Eyo. as with a step light as that of a panther he glided to- ward the pecan tree, the trunk of which shielded him from view. As soon as ho reached the tree-trunk he sup- pressed his breath, and gathering all his strength sprung around the tree, upon the Apache, around whose neck he threw his left arm, draw- ing the head of the red-nian down against his breast, pressing against his jaw upward, to pre- vent a signal yell from being given. At the same instant he drove his bowie-knife into the breast of the savage foe, who sunk to the ground dead. Raising the body in his strong arms he threw it far out into the river, after which he re- covered his ammunition-pouch from where he had secreted it, and having carefully wiped, dried and reloaded his revolvers, he made his way out of the wash-out, and keeping just in the shade of the timber, approached the scene of the recent conflagration, near the corral. The Apaches were clustered there in force, but Single Eye saw ata glance that they were pre- paring for a move. Inside of the corral were some forty horses, which he knew must have been mostly stolen down-country, as Colonel Granger had owned but a few haif-breeds, for herding purposes. Without, to his grief and yet, somewhat, to his relief, he saw Colonel Granger and Jennie, Tho wrists of the two prisoners were bound fast to their saddle-horns, and the appearance of the half-dozen warriors who composed their body-guard showed that they were the select braves of the party. No time was being lost, and the Apaches, evi- dently, had fears of pursuit. The scout had scarcely reached a position where he could view the scene, when all were on the move. As the Apaches guarding his friends passed from sight, followed by the stolen horses, also under guard, Single Eye was greatly surprised to see another cavaleade of warriors, a score or more strong, approaching, and in their midst two white men, bound fast to mustangs. That these men were rancheros* was evident from their costume, and they had probably been captured further down the country by this party, which had arrived since the attack on the Granger Ranch. Tbere were also a number of Indians engaged in burying the dead, and Single Eye decided that not balf of the braves he now knew were on the war-path had joined in the first attack. Waiting patiently, he saw them all disappear save those who were looking after the dead; and now the scout, seeing that they, too, would soon be ready to leave, and that bub little more was to be learned here, cautiously withdrew. He reasoned that the rear guard would not de-* part without taking up the sentinel posted at the gully; and he made his way back, taking
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Old Roeky’s Boys. 73 up his position behind the very tree which had concealed the Apache braye who was now a drifting corpse on the river. He had not long to wait. <A step, hasty but cautious, approached, and a signal hiss darted impatiently through the bottom, followed by a silence that spoke of an apprehension of some- a wrong. ith pent breath and fast-griped steel, Single Eye crouched ready to spring as the brave, with slow, silent steps, passed the tree and peered over into the river. One bound and Single Eye, with upraised steel, stood at the warrior’s back, One look of supreme astonishment from those snake-like eyes and then the knife crunched through bone and flesh, the Apachs was hurled far out into the river, casting hy a_ thousand moon-gilded jewels of Spray, while Single Eye muttered, as e wi his bowie on the mossy bank: “Til hev a’Pache sculp fur ev’ry tear that runs down leetle Sunshine’s cheek.” Carefully scrutinizing every point, and seeing no indication of any one approaching, the scout struck once more into the bear-path, and soon sprung down into the gully. Here, removing his revolvers and sombrero, he dove into the river, reappearing with his rifle. ** Rec’on I won’t low my ole reliable ter soak thar no longer, fear o’ them danged ’Paches freezin’ to it. When I’se wiped her out, an’ git astraddle o’ Skiplively ag’in, I'll be fixed far ther hull *Pache nashun.” With much care the scout dried his rifle, and then walked briskly down the river some three hundred yards. hen, penetrating a dense thicket by a mustang path, he came to a natural opening. Giving a low, peculiar whistle, he was greeted with a whinny of delight by a horse which, strange to say, like its master, had but one eye. “Skiplively, ole pard, ye’r’ right thar every time, ain’t yer? But I tell yer, since I left thar were a time when ther’ war mighty slim chance fur yer ever tu lay that peeper on me ag’in. Ef ther ‘Paches hed rubbed me out yer'd *a’ broke away, hunted up my corpus an’ cried yer eye out, wouldn’t yer, ole pard? Ye’d bin in a mighty tight fix, then, wouldn’t yer? Hed ter smelt yer way.” The old scout gave a low laugh as he bridled the impatient steed, which rubbed its head fond- ly a st its master’s shoulder. Making his way out from the thicket Single Eye once more approached the Granger Ranch. e moon shone clearly, showing that now there were no Indians around the herders’ cabin, and Sey ie in a line with the other cabin he rode dir ere the back door where he dismounted, and drawing one of his revol- yers entered the flower-clad home of Sunshine, Lighting as before a little tube of dry bark, the old scout glanced around the cabin, and much to his surprise saw that nothing seemed to have been removed. Pushing open the door that led to Jennie’s room, he removed his som- brero and stepped inside. Here, too, nothin; appeared to be disarranged. The bed was j as Sunshine had left it, and on it lay her little Bible. The sight of the latter strangely affected Single Eye. He drew near and placed his broad hand upon it, sinking down upon his knees by the bed- side, turning his eyes heavenward. ‘‘T ain’t used ter perlaverin’ with, er troublin’ yer, kase I’m a one-eyed, good-fur-nothin,’ ole cantankerous cuss, an’ ain’t fit; but I wants yer ter lissen just wunst. I swears ter foller ther red blud-suckers an’ git Sunshine outen the’r clutches er bu’st! unger ner sparce drink ain’t goin’ ter budge me offen ther trail, an’ V'll lay me bones out fur a kiote lunch er fetch back ther leetle Rose az pure an’ bloomin’ az she war afore. Amen!” The last words of his singular but earnest oath had but just left the mouth of the old scout as the cylinder of bark burned to his fingers, and as he dropped the stub to the floor, he felt him- self clutched from under the bed, the last glim- mer of his little torch showing the painted face and brawny arms of an Apache. CHAPTER XII. SINGLE EYE TO THE RESCUE—A NIGHT STAM- PEDE. TAKEN unawares, not thinking it possible for an enemy to be lurking behind, Single Eye was, for an instant, almost helpless from amaze- ment, but quickly he grappled with his assail- ant, who might ere this put him out of harm's way had he not had a burning desire to capture the scout alive, and so win more than double glory. But powerful man though the savage was, ke had not made sufficient allowance for the strength and desperate skill of Single Eye. The latter threw himself directly down upon him, and the two grappled and fought in a perfect frenzy of rage, rolling in their struggles from the bed-chamber to the back room, and from there, through the back door, into the open air, and under the very heels of Skiplively. And here the Apache seemed to have all the best of it, for he was on top, and had succeeded in raising the hand which held his scalping- knife, Yet the hand did not fall. With a sudden dart Skiplively seized the up- held wrist fairly between his stout jaws, and his teeth closed on the bones with a splintering, rending power. Then, like a dog worrying a rat he shook the helpless savage. The diversion saved Single Eye. He slipped like an ee] from under the Apache, and buried his own knife in the heart of the shrieking brave. “Thar, Skiplively, shake!” exclaimed the scout, panting from his exertion, and at once the horse ped the quivering arm, and turned away with a snort, to meet the caressing hand that patted him softly on the head. “Yer’ ther best piece 0’ hoss-flesh this side er ther Red—er t’other, either. It war as'prise party, Skiplively, thet come danged nigh ter uttin? me otber lamp out. Dog-goned ef yer in tell what’s comin’ next, nohow; but I rec’ons our work here’s "bout did. It’s time we war on ther trail!” Having dragged the body of the Indian away some little di ce, Single Eye closed the doors, mounted his horse and proceeded on his way, fording the stream below where the Apaches
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24 had crossed it, and finally reaching a spot where he could obtain a full view of the prairie which stretched away to the southward. By this time the gray streaks of morning lit up the eastern sky, and greatly to his gratifica- tion the scout could plainly see, at some dis- tance, a single Indian, returning from the main boey which was now a mere speck on the plain. **Comin’ ter see whar ther cusses be what IL haz wiped out, ar’ yer? Waal, I rec’ons I kin send yer on ther same trail, an’ not haff try.” Loosening an extra lasso from the cantle of his saddle Single Eye left Skiplively well screen- ed from view, and proceeded to the point where the Apaches had forded the river. Following the trail half-way through the bottom-timber the old scout climbed up a tree, the branches of which hung directly over the path the brave would probably take. Securing the end of the lasso to a limb, and gathering the slack, he pied the noose free and wide, and securely hidden in his leafy covert awaited events. Soon the tipity-tip of the mustang sounded on the dry, hard plain, and then the savage entered. the bottom, coming directly along the trail, as Single Eye bad hoped. A sudden swish, a snort, a yell of agony, and away went the affrighted mustang, leaving its red master swinging in the air, the noose bind- ing the Indian about the waist, with both arms held tightly to his side, and the rawhide rope cutting deeply into his flesh, No doubt the Apache had undergone every torture, self-inflicted and otherwise, demanded by the savage rites of his tribe, before starting upon the war-path, and suffered them, too, with stoical indifference, but he had hardly felt such agony as this, His whole weight bearing upon the greased loop, tightened it until the breath ceased to circulate through his arms, and his eyes.almost bulged from their sockets. Giving the Indian a push, to extend the length of his swing, Single Eye, with a whoop of exultation sprung away through the timber, but soon returned, leading Skiplively, whom he planted in the path, facing the swaying Apache. he Apache brave saw that his sufferings would soon end, and began in a low, guttural tone to chant his death-song, its wailing notes in good keeping with the time of the slow sway- ing cord, the dark shadows and the somber, ghost-like draperies of hanging moss. Single Eye stepped in front of his horse, bowie in hand, coolly calculating his time and distance; with one sweep of his powerful arm he sent the keen weapon flying through the air to- ward the Apache, who, swinging forward to meet his death, received the steel in his heart. When the last convulsive motion bad been given Single Eye drew the knife from its fleshy socket and sprung into his saddle, muttering as he rode away; ‘f Tt ar’ better ter lose a lasso than handle ther cantankerous cuss. Then, ag’in, ef anybody comes, this-a-ways they'll know thet ’'m on ther trail. Out on the prairie once more the scout now followed the trail of the sayages, and before he Old Rowky’s Boys. had Bepaped a mile he came to the conclusion that the d divided, one party heading direct- ly for ‘the Nueces River, while the other pro- ceeded in a more yey direction, undoubt- edly intending to strike the same stream higher up. Single Eye reasoned that both parties would unite at some time, and should they intend to torture the prisoners it would not be done until they all were again together. A close examination decided almost positively that the two captive rancheros had been taken on the west trail, which, after some delibera- tion, Single Eye decided to follow. It seemed to him that he could more easily rescue them than Colonel Granger and Sunshine, and with their assistance he would be better able to save Sunshine and her father. Without a selfish motion in his heart, Single Eye sped away on his lone scout, resolved to brave te slanaee of torture and death in the hope of doing some- thing for the Rose of the Frio, fair Jennie Granger. When, after a wearisome ride of some days, Single Eye at last, near sundown, struck the Nueces, he allowed mpeg 2 to run at large in the bottom-timber, while he examined every inch of ground on both sides of the stream. He found no signs of any-trail except that of the Apaches, made some three weeks before when they came down the river. From this trail he satisfied himself that when they left their villages there were at least sixty warriors in the party, though it numbered a score less ee so far, being their loss on the war- path. Satisfied as to this, Single Eye turned his at- tention to the camp of the one division of the Apaches, which he knew would be be located not far from the river, and which he determined to visit. He rode slowly along the edge of the tim- ber until the smell of smoke and scorched meat warned him that he was near the camp; and to his gratification he found that it was in a favor- ite spot of his own, with every crook, path, tree and thicket of which he was familiar. By revolving in his mind the exact situation of the openings, he was able to locate the posi- tion of the sentinels, and once more leaving Skiplively, with a word of caution that the ani- mals seemed to understand, he approached, under cover of the huge prickly-pears, a point in a mustang path where his labors would prob- any begin. aking advantage of the time when the moon was hidden by a ing cloud, he succeeded in crawling down this path; and when the moon- light returned he could see, as he more than half expected, that an Apache sentinel was perched in the very tree under which he was ying. In anticipation, he had secured the end of his lariat to a small sapling, some thirty feet from the three in which sat the Indian. The lasso was tied some three feet from the groaned, and drawn along by the side of the Single Eye now gaye the lariat a twitch which caused the sapling to shake, the rustle of its leaves making quite a noise in the still night alr, i 7
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Olid Rocky’s Boys. 25 The sentinel yp a low grunt of surprise; and at a second twitch and rustle he made a movement indicative of curiosity, which he fol- lowed up by stepping hastily to a limb below his pape The old scout gave an inward chuckle and a third twitch. Then he dropped the lariat, drew his bowie and awaited the result. Down through the branches, hand under hand, came the Apache, until, swinging by the lower bough, he dropped directly into the arms of Single Eye, whose left hand pressed his mouth, smothering his death-yell as his right drove the bowie home. Penetrating the timber a short distance with his dismal load, the old scout left the body while he, securing his lariat, left the path, and crawl- ing through the timber, entered the opening in which the animals were feeding. ~ rita a moment when a cloud obscured the moon, he secured one end of the lariat to the leg of a mustang and gave a sweeping throw of the slack entirely over the animal’s head and body. Then, by a quick jerk, as the horse stepped, he threw him violently to the ground, where he lay snorting and kicking. Knowing that some of the mtstangs were dragging their neck-ropes, the old scout made this movement thinking that if a sentinel was near he would imagine that the horses were en- tangled and would spring to the spot. He was correct, for almost at once he heard a rustling of branches, and a warrior bounded to- ward him, on the run, to loosen the entangled animal, Once more there was a smothered gasping, a writhing and twisting of two human forms. locked in a death-struggle, the sound of stee crashing through flesh and bone, and then with a deep sigh of relief, the old scout threw another Apache into the deep shadows of the n trees. Confident now that his way was clear of watching eyes, he made his way swiftl through the intervening clump of trees until at last he could peep through the branches into the heart of the camp. a By the dull glow of the smoldering fires the scattered forms of the Apaches could be easily discerned, while in the torturing position once before described, lay the two rancheros. Near by an Apache brave was walking back and forth in the moonlight, and as he the prisoners he gave them each a brutal kick. The eee of this moved Single Eye more than one would have thought the well-seasoned scout eould be moved, and he mentally vowed that not only should the two captives be liberated but that the sentinel should feel the weight of his vengeance, : Noisclessly making his way around the border of the opening, passing within a few Big of the sleeping forms he found himself at the aimed-for goal—the vee where the camp equip- ments were piled together. ; Still eluding the view of the sentinel, whose chief concern seemed to be to outrage and insult the prisoners, he drew from among the saddles a prilliantly-colored poncho, With this he crept back to his former position, choosing a point as far from the camp as he could, and yet be visible, and when the Apache had turned in his walk he quickly hung the blanket, seat upon the bushes, running a thorn through the two upper corners. By this arrangement he was securely hidden from view, and yet, through the slit in the pon- sien he could observe the movements of the sen- tinel. Once more the Indian turned, and he had walked back as far as the captives before he noticed that there was a change in the aspect of affairs, The blanket, which he then saw, was a con- poe pa object, and it certainly had not hung there a moment before; nor could it have got there without the assistance of human hands. Without hesitation the Indian sprung over the two captives and advanced toward the cur- tain of death. Upward he reached his arm to loosen the corner of the poncho, but before his hands clasped the blanket the terrible bowie- knife came driving through, deep into his breast while the blanket was thrust over his head and shoulders, and pressed tightly upon his lips. A convulsive tremor, a gurgling death-rattle, and all was over, oe iow laying the blanket and corpse in the brush, Single Eye sprung to the side of the two Texans, who, alone, were awake, and whis- pered words of caution and hope in their ears, while he knelt on the sward and severed the ines cords which had creased deeply into their esh. Fortunately they were men of nerve and ex- perience, and though at first almost unable to move, they knew how quietly to aid Single ae to the extent of their powers. With some diffi- culty, one by one, he got them through the opening in which the mustangs were feeding, down the river, by a path well known to him. Stiff, sore, broken down by hard usage and mental agony, the two men wept for joy as they bathed their wounds, and lapped the water from the river. But a Eye did not wait to receive their thanks, ehad notime. He gave them a word of caution and left. In a few moments he darted back. He had procured two rifles and ammunition, and a huge chunk of horse-meat, which latter the Texans, who had been systematically starved, began to devour with gusto, Again he Le rar? again came back. This time he e them follow, aad leading them through the mustang path to the open prairie, they found Skiplively and two sad mustangs. “Stan’ right thar, pards, till I j’ines yer, an’ that'll be before yer has time ter rub ther sleep outen both eyes. I hez allowed ter break up this ’Patche outfit, an’ I’m goin’ ter do it, er bu’st ther hull univarse.” Back went Single Eye to the mustangs, His wonderful success, wonderful even for him, had emboldened him, so that no thought of possible failure entered his mind. He knew that the gorged Indians, trusting fully to their sentinels, os sleep soundly, and even if they awoke, he had a safe line of retreat. One by one he cut the hopples of the mus- tangs and headed them for the prairie, by way of the mustang path, Perhaps one man ina
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thousand has the faculty of handling a strange horse in the night without a struggle. The old scout was one of those men who have that gift, and he worked it now to its full capacity, to the wonder of the Texans, who found that whatever they might have heretofore thougiit, = nothing about stampeding an Indian corral. ‘Now, boys,” he said, as the last of the mus- tangs had filed past and the scout had flung himself on Skiplively, ‘‘I’ve swept the stakes without showin’ my hand, but I’m goin’ now ter sling me keards on the board. Drive ’em straight on away from the river, while 1 gives %em a partin’ clip.” The rancheros without question went on their way, while Single Eye, on Skiplively, again sought the Apache camp; but this tima with- out the care that heretofore he had used, As he gained the edge of the opening he wheeled Skiplively, and then gave utterance to his own peculiar war-yell, Up sprung every Apache, but as their hide- ous, painted forms arose, Single Eye’s revolvers began a rattling fusilade. nly fora moment did it last, for then the scout’s heels struck the flanks of Skiplively, and along the mustang path bounded the one-eyed pair, with a horde of yelling braves upon their track, whose anger turned to fiendish madness when they broke out upon the plain and saw their two late captives and Single Eye gallop- ing free in the moonlight, and their own mus- tangs bounding in a wild stampede before the three whites. The drifting clouds had grown heavier and heavier, and now a storm appeared about to break; but regardless of that, while a few kept straight on in pursuit, the main body turned straight down the river in a frantic run. Their object was to meet their comrades with the stolen horses, obtain mounts, and recapture their stampeded mustangs and wreak their vengeance on Single Eye and the rancheros, before they could pass beyond the Rio Leano, But Single Eye had no intention of reaching the Leano. At some distance on the prairie he wheeled his cavalcade and drove down parallel to the Nueces, intending to strike that stream once more, and this time below the party which held Colonel Granger and little Sunshine. CHAPTER XIII. A RESCUE AND A RECAPTURE—OLD FOES AND NEW DANGERS. Ir is now time to return to Benito, Old Rocky and the two boys. At the very time that they were making pre- parations to rescue Colonel Granger and Jennie. a long line of Apaches, maddened by the loss of mustangs and prisoners, was coming down the river, in a fastrun, while Single Eye and the rancheros, with the stampeded Sonal; were not far away. Of these facts, however, the four were utterly oblivious, and, accordingly, made their arrange- ments to, as they thought, suit the case, Their rifles were securely hidden, the horses were changed and secured to limbs in such a manner as to allow of their being instantly loosened, and Old Rocky, Bob and Green, after a hearty handshake with Benito, glided away in the darkness to make a circuit and reach the oppo- side side of the Apache camp. Soon after Benito made his way silently to the point which he and the old scout had reached. Perfect silence reigned in the Indian camp, and the fires had burned low. Only atinter- vals the moon shone brightly as the masses of saan clouds broke away from before her ‘ace. Benito was on the east side of the camp. The western portion of the opening was covered with the sleeping forms of the Apaches, and the south side was bordered by the towering bot- tom-timber; which stood upon the river-bank. These trees were covered with luxuriant vines and dropping moss, Contrary to his expectation, or, rather, his hope, especially in a to Jennie, the cap- tives were again bound, in the same position as when first discovered, and an Apache brave stood near the stake to which the young girl was secured. The brokaro needed but a moment in which to inspect the camp. Crawling back out of the thicket he made his way, silently as a snake, to the river-bank, and to the timber which bounded the Southern side of the camp, moving along the mossy sward, amid the soft bottom grass, until he was within five paces of the Apache sentinel, who was now lying prone upon the ground, with his ear pressed to the earth in an attitude of listening. Benito quickly imitated the example of the Indian, and heard a distant, tremulous rumble, which told of a body of galloping mustangs. It could be naught else, for no buffalo came so far down country, and there was no stock, now, nearer than Fort Ewell. It was a time for either a retreat or a quick movement, and the young brokaro did not hesi- tate. Rising, with one great spring he threw himself upon the outstretched form of the war- rior, thrusting his sombrero into the mouth of he Apache as he buried his knife deep in his Oniy waiting to see that life was extinct Benito Jeaped to the side of Jennie, cut the thongs which bound her wrists and ankles, and pressed a knife into her hand, whispering: “Be silent. Friends are near who would die md you, but cut your father loose quickly or all is lost! Bewildered, half-dazed by the joyful surprise Jennie fell upon her knees, and with rapid but trembling fingers cut her father freeand assisted him to rise. Hardly had she done so when Benito bounded back and lifting her in his arms, tenderly bore her under the towering trees to where there hung a lasso, which he had fixed to a limb ve, Aided by this he soon had his fair rg seated upon a limb some forty feet above the camp, and eens poxccnst by the festooned moss, even had it mn bright daylight, With a whispered word of cheer he bound her securely
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fee Old Rocky’s Boys. 39 to the limb, and then descended to aid her father to mount to the same perch. : As the colonel had suffered rougher handling than his daughter, he was even more helpless, but the strength and skill of Benito aiding him he was soon upon a perch near to Jennie, se- curely bound in a safe position. Panting from his exertions, Benito stood upon a limb below the pair, and once, even in that mo- ment of intense anxiety, a thrill of strange joy ran through bis frame, as he felt by chance her wandering fingers touch lightly the long, soft ringlets of his hair. Then, as a stream of moon- light came glinting from behind a moving cloud, their eyes met, those of the one filled with un- bounded thankfulness, of the other something much like deep if dawning love. 5 But even as they looked from up the river sounded a wild war-cry from many throats, that caused every one of the sleeping braves below to bound from his blanket, grasp his weapons and givean answering yell, while Benito, utterly astonished at the turn of affairs, drew his re- volvers and braced himself for coming fight. And now the secretof the distant rumbling that the Indian sentinel had heard, was to be revealed. The sounds of the stampede increased, as if it came above a depression of the prairie, and then, thundering down the decline toward the Apache camp, came a mass of snorting, terri- fied steeds, wild Texan yells being heard above the din of trampling hoofs, crashing brush and snorting animals. At the same instant that the stampede struck the bottom, a fusillade of revolver shots, min- gled with Apache war-cries, and yells of agony came from the west. As the Indians under Rattlesnake sprung from their blankets they were at first dazed by these unaccountable sounds, and for an instant stood in their tracks, weapons in hand. Then, in a body, they sprung for the prisoners, intend- ing to butcher them before a rescue could be attempted. Before the main body, however, came Rattlesnake, with the intention of saving the young girl from such a fate. The former surprise was nothing to that which now filled the chief and his braves, when they found the sentinel dead and the captives one. : But no time had they to think or act, for a score of terrified mustangs came crashing through the camp from the north driven by Single Eye and the two rancheros, who poured a rapid fire intothe massed, demoralized Apaches, afew of whom, having bounded on the backs of their steeds, were filled with new surprise and terror by a wild stampede of the animals they had themselves corraled to the west. These two came crashifg into the opening, and a fear- ful whirlpool of savage men and maddened mustangs filled the camp. Benito gave a reassuring pressure of the hand to the horrified father and daughter and then glided downward. Unnoticed in the confusion he sprung along the bank of the river until he reached the spot where the horses of the four had been left secured. Here he did not linger, but mounting his own animal and leading the other three he made the best of his way out from the bottom-timber to the prairie, and galloping quickly to a point abreast of the Apache camp, gave a loud yell. Instantly he was answered by Old Rocky, who soon appeared on the run, followed by Bob and Green, each with revolvers in hand, and looking over his shoulders, in expectation of seeing any enemy following in their rear. “Bully boy, pard!” yelled the old scout. ‘ Yer got here just az yer war wanted! There they come!” The Apaches on, foot, who had struck the opening where the horses were being guarded, but had been driven back by a galling fire from Old Rocky and the boys, now burst out from the bush, charging straight for the spot. Into their saddles sprung Old ee and the boys, and drawing their rifles fired a volley into the midst of the advancing braves, who, as yet, had seen nothing of their comrades under Bat. tlesnake. Bewildered, and some wounded or dead, the volley forced them. back into the tim- ber. Almost at the same instant, Single Eye - and the two Texan rancheros made their ap- pearance, being driven out from the camp by a movement of Rattlesnake and his men, who had caught mounts from the stampeding mustangs. Great was the surprise and joy of each party of whites tosee the other, and in a moment they were together and preparing to charge the camp. As the tail of the mustang herd struck the open plain, the seven determined whites dashee home their spurs and sprung down the path, By this time, however, the Indians from up the river had joined the band of Rattlesnake, and had explained to him the strength and character of the double attack, and the cause of the stampede, as they understood it. . Black Bear, by chance, hid his warriors under the very tree in which Colonel Granger and his daughter were secreted, while ttlesnake drew his hastily mounted and equipped war- riors into line at the further side of the open space. None too soon, either, for just as he formed his band, with the ringing Texan yell, the little cavalcade of whites came charging into the camp. Saaiaal to desperation by the loss of horses and captives, the Apaches sent a cloud of mis- siles at their advancing foe; but the answering hail of hurtling lead which cut into their ranks caused those who were mounted, with the ex- ception of Rattlesnake, to slip from steed and spring to cover. Rattlesnake bent his eagle- plumed head, and guided his horse beneath the trees, while the reserve under Black Bear sent ball and arrows thick and fast. Bob and Green spurred recklessly up to the edge of the wood and delivered their fire at short range; but they ebals dearly for their te- merity. Green received an arrow in the thigh, and Bob’s horse fell dead from a lance-thrust. The experienced Texans seeing that it would be impossible to dislodge the Apaches on horse- back, at the order of Single Eye retreated to- ward the opposite side of the opening, intending to dismount and clear the opening by a revolver charge on foot, but as they went a ball from the rifle of Rattlesnake grazed Benito’s arm a
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28 Old Rocky’s Boys. — the brain of his horse, which fell to e earth, As it hap med Jennie Granger was gazing with horror through a space between the screen- ing moss, and saw the fall of Benito and his steed. Thinking that the young man whom she re- cognized as her late rescuer, was killed, a cry of agony burst from her lips. If heard by no other, the sound reached the ears of Rattlesnake. He recognized the voice; and understood at once the mystery of the sud- den disappearance of the prisoners, With all his thoughts intent upon the lovely Rose of the Frio, a housided up the tree, severed the cords which had bound her safely to her perch, and clambering hastily from branch to branch. without once noticing or thinking of Colonel Granger, finally dropped to the ground with the form of the now senseless young girl flung across his shoulders. Again in the saddle, he brought his quirt hiss- ing about the hams of his mustang and dashed from the dense darkness out into the moonlight, holding the motionless form of the golden-haired girl between him and the deadly tubes which were instantly brought to bear. Amidst a chorus of yells from the baffled, horrified Texans Rattlesnake flashed across the moonlit opening, and disappeared toward the open prairie, The wounded Green had rolled from his sad- dle, and Benito, with an agony of desperation that gave him the will, strength and braver: of half a dozen men, sprung from the ground, where he had fallen, to the back of Green’s mustang, and twitching the rein from the hand of the boy who still held it he dashed spurs into Ae of the horse and bounded away in pur- suit. Single Hye and Old Rocky were already on Rattlesnake’s trail, supposing their friends would all follow; butas the three flashed sud- denly out of sight the Apaches hidden in the dark shades delivered a volley that stretched one of the rancheros dead in his tracks. Then with a vengeful cry, and Black Bear at their head they sprung like demons from the dark shades, andina trice Bob, Green and the re- maining Texan were knocked senseless, and bound hand and foot. A few moments later Colonel Granger’s retreat was discovered by the ips mpbiae 3 savages, and a wild yell of exulta- tion showed that he was again a prisoner. CHAPTER XIV, INTO THE GULF, On, on flew the Apache chief over the plain toward the west, clasping Jennie Granger to his painted breast. From time to time bis face, hideous with war- paint, would be turned toward his pursuers, and exultant yells would break from his lips, but his fair captive heard them not since she still lay swooning in his arms, And on galloped Single Eye and Old Rocky, their steeds nearly abreast, their rifles clutched each realizing the slenderness of the chance 0: retaking the young girl alive, but both deter mined to follow the trail to the bitter end. Just in the rear of the old scout came Benito, with set teeth and eyes fixed upon the golden hair, now visible in the gray li; he of the early morning. Pressing bridle-reins towatd thé right and lashing his mustang vigorously with his quirt, he sprung past the old scouts and trailed the Apache, not half a rifle-shot behind. “‘Hold up!” yelled Single Eye. ‘‘ Keep yer patience, er ther cuss "ll kill leetle Sunshine!’ “Keep cool, Benito,” added Old | Rocky, “We'llrun him ter his hole, an’ save ther gal some way.” The advice was not wasted, for Benito did not doubt the truth of Single Eye’s warning but immediately slackened his speed. Then all three galloped abreast in the rear of the fast- flying Apache. Mile after mile the chase went on: but at last the black mustang ridden by the Indian began to show signs of flagging under its double load. A staggering, laboring lope showed to the three avengers that the crisis was near at hand. At length the Apache turned back his gaze. It was still defiant; but no yell of exultation now passed his lips. What was it they heard? A weird recitation, a monotonous jumble in uniform tone, came plainly to their ears, and they gazed from one to the other in surprise as they lashed their panting steeds onward, They knew that Rattlesnake was chanting his death- song. What was the danger that menaced the ont Why had he given up all hope of life? They knew he would not sing that death-song unless he believed that the end of life was near at hand; and death to him meant death to the captive as well. The mystery was all too suddenly explained, and each of the pursuing horsemen brought his mustang to a halt with a wrench that extorted a@ moan of in from the tortured beast. Straight ahead of the Apache chief was a nar- row ribbon of red clay, just discernible below the green grass and black line of the surface, and each man’s cheek bleached with horror as he realized the purpose of the Indian chief, who once more turned his face to them, looking like a very demon as he uttered a savage yell. en he swung his quirt hissing through the air, and ressed the golden-haired maiden closer to his reast, as his mustang, with wild bound and snort, sprung toward what they now knew to be the yawning line of a deep, dry canyon. ‘Shoot ther crittur in the hams!” The words rung out sharp and aan as the rifle of Single Eye sprung to his shoulder, A quick report broke on the morning air, fol- ed by two others in rapid succession, as Rat- low unding toward the tlesnake’s mustang was fatal chasm. At the first shot the left arm of the chief dropped by bis side, and Jennie Granger fell, her Lead downward, her long hair sweeping the prairie grass, her face, ghastly with its deathlike pallor, turned toward the Texans, her skirts caught in the sharp horn of the Indian’s saddle, But the black mustang saw the death ahead, and swerved to the left at the cringe of his
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~ be Old Rocky’s Boys. 29 wounded rider. At the second report he gave a great bound. . The double shock loosened the skirts of the fair captive, and she sunk nearly to the earth. Another shot, a shriek of terror from the mustang, a death-yell from the Apache, and black horse and red rider shot downward from sight, while Jonnie Granger, rss yb by the Jast mad whirl of the frantic steed, lay on the very verge of the deep barranca—and slowly slipping forward into the hideous gulf. ith the quickness of thought Benito drove home his spurs and loosened his lariat, There was no time or chance for a throw; as his horse sprung forward the girl ee ppeared from view. e slipped the noose of his lasso over the horn of his saddle, holding the slack in his hand, and as his steed suddenly halted with his forefeet planted deeply in the turf, not a yard from the chasm, the brokaro leaped to the ground and plunged over the edge of the canyon. At that the horse whirled and endeavored to leave the dangerous locality; but the lariat looped to the horn of the saddle, and stretched taut over the brink of the bank, seemed to hold him to the spot. A moment later Single Eye and Old Rocky were there; and while the one seized and held in his iron gripe the prancing steed, the other peered cautiously over the brink, and then be his sombrero as he uttered a cry of de- light. ae some distance below was Benito, his left hand grasping the lariat, his right arm sustain- ‘ing Jennie Granger, while his feet were braced stiffly against the side of the canyon, at a point where, a mass of earth being detached, appar- ently by the fall of Rattlesnake and his mus- tang, a little ledge was left that by chance had caught the girl as she slipped down the almost rpendicular descent. And from below that edge the side of the canyon was one sheer wall. e crisis of the danger was past. The two scouts drew in the lariat carefully, and brought the brokaro and his fair burden to the plain. With jealous care Benito placed the fair girl upon the grass and bathed her head with water from his canteen, while the old scouts peered over the edge, down into the dark, deep bar- ranca at the huddled mass far below, shudder- ing, meanwhile, at the fearful leap to doom of the mad chief, who chose such a frightful death, as he thought to be shared with her, rather than to Nici sped his captive. Then they stepped back from the canyon, and turned toward Benito. ‘Jumpin’ Jerusalem, Jericho and jewsharps, but it war a close shave!” Old Rocky said at last. “¢T rec’ons he’d ’a’ bin mashed meat bout now ef he hadn’t kep’ a tight grip on ther lariat,” added Single Eye, as he dropped on his knees on the grass and watched the face of the young girl with some solicitude. : Old Rocky, from the other side, took the little wrist of the senseless maiden between his tough thumb and finger, and started up into the air for a moment as owlish looking as a first class ‘«sawbones.” “ Reckons ye’r’ tight, Single Eye. But it’s O. K. now, She hey got sum considerable life in | her, an’ll cum out az bloomin’ az ever, Reckons we'll shake now, old hoss, Whar in ther name o’ Krockitt did yer strike ther trail, an’ how did yer kim a-boomin’ in on us wi’ thet herd o’ mustangs jist in time ter save our bacon?” “Me an’ Skiplively haz bin on ther trail sin’ ther ole man an’ Sunshine war took frum ther ranch, Ther*danged ’Paches split, an’ part on ’em camped down west, on ther river, I stuck ter ther northern trail, knowin’ they’d j’ine afore long; an’ az they bed two boys from ther Medina range, what they’d tuck in, I skinned in las’ night airly, scooped a few in outen ther wet, cut ther boys loose, stampeded ther stock, an’ levanted down ther river. Rec’ons ye kin study out ther rest ov the story fur yerself. I see little Sunsbine’s cumin’ round ter bizness.” Single Kye was right, for Jennie, with a low moan, opened her blue eyes, in the depths of which still lingered a shadow of horror. Ina bewildered, inquiring way she gazed up at the old scouts, Then, realizing that her head was resting on the arm of some one, her eyes turned upward, filling with a soft, pleased expression as she re- cognized her young preserver, and her lids'closed restfully, for a moment, But a second thought came flashing through her brain, causing her to spring to a sitting po- sition, and gaze about her with a wild stare. Then with terrible earnestness she exclaimed: ‘Where is my father?” a Great heavens!” burst from the lips of Be- nito, No other answer came, but four were here, Of the nine whites, CHAPTER XV. THE FALL OF THE AX—HOME AT LAST. Iv was just about sunrise when Black Bear and his remaining score of warriors, with camp equipage and captives bound upon what mus- tangs ey. had been able to catch, stole out from the bottom-timber and made their way as fast as possible toward the old camp from which = had Jost horses and captives the night be- ore, : Spies were sent over the prairie in advance, and two well-mounted scouts dashed away upon the trail of Rattlesnake and the three while the main body rode steadily on, The sufferings of the prisoners were already intense, though destined to deepen as the day wore on, and by the time the halt for the night was made one would have thought they had been tortured enough to satisfy even savage hearts, ‘ But the warriors were infuriated by their re- cent disasters, and cared little so that_the pris- oners did not lose consciousness. Fearful of some new misfortune they had decided to carry their prisoners no further; but to end their lives by torture that very night. As the night came down they were flitting around through the bot-~ tom timber of the Nueces, gathering great arm- fuls of dry dead wood, which they piled in three huge heaps, within the opening where were bound the four captives, ; exans; -
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30 Old Rocky’s Boys. With arms folded, Black Bear stood giving his orders, Soon the piles of fuel were deemed sufficient for his use, and at an order fire was applied to each, uickly the feeble blaze spread until the three heaps of wood blazed high, throwing a bright light over bush and towering tree-top, and bril- liantly illuminating the little opening. Colonel Granger and the Texan ranchero ap- a7 to be more dead than alive, their heads ooping upon their breasts in hopeless despair; but Bob and Green still strove to wear a look of dauntless defiance. They had not altogether lost faith in Benito and Old Rocky, and still hoped to see them come to the rescue. tanorder from the chief half a dozen braves sprung to the young and slender fee tree, which stood at the northern edge of the open- ing. They stripped the tree in short order, their scalping-knives flying fast and glittering in the firelight, Bob and Green watching each movement of the red warriors with a dread curiosity. A stout lariat had been attached to the top of the tree, and at length the six braves, pullmg with united strength, drew the young elastic tree down to the earth. 4 Other warriors, at a sign from Black Bear, sprung to the ranchero, cut the thong which id him to the tree, and bore him to the bent sapling. ihe ak ies of the doomed man were secured together, the lariat attached to the sapling was made fast to them at the same instant the Apa- ches all let go. With a heart-rending shriek, which was echoed by the other captives, the Texan was whisked through the air, as the tree sprung back to its place. Then he hung with his head down- ward, writhing in pain. A wild yell of exultation quivered up from the Apache horde. “Great God of justice! What a fearful sight! Are we all to be butchered by such torture, and no help near?” As Bob spoke he vainly strained at his bonds, while Green answered, in a voice that quavered in spite of himself; “*No use, Bob! The more you pull the worse the green hide cuts. When they come to me I shall try to snatch one of their knives and reach the heart of one or two before I go under.” Then from the south side of the opening there came two sharp reports, and high into the air lea) Black Bear, with a bullet in his brain, ee every Apache wheeled and faced thither- ward. Tt was but a deadly diversion. At the same instant Single Eye and Old Rocky stood by the captives, at the southern side of the little glade, slicing off their bonds. Into the hands of Bob and Green knives were thrust, while Colonel Granger, too weak to stand, was thrown back- ward into a gully. Then the two scouts stepped out into the glow of the firelight, holding a * Colt’s army” in each hand, and deliberately, and yet with marvelous celerity, began their work, while Benito, rushing around as soon as he had fired his shots from the north, came to their side, and that to stay. This was no firing in the uncertain moonlight, The fire made the opening light as day, and the slaughtered sentinels had given no warning of the approach of the dreaded foe, It was a sur- prise and a slaughter. Flesh and blood could not stand before that furious rain of lead that was to other firing as the tornado is to the gentle zephyr. Those yet unharmed, or but slightly wounded, burst away into the bottom-timber, and fled far from the spot with bated breath. The few scattering arrow-shots had done no harm, and almost un- touched the Texans were masters of the field. Single Eye at once turned to the swinging ranchero while Benito darted to the aid of Col- onel Granger. : The Texan was past all mortal care; but the white-haired colonel came trembling forward, thrilled and eager with a new-born hope, while Benito exclaimed: *““ You are safe now, and among friends. See, your enemies are dead, or fugitives, and your daughter is safe. We have her in concealment, but will take you to her, and she shall rest in your arms before sunrise.” No be ae couple lived then on the broad plains of Texas than Colonel Granger and his daughter, as they met once more face to face, and unwilling to obtrude upon the sacredness of their joy, Single Eye and the rest withdrew a little, and left the two for awhile alone in their happiness. When they again joined them they could already see a change for the better in the worn and wasted old man. The journey down the river and back to the Granger Ranch was necessarily slow, but it was devoid of any startling events. Bob and Green were not at all averse to giv- ing up the projected mustang-hunt, for they had met with adventures still more teeing than any they had thought to find, and wit! Benito and Old Rocky cheerfully turned on the back trail. As a large share of the stolen stock, as well as of the Indians’ mustangs, had been gathered up, the procession looked like a small army. With so much recovered, the Grangers seemed likely to lose but little through the Apache raid. What more is there to tell? Well, but little. The time came for the ele- ments of the little party to separate. Bob and Green turned their faces toward their Eastern home, and Single Eye and Old Rocky went out once ‘more to range the free prairies of the grand old commonwealth; but Benito, the Bo- carro, handsome, brave and intelligent, Jingered to look for something he had lost. If in place he found little Sunshine’s heart, who can greatly wonder? Tamed down from his wandering ways, he was the man of men in that wild and far-off land where, guided by his advice and skill the colonel lingers yet, his declining years made happy by the love and care of son and daughter. THE END. ,
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82 OOTAVO PAGES, gil Dig Se POCKET LIBRARY, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 Kansus King; or, The Red Right Hand, By Buffato Bill. 8 The Flying Yankees or, The Ocean Outcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 4 The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. & The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl. By Albert W. Aiken. 6 The Prairie Pilot; or, The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. ? The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, By Edward L. Wheeler. 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Ol) Coomes, v 19 Ned ylde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack” F (J. B. Omohundre). Buffale Ben, Prince of the Pistol. By E.L.Wheeler. 11 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. By Col. Ingraham. 12 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. ©, Harbaugh. 18 Yellowstone Jack or, Trappers of the Enchanted Ground. By Joseph £. Badger, Jr. 14 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duyal. By E. L. Wheeler. 15 Diamond Dirk or, The Mystery of the Yellow- stone, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 16 Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies, By Oll Coomes. 17 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whifflés’s Boy Spy. By Capt. J. f C. Adams. 18 Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 19 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 20 Roaring Ralph Roekwood, the Reckless Ranger. By [larry St. George. 2i The Boy Clown; or, Tho Queen of the Arena, By Frank 5S. Finn, 22 The Phantom Miner} or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 28 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 24 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Comes. R25 freien 4 3 Rube}; or, Tho Night Hawks of Ken- tucky. By Hurry 5t. George. 26 Old Avalanche, tho Great Annihilator. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 27 Gla-s-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By Capt. J. F.C, Adama. 28 The Boy Captains or, The Pirate’s Daughter. By Roger Starbuck. 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Captain frederick Whittaker. 80 Rob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By E. L. Wheeler, 81 Nightingale Nat; or, The Forest Captains. By 1. C. Harbaugh. 82 Black John, the Road Agent. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 88 Omaha Ol, the Masked Terror. by E. L. Wheeler. 84 Burt Bunker, the Lia By George E. Lasalle. 85 So? Boy Rifles ; or, The Underground Camp. By . ©. Irons. 86 The White B: ffalo. A Tale of Strange Adven- tures in the Northwest. By George Jt. Lasalle. 87 Jim Bludaoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. By Edward L, Wheeler. 88 Ned Hazel,the Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, 89 Deadly Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill, 40 Nick Whittles’s Pet} or, In the Valley of Death. By Capt. J. F. C. Adama. 41 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. By Edward L. Wheeler. 42 ‘The Border King; or, The Secret Fos. By Ol! OOMES. 48 om GaemOrys or, Pandy Ellis’s Sealp. By Harry St. George. 44 The White Indian} or, The Scouts of the Yellow: stone. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama. 45 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 47 The Red_ Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers. By W. J. Hamilton. 48 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh. 49 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His“ Pard.” By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 50 Single Hand} ory A Life for = Life, By W. J. Hamilton. 2 BOHR HHHRHHRHHHDHDDHAHDHHDHDHDHH DH HHH DH HHH DDH OHHH DH WR 51 Patent-leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. By Philip S. Warne. 52 The Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. By Buffalo Bill. Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective of the Black Hills. By Edward L, Wheeler, 54 Old Zip'’s Cabin; or, A Greenhorn in the Woods, By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 55 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By ON Coomes. 56 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W. J. Hamilton. 57 Deadwood Dick on Decks or, Calamity Jane, the Herome of Whoop-Up. By E. L. Wheeler. 58 Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper Ranger. By Ol! Coomes, 59 The bas Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea Wolf, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Alken. 61 Condnrey Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward L, orler. 62 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris, 68 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapver. By A. W. Aiken. 64 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gulch. By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe, the Terror of the Prairie. By Cap- tain J. F.C, Adama. 66 mae Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T. C, Har- ugh. 67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress of the Golden 68 wy BY 08 Comes: z i the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. Edward L. Wheeler.” marr 6 69 Detective Dick ; 2r, The Heroin Rags, By Charles orris. 70 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By Ol] Coomes. 71 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. %% The Lion of the Sen; or, The Vailed Lady of San ENWape By Albert W. Alken, %8 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance. By E. L. Wheeler. 74 Pienyune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morr s. %& Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Brace- bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow; or, Arabs and Angels of « Great City. By Edward L. Wheeler. % Dick Dead Eye. the Boy Smuggler. By Col. P Ingraham. 78 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross. By Ed. L. Wheeler. ¥ 79 The Black Mustanger; or, The Wild Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 80 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, Mokana, the White Queen of the Blackreet. By T. C. Harbaugh, 81 The Sea Viper; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By Edward S. Ellie. 88 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By Edwara L. Wheeler. 84 The Dumb Page} or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 85 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, By Edward S, Ellis, 86 Jack Harkaway in New York, By Brace- bridge Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 88 Deadwood Dickin Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L. Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, Trapper ; or, Life in the Northwest; By Edward S. Ellis. 90 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By eorge Gleason. Issued Every Wednesday. * Beadle’s Pocket Library 1s for asle by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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82 OCTAVO PAGES. g SADL Eg ‘\\_ PRICE, FIVE CENTS, POCKET LIBRARY: RARAAEAAAARARH SAR DRHRARARHAADRARARARAARARNARANRNANARDHASBHAH 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains, By Jos. E. Badger, re 92 The Ocean Bloodhound ; or, The Red Pirates of the Caribbees. By Samuel W. Tearce. 98 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L.Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess, the Female Trapper. By Captuin J. F. C. Adams. 96 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective. By E. L. eeler. 97 ‘The Bisck Steed of the Prairies, By James . Bowen. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis, 99 Bonanza Bill, the Man Tracker. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd} or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By Edward S. Ellis. 101 Daring Davy; tho Young Bear Killer, By Harry St. George. 102 The ¥ellow Chief. 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. HH By Capt. Mayne Reid. 104 The Black _ Schooner. By Edward L. Wheeler. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. By Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit} or, the Daughter of the Ranch. ly Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 10% Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Young Speculator, EK L, Wheeler. Mountain Kit. By T.C. Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Hand; or, Tae Man of Mystery. y Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By George W. Browne. 111 Bossa Bob, the King of Bootblacks. By E. L. Wheeler. 112 The Melpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 118 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, By O1l Coomes, 114 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy; or, The Little Arrow of the Adirondacks. By T. ©. Harbaugh. 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double. Ae L. Wheeler. 116 Jabez Coflin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Polar Regions. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 117 Faney Frank, of Calorado. By Hon. W. F. Cody. “Buffalo Bill.” 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Chas. Morris, 119 Blonde Billy or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. 121 Harry Armatrongs the Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hein: rae. lack Harkaway.) 122 The Hunted Hunter. By Féward S. Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By E, L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. By 'T. C. Harbaugh. 125 The Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue Blazes} or, The Brenk o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Pox the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. By Edward L. Wheeler. 128 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By C. Morris, 129 Eagle Kit, the boy Demon. By Oll Coomes, 180 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick's Big By Edward L, Wheeler, 182 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 188 Wild-fire. the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont. 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By C. Morris. 185 D Eeeee ick of Deadwood, By Edward . Wheeler. 186 Old Rube, theHunter. By nape Hamilton Holmes. 187 soe Rock, the Man from Texas, By G. Waldo rowne. 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. 189 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 140 Ospts n Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. B: i iy S. Warne. 141 Niw Work Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 142 Little Texas,the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 148 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 144 Little Grit, the Wild_Rider; or, Bessie, the Stock Tender’s Daughter. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 145 The Tiger of Taos. By Geo. Waldo Browne. 146 The Cattle King, By Frank Dumont, 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L, Wheeler, 148 Thunderbolt Tom. By Hatey St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner; or, The Road to Ruin. _ By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By G, Waldo Browne, 151 The Sea Tratler. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By William R. Eyator. 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By Edward L, Wheeler. 154 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods, By C. Morris, 157 Ned pomele the Border Boy. By T, C. Harbaugh. 158 Dendwood Dick’s Doom. By E. L. Wheeler. 169 Eatent-heather Joe's Defeat. By Philip. S. arne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. By Col. P. Ingraham. 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By C. Morris, 162 zAtths Mlurricane, the Boy Captain, By Oll LOOT eS. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. By Edward L. Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core, By T. C, Harbangh. 165 Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 166 idk Wildfire Wins and Loses. By Charles orris. 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George W. Browne. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hille Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion, By Edward Willett. 170 Bob. Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles orris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes, 172 The Yankee Ranger. By Edwin Emerson. 178 Dick Dingle, Scout; or, The Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme. By G. W. Browns. 175 The Arab Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck. By Charles Morns. der, 8yCol.Prentiss Ingraham. By Burton Saxe, ion. E. Badger, Jr. 0 The Boy Gold-Hunter. Hozeltine. 188 Jabez Dart, Detective. By Oll Coomes. 184. Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willett, 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 186 Dainty Lanes and His Pard. By Joseph E. adger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger King. By Charles Morris. 188 ‘The Vensrilogntes Detective. By Edward L. poeler 189 Old Rocky’s Boys3 or, Benito, the Young Mus- tang: Breaker, By Ri oSamn. 8. Hall. A 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout. By James L. Bowen, 191 Dandy Hock’s Rival. By Geo. Waldo Browne. 192 Hickory Harry; or, Roaring Ralph the Ventrile~ uist. By Harry St. George, Ready Sept. 14. 198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward L. Wheeler, Ready Sept. 21. 194 ype Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes, ady Sept. 28, 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer. By T. C. Harbaugh, Ready Oct. 5. 196 The Dandy Detective, By Charles Morris, Ready Oct. 12. Issued Every Wednesday. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents . BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,