Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 191) (1887 09 07)
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Vol XV $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, No, 191 a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM §7., NEw YorK. Five Cents. SEIZING A BRAND FROM THE FIRE, LUELLA QUICKLY LED THE WAY DOWN INTO THE DISMAL PASSAGE, WHILE KOCK AND RAY GLADLY FOLLOWED-
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3 Dandy Rock’s Rival. Dandy Rock’s Rival; OR, The Mysterious Wolf Rider. BY G. WALDO BROWNE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘DANDY ROCK,” ‘“‘ DREAD RIDER,” ‘TIGER OF TAOS,” ‘MAD MINER,” ‘‘ GOLDEN HAND,” ETC., ETC., ETO. CHAPTER I. A STRANGE RIDER, **Ho, boys, for the Vale of Taos!” The speaker was standing upon the sum- mit of Ribideau Pass, where a break in the * Alps of America” makes it tolerably easy crossing the range which. continuing on to- ward the south, forms the connecting link of the stupendous chains of the Andes and the Rocky Mountains, Away to the eastward stretches a vast “rolling prairie” of dreary, barrenness, until it reaches the fertile valley of the mighty Missouri, nearly a thousand miles distant. ete down upon the boundless expanse from this lofty hight, nothing is seen but the solitary surface of the weary waste; every motte of timber or line of growth that dots here and there the lowlands, marking the course of some river, is lost in the mag- nitude of the distance, while the side of the mountain rising nearly perpendicular leaves no intervening ridges to hide the view. Westward the beholder gazes upon an ex- tensive arena of broken mountain ranges, from which untold isolated peaks uprear their snow-crowned heads. Thus upon every hand the scene is weird, picturesque, and lonely, its grandeur unsur- passed by any landscape in the Wild West. The words we have given were spoken by aperson of not more than one and twenty, ith a tall form of splendid proportions, and a handsome countenance that, while it indi- cated a genial nature, ever ready to give or take a good share of humor, was unmistaka- bly stamped with the resolution of a deter- mined will. His hair was dark, falling down his shoulders at a considerable length, while he wore a mustache of the same hue. He was dressed in the picturesque garb of a mountaineer, hunting-shirt, leggins, and all beautifully beaded and -frilled by the deft fingers of some squaw, while he was armed with a long, double-barreled rifle, a pair of aie and brace of keen-bladed knives. tanding by the side of a clean-limbed, strongly built horse, all caparisoned as if for a journey, he seemed the beau ideal of & plainsman, With an eye that could gaze at the mid- day sun in all its splendor and not flinch, a frame that defied fatigue and exposure, and the courage of a lion, his name was already well known in that region, while he has ained since no less than a dozen cognomens, fie was Rock Randel, younger than when we have ever met him before, but the same generous-hearted Rock. 3 . habe companions were standing by his side. One not far from his own age, and so nearly like him in dress and bearing, that he would have passed for a brother. He was called Reckless Ray at the time we speak of, tnough since he has become, under another name, one of our most noted scouts. Another of the party was Mountain Jim, who looked down upon six feet and six inches with a form as straight and strong as the barrel of his long rifle. Though the winters of twenty years in the mountains had plentifully sprinkled his hair with snow- flakes, the vigor of his earlier life was un- impaired. Side by side with this veteran, and not a hair’s breadth difference either in size or hight, stood Prairie Paul. : ‘““D’ye mean for Taos, old hoss?” cried Ray, as he turned from watching the plain and gazed at Rock. «Every time, old beaver! We are bu’sted. The reds hev driv us from Hurricane and hyar we are. Our pack-animals and _possi- bles are gone and we hev only our horses left. Let’s for Taos, I say, and get anew outfit.” “And bring back a | gai? senorita for a squaw, wagh!” exclaimed Prairie Paul. “That’s the talk, old boy,” chimed in Mountain Jim. “I’m tired of building my own fires and spitting the meat after a day’s tramp. Ho for Taos and one o’ her purty gals, I say!” “On for Taos then!” shouted Reckless Ray, waving his slouched beaver over his head. ‘‘And I speak for the purtiest maid in the valley!” ‘*Look out then, old beaver!” cried Rock, ‘for this coon don’t play second to any ’pos- sum. Hooray for Taos!” No civilized relaxation was so much en- joyed by the mountain-men in the days of which we speak as a trip to the Taos valley, and not a few of those journeys were under- taken for matrimonial intentions as well as pleasure. Half an hour later our friends had gather- ed up their few things, and were in the sad- dle ready for a start. Never was there a more’ gallant or hardier set of fellows than
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. 3. they, bent on that foray which*“‘savored a heap” of sport, business and adventure. Leaving the pass, they struck the Yuta trail, and rode through a country intersected with numerous streams, and affording rich pasturage for their animals whenever they camped at night, or rested during midday, while herds of antelope and game of all kinds were found on every hand. The tenth day of hard riding was drawing to a close, and the settlement was still several miles distant. ; “Wagh!” exclaimed Rock, “reckon we shall have to look upa stopping-place for the night. Leastways, we can’t overtake Taos afore moon-up.” “Right, old hoss,” affirmed Reckless Ray. **Let’s ride back inter the country a bit, and mayhap we shall find a properer roosting- spot.” Acting upon the suggestion, the little cav- alcade diverged to the right, and after riding half a mile, suddenly came upon a sort of plateau, where the land fell abruptly down for many feet. Below they gazed upona vast tract of prairie reaching eastward, while in the opposite direction lay a wooded dis- trict. “‘Jeems Stopple!” exclaimed Rock, who was in advance, *‘ we have got to turn heel for toe, or we are up a stump.” ‘““You mean, old coon, that we shall be down a stump,” corrected Ray, as he saw their situation. “Down or up, I reckon it’d be all thesame in a long run.” ““Look thar, boyees!” cried Paul, excited- ly, as he pointed to the south. His companions started in surprise as the saw a dozen horsemen in plain sight, all oe over the plain as if riding for dear ife. “Roaring buffaloes!” exclaimed Rock, “what is that a-scooting after them like all possessed with an onion in his teeth?” By this time it was seen that the fleeing men, who were Mexicans, as could be deter- mined, were’pursued by a single rider. But such a rider}, As the participants in the strange race came nearer, the four friends saw that the solitary pursuer was a ne gray wolf crouching upon the back of a fleet-footed moustang! CHAPTER II. ‘HOORAY FOR FUN!” “ Rocker Movun7arns!” ejaculated Reck- less Ray, “‘that beats me!” The horsemen were now directly below them and plainly seen, while their cries were rendering the airhideous, Their strange foe had not given any sign of hostility yet, but was still clinging to the mustang, that was —— on at a mad rate, grim and dread- ul. “Boys,” said Rock, as they saw the riders dash past, ‘“let’s take the side trail and cut ’em off.” Acting upon Rock’s suggestion, the hun- ters turned to the right, and after going a short distance, they came to a spot where an easy descent was made to the plain be- low. Dashing down the place at a break-neck speed, they entered a patch of growth, to soon come out upon the other side, and in sight of the fleeing horsemen. But, to their surprise, the Wolf Rider had disappeared. “Hal what is that?” asked Prairie Paul, pointing toa dark object lying on the ground a short distance off. Quickly paler pess, Fem spot they found the body of one of the Mexicans—dead! ‘‘Wal, that beats me holler as a burnt moccasin!” exclaimed Jim. ‘But see, the Greasers are coming back, and mebbe they'll show the trail.” The frightened fugitives had indeed reined up, and at the sight of the four rangers start- ed to ride toward them. In answer to the mountaineers’ inquiries, the most self-possessed of the Mexicans told how they had been on a journey from Christola Mission to Taos in company with their master’s daughter, and liad been pur- sued by the Wolf Rider, that had killed three of their number. : “But the female—whar am she?” cried Rock. All that the terrified peons could tell was that she had become separated from them, and had been killed as likely as not by the dreadful rider. ; “Boys,” exclaimed Randel, ‘‘are we the *possums to stand smoking when a woman is in peril?” “Let's to her risky,” answered Ray, and almost without another word they demanded of the Mexicans to be guided to the spot where they had last seen their mistress, when the little cavalcade were dashing swiftl over the plain, no one thinking to loo further for the Wolf Rider. After ten minutes of smart riding the foremost of the Mexicans suddenly drew rein. Wondering what was up the mountaineers followed their example, to find that the had come upon another ‘‘ fall-off ” or ened: in the surface of the land. This discovery, however, was not the cause of the exclamations that fell from their lips. ; i Below them, and riding leisurely along at
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4 Dandy Rock’s Rival. the base of the bluff was a party of Indians, while in their midst, lashed upon the back of a pony by the side of the chief of the war- riors, was a white woman. A single glance showed that she was not only a captive but was enduring great agony from her captivity. “It is Luella—our mistress,” declared the peon leader to the white men. “Let's scout back afore the reds see us,” suggested Rock. ‘‘ We must risky that ed one or Rock Randel loses his top- not. Cautiously retreating a few rods, the long, velvety grass of the plain muffling the hoof- strokes of their animals so that they made no noise, they paused to decide upon their course of action. It was quickly decided to head the sav- ages off at a point some fifty rods to the right and rescue the captive if possible by a spirited attack upon the red-skins who num- bered less than a score. Infusing as much courage as possible into the cowardly Mexicans, the mountaineers quickly prepared to carry their plans into effect. Riding silently forward to the spot desig- nated they drew up in a line. “There they kem,” exclaimed Rock, as they heard the savages approaching the plain in front of them, but below the descent. “Quick! it’s going to be a risky ride, but ‘we must venture it. Stick firm to your sad- dles, and if ye cl’ar the jump don’t show the varmints nary mercy. Ready, Mexicers, and don’t ye spoil the fun.” In an instant all appeared eager to carry ‘out the bold design, which was to rush down the dangerous descent: and put the sav- ages to rout before they could rally to meet them. As the horde of red-men were nearly oppo- site, a single word of command left the lips of the intrepid Randel, when, as one, the four hunters plunged their rowels into their horses and dashed ferociously ahead down the sharp declivity. Not so the treacherous Greasers. Caring more for their own safety than for the life of their mistress, they hesitated before risking that perilous ride. Even as they halted in bo ation, a wild cry was wrung from their ips. “The Wolf Rider !” F With one accord they wheeled their ani- mals and fled. Sweeping upon their course with the speed of the wind, followed the mysterious rider ‘that had again abruptly appeared upon the scene. Realizing the treachery and flight of their “allies when it was too late to turn back from their headlowg course, the mountaineers could ee keep on. ith bounds of terror the horses plunged down the steep declivity, and with wonder- sire kolea we gained the prairie below safely. Retaining their seats with great difficulty, the hunters, meanwhile making the air ring with their shouts, sent shot after shot into the midst of the amazed savages as the latter were sweeping past them. “Hooray for fun!” yelled Rock, who led his little party, and his companions were not slow to follow his example. Into the midst of the surprised savages they dashed, to scatter them right and left in terror. Again the rifles of the whites belched forth their deadly contents. Wild the scene that followed. Terrified at the unlooked-for and wild as- sault, some of the Indians fied in mad alarm, Others were too amazed to move. It was only for a moment thus, however. The chief saw the advantage they had in numbers, and tried to rally his warriors to meet the attack of the white men. But find- ing that impossible, he, too, sought safety in flight, and holding firmly upon the captive, made a furious dash for freedom. ‘‘Hyar!” yelled Rock, who plunged his own horse forward to intercept the savage. For a minute it seemed that the red-skin would escape. Rock dared not fire for fear of hitting the girl, and his companions had all they could attend to, But Rock was not to be easily balked. Urging his horse swift- ly forward he dashed in ahead, and reined up right in front of the fleeing captor. CHAPTER III. FRIENDS OR FOES? ‘« WHoop—hooray, old powder-skin!” and as the cry rung from Randel he dodged a shot from the chief, to deal the latter « blow from his clubbed rifle, the next instant, with such force that he fell forward upon the pony’s withers. Ere the savage could re- cover, Rock had lifted the captive upon the back of his own horse, and the Indian was hurled to the plain by a sudden bound of his steed. By-this time, Rock’s companions had com- pletely routed the remaining red-skins, and the fight was over. “How’s your hands—all smooth?” he asked. “Slick es a peeled hickory,” replied Paul. “We ain't got so much es a scratch, and thar am seven o’ the smoky varmints who won’t need enny camp-fire to-night, Is the gal peert?” E ; ‘‘T reckon. Ain’t you, purty one?” ‘
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. ? Dandy Rock’s Rival. 6 ‘Oh, yes, I thank you. Luella St. Dell.” “Jess as purty as you are,” exclaimed the honest Rock, with deepest admiration. «‘Howsumever, I reckon ye’d like to git out of this oncomfortable posish.” The maiden, who could not have been more than eighteen, was indeed beautiful. Dark hair, dark eyes that flashed with a spirit of bewitching power, a clear com- But my name is .plexion and faultless form, it was little won- der the young hunter and his friends could scarcely conceal their admiration. “But how kem ye in that ’tarnal coyote’s power?” asked Reckless Ray, as soon as he could find his tongue enough to speak. ‘I became separated from my cowardly escort, when I was surrounded and captured by the Indians,” she replied. ‘‘I cannot thank you for your great kindness now, for, somehow, I can’t get over my dreadful fright. I shudder to think what would have been my fate but for you. But how shall I reach my home even now? My horse is one, and I cannot ask you to go way to ‘aos with me.” ‘‘Taos? That is jess where we are going, purty one—Miss Luella—and ye may toss my head-piece for a football if Rock Randel is going to leave ye on the sticks.” ‘*‘Nary more are we, old hoss,” chimed in his companions. “D’ye hyar that, Miss Lu? Ye are on a bang-up trail tohum. So help her to mount my hoss ahint me,” continued our hero. urmuring her thanks for their kindness, rough though it may have been, but well- meant névertheless, Luella was assisted to a seat behind Rock. “Hold on fast,” he said, ‘‘and we'll start for the trail at once.” The Mexicans were nowhere to be seen, and caring no more about them, the moun- taineers headed for the route to their desti- nation without further delay. After riding in silence for some time, they ~ came in sight of an cld weather-beaten cabin that stood near a high cliff, and with not a sign of life apparent roundabout. “‘Let’s ride up that way,” suggested Rock, ““mebbe it’ll be a good place for us to pass the night ‘long as we can’t fetch up to Taos with these tired hosses.” A minute later the little cavalcade reined up in front of the deserted structure. “Nary a sign hyar,” ventured Mountain Jim, as they surveyed the isolated building. “Ain't pesky sart’in o’ thet,” differed Prairie Paul, ‘‘’em looks to me a tarnal sight es ef the chap as pulled stakes hyar had left his moccasins ahind,” and the old plainsman Es siete toa pair lying on the ground near y i ie dismounted and picking them up said: “‘Nary a chip difference, they hain’t been worn since old St. Vrain got chipped for a buffler Sunday.” It was then quite dark, and as the “‘ trail ” must be still some way off, it was decided to spend the night at the lone hut. Accordingly the animals were tethered in the growth near at hand, and the party re- paired to the cabin. Within, the building seemed even more deserted than from without. There was a rude benth and a broken table which were all there was to be seen in the shape of furniture. In the old stone fire-place the charred remains of a couple of sticks of wood showed that a fire had been there not many days gone by. Perhaps some one who had been out on a hunt had stopped awhile there, as they proposed to do. However, your mountaineer is not one to waste time in useless speculation, and once having made up their minds to stop there, they began to make themselves as comfort- able as possible. A fire was soon roaring in the rude chimney-way, and sundry portions of the provisions they had stowed away iu their possibles were prepared for eating. After satisfying their appetites, the friends saw that everything was in readiness for the night. Secing that the cabin was divided into two rooms, it was decided that Luella shculd occupy one while they remained in. the other, each taking his turn at watching, as it was not deemed safe to sleep without a guard, Luella protested that they were doing too much for her, but Rock’s word was law, and half an hour later, she had sought her apart- ment where the mountaineers had carried the blankets from their horses and thus pre- pared for her a comfortable couch, Leaving her with their good wishes, they returned to the other room, and too restless to lie down yet awhile, they went overin words the scenes of the past day. “‘T tell you she is the purtiest gal I ever set these peepers on, and I hey seen sum, wagh!” declared Rock, as their conversation turned on the maiden. “Right, old hoss,” seconded Ray; ‘and ef this beaver don’t take her back to the mountains, it’ll be because he don’t go.” Rock sprung to his feet. «D’ye mean that, old boy?” he cried. ‘“Wagh! I don’t throw blind! But what ails ye, old hoss?” “What ails this hoss?” repeated Randel. “Ray, old coon, menny’s the trail we’ve
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tramped togener, and it’s like liftin’ my own top-knot to hear ye say thet, old pard. Speak, and say ye ain’t in ’arnest, Ray.” *‘T am, old coon, in dead ’arnest, But look hyar, old hoss, ye look pesky thin! Rocker Mountains, hev I spotted yer trail?” « Ray,” exclaimed Rock, solemnly, ‘ hev- n’t I alwus been true to ye?” “Every time, old boy.” “And hey made my meat yours and my blanket has covered us both?” “True es fishing on a wet day,” wonder- ing what his companion was driving at. “‘ And menny’s the time we hey felt like going under when we said it should be both or neither?” “‘Kerrect. But hang me, old hoss, ef I can see the way your stick floats,” “Tis true as ’possum shinnin’ a cotton- wood by moonlight, every word, old coon,” Rock went on, unheeding the interruption. “And ye hey stood by me every pull. Menny’s the time ye hev saved my funeral, and Il w'u’d give ye my top-knot ef ’tw’u’d keep yours. Now, we must give up all. Ray, ef ye stick to what ye hey said, but one o’ us’ ll ever go back to the mountains!” CHAPTER IV. * A BRWITCHED RIFLE. Reckuess Ray started.up in alarm. ‘*Hev ye cl’an lost yer thinkers, old hoss?” he cried, seizing Rock’s hand. “Hey ye got ’em bad, old coon?” Randel went on. “Got what?” exclaimed the other, in dis- may. “Don't ye see the trail, old coon? Hey ye got the spotted limboes a-cavortin’ round your heart?” In an instant the others were convulsed with laughter. “Is that it, Rock?” “Wal, I reckon.” ; “And you are tender on her, too?” “T reckon,” spoken tersely, The laugh on Ray’s lips died away. “ But we can be friends for all 0’ that.” “Dunno, I ain’t the beaver to give up the bait, though I know I shall get trapped.” _*NomoreamI. But we will be square. he best hoss wins, you know, old chap.” ‘*Ray, I am an old mule-eared fool, with nary an eye for shooting. Es ye say, we can have a fair race, and the longest winded toad shall corral the game. Give us yer han’, old coon, and we will leave it with the gal.” “Good, Rock; now you talk straight as a sycamore. Mayhap the gal won't look at us, arter all. The shemales are quar critters.” “‘T reckon. So, Ray, ye promise to stick to me jess the same ef I kaptivate that gal as ye hey alwus done afore?” Dandy Rock’s Rival. ‘My word for it, old hoss. But I'll bet my rifle ’g’in’ yours ’tis me that traps her arter all,” ‘°Greed,” was Rock’s quick reply, and thus for the time the matter was dropped. Finally Ray volunteered to take the first turn as guard, and the others laid down to sleep. It could not have been far from midnight, and Mountain Jim had relieved Ray at his post, when the mountain-men were startled from their sleep by the sharp report of a rifle, Springing to their feet in amazement, they looked excitedly about. «Twas Jim!” whispered Prairie Paul. *T would have bet my top-knot ’twas in this—” Spang ! Rock did not finish his speech. There was no mistake now. The weapon had been discharged in the very room they were occupy- mgt here was no moon, but it was a clear star- light night, and everything in the apartment was plainly seen. But not a living being was in view, save themselves. Rock’s rifle was standing in the corner where he had placed it himself a short time before, and the sounds having come from that particular spot, every eye was fixed upon the weapon in breathless waiting. A minute passed, and not a word had been spoken nor a move made, when a loud sh—ssh—ss followed. “Thar—” S—pang ! spang! The mountaineers sprung back in terror. The two reports had sueceeded each other so closely that they expected no less than a yol- ley. But, as the sounds died away, silence again fell on the scene. “What does it mean?” gasped Paul. - “They kem from yer shooter, Rock, and no one has touched it!” “T know it,” replied Randel. me inter sassa—” Phizz—bang | “‘Jeems Stopple! we’re a goner!” Our mountaineers were brave men, who had stood face to face with death in more ways than one, and never flinched, but there was something so mysterious and _ super- natural in this that they actually trembled with fear. If there was a weak spot in their nature, it was touched by superstition, and this ‘‘savored a heap and two bits o’ thet,” as Rock afterward expressed it. Clutching their knives nervously, they gazed upon the weapon spellbound, In this way several minutes passed, and they were beginning to breathe easier, think- ing the crisis was over, when again the warning phizz was heard. { “Tt beats
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Dandy Rock's Rival, 4 Bang! bang! bang! thundered the rifle, each report growing louder and louder, till the terrified listeners were forced to put their hand to their ears to shut out the awful clat- ter. Their faces were now as colorless as the dead. **Tt’s no use!” muttered Rock, as he peer- ed with half-closed eyes at his heavy gun, which had been nearly thrown from the cor- ner by the shock, but had fallen back into its | old position, ‘* Boyees, I hev carried that old shooter nigh onto three years, and it never played sich a trick on me afore. [ tell - thar must be spooks round hyar,.and they ev bewitched that weapon. Weare a goner ef we don’t git!” : ‘““But ye wouldn’t levant and leave the gal?” asked Ray. “Hemlock splinters! we’d be meaner nor spruce gum to do thet. But, boyees, we can’t git to her without disturbing that gun. “Jes-so. And she means to rouse the hull kentry. If thar’s a red-skin within ten miles he'll find us.” “1 reckon. But, mebbe the old by won’t squirt any more? Dog-gone the ol gudgeon! jess let me git my paws on her ag’in, and it shake the witches out o’ her. Hist! thar she goes ag’in!” As Rock spoke the gun again belched forth in a prolonged report that fairly made the old building tremble. “‘Jeems Stopple!” Rock groaned, ‘‘ let me git out my prayers. Thet gun is worse nor a full-grown tornader in a hail-storm!” “It’s gone cl’ar out o’ its senses!” declared Paul. . i “Tt’s bewitched true es p’izen in dog-days. I tell ye thar is a spook in thar big es old Sampson’s foot in mud time. Don’t tech it, Ray,” he warned, as the other started toward the corner, “But we must git it out from the war 0’ thet door so we can git to the gual, and then we'll huff it like mad.” “Ye ar’ a goner ef ye tech it, I—” Sh—sh—ss! spang / sh—sh—phizz—spang / Reckless Ray dodged back to the side of his companions completely convinced that he had better remain there. Never were three men more puzzled or amazed. During the few minutes succeeding that they stood inactive the rifle kept up an al- most continual racket. Sh—sh—ss! splurg/ spang! phizz! spang/ erash! bang! At last, when a brief respite had been given them, Rock said: ‘Tain’t nary use, boyees; we hev got to corral that weapon or our fun is blowed sky high to a red meetin’-house!” CHAPTER V. DEATH AND MYSTERY, “How?” asked Reckless Ray, in evident surprise, “You = stand ready to ketch the Old Scratch ef he shows his head out o’ the muz- zle, and [’ll hove that’ weapon so fur old Columbus won't diskiver it I—” Spang! “Tl make ye spout at l’other end!” grit- ted Randel, as he cautiously approached the dreaded gun. His companicns, watching in silence, more than expected to see him hurled up through the building or sent in some mysterious way to the regions beyond mortal vision. And Rock, we doubt not he felt. equaily ill at ease, for as another report of the firearm rung out he dropped on his knees and began to crawl toward it, but not till another re- port had nearly stunned him did he succeed in grasping the noisy weapon by the stock, and with it extended at arm’s length bounded for the open door. Reaching the outside, he threw the of- fending rifle as far out into the night as his strength would permit, the weapon all the while pealing forth its explosions. “Thar,” exclaimed Rock, triumphantly, as he rejoined his companions, panting for breath, ‘‘ we are safe from that critter ef he don’t git into yer weapons. Blow me fora yaller-jacket on the peaked end o’ a pin ef I warn’t a leetle skeered. I hey seen a mad buffler, a raal livin’ spook, a crazy Injum, a stung rattler, and all sich ecreeturs, but I never see’d a bewitched gun afore. I ax what won’t come next?” ‘‘ Hark! the old weapon don’t gi’n up yet,” cried Prairie Paul, . “‘Wal, let her pepper all by herself. She's like some wimmin I’ve seen, detarmined to hev the last say. But let’s git the gal and heel this place afore we are a goner.” Nothing loth, his companions assented, and the three started for the apartment where they had left the maiden. Flinging open the door, Rock nearly fell over an obstacle in his course. Bending over it, he saw that it was a human form. “Tis Mountain Jim!” he cried, ‘‘ and he is dead as a burnt cedar!” A hurried examination revealed to them that their friend had been stricken down from a knife-biow, and the bloody instru- ment was. still protruding from the ghastly wound, Half fearing what followed, they looked in vain for Luella. “She's a goner!” cried Rock. nce _ ‘But, how did she get away?” asked Ray, =
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. as he stared wildly around, ‘‘ Kem, we must find her.” A fruitless search was made, and they were fain to acknowledge themselves baf- fied. “Tt’s a blind trail!” declared Rock. “She has been toted off on a broom-handle or else some galoot has stole her away when we were havin’ that pesky circus with my old shooter. Sumthin’ is wrong or poor Jim wouldn't lay there so.” ‘*Oo-rect, pard; but what is that?” and he pointed to a slip of paper lying on the floor. **Mebbe it will speak a heap. These gals are queer critters. Ha! here 7s sign!” and as he picked up the paper, they saw that there was writing on it. “Take it out to the fire, and mayhap we can find how the stick floats.” “Nis the work o’ her purty fingers; but. Heaven bless her, little good it'll do this niggur! I can’read Ingine sign every time slick, and the reds can’t git round me thar. I am sum for beaver, too, but this sticks me hab Hyar, Rock, mebbe ye can foller the trail.” Rock took the missive, and after consider- able difficulty made it out as follows: “Gone to Taos. * LUELLA.” “‘ Hemlock with cedar leaves!” he said, as he finished; ‘‘what do you think o’ that?” “May I be kivered with the coal-dust 0’ the Old Boy’s ef I know. I am throwed!” ‘«Let’s earth poor Jim, and then git,” sug- gested Paul. “It is sart’in to me she ain’t round hyar, and the quicker we git away m this outlandish land the better it'll be for our futer, to say nothin’ o’ the present.” ‘Greed. It am plain es a peck o’ onions that the gal ain’t to be found. So let’s dig Jim’s funeral.” Selecting a spot not far from the old cabin, they began to dig a grave for the body of their unfortunate companion. ' When at last their task was ended they * bore the lifeless form to the pit, and soon it was hid from mortal view forever. Used to suffering and scenes of death as they were, the hardy trio still retained some of the more tender feelings of bygone years, for, as they turned to seek their horses, they brushed teardrops from their eyelashes. «Jim was a good boy, and he and I have had many a long tramp together,” said Prairie Paul, as he took a last look at the sacred spot. -“*True es preaching from a pine stump on a hot Sunday,” affirmed Rock. ‘But may- hap we shall feel like j’ining him on the long trail, with nary a one to dig our funeral, ef we don’t git afore sun-up.” The firing from Randel’s rifle had ceased, =: but he gave it no thought, and took with him in its place the one belonging to Moun- tain Jim. Thus it was only a few minutes later that they were riding away from the lonely hut. But as they were losing sight of it, Rock looked back to give a cry of surprise. ‘‘Look, boys!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ef thar ain’t Jim a-standing in the doorway may I be shot into splinters!” Turning back in wonder they saw some one watching them from the cabin. With- out hesitation they wheeled their animals and dashed back to the place; but before they could get near enough to distinguish the man he disappeared, and though they search- ed in every direction they could find no trace of him. ‘Tt must hev been Jim’s spook!” affirmed Rock. ' “But it wasn’t tall enough for him,” said Ray. ‘‘Let’s git for Taos, and the gal.” “ Taos ’tis then, and may Old Nick git me ef I ain’t glad to leave this shanty.” Without further delay they headed for the ‘‘city” and ‘‘no grass grew under the feet o’ nary hoss in that tall cavort.” CHAPTER VI. THE BELLE OF THE FANDANGO. Tr sun was a hand’s span above the east- ern horizon as our mountaineers dashed into the village of Fernandez, more commonly but improperly called Taos. As they swept along the main street with that independent mien, born to them of their mountain life, the dark-eyed veboso-wrapped muchachas watched them from the entrances to the low adobe houses, and ever and anon a cigarrito was removed from the feminine mouth, to give expression to the salutation: ‘* Welcome, Americans.” Returning the greeting by raising their slouched beavers, the hunters kept on through the place. Their destination was the home of a brother trapper who had previously married one of the fair senoritas of the “city,” and settled down toa quiet life. Soon reining up in front of his humble abode, they were met by a gid dein i y cared for Five minutes later they h their horses, and were ‘“‘at home” with their host. “You are just in season,’ he declared, as they satisfied their hunger from his well- filled larder, ‘‘ for there is to be a fandango this very night. And when ’tis known that you have come, extra preparations will be made. Jt will be the great event of the sea- son.” “ Hooray for the fandango and all the pur- ty gals o’ Taos!” cried Rock, tossing up the * o™
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. 9 a een huge bone he had been picking the meat from and catching it on the point of his knife as it came down. ‘‘ But I say, Gil, old coon, can _ye tell me who sich an angel as Luella St, Dell is?” “That must be old St. Cassa’s niece. They ain’t been in the place long. Hez father is dead, I believe.” “Whar is her home?” “8t.. Cassa lives jess out the city in that big house to the left as you pass the Square. By the way, the fandango is to be there to- night, The old chap’s nephew who kas been gone away some time has got home and the dance is in honor of him.” Without heeding tne last words of his friend Rock threw aside the remnant of the breakfast and began to ‘ cavort rcund like « wild buffler.” “Hooray!” he cried, ‘‘we shall see the purty Luella.” Gil watched his antics in silence until at last in explanation Rock told him what had happened at the deserted cabin. “Not so much deserted as you suppose,” replied the other, ‘for Old Solitary, the her- mit, stops there. Then you saw the Wolf Rider of which so much has been told?” “Every time, old hoss. But ye say a chap lives at that old shebang? Thet can’t be possible. We see’d the hull place and he couldn't hev been stowed away there.” ‘He spends most of his time hunting, I am told, so he was probably off.” ““Jes-so. Reckon I sh’u'd want to be off all the time ef I had got ter live thar, But didn’t that old gun o’ mine jess tear around though? It would have made yer ha’r bile on end to, hev seen it.” The old mountaineer shook his head when asked for his opinion concerning the mys- tery. Tne day passed all too slowly for our im- Patient heroes, and among the very first at the andango were their conspicuous forms. Soon a goodly number were present. The dusky beauties of Taos had spared no ains to make themselves worthy of notice, or nO sooner was it known that three Amer- icans just from the mountains were to be there than they had greater reason to appear at their best, No worthless Pelado* for them, when an American is on hand, and amountainee man, too. So off came the coats of dirt and ale- gria which had covered their faces since the last dance, and their skin shone fair and pure. Their long, black hair was braided into a long queue and allowed to hang down their backs, while it was plastered smoothly — * Meaning one of the Idlers hanging round the town, and called “ Greaser” by the Americans, back from their brows. Habited in garbs of gaudy color and fastened at the waist with ornamental belts, while gold and silver adorned their ears and necks, they were, in- deed, more than passably charming. Still Rock and Ray were poorly satisfied. Luella had not yet appeared. ould she fail to be present? Again and again they asked themselves the question, and were as far as ever from an answer. Finally the musicians seated at one end of the large room began their work, and as the notes of the Aeaca—a species of the guitar— and an Indian drum, called tombe, with a bandolina, fell upon the scene, a dozen dan- cers took the floor and the fandango was opened. Our friends were there among them, each with a merry damsel upon his arm, when they saw the door open and a couple of new- comers appeared. One was Luella, and her companion was a tall, sallow-faced Mexican. They quickly mingled in the dance, and soon Rock and Ray were brought vis-a-vis to the fair maid, when she gave a slight scream of surprise. “Don’t be afeered, purty one,” whispered Rock, ‘‘ we are your friends.” The Greaser turned a withering look of hatred upon the audacious Americans, as his partner seemed so affected at meeting them, and muttered something that sounded like an oath under his breath. At the first opportunity Rock sought her side and asked for her company in the next figure, a request which she readily granted, making him exceedingly happy thereby. When at last he led her from the fatigue of the dance for a minute’s rest, he asked for an explanation of her disappearanee the night before at the old cabin. “Oh, senor, don’t ask me,” she implored, “for I cannot tell you all you would know, so please let it pass. I did not mean to wrong you. And here comes my cousin, San Mullre, and I must leave you.” The next moment she was in the maze of the whirling dancers with the swarthy- faced Mexican, and Rock was alone suffer-° ing an agony he had never felt before, Ay, that evening was one of exquisite happiness and extreme misery, the one following the other so closely that they seemed allied. We must not forget Ray, who was equal with Rock in that particular, Together they occupied much of the fair Luella’s time, to the evident displeasure of San Mullre. His evil visage grew fierce in its expression, and the nervous clinching of his hand told that a storm was brewing. — Seeming indifferent to all that, our moun
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i ht Ses SS ae SS ee 10 Dandy Rock’s Rival. taineers still pursued their course until at last Luella said to Rock: _ “You must not ask me to dance with you ayain, for I have already angered my uncle and cousin. So please get some one else.” ‘Who cares for’em? Iam a mountain- man, and there ain’t Greasers enough in Taos to skeer me off, so giv’ us yer paw for another hop, my purty Luella.” ““No—no! I can’t!” “Jess this once,” and his arm encircled her waist. At that moment the Pelado, San Mullre, sereag forward and attempted to tear her from his grasp. “Quit that, you Spaniard!” yelled Rock, and with a well-directed blow, he felled the other to the floor. ‘‘ You can’t shine ina crowd like this!" The next instant a hoarse cry rung through the room, and a dozen or more of the Greasers hurled themselves upon the intrepid mountaineer. Placing Luella behind him so that she should not be harmed, Rock faced the in- furiated mob defiantly, answering yell for yell and blow for blow. The fandango had turned to a fight. CHAPTER VIII. “FIRE! FIRE!” As they saw the peril of their companion, Reckless Ray aud Prairie Paul were not long idle. heir rifles were in the corner, and with a single bound they reached the weapons, when, with them in their hands, they mowed down the shrieking Mexicans with stunning blows, clearing a path to the side of Rock. The latter had drawn his pistols and was poraine his ground with reckless determina- tion. “Hooray for the free coons of the moun- tains! Don’t give the varmints nary show for top-lights!” The room-full of half-drunken Greasers, blocked in by the terrified women, made a mad fight. San Mullre was speedily on his feet and led the infuriated throng. Rifle-shots, the ring of steel, yells of as- sailants, cries of the females and groans of the fallen Mexicans made a fearful Babel of sounds. As Rock emptied his firearms, he snatched his long knife from its sheath, and still un- scratched by the battle, sent death into the _ mnidst of his foes. Ray and Paul were doing equally as good work, and as they swept their trusty weap- ons around their heads upon the mob sur- rounding them, it seemed for a time that the defeat of the Peladoes was certain. — Soon, however, a shot from the horde, bet- ter directed than the rest, struck Paul, and py an exclamation of pain he reeled and ell. ‘‘Paul’s rubbed out!” cried Reckless Ray, in a voice that rung high above the confusion of the confict, and, maddened by the fall of his friend, he dealt his blows with such power that he shivered the breech of his rifle; then, unarmed, he fought the Greasers band- to-hand. Rock heard the startling affirmation and turned to see Paul’s lifeless form lying on the floor. But he had all he could do to keep his wild assailants off. Surrounded by acircle of fallen Peladoes, others took their places, and he knew that soon he must suc- cumb. At this critical moment, when every- thing seemed lost, he caught sight of a huge table in the corner of the room which was supported by legs of enormous size. Quick as thought he resolyed upon a new course **This way, Ray, for your life!” he cried, and he dashed through the Mexicans to the spot. Though bleeding from at least half a dozen flesh wounds, Reckless Ray followed, and divining at once MRock’s intentions, he wrenched one of the bearings from the table with his powerful hands, and again he was armed. Rock was as successful, and as the cow- ardly Greasers beheld the geen weapons in the herculean power of the mountaineers descending upon their heads with deadly force, they retreated in dismay. “Fling it to’em, for poor Paul’s sake!” shouted Ray. But Rock had turned to look for Luella, who had been separated from him in the fight, without finding her. In fact, by this time the women had nearly all left the building, and the men were fast disappearing. It seemed that the contest was almost over, but a cry more appalling quickly told the meaning of the sudden change in the scene. “Hire! Fire!” rung above the din of the strife. As the alarm was uttered the flames broke through the wall of the building with forked, hissing tongues. Whether the conflagration was the work of an incendiary, or caught from accident, was never known. Little did it matter, either, for it was all the same to the two friends who must soon perish if they did not leave the doomed structure. With a yell of defiance Rock sprung toward the door, and would have gained it
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. il had not an appeal for help from Ray caused him to pause. ’ Turning, he saw his friend reel forward, and throwing up his hands, fall heavily by the side of Prairie Paul. Rock would never desert a pard, and, for- getting the death that he seemed to be courting, he hastened to Ray’s side. “Are ye goin’ under, sure?” he asked, anxiously. ‘‘T reckon the varmints hey wrung a cold deal on me. Iam hit under the shorlder.” ** Stiff up your lip, old coon, and [ll fix ye in a jiffy.” ‘‘No—no, Rock! Git while ye can. Ye can’t help me for I am bound on my long trail.” Randel had torn his friend’s hunting-shirt aside, and found that though the shot was deep and painful there was a chance that it might not prove fatal, and_he instantly be- gan to stay the flow of blood. ‘See, the building will fall soon. I say, old boy, leave me with Paul hyar and save your hair while ye can.” “Not ef I know it. Does Rock Randel play ‘possum? He'll save ye, Ray, or go under with ye. D’ye hyar that, old beaver?” “Ye are a true one, old hoss, but I ax ye to git while ye can.” Rock was determined to stand by till the last, and as he hastily bandaged the wound, he looked around for an avenue of escape. Outside the yelling Greasers had encircled the burning building, and dancing about in mad glee, were only waiting for the moun- taineers to rush out, when they would dis- patch them, The fire was increasing fast, and its heat was becoming so intense that to remain there long would be death of a most fearful kind. Rock’s quick eye took this all in ata glance, and he said to his companion: “Can't ye stand up, my boy, and, make one show more?” With difficulty Ray regained his feet. ‘« Here, old hoss, take that knife and hold fast to me while I lead the way to freedom or our funeral. Hyar the pesky varmints yell, and-we have got to go under like dogs’ with nary show. But kem on, and more than one coyote shall bite the dust afore Rock Randel goes under.” Lending his support to his wounded com- panion, the intrepid mountaineer started toward the door. CHAPTER VIII. AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING. Av that instant renewed yells came from the horde surrounding the building, and Rock uttered a cry of astonishment as he looked out to behold the Welf Rider riding in among the Mexicans with the velocity of the whirlwind. Quick as a flash the terrified Greasers fled in every direction, their cries of triumph turning to shrieks of fear. “yar, Ray, old hoss, thar’s a side-show for us!” and in his excitement Rock dragged his friend forward to the door. As he did so, however, a volley of bullets flew around his head, telling that their foes had vot all fled yet. = Then a light form left the throng of half- crazed Peladoes, and bounded with the swiftness of the antelope toward the burning dwelling, and to the surprise and joy of the mountaineers, Luella stood beside them. “Quick! follow me,” she panted, ‘* and I will save you,” and crossing the floor she pointed to a large ring which the Americans had failed to notice. ‘«Open that trap-door and I will show you asecret passage by which you can escape without any trouble; they would kill you if you dared come in sight.” Silently obeying her direction Rock was soon gazing into the darkness of an under- ground way. ir Seizing a brand from the fire Luella quick- ly led the way down into the dismal passage, while Rock and Ray gladly followed. 3 It would appear that the house had been a sort of refuge-place in the time of war, and that this passage had been built to enable the occupants to escape in case of great dan- er. ‘When they were at the bottom of the cel- lar the brave girl told Rock to remove one of the stones from what seemed the solid wall, and once the other had done that their course was clear, though they were forced to crawl for considerable distance along the damp, subterranean pass. At last a faint line of starlight was visible, and a little later they stood in the open air outside of the mass of Greasers stili watching the building that was now nearly consumed by the fire. “You can escape now,” said Luella, as she started to leave them. ‘‘ But if you value your lives, get out of Taos as soon as pos- sible.” ““Must ye leave us, purty one?” asked Rock in confusion. ‘‘ Ye hey saved our top-knots and ye can count on us as your friends every time. Jess—” “Gol I must not be seen with you,” and she spoke mie “Why, Lord bless ye, my sweet one, we wouldn’t hurt a hair o’ your head. Rock—” “‘Go—go, and do not seek for me!” and even as the words lingered on her lips she disappeared. : “Jeems Stopple} that is blinder’n a blind
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iz Dandy Rock’s Rival. buffler in a snow-storm!” exclaimed Randel, as he stood like one transfixed, gazing at the space she had occupied the moment before. “But we can’t foller her now.” “No, Rock. Let’s git for Gil’s.” “Greed,” and a little later the moun- taineers reached the home of their friend in safety. He had not gone to the fandango, but, hearing of the fight, had feared his com- panions were killed, and thus hailed their re- appearance with unfeigned joy. Ray’s wounds were dressed and the re- mainder of the night passed wfthout ad- venture. The following day Reckless Ray was weak and sore, so that he was unable to go out; and Gil, by dint of great per- suasion, succeeded in keeping Rock within the bouse. “Ttell ye ’tain’t any use to show yer head. The Greasers think ye hev gone under and twon't hurt ye any for ’em to ‘tinue in that predicament—leastways till Ray gets on his pins again.” “ But my blood b’iles to p’izen heat when I think o’ poor Paul. I'll hev an eyener for that job.” . ““And Ray and [il chip in with the fun, when he can shoulder a gun.” Thus Rock was persuaded to remain inac- tive a full day. But when night came on he could wait no longer, and declared he must take a ‘‘ stretch.” Accordingly equipped with his host’s rifle and small-arms, he sallied forth. Though it was a clear, starlight night, Rock saw but a few persons on the streets, and he kept on his way, apparently un- noticed. He had no decided motive in his course, but had yielded to his uneasiness in seeking the open air. “It’s agin’ human nature, to be shut up 80,” he muttered to himself. ‘‘ Frogs must hev water to paddle in or they ain’t goin’ to shine, and this coon is goin’ tu hev a sniff o’ the atmospheric or he'll pine away like a mule’n stalk in a mud-puddle. Nature can't ‘0 on alwus cooped up like a yeller chicken in a hoop snake. While cogitating thus, Rock passed from the main street to a cross-way where he thought to escape all passers-by; but his sur- prise was great when he found that instead of avoiding the night vagrants he was find- ing them wore plenty. “‘Thar's fun up hyar sumwhar, or my senses are all stubbed up,” and he quickly joined the hurrying throng to move rapidly towurd the outskirts of the place. Rock had not gone far when he saw the crowd pausing in front of one of the largest | Qwellings on the street. He was just drawing up in the shadow of the adjacent buildings, where he could watch the scene without being observed, when his blood was sent tingling through his veins by a sharp, piercing cry. ‘Spare me! Oh, uncle, spare me!” It was a woman’s voice, and Rock instant- ly recognized it as Luella’s. She was in danger! He needed nothing more to stimulate him to action. Her appeal had come from the house in front, and the next instant the throng around were amazed to see him bound through their midst, and with a wild whoop burst in the door of the building and disappear within. Rifle in hand Rock Randel sprung into the adjoining apartment among a dozen or more 4f men and women, who uttered shrill yells of terror at. his sudden appearance. As his sharp eyes swept the scene before him he saw at a glance the situation. Foremost in the group was San Mullre, half-supporting the form of Luella, who at the sight of Rock tried to break from the Mexican’s grasp. A padre was near them and our mountain- eer knew that he had broken in upon a mar- riage ceremony. CHAPTER IX. ROCK’S DEFIANCE. ‘Save me!” implored Luella, the first to speak as Rock met her gaze. With rapid strides Randel reached her, and before the Greaser could defend himself he was hurled to the floor, and the maiden was supported by the strong arm of the mountaineer. ‘« Jess keep thar!’ cried Rock, as he felled the Pelado. ‘‘Reckon ye won’t savor much o’ sich doin’s ef ye ain’t more keerful how ye cayort round. W’ot tarnal mischief was they up to, Miss Lu?” ‘Oh, sir! they would make me wed that man, San Mullre, and I hate him! He—” ‘‘Hate him, do you?” cried a tall, caday- erous Mexican springing forward to her side, and seeming upon the point of tearing her from the protection of Randel. ‘‘ Til show you what you will gain by defying me! Take that!” But, when the upraised arm of the Mex- Nee descended he lay sprawling upon the oor. “‘ Jes-so! take that!” exclaimed Rock, grimly, as he turned to the crowd to see if others were going to take part in the affray. But no more moved, and as Mullre regained his feet Rock was forced to face him. “What do you mean, dog of an Ameri- cau?” growled the villain. ‘« Jess try me and see,” was the cool reply. “ Cospital you shall pay dearly for this,
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. i3 dog! San Mullre knows you too well. But you should have been dead! and how is it that you are here now?” ““Yon’t be too ’quisitive, old yaller-skin. I don’t like to tell my private bizness to sich a long-eared coyote as ye make out to be.” “Caramba! you forget where you are. That tongue may sign your death-warrant! Release that girl, dog!” “Do you mean for me to let her go?” asked Randel, with provokiug coolness. ““That I do, cur of an American.” «Sho! Ye are a purty pup—thet is a fact, old ginger-eyes, but ye are might sassy. ’Pears to me yer mam must hey left ye an orphine quite young, or ye w’u’d be more perlite when wimmin-folks are round. Won't ye ax me that question ag’in, and be a leetle purtier ‘bout it round the mouth?” Had the Mexican been less excited he would have seen that Rock was purposely dallying with him, and that his talk was serving a double object, so that while it amused the intrepid mountaineer to witness the other’s anger, he slowly retreated toward a corner of the room that his foes might all be in front of him. Luella he still kept by his side. Fuming like 1 madman, Mullre cried: “‘Fool! unhand that girl, or 1 will shoot you!” and he half raised a pistol, when the thrilling tones.of Rock caused him to hesi- tate: “Move a hand and I will riddle your car- cass with lead!” As he spoke his rifle came on_a level with the other’s breast. The spectators uttered cries of amazement, but as yet none had offered to move. By this time the entry-way was full of anxious, excited lookers-on. San Mullre gave expression to a horrible oath, and his sallow face looked more hid- eous than ever. “Luella,” he growled, ‘‘come away from that cur.” Seeing that she did not heed Mullre’s com- mand, St. Cassa, ber uncle, exclaimed, fer “What do you mean, Luella? Come away from that man and we will have the ceremony over at once. Sir,” addressing Rock, ‘‘ you will do well to leave while you have the opportunity.” “Jeems Stopple! how purty yer eyes twinkles when yer soft soap me so honest like! Sho! sh’u’dn’t wonder ef I war hum- sick ef ye driv me off. ‘‘But [ain't going till the gal axes me to.” “Oh, kind sir, Ido not want you to get into trouble on my account. Uncle would force me to marry Senor Mullre and I would die first. But you had better go, for you cannot help me.’ ““Jess ye wait and see, Ef one mountain- man ain’t good for a room-full o’ pesky Greasers, may I be tied into a hard knot and hove cl’ar to the sea _o’ Californy in a bald- headed man’s hat! I hev kem hyar to help ye out o’ yer troubles, and by the Rocker Mountains, 1’! do it, or git laid "neath six feet o’ funeral.” During the time Rock’s gaze had not left the Mexican who had been vainly hoping that he would, if only for a moment, relax his vigilance that he might regain his lost advantage. Old St. Cassa was equal to the situation, however; and as he saw that only desper- ate measures would avail against the daring mountaineer he turned to the Peladoes, say- ing: “Seize the impudent hound, and throw him into the street. I will not submit to such insulting treatment in my own house.” The peons, to a man, prepared to capture the hunter, and were about to spring toward him, when a warning cry from the padre, who had been heretofore a silent spectator, caused them to pause, Rock, as if unable to stand more, glanced along his rifle-barrel and seemed on the eve of megs San Mullre stood speechless with terror. “Keep ’em coyotes off or I'll dig your funeral, San Mullre!” gritted Randel. St. Cassa saw his nephew’s peril and waved the mob back, whena sullen uproar filled the room. ““Hyar lam; why don’t ye kem and git me?” demanded Rock, tauntingly as he con- tinued to watch his man. : The old Mexican gnashed his teeth in rage. “Oospita! you shall die!” and he would have hurled himself upon the audacious mountaiaeer had not Mullre cried out for him to stop. “‘Let the American dog go if he will. We have no business with him,” he then mut- tered. “The American dog don’t go till he knows the gal is safe,” answered Rock. ‘Swear that she shall be left in peace and I will go, but not till then.” “«We do not intend to harm the girl,” re- plied Cassa. ‘‘She is my niece and this was a wedding you interrupted. Rock Randel, go your se quietly, or this shall be a dear night’s job for you.” “’Nough said,” declared Rock. ‘*‘ Luella, have you friends you would go to, or do you want to stay here?” “‘T cannot stay here! I must go anywhere to get away from here. I have friends who would pity and care for me.” ““Then you shall go to them, or every Greaser in Taos shall ride in funerals!”
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oer eae Be! SSO eS ! ; i i i i4 CHAPTER X. CAUGHT. Rocx’s bold declaration was received with shouts of rage. His first thought was to put a bullet through the brain of the dastardly San Mulire, and then trust his fortune to escape. But as he remembered the low window just to his right, he whispered to Luella: “scape by the window as quick as pos- . sivle, and I will follow ina jiffy.” Without hesitation the maiden started to obey, and as she did so, Randel’s clear tones again silenced the mob around: ‘«] will shoot San Mullre the minnit one 0’ ye move!” and the ominous words fairly awed the spectators into inactivity. The victim uttered a fierce oath as he saw Luella reach the window-sill. Must he stand idly by and see her escape? The thought maddened him. Forgetting his situation, or perhaps thinking to dodge Rock’s shot he leaped madly forward. The spang of Randel’s rifle rung out, and with a groan the doomed Mexican fell. St. Cassa gave a furious yell, and hurled himself apon the mountaineer, crying: “Cut him down! Kill him! He has kill- ed San and he must dic!” Then the excited throng, armed with knives and pistols, dashed forward, expect- ing to annihilate their foe in an instant, But Rock sprung far enough from the corner to swing his rifle about his head, and with asweep of the weapon mowed down a circle of the shrieking Peladoes as if they had been blades of grass. Among those who fell was old St. Cassa. Seeing him fall, the padre instantly led the others. The spectators rushed in from the hall and outdoors till the room was packed. By this time Luella had escaped through the window, and seeing that he must soon be overcome if he did not get out of the room, Rock uttered one of his mountain war- whoops, to crouch back into the corner an instant as he gathered his strength, when the amazed Greasers saw him bound into the air over their heads like a football, passing through the window into the open air. Rock had dropped his rifle before he leaped out of the house, and as he struck the ground without, his first move was to draw his revolvers. Quite a crowd was about him, but his ap- pearance had been so sudden that before they could recover from their surprise enough to attack him, he seized Luella by the hand and darted away from the spot. An instant later the padre bounded out of the building, and urged the crowd upon the course of the fugitives, pS NES AE SE oS BNR Ee oo Re Sp TES 6 OE a Sl RY EE ETS Ete nO Se ge Dandy Rock’s Rival. — As Rock heard the mob close behind them, he hurried Luella more swiftly on, but knowing that they could not long keep clear of the yelling horde. He did not wish to lead the Greasers in the vicinity of Gil’s home, for his friend's sake, so that he followed the first by-way, and soon disappeared in the darkness from the sight of his pursuers, who shouted louder than ever as they fancied he would arr oP ‘“Keep up courage, miss, and we'll give ’em the slip,” said Rock. encouragingly, as they ran along the dark way. he next minute, however, he heard a party in front rapidly approaching, anda meeting seemed inevitable. Seeing a deserted house to the right, Rock raised Luella in his strong arms as if she had been a child, and sprung toward the build- ing, gaining its cover before his foes had dis- covered him. “We'll keep shady, and mayhap the var- mints won’t smell us out,” he said, as they could bear them in the street opposite. Led now by St. Cassa, who had recovered from the blow dealt by Rock, the infuriated Mexicans rushed pell-mell along the street. “They can't have gone this way far, for we have come up from below and would have seen them,” Randel heard one say. «Then they are in one of these buildings,” cried Cassa. ‘‘ Cospita/ I'll bet they are in the old hut here.” ‘“Randel Rock! they mean us,” exclaimed the mountaineer. Then he said hurriedly: “* Luella, they’ll surround this ranch quicker, and then we area goner. You know whar Gil Rey lives and ’tis only a few steps across to thar from the back side o’ this building. Now, git for your life and I'll keep the coy- otes in front.” “But you will be killed!’ “‘Not ef I’m alone. I'll show ye some tall fun. So git, and I guess you will fetch up thar all right.” Luella saw that it was useless to oppose her preserver, and then, too, she realized that if she should escape she could warn his friends of his danger. Thus she quickly decided to go. “You will be careful, Rock?” ‘* For your sake, pa ae But, go while ye can and remember Rock Randel will do his level best for ye.” An instant later she disappeared out into the yard to the rear of the dwelling, and Rock as suddenly appeared before his foes in the front doorway. ‘Hooray! hyar lam. Kem and get me!” A wild yell came from the horde as they caught sight of him. “Quick, men!” cried old Cassa; ‘here he .
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Dandy Reck’s Rival. 15 is! We must take him, dead or alive. But spare her,” Then the Mexicans rapidly gathered in front of the house, and rushed forward to capture the defiant Rock Randel in his re- treat. A few shots were fired, but only a few of the Peladoes were armed with rifles, and they showed themselves poor marksmen, Cool as if he were meeting a flock of moun- , tain sheep rather than two-score of infuriated men led by a veritable human fiend, Rock awaited the onset of his foes. The whip-like reports of his revolvers rung e and the foremost of the assailants bit the ust, F Some of the others hesitated, but St. Cassa managed to keep the majority at his heels, and gaining courage by the excitement they yained in the attack like a pack of wild beasts, ferocious and reckless, but with little of caution or judgment. ; Rock was satisfied to see that all had con- gregated in front, and if he could keep them there till Luella could escape he hardly cared for what might follow. Emptying chamber after chamber of his revolvers with deadly aim, Rock then, as his shots failed to eheck the onslaught of the Mexicans, sprung back to close the old door against them, when the half decayed floor suddenly gave away beneath him, and he was thrown from his feet. He attempted to spring up, but found him- self caught between the boards, and. before he could wrench himself free, his foes rushed into the building. CHAPTER XI. A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. *‘Sprzp him!” roared St. Cassa, as he saw Rock struggling upon the floor. With exultant yells his followers fell upon the entrapped mountaineer. Finding that inevitable capture stared him in the face, Rock dropped down through the aperture rent in the floor and disappeared quick as a flash. Uttering howls of rage the Greasers stood over the spot. “Surround the building,” thundered Cassa. ‘‘The dog can’t escape and we'll have him yet.” The house was encircled by a ring of the gesticulating mob almost as quickly as the order wus given, and then those within the structure tried to devise a plan to rout and: capture their foe, earch, too, was made for Luella, and the baffled uncle was sorely perplexed to know what had become of her. ““We will capture the American hound, and we shall find her then,” he declared. There was not over three feet of space be- tween the floor and the ground where Rock had gone, and to drive him from kis covert was no easy job as they well knew. No one dared to enter the place, for they had tested too well his manner of self-defense, and cared not to lose their lives. Some one proposed to burn the buildings, and thus drive him from his retreat, but old Cassa, who had seen this mode of warfare provea failure once, quickly scouted the idea, and commanded that the structure be torn to the earth. As it was a small dwelling this seemed no great undertaking for so many hands, and they began work at once with a hearty will. With the spot surrounded so that the mountaineer could not escape if he tried, the house inside of an hour had been all re- moved to the floor. ‘“‘Now for the tug-of-war!” hissed the leader. ‘‘ As we take up the floor keep your eyes open, and the moment he is seen, shoot him like a dog!” The work went on more slowly now and with bated breath the armed guard watched for the appearance of their foe. Still piece after piece was torn away of the floor, and yet he was not seen. } At last every part had been removed and the spectators gazed upon each other with a feeling akin to awe. rs Rock Randel was not to be found | What did it mean? St. Cassa raved most bitterly, and even the padre, we are sorry to say, indulged in expressions that hardly fitted his pious call- ing. They were as puzzled over the disappear- avce of Luella as that of Rock. Some doubted that they had been in the building at all. But there were those who knew they had seen the latter, and were equally as certain that he had gone under the floor, though no one could understand how and where he had escaped. Escaped? that was impossible! Finally, however, they turned away from the place completely baffled. “ff they are in Taos it will be likely that they will go to that American’s, Gil Rey, and we will find them there,” Without further delay they rushed en masse toward the old mountaineer’s home. Meanwhile Luella had safely reached there, and as she told her story the old man moved uneasily, ‘Rock ‘Il outwit ’em ef any one can, but I fear it'll go hard with him. Ray, ye jess look arter things hyar and I'll go out and see ef I can find the way the stick floats.” But his “‘ better half” interposed. “If the enemy failed to capture Rock od
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Soe NIT Ore a eh ae SRR TaN. ——————— TE Se pa ep it ii i f a i Ny i" Ma “aes x Mt _ 8’posed it. ae replied: not object to that?” _ try and see. 46 Dandy Rock’s Rival. they would almost certainly attack them there.” “T yum, old gal!” exclaimed Gil, after a minute’s consideration, ‘‘ef ye don’t know *nough to be a beaver! I’ll jess j’ine with ye. Howsumever, I’ll scout out and do a leetle looking round. Don’t git anxious fer I'll kem back afore the critters kem round.” Thus with afew words of caution he went out to see what he could find. Half an hour later he returned with an anxious look upon his sun-bronzed counte- nance. “Rock has gi’n ’em the slip somehow or ruther, and the tormented oven-peakers are kemin’ fer us hyur like hot taters!” “Then we must prepare to meet them,” said Reckless Ray, coolly. ‘‘I feel that my wound won’t hinder me from doin’ a heap.” “Look a hyur,” replied Gil, ‘‘it ’tain’t best for the Greasers to know you or the gal are hyur, so you keep shady and I'll fix ’em. Ha! thar they kem!” A little later there came a terrific pounding at the door, and in answer to the imperative summons, Gil Ray demanded: “What's up, old hosses, that ye’d tear the ruf flop onto my brain-piece?” “We want Rock Randel and my niece, Luella,” replied Cassa quickly. “Sho! al, I swow, I sh’u’d never hey Didn’t think they war hyar, did ye?” ‘‘They wre here, Senor Reynolds,” affirmed the other, boldly. ‘Sho! ’Pears to me ye are barking up cottonwood. Rock Randel ain't hyar! And es to the gal mebbe fe can tell. So go bout your biz and let peaceful folks snooze.” §t. Cassa seemed puzzled, but he quickly “T wish to search your house. You will **Jeehoosophat! Sha’n’t I though? Jess I teli you Rock Randel is not hyar, and neither do [ know where he am.” “You lie!” came the fierce retort.“ Open the door and let us come in.” “Never! The first man who dares to enter here dies like a wolf!” “We will tear the buildings down over your head, but we will have Rock Randel dead or alive! So let him come out and -we will not harm you, Senor Reynolds.” “Rock Randel is dead forall | know. As to searching my house, ye won’t do it till you walk over my dead body!” A sullen cry rising almost to a roar follow- ed the brave hunter’s words. “Surround the building, men,” said St. assa. ‘‘ We will drive the dog from his re- treat and capture him if we have to ransack every house in Taos.” “They mean to attack us!” announced Ray, as he watched the mob through the window. ‘“‘T reckon. But that old door’ll stand quite a siege I kalkilate. Thar they kem. Don’t waste any powder, but pepper the var- mints to your bestest.” Yelling like demons, the mob rushed to- ward the door, and with axes, clubs, and whatever they could get, began to try and break it from its hinges. Those within opened fire upon them, but so great were the numbers of their foes that their shots hardly made an impression on their ranks. “They are going to burst through in spite 0’ us!” ee Gil. ‘‘D’ye keep the post hyar, and I'll git the females stowed away so the niggers can’t find ’em, when, mebbe we can ‘scape ’em.” Without comprehending fully his com- panion’s meaning, Ray continued to fire upon the enemy, while Gil Rey told the frightened women to follow him. *«Thet hiding-place I fixed up will kem in handy, Dolores,” he said to his wife as they entered the next apartment. Between the partitions of the rooms was a considerable space, and the mountaineer had so arranged the boarding that by removing some wooden pins he could take away a part and replace it without showing any indica- tion that it had ever been disturbed. “Quick!” he said. ‘‘You must remain there perfectly quiet until sum one o’ us kem to git ye, or ye are sure the varmints have all gone, and ye think Ray and me hey got floored. Keep up courage and ye’ll kem out slick.” ‘‘Oh, Senor Reynolds, cried Luella, ‘let me go to my uncle and save you all this trouble.” ““Nary a once! ’Sides, it’s for Rock Randel we are working. Thar, I must go.” Quickly refitting the temporary partition into its place, and seeing that he had left it all right, Gil hurried back to the side of Reckless Ray. At that moment the outer door fell with a crash! CHAPTER XII. THE NIGHT TRAMP. “Now for hot work!” exclaimed Gil Ray. As another yell of triumph came from the Mexicans they rushed into tbe house. Springing each to one side of the inner door that they knew could not long with- stand the blows of the Greasers, our moun- taineers prepared for hand-to-hand fighting. “Gin it to’em like live coals!” gritted Repack or Gil Ray as he was generally called,
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. 17 “Reckless Ray ain’t furgot Jim and Paul and Rock yet,” replied that worthy, evi- dently forgetting his wound in his excite- ment. Before they could say more the door was thrown from its hinges half-way across the “room, ‘* Ki-yi-ahh!” bellowed the horde. But, as the pinneea across the threshold, Reynolds and Rey swept down the foremost with their powerful blows, f The apartment quickly filled, however, and the hardy twain were surrounded and in close quarters. “Yield, and we will spare your lives,” cried St. Cassa. ‘‘Lives be hanged!” snorted Gil Rey. “* yar yer go!” and still his strong arm wielded his clubbed rifle till only its barrel was left in his hands, Ray fought equally as bravely, but, weak from his old wounds, he was poorly fitted to cope with such fearful odds, and a furious stroke from the Mexican leader felled him to ~ floor, where he lay senseless, if not life- ess. With the fall of his companion and the loss of his weapon, Gilman Reynolds was pressed back to the wall till, closing in hand- to-hand with a brawny Pelado he, too, was overpowered. “Bind them!” commanded St. Cassa. In spite of his frantic struggles the old mountaineer was soon securely bound, ‘Bi, Senor St. Cassa, this American little needs the rope,” said one of the Greasers, pointing to Ray. ‘‘He is much dead now. See!’ ‘‘Ha-ha! the dog is done for! Well, let his carcass remain there. We will find Rock Randel and that girl.” They searched for them, but it was time fruitlessly spent. They could not find either, or any trace of them. Chagrined over this bootless victory, St. Cassa was finally obliged to give up. “We will take that hound down to the old keep and put him under strong guard to-night, In the morning he shall be shot as a traitor.” Knowing the folly of pleading for freedom, Gil Rey silonad himself to be borne away in silence, The prison-house was near the center of the village, and as the mountaineer was thrust within its damp walls his heart sunk like lead, brave and strong-hearted as he was. To die at sunrise! Ay, he could not hope to greet his loving wife again. And what would be her fate? and that of the poor girl with her? Then, as he thought of the eath of Ray and Rock—Rock, hold! that name gave him hope! But, alas! he was un- doubtedly dead. Filled with such conflict- ing thoughts the hours dragged heavily away. Outside the building a strong guard kept their vigil, making an escape for the pris- oner seem impossible. Quiet soon settled upon Taoes, and its people appeared to be sleeping as calmly as if the exciting scenes we have recorded had never occurred. In his home old St. Cassa was fretting and fuming most bitterly; while Sam Mullre was suffering and groaning from 1.8 v ound that was both deep and painful, but uct like- ly to prove fatal. Midnight. No one was seen moving in the dark streets of Taos, and even the prison-guards stood listlessly at their posts, “Down (hic) the cen—en—ter! (hic), Han’s (hic) cross! “You (hic) Ja—ake! (hic).” The drowsy sentinels started in surprise, to behold one of the most ragged and squalid specimens of humanity they had ever seen coming down the street, reeling from side to side, threatening to fall at every step. In fact, at that instant, he went headlon to the earth, and it was not until he ha rolled over several times and made repeated attempts, that he regained anything like an gee position. ; “T say (hic) old feller. ain’t (hic) ain’t (hic) these yearth (hic) m—i—ght-(hic)-y on-- aa sart'in?” he muttered, as he stood staggering to and fro as trying to keep his feet. The guard who had discovered him quickly apprised his companions, and in an instant all were intently watching the drunken stran- ger’s antics. Bracing himself as best he could, the wretch again pitched his voice toa high, drawling key and began anew what he eyi- dently considered singing: ie ow you go (hic) all right ahead. “ec eld It was ‘‘right ahead” three times his length, leaving him sprawling upon the earth. The watchers were convulsed with laugh- ter, and as their merry peals rung out on the air, the stranger rolled over, and starting up on his knees glared around to exclaim: “Hil Mister (hic) To—a—d; you sing purty (hic) loud. But I ken clean (hic) ye out. Lem—me (hic) try! “yur I kem, Betty, a—fly (hic),” and brandishing his ,arms in the air, he agai measured his fo:m on the ground, coming by this time within! a few feet of the nearest sentinel. ’ Giving expression to a prolonged grunt, yaad cf 4
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{ i he lay in a quivering heap, until the specta- tors, unable to stifle their merriment, again broke into a ringing peal of laughter, when he started up on one elbow, and staring vacantly aroand, exclaimed at last: “Wal, snakes! ef my old throat (hic) warn’t so stiff I’d (hic) beat ye all to flinders! Beller away, ye great lunkin’ toads, Tl (hic) ile my old mashine (hic) and try ye ag’in (hic)!’”” Hereupon the speaker displayed a dark, suspicious-looking bottle, and was in the act of raising it to his mouth, when he uttered a ery of alarm, and seemed to see the guards for the first time. “Hi, old hosses, how kem ye hyar? and whar did ye kem from ennyway? Reckon (hic) I’m on a spree! Kem ’lone; wanted sum solitude. Glad to see yer. Can't ye gina feller yer paw? Thought I’d put up to this ho-arvern a spell! gut the toads hyur! Ole frisky every pop. Sich es Bill Williams —” Whatever else he intended to add he failed to articulate, but holding the bottle to his lips, a low, gurgling sound drowned his speech, The guards looked upon each other, and then toward the drunken vagabond with a strange, unnatural light gleaming from their eyes. CHAPTER XIII. INTO A PIT! Fr, old toads, (hic) ’elp yourself. This old man ain’t no (hic) half-way ’oss! ’Sides, - *tain’t every time he hes sich company (hic) come to seed him,” and the speaker held out the ‘‘p’izen ” tothe guards. ‘‘ Corral ’im big.” Phe temptation was too great for one, and he gladly seized the proffered bottle, to drain a hearty draught of the fiery liquor. The ice broken another quickly followed the example, followed by a third, and so on, until all but one had drank heartily of the benzine. “Hii! you one big temperancer toad!” grunted the stranger. ‘“‘Ar—r you one big mistake? Gi’n me the peppermint,” and he outstretched an arm for the bottie. Once they had tasted of the liquor the others were not disposed to give it up, but all were eager for another drink, and soon began to struggle among themselves for the possession of the decanter. The one who had refused, to imbibe in- terposed in vain. His companions seemed crazed. ; “Hil go it, old toads, and I'll ’old the Dandy Rock’s Rival. stakes!” cried the owner of the bottle. ‘TI tisk the joog all to flinders. Hi!” and he rolled to and fro in wild glee. The conduct of his friends seemed to alarm the temperate Mexican, and he, too be- came excited as he tried to quiet them. The stranger grew extremely pleased, and rolled about more wildly than ever. ‘Hi, sweet toads! pile in on purty (hic), and I'll sing you a bran blow-up new song.” Then, essaying to gain his feet, evidently that he might use his vocal powers to better advantage, he staggered into the very midst . of the noisy guards. “‘Hil ye make too much bumblebee! All Taos’ll hear ye, and be on our heels ” As he spoke every vestige of intoxication suddenly left him, for he dealt stunning blows right and left with lightning-like al eae he guards fell to the earth with groans, and as the last Greaser lay senseless, the vic- tor glanced hastily around, and then began to search the captain of the guard. A minute later he held up before his spark- ling eyes a bunch of keys. ‘*Ho—ho!” he laughed, softly, ‘‘’em’s the chaps for bizness. Ef I don’t risky ye, Gil, old beaver, in less than a jiffy, my name ain’t Rock Randel!” The ragged veteran was none other than our hero in disguise. ‘‘Hope ye’ll pardon me for sarving yé so, my Greasers; but I guess ’em drops 0’ that bottle kinder made my fists strike easy.” Without further delay he hurried toward the old jail, and soon he had found a key that would fit the rusty lock, when the pon- derous door swung open at his touch. Groping his way along the dark corridor, he called the name of his friend, to receive a glad reply. “Hold up a jiffy, and I’m thar, old hoss,” Finding a key that would unlock the door to Reynolds's cell, Rock was soon by his side. “‘Wal, old boy, gittin’ punished fer your sins? Thought mebbe ye’d like company.” «Ts that you, Rock, old goat?” “T reckon. But I s’pose ye are fettered like a tame sheep, so let me free ye, for ’tain’t safest for us to build our nest hyar.” , Randel was not long in freeing Gil’s limbs, and as soon as he was at liberty the old mountaineer sought to gain his feet which caused him considerable pain after the long time he had been in a cramped position. “They sed ye had gone under,” he de- clared, grasping his rescuer’s hand with a hearty grip. ‘How d ye gi’n ’em the slip?” ‘Slick es a long-eared goat w’u'd drink old rye out o’ a square-necked bottle. I hev seen more fun than ye c’u’d shake a pronged
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3 Dandy Rock’s Rival. 19 stick at. Been through a regular stunner of a stand-up and clip at, and was druv like a toad under an old shanty, when the hull con- sarn was torn down and toted off fer kind- ling wood. I found an old holler log under thar and crawled into it, so when they rolled the stick off I went with it. Jeems Stopple! I war madder nor a stung* hornet the way they banged that wood roand, but I kep’ mum all the same, “Bs soon es I dared I crawled out and be- gun to prospect round, to find ye in this pre- dicimony, when I rigged and playing possum with a black bottle on the Greasers outside, hyar lam. But how is Miss Luella?” In a few hurried words Gil Rey told of the situation he had been torn from at home. “Wal, we must huff it like hot shot. Foller me!” As they reached the open air the tramp of fect was heard, and in an instant a body of men came in sight. ‘Rocker Mountains!” ejaculated Reynolds, “our game is up!” “It’s the relief guard!” whispered Rock; f mebbe we can give ’em the slip. Run this—’ , The air rung with startling cries, and the two friends knew they were discovered. “Quick! this way for your life!” hissed Rock, and he dashed around the corner of the building. The yelling Mexicans followed in furious pursuit, ; “The whole of Taos will be on our heels!” panted Randel, ‘‘and we hey got to huff it like fire on glass!” Of course Gil Rey was unarmed, and Rock had only a pair of revolvers, but they had a fair start of their foes with an even chance of escape: ;.. > Randel was a fleet runner, while his com- panion was still able to do ‘‘sum tall work.” Down the street they fled with the horde of Mexicans at their heels. Soon the main part of the settlement was passed, and seeing only an open country ahead, Rock cried: “Git for the right and we’ll steer for the growth yonder,” As he spoke he turned an abrupt angle, and leaping a pile of rubbish that lay by the street side near one of the above houses, he started to run across the adjacent clearing, He had gone less than six rods, however, when a sharp cry left his lips, and he sud- denly disappeared as if the earth had opened and swallowed him up. Gil Ray paused in dismay ere he reached: the spot, just as a terrific noise nearly stun- ned him. The ground had seemed to recede from him. and with trembling steps he advanced a short distance, when he saw what sent a thrill of horror through his frame. Rock had fallen into a well or sort of pit and the earth had caved in upon him! He shouted his friend’s name, unmindful of the close proximity of his enemies but no response came, Merciful Power! death. Had he been crushed to CHAPTER XIV. RECKLESS RAY’S WOOING. Gi Ray was giving little time for exami- nation, but he saw enough to satisfy him that Rock Randel had been covered with a depth of earth which would have crushed out of existence a score of men had they been there. The near approach of the Mexicans warn- ed him to flee if he valued his own life, and with a wild cry of hatred against his foes, he resumed his race. As the Greasers reached the spot that had proved so fatal to poor Rock, they paused and the night air was made hideous by their cries of exultation. “The American cur is forever out of our way,” declared the leader. ‘‘ But we must not allow the other to escape.” Their brief halt, however, proved the sal- vation of Gil. When they again continued the chase he_ had gained a distance they could not retrieve, — and reaching the growth a little later, the sy mountaineer had only to exercise some of — his woodcraft to elude his hated followers. — It was not till well toward morning, ~~ though, that he dared return to his home; and then as he drew near, a dread forebod- ing filled his heart. What had befallen his wife and Luella? And was Ray dead? ; Not asign of life was apparent, and after taking a careful survey and seeing that his way was clear, he cautiously advanced, to meet with a glad scene within the house. Dolores and Luella had remained in their lace of concealment until satisfied that their oes had all departed, when fearing that something had happened to Gil and Ray they came out, to find the latter suffering from his wounds and the former missing. Ray’s wounds were dressed, and he be- came quite comfortable, while trying to cheer up the women with the encourage- ment that Gil would soon come back. The mountaineer’s appearance was hailed with unbounded joy; and when the greeting was over he was plied with questions con- cerning his adventures, “ Are ye sure that Rock has gone under?” asked Ray anxiously, as the other concluded his thrilling recital.
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20 Dandy Rock’s Rivai. ««W’u'd ye call yerself done for ef ten feet 0’ yearth lay on yer carcass, Reckless Ray? It makes this beaver feel a heap like turning squaw and crying, but he knows poor Rock has fit his last fou’t and has turned up his toes. He was a proper lad, and its ag’in’ the _ grain o’ Gilman Reynolds to stand by and gee ’em Greasers wring him the cold deal. But Rocker Mountains! it’s a heap good to know they didn’t get his topknot.” ** As soon as I can handle my old shooter, ’em yaller varmints shall pay my leggins full o’ skulps for that job!” declared the impetu- ous Ray. “‘Hyar’s my paw on that, old beaver,” cried the other. ‘‘But jess at present I more’n s’pect we have our hands full to look arter our own ha’r.” Day soon dawned, and during its long hours that wore tediously away our friends dared not show themselves. Time and again they trembled, as_ they saw parties of Mexicans passing, lest they should be discovered. “"Twon't do for us to stay ‘here any longer than dark,” decided Gil. ‘‘’Em coyotes ’1l smell us out in spite o’ creation.” ‘** But whar can we go?” «‘T hey a friend who lives *bout five miles out o’ Taos whar we can stop in peace. D’ye think ye'd stand the journey, Ray?” “T reckon.” “ And Vt go with us, Miss Lu?” “Tt will cause you too much trouble. I have friends at St. Cristola where I wish to ““Then ye don’t ’tend to go back to your uncle’s?” ‘T had rather die! No; I must get to my friends in St. Cristola.” «Then it’s settled. Ye go with us to Tom Daniels’s; and arter that I will guide you to your folks,” “Oh thank you, Senor Reynolds. Youare indeed kind.” Gil Ray was the owner of two horses, and not far from midnight he led the animals to the door. Ray was then assisted_into the saddle of one; and Dolores and Luella were seated upon the back of the other. With a farewell look at the home they were leaving perhaps never to see again, they started on their way. he journey proved a hard one to Ray. The old mountaineer led his horse, and guided him along as carefully as possible, but the other’s suffering was very great. At last, however, to the joy of all they reached their destination in safety. As soon as the surprised Daniels learned their story his welcome was a hearty one. “Yes; you shall stay here till the storm has blown over. So don’t you think but you are all right.” The next day Ray’s wounds were so bad that he could hardly move. It seemed to afford him great pleasure to have Luella by his side; and she appeared to have forgotten her resolve to start to her friends that day as she tried to make his suf- ferings less. When she did speak of it, Ray requested her to stay longer, and she was fain to yield, particularly when the others seemed desirous, too. Thus a week sped past—seven of the hap- piest days Reckless Ray had ever known. Reared among the rude mortals who in- habited the plains and the mountains, he had never felt the milder influences of life— had never krown what it was to feel the touch of a woman’s loving hand and listen to her sweet words of comfort. Ere half the time had passed he felt that he could not live without the presence of the fair Luella. Under her tender care he mended rapidly, and declared that he would soon be well. She never appeared happier than when by his side. The only shadow that darkened their ex- istence was the untimely fate of poor Rock. Ray had felt for him the affection of a brother, and his death was a sad blow. Luella, too, had admired ‘the brave, hon- est-hearted hunter, who had risked so much for her. Toward the close of the seventh day, as Ray and Luella chanced to be together, as they were much of the time, he said: “Luella, must you leave us to-morrow, as you talk?” “‘T must, Senor Ray. Shall you miss me so much?” ‘* Miss you, Luella? Should we miss the sun from our day? Luella, I love you, as you must already know. Don’t turn yer purty head away. I know I’m arough cha who hain’t been nobody nor nothin’, but love ye jess as much as the biggest swell in the world. Kem, say the word and we'll be hitched, and my home shall be your home. I'll squat up the valley hyar and we'll chip in like beavers. D'ye’gree, Luella?” “Are you sure you would not tire of me, and seek some other—” “‘Throw up yer hand ter wunst. Reck- less Ray never went back on a pard, and he would be rubbed out a hundred times afore he’d slip ye.” ‘“‘T trust you,” she replied softly, ‘‘ and I am yours.” “Hooray! I’m the fattest coon this side the Missouri! Gi’n me yer purty hand, my rosebud. We'll j'ine to-morrow, and as soon
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. 21 as my wounds are well we’ll pull fer Fer- nandez valley.” In the midst of their unbounded bliss a shadow fell across the threshold of the open door, and they looked up to utter cries of the greatest amazement. CHAPTER XY. ROCK RANDEL. Tue simple utterance left the lips of Reckless Ray. “* Rock Randel |” “‘ Jeems Stopple!” was the only answer. Then a minute’s silence followed, that seemed to hush ever “‘Oh, Senor Randel, they said you were dead!” cried Luella, the first to recover her self-possession; and remembering her embar- Hoan] position by the side of Ray she started forward, freeing her hand from the gentle hold of her lover. Luella! Ray! Are my peepers open? or hev I fell into another well and instead of seeing stars have gone whar they are?” “Rock, is that ye or yer speerit, almost gasped Ray, who could not credit his own senses, ‘‘Tt’s Rock Randel every drag, old coon. Or at least all thar am left o’ him,” and our hero crossed the floor to the side of his friend and grasped his hand. “ Here’s a paw fer ye, Lu, and I’m a heap glad to see ye.” Luella placed her own soft palm on the ex- tended one of Rock’s, and as she gazed into his honest, manly face she felt thrilled with an indescribable pleasure. Rock, how you have changed since we saw you last! A wild, haggard look rests upon your face, and when you step you actually reel in your gait. Several minutes passed before either found the will to speak. “ flow in all this seven ages do I find ye hyar?” asked Rock in evident surprise. ‘We have been hyar a week.” “ Beat me a ran tattoo on a dry cottonwood, ef I didn’t s’pose ye'd all gone to the starry regions. V’mecl’ancrazy. You must tell the game, and I'll bet ye hev sum tall doin’s to spot.” “We must hev your yarn fu’st, Rock.” “‘I—whoop! ef here ain’t Gil big as natural and three times as lifely, may I be sky to—” and the usually stoical mountaineer fairly leaped into the air as he turned to meet the other, Gil Rey’s surprise was far greater than Bays. e almost started to retreat. “It must be your spirit, old hoss!” he ex- claimed. “Hooray! do spooks generally cavort round and holler like a mad Pawnee? Gin me yer pawand I'll show ye a grip no spook ever thought of.” Seeming convinced by such conclusive arguments the ex-hunter hesitated no longer to meet his friend with an affectionate greet- ing. “But, Rock, hev ye a charmed life? Iam impatient to know how ye are hyur alive, and smashin’ ’bout when I left ye with ten feet o’ Taos yearth on ye?” “Gil, I hev spotted the tallest trail and the biggest doin’s ye ever heard on. That hunt me and Kit Carson had through the fire canyon don’t beat it!” ‘Ye are a tall one, Rock, old beaver, and ef I do say it, yell go whar any one can and not git yer top-knot sizzled. wagh! But roll out your doin’s, old hoss, while the wim- min are fixin’ up some grub.” _~ : “Start yer mule afore I’m throwed,” urged ay. In answer to the repeated request, Ruck, after Tom Daniels had joined them, ac- counted for his past week’s adventures as follows: “‘Somehow my head-piece ain’t jess clear, but mayhap I can leave a trail ye’ll under- stand. The fu’stest I knowed when I slapped inter thet well war more’n a ten million thousand baskets full o’ stars a-dodgin’ round my ears and eyes, and a-stingin’ me like all ossessed with red-hot tooth-prickers. Then squarmed, and my roaring catamounts, warn’t thar an ’arthquake a-sendin’ piles and heaps o’ piles of dirt and rocks about my head? i My eyes gi’n out and the next I knowed I didn’t know my nose from a grindstone! ‘By and by I sort o’ came back to Rock, old coon, and thar I war. Thar warn’t any water in the well, and I found I had fallen in among a lot o’ tim’er and old rubbish that had been throwed into the place, and that for all I knowed a million thousand cart-loads of dirt lay above me. “Course 1 must hev hed somethin’ to breathe and I could jess see a faint streak 0’ this world a-lookin’ down on me by the side 0’ one 0’ the tim’ers that lay kind 0’ cater o” corner like, and I c’u’d feel the blessed air on my nose. “That gi’n me hope and I tried to move. “Gulf o’ Mexiker! I mought es well hev tried to start the Rocker Mountains with a mule-eared gopher! Thar I war and thar I seemed bound to stay. One o’ the biggest tim’ers had fell square ‘cross me and § war fast as a dead Injun froze to the yearth. ‘‘Howsomever, I managed to free my paws arter a time; but that war all Ic’u’d do, “T found my knife war in my belt, and knowing no one w’u'd be likely to dig me ee
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Bo a 28 Dandy Rock’s Rival. out, I went to work a-cuttin’ that stick away. ““Ye may believe that war no leetle job, and what | suffered ye can never realize, so I sha’n't try to tell ye. “| didn’t do much ‘hollerin’ for I didn’t s’pect it w'u’d make a heap sight difference for me, so I saved my strength to fight my own battle, though ye may believe I didn’t feel very independent then. “Wal. they say everything has an end but a mule’s sickin’, and at last | had made that stick into whittlings and crammed ’em down side o’ me. “Then I began to dig my way up through the dirt, letting it fall down to my feet as I riz. Ll reckon I must hev stayed a hull day in that old well, for when I kem out ’twas night and I am sart’in ’twa’n’t the same one that I left when I made that tum’le. “T never felt meaner since I war picked up on Randel Rock when I war a younker, and ez I c’u’dn’t see nary Greaser round I didn’t ‘nat *bout goin’ away. “When I did I poked up to your old she- bang, Gil, and ye may judge ov my mystifi- cation when [ e’u’dn’t find ye. “JT helped myself to sumthin’ to eat and thet did me a pile o’ good. “Then, s’posin’ ye war all gobbled up by the yellar varmints, I begun to look for ye. ‘*While I war ’plorin’ Taos slick some 0’ the coyotes smelled me out, and I hev seen some tall times since. “They kem pesky near corraling me three times, but I have kept my eye-teeth peeled and no old well ain’t gobbled me up. Reckon when Rock Randel digs his own funeral in that way ag’in he won't wear any brain- iece. “San Mullre is on his pins ag’in, and old St. Cassa is jess ravin’ like a mad bufller in flytime. The hull o° Taos is up on their shooters, and [ tell ye thar am a big smell 0’ brimstun. f tell ye thar’s a heap o’ Greaser meat gone wolfin’. “Somehow my keepin’ ain’t ’greed with me, and it got so hot in Taos I concluded to get a new boardin’-place. “T s’posed, o’ course, ye all had gone under, so I gi’n the varmints the slip last night, and thought I’d jess give Tom hyar a visit. So thar’s my yarn, and a properer glad coon ye never see’d to find we have all turned up so slick.” “T’m mad with myself, old hoss, to think I didn’t go back to that well and pull ye out. But I felt sart'in you war gone sure. In fact, I knowed it!” ““Whoop! thar am the sign for grub and I'ma heap gaunt. ‘Sides, [want to speak to the gal, and I know she’s hankering for me to be sociable, so 'scuse me, old pards,” Thus, even surrounded by danger, the light-hearted party passed a time of joy and gladness, forgetting in their merriment the adventures and sufferings they had so lately escaped, CHAPTER XVI, HEARTS AT STAKD. Wirs the advent of Rock at the ranch of Tom Daniels affairs seemed to present a new aspect. Randel, to use his own expression, was ‘*used up a heap,” and he spent three days of quiet living at his new home. Ray had said nothing to Rock about his proposed marriage, but he had purposely de- layed the happy event, so that his friend could be present. During the interval it would be hard to say who occupied the most of Luella’s time, for she, a bit conscious of her charms, (and what maid is not?) delighted to be the pet of either, nor could she very well avoid it had she so chosen, for when one was not by her side the other was sure to be. She had confessed to love Ray, and Rock —well, her hand was promised to the first, and the pretty Lu, vain though she may have been, was not flirt. enough to break her pro- mise, nor cruel enough to wantonly wrong either. We suspect it would be a difficult task to portray the feelings of our heroes, and lest we might fail shall not attempt it. They who had been warm friends for years began to mistrust each other. Only the strong tie that had existed between them kept them from an open quarrel. Somehow Rock, honest Rock, could not bear to see his companion even gaze at the lovely Mexican girl without experiencing a feeling he had never felt before. And Ray? well, what we have said of the other applied equally as true in regard to him, Thus, while they both gained rapidly in strength, and at the end of the time were comparatively well and strong bodily, their minds were weak and confused. Perhaps Rock was far the greater sufferer in this respect, for while Ray really believed his case was certain, his rival was still in suspense as to his fate. ‘oTain’t any use to let the game eat all the bait afore the trap springs,” said the last to himself, undoubtedly a dozen times, ‘and I’m goin’ to spring the pole this minnit.” But he failed to do it, and saw opportunity after opportunity lost, for Rock was a slow- worded lover. The crisis came at last. He had been out for a short ramble, and
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. - 23 when returning was the witness to a scene that aroused the slumbering fire of his na- ture, Ray and Luella were holding one of their fond meetings, and as Rock caught sight of ae he was in the act of kissing her willing ips. Spirits of the departed! Rock Randel re to one side in speechless rage, rushing down his fast rising, jealous anger, he strode into the apartment, to the great embarrassment of the lovers. Rock, rough and unknown to the milder elements of life as he was, was too much of a genile- man, however, to ‘‘raise a scene” in the presence of ladies, and thus he greeted all with a tone that told not of the storm to come. Half an ‘hour later he stood with Ray out- side the ranch, and when satisfying himself they were alone, he turned upon his com- panion with the startling words: “Ray, the time has come! I knowed it would!” . ““ What time has come? Must we git from hyar?” ““That’s it, Ray, old hoss. One o’ us must git! It’s ag’in’ my nature to corral any game that don’t belong to me, so I say let the stick be set square, and the way it floats I will go.” Ray was puzzled fora moment, but he seemed to divine the drift of his companion’s speech, as he said: ““ Does it consarn Luella, old pard?” “‘T reckon,” was the terse reply. After a painful pause, the other asked: “ Can’t ye gi’n her up? or must we leave it out to these?” and he tapped his fire-arms significantly. ck shook his head. To speak the truth he could not think of fighting lis friend, and yet— “‘T s’pose it must be, old coon. I can’t think o’ losing the gal. At least, I can’t be yound and see any one else hev er—not even you, Ray.” “‘I’m in the same predicamony, Rock. I think she is sweet on me, too.” y had not the heart to tell whole truth. “On ye, old hoss? Ye hev follered a blind trail! It’s me she is arter. I hev seen her purty eyes tell me so more times than you c’u’d sling the Gulf o’ Mexicer at a live toad by the handful. Iam sart’in o’ thet, my boy.” y almost smiled, then he felt his self- possession fast leaving him; as he saw the other’s apparent certainty. Had Luella been false to him? “Look hyar, Rock Randel, it’s you and me. But one o’ us can hev the gal, thet is es sarv’in es we see the sun setting now. Which shall we do; leave it to the gal, or fight it out like men?” Rock moved uneasily. “Ray,” he said, at last, ‘ef any other chap hed asked me that question, I w’u'd hev shouldered my shooter and told him to foller me, and but one o’ us w’u’d kem back, and he w’u’d hey the gal in peace. But [ can’t say it to ye. We hev been brothers, and we can be friends, let kem what may. Let’s leave it to the gal. If she says you, I will heel and toe it for the mountains with nary a word.” ow could he have spoken nobler? 7 Reckless Ray, knowing the advantage he had, hesitated ere he replied. It cut him to deceive his friend so, but he felt he had gone too far to back out. = ““What do ye say?” asked his companion impatiently. ‘‘ Are ye willing to leave it with the gal?” “Rock, are ye sure ye’ll be my friend ef she takes me?” “Dye think Iam a coyote, Ray? I hed ruther go under than to lose her, but ef she says yes to ye, I will never complain. Ye shal] find me your bestest pard.” ‘*Good, Rock,” replied Ray, with great emotion. ‘ Gi’n us yer paw, and then we'll find her.” A few minutes later they stood in the pres- ence of her who had been the innocent cause of so much anxiety. “Ye must do the talkin’, Rock,” said Ray, as they approached her. Rock would fain have had it different, but there was no time to escape the iney- itable, and he found himself in an extremely uncomfortable situation. ; “Miss Luella,” he began nervously, “me and Ray hev an important question to ax ye. The fact is we—that is, I—no Ray and—’ Here he broke completely down in con- fusion. ““What is it you’d say, Senor Randel?” she asked pleasantly. “Say? Tree a coon up a cottonwood! Which'll ye hev, him or me?” ‘*J—I don’t understand you, Senor Ran- del. Would you have me choose between you and a coon for—” “Oh, Jeems Stopple! I didn’t mean that/ IT meant which w’u’d ye hitch to—me or Ray? We are both ov us dying for ye to say es!” z Comprehending with woman’s wit the state of affairs, Luella was speechless with amazement. * “Don’t be afeered to spit it out. We are on the square. Rock Randel loves ye bet- ter than he does his own life, and so does Ray. Now’tis for ye to choose and t’other'll say nary word.”
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24 Dandy Rock’s Rival, Realizing his earnestness and the conse- quences pending upon her decision, Luella could not find power to utter the words for several minutes, and not till the impatient lovers moved restlessly and Rock was about to speak again, then her tone was hardly audible: “Tt pains me more than you can know to disappoint you, Rock, and you are a dear friend to me. Ray must have told you that I promised my hand to him three days ago, and we are to be wed to-morrow!” CHAPTER XVII. OLD FOES AGAIN, Rook reeled back as if shot, and every par- | and never come back.’ ticle of color forsook his face. “Say that ag’in, Luella,” he gasped, ‘I didn’t understand you.” “‘T have promised to marry Ray,” she re- plied. ‘Promised to marry Ray!” he repeated gazing from one to another im blank amaze- ment, Ray started forward, crying: “*Hyar, Rock, send your knife up to Green River* in my carcass! I hey deceived ye worse ner a Digger Injin!” Rock stood in wonder. ; “Wipe me out quick!” continued Ray. *‘T hev played the meanest kind of ‘possum, while ye hey been right on the square!” “Have you promised to hitch to Ray, Luella?” Rock asked. She bowed her head, seeming too full for utterance. “And you were in ’arnest?” Again she bowed. “Then I ar’n’t the ’coon to turn Injin. Ray, I don’t go back on my pledge. Gi'n me yer paw,” and as his overjoyed compan- ion complied with the request, the honest Rock took it in his own, where he held it in * a warm grasp of friendship for several mo- ments, then he said: “Let me take yours, Luella,” and when he had cordially held hers a minute, he placed it in the palm of her accepted lover, saying as he united them: ““Now may you ever live like bees in clover. And if you have time atween your honey-making jess think 0’ Rock Randel soft like, and remember wharever he am he knows you as a true friend does. ’Scuse these eyes 0’ mine, but somehow they seem weak to- _ day,” and unable to stay the tears that would come, he turned away to hide nis true feel- ings. . “Ye are a booby, Rock, to play woman *The hunters’ knives were mostly made at the “Green River” works, and had that name stamped on the blade, Hence to do anything effectually was, in mountain parlance, “ up to Green River.” so, and ye ain’t fit to be called a mountain- man,” he muttered, as he sought his rifle in the corner. ‘What, Rock, not going out a-hunting ag’in to-night?” asked Ray in surprise, ashe discovered the movement, “T reckon. Mebbe I won’t be in till morn- in’, so don’t be alarmed. Good-day, old beaver; and you, Miss Lu, my purty angel, take good care o’ the lad, Think kindly o’ your friend. Good-by till we meet again.” There was something in Rock’s manner that told more than his words, and as he strode out of the house with his rifle upon his shoulder, Ray bounded after him, crying: “‘Rock, old hoss, ye mean to leave us, “Don’t think hard, old pard, but ’'m going to steer for the mountains, It will be beaver season now afore I can get to the grounds,” “‘But, Rock, ye must stay till Luella and me get settled,” Randel shook his head. ‘*T shall lose the best run o’ game for the fall. ’*Sides Lain’t jess myself now, ’T will be best so, Ray.” His friend saw his object and clasping his hand murmured a few words of friendship, and offered no further objection. But Rock was destined to be governed by a power other than his own for once. When Luella added her appeal to that of Ray’s he could not resist longer. “Tl give up to you, Lu, and will not think o’ leaving you till] hev seen ye and a! settled.” ‘hus Rock tarried another night at the ranch of Tom Daniels. It was decided that Ray and Luella should go to the San Cristola Mission to be married, and that the journey should be performed on the following morning. Accordingly, bright and early, the happy couple, accompanied by Rock and Gil Rey, started on their way. Toward noon they camein sight of the old convent which stood in tke midst of a grove of fruit trees, with the rude tower and cross reaching far above them, the whole contrast- ing strangely with the lonely wildness of the surrounding country. The Mission was built after the style of most monastic buildings of the world. Loop- holes peered from its plastered walls and on a portion of the roof that seemed to have flattened for that purpose was seen a small piece capable of carrying a two-pound ball that might prove a source of dread to any as- sailant in case of war. Around the dismal-looking structure were scattered at different intervals huts of stone and adobe, sometimes thatched with flags and boughs, occupied by the Indians, half- te | | |
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Dandy Rock's Rival, 86 >. breeds, and Mexicans that inhabited the vicinity," and ‘who lived remarkably peaceful eae ‘he arrival of our party was hailed with no little wonder, but Gil Reynolds, who was on familiar terms with the priests there, soon made known their errand, when they were cordially welcomed to enter the convent. Preparations were almost instantly entered upon for the performance of the ceremony as our friends were anxious to be again on their "th _The canonical inmates of the Mission con- sisted of but three, though in years before it _ had had many more. Fra Ignacio Gomez delegated himself the pleasure of Sade the young couple, and ary were requested to come forward. oth seemed greatly agitated, but a whis- pered word of encouragement from Ray served to strengthen Tuatias Rock felt his heart sink like lead, and un- able to witness the loss of her whom he could no longer hope to call his own, he turned aside, to leave the apartment. The minutes were dragging themselves away with a weight that seis them fear- ay oppressive to him, when a loud clamor in the adjoining room caused him to start in wonder. Glancing out of one of the loopholes, judge of his surprise to see two-score of horsemen drawn up in front of the Mission. A second look raised his surprise to con- sternation, as he saw that the leader of the armed cavaleade was San Mullre, his most dreaded foe! ‘*Reckon thar’s fun ahead,” he muttered, grimly. ‘I hate to disturb Ray, but they must be through by this time and he must know what is up.” At that moment he heard the Mexican de- mand admittance and then a wild shout rung on the air. Hesitating no longer, Rock bounded into the presence of his friends, and unheeding their looks of amazement, cried: “Quick, Gil and Ray! San Mullre and all his coyotes are at the door, and we are corraled for sum o’ the tallest kind o’ war!” Fra Ignacio turned pale with fright and wrung his hands with supplication of the most piteous kind. “Quit, ye old Spaniard!” cried Rock. ‘“Thar ain’t any one to hurt yer old wizen pate. Look to your firearms, boys, and if _ need be don’t waste any powder.” CHAPTER XVIII. ROCK’S STRATAGEM. MEANWHILE one of the priests with more , presence of mind than the cowardly Ignacio EO — possessed met the Mexican leader at the door and demanded of him what was wanted. “*Ts there a party of Americans here?” The padre answered affirmatively. ““We knew it. And there is one Rock Randel among them whom we must have, dead or alive, it don’t matter which.” **And my niece, Luella St. Dell is here, too, with them, most high and holy Fra Au- gustin,” interposed St. Cassa. The priest started with a glad cry as he recognized the other. «‘There is a lady among them, Senor St. Cassa,” he said. “°Tis she; and she must go home with me. She has run away from me.” “Yes, Father Augustin, you must deliver her up to us, and help us capture the Ameri- ean dog.” The priest seemed puzzled. ‘‘Shall I speak to them?” he asked. *“Yes. Meanwhile, see that he don’t es- cape, for he is a desperate man.” Augustin hastened on his errand, and a minute later stood before our friends. “Your uncle would have Phe go home with him, fair lady,” he said, suayely, to Luella. - ‘‘Oh, father, I cannot,” she exclaimed, an clung more closely to the arm of Ray. «You shall not, so never fear, dear one,” the lover whispered. : ««There is one of you, Senor Rock Randa whom they want, too,” Augustin said, turn- ing to the men. “LT reckon ye needn’t hev told me for I knowed it straight es a hitch in a beaver’s eyes,” declared that worthy. ‘‘But why don’t they kem and git me?” ““They are waiting for you to come out.” “Sho! Hev they got any provender with ’em? 1 reckon this old building ’ill rot to ashes afore I shall be so accommodatin’ to that yaller-hided, saff’on-eyed, hump-nosed old tarnal of a Greaser poke! Jess tell him when Rock Randel kems to him it’ll be heels fu’st. D’ye hyar?” Father Augustin now joined Ignacio in his alarm. To speak the truth they knew the mountaineers were expert with the use of their fire-arms, and they feared them, while at the same tite they dared not oppose the mob outside. ‘‘Gi’n ’em the verdict,” said Rock, impa- tiently. But a new idea entered his head and he quickly added; ‘‘ Wait! tell them Rock Randel wishes to talk with his friends a minute, jess long enough tosay his prayers. Don't ye let one o’ the varmints kem in. D’ye hyar? Ef ye do, this old chap ”—point- ing to Ignacio—‘‘dies the same minute. Talk out of the loopholes and see that the door is bolted. D’ye hyar?
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28 , Dandy Rock’s Rival. ‘Hyer, Gil, ye stand over that old grizzly, and the instant ye hear one o’ the coyotes step in the house, blow his brains into pud- din’-dressin’, D’yehyar? Thar’s fun in the wind!” “‘Oh—oh—oh!” groaned the terrified Ig- nacio, as Rock rattled off his speech and Rey- nolds prepared to carry out his order.’ “Spare me! spare—” “Shut up, ye old blue-nosed booby or I'll cram the ul 0’ Mexiker in yer hash alley!” This effectually silenced the frightened priest, and Rock cried to the other: “Why don’t ye foller my directions? I’m cap’en 0’ this company? D’ye hear? They are pounding like all-possessed! Tell ’em what I said.” The padre was too much frightened to re- ply, or hardly to move. . He could hear his friends and members of the Mission in the adjoining part of the building, but he dared not call to them, or attempt any treachery on the reckless mountaineers. The critical situ- ation of Fra Ignacio warned him that he had better obey the commands of Randel at the present, and trust for something to turn up in their favor. Thus glad to escape, if only for a short time, the presence of our party, Augustin hurried toward the nearest loophole. “‘Don’t let them kill me!” groaned Gomez, suffering fearful mental agony, and unable to turn his tear-dimmed gaze from the omin- ous muzzle of Gil Rey’s rifle staring him in the face. ‘Look out for him, Gil,” cried Rock. “Don’t do any fooling. Hyar, Ray, foller »me and we'll jess stir up sum uv the tallest kind uv fun! Don’t ye git ‘larmed, Lu, but stay hyar quiet like,” and he dashed from the room followed by Ray. Rock’s first movement was to gain the outer door, and in the twinkling of an eye he slipped the ponderous bolt into its socket, when it would have required the force of a dozen men to burst the stout, oaken frame in. ““Now for the top o’ the building and work.” The twain then began to iook for the stair- way, but in their excitement they could not find the place. “Our beavers are all dogs!” exclaimed Ray. ‘‘We are corraled in spite o’ the dickens.” At this juncture Rock entered an apart- ment to the right, which they found filled with. frightened females and men _ hardly less alarmed, In an instant Rock resolved on his course of action. Pausing abruptly before the first person he reached, who chanced to be a buxom lass of eighteen, he cried: **Look hyar, gal! jess show us the way to the top o’ this shebang quicker’n a jiffy!” The maiden was too amazed to speak. “‘ Quick, 1 say!’ and Rock by way of in- ducement, raised his rifle in a threatening manner. This last seemed to tell her plainer than words what was demanded. ‘‘Spare me, senors.. Do you want to go to the tower?” ‘* Anywhere! only git to that big shooter on the roof.” “Si, senor; follow me,” and waving her hand to the others the girl frightened half out of her wits hurried away, while Rock and Ray were not slow to follow. Meanwhile the trembling Augustin had conveyed Rock’s mecsage to the impatient leaders of the mob outside. “Fool!” cried San Mullre; ‘‘give the American dog no time to say his prayers, Open the door for us!” “‘Oh—oh, senors! don’t! They will kill Fra Ignacio!” ‘*Open the door or we will tear it down!” thundrred Mullre. But the priest was too terrified to move. “The American will come in a—” ‘* Cospita! More likely he will escape! As long as you won’t open the door we will break it in. Come on, men.” “Hold up thar! Don’t be in sich a tarnal stew, my boss toads. Jess stand whar ye are, or I'll blow ye clear into the corner o’ the the Parcifer sea!” Startled by the menacing words, the horde glanced up to the top of the convent, to be- hold a sight which sent a chill of unutterable dread to their hearts and they stood as mo- tionless as if transfixed. Rock and Ray had gained the two-pound piece mounted upon the roof, and ranging it into their midst, stood ready to send its fiery contents among them. CHAPTER XIX. LIVELY WORK. “Hooray!” cried Rock, excitedly, as he waved the match above his head, ‘‘ I reckon we hev wrung a cold deal on ye this time, old yaller-skin.” San Mullre gnashed his teeth in rage, Plainly enough he was caught. ‘‘What are you going to do, American?” he asked, as soon as he reeovered himself so he could speak. ‘*Do?” repeated Rock, coolly. ‘‘ Wal, to speak the straight thing we ain’t hardly de- cided whether to send ye to the Old Nick for kindlings, or to make mince-meat of ye for the buzzards. Ye are sure to git it itke hot pepper ef ye dare to squirm or budge.” ‘Do you hear that, Father Augustin?”
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Dandy Rock’s Rival. asked St. Cassa. ‘‘ Do you tamely submit to such an outrage from those dastardly Ameri- cans?” “‘Oh! we shall all be killed!” groaned the priest. “Open the door and we will make a rush to enter in spite of them,” declared Mullre. “Jess do it, saff’on pate, ef ye want to go to kingdom come!” gritted Rock. “You must not come in!” cried the padre. “‘Oh, go away and let those dreadful men leave us alive!” “Bah!” snorted Mullre. ‘‘ Are you fright- ened out of your wits?, No harm shall come to you, and once we are in the building we can rout those villains in a trice.” ‘“But Father Ignacio will be killed!” San Mullre raved worse than ever. “Ourses upon you! you are in league with them!’ Fra Augustin’s sallow visage turned deadly pale as he listened to the insulting words, but he offered no retort. Much as San Mullre desired it, he dared not move. ‘Have we followed that dog all the way from Taos to be cheated of his carcass?” he growled to St. Cassa, ‘‘T fear so, unless we can manage to out- wit him,” replied the more self-possessed Mexican, Then he began to question the padre more closely than Mullre had done, to learn of the true state of affairs within. “Tt looks bad for us,” he said to his com- panion. ‘‘ We shall have to resort to des- perate measures, I fear, to accomplish our purpose.” —* Any thing to rid the world of that Rock Randel and gain possession of that girl.” “Look hyar,” cried Rock, who had been watching them in silence, ‘“‘we have fooled long enough. Now I will give you a chance to save yourselves, and ye can do jest as ye please.” «What is it?” asked old Cassa, eagerly. «Jess levant. I will give you three min- utes to decide whither ye’ll go about your bizness and let us alone, or whither ye’ll be plowed into kingdom come by this big pop- un!’ “We deny your right to dictate terms to us,” replied Mullre, savagely. “Do as ye please, it will make nary differ- ence in the endI kalkilate. We are in ~arnest, and if ye don’t git afore two minutes more ye are a goner! Rock Randel and Reckless Ray don’t fool with their foes.” The tone of the speaker told that he was terribly in earnest. The Mexicans stared upon one another in amazement, and had they dared many would ~have fled. A 24 Meanwhile events of equal importance were transpiring in the building. Gil Rey had remained standing over the cowering Fra Ignacio watching him like the panther before his prey, while his” hearing was strained to catch the sounds of the movements of his foes. Luella stood by, too confused to speak. At the same time another of the padres had discovered the situation of affairs, and it was his work to stimulate action into the sluggish brains of the surrounding peons. _ ne of the bravest was given a lasso, and silently approaching the open door, he threw it dexterously about the old mountaineer’s form. Reynolds’s quick ear caught the sound and he turned to discover his peril, but too late to escape it. The coil fell about his shoulders, pinion- ing his arms to his side, and he was hurled violently to the floor. With cries of exultation others sprung into the room, and he was quickly bound. Though chafing to himself for his care- lessless, it was too late to avail him aught. “Ho! fling open the door, Juan!” cried the Jassoer, and the one addressed, followed by the others, sprung to obey. Luella had presence of mind enough to un- derstand the critical situation, and as the captors left Gil alone with her, and no one had seemed to notice her, she seized a knife ping on the floor and in an instant Gil was ~ ree, “Bless ye, gal,” exclaimed Reynolds, and catching the knife from her hand, he bound- ed to the outer door just as the peons had sprung the bolt and pulled it open. “Quit that, ye thieves!” and he dashed into their midst, sending them right and left. A wild yell rung from the Mexicans out- side as they saw the daring hunter appear in the doorway. Those within rallied and Gil found all on hand that he could attend to. At the time the Mexican was in the act of surprising Reynolds, to succeed in lassoing him, others of the Mission were cautiously creeping up the broad stairway to overpower Rock and Ray. The priest had laid his plans well, and for the time it seemed they would be successful. The attention of the two friends held by those below on the ground, they failed to de- tect the sound of the cat-like steps on the stairs. Step by step the foes drew nearer. Armed to the teeth, and with countenances gleaming with looks of malignant hatred, they were formidable adversaries. Still the mountaineers were unconscious of danger,
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aa RETR ES MUA BA ee nr —— § i} 28 Dandy Rock’s Rival. They were holding the mob at bay in front, but how would they be able to grapple with those crouching behind? The issue might have resulted differently had it not been for the Mexican maid stand- ing near by them and watching their move- ments with admiration. Their manner and appearance seemed so noble to her, that she had forgotten the rude treatment Rock had hastily inflicted, and her sympathy was instantly given them. She saw the sneaking Peladoes approach- ing, and it matters not whether her cry was caused by surprise at the Greasers’ unex- pected appearance, or whether she gave it purposely to warn the hunters as long as it discovered to them their situation. “ Hyar, Rock! the varmints are behind us!” and Ray turned impetuously to meet them, Standing above the Greasers he had an ad- vantage that he was not slow to improve. As he swept his rifle about their heads, they uttered yells of terror and plunged pell- mell down the stairs, “Whoop—hooray!” cried Ray, phantly. “ Look thar!” exclaimed Rock, excitedly, pointing out upon the level expanse in front of the Windon. trium- CHAPTER XX. THE WOLF-RIDER’S MYSTERY. SupDENLY the scene was changed. From an unexpected source a new power inter- vened and ended the suspense toall. A new actor turned the tide of battle. Wild yells of terror went up from the fol- lowers of San Mullre. The priests of the convent turned deadly pale. The peons huddled together in groups. The Wolf Rider was dashing into the midst of the Mexican throng! Horgotiing the ominous weapon pointed at them from the roof of the Mission, and alive “only to the new danger which had so abrupt- ly appeared, they broke and fied in mad con- fusion. Upon their very heels rode the singular pursuer. Mercy! A gleaming cifle-barrel quickly protruded from beside its form. mgt ; With'a death-yell the hindermost fugitive ell. The others expressed their terror in re- peated shrieks that sounded far over the country. Left alone, St. Cassa and San Maullre no longer dared to risk an attack from the mountaineers, and seeking their horses, ees into their saddles to ride for the sout Then the Wolf Rider turned.from the ter- rified Greasers to face them. Groans left the villains’ lips. San Mullre raised his rifle and fired. But his aim was unsteady, and as St. Cassa dash- ed forward at that moment, he received the bullet in his brain! “* Por Dios! what have I done?” cried the amazed Mullre, as he saw his uncle fall. Before he could say more, however, he felt a sharp, stinging sensation in his own body, and the report of a rifle again rung out. “Not yet!” yelled the wounded Mexi- can. Once he raised his double-barreled wea- pon, and though be trembled in his seat, he did not fail this time. A cry human in its tone, came from the wolfish equestrian. and in a moment the mustang was riderless, San Mullre’s own high-mettled steed plunged more furiously forward, and falling upon its withers he was borne swiftly away, disappearing soon from sight. Rock and Ray, who had thus far been in- active witnesses, now started up. ‘‘Thar goes old Wolf,” cried the first. “Kem, Ray, we mustn’t stand hyar like isuckles on Pike’s Peak. Let’s git below.” When they reached the lower story they found the padres and their flock huddled to- gether stllL under the influence of their fright. uetla came forward crying: “T am so glad you have not been hurt.” ‘All right, Lu,” answered Rock; ‘‘ but you must excuse us for a faw minutes as we are pesky anxious to see *bout that chap in the wolf-skin.” Randel an his companions reached the stranger a moment later, and expecting what he should find he seized hold of the hide and pulled it from the form wrapped within, when they saw a human figure! “Jess es I expected,” exclaimed Rock, ‘*and he ain’t dead either.” The man, who was past the prime of life, did move, but it was very feebly.” “* Are they gone?” he asked. “T reckon, ef ye mean the Greasers,” re- plied Rock. “Yes, the Greasers! then cried, starting up. His eyes were wild and bloodshot and his hagnied face was of an ashen hue, “Don’t worry bout your g’ografey,” said Randel. ‘* Reckon ye—” ‘Here I am! here, Sarene, Amil, Juan! my wife, my daughter, my son! See! the flee! they fall! the cowardly Greasers! have slain them all! I swore—” Where am I?” he
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a Dandy Rock’s Rival. 29 With the sentence unfinished he fell back and expired. “He's gone on his long trail sure. But who can he be?” From the mysterious unknown the three mountaineers turned to St. Cassa to find him dead. “Wal, these are hard doings, Ray,” said Rock, as they turned back to the convent, ‘Cand thar’s been a heap 0’ blood spilt, good and bad, since we struck the Taos trail.” Right, old hoss; but I guess we are nigh onto the end o’it. What can that old chap hev been in that wolf-skin?” *«He was a man named Leon St. Verneer, and he was crazy. Report says his wife and two children were killed by a party of Pela- does, and that the blow deprived him of his mind. He has lived at the old hut near the Taos trail, and disguised in that strange arb, hunted the race that murdered his family till they became in constant dread of him.’ Thus spoke Fra Augustine. They buried him and St. Cassa that day. We will say here that the only explanation Rock and Ray ever had concerning the mys- terious firing of the former's rifle was that, wishing to drive them from his house, crazy St. Verneer had, when they were a few min- utes absent from the room, loaded the weapon with a dozen or more charges of powder, using for wadding the dry fungus of an old stump all rammed down well, and a live coal was dropped in upon top. Once the firing had commenced and it would not cease until the last charge had been spent. The friends staid several days at the Mission, and before they left there was a double pins Now, don’t look surprised, gentle reader, and begin to whisper strange things. The truth was, fair Luella loved Rock from the first, and it was not until she sup- posed him dead that she promised her hand to Ray for whom she had a decided liking. She was too honorable then to retract her pledge, and had not Ray realized what it was costing her and Rock to make the sacrifice, though he did not make the discovery until he found another more dear to him, their lives would have lost the happiness that was afterward theirs. Rock thus received his reward, and Ray became the proud husband of the maid who saved his life on the housetop. Luella explained to Rock and Ray her dis- ge area from the lone cabin. hile the two latter were having their “circus” with the rifle, San Mullre, who = opportunity to drop the paper that ultimate’ ly led to her rescue from the hands of her persecutors, Ray returned to Taos with his wife, and lived there several years, happy and con- tented. Rock, finding that he had more foes in the place than was policy for one to meet, finally went to Shelby county, Texas, where he set- tled down to become one of the central actors in scenes. wilder and more exciting than any he had ever seen. San Mullre again tried to hunt him and the two for a time were squarely pitted against each other, but Rock’s superior skill and bravery triumphed at last. Gil Ray finally sought once more the excitement of a mountain life. THE END, BEADLE AND ADAMS’ Dime Hand-Books. Fand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports, Book of Crequet. | Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football Book of Pedestrianism, Guide to Swimming. | Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, etc. Lives of Great Americans. I.—George Washington. | VIII.—Israel Putnam. IL-—John Paul Jones. X.—Tecumseh, Il.—Mad Anthony Wayne | XI.—Abraham Lincoln, IV.—Ethan Allen, .—Pontiac. V.—Marquis de Lafayette | XIII.—Ulysses 8. Grant. _ Young People’s Series. BrapLe’s Dime Hanp-Booxs ror YOUNG PEOPLY cover a wide range of subjects, and are especially adapted to their end. Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Gents’ Letter-Writer Book of Etiquette. Book of Verses. Book of Dreams. Book of Games. Fortune-Teller. Lovers’ Casket. Ball-room Companion. Book of Beauty. Manuals for Housewives. 1, Cook Book. 4. Family Physician. 2, Recipe Book. fs: Dressmaking and Mile 8. Housekeeper’s Guide. linery. Song Books. Brapie’s Dime Sone Boors, Nos. 1 to 34, contain the only popular collection of copyright songs. » The above publications are for sale by all news- had tracked her there, slew Mountain Jim | dealers or will be sent, post-paid, om receipt of and bore her away. price, ten cents each, by BEADLE AND ADA'S, >, She had no chance to cry out and only the | 96 Witiaam srexet. N.Y,
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80 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle of the Cascades. By Roger Starbuck, 81 The Kit Carson Club. By T. C. Harbaugh. 82 Little Buck, the Boy Guide © By Barry Ringgold. 88 bi ot Bob, the Reckless Rider By Coli P. Ingraham, 84 Captain Biy-by-Ni ht. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 85 Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer. By C. D, Clark. £6 Little Dan Rocks. By Morris Redwing. 87 The Menagerie Hunters. By sate H. Grenville. 88 The Bo, ramps; or, Life Among the Gipsies, By J. M. Hoffman. 89 "Longshore Lije. By C. D, Clark. 90 Roving Rifle, Custer’s Little Scout. By T. C. Harbangh. 91 Oregon Josh; the Wizard Ritle. By Roger Starbuck. 92 Hurricane Kit. By A. F. Holt. 98 Jumping Jake, the Colorado Cirens Boy. By Bryant Bainbridge. 94 Sam Spence, the Broadhorn Boy. By Fi. Willett. 95 Moscow to Siberia; or, A Yankee Boy to the Rescue. By Charles Morris. 96 Fighting Fred By T C Harbaugh 97 Oruise of the Flyaway- By C. Dunning Clark, 98 The Boy Vigilantes. By Maj. H. B. Stoddyd. 99 The White Tigers, By Capt Charles Howard. 100 The Snow-Shoe Trail By St George Rathbone 101 Mariano, the Ottawa Girl By Edward S. Ellis. 102 The Flyaway Afloat. y'C, Dunning Clark. 108 Pat Mulloney’s Adventures; or, Silver Tongue the Dacotah Queen ByC L, Edwards. 104 The Boy Prospector. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Minonee, the Wood Witch. By Edwin Emerson. 106 The Boy Cruisers. By Edward Willett. 107 The Border Rovers. By J. Milton Hoffman. 108 Alaska, the Wolf-Quoen. By Capt. Howard Lincoln. 109 Christel Jim, the White Man’s Friend. By Edward . Ellis. 110 Plucky Joe, the Boy Avenger; or, Dick Belmont’s Last Ride. By J. Milton Hoffman. 111 The Border Gunmaker. By James L. Bowen. 112 Left-Handed Pete, the Double-Knife. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 118 The River Riflos. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 114 Alone on the Plains. By Edward Willett. 115 Silver Horn, and His Rifle Firedeath. By Roger Starbuck. 116 Exploits of Hezekiah Smith, tho Backwoodsman. By Emerson Rodman. V7 The Young Mustangers. By C. Durning Clark. 118 Old Traps; or, the Boy Rivals. By Barry Ringgold. 119 Genter Shot. the White Crow. By T. C. Harbaugh. 120 A Hot Trall; or, Clark Cloverly Among the Tartars. Hs Charles Mortis. 121 Wunter Pard Ben. By Roger Starbuck. 122 The Exquimaux’ Queen, By G. Waldo Browne. 128 Tim, the Boy Acrobat; or, Life in the Circus Ring. By Charles Morris. 124 Queen Bessie, the BorderGirl. By Henry J. Thomas, 125 Tom Tabor, the Boy Fugitive. By Barry Ringgold. 126 Mink Coat, the Death-Shot. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 127 The Deer Hunters. By Jobn J. Marshall. 128 Wolt-Cap; or, The Night-Hawks of the Fire-Lands. By Capt. Chas. Howard. 129 Silverspurt or, The Mountain Heroine. By Edward ett. 180 Keetsea, Queen of the Plains. By Percy B. St, John. 181 Wistah, the Child Spy. By George Glenson. 182 The Island Trapper. By Charles Howard. 188 The Forest Specter; or, The Young Hunter’s Foe, By Edward Willett. 184 Wild Nat, the Trooper. By Wm. R. Eyster. 185 The Silver Bugle; or, Tho Indian Maiden of St. Croix. By Lieut. Col. Hazelton. 186 The Prairie Trapper. By C. Dunning Clark. 187 The Antelope Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken. 108 Long Shot; or, The Dwarf Guide. By Capt. Comstock. 189 Colonel Crockett, the Bear King. By Charles kr. alles 140 Old Pegs, the Mountaineor. By Lewis W. Carson. 141.-The Giant Hunter, By Harry Hazard. 3 142 Black Panther. the Half.Blood. By J. E. Badger, 148 Carson, the Guide; or, Perils of the Frontier, i J. Hw. Randolph. aby lis aa 144 Kent, the Ranger. By Edward S, Ellis, 145 Bill Robbins, Hunter. By Edward Willett, 146 The Half-Breed Rival, By Jos. £. Badger, Jr. 147 The Masked Avenger. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 148 Nag, ithe Trapper and Indian Fighter. By Paul J, 149 The Elk Demon; or, The Giant ©. Siarbaugh. m3 or, The Giant Brothers. By T. 150 The Boy Mustang-Wunt oF Beautiful Amazon. Bylivederiee Whitew oy 151 Frank Yates, ‘the Young Trapper; M Kate's Warning. By.Joseph W. Badper,Jr.* Seg 152 Wild Raven, the Scout. By Ol) Coomes. 158 Lynx-Cap 3; or, Four Tra, ” A: i et Fen $ or, ippers’ Among the Sioux. By 154 The Champion Texan Rider ; or, Red Buffalo, and the Hercules Hunter. By Harry St. George. 4 155 Dusky Dick’s Doom. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 156 Frank Bell, the Boy Spy. By O11 Coomes. 157 Nick Doyle, the Gold Hunter. By P. H. Myers. 158 Kidnapped Dick} or, The Fate of the Fire Fly. By J. Stanley Henderson. i 159 Sam’s Long Trail; or, The Twin Scouts, By W. J. Hainilton. 160 Hank Triplet’s Vow. By Harry Hazara. 161 The Mada Skipper. By R. Starbuck, 162 The Trapper King. By Maj. Max Martine. 168 Simon Kenton, Hunter. By Emerson Rodman. 164 The Boy Chief’; or, Frank Bell’s Compact, By Oll Coomes. 165 The Trader Traitor. By J. Stanley Henderaon. 166 Old Jupe’s Clew. By Mrs. Orrin James 167 The Young Trailer. By W. J. Hamilton. 168 The Specter Spy. By Maj. Lewis W, Carson. 169 Lank Lute, the Old Colorado Hunter, By E. W. Archer. 170 The White Wolf. By Edward Willett. 171 The Swamp Guide. By W. N. McNeil. 172 The Yankee Peddler. By C. Dunning Clark, 178 i Scour and His Young Chum. By Warren - . Jonn. 174 Blacksmith Tom’s Mask. By Geo. D. Gilbert, 175 The Buckskin Rider. By Guy Greenwood, 176 The Squatter’s Surprise, By Mrs. H. J. Thomas, 17% Four Fellow Scouts. By J. Stanley Henderson, 178 Old Kit and His Comrades. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready September 10. 179 Uncle Grills Disguise. By Harry Hazard. Ready September 17. 180 The Marked Miner. By Lieut, Col. Hazeltine, Ready September 24, 181 The Wild Huntress. By Capt. Brain Adams. Reudy Octuber 1. 182 The Dwarf Decoy. By Maro 0. Rolfo. Ready Octoter 8. 188 Job Dean’s Tactics. By Ingoldsby North, Ready October 15. a Bendle’s Boy’s Library 's for sale by all Nowsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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83 OCTAVO PAGES, ending eee POCKET L TB RAs SSSSHHHHGEHHEGHESHRDHHHHHRHRHHHRDEHHDHDHHHHOGHE 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By | 51 Patent-leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Edward L. Wheeler. Charmer. By Philip S. Warne. 2 Kansus King; or, The Red Right Hand, By | 52 The Border Robin Hoods or, The Prairie Rover. Buffaio Bill. By Butfalo Bill. 8 The Flying Yankees or, The Ocean Outcast. By | 58 Gol 4 Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective Col. Prentiss Ingraham. of the Black Hills. By Edward L. Wheeler, 4& The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. 54 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, A Greenhorn in the Woods. & The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Bowery Girl. By Albert W. Aiken. 55 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By O11 6 The Prairie Pilot; or, The Phantom Spy. By Coomes. Buffalo Bill. 56 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W. 2 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures. J. Hamilton. 87 Deadwood Dick on Deck} or, Calamity Jane, 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Ol] Coomes, the Heroine of Whoop-Up. By E. L. Wheeler. y Ned ylde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack” | 58 Hawkeye Harry, the cous nete pin anges. By (J. B. Omonangey dieitet ure tawied 59 nok youmens ig 10 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol. By E. L.Wheeler. e Bo: melist; or, The Cruise of th 2 11 Ralph Roy. ‘the Boy Buccaneer. By Ccl. Ingraham, By Col. Prentiss ieeraianh = pe eh 12 Nick o'the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. | 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. C. Harbaugh. 61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward L. 18 Yellowstone Jack; or, crapee of the Enchanted Wheeler. Ground. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 62 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris. 14 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. ByE. L.Wheeler. | 68 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By A. W. Aiken. 15 Diamond ‘Dirk 3 or, Tha Mystery ‘of the Yellow- | 64 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Nad, the Knight of the stone. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Gulch. By Edward L. Wheeler. 16 Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies. By OllCoomes. | 65 Lightning Joe, tho Terror of the Prairie, Sy Cap- 17 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. By Capt. tain J. F. C. Adama. T° FC, Adains 66 Kit Haretoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Har 18 Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. bangh. 19 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes.| 67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress of the Golden 20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Horn. By Oll Coomes. Ranger. By Harry St. George. 68 Tdyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Robon Hand. By 2i The Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena, By ward L. Wheeler, Frank S. Finn. 69 Detective Dick ; or, The Heroin Rags. By Charles 22 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Morris. Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, By O!] Coomes. a 28 The Sea-Oat; or, The Witch of Darien. By Capt. | 71 Sharp Sam 3 or, The Adventures ofa Friendless Boy. Frederick Whittaker. By J. Alexander Patien. 24 The Dumb Spy. By Ol! Coomes. 72 The Lion of the Seny or, The Vailed Lady of San 25 Rattling Rube; or, The Night Hawks of Ken- Tropez. By Albert W. Aiken. tucky. By Hurry St. George. %8 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob's 26 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. By Ed. L. Reappearance. By E. L. Wheeler. : Wheeler. 4 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, RZ Gla-s-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By Capt. J. By Charles Morr a, F.C, Adams. %5 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. Sy Brace- 28 The Boy Captains or, The Pirate’s Daughter. By bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). Roger Starbuck. %6 Watch-Eye, the Shadow; or, Arabs and Angels of = 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Captain Great City. By Edward L. Wheeler. trederick Whittaker, 77 Dick Dead Kye. the Boy Smuggler. By Col. P 80 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By E. L. Wheeler. Ingraham. 81 Sad a Nat; or, The Forest Captains. By 78 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the . C. Harbaugh. Double Cross. _ By Ed. L. Wheeler. 82 Black John, the Rond Agent. By J. E. Badger, Jr. | 79 The Black Mustanger; or, The Wild Horse 88 Omaha Ol, the Mask-d Terror, ei E. L, Wheeler. Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 84 Burt Bunker, the rappers By George E. Lasalle. | 80 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, Mokana, the White Queen 85 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By of the Blackteet. By T. C. Harbaugh. A.C, Trons, 81 The Sea Vipers or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. By 86 The White B ffalo. A Tale of Strange Adven- Col. Prentiss Ingrabam. tures in the Northwest. By George Il. Lasalle. 82 Beth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By 87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. By Edward L, Edward §. Ellie. Wheeler. 88 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By Edwara 88 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, L. Wheeler. 89 Deadly Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill. | 84 The Dumb Page} or, The Doge’s Daughter. B: 40 Nick Whittes’s Pet} or, In the Vulley of Death. Capt. Frederick Whittaker. . 2 By Capt. J, F, C. Adama. . $5 The Boy. Miners} or, The Enchanted Island. By 41 Deadwecd jeerts a ens os The Pards of ies sy baer pe eUiks “hes SEA = r. By Edward L. Wheeler. ae! arkaway in New York, By Brace- 42 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By Ol bridge Hemyng. % pre! Coomes. 8% The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell 48 oe ees or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry ae Gate. By fol Erenteeterenea re - George. Deadwoo He! © Tey or, trange 44 The White Indians or, The Seouts of the Yellow. Stroke for Liberty. By Haward L Wheeler. 2 stone. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 89 Bill Biddon, Trapper 3 or, Life in the Northwest. 45 Buckhorn B ns or, The Red Rifle Toam. By a any Edward 8. Ellis. Ri ee ward L. eeler. rT t] or, The Youn, ampion. By 46 The Shadow Shins or, The Rival Ueutenante, ee Cine ee Sass ‘ol. Prentiss Ingraham. 4% The ited. Brotherhoods or, The Twelve Issued Every Wednesday, Avengers. By W. J. Hamilton. Beadle’s Pocket Library is ior sale by sll News- 48 a WAT Lead be The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail. | dealers, flve cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six 49 Durricase Bills or, Mustang Sem and His“ Pard,” | cents each. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, ‘A Life for a Life. Ww. J. a Single Hand} Saal oer ser gaa dd 98 William Street, New York.
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_82 OCTAVO PAGES. gilts, ans )POCKEIE LiBRARY:. BBDARARRRARHRENDAAHR HDHD RHHHRHHHHHHREEDARDHNHHREEHRGR EHS 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound ; or, The Red Pirates of the Caribbeos. By Samuel W. Pearce. 98 Phil staxdy; the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By KE. L.Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess. tho Female Trapper. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. 96 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective. By E. L. eoler. 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies. By James ie wen. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis, 99 Bonanza BIL, the Man Tracker. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By Edward S. Ellis. 101 Daring Davy; the Young Bear Killer. St. George. 102 The Yellow Chief. 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 106 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. By Charles Mortis. 106 Night Hawk Kit; or, the Daughter of the Ranch. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Young Speculator. By Edward L, Wheoler. 108 hea Mountain Kit. By T. C. Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Mand; or, Toe Man of Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider or, The Texan Duolist. By George W. Browne. 11 ne Bob, the King of Bootblacks. By E. L. Wheoter. 112 The Helpleas Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. By Harry By Capt. Mayne Reid. 118 Scar-Face aul the Silent Hunter. By Oll Coomes. 114 Piney Paul, the Mountvin Boys or, The Little ‘Arrow of the Adirondacks. By T. C. Harbaugh. 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double. -By E. L. Wheeler. 116 Jabez Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Polar Regions. By Capt, F. Whittaker. 117 Fancy Frank, of Calorado. By Hon. W. F. Cody. “ Buffalo Bill.” 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Chas. Morris. 119 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Hurkaway.) 122 The Hunted Hunter. By Eéward 8. Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Rond-Agent. By E. L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. By T. C. Harbaugh. 125 The Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayns Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Brenk o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Fox, 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, tho toy Demon. By Ol! Coomes. 180 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. B2 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By J.E. Badger, Jr. | re, 1 188 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont, 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By C. Morris. 185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By Edward L. Wheeler. 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmen, 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Browne. 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. 189 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. By Philip S. Warne. 3. 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Little Texns,the Young Mustanger. By O11 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. fhe Be a of Taos, By Geo, Waldo Browne. 2 145 T 146 The Oattle King. By Frank Dumont. Detective. By | 192 Hickory Harry; 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler, 148 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry 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 181 Tie eee Browne. > the Sea Trailer. Sy Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of Pine. William Rc Eystes. cles ghar wan 158 Bt Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By Edward L, heeler. 154 The Boy Prailerss 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 Temple; the Border Boy. By T.C. Harbaugh. 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By E. L. Wheeler. 159 Patent bEschér Joe's Defeat. By Philip. 8. Arne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker.” By Col. P. Ingraham. 161 Bob Rockett, the Crackaman. By C. Morris. By Ol 162 zach Murricane, the Boy Captain. omnes. 168 Dendwood 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. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 166 wilt Wildfire Wins and Loses. By Charles Morris. 167 Dandy Rock’s« Pledge, By George W. Browne. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion, By Edward Willett. 170 Bob: Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles orrls. 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 S. Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme, By G. W. Browne. By Edward L. Wheeler. Hazeltine. 188 Jabez Dart, Detective. By Ol] Coomes. 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willett, 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col. Prentins Ingraham. 186 Daihty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger King. By Charles Morria. 188 The Youtriountss Detective. By Edward L, hecler 189 Old Rocky’ Boys; or, Benito, the Young Mus- tang: Breaker. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall, 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout. By James L. Bowen. 191 Dandy Kock’s Rival. By Geo. Waldo Browne. wv, Roaring Ralph the Ventrilo- uist. By Harry George. Ready Sept. 14. 198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready Sept. 21. 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By O11 Coomes. Ready 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. Beadlo’s Pocket Library is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six conts each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,