Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 285) (1889 06 26)
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BRAN 9. 5 Published Weekly by B Adams No. 285, «*¥ear. Ne a oe ON eR, OLD ROOK¥ REVERSED HI§ POSITION AND EXTENDED HIS WEAPONS 4S HIGH 4S HE COULD REACH ABOVE HIS HEAD,
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. Old Rocky’s Pard; LITTLE BEN’S CHASE. BY “BUCKSKIN SAM,” (Maj. Sam S. Hall,) AUTHOR OF “‘ OLD ROCKY’S BOYEES,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. OUT OF THE JAWS OF DEATH. “TDoG-GONE hit, cap’n, pull in!’ Make a dead stop right hyer, er yer outfit’s bu’sted inter flin- ders, an’ thar won’t be ary a ba’r left in ther hull party. Ther mesquites air all what’s saved er on, an’ ef ther tilt o’ ther wagon shows bove ther bushes, er ther mules puts in some extry wags o’ the’r years, yer'll be wiped out slick an’ clean, sure es shootin’!” “What do you mean, Old Rocky? I judge by your manner and words that danger is abroad.” ‘“*Wa-al, yer kin bet hefty on thet air; an’ hits ormighty clos’t onterus. Thar’s nigh on ter sixty red hellyuns comin’ to’ard us, jisi on ther lightnin’-hum reg’lar stompede speed, from ther west perrarer. Ef we’uns scrouges through, by ther skin o’ our teeth, we'll be some consider’ble neler Whar in thunderation air Tonk? He an’ I'll hev ter risk scalps, an’ draw ther or’nary, bleed-suckin’, ha’r-t’arin’ red skunks to’ard ther Newersis, er everythin’s gone ter smash—caliker an’ all!” The first speaker delivered his warning in a hasty voice, showing, as he spurred his horse in headlong haste into the mesquites, that he was te with the deepest concern and apprehen- sion. The mesquites were but a mile in breadth, but extended north and south, for some miles, be- tween the Rio Frio and Rio Nueces—an un- broken level plain stretching between the two rivers. Branebing out from the ground, and standing in clumps, between which a wagon could easily s, these mesquites were, on an average, about n feet in hight. The man who dashed in among them, bring- ing his horse to.a halt, as well as a tilted wagon, drawn by six well-fed mules, was addressed by the owner of the latter, as we have just heard, by the name of ‘‘ Old Rocky.” He was a scout of great renown in the South- west; was of medium size and hight, but cf iron sinews and nerves. His face was wrinkled, and mueh tanned by camp-fires and the south- ern sun, and his long hair was sprinkled with gray. An old slouched, greasy sombrero was drawn low over his brow, and beneath it were small but bright keen eyes of hazel; bis beard, of a kind that matched his hair, leaving but a small portion of his face visible. _ He was fully armed and mounted upon an iron-gray mustang, equipped with the usual strings, loops, and lariat; together with his serape, or Mexican blanket, canteen, tin cup, and malettos or saddle-bags. Old Rocky’s Pard. The man addressed by Old Rocky, was a tall, raw-boned individual of perhaps sixty years of age; although the flash of his eye and his quick- spoken words indicated that he would no easily vanquished foe. It was evident, indegd, that he was full of fire and muscular strength, unusual to one at his time of life. His features now showed plainly that he was most painfully apprehensive and concerned by the words of the old scout, who, on his part, seemed only with a spirit of rg tience, as he gazed beyond the wagon, and be- tween the clumps of mesquites, At this moment, however, a pair of equestri- ans galloped into view; and were, in them- selves, a sight that would call forth, from one seeing them for the first time, an ejaculation of extreme surprise and admiration. Side by side they galloped; two perfect types of civilized and savage life, forming extreme contrasts to each other, yet each claiming the admiration of the beholder. One was a most beautiful maiden, with long, dark-brown and wavy hair, that hung uncon- fined, except by a Gypsy-like hat, adorned with prairie flowers, Her eyes were dark, and bright and piercing, and her cheeks glowed with the rose-tint of per- fect; health. She was attired in a riding-habit of rich col- ors, with a silken kerchief loosely tied about her neck, and her small hands were incased in embroidered gauntlets. But, the other—ye s!—he was one that would have caused a beholder to gaze with bated breath, so commanding was his lordly presence. His agile movements, his grace, and the cen- taur-like set of steed and man, seemed each to have been created for the other. He was an Indian; his presence and the man- ner of the maiden proving him to be of a friend- ly tribe, ¥ His raven hair almost swept the back of his horse, and was held in place bekind his ears by a beaded fillet, into which were thrust three eagle-plumes—the insignia of a chief. ; He was naked from the waist up, and his Apollo-like form showed great strength and suppleness, He wore ornamented moccasins, with thick double soles, and buckskin leggins deeply fringed and beaded. The points of these latter were secured to a belt, which held in place a red _breech-cloth, and sustained a huge sealping-knife and a revolver. r His saddle, bridle and other equipments were like those of the scout already mentioned, while at his back was a short bow and quiver of ar- rows. His face was ornamented with narrow stripes of blue pigment and vermilion, as was also his brow. This, however, seemed but to add to his warlike and commanding appearance, rather than to lend to him anything of a hideous aspect. ut the most noticeable feature of the chief’s savage make-up was.the representation of a turtle, done upon his bronzed breast in different colored pigments; the head, tail and legs ex- tended from the shell, as if in energetic motion. As has been said, the new-comers seemed to be friendly to each other; the maiden laughing . merrily, doubtless at some light remark of her
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Old Rocky’s Pard. 3 own, for the countenance of the Indian was stoical, and betrayed nothing of the thoughts or impressions that might be governing his brain. -man though he was, the beautiful girl who rode by his side could have found no more devoted friend than this same Turtle, the Tonk- away—the red-pard of Old Rocky, Single-Eye and Big FootWallace, the scouts, Reaching the wagon, the pair found that it had halted, and that Old Rocky was sitting his horse in front of the mule team, as if he had just arrived on the scene. Seeing this, the manner of both suddenly changed. The Indian at once knew, from the concerned appearance of the old scout, that something was wrong. “Dang my ole heart, Tonk,” exclaimed he catching sight of bis red pard, ‘“‘ I’m chuck full 0’ glad ter see yer! “Thar’s hefty biz ahead, an’ a big crop of ha’r ter gather, else we-’uns kin say ‘now I lay me,’ flop over an’ make a die o’ hit ter onc’t. “Cap'n, jist yeou step right hyer, an’ lay low, fer ter listen ter music. Miss Mollie, jump yer critter an’ crawl inter ther wagon speedy, fer thar’s bleed, yells an’ tortur’ in their perrarer air. Ef ye’r’ sot onter by ther hellyuns, make yer shooters talk fast, fer Tonk an’ I bev got ter make a desp’rit drive fer ter git ther cusses offen tha’r course, ‘We'll strike to’ards Newersis, an’ ther scarifyers "Il foller, L reckon, which air ther only way ter save yer lives. Come, Tonk—no time fer gab. Every minnit now may be wo’th a human life,” There was no change in the face of the Tonk- away at this, except a deadiy, revengeful glitter that flashed in his eye. He sat his horse, drink- ing in every word, and as Old Rocky concluded and at once spurred his steed forward, he cut the air with his quirt and dashed on like an arrow from the bow, after the old scout. Soon, however, Old Rocky halted near the western verge of the mesquites. Then hesprung ee earth, and the Tonkaway bounded to his side, “* Jist gaze thar, Tonk,” said the former, pointing to the west plain. “Ef thar ain’t a sight ter make a few lone humans hey a crawl- in’ et ther ruts o’ ther ha’r, ’m a dod-gasted perrarer pervaricator, from ther word go /” ““ Waugh!” burst from the lips of the Tonka- way, as he instinctively clutched the handle of his scalping-knife. ‘‘ Heap big war-party,” he continued, “Trail point here, White chief with wheel-lodge lose scal Bright Eyes, she sa scalp. Mebbe so Old Rocky, Turtle lose scalp, Rit does look kinder bilious fer we-uns; but all onus c’u’d skute, givin’ ther condemned kiotes a hefty riffle o’ fun ef hit warn’t fer ther leetle gal an’ Marm Meredith. Hit’s a dead sure thing though, thet they’d skupe us in, ef they war ‘long, fer we'd be ’bleeged ter hole back on thar ‘eount. ‘‘Howsomever, thar ain’t no use ter sling ab. Yeou and I, Tonk, must break bush, an’ ead ther hellyuns on a chase to’ards ther Newersis, We kin sep’rate afore we strike ther Souse Lakes; an’ ef we're hard pressed, we kin jump fer dirt, an’ take water. Mebbe so we kin skin through, but anyhow hit’s gut ter be did, or Cap’n Meredith an’ his lay-out, ther angel in caliker counted in, "ll be all sweptinter kingdom come. “Shell we lunge out now, Tonk? I’m ready ter shout, an’ show a clean pa’r o’ heels.” “Turtle is ready,” was the laconic reply, as the Tonkaway whirled and sprung int) his saddle. Old Rocky also femounted, secured his lariat, and gathered reins, Wait,” be said, ‘‘ ontil I give ther word; an’ keep *bout ten jumps from my critter, ‘longside. I reckon we kin wipe out a few, an’ sp’ile some on ’em fer futur’ fightin’, arter ther kiotes lunge out arter us.” It was a most terrible sight that now present- ed itself to the view of our friends; especially when, as was the case, the lives of those who had trusted to their guidance, and who had be- come very dear to them during a short trip, de- pended entirely upon their sagacity and cunning in this emergency. About half a mile from their lookout were fully sixty Apache warriors, lashing their half- wild steeds at terrific speed toward the line of mesquites, seemingly unsuspicious of the pres- ence of foes in their front, Like an avalanche of horror, on they came; a sight that was most hellish to contemplate, eager for blood, for scalps, for revenge ae, the hated Texanos of the lower Rio Frio and Rio Nueces. Just as the fearful-looking double line of paint-daubed, feather-bedizened fiends reached a point, about a quarter of a mile from the mes- theo the daring old scout and his red pard, ‘urtle, the Tonkaway, urged their horses slow- ly out from the green screen of dense foliage, pretending to have been unconscious all the while of anything like enemies in their vicinity until they were several paces from the mes- quites. Then, feigning to have just discovered the Apaches, they half-whirled their horses, and spurred south at breakneck speety geliopiny parallel with the line of bushes; while, out from three-score of throats, rung the blood- chilling, appalling war-whoops of the Apaches, who now turned their snorting steeds, in hot pursuit of the pair whom they evidently be- lieved to be doomed, Faster flew their quirts, while their faces grew more hideous, and their yells more ap- lling and hellish, as the war-cry of the onkaway, in taunting intonation, and the Texan yell of Old Rocky were shot back; ac- companied by derisive gestures from the daring and reckless pair, who flew before them, CHAPTER IL. - THE PURSUIT. “TDog-conE my ole heart, Tonk! Weuns made ther riffle so fur; pulled ther wool over ther red cusses’ peepers, an’ I reckon saved ther folkses et ther waggin from bein’ scarifyed, skinned an’ toasted. But, we hed a purty slim show ter skin out o’ this, an’ carry our nat’ral head-gear. ‘“*We-uns hes ther vantage o’ fnags, but or- mighty leetle time ter hunt holes arter strikin’
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4 Old Rocky’s Pard. kiver. Reckon I'll gin one kill-niggor a show to spoke a word,” Thus yelled Old Rocky, as he and the Tonk- away flew over the plain; the deafening shouts of the pursuing Apaches, however, making it almost impossible for Turtle to catch a word, The Tonkaway, more from the movements of his white pard than from the words, realized his intention; and his eyes blazed with furious longing, as he drew,his rifle from its holder, turned partly in his saddle, at the same moment 2 did the old scout, took quick aim, and pulled igger. he almost simultaneots report caused a chorus of vengeful and furious yells from the war-party, and two of the braves threw up their arms, and with horrible death-howls, fell over onthe plain. This caused a momentary con- fusion in the middle of the line, but the east and west wings dashed on most furiously, doubly eager for revenge; while at the same time a volley of arrows shot toward the pursued, the whirling steel points glittering and glinting in the red light of the declining sun. Quickly reloading, as the feathered shafts struck the earth in their rear, Turtle and the old scout again pointed weapons, one to the east and the other to the west wing of the ad- vancing Apaches; and again there was confu- sion, caused by two more warriors being struck by the leaden messengers of death. Our friends, however, now began to see that they had lost ground; and reasoned that, as thay had been in the saddle since morning, without having given their animals sufficient rest at noon, and the mustangs of the enemy being comparatively fresh, before, therefore, they could reach the timber in their front, which bordered on the Souse Lakes, they would be within range of the Apache bows, and could not hope to escape death. Something must now be done, Old Rocky re- alized, or they were lost. A little advantage had been gained, as we have seen, in the begin- ing of the chase; and they must now put their ss in similar tactics, hey knew that, should they be so fortunate as to gain the timber alive, they would be forced to spring from their steeds, and run to some place of concealment; and, as this was realized, the old scout also reasoned that, should they separate, they would not only gain in the dis- tance, but one or the other would be more likely to escape. Their separation would cause confusion, neces- sitate a division of the war-party, and conse- ~quent delay. All this would enable the daring air to regain some of the distance which they ad lost, “Skute fer ther west eend o’ ther Souse Lakes!” Thus yelled Old Rocky in the ears of Turtle, as he spurred his horse alongside the animal of his red pard, . Weill dewide ther condemned scum o’ ther Pecos, which’! gi’n us a show for our ha’r. Ef they press clos’t onter yer, jump from yer nag, an’ take ter water; then glide east, an’ I'll skute to’ards yer locate. “ We'll mix ’em up ter-night, and then levant back ter ther waggin, which’ll hey ter be p’inted back to’ard ther Frio, er ther hull outfit ‘ll be kerral’d, - “ Air hit all hunk, Tonk?” ‘“Heap good council talk. Turtle get Apache scalps on lake, Lose so many,”—holding up four fingers, ‘Make Turtle heap mad—want sound war-cry. Kill heap Apaches.” ““We kin skupe some on ’em in outen ther dew ter-night, on ther sly; so don’t weep’ fer lost ha’r,” returned Old Rocky, encouragingly. ‘*Keep yer grip, an’ j’ine me es soon es yer kip. So long, Tonk!” Waving a hand to each other, both now spur- red off at right angles; one dashing southeast and the other southwest. Fierce yellsfrom the pursuing Indians greeted this movement, and as Old Rocky bad reasoned, it occasioned a halt, and consequent delay in the pursuit. This, however, was but momentary. Soon a score of warriors were flying over the plain, in pursuit of Old Rocky, the same number after Turtle. There was a look of satisfaction on the face of the old scout as he turned and saw the success of the strategy. But this soon gave place to a scowl of deep concern and anxiety, as he saw that nearly as many more braves were now dashing on the back trail. The Apaches had thus divided into three parties; those with tbe slain braves hastening back to the point at which he and the Tonkaway had started from the mes- quites. Old Rocky at once decided that they had ‘own suspicious, Evidently, they reasoned that there must be more whites in the line of mesquites, and that the old scout had been acting as their guide. Hence their return to investigate. No sooner did he discover this undreamed-of movement, than he gave a wild yell to draw the attention of Turtle. He then waved his hand in the direction of the Indians who had galloped northward. An answering gesture and whoop were re- turned, proving that the Tonkaway understood the situation, and that a necessity had arisen for him to rejoin Old Rocky as soon as possible, after evading the Apaches. This must be done under cover of the approaching night; and then, they could hasten back to the relief of their friends, whom they had left with the wagon. The plain was now open as far as eye could reach, and there was no possible opportunity to return by circling, even were their horses equal to such a long and terrible race, Not five miles ahead of them was the towering green timber, that fringed the shores of the Souse Lakes. Beyond these, there was the serpentine line of trees, that marked the course of the Rio Nueces, Neither Old Rocky nor Turtle felt any appre- hension in regard to their escaping death or cap- ture, could they but reach the friendly timber, although they were sure they would be forced to lose their prized steeds, but to regain which, they were resolved to risk everything the com- ing night. The frantic fury of their pursuers was now increased by the taunting yells of the two men at every bound; the Apaches being also puzzled
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Old Rocky’s Pard. 4 at the disdain thus manifested by men who must know tbat escape was impossible. This made them almost certain that there must be a strong party of whites within the timber ahead; or otherwise, they surely would not | dash for its shelter in such a reckless and con- fident manner. Still the two parties of Apache braves went skimming along the plain, at breakneck speed, sparing not their animals in the least, and soon were some two miles apart; the pursued, thus far, having quartered toward the timber. But, at this distance, both the old scout and the Tonkaway, took a balf-turn, and darted straight toward the Souse Lakes, a course which would leave them separated only by the two miles, when the lakes were reached. However, this slight change in their course gave the pursuers some little advantege; which was hailed with exultant yells, while the dis- tance between themselves and their expected victims became less and Jess. The reason of this was, that neither Turtle nor Old Rocky put their animals to full speed, they wishing to make a grand spurt just before reaching the timber, for the purpose of gaining time to secrete themselves or swim to the opposite side of the lakes. Both men were now pointed to- ward a narrow portion of the same, for the purpose of giving them a better chance to es- cape. It was, indeed, a terrible race, and one that taxed the mustangs of the Indians to the ut- most; but an Apache has no heart, no mercy for the animal he bestrides. He will ride the beast to death, even when in pursuit of game. So on, at a labored lope, they went, until within less than an arrow-shot of their hated foes, wishing to take the two men alive for the torture, Consequently, they refrained from the use of their bows, so sure were they of their prey. Then it was that a surprise awaited them. For, when their paint-daubed breasts were filled to the uttermost with exultation, and but a short distance intervened between them and the pursued, and when the timber was but a uarter of a mile in their front, both Turtle and ld Rocky, as if by pre-arranged signal, al- though quite two miles apart, turned simul- taneously in their saddles, and fired their rifles ae the mad, eager hordes so close behind them, Then, while yet the death-howl sounded, each let fly a half-dozen well-directed revolver shots, into the yelling Apache ranks; and then, dash- ing spurs, they flew toward the green shades at double the speed heretofore maintained. Every bullet fulfilled, at least, a part of its mission ; and the howls of death-stricken braves, the yells of the wounded, and the whoops of mad fury; mingled with the snorts of terrified steeds, and the lash of tbe terrible quirts, as every brave, who was able to sit in the saddle, now dashed in frenzy toward the river, leaving the dead and dying upon the plain. The Apaches thus realized, when too late, that the cunning scouts had outwitted them, and would undoubtedly escape; as the sun had now sunk, and the timber was darkened by coming night, Only a few bounds had the Apache mustangs made, after the disastrous fire of their foes, which had brought all toa halt in confusion, when, in their front, nothing was to be seen ex- cept the towering, moss-draped timber, the dense undergrowth, and a narrow strip of sward. Over this last, the mad hordes galloped, and went crashing into the bushes, with fierce whoops and vengeful yells, CHAPTER IIL LOVE ON THE BORDER. WueEwn Turtle and Old Rocky dashed from the vicinity of the wagon, and disappeared from view, the owner of the ‘‘ outfit,” who had been addressed by the old scout as ‘‘cap’n,” turned quickly to the fair equestrienne, who had not as yet obeyed the order of Old Rocky, and exclaimed: ‘Mollie, my dear daughter, I very much fear that we are in most deadly peril, I was greatly concerned at your absence, although there have been no Indian raids thrcugh this section in many months. But for the express orders of our old guide, which I was very much inclined to disregard, we should have been in the open plain, instead of being within these mesquites, which are not easy to travel through. “Tn that case, we should doubtless have been captured by this war-party which Old Rocky has so providentially discovered.” “But, father,” returned the girl, her cheeks turning pale suddenly, ‘‘ do you understand that Turtle and Old Rocky have gone with the ex- press purpose of exposing themselves to capture or death, in an attempt to draw the Indians from this quarter, thus preserving our lives at the probable sacrifice of their own?” “That 1s just what they are about to do,” was the reply. ““They are indeed most noble-hearted men,” said his daughter, with deep feeling; ‘‘ but, if there are as many Indians as Old Rocky seenis to think, 1 fear we shall never see either him or the faithful Tonkaway again.” ‘* Well, there is no time for talk. I must view the danger ahead, at any cost; though I shall promise not to expose myself, I will leave my pare here, and walk to the*edge of the mes- quites, As Captain Meredith spoke, he dismounted, and secured his animal to one of the wheels of the wagon. ‘Oh, father, do not leave us, I beg of you!” pleaded Mollie. ‘Indeed, I think that Turtle and Old Rocky ought to have remained. There is no one but James to protect mother and Bennie; and I feel so much concerned in regard to mother, who must be sleeping at this time. ok Do, father, please allow me to accompany you. The driver of the wagon, a young man of graceful appearance, and apparently of uncom- mon muscular strength, had sprung to the ground atthe moment of Old Rocky’s appear- ance, and grasped the bridles cf the leading mules; but, as the peril of the party was re- vealed, he quickly secured the animals to a
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Old Rocky’s Pard. strong mesquite tree, and procuring a Colt’s carbine from the wagon-box, stood ready for defense, Although this young man was clad in the rough apparel common to teamsters, a glance into his intelligent blue eyes, and at the gentle- manly bearing that marked his actions, would convince one that he was above his present station. His chin and face were so covered with a dark- brown beard, and bis slouched sombrero was worn so low over his brow, that but little of his features were revealed, But any close observer would have decided, from the actions and man- ner of the teamster, that he was far more anxious in regard to bis employer’s family, than his station would naturally call for, Especially did he seem to be interested in the beautiful daughter of Captain Meredith, The latter hesitated only for a moment, after Mollie had spoken. He then addressed the teamster rather nervously: “James, are Mrs, Meredith and my son asleep?” “Both asleep this last half hour, sir,” the young man replied. “All right,” replied the captain. ‘‘ For awhile, at least, they will be free from fear and a knowledge of danger. “Keep by the wagon and guard them with your life, my man. Now, my child,” turning to Mollie, ‘‘ I will say that I must have a view of the plain. Our lives hang in the balance, if Old Rocky’s words prove true, and he is not one to raise a false alarm, Had not he and Turtle taken the course they have, we should doubtless have been discovered, and all of us massacred. “ Bat come, Mollie, we will go at once. Guard well my treasures, James!” Captain Meredith stalked forward, as he fin- ished speaking, followed by his daughter, who carried her rifle as though she were well used to the use of the weapon. As the young girl passed the teamster the hand of the latter was quickly thrust forward, clasping the palm of the maiden, and he whis- pered burriedly: ‘* For God’s sake—for your own and my sake, Mollie, be prudent! Do not expose yourself to danger. [shall be in tortures until you return.” ‘ Never fear for me, Randal,” was the confi- dent reply. ‘‘I shall use great caution, Take care of my mother and brother.” This side-play was unperceived by Captain Meredith, and Mollie glided quickly to her father’s sile, both soon reaching a point at the edge of the mesquites, from which they could view the west plain, Their terrible horror may be imagined upon beholding the long line of fierce Apache warriors, just as the latter dis- covered Turtle and the old scout emerging from the screen of bushes, and galloping toward the Rio Nueces. Instinctively the young girl drew backward, her face the pallor of death, and her eyesstar- ing. in terror, : ven the iron frame of Captain Meredith seemed to cringe, as if it had received a terrible shock; and no wonder was it, for such a dread- ful meh he had never even dreamed of, or be- lieved it could exist upon earth. ! quest James to give the mules some corn. But their horror was as nothing to their agonizing concern in regard to the two brave men, who, repudiating all thought of self, had exposed themselves to almost certain death in order to decoy the Apaches from the mesquites. ‘God forgive. me for bringing my darlings into this terrible danger!” burst from the cap- tain’s lips. ‘ That sight is enough to appall the stoutest heart. I have never believed one-half of the stories I have heard so often from the scouts and rangers in San Antonio, but now I can believe the worst that is reported, I trem- ble for the safety of our two friends, I see no hope for them.” rom the fact that the pursuing Apaches were in the rear of the scouts, and between them and the observers, the parties seemed much nearer each other than hs were in reality. “Oh, father! hy did you not locate on the Frio, and not come so -far from civilization? I know you have been terribly wronged, and that our fallen fortunes warn you against being again defrauded by old titles; but we ought not to jeopardize our lives, or the lives of others, by advancing thus far toward the Rio Grande. This is a warning not to be disregarded, ‘* Poor mother! If she had seen these Apaches and heard their yells, I really believe she would have died with fright. Do you think she may have heard them, papa?” “Tt is quite possible, Mollie. I should judge they might have been heard for miles, Buf, indeed, Lagree with you. I don’t want to pro- ceed after this experience; indeed, nothing would induce me to venture further south, We will at once turn back to the Frio, but it goes against the grain to risk those who have so nobly risked their lives for us.” ‘*We cannot help them in the least, father; and I know if they could communicate with us, they would say, ‘Back to the Frio with you, as fast as the mules can run!’ Indeed they have apg death to give us time and opportunity to 0 80. “You are right, Mollie, We will linger no longer than to rest the mules. If Old Rocky and Turtle clude the Indians at the Rio Nueces, they will hasten here, and follow our trail, soon rejoining us, ‘But, look there, my child! As I live, they are firing into the Apaches. They have sent;their bullets home, for two braves are down, and all is confusion—” ‘“‘ Bravo!” cried Mollie, in exultation, “Why, father, those Apaches cannot be as terrible as they appear, when we consider that two men dare face them in that way.” “There are no two other men in the whole country who dare attempt such a feat,” said Captain Meredith. ‘ [t was grand and heroic in the extreme. But I suppose you do not wish to change your desire in regard to our making an immediate retreat?” ‘This is the case, papa, where ‘ distance lends not only enchantment to the view,’ but promises safety. We must bear in mind that the return of that war-party is not improbable, and should ce discover us— Oh, horror! I dare not think of it! “ Please return,” said the captain, ie i wi
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Old Rocky’s Pard. 7 stay a short time while the animals eat, and watch the chase, 7 “Tam very anxious in regard to the scouts; but we will proceed in a very short time on our return, driving all night, for I am apprehensive that the Indians may gallop back to inspect the mesquites. “There go two more flashes. Hark! Did you hear the report of the rifles, Mollie?” “Yes, but very faintly. How I hope those brave men may escape!” “Hasten!” said Capea Meredith. “TI feel that we are hovering on the brink of the deadli- est danger.” Without a word, the maiden ran through the mesquites, and was met by the teamster, who said in a low voice: “Thank Heaven, you have returned, my dar- ling! I cannot bear this disguise much longer, T even pray for some danger, through which I may in some way win your father’s regard and respect.” “Ob, Randal! don’t be discouraged. By this disguise we are enabled to be together. But basten, and give the mules corn; for we must soon speed back to the Frio.” “ T regret that cae father has thus decided, Mollie; but I will do as Se say. As to the Apaches, they are, I have always heard, a mer- ciless tribe; and I do not think we could defend ourselves against this war-party,. “IT am in hopes, however, that these brave men will succeed in eluding the red demons.” With gestures of caution to the young man, Mollie Meredith ‘stepped on the wagon-pole, and peered into the vehicle, Regaining the ground, she again spoke softly: ““Mother and Bennie are asleep, and [ am thankful for it. I feared those war-whoops would awaken them. Randal, dear, I know you are sacrificing your independence to please me; but I should have been, oh, so unhappy, had you not accompanied us. And this, you know, is the enly way in which you could tiave done it. “What the future may have in store for us, we cannot tell. I regret my father’s unaccount- able antipathy toward you; but I hope and pray that all will end well.” “It goes against the in greatly, Mollie; but I would sacrifice my life for you. We will wait and watch; but do not torture me by ven- oe from the vicinity of the wagon, or 1 shall lose command of myself, desert the team, and rush to your side, for 1 know the dangers of the border better than you do.” At this moment, the attention of both was drawn by the whisking of branches, and Cap- tain Meredith came toward them in great haste, his face ghastly, as he yelled: “Turn the team, James! For God’s sake, hasten! Lash the mules at a gallop on the back trail. Mount your horse, Mollie, or join your mother in the wagon. The red devils are com- ing back, and will be here in half an hour. May od preserve my darlings!” ‘* Father,” said the young girl, in forced calm- ness, “‘ where are the scouts? Do you really think that you saw aright? What can it ail mean?” _“ Yes, yes! It is plain ng Do not ques- tion me; but doasI bid you. The Indians have divided their party; some pursue the scouts toward the Nueces, and the others are galloping this way in mad haste. For heayven’s sake!”— this, to his wife—“ go to the rear of the bi a and keep quiet. Weare going back to the Frio. Danger is in our rear.” Upon first speaking, the captain mounted his horse, and his last words were addressed toa pale and trembling woman, who, from the piles of goods, leaned forward, with horror-stricken eyes, toward the speaker. “Oh, mother, go back, and don’t awaken Bennie!” exclaimed Mollie. ‘‘We shall soon reach a place of safety.” Meanwhile, James, as the captain called the teamster, had lost no time in getting the mules in readiness to depart; and, as the maiden ad- dressed her mother, be sprung into his saddle, on the wheeler, jerked the mules around, and dashed the team through the mesquites toward the north. By this time the terrified mother, with prayers on her quivering lips, had regained her former position in the rear of the wagon— the closely drawn tilt shutting out all view. On rattled the wagon at great speed, the mules going ata gallop, Captain Meredith and his daughter, with their rifles at half-cock, at times gazing in their rear, galloping close behind the wagon. James frequently leaned toone side in his saddle, gazing in apprehension on the back trail, where the, to him, maiden of ail maidens in the universe, oceupied a most dangerous position in case of attack or pursuit. Should it come to that, the young man re- solved that be would jump from his saddle, and protect her with his life at the first sight of savage foe, CHAPTER IV. ON THE WING. THE sun had sunk below the horizon, but the western heavens were of a fiery hue, enabling one to see his way within the timber, when Turtle the Tonkaway dashed into the dense uv- dergrowth bordering the chain of water-holes, known as the Souse Lakes, The Apaches, he well knew, were not far be- hind him. So close, indeed, were they, that Turtle knew it would be impossible for him to swim to the opposite side of the water-bole, narrow though it was, without ea 3 at their mercy. As the thought flashed into his mind, a plan of escape was formed almost as quickly. Slinging his carbine to his back, and detach- ing the lariat from his saddle, he secured the rope to his belt, and made ready to carry out his plan. Soon guiding his horse near to the trunk of a huge tree, from which depended an intricate mass of vines and drooping eee moss, he sprung to a standing "posture in his saddle, gave the animal a terrific blow with his quirt; sp- ing,"at the same time, a large vine which he knew was well braced, and quickly disappeared amid the thick foliage and moss, The horse, with frantic bounds, = on- — and down along the bank of the lake to the left. The exultant yells of the Apaches, as they
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now urged their mustangs into the timber, served to hasten the flight of the Tonkaway’s steed; and the plunging of their own animals through the undergrowth drowned the sound of crashing bushes caused by the beast, The horse, providentially for Turtle, soon fell into a wash-out, or gully, that was completely concealed by an arch of intertwined bushes. This gully led direct to the lake: and along its bed the animal now walked, soon reaching the water, and drinking with avidity, whilescreened by the overbanging bushes, But, to return to our friend, the Tonkaway. The plan of pati conceived by Turtle, be had executed as quickly as it passed through his mind; and, no sooner had he gained a position that was secure from observation, than the fierce yells of the Apaches cut the air, and filled him with fury and thirst for revenge. In a moment, he had secured the slack end of bis lasso about a stout limb, adjusted the noose, ams ood with the coil over his arm, ready to use-it, His eyes blazed with intense hatred and venge- ful fury, as the maddened borde came crashing through the undergrowth beneath his covert. This fact assured the Tonkaway of his safety. He now bent low, and cast piercing glances toward the plain, to note which was the last brave in the chase, Having thus by inspection and a fine calcula- tion, noted the rearmost Apache, Turtle made ready for his desperate undertaking. The bushes he had observed, increased in hight toward the lake, and in consequence, those at the front, could not, after passing the tree in which he was ensconced, see their brother braves who were following them. This decided the Tonkaway to carry out an- other plan, which was quickly conceived as were the first and second: On beneath him, dashed the furious Apaches, lashing their panting mustangs, while their black, snake-like eyes thirsted for revenge upon the man who had led them such a long race, and who affiliated with the whites. The face of the rearmost brave was contorted with fiendish rage, but it was a passion that was to be instantaneously changed to agony and bor- ror, for, as his horse sprung beneath the covert of the Tonkaway, the latter dexterously cast his deadly lasso in such a manner that the noose fell over the neck of the brave, The next instant the rope tightened with a vicious twang, and the warrior was jerked from his mustang so quickly that he dropped his knife, his weight tightening the lariat beyond the pos- sibility of allowing another breath to enter the lungs of the doomed brave. As soon as Turtle saw that he bad accom- ieee the death of his foe, be sprung far out rom the branch and landed directly in the sad- dle of his victim, The Tonkaway quickly detached the lariat from the mustang, then sprung to the earth, and, with his knife, urged the beast back toward the plain. He now stole cautiously beneath the un- paresenrtt, down the lake, and parallel with the Upon hastening down the bed of the gully to Old Rocky’s Pard. assuage his thirst, he came unexpectedly upon his much-prized horse. He felt that he could now escape and join Old Rocky. Not only was Turtle much concerned and anx- ious in regard to the safety of the old scout; but he was also filled with the same feelings in re- gard to Captain Meredith and his family, having every reason to fear that they would be attacked by fie Apaches, who had started on the back trai The one way open for Turtle now, however, was to swim the lake, and this he could not hope to accomplish in safety, until the Apaches had been in some manner drawn away from the bank. All was now still as death, and the Tonkaway reasoned that his foes must be sitting their fag- ged mustangs in a state of bewilderment, puzzled y his mysterious disappearanoe. This silence, however, did not last long. A few guttural or- ders reached the ears of the listener, and soon he knew that the baffled braves were beating the bushes, searching for bim, The next thing would be a discovery of the dead brave. He waited for the discovery of the dead brave knowing that the Apaches would at once be drawn to the spot. This would the signal for his attempt to cross the lake, A lovg-drawn how] sounded through the tim- ber, quick followed by yells from all points. The Apaches all knew that death had claimed one of their number, and all now sped toward the spot. The way of escape was now open. Turtle raa down the bed of tbe wash-out, sprung upon his horse, urged the animal into the water, and in five minutes was on the opposite shore. Turning his steed, facing the lake, the Tonka- way, during a moment of silence, shot forth the war-cry of his tribe in triumph, and gave a loud and taunting yell. These sounds were so uttered that the Apaches would not know that he was over ‘the lake. He then disappeared into the dark shades, heading east toward the point where the other party of Apaches had chased Old Rocky iuto the woods bordering on the lower end of the chain of water-holes, CHAPTER V. A RETROSPECT. THREE months previous to the commence- ment of our story, Captain Martin Meredith had been thought o2e of the wealthiest citizens of San Antonio, owning—or supposing that he owned—nearly an entire street, composed of ancient Spanish-American built dwellings, then the predominating style in the Alamo City, The captain bad formerly resided in Louisi- ana, where he was an extensive planter, and owned a large number of slaves; but being somewhat of a vain man, and fond of ostenta- tious show, he had lived beyond his means, los- ing much of his property at cards, at that day the all-absorbing passion of the planters. With the remnant of his fortune, he then went to Texas, taking with him his wife, and a daughter some six years of age.
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Old Rocky’s Pard. 3 Feeling that San Antonio was destined to be a flourishing city, he purchased property on a street which ran fest with the river, west of the old mill and ee ale ip The captain came of an old family of Louisi- ana; ana, as has been said, was very proud and reserved. Consequently he had asked for no in- formation in regard to the validity of the titles given by American residents of the old Spanish towr. All went well for a time, The property, purchased and held by Martin Meredith, in the ccurse of a few years increased in value to double the amount he bad paid for the same, and he felt that he was on the road to greater wealth than he had possessed in his most palmy days. A son was born to him whom he named Ben- fold, The daughter, a very beautiful girl, was kept at her studies in the Convent School. At tbe time to which we have alluded, the penpenty of Captain Meredith was wrested from im by a Castilian family, who held an old, so- called Spanish title to the land. Gathering his energies, at length, be resolved to go beyond the line of civilization, pre-empt a section of land, and invest the wreck of his fortune in stock-raising. Previous to this, the captain had made a dis- covery that confirmed him in his resolution. Walking in the gardens connected with his residence, be perceived a young man _ seated with his fair daughter, and holding the hand of the young girl lovingly in hisown, There was no mistaking what it meant. Furious with anger, Captain Meredith would not hear a word from either of the lovers, in ex- planation. With violent threats of what would happen should he venture to return, the young man was ordered from the grounds. Proudly, and with- out a word in Ply the youth strode away, waving his hand to Mollie, in adieu. Recovering somewhat from his anger, the irate father sought his daughter, and demanded an explanation of what he termed her undutiful and unladylike conduct, The girl bad inherited much of her father’s pride and independence of character, She asked no forgiveness but frankly acknowledged that she had become acquainted with Randal Rockwell some months previous, that he was everything that was noble and good, and that she loved him, and should continue to do so, with all her heart and soul. It was the old, old story. Captain Meredith was beside himself with rage. © swore that when Mollie married, it should be toa man of his choice. The girl said nothing but the expression of her features showed an un- bending will; and her father began to realize for the first time, that his child was much like himself in disposition. But he was determined to prevent the lovers from again meeting. He resolved to trace out this young Rockwell, and ascertain his charac- ter and standing; though he felt assured that the young man was without fortune or family, The captain learned tbat the obnoxious youth was a clerk in the Quartermaster’s Department, at the Alamo Mission, and that he was in receipt of but a paltry salary. Although but a clerk in Government employ, and to all appearance in straitened circum- stances, young Rockwell bore the impress of a gentleman; his education was of a high order, proving that he had been reared far above his resent station, and he was respected and es- peerta by all with whom he came in con- tact But he was one who said little of him- self, and boasted of no wealthy or distinguished relatives, Mrs. Meredith had herself been in humble circumstances at the time of her marriage with the captain, and she felt great sympathy with the lovers, striving to give her daughter hope and comfort. She was, indeed, in possession of a secret, which, had she been ppt by Randal to reveal it to her husband, would have made the latter look with much more favor upon him, In this way matters were situated when Cap- tain Meredith was pone by the loss of near- ly everything that he had on earth, except the love of his family. A dangerous illness followed, tbrough which Mollie nursed bim, and also at- tended to the wants of her pow almost demented mother. Little Ben, at this time but fourteen years of age, was a bright youth of great promise, and assisted his sister greatly in her many cares; both resolving that no stranger hand should minister to the wants of their parents. Great was the consternation and amazement of Randal, when Mollie, shortly after the recov- ery of the captain, informed him, with bitter tears, that her father had decided to leave San Antonio, and establish a ranch on the wild lands of the frontier, there to engage in the raising of cattle and horses. The young girl suggested to him that, as they could not live apart without suffering continual anxiety, each on the other’s account, and as marriage was out of the question for the pres- ent, that he should disguise himself, and secure the situation of driver of the wagon in which their few household effects were to be transport- ed to the frontiers. , Without hesitating for an instant, the young man agreed to Mollie’s plan as soon as it was roposed; in fact, eagerly, and with the most intense relief. b He vowed that he would accompany the *‘ out- fit” as bootblack and camp-cock to Captain Meredith, rather than suffer the fearful anxiety’ and anguish of mind that a separation from the darling of his heart would cause him. __ No sooner was this decided upon, the time be- ing some four weeks previous to the anticipated departure of the Merediths from San Antonio, than Randal threw up the situation which he had beld for some time at the quartermaster’s office, and went into ok alone, on the San Antonio River, some miles below tbe city. While there, he inured himself in every way to camp life, visiting the Granger Ranch daily, to assist in hitching up mules, and learn all that he could of those perverse and vicious members of the animal kingdom. Learning that Old Rocky, a noted scout, was to guide her father to the Rio Nueces, Mollie
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sought an interview with the former on the first opportunity: ‘o him she revealed her secret, and requested of him that he would visit Randal at his camp, assist him in disguising himself, and then volun- teer to engage a driver for her father. This driver, of course, was to be Randal Rockwell. All was arranged as Mollie proposed and planned, CHAPTER VI. OLD ROCKY’S RUSE, Taw harrowing impressions of Old Rocky, when he detacted the departure of a portion of the war-party to the back trail, may be im- agined. He had run a terrible risk, and induced the brave Tonkaway to share it with him, in an en- deavor to prevent the Apaches from discovering the wagons; and now, it appeared, everything had been in vain. The old scout was also greatly concerned in regard to his red pard, who he feared might be too reckless, and thus jeopardize his chance for escape, Every bound of his horse seemed to increase the furious anger and torturing concern of Old Rocky; the probable fact that he would be forced to abandon his well-tried steed, adding mouch to his rage, and thirst for revenge, These thoughts darted through his mind, as he urged his horse onward, dwelling last upon the deplorable fact that there seemed no chance to escape with the animal; when he suddenly ' gave vent to a loud laugh, that indicated the most intense relief and satisfaction. “ Dang my ole Texan heart, ef I didn’t come ormighty nigh losin’ my grip, es fur es my brain-box air considered, from hevin’ a leetle tew much hellishness shoved onto me et onc’t? “Pl play a back-actin’ circus trick on ther condemned perrarer piruts, er I’m a p’ison per- varicator. Dang'd ef they’re a-goin’ ter dissect this ole raw-hide ripper, er kerral my critter either. ** By bein’ kinder keerful, an’ takin’ a chain- lightnin’ spurt, we kin skin through es neat es a pin, ole hoss, barrin’ gittin’ nibbed ter death, by ther cussed allergators; which ain’t down in ther book, Whoop-er-up, yer dang’d, or’nar greasy, painted, all-fired stinkin’ skunks! Dll sp'ile a few on yer, fer futur’ fightin’ er bu’st a- tryin’. -“Tll chaw my own ear off, ef one on the lay- out ’mong ther mesquites gits hurted—dang’d ef I doesn’t! Then look out, fer I'll be on a reg?- lar cyclone war-path. Take thet, yer smoky sons o' Satan!” As Old Rocky shot out the last words, he took quick aim in his rear, pulled trigger, giv- ing, as he did so, a yell of taunting exultation. Gre of the. Apaches fell from his mustang to the ain, . Only one warrior remained to secure the steed, and take charge of the slain Apache; the others, with yells of fury, lashing their animals onward, but, as had been the case with the others in chase of Turtle, refraining from using their bows, The old scout know, that from his first ap- ‘pearance he had been recognized by the Fae Old Rocky’s Pard. Apaches; and that they were determined, if possible, to take him alive. This, too, notwith- standing their own losses, As Old Rocky drew near the timber, he made ready for the movement, which would give him liberty or death. When within two thousand yards of the verge of the somber woods, he again turned in his saddle, and fired his trusty rifle; luckily wound ing one of the leading warriors, from whose head flaunted two eagle-feathers. This caused confusion, and a slight halt of the savages, They were quickly urged on, however, by the chief, who realized that the time had arrived to capture the noted scout, and that any delay now would enable him to escape. But no sooner had Old Rocky pulled trigger than he drove spurs deep, and his horse shot ahead, like an arrow from a bow, doubling the distance between him and his furious pursuers. As he drove spurs, the old scout see: made fast his rifle to the saddle-horn, and then, as his horse bounded into the timber, as soon as he knew that the animal was near the bank of the lake, he reversed his position, and sat ‘facing the foe; at the same time he jerked his heavy revolvers from their scabbards, and extended the eee as high as he could reach above his nead, - As this movement was accomplished, the horse bounded over the low bushes on the bank, and into the lake, with a sounding plunge, spat- tering the water ten feet in the air, both horse and man sinking beneath the surface; the two revolvers, however, remaining clear of the water. But instantly the dripping form of Ola Rocky popped upward,as did the head of his horse, the noble animal striking out for the opposite bank, cheered on by the old scout, who had taken the precaution to throw the bridloe-reins loosely over the horse’s neck. Luckily for the daring old Texan, the lake at this point was narrow. But a short distance had man and mustang proceeded, when, with terrific whoops, the Apache horde came crashing through the un- dergrowth, in a long line extending up and down the lake-shore. When the Indians reached the fringe of low bushes bordering the bank, and discovered their expected captive gliding over the surface of the waters, they were at first astounded. His hav- ing plunged over the bank, his reversed posi- tion, and his threatening attitude,were each and all inexplicable. This feeling, however, was but momentary. Soon a chorus of frantic, vengeful yells, and whoops of disappointment and fury rung over the waters, followed by a volley of arrows. These the old scout avoided by throwing himself forward upon the back of his horse. Quickly recovering his upright position, he let fly, in succession, six shots from his revol- vers, and had the satisfaction of seeing two braves fall dead, and others howl with agony; but, as if driven to perfect frenzy by this, as well as by the probabilities of the scont’s escape, a half-dozen warriors lashed their horses over the bank, into the lake, holding their bows above their heads, +
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Old Roeky’s Pard. il The pursuers had not passed over one-quarter of the distance from one side of the lake to the other, when the borse of Old Rocky clambered, panting and dripping, up the south bank and into the bushes, within the screen of which the old Texan had no sooner arrived than he quickly slid from his horse and gave the anima] a sound- ing whack, which caused it to crash onward at a gallop through the undergrowth, his done, the sccut crept directly to the edge of the bank, and there crouched, in readi- ness for business, He expected to see these warriors turn back to the shore, regardless of bis rather thin strategy ; but he was agreeably disappointed, for on they came, lured by the belief that Old Rocky was stillon his fatigued horse, and now struggling up the lake-shore through the bushes. Of this, indeed, they felt certain; for the animal was plainly heard by them. The Apaches on the opposite bank still sat their mustangs, watching their fellow braves with eager interest, and encouraging them with vengeful whoops, when suddenly, from out the fringe of thick busbes, shot a flash, followed by a report that echoed with thandering reverbera- tions, through the leafy arches of the bottom- timber and rolled up the lake. The leading brave threw up his arms, and a horrible death howl burst from his throat. Three more braves sunk into the calm waters of tha lake to be devoured by alligators, Then, with yells of astonishment, terror, and dread, the two survivors jerked the noses of their struggling mustangs in a half-circle, and headed back to the north bank, Lond and piercing rung the Texas yell of the old scout, his war-cry being close followed by two more reports from his heavy revolvers, and nothing now remained above the surface of the Jake except the muzzles and ears of desperately swimming mustangs. The old scout gave a chuckle of intense satis- faction and self-gratulation, patting his own head caressingly, as he muttered: ‘*Good boyee, Old Rock’! Yersalervated ther red hellyuns purty slick, fer a fac’; tuck °em in outen ther wet, or ruther, I sh’v’d say, put ’em ter soak fer allergators ter hash. “Now I'll glide ter ’vestergate matters 'gard- in’ ther Tonk. I hope be’s made ther riffle; but ef he’s gone over ther diwide, I swan I'll skute over ther drink ag’in, an’ plug every red hellyun thar bees come nigh me, ontil I goes under— dog-goned ef I don’t, every time! “Dang my cats!” he exclaimed, in self-con- demnation at the after-thought, ‘I plum fur- gut ther cap’n, an’ ther kaliker-covered female omen! ‘“‘ Here goes! Tonk fu’st, an’ then we'll whoop- er-ee fer ther mesquites; thet air ef my red pard hain’t warbled his death-song.” CHAPTER VI, THE CAPTURE. No event of importance occurred on the trail of our friends, from the time they had left San Antonio until we take up the record of their perils, commencing in the line of mesquites, be- tween the Rio Frio and the Rio Nueces. At first all had been delighted with the Tonk- away, who had joined the party at the Rio Medina, at the request of Old Rocky, the latter asserting with pride that bis red pard “‘c’u'd skupe in more ha’r on a trail than a dozen com- mon perrarer peregrinators.” Little Ben, at first somewhat frightened at the war-painted brave, soon became very friendly with him, as also did Mollie, and Turtle repaid it by guarding the young lady with jealouscare, on her own little expeditions in search of wild- flowers. The little son of Captain Meredith was a well- developed, handsome Jad; and, during toe trip, he had proved himself a goud marksman, and brave as a lion, He had a rifle that had been made expressly for him, with a navy revolver in close ng cok Little Ben, as well as kis mother, had fallen asleep from fatigue, at the time of the alarm; and, until the return of the captain from his lookout, neither of them knew anything of the delay or the danger that menaced them. The boy awakened quickly, and realizing that the wagon was going at terrific speed, supposed the team to be running away. Springing to the forward part of the wagon, he peered out, and saw James, as the teamster was called, lash- ing the mules, while the wagon was swaying like a boat in a storm. He soon saw that something was wrong. “ What in the world is the matter, mother?” he asked. “Oh, Benny, my child! We are pursued by Indians. We sball all be slain! Ob, why did ‘we venture over the Frio?” cried the terror- stricken woman, “Don’t fret, mother,” said the boy bravely, as he grasped his rifle; ‘ we'll attend to the Indians. I reckon they won’t get away with | papa, and James, and Mollie, and me; to say nothing of Old Rocky and Turtle. By the way, I don’t see either of our guides, Where are they, mother?” “T don’t now, darling, I am sure. I have seen neither them nor the Indians; and your father has given no explanation. Jndeed, he has had no time. Oh, I feel very weak and ill!” you, and I don’t more than half believe there are any Indians after us, It is only a scare. “ But, I say, we are on the back track! That looks like business. There must be somethin; in it. I’m afraid we have a hard might ahea ne us: and the mules can’t stand this sort of run ong. All this time the frantic mules were being lashed onward by James, or Randal Rockwell. Captain Meredith, now bitterly reproaching himself for his stubbornness, was gazing tothe ~ rear in horrible expectation, his rifle clutched as in a vise, while he spurred madly on, On the face of his beautiful daughter, there was a firm determination, to brave the danger of which she had no true realization. Thus, on, and on, flew the mules, with snorts of pain, as the ‘‘black-snake” cracked about ~ their flesh. Thus, on, until the terminus of the line of mesquites was reached, when ‘‘ James” jerked the panting mules to a halt. The moon now shone brightly, and the leve] - “Don’t be frightened, mother. I'll not leave
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12 Old Rocky's Pard, plain in front, stretching as far as eye could reach, to the Rio Frio, afforded no shelter. Once out upon this, they would be at the mercy of the Indians, who could easily sur- round them. There had been, as yet, no indication of the Apaches; and, from this they had all gathered hope, except ‘‘James.” The young man had learned much of the red foe from Old Rocky, and he felt sure that the Indians were following them, The question that now arose was, should they proceed toward the Rio Frio? All were in favor of keeping on, even at a walk, except Captain Meredith. He ordered ‘the wagon toward a denser portion of the masquites, and began at once to throw out their effects. He then insisted upon James placing the goods iu the form of a cfreular barricade. Mrs, Meredith was now completely pros- trated. Little Ben was rejoiced at achance to show off. He loosened his pony, sprung into the sad- dle, and urged bis steed to the side of the small clear space, in which the wagon had been halted. Hera, ugainst the protestations of his sister, he appointed himself a vedette for the occa- sion, The mules were left in harness, the forming of a barricade being thought the most impor- tant work, and the one to be at first accom- plished, Mollie now rode up to the wagon, and ex- plained to her almost frantic mother, the ab- sence of Old Rocky and Turtle. In this way were our friends positioned; the captain and James hastily placing the goods in breastwork form, and the last bale being scarce- ly in ifs place, when the blood-curdling war- whoop reached their ears. The same instant, the six mules, with plunges and snorts of fright, sprung in mad pet out from the mesquites, and over the open plain. Then each one of the appalled party saw |» the deathlike face of Mrs. Meredith, as it _ sunk back from the aperture, caused by the up- raised tilt, On, at. terrific a stampeded the mules, circling toward the Rio Nueces, beyond the line of mesquites, and to the east of them; while, although not an Indian was as yet to be seen, our friends knew, by the prancing and panting of steeds, that they were, even now, completely surrounded by the red foe. Before they could fully realize the utterly bewildering horrors of their position, they were filled with the most torturing concern for poor ce Meredith, so suddenly spirited from their mist. Just then a flight of feathered arrows shot genting in the moonlight, and the pony of Ben fell to the earth in a death-struggle, from which the astonished and grief-stricken boy found no little difficulty in extricating himself. ‘“‘James” sprung over the barricade with Mollie, whom he had jerked from her horse, in his arms, and an arrow projecting from his thigh: while, with a yell of consternation and terrible rage, Captain Meredith caught up his son, as the youth fired into the bushes to| avenge the death of his pony and the fright of his mother, and bounded over into the circular barricade. There they all crouched, with weapons in their bands at full cock, while the horses sprung away in affright, the cessation of their tramp ren proving that the Apaches had secured em, ‘“May God forgive me for bringing my loved ones into these fearful dangers!” cried out the secnted Captain Meredith, from his inmost soul. Then came a piercing shriek from the young girl as a dozen paint-daubed, feather and trinket-bedizened forms sprung out suddenly from the mesquites, revealing themselves to the view of our hapless friends, and standing mo- tionless and silent as so many statues, Then, as the fingers pressed triggers, and the rifles of all blended as one—even that of little Ben—all saw that the order came oppor- tunely; for the oe cosa had dropped to earth, revealing themselves only to draw the fire of the whites, Following the deafening report of the rifles, sounded dread death-howls, and as revolvers were quickly jerked from their scabbards, our friends discovered that every Indian had again disappeared, dragging the slain after them. The ball was open, and the beautiful and bright Mollie Meredith, her brave and faithful lover, her little brother and her father—all were now doubtless doomed. And the mother, sick and terror-stricken, was now being whirled over the moonlit prairie b maddened mules, unconscious, it might be hoped, of her own fearful position or of the deadly peril of her darlings, CHAPTER VIII. TO THE BITTER END. ABOVE and beyond all his present danger, from which there seemed no possible escape, the tor- turing anxiety of little Ben Meredith, on his mother’s account, was the paramount feeling with the brave boy. He resolved to escape, if such a thing were in any way possible, and to hasten in pursuit of his loved parent; who, he felt sure, would die from fright and anguish, when she realized fully her own and their terrible position. The youth grasped the hand of his sister, an act that seemed to her to be only in accord with the condition of affairs. Little did the young girl think that the grasp of her band was a farewell; that her eons if little brother had re- solved to steal out from the barricade, and go to the rescue of his mother. But such was the ease. Stealthily the lad crawled over the bales, and along the sward, gaining a position beyond the line of red foes, before the moon again burst forth in silvery brightness. Filled with most terrible anxiety as the mo- ments passed, and fearing that little Ben might curiously glance at other points of danger, and that some savage might crawl unseen to his side of the barricade, Mollie cast a sweeping glance to that point, and to her horror discoy- sae that her brother was no longer in the in- closure,
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Old Rocky’s Pard. is ‘Father, father! Benny’s gone!” she called out, ina half whisper, that sounded unnatural to herself. Captain Meredith started, as though he had received an electric shock, as did ‘‘ James,” then be wailed: “My God! My God! My boy, my poor little son! Wife and son both gone forever!” “Brace up, and watch out, Captain Mere- dith!” advised the teamster, quickly, and in a firm voice. “T believe little Ben has gone on a mission, a most desperate one, I admit; but I think, if he had not succeeded in passing the foe, we should have heard atumult. In fact 1 am positive of it. Hehas gone in search of his mother, cap- tain. He is a youth of a thousand!” “Bless you for these words of cheer!” said the captain, ‘‘ Your words are reasonable, and yet it seems hardly possible that the boy could make such a desperate attempt. But it would be little short of a miracle if he should escape. ‘“‘Mollie, I fear that you are all that is left me, and that neither of us will long require the care and love of euch other, But let us die de- poe our lives, and avenging those we have 08’ All grasped bands, and at this moment the captain started violently, crying out as he did 80; “Here they come, on the west side! Drop the red fiends, and don’t miss a shot!” Just then a shriek from Mollie caused “James” and the captain to turn quickly and at once aim and pull trigger in an opposite direction, thereby preventing the capture or death of all, as four burly braves, with knives ia hand, sprung from the mesquites on the east, and from the sward to the top of the barricade. Three of them received bullets in their painted breasts, and with horrible death-howls fell back struggling in the agonies of death on the moon- lit sward; but the fourth, unable from his great speed forward to turn and retreat, fell forward oe upon poor Mollie, hurling ber to the earth, Instantly ‘“‘ James” dropped his rifle and, drawing his knife, sprung upon the Apache, and they were locked in an embrace which must end in the death of one or both, Fearing danger from the west, Captain Mere- dith was now forced to turn about, jerk his revolvers and guard both his own and the sta- tion of the teamster, the terrific howls of rage that brcke forth from the Indians at the defeat of their plan and the death of their comrades, causing a shudder to convulse bis iron frame and the blocd to curdle in his veins. As the huge warrior rushed over the barri- cade i eae Mollie, the strength of the young girl, already so severely taxed, gave way, and she sunk senseless at her post, s rifle, Over and over, struggling for the mastery, rolled ‘‘ James” and the Apache brave, the clutching her sinews of both strained to the utmost, the eyes of each glaring into those of the other, neither having the power to twist his knife-hand free that he might give a fatal thrust, At last, by an almost superhuman effort, the young man forced the savage quickly to a standing posi- tion, at the same moment hurling his foe back- ward, bending him oyer the top of the barri- cade, thus wrenching his spine. With a howl of agony the brave released his hold on the wrist of bis antagonist, and the flash- ing blade of the latter shot up and then down, through bone and flesh. Hurling the still quivering corpse over the wall before him, ‘‘ James” sunk panting to bis | | | knees by the side of Mollie, and placed his ~ trembling hand upon her heart. “Thank God!” broke in heartfelt tones from Captain Meredith, as he saw the brave thrown over the barricade. Then, as ‘‘ James” knelt at the side of the unconscious girl, her father, see- ing nothing strange in the young man’s solici- tude and deep interest, said in a hoarse voice: “Don’t tell me she is dead! For God’ssake say she is spared to me, or I shall go mad!” “Thank Heaven, she lives!” returned “James,” with a deep sigh of relief as he breathed his gratitude. ‘God bless you for the words!” exclaimed Captain Meredith. ‘ Let the red demons come now. I am ready for them. It is a fight to the death, and against fearful odds; but we will not quail.” But this most unequal battle was destined soon to end. The Apaches, maddened beyond endurance at — their loss, and determined now to capture their foes and appease the spirits of the slain, bad conceived a plan to insure success, although fully aware that some of their number must undoubt- ba lose their lives in the attempt. ‘0 knew the exact force of their foe—the wagon, || r the first time since the attaek the Indians | d when they had stampeded the mules, preventing | them from observing the number of whites; © they being also suspicious that the bales bad i hidden more men than they had seen bound over — them. ii Three braves were now ordered to cut a num- ber of small mesquite trees, and ata given signal, to advance with the same in their front toward | the barricade, the remainder making their way around to the eastward in a body, prepared to bound quickly over the bales, and bind the whites. All being ready, the signal was given, and the mesquites, shaking and rustling in such a * manner as to conceal a dozen warriors, were | cha along the ground toward the fort of pales. 4 At the very moment that the attention of the whites were drawn to this point, a dozen burly braves sprung in a moment over the intervening space, at the east of the whites and over the barricade. Not a yell burst from their lips, until they bounded upon the two appalled and dumfounded men. Acouple of revolver shots, a desperate strug- gle, mingled with groans of anguish and frantic rage, and the yell and whoop of the exultant savage; and then all was over. eee Captain Meredith and *‘ James” lay, bound hand and foot, and panting with exertion; their eyes filled with hopeless despair, and anguish uputterable, Providential was it, that poor Mollie was now, through being senseless, spared from witnessing
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14 Ola Rocky’s Pard. the struggle and capture; for she had suffered, and was doomed to suffer, mental aguny, more than any one can imagine, without having this added to it. The paint-daubed fiends flittered here and there in the moonlight; mustangs being quickly led into the opening, and laden with the goods of the whites, The two men were bound upon mustangs also, and in a way that made it impossible for them to escape. The animals were then led on one side, in a single line, and the chief of the party mounted the horse of Captain Meredith; a warrior piseing the poor girl, still limp and senseless, in s arms, These arrangements being made, the war- party divided; a portion, headed by the chief, with his fair captive, pointing eastward, arid the remainder, with the captain and ‘‘ James,” starting south, through the mesquites, toward the Souse Lakes, As Captain Meredith and Randal Rockwell saw Mollie, being borne away ia this manuer, in the arms of the hideous Apache chief, they groaned in deepest agony of soul. CHAPTER IX. WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT, Ir would be expecting too much of the sleepy little Alamo City, to suppose that it had not been wide awake to the state of affairs between the pretty daughter of Captain Meredith, and the handsome young clerk in the Quarter- master’s Department, Many were the sprcu'ations, as to the turn which affairs were lik-ly to take when the Merediths should leave San Antonio; the an- nouncement of the captain’s intention to emi- gat having been made soon after the latter d recovered from his illness, Before the eventful day of the Meredith exodus, as we know, Randal Rockwell had re- signed his situation, left the post, and gone, no one seemed to know whither. Old Rocky, having become the confidant of both parties, the moment that Randal decided to begiu his indefinite term of servitude for the Rachel of his heart, had more than one oppor- tunity of conveying messages, and thus ning to the unmistakable flow of spirits which char- acterized the deportment of Mollie at this trying time, and so puzzled and scandalized the gossip- loving portion of the community. “T tell yer, Randal,” said the old scout, “ther leetle gal air ther ra-al Simon-pure, yer _ kin jist gamble on hit. Ter see how she man- _ idges ther durn ole mule-headed cap’n, throwin’ ther san’ inter his eyes without half-tryin’, an’ makin’ him b’lieve she’d a heap ruther jeave San Antone than not, air better’n ary play I hes sot through. Dang my cats ef I don’t b’lieve Miss Mollie c’u’d make this trip on her own ?eount perwidin’ thar war ther objec’ at ther eend 0’ hit, what she s’pects ter hev on ther trail! Thet’s what keeps her spirits up now, 4 heap more’n ary’ couridgement thet this ole _ perrarer peregrinator gi’ns her, * An’ thar’s Marm Meredith. Dog’d ef the ole cap’n wouldn’t hey ter plant her some’rs on Powder House Hill fore he sets out on this hyer trail, ef *twarn’t fer ther way Miss Mollie kinder chirks up the old’oman! She’s wo’th ther hull kit an’ caboodle, an’ more tew; but yer know thet, I reckon, without-my tellin’ yer.” “T am decidedly of that opinion, friend Rocky,” was the young man’s reply; ‘“‘so you think that Captain Meredith is pot likely to suspect his daughter of any pay tial regard for me, and therefore to be on the lookout for plots and conspiracies? “Tt would be awkward if, in any way, he should becorme suspicious, and in that way penetrate my disguise.” ‘He’s "bout es likely ter turn durn fool in thet direction, es he air ter try an’ git ter Heaven, ’stead o’ ther Newersis. An’ I don’t opine thet ther obsternit ole pomposerty hes sich a idee. No, pard; yer kin rest easy on thet, ‘sides which I doesn’t b’lieve he’d know yer in thet rig ef he war s’archin’ fer yer, “Dog-goned ef I b’lieve Mollie herself’ll be willin’ ter recog’ yer! Hit’s durn lucky yer hes gut me ’iong ter ’denterfy yer.” Randal Rockwell was satisfied; and, indeed, the disguise in which he had gotten himself for the character of teamster was one well calcu- lated to deceive any who had known the young pen ou. the streets and plazas of the Alamo dity. Captain Meredith, as we have seen, was mak- ing this second move of his life in a somewhat misanthropic spirit: and it was hardly to be wondered at that it was so. Had the venture included none besides himself, it would have mattered little; but the captain was essentially a selfish as well as an obstinate man, and rarely , thought of anything but his own will and pleas- ure. Though much might have been said, by his neighbors in San Antouio, in extenuation of his present step, had they seen fit to say it— which they did not—there was not a shadow of excuse for the present and future danger to which he was exposing his wife and children. So thought every ons, and Old Rocky, who had undertaken to act as their guide, was no exception to the rule. He did not, however, venture so to expe himself to his employer, The old scout well knew that the only possible effect such an expostulation would have, would be the very probable release of himself from his contract, and the consequent handing over of the Meredith household to the guidance of some one much less experieuced than himself; thereby still more fearfully jeopardizing their lives, But though Old Rocky, after the first inter- view with the captain, thus prudently kept silence even from good words, he was not equally reticent when by himself; or, what was much the same thing, when bis only companion was his red pard, Turtle the Tonkaway. “Dog my cats!” he exclaimed. “Ef this hyer ain’t ther maddest freak what airy human outen a fool asylum ever struck. Ter listen at ther way ther dog-goned ole stuffed mule spits out in thet ‘don’t keeradurn fer nobuddy’s *pinion’ way o’ hisn, air *nough ter make a man strike bis mammy-in-law! “IT hes allers see’d thet when a man don’t
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— Old Rocky’s Pard. 18 Se ee ee See know ’nough ter git in shelter from a ‘norther,’ he air liarble ter think he’s swaller’d ther tree o’ knowledge, trunk, ruts, an’ branches, An’ thet air bout whar ther ole cap’n stan’s. What air yer ’pinion, Tonk?” ‘* Big White Chief, heap fool,” said Turtle, in his usual conclusive and laconic manner. ““'Ye’re mos’ gin’rally boun’ ter be purty clear in what yer opines, Tonk; an’ I'll be dog-goned ef yer hesn’t ’spressed bit now es well es F, eu'd myself, an’ with a heap less chin music, ‘““What puzzles me air whar ther leetle gal an’ ther boy come by the’r hoss sense. I hes see’d an’ hed confabs wi’ them both. Ole Marm Meredith hain’t gut more’n ther stock o’ wits she war borned with, ‘peariently; though I’m sorry fer her, *kase she don’t seem ter hev stren’th ’nough ter more’n draw breethe. So whar ther brains was herited from, air more’n I kin tell myself, “Ther ole cap’n mought et a pinch, hev savy *nough ter keep him outen ther fire; though he hesn’t ter show him a heap wuss fire then airy one this side o’ Tophit, what he’s boun’ ter hed fer now, ona cyclone stompede, once he gits started. But Miss Mollie, bless her purty face! c’u’d spar’ him some, an’ hey a better show left fer gittin’ through the worl’ comfor’ble then most 0’ the caliker-kivered female ‘omans yer kin fine in civerlize, “Ther boy, tew, what I hes see’d of him, air a pressed brick—dog’d ef he ain’t!—an’ I s’pects ter freeze ter ther youngster right smart on this hyer trail, an’ mebbe so Varn him somethin’ more’n thet ole swell-head daddy o’ hisn kin, seein’ he never knowed it hisself.” The views of Old Rocky were pretty gen- erally shared in by those whose acquaintance with Captain Meredith had long antedated that of the scout. At the same time there was not the same generous sympathy expressed for the wife and children, whom, all agreed, he was insanely carrying into great peril. Mrs, Meredith had been too much of an invalid to keep up much of a social intercourse with those whom her hus- band’s haughty exclusiveness was sufficient to repel; and she, in consequence, was credited with sharing the captain’s feelings. While the paar Molly, guarded most jeal- ously by her father, had seen naught to strike her youthful fancy until the manly form of Randal Rockwell] met her gaze; and with him filling eye and heart, all else was eclipsed, Hence, the popularity of our heroine, in spite of her beauty and loveliness of character was not at flood-tide in San Antonio, Added to this, ah eg the strange and un- accountable cheerful and yivacity of the maiden, following the mysterious disappearance of the man whom, it was well known, she had loved. It was shameful—very! Not that these charitable and kindly souls cared a picayune for the missing quarter- master’s clerk, or how much be might be suffer- ing in mind or body; but it was too rovoking to have their predictions so completely falsified —to have Mollie act so different from what was LVoper, and conventional, and fashionable, on such trying occasions, CHAPTER X. THE RETURN TRIP. ‘* WA-AL,” said Old Rocky, in soliloquy, after his wonderful escape from the Apaches, which has been described; pausing and tearing off a quid of tobacco, which, to his satisfaction, he saw bad escaped a wetting in the lake. ‘* Wa-al, I reckon ther puserlanermous cusses *!] kinder conclude that I’m ther boss wile-cat 0? ther Rockies arter this! They'll git ’quainted with my ‘kill-nigger,’ when he spits lead at ’em afore I’m done, thet I’m a boss dissector 0’ *Pache ‘natermy, “Dye hed a right smart many o’ gunnin’ ex- pedishes ot ther copper-colored sons o’ Satan, an’ ther breech o? ‘ kill-nigger’ air tortur’d, on ther scarifyin’ plan, wi’ notches; but thar’s a heap more ter be gashed outen hit ef I kin keep. ther run o’ them in my brain-box. Things hes bin kep’ a-hummin’ so peart since I diskivered ther greasy-painted skunks, thet I hain’t hed a show ter take a long breathe, er scrouge ina chaw o’ terbac’ till now. Ther cusses air chuck- full o’ ptison, he-mad bout now, an’ ef ther Tonk hey laid out some on ’em ter dry, they'll be wusser an’ wusser, “‘T reckons thar war *bout fifteen, what le- vanted on ther back trail, an’ bit does pear es though ther cap’n an’ bis lay-out c’u’d stan’ em off ontel we-uns skutes in, an’ j’ines’em. [Pm a-bettin’ heavy thet Randal air l’ble ter pan out a Simon-pure fighter, from ther word go; an’ ef he doesn’t show a power o’ sand in pertectin’ ther leetle gal he doesn’t desarve her. “Ther ole cap’n air so ormighty full o’ self- consait an’ mulishness, thet bit’s a tough job ter find a soft spot in him. This hyer trip’ll scrape some o’ ther consait outen him, I reckon; ef bit doesn’t gi’n him a ormighty big ’pinion ’gardin’ his mule-whacker, Ef I war Randal, I'd t’ar off my false whiskers, ther fu’st figbt, an’ come out squar’ Simon-pure Rock-well. ‘““Hal ha! I reckon thet ’u’d make Joe Booth laugh right smart. I tuck ter Rockwell fu’st off, *cos his name war some like my cog’; an’I likes him better an’ better every day I sops corn-pone inter ther same fryin’-pan with him. * Fac’ air, I likes ther hull outfit. [I’m sorry fer Marm Meredith, fer she bain’t gut es much vim es a soakin’-wet buckskin. Reckon she'll skip outen this worl’ on ther fly soon enough, without ther reds givin’ her a boost. But ther al—wa-al, I sw’ar she’s a angel every inch, an’ ’d fight like fourteen hundred panther-cats afore I'd see ther reds cause a wobble o’ her eye- winkers. “Thet Ben, too, air a young rooster that’s gut sand enough fer two full-grow’d bumans, But, dang hit, ther more I thinks o’ them, the more ii opines thet somethin’s wrong; an’ Ym _ needin’ ther Tonk, likewise. He’s a rip-snorter—Tonk air—an’ he don’t ‘low no ’Pache ter twitch his tail-feathers. Ya-as, sir-ree! He’s a full-grow’d, ontamed tiger-cat, when he’s riled. “@ long, ole hoss! Hyer we bees, on a camp- meetin’ crawl, when we'd orter be skutin’ on a blue streak. I knows yer is feelin’ kinder ‘ doesn’t-keer-a-dang,’ but yer'll git Cpe °’ wile rye an’ mesquite pickin'’s arter this hyer circus air over. ““Thar’s es purty @ piece o’ caliker es ever
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skipped ther dew from perrarer flowers, a sick Yoman, a leetle boy, a squar’ an’ white youn gent, an’ a dang ole stubborn, cross-grained foo —all on ’em, Ir eckon, starin’ tha’r eyes outen tha’r heads ter git a gaze et us, er git skuped in by ther red hellyuns, one er t’other. *Levant’s ther word! Skip huffs lively, an’ we'll soon run ag’in’ ther Tonk, I reckon!” As the old scout brought his soliloquy to an end, urging his horse as he spoke the last words, the aniu.al made a sudden halt near a dark thicket, gazing into the bushes, and giving alow whinny. This was followed by a snake-like hiss, a signal that caused the old scout to return his rifle to its former position, and exclaim with relief: “Dog my cats! Tonk, old pard, break bush, an’ show yer beautiful pictur'!” Turtle was at his side in a moment, saying Lg “ My white brother is welcome.” “Dang my ole Texas heart, Tonk! Hit’s pe fer sore eyes ter git a squar’ peep et yer. ckon yer play’d ther same sort o’ game I did?” ** Juinp in tree from mustang,” was the reply. ‘Mustang run, then fall in wash-out. Apache no see Turtle in tree—no seo mustang in wash- out. Turtle lasso Apache, Get scalp, see ”— here he pointed to the gory tropbies—“ then crawl in bushes. Find wash-out. Go down. Want drink. Then find mustang. Turtle heap glad. Go up wash-out. Lasso one more Apache; one more scalp. Then heap much yell; heap howl. Apache ride,from lake, See braves gone on long dark trail. Turtle he jump on mustang. Sound war-cry. Turtle here.” “Dang’d ef yer ain’t a hard-pressed, full- baked, straight up an’ squar’ plum-center brick, Tonk! Shake! uns hes sarcumyented ther hellyuns all roun’. **Come on! We'll make a break on my back trail. I sunk six sculpers in ther drink, fer allergator-bait, an’ drapped a couple on ther no’th bank, I reckon.” ** Heap bad,” asserted the Tonkaway. “Ya-as, hit war a leetle tew bad, an’ not ‘actly squar’, Tonk, fer I know yer ’ludes ter losin’ tha’r ha’r. But thar’s a hefty erap ter pcre till yit, layin’ roun’ permisc’us-like. e’uns kin glide easy ter ther south eend o’ this hyer drink, wade over, whar it kinder shakes paws wi’ ther nex’ an’ skute over ther perrarer fur ’nough east ter make ther no’th part o’ ther mesquites afore ther skunks kin cut us off.” The two pards whirled their horses, and pro- ceeded down the south side of the lake to the eastward, their course leading them past the point where the old scout had landed. A few rods below, they both halted near the bank of the lake, where they gazed over the silvery waters that covered the hideous forms of the six victims of Old Rocky. Listening intently, a low hum, as of many warriors conversing, sounded faintly in their ears; and they could see the glow and flame of camp-fires amid the undergrowth, with occa- sionally a dark form of some Apache flitting be- fore them, “Ther condemned cusses air fillin’ tha’r Old Rocky’s Pard. bellies, an’ grazin’ tha’r nags,” said the old scout. ‘‘They’re bracin’ up fer more devil- ment, while we’uns hes gut ter keep on ther glide. They’re a-goin’ ter go b’ilin’ arter our ha’r, afore they pints giants ve “Wind Turtle trail, Find Old Rocky trail, when sun come,” said the Tonkaway, decidedly. ‘* Fit won’t do’em much good by thet time, All I want air ter git a show ter skute ter ther mesquites, without ther kiotes gittin’ a peep at us ““Apache in tree, See over plain. Moon shine bright like sun,” asserted the Tonkaway, “ Reckon they’re on the lookout es much ter git a sight o’ the’r pards what levanted on ther back trail es anything. But what made ’em think o’ goin’ back ter ther mesquites kinder gits me, Tonk.” ‘““Apache cunning like fox. Think great scout got white friends in mesquites,” said Tur- tle. ‘*Ya-as, I opine so. But why didn’t they lunge right in, some on ’em, et ther start?” “Too much heap mad to think, See Turtle. See Old Rocky. ant scalps. Bimeby head of chief get clear. Send braves back.” “ Thet’s bout ther sugar on hit, I reckon!” agreed the scout. ‘“ But we’uns can’t make a ha’r, hyer-a-ways. Come! Levant’s ther word!” Both proceeded together for half a mile, and then at a narrow, creek-like channel that was shallow, the dividing point between two lakes, they crossed into the north timber, making their way through it toward the plain, over which they must pass in order to reach the mes- quites. Once there they halted, and gazed out over the broad and moonlit vista—the open northern plain. To the west, nearly a mile away, was the Apache encampment, while far to the north- west was a dark line on the plain, the southern- most portion of the mesquites, from which they had galloped in the mad race for life, to pre- vent their friends from being discovered and butchered, To reach that point they must take a course northwest, over the open prairie, in full view of any Apache sentinel who might be, or probably was, posted in the tall trees on the verge of the lake timber. Both had instinctively faced di- recly westward, along the line of timber toward the point of danger—the Apache camp—as they reached their point of observation. They then swept the plain toward the mesquites, over the course of their recent race, leaving the plain di- rectly ahead and to the-eastward to be viewed last, as nothing of interest or danger was to be expected from that quarter. But as the Tonkaway shot a quick glance nortb and then northeast, he broke out with this ejaculation: “ Waugh!” This in as much astonishment as an Indian can manifest. The old scout gazed sy in the direction indicated by the pointed finger of his red pard, exclaiming: “ Jumpin’ Gee-hoss-iphat! Dang my cats, ef thar ain’t ther waggun skutin’ over ther perrarer
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Old Rocky’s Pard. 12 et siormpede speed! Whatin thunderation’s up now? “Ble me down inter a Piute pappoose, ef ther mules ain’t on ther wild stompede! Thar ain’t no driver, por ary human thet air ter be see’d in ther hull outfit. Thet looks kinder bil- ious! “Tonk, I reckon ther kaliker an’ all air gob- bled up slick an’ clean; but why ther reds hes lowed ther mules ter go on ther whiz, ’pears dang’d pecul’ar. Pard, I shell go plumb crazy ef ‘i a’r all tuck ter tortur’, ’speshly ther leetle gal. “Dang my cats! I’m gittin’ bilin’ hot, chuck full o’ pison_ indig’ an’ somethin’s got ter drap frequent’ an’ often er [Il bu’st, dead sure. “What's ter be did, ole pard? Spit her out, fer my ha’r’s a-crawlin’ like snakes, ter thing 0’ ther sick ’oman, an’ ther leetie boy, an’ thet angel, Mollie, bein’ scooped in by ther cussed, ornary, greasy-skinned piruts o’ the plains!” Look!” returned the Tonkaway, pointing to thenorth, ‘‘ Little Ben, he rides fast for ‘ wheel- lodge.’ Apache no got young brave boy.” *Wa-al, Iswar! Dang’d ef yer ain’t kerrect ag’in! Thet air leetle Ben hisself, er I'll chaw bugs fer grub fer ther nex’ six moons, “*Agtin I axes, what in thunderation’s up? Things are gittin’ mixeder and mixeder, an’ ’m gittin’ off my kerbase wi’ ther chap’rell-like tangle. I doesn’t tumble ter this hyer thing *zac’ly. Ther question air, who’s in ther waggun, an’ whar’s t’others what belongs ter ther outfit?” ‘‘No time for council-talk. No time smoke pipe,” asserted the Tonkaway laconically; slap- ping his band on the shoulder of his white pard, and pointing west along the line of timber. Again he spoke: oe k ” “‘ Jumpin’ gee-hoss-iphat! Jerusalem an’ Jerry- co counted in! Levant air the word! Biz, heft biz air ahead ag’in. Leetle Ben must be saved, er we-uns ’Il die a-tryin’!’ The sight to which Turtle had drawn the old scout’s attention, was a half-dozen Apache braves, in the act of lashing their mustangs from the camp and timber up the lake, and heading northeast; evidently with the view of intercept- ing the fast-flying wagon, and the brave youth whom they saw riding rapidly to overtake it. CHAPTER XI. “WAIT FOR THE WAGON.” Ir did not need more than one glance to con- vince Old Rocky and Turtle that there was no necessity for them to show themselves upon the open prairie; for the wagon, if the affrighted mules did not swerve from their course, would reach the timber of the lower lake before the Indians, or even little Ben, could overtake it. Doubtless the Apaches believed the scouts to be still on the opposite side of the chain of lakes, or such a small force would not have been sent after the wagon and boy. The few in number also proved that the say- ages apprehended no danger from the wagon, believing fully that there was no one it; forif so, why were the mules dashing unguided at such a speed? »~ The scouts had no fears in regard to the mules keeping straight ahead; for they well knew that the animals must be frantic with thirst, and could scent the waters of the lake. Both the Tonkaway and Old Rocky urged their horses through the wood, keeping at sucha short distance from the margin that they could dash out at any time. Neither of them spoke. An exultant look from one to the other, showed that each realized that he had now an opening to further avenge himself and his friends ao his red foe. They felt, too, that it was called fory Sure were they, that the captain and his family had been attacked, and either killed or taken prisoners. The boy had evidently es- caped, yet his presence on the plain wasa mys- | et to them. hy he should be pursuing the apparently empty wagon, was a question which puzzled the two men greatly. It could hardly have been that the Indians had appropriated the goods of the captain; for they would, in that case, have burned the megan and placed the mules with the plunder, Such animals were greatly coveted by the red-men, and this it was that caused the presence of the team to be so unaccountable to Old Rocky and his pard. Nearer and nearer came the frantic mules, and the old scout burst forth in emphatic ejacu- lations of admiration, as little Ben spurred and lashed his horse onward; although the boy must “have known that the Apaches were close behind bim, ‘‘Heap brave. Young warrior make good scout,” was Turtle’s decision, as the boy was seen to jerk his little rifle from the gun-holder at his saddle-horn, and dash on, holding the weapon ready, for instant use, ‘“Dang’d ef thet ain’t ther purtiest sight I’ve see’d fora month o’ Foth o’ Julys!” exclaiined Old Rocky, in admiration and pride, ‘* Why, he doesn’t ’pear ter keer no more for ther ’Pache ha’r-tarers than ef they war so many san’-fleas. But everything "pears mixed. Thar ain’t no driver. Ther waggun’s bin unloaded, an’ thar ain’t a human in sight aboard, Dang my cats! I b’lieve all on ’em must ha’ crawled inter a hole, an’ pulled ther goods in atop, ‘lowin’ ther mules ter skute, an’ look out fer theirselves. ‘*Scrouge up peart, Tonk! Ther ball air bout ter open. Choose yer red-meat kiotes, an’ sashay ’em inter kingdom come on ther whiz, afore they draps onter leetle Ben. Weuns’ll git thar afore ther waggun strikes inter ther timmer.” The wagon was now buta short distance from the dark shades, and the scouts were able to calculate upon the exact point at which the mules would enter; the animalsseeming toknow by instinct that the nearest place to water was down a gradual shelving hollow, which was free from trees, nothing but rank weeds covering its sides and bed. This offered easy access, as far as could be seen, from the edge of the timber to the lake; although possibly, there might be a high bank to descend, to reach the water. rossing the break in the towering timber, Turtle and Old Rocky, with rifles ready, sat their horses, but concealed from view, for the did not wish to frighten the mules as the ani- mals dashed up,
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18 Old Rocky’s Pard. Little Ben was by this time not ten rods be- hind the vehicle, and it was with added surprise that the scouts discovered that he was riding the horse of his sister Mollie, The Apaches, when they saw that both the boy and team would reach the timber before they could cut them off, gave vent to their rage in fierce yells; then, dashing on, they hoped to terrify the boy in thatmanner, and cause him to halt. But the spiteful flash of fire from the boy’s rifle, followed by a yell of agony, proved that Ben was far from being terrified as yet. Old Rocky could hardly repress a cry of ad- miration, and both he and turtle would have been greatly relieved could they, withont chang- ing their plans, have revealed themselves, But this was impossible, without being observed by the Apaches, who halted not for their wounded comrade, but galloped on, at headlong speed, in the pursuit. : The six snorting mules now dashed, with the wagon, down the shelving hollow, followed by the boy, his revolver in hand, and his face pale as death, As he shot past the hiding-place of his friendsa volley of arrows cut the air over his head, and tbe brave lad yelled, in a voice that was painful to hear: **Mother! O-o-oh mother! Jump for your life! There’s death ahead!” “Great Crockett!” cried Old Rocky, in the depth of his surprise and dread; ‘‘ Marm Mere- dith’s in ther waggun, Tonk! Charge ther con- demned kiotes! Wipe ’em out clean on ther jump, an’ cut off ther mules from ther drink!” Before the orders of the scout had well been given, Turtle and himself had broken from their covert; and then followed two sounding reports in quick succession from their rifles, ith horrid howls two braves fell from their mustangs, and then—flash, flash! bang, bang! arent the revolvers of the scouts at close quar- ers, The Apaches were all either dead or rendered hors du combat before they recovered from their paralyzing astonishment at seeing the pair of invincibles, who had slain so many of their com- rades and escaped their vengeance in so miracu- _ lous a manner, The fight, this time, was all on one side, and was quickly over. Then Turtle and Old Rocky plunged down on the track of the wagon, as they shouted and yelled to little Ben. : On and on, beneath the dark shades, the two men dashed; filled with concern, yet hearing no sound but that which was caused by their steeds, At length they discovered the white tilt of the wegon, which they saw was below them, in the lake, and surrounded by the silvery waters; the mules being now hidden from yiew by the arch of canvas, Between the shore.and the wagon, the scouts saw the horse that Ben had ridden, The animal was drinking, with eager avidity, its muzzle buried to the eyes in the water; but the boy was not in the saddle, Lown to the water’s edge they hastened, relieved at finding there had been no trouble in the descent, which was easy; when a clear, firm _voice of command rung in their ears in boyish tones: “Halt where you are, men, or I'll shoot! What are you—white, red, yellow, or black? Put a hand on weapon, and I'll spill your flap- jacks!” The listeners well knew, from the tones, that the youth had found his mother all right; and we ied gave a horse-laugh in reply, as he cried: “Put up yer shooter, leetle pard, an’ ‘low we~uns ter hev a shake 0’ yer paw!” ““T was almost sure it was you,” said the boy, quickly, “ and it’s luacky you dropped down this way or mother and I would have been in a tight place, with those reds after us.” * How's Marm Meredith, an’ how in thunder- ation come yer hyer without Randal ter drive? Whar’s he an’ Miss Mollie, an’ yer daddy? Things pears ter be sorter mixed, an’ we’-uns ‘ll hey ter skute outen this lively, er git our heads skinned,” At this moment Mrs, Meredith placed her death-like face by that of her son, at the rear of the wagon-tilt, in the circular opening. “Can it be that we are still in danger, Mr, Rocky?” she asked. ‘‘ And you, Turtle—oh, I am so much relieved to see you. My boy came tome when I looked for death at each moment. ““What I have suffered since I recovered my senses no human being can imagine, and now you say that there is yet danger. “Alas! I fear that my husband and poor Mollie havé been killed. Benny will tell you all. Iam ina most wretched state of mind and body.” “Talk quick, Ben,” said the old scout, ‘‘ Ther kiotes heerd our shooters, an’ they'll come a- hummin’ arter us.” The lad gave in detail the events of the even- ing and night until his own flight from the mes- quites. During the recital the scouts listened intently, and as the boy finished, Turtle pointed upward, saying: “Great Spirit send cloud. Hide wagon. Hide Turtle. Hide great scout. Hide Benny, It is good, Mules walk back to mesquites. Make no noise.” “ Hold on ter my nag, Tonk,” exclaimed Old Rocky, ‘fan’ T’ll civilize ther mules, an’ hump ’em up an’ through ther timmer. We’ll all be ready ter skute by ther time ther moon draws ther blanket over her face.” Soon the mules were started, the Tonkaway proceeding ahead with the horse that Ben had ridden, and Old Rocky’s animal in the lead. The two animaJs were secured to the back of the wagon, just asa party of Apaches dasbe! from the timber to the westward, and headed to- ward the point whence the rifle-shots had sound- ed. But they could see neither the wagon nor Turtle; for, with monotonous war-song, the Tonkaway was now tearing off the scalps of the slain, the cloud over the moon concealing him, Old Rocky had torn off the white wagon-tilt, which might have betrayed them, and, as the moon disappeared, all proceeded over the plain, in the direction of the mesquites. Little Ben, at the old scout’s suggestion, had retired to the wagon with his mother, and was now sleeping— a wey well earned, and it may be hoped, well en- joyed, ~~
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Old Rocky’s Pard. 19 CHAPTER XII, ON THE BACK TRAIL. Oup Rocky and Turtle felt greatly relieved and thankful, that they had been the means of saving Mrs, Meredith and her son from death; but both were satisfied in their minds that the missing members of the party had been either killed outright, or what was worse, taken cap- tive. “Ym opinin’, Tonk,” said Old Rocky, “ thet we airon ther wrong trail ter git ther folkses *way from therred heathun. I’m a-bettin’ ‘‘ kill- nigger” ag’in’ a pop-gun, thet ther kiotes hes obbled ther cap’n, an’ Randal, an’ ther purty eetle gal; an’ ef they hes, I’m dead sure an’ sar- tin they skuted et onc’t, fer tha’r pards et ther lakes yunder. “Ther more I’m a-rollin? hit ’roun’ in my brain-box, ther more sartain I am thet I orter laid low in ther push, an’ lowed Marm Mere- kith an’ Ben ter levant toward civerlize with ther waggun. I’m of ther ’pinion thet we'd bet- ter, soon es we strikes ther mesquites, wake ther boy up, an’ start him off fer ther Frio, with ther outfit an’ his marm. ‘“What sort o’ idees air crawlin’ ’roun’ under yer eagle-feathers, Tonk? Shove ’em out, ole pard!” ““When get to mesquites, mebbe so see Apaches, ebbe so see old White Chief, Ran- dal, Mollie, all tie on horse for torture. Go to lake, then Turtle he follow trail. See what do. Heap talk no good on war-path.” “Dang’d ef yer doesn’t say a heap o’ mean in a few words, Tonk! Ye're sensible es usual, ole pard; ye’re ther boss o’ ther boss trailer o’ Texas; an’ I doesn’t want no better record than yourn, Isw’ar! “Less see; ther boyee an’ ther waggun come on ther humsince startin’, an’ when Ben lef’ they war holdin’ their persish, Reckon ye’re kerrect, Tonk. Ld “T swan I b’lieve yer kin see through ther hull biz, an’ c’u’d tell ter ther minut’, when they'd ’rove et ther south p’int o’ ther mesquites, Thar’s whar we'll glide in an’ lay fer ’em; though I doesn’t much reckon thar’ll be a show ter rush in, an’ saatch ’em bald-headed. But wekin pick up pints, an’ we'll know dead sure what’s bin id. ‘Hf ther sacrifyers starts up ther Nueces with ’em, I reckon we-uns kin foller. I'll skin through ter ther Pecos, afore they shill twist a ha’r o’ ther Jeetle gal’s head, er hash Kandal. Es ter ther cap'n, he’s tougher’n a ole raw-hide, an’ stubborner’n a Mex’ mule, an’ I wouldn’t mind much ef ther ’Paches tuck a leetle o’ ther stiffenin’ outen him, Hit *u’d make him more human-like in ther futur’, though they mustn’t go too fur, nor skin his head.” Ina strain similar to this, Old Rocky contin- ued for some time, but at last relapsed into si- lence, and urged the mules to greater speed; for he deemed it safe to use the whip, and rattle along, as they had now gone some distance from the timber, and apprehended no further danger from the Apaches. The darkness was now of such density, that objects could not be distinguished at the dis- tance of fifty yards away; but the old scout had no fear of going astray, especially with Turtle in his company. At lengtb, when sufficient time had elapsed for the Apaches to have reached the point where lay ther dead, Old Rocky halted the team, and both he and the Tonkaway listened intently. They had but a short time to wait. Soon the night air became filled with howls, and vengeful yells, which gave the old scout great satisfaction; for he gave vent to a long series of chuckles, tearing offa fresh quid of “ nigger-head.” The halt lasted but a few minutes, however; for the scouts judged that the mother and son <a slept, and they refrained form disturbing them. On again they proceeded, the mules being now urged into a fast trot, until the cautious scouts knew thc y were within a short distance of the southern point of the line of mesquites. Then the animals were allowed to walk slowly, the wheels passing noiselessly over the thick mat of mesquite-grass, except when now and then, there came a sudden jolt of the wagon- ody. Turtle glided on ahead through the dark- ness, and at last disappeared within the thick bushes. In a little time the mules and wagon entered the shades on the eastern edge of the mesquites, and Old Rocky dismounted, making sure that Benny and Mrs. Meredith were sleeping. He then unhitchbed the wheel- mules from the wagun, and led the team out from the mesquites, and along the eastern edge of the same, to a point at some distance from the wagon. This was was’ out of ear-shot from the trail which the Apaches would naturally take. Here he separated the beasts into pairs, and lariated them to the edge of the mesquites, removing the bridles, and then returning to the wagon. But a short time had passed when Turtle emerged quickly from the dark shades to the side of the old scout, and in his laconic style gave information that, although previously anticipat- ed, gave great satisfaction to him, ** Apaches come. Go to Souse Lakes. Got captives for torture.” ‘* How far off?” asked Old Rocky, in a tone of anxiety. “Great scout see soon. Mollie she no cap- tive.” Up sprung the old scout in a fury. “Ef ther condemned skunks hee sent the leetle gal ter glory afore her time—ef they’ve hashed§thet angel what ther ole man sot his heart onter—dang my cats ef I won’t make a lunge at em, an’ spill my Jas’ bleed right hyer! “Dog-gone my ole Texan heart ef I ain’t a-bilin’ over wi’ grief an’ indig’. What war Randal a-doin’ an’ ther cap’n bisself, ter low ther gal ter be wiped offen ther yearth afore bis eyes? poe me, Tonk, er I’ll fly to pieces from h ter ee] |”? “Too much heap talk on war-trail. got open ear.” “Dang’d ef they'll bave ary ear et allef I lunges inter them on ther whiz! I’m all sot back, Tonk.” The old scout meant every word, and more. He had feared that Mollie Meredith would be Apache
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20 captured, but he had never doubted that he and Turtle eould rescue her. The news given by the old Tonkaway, there- fore, fairly dazed him. sé Big hite Chief, he tie on mustang. Randal he tie on, too,” explained Turtle, ‘* Dead braves on mustang. Big White Chief goods on mus- tang, Have fight. Mebbe so warriors take Mollie on west trail. No good take all captives on one trail. ’Fraid lose.’ This, to him, long speech of bis red pard somewhat relieved Old Rocky. The idea ad- vanced by the Tonkaway, that Mollie, being a valuable captive, had been taken by way of the open plain to prevent rescue, was a plausible one. It seemed, indeed, quite probable, and had the two scouts known the exact number of braves who had taken the back trail, by count- ing the living and the dead as they passed south, they would have been able to decide at once. As it was, there was no time to lose in sorrow or speculation, The actions of Turtle proved this to the old scout. The Tonkaway made ges- tures of caution, as he secured his horse toa wheel of the wagon, and then stalked westward, followed by Old Rocky. Both soon crouched in a thicket, which Turtle felt sure the Apaches would pass, Then the Tonkaway, as he drew his knife, re- vealed his plan. ; ‘*Randall, he tie on horse, One brave ride behind, All other warriors ride in front, Old Rocky catch jaw-strap Apache mustang. Then Turtle he jump, kill brave. No let death-howl sound. Then cut Randal loose, Apache ride fast. No know lose one captive.” “Put yer ae right thar, pard! Tonk, ye’re XXX, Al, fu’st cut IXL every time! Randal will know ‘bout Mollie, an’ we'll snatch him outen ther kiotes’ clutches, sure pop. Carve C. O. D, on ther pesky, ornary head-skinners’ bestest ’natermy, deep, an’ sen’ him through on ther long, dark trail on ther hum. “Tl hitch ther mustang an’ make a lunge fer ther critter Randal air ridin’, an’ jerk him inter ther bush, ‘lowin’ ther outfit ter skute on with- out him. Dog-goned ef I don’t, sure es cristy!” = S-s-s-sh ! came from Turtle’s lips, ‘* Apache The dull tramp of many ridden and laden steeds crossing the sward now sounded through the mesquites, and the Tonkaway and his white pard made ready for tho perilous attempt to rescue ‘‘ James,” the teamster, otherwise Ran- dal Rockwell, from his savage captors. CHAPTER XIII. AGAINST DESPERATE ODDs. Op Rocky and Turtle listened intently for a few moments, and soon the form of an Apache warrior, but dimly outlined, rode past to the west of their covert, and within ten feet of the same, This was followed by another, and another, until six had disappeared southward. Then came several mustangs, heavily packed with the goods of Captain Meredith, driven by three braves, Next, the captain himself, bound fast upon a horse, which was led by two warriors, one riding upon each side, ~ Old Rocky’s Pard. In the rear, as Turtle had asserted, was Ran- dal Rockwell, also bound upon a mustang; a single Apache warrior riding behind him, Turtle touched the arm of the old scout, as a signal, and both bounded from the mesquites like panthers; Old Rocky clutching the jaw- strap of the Apache’s mustang, at the same in- stant that the Tonkaway sprung astride the ani- mal in the rear of bis victim. Forcing his buckskin paint-bag into the mouth of the Apache, with one hand, with an electric movement of the other, his long knife was buried to the hilt in the heaving bronzed breast. The Tonkaway sprung to the ground, and then grasping the jaw-strap from the hand of Old Rocky who at this moment cut the lariat that connected the two animals, he led the ani- mal upon which Randal was, into the shade of the mesquites. Hauling his victim into a thicket, Turtle, fol- lowed by Rocky, leading the mustang of the slain brave, aise at once to the wagon. Here, when the released captive recognized the vehicle in the darkness, his mind began to be relieved in regard to the character of his res- cuers, The first words that greeted him, trans- ported him from despair to instant joy. “Dang my cats, Randal! Hyer we air, nat’ral es life, but chuck-full o’ hyderphobic in- dig’, We-’uns hes jarked hak from ther hell- yuns; but whar’s Mollie? What, in thundera- tion, did yer "low ther condemned skunks ter skupe her in fer?” ‘God bless you, my friends!” said the young man, with deep feeling. ‘‘We did the best we could, but they doubled on us, Fifteen or more bucks against two is big odds, for Bennie stole away—or so I believe—and Mollie was sense- less when the big rush came. The chief, with four or five braves, took Mollie from the mes- quites, along the western edge.” A grunt burst from Turtle, when Randal spore of the young girl having been taken to the west plain. “Turtle talk same to Great Scout,” he said, briefly. ‘Turtle no talk much, Think heap.” “Dang my cats, Tonk! Yer did git hit squar’. But, pards, ther locate o’ purty Miss Mollie air gutter be lighted down onter, an’ she must be scooped outen ther heathun’s hands, jist *bout es speedy es hit can be did. Thar’s a heap ter *splain on both sides, but we hain’t time fer gab. We-uns hes gut Benny an’ Marm Meredith, an’ ther mules an’ waggun; an’ we laid a power o’ ’Paches out cold south et ther lakes; put some ter soak fer allergator feed.” ‘You have done wonders,” said Randal; ‘‘ and I can’t understand how you two have accom- plished so much. My brain is in a perfect whirl with all that has happened. Cuptain Meredith and his daughter are indeed in a most fearful position; but I will sacrifice my life, if need be, to save them, I have been wounded, you pees: hy one of the Apache arrows,” “Low ther Tonk ter ’zamine hit, though thar ain’t much show in ther dark. Reckon, mebbe so, a couple o’ ther ha’r-t’arers’ll skute on ther back trail soon, ter ’vestergate things. Dog- gone my cats! Ef ther cloud hain’t did hit’s biz; an’ ther moon air "bout ter kick ther SO NE ee snd a _— « SS as _— — —" eel _~ > > ee
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fy ‘ ¢ fa) * + Old Rocky’s Pard. blanket offen hit’s face, which’ll show things up fine all ’roun’, “Ef Mollie air on ther west perrarer, ll dang soon freeze my peepers onter her. Tonk, fix up our pard, an’ I'll take a leetle lone scout fer fresh pints. Don’t fret, fer ef ther greasy piruts levants back, Pll let yer know, time enough ter open biz on ’em.” With these words, Old Rocky stole through the mesquites, just as the silvery moon burst forth from the black clouds, that were now passing toward the western horizon. “Waugh! Moon good. Heap good,” mut- tered the Tonkaway, as be dressed the wound of Randal, applying to ita portion of the pulp of a prickly pear, the most effectual of vegetable healers. “Where are Mrs, Meredith and Benny, Tur- tle?” asked the young man, after profuse thanks to his red nurse, which, however, were un- heeded. “ Both slee Heap ride. path.” Thus replied the Tonkaway. Then standing erect, he adjusted his paint-bag, tightened his belt, and stood, silent as a statue of bronze, fac- ing southward, andal lay outstretched at his feet, striving toreturn natural circulation to his benumbed feet and hands. Through it all, no sound came from the wagon, and, as the Apache mustangs had been secured to mesquites some distance away, all was silent around. Thus stood the Tonkaway for full five min- utes; then he sunk to the earth and placed his ear to the sward. But a moment thus; then again he stood as before, This time, however, his eyes blazed with vengeful anticipation and thirst for blood, while his hand yet clutched at his knife, yet | stained with the fresh blood of an Apache brave —his hated foe! At that moment, a snake-like hiss caused him to start with eagerness, bounding without a _word of explanation into the mesquites, Turtle sprung directly to the point whence the hiss pro- ceeded, where Old Rocky awaited him. The latter said quietly, as he approached: “More ha’r ter gather in, Tonk, Dang’d ef biz ain’t brisk ter night! We'll thin this hyer war-party ef we-uns keeps on this-a-way. Thar’s only a pa’r on ’em this time. They couldn’t spar’ more, I reckon, ‘*T heerd them yelp, soon as ther moon popped out, an’ they spit out a power o’ asserfederty- *Pache slang, when they foun’ thet a buck an’ ther captive war missin’, ‘‘ We kin skupe ’em in, an’ not half try. Fol- ler me right erlong, an’ pick yer meat! Ther’s hefty biz ahead ’sides this,-fer I gut a squint o° Mollie bein’ tuck to’ard ther Jakes, ’eross ther Jain furder west, We has gut ter git thar some sort 0’ way, fore sun-up.” Further talk was impossible, without betray- ing their presence, This, however, seemed to be suspected, for the two Apaches approached warily and slowly, after arriving in the vicinity | in _ wheel-lodge. Heap scare. eap tired. Talk no good on war- of the mesquites, 21 ‘‘Dang’d ef ther cusses won't git erway from we-uns,” whispered the old scout. ‘‘ Less glide back, craw] hoss-meat, an’ keep nigh ther wag- gun ontil they comes ‘long inter good persian. Then we kin lasso ’em, an’ choke ’em off, slick an’ easy.” As answer to this Pe. Turtle whirled in his tracks, and stalked back toward the point where the mustangs bad been secured; thus showing that his reasoning was the same as the old scouts, In five minutes, both were well seated in their saddles, each with a deadly noose adjusted. The ad they had chosen, was the spot at which ‘urtle had slain bis victim. Both knew, that the coming Apaches would, upon discovering the corpse, believe that the captive had loosened his bonds, killed his guard, and fled; consequently they would not enter- tain any suspicions as to danger to themselves, Not long had the two watchers to wait; but, for all their plans, their object would not have been attained, had not the Apaches discov- ered the corpse of their fellow-brave. A mo- ment’s reflection sufficed to convince the two warriors that the captive must, in some way, released his arms, killed the warrior, and es- caped. This being so, there could be no danger to themselves, At the very instant that the Indians were in the act of throwing their legs over their animais to dismount, the lassoes hissed through the air, the deadly nooses, true to the aim of the prac- ticed dexterous throwers, dropping over the two featbered heads, Without a pause, both Turtle and Old Rocky gave terrific yells, and jabbed deep their spurs; their steeds bounding clear of the mesquites. and down the narrow “ open,” to the southwa’ dragging the two braves over the ground, they all Tie while clutching frantically at the raw- hide ropes that were choking their lives out. But in vain. Their legs flew in the air, their faces and forms contorted in fearful agony, their black snake-like eyes bulged from their sockets with all the horror and terror, and tor- pee. which they could not express by yell or owl. The lassoes, which were fast to the saddies of the sconts, were straight and stiff as bars of iron; and the affrighted mustangs tounded for- ward, tearing up the sward, in their maddened efforts to fly from the dragging and violently contorting objects. “Giv’ ’em a lively leetle circus, Tonk,” said the old scout; “‘fer bit’s ther last they’ll ever wag a feather at. Lunge’em inter ther Injun kingdom come, on ther flip-flop whiz! Dog-gone my cats, ef thet warn’t done up ’bout es slick es ever I see’d, an’ right on ther dot by ther watch; fer, another breathe, an’ our dang’d nags would ha’ smashed brush, snorted an’ gi’n us clar erway | “‘Hit war a surprise-party o’ ther sort that we~uns air indulgin’ in offen an’ frequent o’ late, an’ we bes some more on ther p’ogramme, ““Whoop ’em up! Scratch ther bugs outen tha’r ha’r, an’ some 0’ ther grease an’ paint offen tha’r carkisses. Kerral our purty Miss Mollie, would yer? Yer ‘tarnal or’nary slab-sided,
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22 Old Rocky’s Pard. * crank-legged, snake-eyed p’ison-spittin’ sons o Satan!” The scouts had exhausted the ingenuity of vengeanze, Two more of the merciless Apache demons had met their deserts, CHAPTER XIV. STILL ON TO THE RESCUE, No sooner were the two scouts satisfied that their lassoed victims were devoid of life, power- less to ever again endanger the livesof them- selves or their friends, than both cast loose the lariats that had served them so well, and gal- loped toward the south end of the mesquites, where they could command a view of both the south and southwest plains. “ Both made halt within the margin of the mes- uites near each other, being themselves screened rom view, and gazed eagerly over the moon- illumined prairie, the old scout at once exclaim- ing: “Dang my cats! Ef ther hellyuns hain’t stopped ter wait fer ther two skunks thet we- Yuns sent on ther long dark train; but they’ll hev a hefty ole time ter wait, an’ prob’bly some on ’em may hev ter gi’n a death-yell, an’ skuto fer ther happy huntin’-groun’s, afore see- in’ ’em. Howsomever, they hain’t got bucks enough ter spar’ any more; an’ they'll hev ter glide ‘long to’ard timmer afore noon, I reckon.” * Look,” said the Tonkaway, pointing his fin- ae the southwest. ‘‘ Apache chief got ollie, “T gut.a glimpse of ’em fu’st off, Tonk; but hit tortur’s my ole Texas heart ter gaze, an’ think o’ ther leetle gal, an’ how she’s fixed *bout now, “Tonk, we’uns hes gut ter cross ther plain back ag'in afore sun-up, without bein’ see’d, er ther cap’n an’ Mollie’ll goners, dead sure an’ sartain! “Thar never war a bunch o’ ’Paches wuss mixed up, er more full o’ prussie acid indig’ an’ cussedness than ther sons o’ Satan ’cross thar, They hes had sich a ormighty hard run arter we-uns, losin’ sich « power o’ ha’r, an’ Randal bein’ tuck from ’em, thet they won’t one’t think © levantin’ Pecos-way wi’ ther cap’n an’ Mollie; but they'll tortur’ em right thar, et ther Souse Lakes, an’ then scatter, an’ go fer ha’r an’ hosses, right an’ left. * Thet’s ther way I’m ’pinionated on ther sub- jick. What d’yer say, Tonk?” “Old Rocky, he great scout. Talk heap good. ee Be to lake. Save Mollie. Save Big White Shief, “ Hunky boy! I thought yer’d see *bout es I did. Come on! Thar’s no time ter spill ’roun’ loose. What in thunderation air we’uns goin’ to do wi’ Benny an’ his marm? Reckon Randal kin limber up, an’ glide "long with us.” ‘Benny, he drive wagon to Frio, He big lit- tle brave. Heap crawl. Heap climb. Mebbe so heap swim on war-path.” “'Thet’s bout how I putshit up. Hyer we air, et ther waggun. Everything air lively, Randal; an’ ther buzzard flops wings, ag’in’ ther eye- winkers o’ ther man in ther moon.” “Tam so glad i have returned,” said the young man. ‘*I haye been extremely anxious and apprehensive, The very air seems pregnant with danger.” Turtle turned his horse to one side and disap- peared in the mesquites, He was bent on secur- ing the bloody trophies of the war-trail, “Hes Benny an’ Marm Meredith had tha’r snooze out yit?” asked Old Rocky, dismounting. “No. Ehave not heard the slightest move- ee from the wagon,” was the reply from Ran- al. ‘* Wa-al, pard, does yer feel es though yer c’u’d travel ag’in? Ef we’uns does’t hump ourselves back ter ther lakes, an’ do some ormighty fine scoutin’ arter we gits thar, wi’ slashin’ an’ shoot- in’ counted in, Miss Mollie an’ ther cap’n ’ll git scarified, hashed, an’ tortur’d permisc’usly, dead sure an’ sartain!” “* God preserve them!” groaned the young man. “Tam ready, this very moment, to dash to their rescue; but what, in the name of wonder, are we to do with Mrs. Meredith and Ben? Surely, you- do not think of taking the wagon with you to the lakes?” , “Tonk an’ I war opinin’ thet we’d better hev Benny levant back wi’ ther waggun an’ his marm, Frio-way; but yer hes gi’n me an idee, We-uns may need thet waggun to red a trick on ther smoky sons o’ Satan. Ill hitch up, an’ we'll glide ‘long, "lowin’ Ben an’ his marm to siester es much es they choose, Hit’s jist the idee. “Git yer jints loosened, Randal, aw’ yer kin ride one 0’ ther ’Pache ponies. We-uns hes gut ter strike no’theast a sight er so, an’ then east ontil we kin make a straight skute toward ther Newersis, without ther kiotes gittin’ the’r pee- pers friz onter us. Then we kin levant west, under kiver 0’ timber,-plum inter ther camp; er keep ther drink atween us, jist es we chooses,” The old scout immediately departed after the mules, and soon the animals were again har- nessed, and attached to the wagon; the Tonk- away riding up at that moment, and springing lightly to the ground, securing bis mustang to the wagon. He then proceeded after the horses belonging to himself and Old Rocky. Both these and the mules had now rested somewhat, and gazed suf- ficiently to partially satisfy their hunger. Turtle returned, and stood, holding the bridle-reins of both horses, while he gazed inquiringly at the old scout, Tonk,” said the latter, “‘ I hes concluded thet we-uns mought play some some sort o” a sar- cumventin’ riffle on the cussed "Pache wi’ ther wagguns: an thet hit’s best, all ’roun’, ter roll her long, Ben an’ his marm air siesterin’ yit, an’ we kin pint on a big spreadin’ detower, es Joe Booth used ter say, an’ leave ther outfit in ther bush ontil we needs hit. “ How does ther new p’ogramme dove-tail in wi’ yer?” ‘Look at moon,” returned Turtle, pothee heavenward. ‘No time for council-talk, Ol Rocky, great scout. It is good. Take wheel- lodge.” “Take her ‘long hit air! Randal, crawl in an’ take a snooze ontil yer is chuck up fer biz. Don’t disturb ther folkses. Hit*ll rest yer bones, an’ save some hoss vim; fer ther critters hes all slung huffs rapid. Tonk, yer better crawl in too, I reckon,” ae
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ay? a” Old Rocky’s Pard. 23 ‘Turtle, he stay on mustang,” was the reply. ‘Ha! ha! hal” laughed Old Rocky, ‘* T'd’a’ tuck my afferdavy yer w’u’dn’t ride on wheels, Tonk; but I thought I’d try yer. All set, Levant’s the word! ‘ Hyer we goes, ter clean out ther ’Pache out- fit, an’ save ther leetle gal an’ her cap’n, Reckon ther ole man’ll git some o’ ther cross-grained mulishness tuck outen him afore he’s reskied; but he kin spar’ a heap, an’ not damidge his usefulness.” Off dashed the mule team, the Tonkaway riding in the rear; but it had not proceeded far, when the old scout suddenly burst into a loud laugh, and brought the team to a halt. This caused Randal, who was just drifting into som- nolency to spring up on the front board of the wagon; thinking, for the moment, that the war-whoops of the Apaches had sounded in his ears. Mrs. Meredith and Ben, new startled from their slumbers as well, seeing Randal, were greatly astonished, almost believing that the recent horrors had been a dreara. At length Old Rocky spoke: “Dod-gast it, folkses! I warn’t *tendin’ ter start this hyer suprise-party—‘deed I warn’t— an’ hit ‘pears a leetle onbuman-like fer me ter be a-laughin’; but I sw’ar I c’u’dn’t belpit. I sh’u’d ha’ bu’st, dead sure. Fav’ air, I hes ter laugh one’t in er while on ther trail; an’ I offen hes ter git down an’ chaw grass er bushes, ter keep from bu’stin’ right out when I’m cluss up ter ther ha’r-t’arers. ‘Randal, tell leetle Ben an’ his marm all ’bout things, an’ ther futur’ p’ogramme, arter I git through my explain. Jist listen a minut’, an’ Tonk yeou too: ‘* Yer see, hit hain’t but jist popped inter my brain-box thet weuns air a-doin’ a boss thing. We're *bleeged ter p’int no’therly keepin’ ther eend o’ ther mesquites atween us, an’ ther reds; which air takin’ us a few right smart stretches outen our way. ButesI hes jist see’d, suddint- like, thet ef hit war es dark es a pocket, we orter do the same thing. *Cos why? Ther condemned skunks, when they all gits tergether, on ther lake’ll be r’arin’ mad ’bout Josin’ their captive an’ three bucks an’also et ther waggun gittin’ erway in ther same direc’, “‘ Consequently, they’ll sen’ a party et sun-up, ter ’vestergate; an’ findin’ ther scalped corpusses an’ ther waggun trail, ‘sides knowin’ by ther ‘sign’ thet Tonk an’ me air ‘long, theyll chaw the’r tongues off wi’ pure indig’. D’yer see ther place whar ther fun comes in, Tonk? We're a- gainin’ time by losin’ hit. “ While ther kiotes air on this trail, we'll be shed of ’em; an’ fore they hev kivered our sign an’ gut back ter ther lakes, ef we hain’t gut through biz wi? ther rest o’ ther cusses, we'd orter stick our heads in kiote-holes, an’ keep ’em thar ontil Gabriel’s horn toots. Now yer all knows what made me bu’st out,” ie ‘* Old Rocky great scout,” said the Tonkaway. Old Rocky make long trail for Apache dogs.” “Gong thar! Glide’s ther word. Randal, don’t low them ter keep yer from yer siesterin’.” Away, once more, rolled the wagon over the prairie sward, at a course nearly parallel with the mesquites, until the old scout was satisfied that the vehicle could not be seen by the Apaches. He then turned to the eastward, circling after- ward to the south, and toward the Nueces; aim ing to strike near the river, below the Souse Lakes, and then up, screened from view by the timber, to the lower end of the chain of water- holes, some five miles below, and to the Apache encampment. 1t would be useless to attempt to describe the feelings of Mrs. Meredith and her son, when Randal Rockwell related the dread occurrences of the night after the departure of the youth in pursuit of his mother, who was then being car- ried away senseless in the wagon, by the gallop- ing and affrighted mules. When they fully realized that Captain Mere- dith and the idolized daughter and sister were in the power of the merciless Apaches, they were prostrated with grief and despair, although they had been prepared for, or at least apprehending that such was the fact, The boy, after the first outburst of anguish, became furious, and was resolved to save his sister at any risk; but Randal, by well-chosen words, impressed upon him the necessity of his remaining with his mother, while the scouts and himself made an attempt to save the captives. Then when all the miraculous achievements of the brave and noble scouts bad been spoken of, and their great skill taken into consideration, they all felt more hopeful. rs. Meredith, ever thoughtful of others, pre- vailed upon Randal to lie down and sleep, for his help would be greatly needed, and without the rest that he so mucb required, he could hope to be of but little assistance. The young man complied, and then, mother and son, locked in each other’s arms, sat con- versing in low whispers, as the wagon rattled over the prairie; the old scout cracking his whip, and the faithful Tonkaway sitting stiff and stoical upon his horse, in the rear, bis black eyes sweeping the plain on all sides. CHAPTER XV. IN THE APACHE CAMP. MOLLIE MEREDITH was not a maiden who was in the habit of fainting; but the horrors through which she had passed, the terrible sights, the disappearance of her mother and brother, al] this was enough to have caused even a strong man to swoon with horror, Not a mile had the Apache chief galloped from the mesquites, however, when the young girl’s senses returned, although it would have been far better for ber bad she remained as before, for she at once sprung upward, and shot glances around her, while she shuddered with loathing and horror, as she realized that she was in the arms of a merciless Apache, Although her eyes had at first become fixed in a dazed stare upon the paint-bedaubed face of ber captor, she had, on the instant, recalled the near past, and realized her horrible position, and the fearful fate thatawaited her. She then sprung up, to ascertain if any of the others were prisoners with her, To her unspeakable anguish and despair, she found that she was alone in her captivity; there being but four braves galloping in the rear of the one who clutched her tightly in his arms,
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24 Old Rocky’s Pard, It was then that her apprehensions were most torturing. Sbe feared that her father and her lover had both been slain; indeed it did not seem ssible that they would have permitted her to 2 taken from the barricade, had they been alive, At times, the snake-like eyes of the poor girl’s captor glanced gloatingly from out their bide- ous framework of paint-daubs, into hers; fore- ing her to close her lids with Joathing and wretchedness, and to pray most fervently for deliverance from a tate, of which she dared not think, without a shudder and chilling of her blood. In horror, she cringed away from the fearful face, that seemed not of earth, but of Hades. On and on flew the steed; every bound of the animal seeming to the maiden to be widening the distance between her and hope, and basten- ing her nearer to despair, and a horrible fate, to which, in comparisou, death would be a mercy. Suadenly the Apache jerked his mustang to a halt, as did also his comrades, gazing with seem- ing interest eastward, the face of the captive girl being turned in the opposite direction. Resolved, however, that she would ascertain the character of that which had occasioned such interest among her captors, Mollie sprung up, turned her head toward the east, and before the Apaches, witha grunt of anger, could thrust her back, she had caught a view of a number of horsemen and packed animals, the former being Indians, with one exception, who had not the long hair and feathers so conspicuous, Only a flitting glance did she catch, but that was sufficient to photograph the view upon_ her brain, and to give her food for thought and for hope. Phat there was a white man a captive in the Sane, Mollie felt confident; also, that the In- ians were the same who followed and attacked the wagon. A moment's reasoning was sufficient to enable the intelligent girl to decide that the few braves, with whom she was traveling, were some of the original party, and that they had separated from the main body after the capture ot the birricade, for it must have been cap- tured, and the packed animals she had observed were laden with her father’s goods, The white captive might, indeed, be her parent, or possibly her lover. In either case, there was some consolation, as it proved that one of the number, besides herself, yet lived. The party seemed to be headed in the same direction as her captors were traveling, and at the halt a side-glanc2 ahead showed Mollie a dark, serpentine line stretched cast and west, while a swell in the line seemed to be quite near. She well knew that this dark line was the timber that bordered the Souse Lakes and the Rio Nueces, the latter being the further beyond, and she recalled the fact that Old Rocky and the Tonkaway had been chased toward that very timber, Perhaps the two famous scouts had escaped their pursuers, and if so the young girl knew = they would do all in their power to save er, As the Apaches continued on the march, Mol- lie, thanks to these ees began to feel somewhat relieved and hopeful, although there was indeed but little upon which she could find a hope. While crashing through the undergrowth the maiden was chilled to the very soul by a series of most hellish whoops and howls, which now burst forth in front of them, and echoed weirdly through the timber. These fearful sounds were replied to by her captors, and caused yells of exultation from the dark depths ahead, into which, here and there, shot arrows of moonlight, adding greatly to the wild and unearthly beauty of the scene. But a few moments elapsed when her captor jerked his mustang to a halt, and rudely pushed is fair burden from his embrace to the earth, to which Mollie sunk in utter exhaustion and horror, for she found herself surrounded by a horde of hideous dismounted Apaches, while cavp-fires blazed at intervals, lending to the scene a more unearthly aspect than can well be conceived, Immediately Mollie was grasped by two braves, who, at the order of the one in whose loathsome embrace she had been forced to ride, and who appeared to be the chief of the war- party, she was bound to a sapling on the border of the natural opening in which the camp was situated. A half-dozen small fires burned within the opening, about which sticks cut from the under- growth projected from the earth. These were scorched, and upon some were fragments of meat, indicating that the savages had par- taken of the evening meal some time previous to her arrival, But afew pissap ejaculations passed between the chief and a warrior from whose fillet flaunt- ed two eagle-feathers, and this was when they had first arrived. But the low, vengeful growls and grunts, and the significant murderous ges- tures of the chief, together with his furiously contorted face, proved that the information re- vealed had occasioned in him most intense an- ger, and increased his thirst for revenge, Mollie had not failed to notice this. Indeed, she felt that her life depended upon ber own ex- ertions and watchfulness, still believing that, possibly, some opening might present itself for escape, She now felt positive that both Turtle and Old Rocky had evaded the Indians, and might be lurking near at hand, with the object of ascer- taining if the Apaches had captured any of the party that they had been guiding. So time passed. Again the wood echoed with the terrible whoops and howls that had burst upon the ear of the captive girl when they first arrived; but these sounds increased in power, anc soon every warrior stalked into the camp, brandishing their weapons in their hands, yelling like fiends incar- vate, and enacting a mimic battle in panto- mime. Then came mustangs, upon which were pet the bales of goods belonging to Captain eredith, and which had formed the barricade, Poor Mollie gazed at these, the links that seem- ed to connect her with her relatives and with an- other life. But there was joy amid it all. scones ouinieneneremmemimieiemmasannntl
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- - ened Sy Old Rocky’s Pard. 25 | They brought hope; for they proved to her that the Indians she had seen upon the plain had arrived in camp, and that: she would soon, with- out doubt, see her father, whose presence, even as a captive, would be a consolation and relief. The heart of the poor girl sprung to ber throat as a most vengefnl yell burst fromeach of the savages, and another horse sprung from the bushes, upon which was bound—her father! She gave an outcry of mingled joy and sym- pathy as she saw bim; and Captain Meredith, drawn by that cry, gazed upon his daughter from over the heads of the Gdemoniac Apaches, while his iron frame trembled, and his face fill- ed with soul-drawn anguish, and the bitterness of death. Then the strong man bowed his head and clos- ed ais eyes, as if he could no longer bear the sight. Quickly and roughly he was torn from the horse, and bound to a tree on the Sing side of thecamp, and facing his daughter; but at such a distance that they could not converse, The hopeless appearance of her parent was a greater grief to Mollie than any woe that bad preceded it; as, from his manner, and the ab- sence of Randal, she feared that her lover bad fallen in the conflict at the barricade. Listlessly, and asif all hope bad flown, as if his heart was now tortured beyond all power of endurance for having brought bis child into such awful peril, thus stood Captain Meredith. He wasin an upright position, held so more by his bonds than his strength. His head was bowed upon his breast, and his tears fell like rain upon the dead leaves at his feet. This last sign of weakness in their captive caused the Apaches to yell with scorn and con- tempt as they went on in their work of unpack- ing the goods from the mustangs and piling them together. Not many minutes passed when again came blood-curdling howls from all, as a series of sig- nals sounded from the east, and soon after an- other party entered thecamp. This was com- posed of six braves, each of whom led a mustang, upon which was bound a scalpless, blovd-stained warrior. These were laid beside the others, amid howls ~ that caused the festoons of moss, that hung from the branches that arched the camp, to quiver and sway. Dread and weird, indeed, was the scene. Horrible and hellish were the sounds that rent the air and filled the hapless captives with an awful and sickening dread. CHAPTER XVI. DOOMED, THE sun arose, a. brazen ball of fire in the east, shooting aslant its bright rays in the tim- ber of Souse Lakes, Here and there the hideous braves stalked, in a silence that seemed ominous of death to the es ie he corpses of the slain were placed in a circle, the feet all pointing inward, thus forming a round, clear space. Still the captives. were unable to see anything that seemed to bear upon their own fate, Both, however, felt an inward conviction that ! they were destined, in some way, to take a part in the.coming ceremonies, for a large stake Had . been inserted in a hole directly in the center of the space referred to, and the ground pounded firm about it. Then the captives were unbound and secured to the same, back to back. Captain Meredith now spoke: “Mollie, up darling, I have brought you to this! But there is one thing tocheer us, James, I feel assured, has escaped, and neither of tbe scouts has been taken, or we would have known it. I believe, also, that your mother and Benny are safe, or these fiends would torture us all to- gether. ' “Keep up hope, my darling! We may not be sacrificed before our friends have an oppor- tunity to save us. For myself, I feel the strength of a dozen men, when I think of the fate for which they have destined us, May God give you strengh to bear up and hope!” “Oh, father!” exclaimed the poor girl; “I fee] that there is no hope for us, These savages are thirsting for revenge, and will not spare us. “ But, father, I have a confession to make, while time is left me to do it. Ican deceive you no longer. James—your teamster, is none other than Randal Rockwell. He assumed that disguise that he might help to protect us, for = believed in the dangers that you made light ‘“‘He was wounded in defending us—he may yet meet his death at the bands of the Indians —but it has all been done for me. They all knew him except you, papa. Old Rocky en- gaged him—” The last few words of the poor gir] came in a gasping whisper, and they were here interrupted by a horrible howl, that came in concert from every savage throat in the camp. Nearly two-score in number, each having just added to his hideousness by renewing his war- paint, the Apaches now ranged themselves in a circle around the dead, the captives being in the center, Only for a moment stood they thus, Turning their eyes from their prisoners to the bodies of their slain fellow-braves, the spectacle seemed to electrify them, as one man, into fury. Up went weapon-laden arms wildi: , and out from their throats, as they bounded into the air, came howl after howl, as they whirled and leaped this way and that, slashing the air with their knives, while their eyes glared like those of wild beasts. Then again all was silent. But only for a moment. Each now half turned, facing the back of his neighbor, and thus they danced around in a crouched position, gesticulating to the dead, and then toward the sky. All this time, war-whoops and yells of demoniac fury resounded, until the woods seemed a perfect pandemonium, Soon, however, the hellish circle stopped, and all stooped low, and began whispering to the ghastly slain, and pointing their arrows and knives tow the captives. This done, they resumed their devilish dance; the yells now giv- ing place to a dreary and monotonous chant, and then every brave regained his first position, motionless as a statue. When the chant ended, half of the warriors
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sprung from the circle, relieved themselves of theie weapons, and returning lifted the bodies of the slain, and strode away with them into the undergrowth, On their return, all formed in a line, and went at a dog-tro§ around the camp, circling about the captives. This done, with fearful yells, they broke ina mad mob, and all rushed through the under- growth, toward the lake. This, the captives knew, must be near at hand, for they could hear the splash of what they judged to be the »ieces of horse-meat being cast into the water. This greatly puzzled them, but it was soon to be made sufficiently, and most horribly plain. Soon, half a dozen warriors came stalking on their return to the captives, and both Captain Meredith and Mollie feit that their hour had come, The captain was now unlashed from the stake, the thongs that bound his ankles were removed, and his arms were lashed more firmly together behind his back; being drawn tightly in such a manner as to give him great pain. He was then hurried away, as he called to his daughter: “They are taking me from you, my cbild. Oh, may Heaven preserve you from these merci- less fiends in human shape!” For some time, Mollie listened intently, ex- pecting to hear the shrieks that torture would draw from him; but not a sound was heard, Captain Meredith was hurried from the camp southward, and taken through the timber and undergrowth for a short distance, to a shelving and muddy bank of the iake, The poor man at first believed that he was to be drowned, and congratulated himself upon the fact, It was an easy death to die, if die he must. He soon realized, however, that this was not to be the case, for he was firmly secured to the stump of a tree, and bound fast enough to make escape impossible, At the same time, there was space enough to allow him to step a ace or two on either side of the limb; although 6 was forced to face the shore, This space, he noticed was crowded with braves: all gazing at him with vengeful exul- tation, This greatly puzzled him; their man- ner indicating that he was about to be madea victim to some one of their crue] modes of tor- ture. The two braves, who had bound the captain, now rejoined their comrades, when all disap- peared in the undergrowth. Captain Meredith was left alono. Yes, he was safe, and the Apaches must be aware of the fact. But what, then, was their object? 8 he thus cogitated, a piercing shriek cut the air from the direction of the camp, causing Captain Meredith to cry out in anguish: : Oh, my child! My darling—God protect her! Shriek after shriek rung through the arches of the bottom-timber, the sounds fast approach- ing the captain’s position. Then, crashing through the undergrowth with fierce yells and whoops, came the hideous horde, and out upon the bank, a burly brave in their midst, holding poor Molle at arm’s length above his head by clutch of limb and shoulder, Old Rocky’s Pard, Soon she was bound to a trimmed sapling, facing her father and the lake, and then the torturers of the llanos as suddenly disapp ared, with yells of vengeance and triumph. Father and daughter thus bound, stood star- ing at each other, the sweat of agony standing on the brow of each. CHAPTER XVII. ON TIME, Op Rocky well knew thedistance he had to travel, and the gait to which he must force the mules, if be would arrive at the point he wished, east of the Souse Lakes, before the sun arose. r He carried out his ‘‘ pogramme” to the let: er. Benny Meredith was induced to remain with his mother until such time as he should see the red kerchief of Old Rocky flying from a desig- nated tree, on the margin of the Souse Lakes timber. Then, he was to quickly attach the mules to the wagon, and drive to the point to which the signal would guide him; leaving his mother in a dense thicket, to which her couch was taken, ane where she would be safer than anywhere else. Turtle was silent, as usual, but cast frequent, and—for him—anxious glances toward the tim- ber, which concealed his foes, as well as those whom he was determined tosave from their vengeance, But no time was lost, when once Old Rocky had arranged matters to suit his views. He and the Tonkaway mounted their own horses, Randal riding that of Mollie Meredith, while Turtle led the two captured mustangs, In this order the trio started. ‘The timber was soon reached. The mustanzs were secured to trees in such a manner as to allow them to graze; and relieved from these two animals, the party now proceeded with caution westward, under cover of the timber, until the point was reached where the wagon had been rattled down into the lake by the af- frightened mules, and where the six Apaches had been slain and scalpad, Here it was found that the corpses had been removed, and the three men proceeded on until near the Apache camp, when they dismounted and secreted their steeds, not daring to take them furtber. Going a little nearer without having seen a sentinel, they concealed themselves in a thicket and waited. But a short time were they thus crouched, when the fearful sounds made by the Indians in their dance around the dead braves reached their ears, These sounds were understood by both Old Rocky and Turtle, They were satisfied now that one or both of the captives were in the camp, and would serve as targets for the vengeful yells and gestures of the savages, Soon the sounds ceased; and all remained silent for some time. Then, when the old scout was about to proceed, his red pard, by a gesture, bade him remain; at the same time, the latter threw himself flat, pressed his ear to the earth, and listened intently. But only for a moment, The Tonkaway arose, ——EE
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octets Old Rocky’s Pard. 27 a eee i ee ee laid his hand upon the arm of Old Rocky, and drew him across to the northern side of ‘the thicket. There, upon peering through the bushes, they beheld a singular, but to Turtle, not an unex- pected sight. This was the Apaches bringing their dead through the wood, and dir2ctly toward the thicket in which our three friends had concealed themselves, They now drew weapons, and crouched ready for business, although they felt that a conflict at this time would hazard the lives of the cap- tives. Much to their relief, however, the Apaches made a halt before reaching their covert, and laid their dead side by side upon a. little moss- grown bank, This done, they returned in single file to their camp, without leaving any of their number to guard the slain. This proved conclusively to the scouts that their presence was not looked for in the vicinity. Everything so far was working favorably toward the release of the captives, and the Tonk- away was jubilant. “* What in thunderation air up now? They've started a fresh cireus, an’ I “lows ter take a back seat without a ticket, *though I’m a Pn ge from bein’ a dead-head!” said Old Rocky. The Tonkaway knew that preliminary cere- monies were now being performed, preceding the condemnation of the captives to torture, When the sounds became louder and louder, they were correctly interpreted by Old Rocky also, and he advised an immediate inspection of the camp by Turtle and himself, leaving Randal in the thicket, to take charge of the rifles, The Tonkaway and Old Rocky now sprun each into the low branches of huye trees, and disappeared from the view of Randal, who was racked with agonizing concern in regard to Mol- lie, but retained sufficient self-command to await the investigations of his companions, whose skill he could not question, Little did the Apaches dream, as they dragged Captain Meredith upon the fallen tree and bound him, that their two most relentless enemies were above him, watching every movement, ready to take any advantage, and to risk their lives in an attempt to rescue him and his daughter from torture and death, If the scouts had not understood the situation, they would, under the excitement of the moment, when they saw Mollie dragged to the spot, have darted down to her rescue. But they well knew that the attempt would vrobably result in the death of all. Old Rocky made his way amid the tree-tops. to a position from which he could gain a view of the Apache camp. The position of the old man was necessarily bigh up in the tree; and he could see no way in which he could, with satisfaction, inform the captives of their probable release, While deliberating, Turtle came up, and said in a low voice: “So many Apache ride to mesquites ”—hold- ing up all his fingers and thumbs extended, , “same many go east, where have fight when wheel-lodge come to lake. Follow trail, Apache, squaws. Better stay in lodge.” “Dang my cats, Tonk! Ef thet ain’t ther bestest news I hes heerd in a month o’ New Years. Ef we~uns hain’t gut ther dead-wood ov ther outfit, an’a soft thing on savin’ ther cap’n an’ ther leetle gal, I don’t know nothin’, Why besn’t ther kiotes planted ther corpuses?” ‘Wait, wait, have big dance when get Turtle and Old Rocky. Want dead captive in dauce. Spirit of warriors no start on long dark trail. Want scalps of enemies, then go. Howl in live Apache ears. Noeat. No sleep. Heap scare.” “‘Dog-gone ef ther sperits won’t hev a hefty time ter linger, afore they'hes ther satisfac’ 0’ knowin’ thet our heads air skinned! So they’d better start fer ther ’Pacbe kingdom come right away. But I sw’ar, we-uns must slope, or ther cusses what glides east mought run in on Benny an’ Marm Meredith. Z “Thar ain’t no danger o’ ther cap’n an’ Mollie bein’ tortur’d, ontil vher two parties comes back. Thet’s dead sure, fer they don’t want ter miss ther circus,” ‘““Wait—Turtle send totem to Mollie. She know friends in wood.” How in thunderation yer perpose ter do hit? ‘‘ Wait,” replied the Tonkaway, laconically. Taking a long fish-line from his pouch, Turtle attached one of his eagle-feathers to it, and pro- ceeded to lower it, “Dang hit, Tonk! Thar war a ’Pache dowa thar a bit ergo,” said the old scout, apprehen- orth > “* Apache gone to camp. Turtle see. Wait!” moment more, and the eagle-feathers brushed the cheek of the young girl, whose face, however, could not be seen by the watchers. Mollie, by this time, had revived. Only for an instant, the signal of hope, and release and life fluttered before her eyes. She recognized the line, and the eagle ‘‘ totem.” ‘“‘Father!” she cried out, in her almost hea- venly relief, her eyes bent upon the fluttering eagle-feather, which arose through the brancbes. Quickly Captain Meredith lookedat his daugh- ter, and followed the direction of her gaze. Assisted by the changed countenance and manner of the young girl, he, too, recognized the fluttering feather as the signal of help and release, as it now slowly disappeared among the dense and lofty shades of the moss and leaves. CHAPTER XVIII. CIRCUMVENTED AT EVERY POINT. QUIETLY descending the tree, the two scouts returned to the thicket in which the anxious Randal awaited them, Old Rocky quickly relieved the young man’s mind by saying: “Mollie an’ ther cap’n air in ther ’Pache camp. They’re alive an’ kickin’, an’ we—uns ‘lows ter yank ’em out, right side up with care, somewhar about sundown, ‘Don’t worry er ax questions. Hev yer see’d ary o’ ther condemned scum o’ ther Pecos since we-uns levanted?” Randal’s face had brightened wonderfully as .
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— 28 Old Rocky’s Pard. Old Rocky spoke, and he answered in a tone far different from any he had previously used: **Yes, I have seen ten warriors. They were mounted, and passed quite near my hiding-place, but I was prepared to sell my life dearly. They pointed down the lake, and seemed to be wrought up to a state of perfect frenzy as they passat the dead braves yonder.” ce Things air workin’ ter win,” was the old scout’s reply; ‘tan’ we’uns must skip down lake ter see what ther kiotesair ’bout. Hit*ll be noon afore they strikes out on ther perrarer arter nosin’ roun’ arter ‘sign.’ Ther party what’s gone ter ther mesquites "Il hev a or- mighty time of hit, howlin’ over ther stiffs we- ’uns lassced. ** Howsomever, ’bout ther time they gits hot on ther hum-stretch, we’uns ‘Il be hunky-dory, es well es Miss Mollie an’ ther cap’n, an’ we'll gi’n em a surprise-party that’ll ’stonish ’em.” All three now repaired to the place where they had left Mrs, Meredith and Benny, when they hitched up the mules and all departed for the vicinity of the Apache camp. The thicket, which had formerly served as a covert for the scouts and Randal, was now made to serve the same purpose for Benny and his mother, the boy mounting guard, his rifle ready for any emergency, Again Turtle ascertained, from the tree-top, that the captives were just as they had last seen them, It was but too apparent, however, that with the small force at the command of the scouts, and the proximity of the Apache camp, the captain and Mollie would have but little chance of escape. Hence, Old Rocky formed a plan of his own. ; Through the vast natural archway dashed three pairs of blinded mules jerking a wagon ce em, and on the wagon—ye gods, what a sight tanding and sitting, secured to the boops and sides, and seats, were a dozen dead Apache braves, all scalpless, On, like a chariot of avenging demons, dashed the wagon, until in the middle of the Apache camp! The Indians had started to their feet, but no sooner had they done so than this terrible load shot into their midst, and at once they bounded with yells of horror from the spot. But as the wagon halted, up from among the dead arose four living ones, and each brought his rifle to his shoulder and fired into the massed savages. “Jump, Randal and Benny! Jump an’ skute to’ard ther drink, fer ther cap’n an’ Mollie! Tonk an’ this byer ole raw-bide ripper ’ll saler- i ther hellyuns ontel they er we’uns weak- ens As Old Rocky spoke, his revolver and that of Turtle poured a rattling fusilade into the de- moralized Apaches, whose arrows flew wild, and their war-cry soon changed into death-howls and dying groans, Dashing madly through the undergrowth, little Benny came directly upon the slimy sauriin, which bounded upward as his rifle-shot took effect in the eye of the reptile, a whisk of his tail hurling the boy’s rifle into the air, as the beast rolled into the lake. 3 Equally as headlong in his advance, Randal broke from the bushes at a point where Captain Meredith, with mingled relief and concern upon his ghastly face, was in his immediate ffont. Like a panther, the young man rushed, knife in hand, to the side of the captain, and quickly severed his bonds; but at the same moment he caught sight of poor Mollie, who had fainted with horror, and from her position appeared to be already dead. Relinquishing his hold upon the captain, Ran- dal darted toward the maiden, cut her loose from the sapling and folded her in hisarms, ~~ Just then the shooting suddenly ceased, and the oe of Old Rocky was again heard in com- mand: ** Fotch "long Miss Mollie an’ ther cap’n live- ly, er ther t’other condemned kiotes ’ll run in on us an’ sp'ile our lettle circus! Whoop ’er up, boyees!” Randal, with the rescued maiden, was at the wagon by the time that Turtle had cut loosa the horrid corpses, and flung them to the earth. Then, grasping Mollie from the arms of the young man, he said: “Get Big White Chief, quicx!” Back went Randal, and with Benny’s help the captain was placed in the wagon. The rifles were recovered and reloaded, and then Old Rocky gathered the reins, clutched the ‘ black spake,” and yelled: “ Jark off ther rags, Tonk, an’ jump in! This air a free ride back fer all hands.” The cloths were torn from the eyes of the mules, and Turtle sprung into the wagon; the old scout lashing the mules, at terrific speed, back the way they had come. The wheels crashed over dead and dying braves; not one barring their way, the survivors being appalled at tho terrible sight, and the wholesale death occasion- ed by the rifles and the revolvers of the scouts, All who wereable to fly had dashed into the shades, in superstitious terror, A brief halt was made at the thicket; barely long enough to take up Mrs, Meredith and her couch, thus restoring husband, wife, and daugh- ter to each other, Then, away galloped the team again, out from the timber, upon the open prairie, still keepin up a headlong speed toward the mesquites ait the Rio Frio. Soon, a yell of exultation from Old Rocky at- tracted every one, and the old scout, pointing with his whipin the direction of the Souse Lakes, where galloped madly a score of Apache braves, elled: ae Sarcumvented ther greasy sons o’ Satan! Dang my cats, ef we ain’t roarin’ ragers! Whoop-er-up! Whooper-e-e-e! Hurra-a-a fer us! Bully fer we~uns!” Notwithstanding the numbers of the enemy, the appearance of the wagon, upon the trail of which they had been the best part of the day, coming out from their own camp, driven by Old Rocky, the hated Tonkaway riding in the rear, and the white boy who had disappeared so mys- teriously from the barricade, all this so amazed the Apaches, and filled them with superstitious phe ad that they never thought of pursuing them, Just the opposite. They lashed their mustangs
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Old Rocky’s Pard. 29 toward their camp at terrific speed, unheeding the taunting war-whoop of the Tonkaway, who raised a mass of fresh Apache scalps upon his rifle-barrel, and flaunted them in mockery the most aggravating and terrible. CHAPTER XIX, “SWEET ARE THE USES OF ADVERSITY.” THERE remains but little to be told, as the in- tention has been to recount only the perilous ad- ventures of those who have acted a partin our truthfully-drawn frontier story, As may be well imagined, Captain Meredith had quite enough of border life, when, having sought to establish a ranch on the Souse Lakes, he so narrowly escaped serving as food for the shiny monsters in their gloomy depths. All recovered somewhat upon reaching the Rio Frio. They made no stay, however, but kept on to the Rio Medina. There, the captain pur- chased a small ranch, as he had but little means remaining. Mrs. Meredith, although for a long time suffer- ing from the exposure, hardship and horrors of the Souse Lake trip, eventually recovered; and, to the great joy of her family and friends, regain- ed much of her youthful health and vigor, From the date of his rescue, Captain Meredith was a changed man; being filled with gratitude to-God, and to tlie brave men, who had risked so much to saye him and his. From the time that Randal Rockwell releas2d him from the fallen tree, the captain formed a strong liking for the young man; realizing, at last, his nobleness of character in sacrificing his own interests -and braving every danger to defend the maiden whom he must have loved more devotedly than aught else in the world. Ever after, much to the delight of all, Captain Meredith and Randal Rockwel were to each other as father and son. The young man, in- deed, soon after, did become his son by marriage with the beautiful Mollie. Old Rocky and Tur- tle were present at the wedding, and received many valuable presents from the bridegroom, who, to the surprise of every one except Mrs. Meredith, who had reasons for supposing that he was, or one day would be well off in this world’s goods, proved to be possessed of considerable property. The father of young Rockwell was a wealthy man, but the latter had Jeft his home through a feeling of independence, determined to win a name for himself, He had now written home, however, to New Orleans, of his prospects and marriage. An affectionate invitation was returned to bim to extend his bridal tour to the Crescent City. Randal complied, and a very happy visit it was to his father and mother, who af once fell in love with their charming daughter-in law. Ina year from the marriage, a stately man- sion—for that section of the country—was erect- ed by Randal, on the Medina, The house of Captain Meredith, also, was rebuilt, with exten- sive corrals: a large tract of land being purchas- ed, the two men engaged as partners in stock- raising, and prospered well, Young Ben Meredith never forgot the terrible scene that met his eyes when he sprung from the thicket on the border of Souse Lake, He grew to be a noble specimen of a young Texan. As such, he has been many a time seen, scouting in company: with his old and tired riends: “OLD Rocky anp His Rep Parp, “TURTLE, THE TONKAWAY.” THE END. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-five volumes . American Speaker. 1, . National Speaker, 16. . Patriotic Speaker. VW. Comic Speaker. 18. . Elocutionist. Humorous Speaker. 19, . Standard Speaker. 20. . Stump Speaker, 21, . Juvenile Speaker. 22, . Spread-Kagle Speaker | 23. . a So Fi 2. Exhibition Speaker. 3, School Speaker. . Tudicrous Speaker. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. Komikal Speaker. Youth’s Speaker, Eloquent Speaker, Bail Columbia Speak- er. Serio-Comic Speaker, Select Speaker. Funny Speaker. Jolly copes: Dialect Speaker. SONS oe cope 3 %4. Recitations and Read- ings. Burlesque Speaker hag Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues. each volume 100 pages, em- brace thirty-six books, viz.: Dialogues No. Nineteen. Dialogues No. Twenty. Dialogues No. Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Twenty-two. Dialogues No, Twenty-three. Dialogues No, Twenty-four. Dialogues No Twenty-five, Dialogues No. Twenty-six. DialoguesNo. Twenty-seven. |\Dialogues No. Twenty-eight, Eleven. Dialogues No. Twenty-nine. Twelve. (Dialogues No. Thirty. Thirteen. Dialogues No. Thirty-one Dialogues No. Fourteen. Dialogues No. Thirty-two Dialogues No. Fifteen. Dialogues No. Thirty-three, Dialogues No. Sixteen. Dialogues No. Thirty-four. Tialogues No.Seventeen Dialogues No. Thirty-five, Dialogues No. Kighteen Dialogues No. Thirty-six. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collee- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. Dialogues No, One. Dialogues No. Two. Dialogues No. Three. Dialogues No. Four, Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. § Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. The above publications are for sale by all news- dealers or will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, ten cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pustisuers, 98 WirraM Srreer, N.Y,
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82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E. 5. Ellis. 83 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 84 The Dumb Page: or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Captaid Frederick Whittaker. 85 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. By Edward S. Ellis. 86 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L. Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, Trapper, or, Life in the Northwest. By Edward §. Ellis. 90 ZIPPY, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Gleason. 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, the Red Pirates of the Caribbees. By Samuel W. Pearce. 93 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy; or, The Mystery of the Brronghoid, By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L, Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess the Female Trapper. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 ae Black Steed of the Prairies. By James L. owen. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusde. By Juan Lewis. 99 Bonanza Bill, the Man Tracker; or, the Secret Twelve. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By B.S. Ellis. Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. George, 102 The Yellow Chief; or, The Half-Blood’s Ven- geance. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 103 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. By Tr Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. By Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mustanger. By T. C. Harbaugh. hood 109 The Branded Hand, or, The Man of Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread _ Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By George W, Browne. 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. By Edward L. Wheeler. 112 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 113 Sear-Faced Saul, the Silent Hunter, By Oll Coomes. 114 Saye! Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Har- ugh. 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gor- gon’sGuich, By Edward L. Wh eler. 116 Jabez Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Polar Regions. By Capt. F, Whittaker. 117 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trappers Trust. By “ Buffalo Bill.” 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughored; or, The Win- ning Hand. By Chas. Morris. 119 Blonde Bill; or, Deatwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 10 os so Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Har- augh, 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack sot ceedg an 122 The Huuted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie. By Edward §, Ellis. 123 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. 121 Judge Lynch, 3 he Boy V: T udge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Bo nte. By T. ©. Harbaugh,’ ec - BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 1 ; 125 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil's Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Break.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 Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Winning Against Odds. By Charles Morris. 129 EKagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 130 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avengers, By T. C. Harbaugh. 131 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 132 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph KE. Badger, Jr. 133 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. mont. ; 134 yes Mews; the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas. Mortis. 185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 136 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. 137 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G, Waldo Browne. By Frank Du- | 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. 139 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. 7 Philip S. Warne. 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 143 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos. K. Badger, Jr. 144 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss In- a 145 The Tiger of Taos; or, Wild Kate, Dandy Rock’s Angel. By Geo, Waldo Browne. 146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina’s Right Bower. By Frank Dumont. 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, the Scamps of the Sierras. By Edward L. Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By G. Waldo Browne. 151 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Wel! Kept. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. H. Eyster. 153 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L. Wheeler. 154 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War- Path. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Loy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Morris. 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Har- baugh. 158 Deatlwaod Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure. By E. L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat; or, The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8. Warne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen, By Col. P. Ingraham, 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By C. Morris. 162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. { 163 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, the Rivals of the Road. By E, L. Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core, By T. C. Harbaugh. é 165 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. By Col. P. Ingraham. " 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses; or, “A Trump Card,”’_By Charles Morris. 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death, sy George W. Browne.
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 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 Lif»; or, Shadowed in New York. By Charles Morris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. Edwin Emerson. 173 Dick Dingle, Scout; or, The Frontier Angel. By Edward §, Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme; or, The Golden Hand. By G. W. Browne. 1% The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp By Edward L. Wheeler. 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand. By Charles Morris. 177 The Boy Commander; or, The Maid of Perth. -By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 178 The Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night Island. By Burton Saxe. 179 Dainty Lance; or, The Mystic Marksman. By J.E, ger, Jr. 180 The Boy Gold-Hunter; or, Navajo Nick’s Seout. By T, C. Harbaugh. 181 The Scapegrace Son. By Charles Morris, 182 The Dark-Skinned Scovt; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 183 Jabez Dart, Detective; or, Tbe Hermit Trapper. By Oll Coomes. 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Wil- lett. 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. tiss Ingraham. 186 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger King; or, Dark Paul’s Plot. By Charles Morris. 188 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues. By Edward L. Wheeler. 189 Old Rocky’s Boys; or, Bonito, the Young Mus- tang-Breaker. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout; or, The Faithful Mountain Mastiff. By James L, Bowen. 191 Dandy Rock’s Rival: or, The Mysterious Wolf Rider. By Geo. Waldo Browne. 192 Hickory Harry; or, Roa’ ing Ralph, the Ventrilo- quist. By Harry St, George, 193 Detective Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's Game. By Edward L. Wheeler. 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of th Mountain. By T. C. Harbaugh. z s 196 The Dandy Detective; or, The Abducted Boy Mystery. By Charles Morris. 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King; or, The Texan Sport Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 198 seg Dan’s Mask; or, The Rival the Mines. By Frank Dument. 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective; or, Bear Tamer. By T. C. Harbaug! By By Col. Pren- — Bravo, the 200 The Twin Horsemen; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards; or, The Hawks of High Pine. By Wm. R. Eyster, 202 Tom, the Texan Tiger; or, Old Luke's Luck. By Oll Coomes. 203 Sam, the Office Boy; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris, 204 The Young Cowboy; or, The Girl Trailer’s Tri- umph. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 205 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam's Scheme, By E. L. Wheeler. 206 White Lightning; Harbaugi. 207 Kentuck Talbot’s Band; or, The Red Lasso. By Captain Mark Wilton, 208 Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery; or, Dashiag Dick’s Disguise. By Oll Coomes, gi 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris. 210 The Hunchback of the Mines: or, Reckless Rulph, the Road-Agent. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 211 Little Giant and His Band; or Despard, the Duelist. By P. S. Warne. 212 The Jimtown 5 ae or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado, By E. L. Wheeler. 213 The Pirate’s Prize; or, The Mysterious Yankee Schooner. By C. Dunning Clark. or, the Boy Ally. By T. C, | 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta; or, The ’Frisco Flash o’ Lightning. By T. C. Harbaugh. 215 Daring Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Detec- tive. By Oil Coomes, 216 The Cowboy Captain; or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 217 Bald Head of the Rockies; or, The Ang’l of the Range. By Major Sam S. Hall. 218 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim, By Edward L. Wheeler. 219 Buck, the Detective; or, Paul, the Boy Pard. By Albert W. Aiken. 220 CracksShot Frank; or, Bill Bounce, the Moun- tain Bravo. By Charles Morris. 221 Merle the Middy: or, A Waif of the Waves. Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie Rangers. By Oll Coomes., 223 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs; or, The Two Pards of Vulture Bar. By T. C, Harbeugh. 2&4 Frisky Fe gus, the New York Boy. B; G. L. Aiken. 225 Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar, By Charles Morris. 227 Merle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt; the Buc- caneer. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 298 The Preacher Detective; or, The Boy Ventrilo- quist. By Oll Coomes. By Leagues of | 969 oid Hickory's Grit. By John J, Marshall. 1 230 Be Three Boy Sports; or, The Sword Hunters. Captain Frederick Whittaker.
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY, 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or, Buccaneer Brandt's Threat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 233 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 234 Baldy, the Miner Chi:f. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. By Edward L. 235 Jack Stump’s Cruise; or, The Montpelier’s Muti- neers. By Roger Starbuck. 236 Sierra Sam's Double; or, The .Three Female De- tectives. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 287 Newsboy Ned, Detective; or, Two Philadelphia Gamins. By Charles Morris. 238 Merle Monte’s Sea:Scraper; or, Little Belt’s Droll Disguise. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 239 Ben’s Big Boom; or, The Boss Miner’s League. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 240 Sharp Shot Mike; or, Columbia Jim on the War- Path. By Oll Coomes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence: or, Little Luck at Rough nch,. By Edward L. Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold Gulch, By T. C. Harbaugh. 248 Dutch San’s Dilemma; or, The Mysterious Mountain Monster. By Maj. L. W. Carson. 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise; or, The Capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss In- graham. 245 Bildy’s Boy Partner; or, Young Brainerd’s Steam Man. By Edward §. Eliis. 1246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice: or, James Jumper ) the New York Gamin. By Charles Morris. 247 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. Edward L. Wheeler. 248 Giant George’s Pard; or, Arizona Jack, the * Tenderfoot. By Buckskin Sam, 249 Ranch Rob’s Wild Ride; or, Old Winch The Rifle King. By T. C, Harbaugh. 250 Merle Monte’s Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief’s Doom, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 251 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett. 252 Denver Doll’s Device: or, The Detective Queen. By Edward L, Wheeler. 258 The Boy Tenderfoot; or, Roaring Ben Bundy of Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 254 Black Hills Ben; or, Dutch Jan on the War- Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim, Detective; or, The Ycung Protege’s Victory. By Charles Morris. 256 Merle Monte’s Last Cruise; or, The Sea Robber at Bay. By Col. Preniiss Ingraham. 257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young California Pards, By Maj. 1. L. St. Vrain. 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By Ol Coomes. 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport, or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By T, C, Harbaugh, By 262 ee the Roy Rover; or, Terror Tom of Texas. By Col. P. Ingraham. 263 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. 264 Denver Doll's Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport, By E, L. Wheeler. 265 Billy, the Baggave Boy; or, The Young Railroad Detective. By Charles Morris, 266 Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask By Capt, Comstock. 267 Giant George’s Revenge; or, The Boys of “ Slip- up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam, 268 The Dead Shot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke. By Edward Willett. 270 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss, By E. L. Wheeler, 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse. By Oll Coomes, 272 Kit, the Girl Detective; or, Dandy Dash in Cali- fornia. By T. C. Harbaugh. - 273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned's Surprise. By Jos. HE. Badger, Jr, 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocean Wail; or, The Old Sailor's Protege. By Charles Morris 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped; or, Roxey Ralph's Ruse. By Edward L. Wheeler, 277 The Idiot Boy Avenger; or, Captain Wild-Cat’s Big Game. By Albert W. A’ken. 278 Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot's Lueck. By T. C. Harbaugh. 279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger; or, The Ghost of the Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal; or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant's Doom. By Jack Farragut, 282 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler. 233 Roving Sport Kit; or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willetr. 264 The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animal T.mer. By Capt. Fred. Wl ittaker, 285 Old Rocky's Pard; or. Little Ben’s Chase. Buck-kin Sam, 286 Dick; the Dakota Sport Ready July 3. By By Charles Morris. 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper; or, The Sea Sorceress’ Cruise. By Jack Ready July 10, 288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready July 17, Brapue’s Pocket Lisrary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents a copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ApAms, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, arragut.