Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 422) (1892 02 10)
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oN! IN mime marca = ee a. - P eS “ PPA ot (ti i Vi UU! | / Copyrighted, 1892, by Bravia anp Avama, Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. ¥., Post Office. February 10, 1892, No 499 $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol XXXII a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St. New YorK. Five Cents, RED SPUR RALPH, THE TEXAN. —_—_—_----—_____—— DUNNING CLARK. rE ~~ “B., 14ers aA Sy gbbt aa “HYAR’S YER UNTAMED JAGGER!” YELLED THE HUNTER WHO IAD BEEN CHASED, WHIRLING HIS BY THE MUZZLE. “CL’AR THE WAY FUR THE BIG BUFFLER OF THE RANG.S! HOOPEE!”
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She Toe ae ae SEA The Young Mustangers. Red Spur Ralph, the Texan; OR, THE YOUNG MUSTANGERS, ATalo of Adventure on the Far Texan Border. BY C. DUNNING CLARK, AUTHOR OF “ CRUISE OF THE FLYAWAY,” “ THE BLYAWAY AFLOAT,” ‘‘ RED RIVER*ROVERS,” “WALT FERGUSON’S CRUISE,” *‘ CAP- TAIN RALPH,” ‘THE YOUNG LAND-LUBBER,” ETC, CHAPTER I. THD YOUNG RANGERS—CHASED BY MEXICANS— A GALLANT CHARGE, A paaty of twenty-five young men were en- camped on a prairie in the western part of Texas, They had corraled their horses in the shelter of a motte, as clumps of timber are designated upon the Texan plains, and were en- joying their evening meal with a gusto, which only a long ride could impart. We have said that they were young men, but it might also be said that the greater portion of them were mere boys, and the oldest among them could not have been more than twenty- five. They wore generally the garb in vogue upon the western plains at that time—bnckskins, heavy riding-boots and broad sombreros, Each had his rifle lying beside him, and, belted at the waist, the weapon which has become national in the United States—the bowie. A row of saddles could be seen under tne trees, each with a lariat coiled at the saddle bow, and all their appoint- ments were perfect. They were fresh, young, hardy -looking fellows and were evidently well accustomed te fe on the prairie and perfectly hardened to danger. It is only in the Wast, where men mature early, that sach a scene as this would be possi- ble; but the young men of Texas wero trained from youth up to active outdoor life and were especially expert in horsemanship and the use of weapons. A boy who could not ride and shoot well would have been regarded as an aromaly in the Lone Star State, “ake care, Garryowen!” warned one of the boys, a slenderly-builc but sinewy young fellow, perbaps eighteen years of age; “ you'll burst yourself next thing you know.” ‘My stomach will bear a dale av tinsion,” re- plied the lad known as Garryowen, with a strong Irish accent. ‘Sure, give me pinty av venison ribs, an’ be all the power, I’m there!” ‘“* Yes, you are pretty sure to be there as long as the venison holds out,” declared another of the lads, laughing. ‘‘ Sut there is another day coming, Garry, so hold yourself ia,” “Maybe whin the other day comes there won't be any venison steaks to the fore,” re- minded Garryowen. ‘I'd likea bitav a row, thotigh, just to settle me stomach.” ‘ “That’s the Irish of it,” exclaimed a young man who appeared to be leader of the party. *Do you know how I came to enlist Garry? Well, it was down at Galveston, and he’d got into a row with a big hulking Greaser, and, as sure as you live, if [ hadn’t pulled Garry off him, he’d have made cold meat of the Greaser then and there. So I thought he’d do for me and I bought him an ontfit—for he was down on his luck bad; and J’ve never been sorry for it. For I tell you, boys, if Garry makes a famine when the meat is roasted, he is always ready when the work comes on—more so than some of you chaps who laugh at him.” “ Good enough, Captain Dick,” cried the boy who had spoken first. ‘‘ You mustn’t think be- cause I laugh at Garry 1 don’t like him, because he’s true blue when it is time to quit fooling and getright down to business. What are you looking at, Weasel?” One of the lads, a wiry fellow with an Indian cast of features, had half risen fromthe grass aud was gazing across the prairie. This boy had a remarkably brilliant pair of eyes, and nad taken his nickname from his peculiar facul- ties as a trailer. He made no answer, but step- ing forward a little, shaded his eyes with his fonds and bent his gaze upon the place where sky and prairie seemed tomeet. Then he turned to Richard Merry, who was leader of the party. ‘* Something wrong there, Cap,” he declaved. ‘“There’s a man riding at full speed and a party after him.” “Saddle up, boys,” cried Merry, as hesprung to his own horse. ‘‘ Maybe we'll have to take a hand here.” ** Tt’s the hand of Providence, and don’t you forget to remember it,” exclaimed Clarrie Lee, the boy who had been Jaughing at Garryowen. ‘'Garry wanted something to settle that big supper—” “Less jaw,” commanded Richard, sternly. ‘Saddle up and lead your horses behind tie motte. Give your mouth a holiday, Clarrie.” The boys obeyed promptly and not a word more was spoken. It was plain that they were accustomed to obedience, for not one of them seemned to dream of refusing to obey orders, The saddles were quickly in place and the horses led out of sight behind the motte, and throwing his bridle to Garry, the captain ran in among the trees and cast a quick glance across the broad undulating expanse, “Just in time, by Jove,” ho muttered. Perhaps three miles away, coming on at a hard gallop, looking over his shoulder at his ursuers now and then, rode a single horseman, There was an easy grace about his riding which took the heart of Dick Merry, who was raised in Kentucky, the State— * Where every man is half a horse And half an alligator "— the State which in that’ day sent out more ad- venturers than any one in ‘be Union. So the youvg man was already more than half disposed to favor the fugitive because he rode well and because the horsemen who thundered on in the rear were of the race which the bordermen hate, Mexicans. The horseman was heading for the motte, perhaps with the idea that’onee in its shelter he could make a fight, for it was plain that the beast he bestrode bad been hard > anger eten 1) 4
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4 4 ey The Young Mustangers. ressed and could not keep up the pace much onger. Nearer and nearer he came and Dick made out a man in greasy buckskins, a hunter and prairie man, clear through and bis heart leaped up in his bosom with the desire to spring to his aid, Acting on the impulse, be ran back into the cover and made signal to the boys to mount. They did so without noise aud sat like statues in the saddle, waiting for orders, Garryowen was trembling with the desire for battle and fels the impulse strong upon bim to drop the captain’s bride and rush to the aid of the com- ing hunter. The beat of hoofs sounded louder and then the hunted man dashed into the wood and his tired horse stumbled and fell upon bis knees, The next moment Captain Dick was beside the fugitive who half Grew his bowie and stood ready for a fight, but as he saw the manly face of the young Texan he dropped his knife and extended his hand instead. “Glad to see yer, pard,” he muttered in a low voice. “‘ Shake a fin.” The two silently clasped hands, and then, dragging his tired horse to his feet, the hunter led him further into the mctte and released him. The two quickly pressed «n and as he saw the strong party of young bunters sitting in their saddles, the fugitive Erougse bis hand down upon bis knee with a resounding slap. “ Pards,” he whispered, ‘‘go for them Greasers p’izen; ef you love me, go, and I will love yer like brothers.” “ Keep quiet, stranger,” replied Captain Dick, as he sung himself into the saddle. ‘“ How many may they be?’ _ “Six,” replied the hunter. ‘‘Wake ’em up Rees ymy sons; promise me this and I die appy. “Here’s a mate for you, Garry,” chuckled Clarrie Lee. ‘‘ His jaw is bung on a pivot and wags allday, Won't the captain ever give the orders?” : “Silence in the ranks. Now, lads, we are going to take these Greasers alive, mind you. Hit as hard as you like, but no shroting. Clar- rie, lead out the five next you from the south end of the motte as they pass and take them in the rear, Knock down and drag out—that’s the orders. Away yon go.” By this time the Mexicans were within a bundred paces of the trees, coming on at a stretching gallop, looking warlike enough in their gaudy trappings, slashed trowsers and scarlet cloaks, and thirsting for the blood of the single man they thought at their mercy. Suddenly they heard a ringing cheer and out in front of them dashed a large party of horse- men, with a footman running beside them and veeping, pace with the horses. They knew him we rode with him—the dreaded rangers of the ‘Lexan plains—for it made no difference to them that the rangers were young, for they were of the blood of the men who had often met them ten to one and beaten them in fair fight. They irew bridle as if by one impulse, and Actos a single volley from their escopetes, the bullets trom which whistled harmlessly over the heads of the riders, turned to fly, when to their horror there came dashing down upon their rear six enough, and knew, too, the horsemen who | more of these wild young prairie men, yelling like demons. Before they could turn again these were upon them, knocking them right and left with their pistol butts, but drawing no blood, Then up dashed the others, Garryowen shouting like a demon. “Whoop! Liave the way, ye divils!” When in a corner, and there is nothing else to do, even a Mexican will fight, and they drew their long machetes and closing in, braced them- selves to meet the shock. “Hyar’s yer untamed jagger!” yelled they hunter who bad been chased, whirling his rifle by the muzzle, “ Clar the way fur the big bull buffler of the ranges! Hoopee!” And be burled bimself alone upon the little knot of Mexicans, with the fury of a tiger. CHAPTER IL THE BATTLE WON—BORDER JUSTICE—RAINBOW RUBE JOINS THE BAND. BEFORE any one could lifta hand the long rifle swept the air twice, and two of the Mexican saddles were empty; but ere he could strike again the young rangers were upon them and in the twinkling of an eye the Mexicans were down, three of them never to rise again, and the rangers, anes f breathing hard, were se- curing the horses, which they regarded as their lawful prey. They now turned to look at their new friend who had thrown the butt of his long rifle to the ground and was looking at them with a quizzi- cal sort of smile. He had a hard, weather-beaten face, and his buckskins were greasy and smoke-begrimed, as if he had seen service, His face was angular and his eyes black and piercing, ““Recken I’d better interduce myself so ’at you'll know _me ag’in, pards,” he said, quictly. “Rainbow Rube is my handle; mout be you’ve heerd of me.” The boys pressed forward with shouts of de- light and gave him a hearty welcome, for Kain- bow Rube was one of the best known hunters upon the Rio Grande border, A whimsical, careless sort of fellow, who lived by bis rifle and took delight in risking his life against big odds as he bad done to-day. “Glad to see ye, Jads,” he declared, shaking hands heartily ell round, ‘ Reckon ef ye hadn’t turned up jest czye did, I’d ‘a’ bin rubbed out; I would, fer a fact. Mout ’a’ sent two or three of them Greasers to Kingdom Come, per’aps, but they’d ’a’ wiped me out fin’ly. ‘ow who be you!” ‘Dick Merry’s Rangers,” replied the captain, “Oho! you be mustangers, hey?” ‘“That’s the idea,” answered Merry. “Then I'm sort o’ glad I’ve met ye. Hada notion I’d like to jine, fur Ido lke mustangin’, I tell ye! But, mout be you don’t want a new pard? ‘Don’t run away with that notion, Rain- bow,” said the captain, eagerly. ‘If there’s a man on the plains who knows mustang work, you're the very chap. You come with us and take a regular share and we’ll thank you.” “ Thet’s my venison,” averred Rube, gravely, “Bhake on it pard.’ T've marked down the
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‘The Young Mustangers. biggest drove of mustangs you ever see, an: some of the lovelie.t stallions—oh Lerd! It makes my mouth water jrst to think of it. An’ ef we hev any luck an’ tele a drove down to San Antonio, we'll jest rake in the ducats hand over fist. But say; what’s to be did with these er Greasers; they ain’t no use to me. Reckon ba better sculp ’em, maybe.” ‘‘Hold on, pard,” exclaimed the young cap- tain, laugbing; “‘we can’t have that, yuu know. You’ve laid out three of them now, I’m afraid.” » ‘mall loss, durn ’em. See yer; it won't do to take and codd‘a them Greasers, I tell yer. Thar ain’t no us> talkin’, the best you kin do with ‘em is to sculp ’em.” “ [ve got a better use for them than that, re- plied Merry. “How did they come to get after ou? ‘‘Jest from pure cussedness, blame ’em. They was part of a gang that used to run over from across the Rio and steal my traps, an’ mout be I’ve rubbed cut a few of the cusses in my time; anyhow, they met me on the parery, an’ tuk arter me, an’ seein’ my hoss Benzine had wrenched his knee they bed me foul, Thar’s three more of the cusses layin’ round loose on the grass back thar on the trail, an’ ef the hos had bin all right I don’t reckon but I’d ’a’ fixed the rest. Put what’s the program, Cap?” “Give them a basting with the end ofa lariat and let them go with a warning,” was the answer. “Tain’t my way of usin’ Greasers, thet’s all P’ve got to say,” grumbled Rube. ‘ Howsum- ever, hyar’s one l’ll baste myself. He’s Odo Velasquezes leftenant, he is, an’ I’ve reckoned to set bis flint fur him someday, Git up hyar, durn ye.” He caught one of the Mexicans by the shoul. der and dragged him to his feet, and the man gave bim such a look of devilish malice that the hunter involuntarily dropped his hand upon the handle of bis knife. . “‘Tt’s foolin’ away the gifts of Providence to let: you go, Gil Perez,” he declared. ‘‘See yer; let’s make ’em run a gantlet, boys.” The idea pleased the young rang-rs and they put themselves in line, leaving a space between wide enough to allow full sweep for the lariats. The Mexicans understood what was required of them and knew the character of the Texans well enough to be certain that if they ran the gant- let fairly they would be allowed to go. Rain- bow Rube elected himself starter and took the Mexicans out one at a time, released his hands and feet and started him witb a swasbing blow from his own lariat. The first Mexican, a swarthy native of Monterey, sprung away from the powerful arm of the Texan with a yell of ain, and nerving himself for the effort, darted besorecd the double line waiting for him. The rawhide ropes rattled a lively tune upon his broad back as he darted through, taking a farewell blow from Garryowen which nearly lifted him from bis fe t, and he sped away like {he wind, never stopping to look behind him. “Let him run,” cried Captain Dick. ‘He has a lesson which he will not soon forget, Send along another, Rube.” The second man was a wily fellow and as he sprung into the line he ran in so close to one side that the blows they gave him faile1 to have much effect, and he was so far away from the others that the blows hardly reached bim, and before they bad time to realize the trick he was through the line and making rapid time after the first fellow, who was speeding away in the distance, Gil Perez was now led forward. He wasa finely-built, handsome fellow, with a drooping mustache and flowing dark hair. He folded his aris and refused to move, ‘Senor Captain,” he said, quietly, ‘I care nothing for what you do to yonder ladrones— they are used to it, and I have flogged them my- self upon occasions, But I tell you now that you may beat me to death where 1 stand, but I will not run your gantlet at any price. I would sooner die,” “‘T reckon it’s ther best way,” cried Rube, drawing a pistul and taking a step forward. He really intended to shoot the Mexican, but Dick stepped forward and threw up his hand. * None of that, Rube,” he insisted. ‘This is not one of the ordinary herd, and Iam going to take it on myself to let him go free.” “Durned ef I like it, Cap,” growled Rube. “You promised me tnis critter,” “‘T did not promise to allow you to murder him in cold blood. Give up your weapons and go, Senor Perez.” ** It?s durned foolishness, Cap,” Rube porsisted, “This yer is the meanest skunk in Odo Velas- quezes gang, an’ some time you'll be durned sorry ef you let him run.” “*T take the chances. Only remember, senor, if you do us any harm after I allow you to go, I will not spare you again.” ‘“*T make no promises,” replied the vindictive Mexican, ‘‘If you let me go, you do it on your own responsibility, and I am not to blame.” “T understand that,” was the quiet answer. ‘Merry’s Rangers are nob afraid of all the Greasers on the Rio Grande, and we have no time to waste. Get out of this.” The Mexican looked fixedly at each member of the Rangers, drew his serape over bis shoul- ders and stalked quietly away, and the party returned to the motte, leading the captured horses with them. Rube was rather sullen for a moment, as he considered that he had been defrauded of his revenge, but the feeling soon passed away. “Will you take advice from an old prary man, Cap?” he inquired. ** Of course I will.” “Then let’s put twenty good miles between us and this motte afore we go into camp. I know what I’m talking about.” Captain Dick looked at him steadily for a noment, and then gave the rangers orders to mount. Rube picked out the bes. horse he could find among the captured ones, and then whistled up his own animal, and as the party rode away they saw the trained beast following like a dog, and now that he bad taken a rest, keeping up with the rest of the party. Garry and another led the rest of the captured stock in a string, and the party kept on across the prairie ata lively pace, Rube in advance. “Tam mighty glad we happened torun across Fn!
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The Young Mustangers, : : . : you, Rube,” declared the young leader. “I circumference, but just below it the hunters wanted a man of your sort, but I didn’t exactly know where to find one.” “Critters,” replied Rube, ‘I don’t ginerally cotton to youngsters, but then a man don’t often run foul of young chaps of your breed. There’s one thing Pd orter say, though, an’ that is, you chaps ar’ a leetle too easy on Greasers; the best use you kin put them critters to is to bang ’em, or jest raise the’r ha’r.” * You don’t get over my letting the Mexican go, Rube.” ‘No, I don’t. You see I’ve hed a heap of *sperience of the critters, an’ I know durned well they ain’t no better’n a turkey buzzard or a kyote. Kindness ar’ wasted on ’em, an’ ther fust chaince they get thur mor’ly bound ter do yer a p’izen mean trick.” ‘‘ Where are you taking us, old fellow?” asked the captain, as he saw it was no use to argue with the obstinate old hunter. “ve got a mort of places, I reckon, I might take yer, pards,” he answered, ‘t but 1’m headin’ now fur Cl’ar Spring. Thar I kalkilate ter make camp.” “Clear Spring. Seems to me I've heard some strange yarns about that place, Rube,” averred the captain. ‘* Mout be yer hev,” replied Rube, casting an uneasy glance at the young Jesrer. ‘See yer; I’m thinkin’ yer ain’t the kind of chaps to keer fur spooks,” “Phat’s thim?’ demanded Garry, his eyes starting from his head. ‘Ghosts, Garry,” replied Clarrie, who was full of mischief. ‘They say Clear Spring is just boiling over with them.” “Murther! don’t be coming the comether over a b’ye that’s far from the Guld D rt, Rube, alanah, but tell me av there’s ghosts where ye is going?” “T dunno,” replied Rube, in a quiet way. ‘TI never see ’em myself, but I’ve hern tell the’r’ jest awful, But what I hanker fur ter-night ar’ a good kiver, an’ ther’s a gorge above the spring whur, with sech a party ez this yer, I'd kalki- late ter lick a hull army of Greasers, one down another come on. Whoopee! yer kin see the pass now, boyees.” The night was remarkably clear and objects could be seen at nearly as great a distance as if it were broad daylight. Perhaps three miles away lay a low mountain range, their tops sil- vered by the light of the moon and toward these passes the Young Mustangers urged their horses. Half an hour later they plunged into the pass and Rube gave a sigh of relief as the last of the party passed in, CHAPTER III. CLEAR SPRING—CHASING A GHOST—RED-SPUR RALPH. HauF an hour’s ride through the dark pass brought them to a little circular opening in the midst of the mountains, in the ceuter of which bubbled up the shining water know to the hun- ters far and near as “Clear Spring.” It wasa favorite stopping place with them, both because here was plenty of clear fresh water and it was a spot absolutely impregrable in case of attack. The spring itself was not more than ten feet in | arm. had scooped out a second bed ten feet across and perhaps three deep, which was continually filled from the overflow of the main spring and made a capital watering place tor the animals. The boys at once flung themselves from the sad- dies and gave the creatures a chance to drink, while they watched them. When all weresatis- | fied, the saddles were removed and the horses driven into a small ravine which spurred out from the main pass in which sprung up a thick growth of short luxuriant grass. In this place the horses were secured by the Jariats and the party went back into the main pass and flung themselves down beside the spring on the short grass, and those who were smokers lit their pipes and prepared to enjoy themselves, Among these was Rainbow Rube, who pro- duced a bag of “ Killikinic” from his possible sack, with a red clay pipe, and filling the capa- cious bow], drew his saddle under his shoulders and lay back in lazy enjoyment. “Tsay, young ’un,” he ejaculated, addressing Captain Dick, ‘‘you’d better set a lookout on the top of the bluff, an’ he kin give us notice ef any unaisy varmint come this-a-way.” “Take the place, Weasel,” was the calm order of Captain Dick, ‘“ You know what todo.” 4 Weasel quistly took up his rifle and glided away, and the old hunter looked after him ad- miringly. He bad seen much in the motions of the lad which suited him. “ A born trailer, that young cuss ar’,” he said, briefiy. “He ought to be,” replied Dick, ‘‘for he comes of the true breed. You ought to have kno 0 his father, Rube—Old Zeke Wilson they called bim.” “Knowed him! I should say so, I tuk my fust lesson in trailin’ from hiuy, an’ I don’t want no better teacher. He wur wiped out in this yer very pass nigh onto ten year ago, Lord, i \hings come up! Some day I'll tell yer about it, but the Tittle *un would like to hear it, maybe, an’ Pll keep it. What's troublin’ yer, Trisher?” Garry was casting uneasy glances about hira, now up the mountain siues and again down the dark passes, “I'm thinkin’ I don’t like t..is place at all, at all,” was the answer. “You'd like this yer place mighty well ef ther Injuns got after yer,” replied the hunter, with a laugh, ‘Thur’s spooks hyer, thet i know, but— Thunder! what’s thet?” All turned quickly and saw a_white-robed figure standing at the mouth of a dark pass, in- tently regarding the party. Two or three caught up their rifles, when they heard a mel- low, rippling laugh, and “the white form disap- eared, =o Now, durn my bide!” cried kube, drawing a long breath. ‘The critters didn’t lie when they said the place wur ba’nted.” Garry, with his teeth chattering, was looking fixedly at the dark pass and evidently half in- clined to run for it, when the same stran specter sprung up in another place, and Bu wheeled quickly, leveled his rifle, and was about to fire, when the young captain threw up his
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_- St fet ae “None of that, old man,” he said. ‘‘ It might be human.” ‘*No ’tain’t,” replied the old man, doggedly. “TI thort I'd try a whack at it anyhow.” The figure had again disappeared. “Td rather you bad picked out some other camp, if this sort of thing is going on,” declared Richard Merry. ‘‘Its the queerest thing I ever heard of,” “Ha, ha, ha!” rung out the same strange laugh, The boys wheeled again, and there was the specter, a hundred yards away, looking at them as before. “Keep back all,” shouted the captain. ‘‘ By George, Pll run it down.” Again the wild laugh rung out and the specter glided away in the moonlight, going up the mountain side, and Captain Dick sprung after it, determined to overtakeit. The figure went on with a gliding motion and seemed to keep its distance with ease. On the crest of the ravine a level plateau stretched away for sone dis- tance, The fleet footed young man strained every nerve, butin spite of all his efforts the spectral form kept its distance nd Same pe with- out effort. ‘Dick Merry felt his breath growin short, but he put on renewed speed and Gdaied to gain alittle, when the phantom figure sud- denly disappeared. He sprung on only to p use upon the brink of a wide crevice which seemed to stretch for a hundred feet into the depubs of the mountain. “By heaven, I have chased it too close,” he gasped, ‘‘and it has fallen into the ravine.” e kneeled on the brink and tried to pierce the poe of the gulch by the moonlight, when there floated up from below the same laugh which they had heard before. “* Away!” cried a hillow voice. ‘Come not near the home of the dead, Let them rest in peace.” Merry started back in dismay and for a mo- ment felt his strong nerves shaken. He was not a believer in the supernatural,in fact, had always laughed at it, but these strange events Senied him and he did not know what to think. owever, the specter was gone, and he turned and ran back toward the camp, when there rose in the path another strange shape, not the one which he bad seen before. “Mortal,” cried a hollow voice, ‘‘the man who intrudes upon the home ‘of the dead is doomed. Back, while there 1s yet time.” Merry sprung boldly forward, when the long spectral arm was raised and he saw in the clear moonlight the fleshless bones of a skeleton arm. With a cry of absolute fear the young ranger covered his face for a moment, and when he looked up the skeleton form was ,one, and Dick made a break for the camp. “Treckon we'd better light out of this, Rube,” he declared. ‘‘I dou’t scare easy, that you know, but when it comes to skeletons, ’m not there. Til fight a regiment of Greasers, if it’s necessary, but I can’t say I’m hungry for this sort of cattle.” ‘I didn’t reckon on no such thing as this yer,” replied Rube, wiping the perspiration from his forehead. ‘‘I don’t like to git out er this yer place to-night, though,” n,n eee Dia bs The Young Mustangers. ‘Oh, ’'m not going to run if the rest of you are for staying,” replied Dick, who was begin- ning to be a little ashamed of weakening. “I don’t like ‘his sort of thing, though; that I ac- knowledge,” **T don’t reckon any one hyar are hungry to stay®’ answered Rube. ‘Mout be it’s some critter thet wants to drive us out. I wish you’d on'y give the old man leave to drive a ball inter it.” “Fire at my breast!” cried the same hollow voice which Dick had heard from the depths of the ravine, “Give it to him, Rube!” shouted Dick, whe was beginning to get mad. “Vm not going to stand this.” Rube jerked his rifle to his shoulder and let drive. here was a mocking laugh, and the fizure stood in the same place appirently un- injured. Dick snatched up his ihe and fied with a like result, and then there came a blood- chilling yell and the fizure disappeared, “ Let's go,” whined Garry, who was shaking in every limb. ‘It’s no place fur a b’ye to stay that’s not used to such things.” “ All the devils from the pit shall not drive me out,” shouted Merry, stamping his foot. “ Here I stay, no matter what happens, and if you wand to weaken, Garry, you kuow the back trail. “All the divils out av Purgatory wouldn’t dhrive me to Pave ye, Capt’in Dick,” replied the boy. ‘ Av yestay, I’ll stay, too; butsorra wan av me likes it.” ** Don’t waste any more powder on specters,” said the captain. ‘In the morning I am going to look this thing up, for I believe that some one is trying to frighten us out of this place.” “Hark!” eried Rube. ‘ Ireckon [hear huffs.” ““Coming down the pass, too,” replied one of the lads. ‘‘ What’s the orders, Cap? We'll fight anything human,” ‘“‘ Handle your rifles, but don’t fire unless you get the word.” The beat of hoofs grew louder, and in a mo- ment a single horseman dashed into the pass. He paused in considerabls surprise as he saw the party, and laid his hand upon a weapon, but did not draw it. “Friends or foes!” he demanded, in a ringing voice. “Friends to true-hearted Texans,” answered Dick. ‘‘ What do you say to that, stranger?” “That’s my politics,” replied the new-comer, urging on his horse. ‘ I'll join you if you say so.” As he came nearer they saw a young man, not more than twenty-five, with long curling brown hair and a frank, open, manly face. His figure was strongly knit and he looked like a hard man to meet in the tug of a fierce battle. Rubesprung forward and extended his hand. “ Red Spur Ralph, by the hokies! Glad to see yer, pard; shake a paw.” “Well, old man, you are the one of all others I wanted to see. How goes it?” “Easy enough, only ther ghosts ar’ mighty thick right about yer. Hed the durndest time you ever heerd of. The frank countenance of Red Spur darkened. “You have seen the same visions that Lhave, then,” he muttered, ‘I wish I could fathom it, poset a ae
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omer SOUS EE ee eer EE I EE ET had b Rube, what is really the secret of Clear Spring. Who are these young fellows with you?” “Captain Merry’s rangers,” replied Dick, Yd give a year from my life to know coming forward. ‘Perhaps you have heard of us. The name of Red Spur Ralph is too well known to make any question necessary, and I am glad to meet you.” “And I have heard of the Young Rangers,” responded Red Spur. ‘Have you been inter- viewed by the visions of the Clear Spring?” “T don’t care to talk about it,” replied the young captain, “‘ but one thing I do say, nothing shall drive me out of this place until I get ready, What do you say, Red Spur; do you camp with us?? Red Spur Ralph, so named from his qualities as a horseman, threw himself from the saddle and led his animal to the spring for a drink. | Then he secured the creature with the rest and | came back, Searcely had he taken his place when the same spectral figure started up in full view of the camp. CHAPTER IV. ODO VELASQUEZ—A BLOODY BATTLE—A SON’S VOW OF VENGEANCE. Raps started to bis feet and made a quick | movement toward the figure. It stood immov- able until he was within a few feet of it, and | then suddenly glided back into the pass and was | | Le'u’d fetch him from yer, Red Spur?” gone. “T ought to have known better than to start after it,” he said, witha short laugh. ‘“ It isn’t the first time I have seen it, and you might as well chase a will-o’-the-wisp.” At this moment aclear whistle rung through the pass, and the party grasped their weapons, for they knew the warning whistle of the Weasel. Five minutes later heoren up with his rifle on a trail. ** Greasers, I reckon,” he said. “A party of fifty, heading for the pass.” “Saddle up, boys,” cried the old hunter, “‘ We don’t make no count of fifty Greasers, I don’t reckon, Fly ’round lively. They must not see us yet,” he young rangers were quickly in the saddle and rode away after the old guide, who led them deeper into the pass, A hundred yards further on he turned into a spur which led to the east and ascending a gradual slope, gained a plateau which could only be reached by the | narrow pass through which they hadcome. At a. glance the forethought of the guide in choosing this place as a fortress was apparent. With over two dozen brave men, covered as they | were by the sort of natural parapet which lined the ravine, they could hold at bay ten times their number. “Look thar, Cap,” asserted Rube, in a low voice, ‘Seems to me I wa’n’t so much out when I told yer the best use yer c’uld puta Greaser to war to lift his ha’r. ‘D’ye see who’s a-comin’?” Two men were riding into the pass below at the head of a party who wore the gaudy trap- pings of the Mexican bandits, The first was a of tremendous stature, nearly seven fect fs The Yeung Mustangers, 7 in hight, with black, lowering brows and angu- lar face, and whose long, straight, black hair streamed half-way to bis saddle. No need to tell the young rangers who he was; it was Odo Velasquez, a half Indian bandit, a man who was hated and feared all along the Texan bor- der. He had made many a happy home deso- late, and many a Texan had died in trying to wreak vengeance on him. He was one of those noted guerrilla leaders who made his home in the depths of the chaparral and trom it issued on deadly forays and hurried back into his hid- ing-place when bis work was done. On his left rode Gil Perez, the man who had been spared by the order of Dick Merry, and who was now leading the Mexican brigands to ae vengeance on the boys who had spared sim, Riding by twos, the Mexicans came into the pass and sprung from their saddles. It was plain, from their movements, that they did not know that the Young Mustangers had been be- fore them, and had only come into the place as a good spot to make their camp, Fires were uickly lighted, for the pass was so sheltered that they could build them with safety, and th» villainous band were quickly grou about them, cooking, and engaging in shrill conversa- tion, which could be plainly heard by the young men. “Oh, somebody hold me!” hissed Rube. “Durn that Odo Velasquez; I’ve got it in for him the worst you ever see, Don’t you think “T wouldn’t risk a shot, if [ were you,” re- plied Red Spur. ‘You have not any better cause to hate Odo Velasquez than I, for in one night he made me » lonely wanderer on the face of the earth. But wait; our time will surely come, and we will take full vengeance.” “Hooray fur us when the time comes. But say, what’s the matter with the Greasers? they seem to bein trouble.” Tho Mexicans had left their fires and were huddling together in a group and casting wild looks toward the spot where the Young Mus- tangers had seen the apparitions. Even as they gazed, a round object was seen to leap from the mountain-side, scattering a train of sparks be- hind as it came, and, striking the ground in the midst of the guerrillas, burst with a loud ex- plosion and as the Mexicans scattered, two of their number could be seen extended on the sod and others were apparentl. in pain. “Good enough!” shouted Rube, dancing wild- ly on the plateau, ‘ Pile if enter ’em; give ’em Hail Columbia et cet’ra, and do-se-do, Thar comes another.” Another’ flery messenger shot out from the cliff and alighted among the now thorough], frightened Mexicans with the same fatal effect. | With cries of fearthe scoundrels ran to the other side, when, to their horror, two of the danger- ous missiles came slanting down, and bursting together, added to the terror of the villains, who now thought of nothing but to get to their horses and esca’ Even Odo Velasquez, who hardly knew the quality of fear, could see tnd. es be gained by 9 Baw and he was one of the first to get to the saddle and lead the way ein the pass; but, to the surprise of » they ww
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hg turned into the same pass through which the rangers had come and commenced the ascent of the slope. “Oh, blame my buttons, but we ar’ in fur a b’ar fight,” hissed Rube. ‘‘Come on, Red Spur. You an’ I together kin teach these Greasers a lesson.” “Steady, Rube,” was the command of Cap- tain Dick. ‘Don’t go off half-cocked. Here, boys, five of you line the pass on the right and five on the left. The rest stand by me.” The young rangers, who were used to obe- dience, sprung forward to obey the order, “The first shot comes from me,” cried the oung captain. ‘‘ When you hear that, pour it nto them.” The Mexicans were riding recklessly up the pass, eager to get out of the way of the deadly shower which had been poured upon them from the rocks. They did not dream of danger in front, but hoped to reach the plateau, and from it come upon the rear of the party whom they believed to be concealed in the rocks above the spring. As they came crowding on, huddled together in their desperate haste to reach the Serie Captain Dick sprung up with bis heavy ‘olt in his hand and gave them a single shot. Instantly the mountains seemed alive, and a deadly fusilade was opened on the enemy, which piled the foremost, horse and man, in heap: in the gory pass. It was more than Mexicans could bear. Those in the rear, with a display of horseman- ship greatly to their credit, wheeled as if on pivots and dashed down the pass, followed by the shots and shouts of the Mustangers. Rube would have leaped away in pursuit, but Dick caught him by the breast of his greasy frock and forced him back. “None of that, Rube!” he declared. ‘‘ You are older than I am, but I’m captain of the Mus- tangers, and while I am I will be obeyed. I never allow my men to rush into danger until they know where they are going.” ‘* By Heaven, young fellow!” cried Red Spur, “vou are a man after my own heart, and I’m mighty glad we have met. That’s always the way with you, Rube; you want to go it blind.” “But ain’t none of them cussed Greasers ter be sallivated—say? What ar’ we driften to when a young— But I cave. You h’ar me, boyees—I come down like Crockett’s coon, Whats the next racket?” “Slip out there, Weasel, and tell us what is going on,” commanded the young captain, Weasel glided away quickly and was back in five minutes to say that the Mexicans had never turned bridle, but were riding for their lives, and that eight of their number had been killed outright in the pass and the rest had managed to get away. ** Now let me loose, Cap,” pleaded Rube. “I can’t live until I know whether that cussed Ve- lasquez ar’ rubbed out.” ‘He ain’t!” squeaked Weasel. ‘‘See here, you; do you think any one except me is ever going to kill Odo Velasquez? You know he killed my father?’ “Treckon; I wur hyar when it wur done.” Weasel sprung to the side of the guide and looked eagerly into his face. The Young Mustangers. ‘* How can that be? Of all those who were with him, not one was left alive.” “Thet’s the way they tell it, but I know it wur a durned lie, Keep cool, little ’un; when we git another camp I’!l tell you all about it.” “T can hardly wait,” declared the boy. ‘I always knew it was Odo Velasquez who led the party, but I didn’t know how it was done.” ‘Tm the only man alive kin tell ye, little ’un. See yer; I like ver, an’ I liked yer father, an’ ef we hey any luck, you an’ me will hev many a trail tergether.” “Less talk,” insisted the captain, ‘‘ Now that the Greasers are gone, we will go back and camp in the old place, ““Howly Moses!” cried Garry, in a tone of wild dismay. ‘Phat d’ye mane? D’ye want us all to be kilt entirely?” : Are you weakening again, Garry?’ de- manded Dick Merry, “Sorra bit; but when it rains fire an’ brim- stone on a piace, loike it did a phile ago, I does be thinkin’ it’s a moighty good place to be kaping outav. But go it, ye divil; hev it yer own way.” Five minutes later the party were back in their old camp, and after posting guards at the mouth of the pass, to see that the Mexicans did not return, the rest of the party took their blankets, and drawing il saddles for pil- lows, lay down to rest. ‘or over an hour the novelty of their position kept them awake, and then deep silence fell upon the camp of the rangers, CHAPTER V. WEASEL HEARS HOW HIS FATHER DIED—THE BEAUTIFUL FUGITIVE. Rep Spur, who seemed a solitary bird, had made his couch on the opposite side of the spring, and lay quiet in the clear moonlight, his brawny arms folded on his broad breast and his handsome face turned up to the summer sky. His bosom rose and fell with his deep breathing and he made a handsome picture as he lay asleep. Suddenly, without warning, a white-robed figure glided out of the pass and stood for a moment beside him, looking down into the handsome face, and then made a de- spairing gesture, raising both hands high in the air. Then the figure bent forward and laid something on Red Spur’s breast and flitted away, and he was not disturbed until a sudden clutter about the camp warned him that the zapaere were astir, He sprung quickly to his eet. “Im ashamed of having overslept myself in this way, captain,” he averred, coming up to Dick, “but I had a hard day yesterday and wivoart apeae of tk Haiph Mires M ‘Don’t speak of it, Ralph,” replied Merry. “Excuse me; but you ame rail have a nae if you are going Satay. with us. But what is that paper on the bosom of your hunting shirt?” Ralph looked down and saw for the first time that a white ee was pinned on his breast. He took it off quickly and saw that it was covered with writing and read it aloud,
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**BEWARE! “Twice last night you were spared because you were not of those who had wronged the Spirits of Clear Spring. The time for mercy has gone by and we cannot let you escape longer. Hark fo tho warning; break up your camp and let the dead rest, you, and all who are with you—or you and all who are with you shall die before the setting of an- other sun, Be warned in time and seek not to dive into the mystery, Of all who have tried to do so, not one is alive,” “The spirits write excellent English to say the least,” declared Ralph. ‘What say you, Dick; shall we brave the spirit and stay?” ‘That’s what I am here for. If I had not meant to do that, I give you my word I would have been thirty miles to the north before this, Here, Rube; we are going to explore the passes. Will you go with us?” “Not any for me,” replied Rube. ‘ Look yer; kin yer make anything by fooling around hese ghosts?” “IT don’t know as we can, but we are going to take a whack at it just the same, and if there isn’t any ove here game enough to go with us, we can go it alone; that’s all I’ve got to say,” ‘* We go wherever the captain goes, if he or- ders us, and don’t you forget it, Mr. Red Spur,” cried Clarrie Lee. ‘‘ Rube is all right; he don’t like spooks any more than we do, but he won’t take water when it comes to a fight.” “Oh, you can’t tell me anything about Rain- bow Rube, boys,” replied Red Spur, laughing. **He’s true blue, and he knows that I don’t doubt him in the least. We two are enough to go, anyhow, and you’d better give your orders to your lieutenant before we set out.” “That's Clarrie Lee. You'll attend to things while I am gone, Clarrie.” “ All right, Cap.” “Three revolver shots, two close together, and then a pause before the last shot, will fetch us back onarun. Now then, Red Spur.” The two young men grasped their weapons and hurried away down the pass, closely watched by the friends they left behind them. Rube was ill at ease, and seemed dissatisfied with himself because he had allowed them to go without him. Clarrie Lee saw that he was troubled, and came up to him. s “Steady, old pard,” he said; ‘every one knows you are square as a die, and no one knows it better than Red Spur Ralph. He said so before he went,” “Right you ay’, little ’un,” responded the old border-man, ‘tut don’t yousee it puts me in a cket, so to speak; kinder holes me, durn it, ’ve allus hed the name of stickin’ by my pards closer than a brother, yer know, an’ it riles me powerful to think I let a spook skeer me; and I am skeered—skeered orfully, young ’un.” “Treckon you ain’t alone in that, pard,” an- swered Clarrie, with his usual reckless laugh, “Now, I can fight Greasers like a little man, and I’m not afraid of wild game, let it come which way it will; but these white spirits take the starch out of'me. Hey! Weasel.” “Here I am,” squeaked the boy. ‘You'd better go back where you were and watch, I needn't tell you to keep your eye peeled; you'll do that without orders,’ “Come with me, Bubs.” whispered the 4 The Young Mustangers. 9 Weasel. ‘* You promised to tell me about my father, and you can’t have a better time than this, Rube took up his rifle, glad of anything which would take him away frdm the vicinity of the spring, and the two quickly crossed the mountain to a place from which they could watch the broad prairie from which danger would be most likely to come, It was a clear day and the level plain lay before them, with here and there a scattered motte, and there, perhaps two leagues away, they plainly saw the pennon of the Mexican brigand. He had madea camp on the edge of the timber and was evi- dently waiting for something, though what it was they could not well determine. “Mebbe the skunk thinks he hez got us caught like rats in a trapand we koein’t git out,” declared Rube, chuckling, “but ef thet’s dis game, he don’t know the old men, Takea settin’, youngster; you want to know how yer father died, hey?” Yes,” hissed the Weasel, “Fust an foremostly, then, yer see thet big yaller skunk Odo Velasquez, don’t ye!” The Weasel nodded. : “Then b’ar it in mind, an’ take a crack at him whenever ye kin fur thet is the man that killed yer father. Ye don’t need to write it down; likely ye kin remember the name.” A hissing sound came from the lips of the lad and he gripped the rifle which he held go firml that the blood actually started from heneat his finger nails. ‘Ol’ war this-a-way,” continued Rube—* Thar war a party of twenty, mostly old hunters, hed been off on a prospect. Thet were ten year ago an’ jest at nightfall we made a camp at Car Spring. "I’war about this time of year, an’ the kentry war right peaceful. We'd jest druv the last Injun into his hole an’ didn’t reckon thar wur anything to worry us on this side of the Rio, Mebbe we wur keerless, I reckon s0, anyhow, an’ we didn’t set no guard; an’ durned ef Odo Velasquez didn’t light on us with nigh a hundred men, an’ he’d us popes afore we hed time to wink an eye, Five of the boys went down in the fust charge, an’ more wur hurt, an’ he tuke the hull out: We thought mebbe he’d tak our plunder an’ turn us loose—we didn’t know Odo then ye see —but that wa’n’t what be wur arter. 6 jost walked up an’ down afore us, an’ fin’lly he picked out a man.” **'You are Sam Saul,’ he sez, ‘the man thet shot Ramon Vardez over by San Antonio? “Sam wa’n’t the man to deny it when he’d done a thing, so he owned up like a man, : ia Begin with him,’sez Ouo; ‘ give him a vol- ey. “They tuk poor Sam ten paces to the front, an’ then durned ef the hull gang didn’t up with the’r carabines an’ give it to him. Killed? I should smile! He had twenty ballets through and through him. They tuk the boys out one by one, an’ hed dropped "leven the same way, when the mean cuss happened to see yer father an’ knowed him, an’—_ I hate to tell it, boy—” “Go on!” hissed the Weasel; “ tell it all.” “He rode up to him, as he stood in the line, and blew his brains out right where he stood,
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~ J a a as an’ that because yer father was one of a party that drove the cuss off once when he attacked a train up thar on the Brazos, Then they all seemed to get bleod mad, an’ commenced firing on our party. “T went down among the rest, with a bullet acrost the skulp, an’ whether they wur tired of slaughter or was afraid to stay I dunno, but they took our plunder an’ put out. An’ thet’s the rayson I want Odo Velasquez’s blood; an’ thet’s the rayson I’ve swore I'd foller him till I put him on his back or he downs me.” “Give me your hand, Rube!” cried the boy, “Tye wanted all these years to know just how it was done, but no one ever told me. As for inder big coward”—sbaking his fist at the eid form of the Mexican in the distance— “Tl live long enough to kill him with my own hand, and he’ll know when I strike that it is the son of Zeke Wilson who gives him his death.” “Good blood will tell, little ’un,” averred the grim hunter. ‘‘Say—what are them skunks up to?” “There goes one of them upa tree, by George!” cried Weasel. ‘‘I can seo him almost to the top, Rube, hope to dis if he hasn’t put a flag on the top of the tree—a longred streamer with a white spot in the middle,” *Durn him, he wants help,” growled Rube, *Thar’s another party of the vill’ins near by, an’ he wants to call’em. See hyar; ef them boys will listen to the old man, they’llskin out’n this hyar afore things gets too hot.” “Took, look!” cried Weasel, pointing to the prairie, Perhaps two miles away aslight figure could be seen urging a piebald mustang at a break- neck pace. There was need of haste, for close behind thundered four of the Mexicans, the best riders in thé world, their lariats ready for a throw, and urging on their horses with their cruel spurs, which drew blood at every stroke, As they came nearer the two crouching on the rocks saw that the person in advance was a young girl, and that she was straining every nerve to escape. On the course they were taking they must pass close to the rocks on which the old hunter and the boy lay, and Rube grasped his rifle, “How ar’ ye on the shoot?” he whispered. ‘Don’t often miss,” replied Weasel. “Then I take the fust man, an’ you be read fur the next, Hey! By thunder, thar goes one,” The girl, as sho rode, was looking over her shoulder and they could see that she carried on her saddle-bow a short rifle of peculiar con- struction, The leading Mexican was swinging hisarm baek preparatory to making his cast. when the pied mustang, obeying the touch o his rider’s knee, wheeled suddenly, just as the lazo flew through the air. The girl threw up her hand in such a way as to prevent the loop from settling over her head, and then, without raising the rifle higher than her waist, knocked the Mexican out of his saddle with a single well directed shot and was off again, loading as she rode. Oh, holy smoke,” shouted Rube, unable to restrain himself; “‘that’s the kind oy a woman furme! Itakethet long-beaked gyraffo on the cream, boy; don’t waste a shot on him. Take the one on the black.” Nothing daunted by the fate of his companion, and knowing that the rifle was empty, the next rider seemed actually to lift his horse forward and his lariat hegan to describe a graceful circle in the air. Hither the girl did not realize how close he was or else was taken unawares, for the fatal noose was sent flying through the air without an effort on her part to avoid it. CHAPTER VI. ELEGANT ED'S DEFIANCE—THREE BRAVE MEN -FACING GREAT ODDS. Rep Spur and Dick Merry plunged at once into the mountain pass and rapidly ascende& the slope until they reached the ravine down which the phantom form bad diseppeared on the night before, It might have been cleft in the mountain by a blow of a giant ax, for the huge cliff seemed divided to a depth of two or three hundred feet, and at its bottom the rocks joined again, It seemed impossible that any one covld plunge from that hight without being dashed in piecees upon the rocks below. They passed along the verge for some ‘tistance and could see nothing, and Dick began to taink he had been the victim of an optical illusion on the night before; but he remembered tho skele ton form which bad met him upon the mountain side, and he was in the full possession of his senses at that time. ‘“We don’t seem to get ahead very fast, Merry,” declared Red Spur, with a light laugh. “My opinion is that until we get to the bottom of this ravine we shall know nothing.” ** All right,” snarled a voice behind them, ‘You shall go to the bottom, since you insist upon it. Ha! Throw up your hands!” The two men whirled quickly, and saw, close to them, a strange, misshapen creature, with his face covered by a grisly growth of iron-gray hair, out of which looked a pair of eyes which glowed with devilish malignity, His figure was stunted, but his shoulders were those of a Hercules, and his naked, hairy arms showed wonderful development of muscle, These long arms were extaited and each held a heavy re- volver, pointed at the heads of the two young adventurers, They were too well trained in forest lore to hesitate, and each raised his hands above his head, ‘Now see here, stranger,” expostulated Red Spur, “‘don’t it seem to strike you that you are rather familiar on short acquaintance?” “The familiarity is on the other side, my gentle pardners,” answered the stunted giant. ‘Now what do you two want here? Don't give me any lip, because I won’t stand it,” “Do you own the mountains around Clear ring?’ demanded Merry. “Pll take the ownership just this once, my Ee flower,” replied the man. ‘If I didn’t now you, and that you were two square men, I’d have let you have it longago. As it is, I don’t see any other way. What are you fooling around here for?” ‘*We came on business,” answered Merry. ‘** And your business is prying into the affairg a §
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: ooo of other people. No; there is no way but to drop you both,” “That would be murder, Elegant Ed,” said Red Spur, quietly; “and from what I know of you, you are not that kind of » man, You'd go out yonder on the slope and fizbt us two to one, but you wouldn’t murder us in cold blood.” ‘See here, Red Spur,” cried the strange be- ing, ‘‘don’t you know well you haven’t seen anything of me for over two year, say? And ain’t I had time to get cussed mean in that time? I think I’d better— Ha! Put up your hands.” “But listen to me, Elegant,” rejoined Red Spur; “this isn’t giving a mana fair shake, If Thold up my hands in this way much longer, all the blood will run out of them; and if we have a tussle, I wou’t be able to make it lively for youatall. And what’s more, whether you shoot or not, I'm going to put my hands down,” * Will you premise me one thing bofore you put ’em down, Red Spur? You crack on your shooting, I know, and 1 reckon I know how to drive a center myself, What I want to say is, ef we can’t agree, we'll go out there on the bill and take a shot apiece. One of us won’t need another, I rather think.” “Good enough, Elegant,” declared Red Spur. “ When two menare ready to settle like gentle- men, it isn’t necessary to say any more. I’m your meat whenever you want me, pard.” Elegant Ed returned his pistols to bis belt, and Dick looked at him more closely, Now that he had heard the name and had time to think, he remembered the man, who was well known throughout Western Texas by name, although few could say that they had seen bim, His deformity made him misanthropical, and he seldom came into the abodes of men, but dweltin the mountains alone. Strange stories were told of his feats of strength and daring, asd his wonderful ski!l with the revolver ana rifle; and all men spoke of him as one who could make his hinds take care of his head, Notso much in derision as that they delight in Elegant Ed, and he had accepted the title, and was not angry when calied by it. Marry could not but confess, as he looked at the square fore- head of this man, that he had a reserve of power in him, and, taken all in all, he was a true- hearted friend or a desperate enemy. “If you've got through looking me over, you two,” he said, quietly, ‘maybe you'd get down to business. I would, if I was you. I want you to promise me totake your party out of these hills and leave me to go on my lonely way in peace.” * And suppose we refuse?” asked Red Spur. “Then we'll go out and take the shot I was talking about awhile ago. Now see here, Red Spur, maybe I know, better than most men, that you’ve got a better reason to be inquisitive than your friend; but it won’t do; you are wasting your powder.” “Vd like to oblege you, Ed,” declared Red Spur, *‘ but—” “You've got to oblige me or fight.” insisted Elegant Ed. ‘You ought to know, Red Spur, that I don’t throw away words.” “T can answer on my own part, but not for | the man, sorrowfully. The Young Mustangers. 11 my friend,” said Ralph. ‘*I don’t see that any- thing is to be made by fighting you, and if you are the Cerberus of this place, it will take more than two men to force the passage, and my ad- vice to my friend is to take the back track. We won’t try to pry into your secret, old man.” “It isn’t mine so much as others,” averred “As far as I am con- cerned, it don’t matter the value of a deer-skin what happens to me, and the sooner I claim my share of mother earth and lie down in it, the better all round. Why, pards, I’ve seen the time when I was tempted to jump from the top of the highest peak in these mountains into the gulch, and I’d have done it long agoif it was not—” * Crack!” The report of a rifle rung out sharply, and the bair of Elegant Ed was seen to rise like the mane of a lion, and drawing his weapons, he rushed along the cliff in the direction of the sound, closeiy followed by the two friends. Five minuiés !ster, they reacied a voint where they could overlook tbs plain, and saw the peril of the girl who was trying to escape from the Mexicans, Elegant Ed uttered a roar like that of a wild beast and went bounding from rock to rock, ust as the luzo hovered over the head of the girl. But before he had made two bounds there came a pulf of white so oke from the bluff next to them, and they saw the Mexican throw up both arms and fall from the saduvle. His foot caught in the stirrup and he was dragged help- less across the plain. Hiegant Ed did not pause, but continued to bound down the cliffs, aud the two gallant young men, not to be outdone, fol- lowed him. Tae peril of the strange girl was by no means: over. Of the ten Mexicans in pursuit, two bad fal- / len, but the others closed in rapidly and so managed to encompass her that it was next to: 0 io) in | impossible to escape. But by this time her misnomers, the prairie men had named him | rifle was loaded, and wheeling the mustang, she uttered a shrill cheer and charged struight at the leading Greaser, who turned his horse’s head and rode for hislife. Twice the girl raised the rifle to her hip and seemed about to fire, but she again lowered it, and was about to draw back, when a piercing whistle sounded on the clear morning air, and grees she saw Ele- gant Ed running across the plain at a speed which would have rivaled that of the fleetest URMEUG In a moment. more he was beside er. “ Skiré the rock toward south pass, Belle,” he cried. ‘You know me; I’ll stay by you while Ican move a finger.” “Count us in,” declared Red Spur, who bad darted up, closely followed by Dick Merry, for both had made the perilous descent in safety, “‘ And to begin, down goes that Greaser.” Both the young .plainsmen carried their re- volvers and as the first of the Mexicans came within range Dick threw up his band and fired, The guerrilla, who was leaning forward in the saddle, partly hidden by the neck of his horse, started suddenly erect, clap his hand to his side and rolled out of the
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12 The Young Mustangers. The other riders stopped in their course, evi- CHAPTER VII. dently taken aback by this rude reception. “You'd better light out, Greasers,” shouted Elegant Ed,as he ran by the side of Belle’s horse. ‘‘ You'll run ag’inst a snag, the first thing you know.” g The southern men howled back something in reply and shook their weapons at the speaker, when two rifles spoke together on the rocks above and two more of the outlaws went down on the bloody grass. ‘*Seems to rain bullets hereabouts,” declared Ed, searcely raising his head at the sound of the rifles. ‘* Those boys of yours are some on the shoot, Red Spur.” “They don’t often miss, but, unless I’m mis- taken, the rifle of Rainbow Rube has spoken twice, and when he pulls something has got to go down.” “You have my thanks, gentlemen,” said the girl. ‘I might have downed one or two more of the villains, but they bad me cornered when you came to my aid, and I must have been cap- tured. That would mean death, for, sooner than fall into the hands of Odo Velasquez, 1 would kill myself.” cay Spur looked at the speaker with a strange smile. “You do not seem to recognize me, miss,” he asserted, Oh, yes; I met you on the Brazos when you were in charge of a wagon train, and warned you that the Mexicans would attack you that night.” ‘ And, thanks to the warning, we gave Odo Velasquez the worst thrashing he ever took. I’ve been on the hunt for you ever since, and never had the good fortune to meet you.” “I warned you then not to follow my trail, for it would lead you to disgrace or death,” she declared. ‘‘We have met again strangely, but must meet no more. My friendship is fatal to all who come in my way.” Dick Merry looked at the speaker as she ut- tered these strange words, and thought he had never seen a more beautiful girl. She was young, not more than twenty, with a clear-cut, classic face, her dark hair curling in short ebon rings about her shapely bead, Her dress was that of a Mexican hussar, and over all sbe wore a scarlet magua, which fell in heavy folds upon the croup of her fleet steed. Her feet were thrust into he nde a Buia ae adorned with gilt spurs, and ber hands were covered by embroidered gauntlets. “ Enough of this,” exclaimed Elegant Hd, in an angry tone, ‘Push on.” Belle touched her horse, and the young mev placed themselves between her and the*Mexi- cans and they began to make the circuit of the rocks to reach the south pass. By this time the brigands had been joined by several of their comrades, and began to close in, but they had scarcely done so whei. the rifles again spoke from the rocks above them, und two more went down. Jhe Weasel and Rube were sgain on hand, The rough reception seemed to daunt the Mexicans fora moment, and then, urged by a bugle blast wound by Odo Velasquez in the dis- tance, they charged twelve against three. It was a moment of terrible danger to the three A BRAVE BATTLE— CAPTURE OF RED SPUR RALPH—THE OATH OF THE BORDERMEN. Sucu odds asthis would have frightened any except those who had passed their lives amid scenes of danger, but to these border heroes it was simply pastime. They might die, but in their vernacular it was only calling “ time” on them, and it made no difference if they ‘died with their boots on.” ‘Light down, Belle,” cried ElegantEd. ‘It won’t do to take any chances on this thing now.” : The two rifles cracked above them and two more saddles were empty. Belle sprung from her animal, and taking sight across it, inflicted a desperate wound on one of the foremost riders, who came on with loud cheers, sending before them a volley of carbine balls which rapped smartly against therocks behind the bold defend- ers, but harmed no one. The rude reception which they received had somewhat checked the ardor of the Greasers, and they again halted, when the bugle-blast of Odo Velasquea sounded anew on the clear air, and they again charged. But the temporary halt had given time to refoad all three rifles and they sounded with deadly effec . “Set ’em up ag’in,” roared Rube, dancing wildly on the crest of the rocks, ‘Load up, Weasel; we kin wipe out the hull Greaser nation.” The boy, who had not wasted a word uselessly, was slamming a load into bis rifle as rapidly as possible, but both saw that there would not he time to fire before the Mexicans could give battle with the three brave men below. “We must git the gal,” hissed Rube. “* Come on, Weasel.” The boy sprung to bis feet and they bounded away, disappearing in one of the huge fissures which seemed to split the mountain from side to side, while Red Spur, Merry and Elegant Ed, shoulder to shoulder, with bowie knives in their teeth and revolvers in each hand, boldly met the rush of the Mexicans, The attacking band were desperate men or they never would have assailed such a party as this. But they were continually being joined by others of their gang, and althougha number had gone to earth, they were still twelve to three when they came within pistol range, and more were coming. ‘* Waste no shots,” cried Ed, sternly. ‘Give it tothem hot.” The deadly revolvers began to crack, and in the hands of such men the slaughter was terri- ble, A line of bodies marked the earth in front of the ravine in the mouth of which they had taken their stand, and every time a pistol] cracked a Mexican’s soul went to judgment, The assailing band had foolishly emptied their earbines during the charge, and had nothing except their old cavalry pistols with which to meet the finished weapons of the Americans, , But even with such arms as these some execu tion must be done, and Red Spur dropped with a bloody track along his skull, and Dick Merr felt his left arm drop useless at his side as a bul- let pierced the flesh. ‘You must run for it, Belle,” insisted Hlegant adventurers and the brave girl they datended, | Ed, ‘Get up the rocks somehow,”
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i ae “Never!” she declared. ‘‘Where men are brave enough to die for me I will die with them.” ‘* Never say die!” cried a clear voice, ‘‘Here we come, red hot fur war.” The sound of that voice gave Elegant Ed new life, for he knew that in Rainbow Rube he had astanch ally. The foremost Mexican fell with a ball through his heart, and Weasel did the business for an- other who was pressing on Dick Merry with up- lifted machete, “Run fur it, gal!” shouted Rube, ‘* We kin take keer of ourselves ef you ar’ out of the way. Hoof it up the gully.” Belle saw that she could do no more, and darted up the ravine. Howls of rage were heard from the Mexicans as they saw the prize for which they had struggled so long escaping, and they renewed their efforts. But Rube bounded among them like a tiger with his clubbed rifle, and every time it fell a Mexican was swept from the saddle. He was seconded by the Weasel, who had caught up a lance which had fallen from the hand of a dead dragoon, and was using it with signal effect in keeping the Mexican horsemen at bay. The at- tacking party were already giving ground when another reinforcement came charging up, and the brave Americans were forced back several paces. “By Heaven, they have got Red Spur,” shouted Merry. ‘‘ Charge them again, boys.” ‘“‘No use,” panted Elegant Ed. ‘See; there comes the whole gang.” He was right. Seeing that his men were being roughly handled, Odo Velasquez charged with all his force, and they were scarcely two hundred yards away when the Texans turned and darted up the pass. Those of the Mexicans who remained did not care to pursue, and the See party were out of sight in the pass when do came up. He hurled at them a choice selection of Mexi- can vituperation, and was about to follow, when a single shot came from the pass and the huge leader reeled in his saddle and nearly fell. At the same moment the pass above was lined with riflemen, and a hail storm of bullets poured upon the bandits and they retreated in_ hot haste leaving their dead upon the field, Rain- bow Rube and the Weasel ran out after them and gave them a parting shot, but found to their dismay that they had taken Red Spur with them in their flight. “Draw your knives,” cried Elegant Ed, bar- ing his glittering blade, ‘‘and cross them with mine, Rainbow Rube, Dick Merry and the Weasel obeyed. “‘Take this oath,” aspirated the hunchback, “T swear m my own name to follow like a hound on the trail of the Mexicans, and never stop or stay until I have released Red Spur a ph or taken vengeance for his death, if he is slain. Before the others could repeat the oath a bright bowie was crossed with theirs and a ringing voice cried: ‘So may God deal with me, ay I keep this solemn yow.’ bs | her eyes fell, The Young Mustangers. i3 The speaker was the strange girl whom they only knew as Prairie Belle. ‘This won’t do at all,” declared Elegant Ed. “You know weil I won’t allow you to take any chances of that kind, Belle.” “Tl would like to know bow you are going to prevent it,” replied the girl, in a spirited tone, ‘I have taken the oath and will abide by it, Red Spur Ralph is one of the brayest men I know, and was taken in defending me from a fate worse than death, falling into the hands of that black scoundrel, Odo Velasquez, No, Ed; you will talk tomein vain, And as for myself, T should be worse than a coward if I sneake away now and left this brave man to his fate.” “But what can you do?” “Leave me to judge of that. Do your work, as you have sworn, and leave me to do mine.” “By Heaven, Belle—” “Tt is useless; I have sworn!” Ed saw that he was wasting words, and dropped his head, The next moment he raised 1b, “At least we must work together,” he de- clared. ‘‘ Which is the best scout of us three?’ Rube laid his hand upon the shoulder of Weasel Wilson. “if yer want a feller with an eve like a hawk, with a step ez light ez a feather on a stream, and the coolest head in fourteen coun- ties, here’s your meat.” “Pye seen him work when he didn’t know I was watching him,” averred Elegant Hd. ‘“What do you say, boy—will you take the trail?” ‘I'm right there every time,” answered Wea- sel. ‘* Now see here! l’ve got eyes in my bead, and I’vea notion you can give me something that will do for a signal in the dark,” A strange smile passed over the head of Ele- gant Ed, and lore. his hand on the shoulder of the boy he led him aside and they held a whispered conversation. Then Ed took from his capacious pocket a couple of queer-lookin balls, which the Weasel eee 4 conceal upon his person, and the two came back. The were about to say something more, when Belle called their attention to the plain, and they un- derstood why the signal had been set in the tree-top. Nearly fifty warriors of the Apache nation were riding rapidly across the plain, and soon mingled with the band of Odo Velasquez. Rube, a man who knew all the bands which roamed the plain, recognized that of Black Vul- ture, an outlaw Apache chief, whose crimes bad been so great that he was even at war with his own tribe, and had been forced to consort with such men as Odo Velasqaez in self-defense, “*Thot’s bad,” asserted Rube. ‘*Durn me ef thet don’t drive me into a hole, Thar ain’t a meaner crowd in the State than them cusses, an’ thar is goin’ to be fur flyin’ ’round loose might soon, Durn old Black Vulture, sez I!” f We are wasting time,” interposed the strange hunchback. ‘Belle, I order you to re- turn and seek the place of safety which you know for the sake of those you left behind you.” The girl had lifted her head quickly, but at _ his words a quick flush came into her face, and
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[ 14 The Young Mustangers. “16 must be so, I suppose,” sho answered, “but 1 will not go unless you promise to come to me soon and give me the assurance that Red Spur shall be saved.” ‘** We can’t do anything for him before night,” replied Ed, in a half angry tone. ‘That is true. Well, Lam off.” She bounded suddenly away and plunged into ‘one of the mountain passes, while the three ad- venturers stood watching the movements of the enemy. They had met and fraternized upon the iain. and the keen eyes of Weasel Wilson ‘could make out that Odo Velasquez was seated ‘on the grass under a spreading tree, evideutly very weak, and he smiled as he knew that bis shot had not been entirely wasted. Even as be watched, they saw Red Spur strongly bound and guarded and brou.zht face to face with Black Vulture. “T wouldn’t give a picayune for bis life now,” exclaimed Rube, ‘fur the old Vulture hez got itin fer him, hot. Say good-by to Red Spur Ralph.” CHAPTER VIII. BLACK VULTURE CLAIMS A VICTIM—RAMON THE RUNNER—A NEW MEMBER OF THE BAND. MarrTers did look gloomy for the handsome young prairie man. He had been dragged away by the hand of Velasquez, more dead thar. «live,and had just recovered sufliciently to be able to stand, when he saw Black Vulture and his band join the arty. These men had met before, and ina ford battle with a party of prairie men the band of the Vulture had been so decimated that it was nearly a year before he was able to gather men enough to teke the field. Two of his brothers and one son had lost their scalps that day, and he was not likely to forget that the party was led by Red Spur Ralph, The Vulture was a man past the middle age, strongly built, with pure Indian features and a nose hooked like the benk of the bird whose name be bore. His broad breast was seamed with the scars of many battles, and cne livid mark across the face, which years could not ob- literate, did not add to his beauty. He uttered a snarling sound as Red Spur was dragged out. “T have waited three vears for this hour,” he said, in fhe Mexican dialect, ‘and the time has come. Speak, Odo Velasquez; do you give this man to me?” “By the saints, Vulture, you ask too much,” replied Velasquez. ‘* You see me here, robbed of my strength by the bulle sent by one of his friends, and you ask me to give up my ven- geance on him.” “¢-You shall not Ise vonr revenge by me, Ve- lasquez,” asserted the Vulture. ‘See: do you think L ask for this man because T love him?” * Boith, no,” a swered Velasques, with his brutal laugh. ‘‘ What will you give me in re- turn if I yield bim up to you?” a § will join with you to snare the young prairie rangers, They are wolves not easily | trapped and have set their mark upon you, | ' Witvout my help you dare not attack them again,” ‘Dare not?” “‘T have spoken. If I draw off my men and the rangers come out to attack you, your men will run likesheep. But, my warriors will not run,” “If I were on my feet and strong enough to do battle 1 would laugh at you, chief,” declared Velasquez, “‘ but you know I need you end can make your cwnterms. Take him, then, and do with him as you will.” “You bear, Red Spur,” hissed the Vulture, bending in the saddle until his face wus close to that of the prisoner. ‘* You are mine now; mine to torture for the death of my two strong brotbers and my son, who died by your hand upon the Brazos,” The only answer of Red Spur was to spit in the face of hisenemy, _The Vulture uttered a savage cry and drawing back his spear, thrust it straight at the bosom of Red Spur Ralph, The galiant young man did not take a step back- ward, but stood with a smile upon his face, waiting for the steel point to find his heart. Something in his look told the angry Indian that instant death was what he sought, and he suddenly turned the point aside, so that it only towed a deep furrow in the side of the ‘exan, * That will do for a first trial, Vulture,” he said. “‘Try again. I know you—the man whom the Apaches will not have among them, who dare not go back to the village where he was born, fearing that the women will beat him to deatb. Shall I spit in your face again, to give you courage?” “*T was too fast,” replied the Vulture, ‘ You sought for a sudden death, and nearly found it etmy hands. Big Wolf, Lone Dog and Tiger Tooth, come to me.” Three savage-looking braves rode up, and waited for further orders, “This man is your prisoner,” declared the Vulture; “I give him into your charge. Do not take your eyes from him, night or day, un- til his hour has come. When I ask for him, if you do not bring him to me I will kill you with my own hand.” Big Wolf, who seemed to answer for the rest, nodded gravely, and at once leaped from his horse and approached the prisoner, whom he seized by the arm, The other two followed, and they led him into the motte and proceeded to make him secure after the Indian fashion, A _lariat was cut into four equal parts and one made fast to each ankle and wrist, and the other ends of the cords were fastened to four stunted shrubs in such a way that the prisoner was com- pelled to Jie flat on bis back and could not turn himself one way or the other. Then Big Wolf took bis station at his feet, and the two others on each side, and stood like stat- ues carved in bronze waiting for the moment tat the orders of the chief should release em. Red Spur was not a man to give up easily, but be felt that he was in a tight place and that his chances for long life were not very bright. He did not waste any words upon his guards, for he saw in them those men who only knew unquestioning obedience to their chief. had
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confidence that his friends would do all in their power to aid him, but would they come in time? He had been so desperate when he spat in the face of the chief that he hoped a single blow would have ended his life, but he had been dis- appointed. “T wish I could have stirred up that black devil to kill me,” he muttered; ‘* but he wouldn’t do it. He is saving me for the torture, and when it comes it will be terrible. 1 wonder what the scheme is?” : He could hear the busy hum of conversation outside the grove—the hoarse guttural tones of the Indians, mingled with the sharp, vicious voices of the Mexicans—and knew that they were laying some plan for attack on the young rangers, That did not trouble him greatly, for he knew the boys were capable of taking care of them- selves, even against the force. which would be hurled against them. The only fear was a sur- prise, and that would not be easy to effect with such men as Rainbow Rube and Elegant Ed. “Td giv ten thousand dollars to be with them this minute,” he groaned, writhing in_ his bonds, “I say, red-skin; what is the hour?” Big Wolf made no reply. 7 “Oh, you’ve gota tongue and ought to know how to handle it, you red fool,” cried Red Sour in the Apache language. ‘‘ How long before the sun goes down?” ‘Red Spur should not be anxious for the going down of the sun,” answered the Indian, “For it only brings him nearer ta his doom, The sun is here.” He pointed through tho trees and from the direction his finger took Red Spur was satisfied that it was considerably past noon. All at once he heard loud shouts from the Mexicans and In- dians, and turning his head to one side, he looked across the plain, in the direction of the mountains. To his surprise he saw a young boy, in mixed Mexican and Indian attire, dart suddenly out of the pass in which they had bat- tled with the Mexicans, and the next moment Hlegant Ed and Rube came in sight, running swiftly on the trail of the flying lad, Ke wasa beautiful runner and headed straight for the motte as if he knew he had friends there. Half a score of Indians and Mexicans caught up their weapons and darted away to meet the two whites, who suddenly stopped as they saw their enemies and fired three or four shots at long range from their revolvers, but the distance was too great for them to doany damage and the boy ran on unharmed, Hoe was quickly sur- rounded by the Indians and taken into camp, Velasquez, who had recovered from the effect of the shot sufficiently to stand, came up to im, He was a slight boy, and was panting hard after hislongrun. He looked fearlessly at the brigand and there was a devilish gleam in his black eyes which suited Velasquez. “Look you, my boy,” cried the outlaw, “TI need not ask, if you are of Mexican blood, for your face shows it. What do you seek on the | prairie?” “T seek for that I have found, the great guerrilla, Velasquez,” realied the boy. ‘‘ Would The Young Mustangers, 18 you know who I am? My name is Ramon alruna, and I have lived in San Antonio until the place became too warm for me.” “How did that happen?” “My knife was too sharp,” was the cool re- ply, accompanied by a murderous look, “and it is nob my faultif a cursed Americano ran upon it. San Antonio was no place for me after that and I came away. I heard you were somewhere on the plains and I have been roam- ing about, living as | could, in the hope to find ou. “‘ What were you doing in yonder pass?” “T came upon a party of Americano boys be- | fore I was aware that they were there and bad to play innocent. But I heard them talk of Velasquez—you are the great Velasquez, are you not, senor?” “Tam Velasquez; what then?” “Theard them talk and understood that you were here, and per Dios! The first chance I got I took to my heels, and hore I am. They chased me, but they might as well have chased the wind. Iam not called Ramon the Runner for nothing.” ‘“‘ Now that you are here, what do you want?” — “To join you. I have heard it said that there was not one among you who did not have the blood of a Texan on his hand. TI, too, can claim it, and if you will make me one of your party, I will follow you—to the death,” There was a desperate earnestness and witha! | a wickedness in his face as he said this, which carried conviction with it, and Velasquez was forced to believe him. “T am always glad of recruits whomI can trust,” he said, ‘‘ «nd these devil’s babies of mine are continually getting themselves cut off in their prime and my force needs constant re- cruiting. Here, Gil Perez,” His lieutenant cumo forward. “This young dog wants us to put himina way to get his throat cut,” declared the outlaw. “Get him a horse—there are spare ones enough, the holy saints know, and give him a carbine,” “Can you ride, boy?’ demanded the lieuten- ant. The boy laughed in a shrill way. “You ask a vaquero, and the son of a va- quero, if he can ride! Give me a horse and I will show you,” One of the spare horses was led up, a some- what vicious beast, and the boy stepped up to him, and the first thing he did was to strike the brute a sharp blow across the muzzle before he sprung into the saddle. He was scarcely set- tled there when the mustang ‘‘ bucked ” savage- ly, but the boy sat him like a Centaur, settlin himself in the saddle easily after every boun ina way which showed that he was an excel- lent horseman. The animal soon tired of the amusement, and the Runner planted his elbow oa the high pommel! of the Mexican saddle, rested bis chin on the palm, and looked at the lieutenant with a smile. “You will do,” he exclaimed. ‘Can you shoot?” ‘A little, senor lieutenant. Do you see that mark on yonder tree near the root?” He pointed to a white spot perhaps as large _ 48 a silver dollar full fifty yards distant, Then 4- i as ~ greg Ag b =
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> drawing up his carbine, he rode back a little and charged toward the tree, firing as he came, “Tis a poor tool,” he asserted, looking at the carbine with great disfavor, ‘* but you will find tbe ball in the blaze.” A number of both Indians and Mexicans ran to the spot and uttered shouts of wonder as they found the bullet planted in the center of ‘the a ‘By the saints,” shouted Velasquez, ‘‘I have found a jewel. You shallstay with me, Ramon, and I willmake a man of you, for I believe you are the sharpest boy in Texas.” And the time came when he recalled those og and was forced to own that they were 8, CHAPTER IX. A USELESS APPEAL—OVERTAKEN BY THE STORM—MYSTERIOUS MOVEMENTS OF RAMON THE RUNNER. Ramon the Runner had succeeded in ingrati- ating himself with the Mexicans by his skill as a horseman and his adroit use of the rifle. Bo- sides, there was a Villainous look about him, and a cool hardihood when he spoke of the murder which had made him an outlaw, that suited these wild men, and he came back into the cir- cle of the camp quite a hero, Even the grim Vulture, a man not easily won, looked at bim with approving eyes. “Big chief some day,” he muttered, briefly. ** Now speak; when we go and fizht the young rangers, Velasquez?” “The sooner the better,” replied Velasquez, ‘for I suffer all the torments of the pit while they are exulting over me, What say you, boy ; shall you be able to lead us?” ‘Humph,” drawled Ramon. ‘I haven’t been with you long, but it seems to me, if I were to are advice, I wouldn’t attack them in broad aylight, Caramba! ‘They shoot as well as I do, and many acomely head would be in the dust before you could defeat them. At night, taken with a rush, it seems to me it might be better done.” “T believe the boy is more than half right,” declared Velasquez. ‘‘ Your men are best on a surprise, chief, and at night would do good work, What do you sav?” “The young head is often wise,” was the an- swer. ‘Tho dogsare ready for us now, and I cannot afford to lose braves when it is useless, Do you know where they camp, boy?” “Oh, yes; they are by Clear Spring and they have a line of guards on the rocks, and we can't Ft at them from the front without a fight, But have found a path they know nothing of, and at night, when all is quiet, I will lead you.” “Enough,” cried the chief, *‘ we will wait for darkness, When the sun rises there will not be one of these hounds alive to tell the story.” Ramon began to stroll through the camp, stopping now and then to chaff one of the Mexi- cans who lowered at him as they felt the lash of his sharp tongue. While going about in this way he came to the spot where Red Spur lay, arded by the three Indians. Ramon broke intoa pon as he saw the American extended on tho earth,” “You have him fast, brothers,” he exclaimed, be The Young Mustangers. In the Indian’s tongue. ‘It would not be very easy for him to get away.” Big Wolf nodded gravely, but did not reply. He was naturally taciturn, and did not waste words. The lad looked intently at the prisoner for a moment, and then said: “This must be the man the young rangers were so angry about, one called Red Spur Ralph, I heard four men swear to take no rest until he was free or they had avenged him, They will try to keep their oaths, and you must watch him close, my brothers,” “Big Wolf will watch,” was the grim reply,” because if Red Spur escapes the chief will iin Big Wolf.” “Tt behooves you to attend to your business closely, then,” declared the boy, “ for those men meant just what they said. Well, good by, Red Spur; we will take care of your friends, if they come,” He stepped back quickly to the side of Velas- quez. “You have a prisoner there who is a brave man,” he said. ‘I have seen him fight single- handed with four strong men, and beat them.” “He is brave enough, if that were all,” an- swered Velasquez, “but he is not my prisoner, boy; I have given him to Black Vulture, in order to win him to my side. Hark you, Ra- mon, among those whom you saw in yonder camp, was there a girl who is known as Prairie Belle?” : Ls She was there,” replied the boy. ‘‘ Whatof er?’ “Bear in mind, when we attack them, that no harm must come to her. Ihave chosen her as my wife, and the man who injures her shall die by my band.” ““T will look to her and guard her life as I would guard my own. But what can you see in her to attract you, Captain Velasquez?” “She is beautiful.” “Beautiful! Bah; I do not think much of your taste. Compared to our me Mexican women, her beauty is that of the pale lily beside the rose—and I prcfer the rose.” “T tell you, boy, that she is the most beauti- ful woman on the Texan plains.” “We willnot quarrel. Tome she seems coarse and uneducated, the sort of wife for a rude bor- derman, but not for one who will one day hold a bizh place under the Mexican government, per- haps that of President or dictator, It has been oon of. But let it pass; I will take care of er. “Why, you impudent dog, she would finish you as P would killa fly. It is her bravery, as much as her beauty, that I am in love with There are none like her—no, not one.” “Hard hit, mio capitano,” cried Ramon laughing. ‘‘ However, I was talking to you of Red Spur. What is the Vulture going to do with him?’ ‘Faith, I think he means to roast him,” was the cruel cb he “Tt seems d, capitano mio, to see sucha man as that given over to the torture. Why do you permit it?” “T have an account to settle with the scoun- drel myself, and if the Vulture did not end him. I would doit. There is no fate too terrible an eye « semmee ENTE a oa
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The Young Mustangers, 17 for him, for I believe that he comes between me and Prairie Belle.” “A lovers’ quarrel. Well, be it so, but it is not my way. Had I an enemy who was too strong for me, no one should take revenge out of my hands, but I would goto bim and bury my dagger in his heart. All men to their way; you have yours, I have mine, and mine is the at and bravest. Do you think it will storm to-day?” Velasquez glanced at the sky. “Tf it does, the better for our purpose, for in the cover of the storm we can do our work more easily, Why do you look so earnestly at the sky?” “T have seen many storms arise, but never one like this, Captain Velasquez.” lt was now nearly five o’clock, and the after- noon had been a remarkably brilliant one. But now a dense black cloud was seen creeping slowly up the sky, a cloud of an inky blackness, which seemed to drive beforeit great flocks of birds, which flew shrieking through the air. The atmosphere was murky and heavy, and it seemed hard to breathe. In the heart of this cloud they could make out strange shapes, which seemed to gyrate in eccentric circles. ‘“‘By Heaven! Ramon, you are in the right, cried Velasquez. ‘‘ Where shall we find shelter from the storm?” “T wish we were in the mountain,” replied the lad, ‘‘and I would be able to find a hiding- place, and that right quickly, But there is no refuge here.” The whole camp was now in confusion, and the Mexicans and Indians were running to and fro, seeking to get their a imals out of the way before the storm burst upon them. Ramon alone, of all the party, did not seem to fear, but with his arms folded on his breast watched the approach of the storm. The black cloud rolled up in dense splendor, with flashes of light through it here and there, and the lips of the boy hag in the low exclamation: ‘How grand!” “Why, you cursed thes devil, any one would say you were glad to see it come,” hissed Velasquez, who was half beside himself with fear. ‘ How shall we get cover from it?” “WPaith, it is nothing more than wind and rain, and I can see no chance of cover here. There is nothing for it but to take itas it comes. See, capitano, how the bands of silver light up the dense black cloud, and—” “T am half inclined to split your head with my saber,” howled Velasquez. ‘Where shall we hide from it?” “I tell you that you can’t hide from it, When it comes, wrap*your head in your serape and sit still until the storm is over, As I have no serape to cover me, I will borrow oue.” And he snatched a gaudy scarlet cloal from the shoulder of a lancer who was burrying toward the woods. The man turned on him like a tiger, but the boy threw the cloak at his feet and leveled his carbine across it. daunted by the fierce black eye which looked down the deadly tube, “Come to me after the storm is over and you shall have your own again,” declared the boy, ina mocking tone. ‘ Hor the present, you must excuse me if I retain possession of it. I will be careful of it,” The man went away snarling, but too cow- ardly to take back ‘his lost. property, and Ra- mon vow it up and settled it over his shoulders bese 1is low laugh, and turned again to look at e sky, “It is almost time,” he muttered, “I wish I had something to guide me. As for those In- dian brutes; bah—let them go!” And turning quickly, he plunged imto the woods close to the spot where the bound cap- tive lay. Secarcely had. he done so when one of those terrible storms which often rage upon the Texan plains, burst suddenly upon the party. CHAPTER X, DONE IN THE DARKNESS—THE PRISONER ES- CAPES—A DESPERATE DUEL— BLACK VUL- TURE'S VENGEANCE, Rep Spur Rawr had long ago given himself up for lost. The peculiar way in which he had been addressed by the young Mexican had for amoment given him hope, for he knew Rain- bow Rube, Elegant Ed and the Weasel would do all in their power for him, but there was little they could do in his present strait. Hoe was perfectly aware that the Vulture was only waiting for night to come to give him to the torture, and the storm which burst so suddenly upon him had only given him a respite for a few moments. The three Indians remained at their posts, immovable as the Roman sentinels at the gates of Pompeii. The only thing they knew was obedience; they had been placed there by the chief, and only the order of that chief or :ud- den death would induce them to leave it, The only drew their blankets closer about their heads and stood firmly while the trees bent and rock- ed before the pitiless power of the wind and the drenching rain ran down their bodies in torrents, The Mexicans and Indians had fled to the other side of the motte, out of reach of any tree which might fall and were crouching under their blankets, while the horses shivered in a close group near them, _ it was now intensely dark, The flashes of light which seemed to pected the gloom before were no longer seen, and, strange to say, there was no lightning. In the distance they could hear the rumbling of thunder, but where they lay the rain came down slanting, at an angle of forty-five degrees, driven by the furious wind, the roar of which drowned every other sound, that moment of wild dismay the Indian “T have a use for this serape, senor,” he said, | guards were not surprised when a man came in his peculiar, flute-like tones, ‘If you have a better right to it than I, you have only to come and take it,” The man recoiled before the leveled weapon. r aw Aa ‘ stumbling into the opening where Red Spur la and ‘actual fell over hie body, Tie sean 5 made a dash at him, when he hurled ‘Mexican at a choice selection of tiom,
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is declared that he would not move an inch until the storm was over. **Who you?’ snarled Big Wolf, for he could ee nothing in the darkness. ‘Go away, or me ill, “Tf you touch me it will be all the worse for you,” howled the Mexican. “Go away, I say!” roared Big Wolf. “ Mother Mary, where shall I go?” “Go away from this!” repeated Big Wolf, making a ‘“‘prod” with his spear in the dark- ness and drawing a how! of rage from the Mex- ican. ‘Me watch here; me on guard.” There was no reply, and the fellow, whoever it was, had evidently slunk away in the dark- ness, But in the moment while he lay prostrate on the body of Red Spur a strange thing had hap- ened. With a celerity which spoke well for is adroitness the bonds vpon the hands of the oung prisoner had been cut, and a knife thrust into his hand even as he lay, and by moving his feet a little he could feel that they were free 00. He did not spring up at once or move his bands or feet from their position, The suspicions of Big Wolf might have been aroused, and if so he would make investigation. Such indeed proved to be the case, for he felt the hand of the Indian upon his ankles, which vere yet tightly bound together. Although Rig Wolf could see nothing in the darkness, he could feel that the cords werethere. He passed his band along the body of his prisoner until he reached the left arm, which he found stretched out. It was well for him thet at this point he became satisfied, for had he pursued his investi- gation to the other arm the long knife in the hand of the prisoner would have been plunged into his heart. “T wish you would keep your dirty paws out of my face,” cried Red Spur, in an angry tone. “Tis bad enough to lie here in this way with- out that, curse you!” Big Wolf answered by a grunt, and drawing bis body toits full hight, he again leaned upon bisspear, With e:t-like caution Red Spur raised himself and with a single cut severed the bonds upon bis ankles, Sill the storm raged. There came a sudden rush, a cry of agony, and a tree which came crashing down buried one of the Indian guards beneath it. Big Wolf and his companion sprung to bis aid and suc- ceeded in lifting the tree from the body. He gasped once or twice and died. The grim war- rior placed his hand upon the breast of the fallen man and waited until it beat no more, and then turned to bis companion. ‘He is dead,” he said. “Lay him down, for he was a brave warrior. The outlaw Apaches will mourn for him when they have time, When the breath of the Great Spirit is heard me aOR we will make the heart of the Vulture sad, The two stern men turned back to guard their prisoner, whom they had forgotten for the mo- ment. Big Wolf took his spear and felt about | for the prostrate man, but the spear touched | nothing except the trees, | “Is Red Spur a fool that he should laugh at a The Young Mustangers. warrior?” he called, angrily. dog.’ There was no reply. Big Wolf threw down his spear and groped about on the earth until he touched one of the trees to which the prisoner was bound and cebuckled as he found the lariat still about it. ** He shall pay for this in the hour of torture,” hissed the warrior, as he laid bis hand upon the lariat to follow it to the place where his pris- oner lay. He had scarcely done so when he gave utterance to a demoniac yell, as he found the lariat loose in his hand, The prisoner had escaped. Big Wolf was a slave to duty, and although he felt that he had guarded his prisoner well, be was perfectly aware that the Vulture would never pardon him, and that in strict justice he had no right to ask mercy. There was no bope for him unless he could place the Red Spur again in the hands of his master, He stood a moment in doubt, and then, catch- ing up the spear, and feeling that his knife was in his girdle, he bounded away toward the south pass, in which he was certain bis enemies would seek refuge. The Indian was half frantic, for he felt that the outlaw chief would say that he had been unfaithful to his trust. The force of the wind and rain was terrible, and it was with difficulty he could make any head against it, but still he pushed on, biting his lips until the blood spurted from them. When he had reached a spot which seemed to him in the darkness to be near the entrance to the pass, he stopped, and dropping upon the grass, waited with bated breath for the coming of his escaping prisoner. The reasoning of the Indian was good. Out on the prairie there was no chance for escape; once joined with his friends, Red Spur could give them the aid of bisstrong arm in beating back the combined force of Indians and Mexi- cans, Big Wolf was a man of giant build, and had the utmost confidence that if he once got the young man in his grasp he could overpower and carry him back to the torture which he was trying to escape. ‘He had been lying there only a few moments when he became conscious not only that the storm was abating, but that there was some one, whom he could not tell in the Garxness, ly. ing near at hand, and he had no doubt that it was the man he sought. He began to work himself along the earth like a serpent in the direction of the sound, with his hand upon his knife, ready for action. Then he stopped again and listened, but the deep breathing which he had heard a moment before could no longer be distinguished, and he had no uide, 4 He began to suspect that his presence wag known to his enemy, and that he was on the watch, Big Wolf knew well that with Red Spur on his guard he would have no easy conquest, but must battle hard if he won, for, while Red Spur was not asstrong of limb as himself, he pos- sessed wonderful agility, and if he bad secured ii | “Speak, white
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The Young Mustangers. 19 @ weapon the chances were equal in the dark- ness. He gave up the idea of carrying Red Spur back alive. 1f he waited for that his enemy might escape again, and, while Black Vulture might forgive him if he saw the dead body of his enemy, he would be pitiless if that enemy escaped. He lay silent and waited, and it became a question which would first give himself away vy making a sound, The enemy of Big Wolf, whoever it was, be- came tired first, He made un incautious movement, which showed his position, and Big Wolf noiselessly gained his feet and sprung forward. At the same moment his enemy arose, and the twa men closed in a ceadly grapple and began a furious duel, the more terrible from the utter silence with which it was fought. Exch had caught the other by the left wrist and plied the knife with the right. Terrible ‘wounds were given and taken without a groan, bat at last a blow touched the life of the un- known adversary of Big Wolf, aud he dropped without a groan atthe feet of the man with whom he had fought so bravely. Big Wolf would have dragged his enemy back to camp, but he felt that his strength was in- sufficient. His blood was flowing fast, and he ave utterance to three signal yells, the well- snown rallyiogery of the outlaw Apaches, and was satisfied when an answer came back from the direction of the motte. In a moment the beat of many hoofs could be beard, and he again shouted to guide them, rfid Black Vulture, followed by twenty or thirty of his band, came dashing up at full speed. “T heard the war-cry of Big Wolf,” shouted the chief, bending'in the saddle. ‘* What is he doing here, when I set him to guard Red Spur yonder?” : “Red Spur escaped and Big Wolf followed,” was the answer. “Big Wolf knew that by the law of the band he was guilty and must die if the prisoner escaped. He found Red Spur here, and we fought. Be was too strong for me to take alive, and I killed him,” “Ha!” cried Black Vulture. “If Big Wolf has done this, the fault is great; but he shall not wag Who will make a light here, that we may see At this moment they were joined by a party of Mexicans, one of whom carried a sliding lan- tern. He held it out to the chief, who dis- mounted and approached Big Wolf, who had sunk upon one knee, unable to stand from loss of blood, The Vulture flashed the light upon him and saw that he wasindeed terrib!y injured, and must have fought gallantly to receive such wounds. : ** Tne blood of a warrior is good to the eyes of a chief,” declared the Vulture, ‘‘ when his blood has been shed in battle, Where is the body of d Spur?’ Big Wolf indicated a dark form stretched upon the grass, and the chief stepped away to look at the handiwork of his warrior. As the light fell upon the mangled form he uttered a | savage howl, for the man who lay there was Lone Dog, his last remaining brother, one of the three guards of the white prisoner. Big Wolf had started to his feet. He knew now that Lone Dog, actuated by the same mo- tive as himself, had set out to cut off the retreat of his prisoner, and they had met in the dark- ness with this fatal result. Black Vulture turned with his ax in his hand, | and folding his arms across his bloody breast, | the wounded warrior waited for the blow. It fell, and the heavy ax was buried to tha eye in the brain of the man who had made such a fatal mistake, “Tt is the fault of Red Spur,” screamed the chief, shaking the bloody ax atthecliff, ‘ Woe to him when we meet,” CHAPTER XI, A SCOUTING EXPEDITION—AN UNEXPECTED REN- CONTER—DEATH OF GIL PEREZ, THe deuth of the two warriors had made an indelible impression upon the outlaw chief. Although he bad slain Big Wolf with his own hand, he knew thot it would not have been necessary to sacrifice him but for Red Spur Ralph. As he turned his savage face from side to side his eyes met those of Ramon the Runner, and he saw in them an expression which he did not understand. But that he knew that the boy could have no reason for delighting in the slaughter of his friends, he would have said that he was laughing at him, He strode quickly up to the lad and caught him by the shoulder. Ramon threw off his hand with a savage exclamation and laid his hand upon a weapon; but Velasquez interposed, “You young hell-cat!” he exc!aimed. ‘‘What do you mean? Would you strike the Vulture, who is our best friend?” “Tae Vulture or any one else who lays a hand on me in anger,” was the reply of the lad. “Curse him, what does he mean by seizing me in that way?” A grim smile passed over the face of the Vul- tnre and it was plain that the savage manner of the boy pleased bim and had allayed his sus- picions. ‘** Say no more,” he declared; ‘I thought the boy laughed because my warriors lay dead, but I must be wrong. Let us go and take vengeance upon those who alone are to blame for all the wrong which has been done. And to show that he means to be friendly, let the boy lead us.” “Tam ready enough to do that, but it seems foolish to run into the jaws of the lion without sending out scouts to see how the land lies,” re- plied Ramon. ‘That is only right,” replied the chief. “Who then will lead the way and tell us where wemay best strike the young rangers?” Nobody spoke. ‘*You don’t seem to talk all at once,” sneered | Ramon, looking at the Mexicans with an amus- | ed smile. ‘ Well, let a boy shame you, then, I will go and in half an hour I will be back with | news, ‘“ You cowards,” hissed Velasquez, ‘ Would you let the boy go out alone?”
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20 **T will go with him, if you wish it,” averred Gil Perez. ‘Go, then; you have something to revenge upon these young dogs in your own person,” de- clared Velasquez. “Out of the saddle, then,” commanded Ra- mon. “ What we do must be done on foot. For ward, worthy Senor Perez, and if I go first it is only to show se the way.” The two glided away in the darkness, Gil Perez following like a serpent on the trail of the bold-hearted boy. They entered the mountain pass bravely, Nota sound disturbed the awful stillness and the gulch swallowed them up. Ramon went on with the assured step of one who knew his ground, and they suddesly came out upon a broad plateau, bathed in the white rays of the moon, which had risen above the mountain side, for the storm had broken. They could even make out the figures of the horses and men of the allied bands, as they stood in silence, waiting for the coming of the spies they had sent out. Ramon did not give his companion long to think, but touching him on the arm made asign to follow. He obeyed in silence and the two quickly reached a point from which they could look down upon the camp of the young rangers pitched near Clear Spring. “The young demons are there,” muttered Gil Perez, clutching at the pistols in his belt, “ By my life, I would give much to put a bullet through the heart of one man in yonder party, and that is the man they call Dick Merry.” “Why do you hate him in particular?” de- manded Ramon. ‘* Because he insulted me out yonder,” replied Gil Perez, ‘‘He would have seen me treated worse than a peon.” “Haven’s you made a little mistake, Gil Perez?” inquired the boy. ‘I know all about that matter, though you think I don’t. You alone, of all the party, escaped the ordeal of running the gantlet, and but for Captain Merry you would be a dead man, for the greasy scout wanted to kill you.” “You know too much,” replied Perez, ‘‘ and such bright boys do not live long.” ‘They live longer than those who threaten them, sometimes,” was the answer of the lad. “Don’t let us waste breath about it, Senor Perez, but make our observations and get back tocamp. Will you stay here and let me creep up on them, or will you go ahead?” *“You seem to know the ground well,” replied Perez. ‘‘Go ahead yourself.” Ramon glided away in the moonlight, and Gil Perez, lying in the shadow of the rock, watched the camp of the rangers. They seemed to be quite at their ease, though reudy for a fight, as each sat with his rifle across his knees; but at the same time their eyes were roving over the rocks, as if in search of an en- emy, and there was no doubt that some of their number were on a scout, “TI wouldn’t like to meet Rainbow Rube now,” muttered Perez, ‘He hates me, and he has good reason to do so, and if he met me alone ‘one or the other would have to go down.” “Stand up, you durned spider,” cried out a savage voice in his ear, and a rough hand was The Young Mustangers. laid upon his shoulder. ‘I reckon ye’r’ a bird DPve bin lookin’ arter some time,” Gil Perez started to his feet with the snarl of an angry tiger brought to bay, for he knew toa well the voice of Rainbow Rube. The hunter was not alone, for at his side stood Elegant Ed, his thick lips parted in a de- risive smile and his black eyes sparkling like stars in the moonlight. He reached out his long arm and snatched the pistols of Gil Perez from his belt. ‘“We won’t have any shooting here,” he de- clared, quietly. ‘‘What you do must be done with the naked steel.” “Thet suits me,” replied Rube, as be bared his shining bowie, ‘‘Git out yer sticker, Grea- ser; you an’ me hev an account to settle thet won’t keep,” “Don’t go for him yet, Rube,” said Elegant Ed. ‘* Maybe he can tell us something that will be of more use to us than his scalp,” “You are brave fellows,” sneered Gil Perez. ‘Two of you attack one man end take away his weapons, and then laugh at him, Ten thou- sand curses on you, I will fight either of you alone.” “We'll give you that chance, anyhow,” was the answer of Ed, “ but I’ve got a few questions to ask you first, and if you don’t ans“er we'll give you such a death as your cowardly hounds give to brave men when they are overpowered by numbers. First, where is Red Spur?” “Tonly wish I knew, myself,” was the re- ly. ‘The fellow maraged to make his escape in the storm and where he is I know no more than you do.” «© “You are not lying?” “No; for a wonder, I am telling the truth. It would suit me better to be able tosay that we had cut him into inch pieces. What next?” “The next is—you remember the girl for whom we had the fight when Red Spur was taken?” “Yes, curse her, I remember too well, for she was a demon in the form of woman.” “ Where is she?’ demanded Eid. “Why, ten thousand curses on her head, didn’t she escape up the pass while we were fighting? You helped her up the rocks your- self, Rube and you know it. Why in the name of the demons do you ask me about her.” “Do you pretend you haven’t seen her?” “T have not.” “T don’t believe the cuss is lying this time, though lying comes kinder nat’ral to him,” de- clared Rube, ‘‘Mebbe the gal is all right, arter all, Ed.” “You remember her oath, Rube. When Prairie Belle takes an oath, it means business. If Red Spur has escaped, ten to one Belle had something to do with it, for she’s cunning as the Old Nick. Well, it seems Perez don’t mean to help us out, so settle your scores. I draw out. “You don’t mean to let him murder me otter I’ve answered your questions?” screamed erez, : ““You said you’d fight either of us, didn’t you?” demanded Ed, ‘What more do you want?” But Gil Perez hesitated. He know well that
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the man before him had great cause to hate him and that when their knives crossed, it must be a duel to the death, But the prairie man did not move; only he crossed his arms upon his bosom, the right hand clasping the hilt of a bowie which gleamed strangely in the pale moonlight and seemed of terrible length. “There war two men,” he said, ** Gil Perez an’ Odo Velasquez, thet I’ve follered a long time. I ain’t hed a fairchaince at either on ’em afore, an’ now I’ve got it, an’ I don’t mean ter give it up. ‘Have your way, then,” cried Gil Peres, sud- denly drawing his bowie and making a spring at the prairie-man. ‘ But hold on; suppose win in this fight—what then?” ‘* Pll give you an hour’s run, and then you’ve got a worse enemy on your track than even Rainbow Rube,” replied Ed. «s _ you let me go free for this time?’ “Yes, Gil Perez made a sudden leap and struck with vicious earnestness at the heart of the prairie- man. Rube laughed as he turned aside the blow, delivered a cut in return, and leaped out of distance. Elegant Ed had never realized, until he saw this fight, that Rube was such a master of his weapon, R He was always just out of reach when Gil Perez struck, and yet near enough to make an effective return. Gil Perez was soon bleeding from several wounds, and yet he fought on with a despera- tion worthy of his name as a borderman. “Durn my hide,” cried Rube, yng ser ‘ef I didn’t hate yer so, Perez, I’d like ter shake hands with you—I would, by gracious! Dunno, on the bull, but I'll let yer throw up yer bands an’ make yer pris’ner.” Gil Perez uttered a taunting laugh, made a leap, getting inside Rube’s guard for a moment, and aimed a thrust v hich would have ended the battle; but with one twist of the body Rube partly eluded the blow, although a deep gash was inflicted on bis side, Then he thrust in re- turn, and the blade of his weapon disappeared in the bosom of the Mexican, who fell withouta sigh. fat the same moment, Elegant Ed sprung for- ward and dragged from the shadow of a rock the slight form of Ramon the Runner. “ Now, you young spy,” he cried, in a savage tone, “ we'll settle with you!” : Ramon only answered by a taunting laugh, and looked Elegant Ed unflinchingly in the eye, —_——- CHAPTER XIl. PLUNGED INTO THE GULCH — THE DEATH-SONG OF THE DEAD. Tu allied bands of Velasquez and the Vul- ture remained quietly on the prairie. They had heard nothing from the mountain, and began to think that the adventurous men must have The Young Mustangers, 21 Here I am, great Velasquez,” he exclaimed. ‘Get ready your weapons and we’ll make it red- hot for the young rangers.” “Where is Gil Perez?’ demanded the outlaw leader. “Gil Perez has gone to the bappy hunting- ae We met two men up there, Elegant “id and the man called Rainbow Rube and Gil Perez was killed. I trusted to my heels as soon as I got a chance and here I am, and all I’ve got to say is, if you are spoiling for a fight, the sooner you get to work the better.” * Are the rangers there?” ‘¢-Yes, camped at Clear Spring.” There was a manifest movement of alarm among the Mexicans. Plainly, they did not like the idea of having anything to do with Clear Spring sin e their last battle there, but Velasquez turned on them with flashing eyes. “ Amigos,” he exclaimed, fiercely, *‘let me tell you a thing. In our last battle here you bebaved badly and ran like ladrones as you are. But look ycu; I shall speak to the Vul- ture and tell him that if you give back a foot, he and bis men have instructions to kill you. Are you ready now, my braves?” The outlaws said nothing, but wished them- selves anywhere else. To tell the truth, the fight had been pretty well taken out of them la ely and they were anxious to seek for dis- tinction in other fields. But there was nothing for it except to fight, with the eyes of their savage leader on them and the certainty that the outlaw Apaches would cut them down with- out mercy if they flinched. “How shall we attack?” inquired Velasquez, turning to Ramon, “On foot, for we can’t get at them with the horses. My idea would be to take the beasts into the pass and leave them there under guard and then go ahead on foot.” : “It is the best way; lead on,” said the Vul- ure, Ramon burried away with a light step avd was ea ee followed by the party and in a few moments all were in the pass. The castle-like rocks around looked strangely gloomy to tho Mexicans, and they cast startled glances aloft from time to time. Not a sound disturbed the awful stillness, and if the young rangers had any one on guard they were not in this vicinity, The attacking party consisted of at least wa Apaches and about thirty Mexicans, long odds with which to attack the party of Texan boys, but not much greater odds than the Texans were accustomed to meet. They went up the pass in silence, Ramon in the lead, followed by a section of Indians led by the Vulture’s sub- chief; next the Mexicans, with Velasquez and the Vulture‘in the rear, and then the balance of the Indians, Three wounded men had been left in the pass below with the horses. They reached the broad plateau, when Ramon paused and beckoned his leader to approach, and as he did so he saw at his feet the ghastly form of Gil | Perez, with his garments soaked in blood. “Thatis only one thing more to count against these dogs,” whispered the outlaw. ‘Where fallen into an ambuscade, when a quick step | are they?” was heard and Ramon the Ruoner came dash- sng in among them, Ramon silently pointed down into the pasa, The young rangers were still there, but they,
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The Young Mustangers. seemed, in a measure, to have relaxed their vigilance, Two or three had weapons in their hands, and were pacing to and fro, but by far the greater portion lay sleeping about the spring. A triumphant grin distorted the sav- age countenance of the Vulture, “The Great Spirit wills it that I shall have vengeance for the death of my warriors,” he tmourmured. ‘‘ Now, brave white boy, tell us what to do.” ‘*We must surround them before we attack, or they will get to their horses and run,” was the answer, ‘Take twenty of your bravesand follow me, and I will lead you to a place where you can attack them when the signal is given, Where is Velasquez? Now, mark what I say. Send Pedro Gomez, with fifteen men, to tie West Pass, and let them stand there with their weapons ready, and advance at the signal, for the rangers may try to escape that way. Now then, chief, follow me.” Vulture had rapidly selected the men he wished to take with him, and falling into In- dian file, with the Runner ahead, they glided away in silence. The path by which he took them was a dismal one, and caution was needed, as the bare rocks did not easily conceal the tread of so many feet. The grim warriors, wita their weapons bare, trod noise'essly on the heels of the wily young Mexican, under the shadow of the cliffs, until they came to a place where a narrow path led along the face of the rocks be- side the deep ravine into which the strange ap- parition had leaped when pursued by Red Spur and Merry. It was a dangerous place, and a single misstep would plunge a man d.wn into the horrible depths. Rimon entered it with a firm step, and the Indians. not to be outdone by a boy, followed quickly, although some of them if the truth must he tuld, crowded the wall closely as they passed along. In the center of the path a rock jutted out in such a manner that it seemed as if the way was blocked. Ramon made a signal to the Indian who followed to watch his motions, and reach- ing up to the rock above, caught a projecting point and swung himself past the angle. In do- ing so his feet hung over an abyss which seemed of fathomless depth. “Good heart,” muttered the Vulture. ‘He has no fear.” The Indians were now all upon the shelf ex- cept the Vulture and he was about to follow, when a rope which seemed to have been hidden along the base of the wall, suddenly rose, as if pulled by unseen hands and in the twinkling of an eye the Apaches were swept off the shelf into the horrible depths. Black Vulture alone re- mained. He stood on the other side, his eyes half starting from their sockets, looking with horror into the dismal gulf down which his companions had cieenpenros They were blood- thirsty wretches, no doubt, and well deserved the fate which had been meted out to them, but they were brave warriors and had fought according to their lights. Black Vulture started back with a cry of horror, when the face of Ramon the Runner appeared around the angle of | the rock. F “Why don’t you come on?” he whispered, “Are you afraid— Holy virgin, they are gone!” “Take care, boy,” hissed the Vulture. ‘ My warriors are all gone—pushed into the hole by the lariat.” *“*T don’t know how I escaped,” gasped the boy, as he reached out with his dagger and cut the rope. ‘‘Itis a piece -f cursed villainy, if Lever saw one. Who do yu suppose set this trap?’ “Tt is the work of the young rangers or the Spirits of Clear Spring,” answered the Indian. **Can you get back to me?” “Tam not afraid,jnow that the rope is cut,” answered Ramon, as he swung himself rouad the angle. ‘‘ What will ycu do now?” “Twenty brave warriors gone,” groaned the Vulture, as he peered into the black depths of the ravine. ‘‘They were men who have fol lowed me in many battles, and have not failed me when danger was near. I will go for the others, and we will avenge them.” Ramon led the way on a rapid run, and quickly reached he spot where the rest of the Indians and the balance of the men of Vcla-quer were waiting for orders. The gueril'a uttered a low ery of surprise as he saw the two without the rest of the band. “Waste no words,” said the chief. ‘My men are gone, but Iam not all alone. Sous of the Apache, follow me!” The Indians silently ranged themselves behind him, and Ramon again took the lead, “Seek another pass!” commanded the chief, T will not risk my braves in that place again.” “Just as you sy, chief,” repl ed the boy. ‘There is another way, but it is more exposed, and we might be seen. It will bring us closer to the enemy, however,” He hurried his steps now, and the Indians followed as quickly, eager for revenge upon the men whom they believed had set the trap into which so mauy of their men had gone to their deaths. The band of Black Vulture had lived strange lives; every man’s hand against them, and the loss of any of their number was one not easily replaced, for there is no calamity so ter- rible to the true Indian, next to dishonor on the field of battle, as outlawry, and it was not easy to recruit such a band, once depleted. No one knew this better than Black Vulture, and his heart was torn with conflicting emotions as he trod on in silence close to the heels of Ramon _the Runner. “Take care, young boy,” he muttered; ‘if anything happens to the braves of Black Vul- ture, he will think that you have betrayed us, and then death to you.” Ramon stopped suddenly, with his band on a weapon. “ Now listen to me, Black Vulture,” he said, angrily. ‘‘ You may say what you like as lonjr as youdo not accuse me of treachery, but if you hint at that again I will bury my steel in your heart.” “ Hah!” ejaculated the Vulture, ‘‘The boy has the heart of a tiger. Lead on; I trust you.” ‘Better take the lead youself,” growled the boy. ‘I am not used to being treated like a ladrone, and by the Virgin, I will not endure oa ee —
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The Young Mustangaws. 23 A deep, hollow groan was heard, which seemed to issue from the bowels of the earth, and the Indians paused and looked quickly at | the deep fissure, by the side of which the track lay. Then a deeper sound succeeded, the In- dian death-chant, rolling up out of the abyss, and witha hoarse cry Black Vulture sprung to the side of the chasm and Jooked down upon a wonderful sight, and one which filled him with rage and the desire for revenge. On a rocky shelf below, their feet ea | over the deeper abyss, sat the men who ba fallen from the cliff. Their faces were partly lifted in the clear moonlight, and they were dead, end yet from their pale lips pealed the death-song of the Apache, and Black Vulture covered his face and staggered back, CHAPTER XIII. THE SPIRIT BAND—THE LAST OF BLACK VUir TURD'S MEN, Tom Indian i naturally rxperstitious, and Black Vulture was no exception to the rule. If be had been put upon his oath, he would have sworn that he saw the lips of the dead move, and heard the death-song chanted by them. One after another the band looked down into the chasm, and started back, and the last one to look down was Ramon, the Runner, whose dark face grew livid as he too fell back. “Tot us leave this thrice accursed place,” he gasped. ‘I have heard before that there was a spell upon it, and now I know it, Boe warned by me, Black Vulture; take your braves, while any are left, and leave us to our fate, for we shall perish, man by man.” * And if we die, let it be like men, and not black-hearted cowards,” was the fierce reply. “ Lead on, I say!” ‘“*Have your way, then,” replied the boy, as he loosened bis knife in its sheath. ‘I don’t mean to go beck myself, but I thought perhaps you had had enough of it.” He stepped forward quickly and entered a dark defile, which he followed for a short dis- tance, when he stopped suddenly and made a signal to the chief to advance, e did so, and sara through the vines which partly shaded he entrance to the valley, saw that he was within a hundred yards of the camp of the oung rangers, They were lying at their ease, but the Indian was surprised to see that more than half their number were missing. “Stay here,” whispered_Ramon in the ear of the chief. “I goto lead Velasquez by another path, When he is ready, you will see a blue light flash up on the top of yonder rock, and when it goes out charge with all your men,” The chief nodded, for now that he had his enemies before him he no longer felt fear, and Ramon glided away in silence and quickly reached the side of the outlaw Velasquex, as he stood waiting on the mountain side, “ All are ready except your men, Velasquez,” asserted the boy. ‘Let them prepare their weapons and follow me, but beware that nota shot is fired until I give the word,” it from any man on earth. Hark! What is| ‘J will kill the man who fs careless enough to that?” put success in peril,” replied Velasquez, As the band filed away, a man who bad been lying on his face in the shadow of a great cock, rose silently and looked after them. When the last man had disappeared, he came out from behind the rock, followed by another person, and Dlegant Ed followed by the Weasel were revealec, ‘* All goes well, Weasel,” he whispered, ‘Oh, isn’t our work being done to our bands? They think to catch us napping, but they little know the wiles of the Spirit of Clear Spring.” “Tt looks as if I should lave a chance to take revenge for the death of my dear father,” re- plied the Weasel. ‘Twice to-night I have been tempted to kill Velasquez when I hada fair shot at twenty paces, but I remembered how much was at stake and held my fire. That boy puzzles me, though; there is something about him which is familiar.” Elegant Ed turned a strange look upon the speaker, and his somber face was lighted up by a peculiar smile: “You must not forget what I told the rest, to beware that no harm comes to Ramon the Runner. When this thing is over, I will show you & wonder,” “The little Greaser ought to have his hair lifted ,” replied Weasel. “That may be, but as it is, don’t you see he is doing our work for us? Could we separate these fellows as he is doing now, if we tried?” “1 don’t know as we cculd; no thanks to him, though,” replied Weasel. “think I will prove to you, before we get through, that the young Greaser is of more use to us alive than dead, But we are losing time; come along.” He advanced a few paces and at a point where the strange crevice lay in the deepest sbadows, suddenly caught the Weasel in his arms and dropped into the gulf. Weasel ut- tered a cry, but before he could get out another he was far down the depths of the crevice descending with a gliding motion clasped to the broad breast of bis strange companion. A mo- ment more and he felt the hard rock beneath his feet and Elegant Ed. caught him by the arm “Not a word,” he whispered, “but let me lead you.” The Weasel was not easily frightened and fol- | lowed his leader through the darkness which he could almost feel, The air was p2culiarly heavy and for a moment the boy found it difficult to breathe, but that soon passed off and a fresh breeze was blowing in his face, and he could see a glimmer of light before him. Five minutes later they stood upon a rocky shelf, screened | by a creeping vine, and were looking mto the dark ravine where Black Vulture and his men were waiting in silence for the signal to ad- vance. “Tf it were any other men except the band of | Black Vulture I could pity them,” whispered Elegant Ed, “but these men have too much blood to answer for. Look there, Weasel.” Out of the pass below marched a strange i band, the Indians who had plunged into the .
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‘wee ee aan The Young Mustangers. depths of the ravine and whose death-song Bleck Vulture had heard. They marched each with his elbow raised, covering his face, but their bodies were covered with bloody spots here and there, and the men of Black Vulture, paralyzed with fear, watched their slow ad- vance, The outlaw chief during his adventurous life hac faced many dangers and had met them bravely. Had a hundred white rangers appeared be would have fouglt while his breath lasted and though overcome, would have died grim, but this was a sight for ‘which he was not pre- pared, and he trembled in every limb as the band of the dead marched on, Silently they ranged themselves along the side of the pass, close to the trembling war- riors, who were exactly equal in number, with- out counting the chief, Each of the spirit warriors raised his right hand and beckoned to the Apache opposite to come to him, Not one of them thought of disobeying, al- though each felt that to step forward was death, In awful silence they advanced with slow, hesitating steps, as the charmed bird approaches when drawn by the glittering eye of the ser- pent. Weasel Wilson, who had never seen such a sight as this, scarcely breathed, and clutched the arm of Elegant Ed with convulsive energy. The strange man shook off his hand and pointed down into the glen, The hand of each of the spirit warriors held a keen ax, which glittered in the rays ef the moon, Closer and closer came.the doomed men, while the spirit band, their faces still covered by the folds of their blankets, stood like statues, awaiting them, and Black Vulture was alone, looking in agony on the awful scene, Suddenly, as the outlaw band came within reach, the twenty axes were lifted, a blow, which seemed but one, sounded in the glen, and the doomed warriors lay dead at the feet of the men who in life had been their companions; and with a shriek of terror Black Vulture bounded up the glen alone. Not a hand was lifted to stop him in his mad fligh*, and the spirit band, still grasping their bloody axes, filed silently down the glen and were gone. “See here, old man,” whispered Weasel Wil- son, ‘‘can I speak now?” “You seem to be speaking, don’t you?” growled the oddity. ‘‘ Yes, you may speak all you like. How did that suit you?’ “Are they really all dead, or am I dream- ing?” Cre ou think they are not dead, all you’ve got to do is to go down there and lift their hair, that’s all ’'ve got to say. But here, let me whisper.” y Weasel bent his head, and the strange re- cluse whispered a brief sentence. Weasel gave vent to a short whistle of astonishment. “*T see,” he exclaimed, ‘‘ But don’t do it any more, Ed; it’s awful trying on the nervous sys- tem. “T reckon Black Vulture thinks so, anyhow,” replied the mountaineer. with e light laugh, “ Let’s be getting; things will be mighty biisy around here pretty soon, ““What’s the idea of letting the Vulture get away?” “Oh never mind+ that. DPve got a notion about him because I’ve got the most laid up against him. I wonder if that surround is nearly made?” Tho two sprung down from the shelf and were quickly ont of sight in the dark pass, following on the trail taken by the spirit band, Passin the dead Apaches, Weasel Tooked at them an was satisfied that the work was well done; not a man of them stirred and he hurried on after Elegant Ed, who led the way quickly and with little caution through the dark defile. He ap- este to have little or no fear, now that the odians were out of the way, and the Specter Band had no terrors for him. With an agile tread he hurried on, until they stood over the place where Pedro Gomez and his men guarded the west pass. It was a different party from the brave In- dian band who lay dead near the camp of the rangers, for rp were, shaking in their gaudy trappings until their buttons fairly rattled, and there was scarcely a man of the party who would not have given his chance cf paradise to be in the saddle and riding hard for the Mexi- can border, “ By Santiago,” muttered one strapping Chi- huahuan, as he looked furtively about him, ** Velasquez does well to plant us in the pass, directly in the track of these furious Texans. Suppose they should make an attempt to escape, where would we be then?” ‘** About where you are now, my braves,” de- clared a quiet voice, and there stepped out into view fifteen gallant young rangers with their rifies ready and Captain Merry at their head. “ Throw up your hands, and if a man of you dares make a noise louder than a wood tick crawling on a Digger, he'll never peep again.” There was no hesitation on the part of the Mexicans, With a unanimity which was good to see, fifteen pair of bands went up into the air and the work was done, “Jump down there, Weasel, you and Elegant Ed, and tie these skunks,” cried Merry. “Td rather handle a lot of polecats.” : The two passed in among the Mexicans, and taking their own lariats, soon trussed them up like turkeys ready for the market and the rangers laughed heartily, but not loud enough to make any noise. Then each of the youn men led a Mexican away into the bushes, ap silence reigned in West Pass, Something new was afoot. —— CHAPTER XIV. AN EMPTY NEST— ATTACKED BY FRIENDS — BLACK VULTURE’S GALLANT DEATH. Ramon the Runner led the band of Velasquez by dark and devious passes until they crossed the canyon above Clear Spring and came out on the other side and it looked as though the sur- round was complete, “You have done nobly, Ramon,” declared Velasquez, patting the boy on the shoulder, co
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«Were you a woman J should fall in love with you, for you are a greater devil than I am,” ‘No, no,” replied Ramon, modestly. ‘‘That would be impossible.” The guerrilla looked at the boy sharply to see if there was any hidden meaning in his words, but he looked so innocent that he concluded that it meant nothing, and he turned his glance to- ward the camp of the rangers. The ground around Clear Spring now lay bathed in shadow and he could no longer see the forms of the rangers, but doubted not they were there. “Tr is nearly time to make the charge,” whis- pered Ramon, ‘‘ When you see the blue light gleaming on yonder rock, upon them bravely and you will win the fight.” Ramon disappeared and the Mexicans waited with bated breath for the signal to flash out from the high rock. No one was more eager for the onslaught than Velasquez, yet this place had always seemed fatal to him since the hour when he butchered the companions oi Rainbow Rube in the opening beside Clear Spring. Everything he had done here since that time had eaded in evil, but he was satisfied that Prairie Belle was with the young rangers, and was determined to possess her and at the same time mete out vengeance to the men who had made him suffer such loss. “Velasquez, Velasquez, Velasquez!” cried a hollow voice. ae guerrilla started and looked quickly about im. ; ‘Who called me?” he demanded. The Mexicans declared that not one of them had spoken, but all had heard the strange voice calling to their chief. “Tt is only more of the cursed necromancy of this place,” averred Velasquez, in an angry tone. ‘Who spoke, I say?’ “Look back to the hcur when Clear Spring was red with the blood of innocent men,” re- plied the voice which he had heard before, “That blood is calling for vengeance and it is near at hand.” ** Woe be to the skin of the man who dares to play with me, if I find him,” muttered Velas- quez, as he strode away in the direction of the voice. As he did so he saw in bis path the flesh- less skeleton which had met Richard Merry, ex- tending its bony arms toward him. He uttered a low cry and half drew his pistol, but remem- bered that a shot before the signal came would rouse the ranger camp and make his task more difficult; and springing forward, he attempted to seize the strange figure, but if slipped out of his grasp, and again that hollow, metallic laugh was heard. A second time Velasquez darted forward, but no sooner had he done so than he was met by a chile Pie ball, which ex- ploded with a low report, and for a moment he was robbed of his strength by the fumes which entered his nostrils. When his clouded brain was apes able to act, the figure had disap- peared. . : “There is the signal, mio capitano,” cried one of the men. Velasquez turned, and saw the blue light flash up for a moment on the top of the rock and in- stantly disappear. The Young Mustangers. 25 The Mexicans grasped their weapons and dashed out on a run. At the same time there debouched from the dark ravine, where the menof Black Vu'ture had met their death, the specter band, their gory axes ready, while from the West Pass charged the band of Pedro Gomez, all eager for the blood of the young rangers. They met naahe Clear Spring, but there was nothing here upon which to strike. The valley was vacant; not aranger was in sight. Thero lay their blankets just as they had left them, but nothing more. Velasquez. mad with rage, turned to vent his anger upon Ramon the Runner, who had again joined him, and caught him roughly by the hair, when to his surprise it came off in his hand, and from beneath the broad sombrero rolled down a mass of curling biack hair, and he knew that Ra- mon the Runner was Prairie Belle. She made an agile spring, eluded two or three Mexicans who tried toseize her, and ran straight into the midst of the spirit band, who were coming up at their long Indian lope. “Hold her fast, Apaches!” scyeamed Velas- quez. ‘By Heaven, she has betrayed us, and we will show her what vengeance is,” The girl passed in among the Indians and was instantly seized by them, and the Indians con- tinued their rapid advance, while on the other side the band of Gomez came charging on, “Hold her fast,” again shouted Velasquez. *€ All that: has come to us to-night has been her doing. Ha! who is this?” Flying down from one of the passes, his black hair floating in the wind and his eyes lit up by the lurid fires of madness, came Black Vulture, and threw himself among the Mexicans. “Take care what you do, Velasquez,” he shouted. ‘The men of Black Vulture are dead and their spirits strive with us.” Bofore Velasquez could make any rely, a strange thing happened. Those they had thought to be their friends—the men of Pedro Gomez—came upon them from the west, and before they had time to think, half a dozen of their number lay dead upon the grass, and the assailing “ei were among them hewing them down without mercy. * Fools!” screamed Velasquez, throwing him- self in front of the leveled weapons, ‘See you not what you are doing? By Heaven, you are killing my men!” A knife inthe hands of a stalwart fellow, whose face was covered by a flapping sombrero, grazed his side, inflicting a deep gash, anda pis- tol was discharged, cutting a de pfurrow along his cheek,and Velasquze sprung back out of reach. At the same moment the Mexican ere was thrown into a huddle by the charge of the spirit band upon the other side. “Saints be above us,” cried a Mexican brig- and, ashe parried a blow from the weapon of one of the Indians, ‘They are Texans, every man,” “At them, my, heroes,” shouted a mellow voice, ‘Give the dogs a taste of Texas steel, Remember the massacre of Clear Spring.” Velasquez recognized the voice as that of Prairie Belle, and through the smoke of battle
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) HT tet : —o . 4. a t. h?. ie F Nj a ne 33 The Young Mustangers. saw her in the midst of the specter band, a pis- tolin each hand, urging them on. Black Vul- ture, who was fighting by the side of Velasquez, saw her, too. “That woman has done this,” he screamed. “With one blow you shall see me take venge- ance for my slaughtered brothers.” The only weapon he had was a huge club which he had picked up on the mountain, Whirling it above his head, he sprung into the midst of the specter band, dashing them right and left with the strength of a giant. He saw nothing save Prairie Belle, and nothing less than death would turn him aside, Tho spirit band went down man by man before the strokes of his migbty arm and he had almost reached the girl, who gave him two shots as he ad- vanced, both of which pierced his broad breast. As Prairie Belle sprung back to elude him, her foot struck the body of a prostrate man, and she fell. Before she could gain her feet she was in the grasp of Black Vulture, who, in spite of the blows rained upon him from every side, seized her by the the throat with a grasp so savage that the breath seemed to leave her body in an instant, when Elegant Ed came dashing through the midst of the band, and witha single slash of his broad bowie nearly severed Black Vulture’s hand at the wrist, and the girl writhed out of his grasp and fell at his feet_ gasping for breath. The next moment Elegant Ed and the stalwart Indian outlaw were locked in a death-grapple, To the ordinary observer it would have seemed that there was nochance for Elegant Ed in such a contest, but they did not dream of the wonderful muscular power which dwelt in his frame, In the death-hug of the might Apache he managed to free his right arm, sti grasping the deadly bowie, and strike one pow- erful blow. It was ancag The broad hilt of the knife struck sharply against the ribs of the Indian, and with a single gasping cry he fell back, dead, and Elegant Kd sprung up and caught the silent form of Prairie elle, just as a man clothed in Mexican garb pense through the Indians and sprung to her side. “Touch her not!” cried Ed, savagely. ‘‘ Liv- ing, she may be yours; dead, she is mine.” he Mexican dashed away his sombrero and revealed the handsome face of Red Spur Ralph, ‘Take care of her, on your life, Ed,” he cried. “Tf she does not recover, not one Mexican shall live to tell the story.” And xasping his weapons as he saw the blood coming pac into the cheeks of Prairie Belle, he plunged again into the fight. CHAPTER XV. THE DARK MADE CLEAR—RED SPUR WINS A PRIZE—LAST WORDS. A Part of the mystery was solved. The men in Mexican garb who had so fiercely attacked the guerrillas from the west were the young rangers, clothed in the garments of the Mexi- cans they had captured in West Pass, Velasquez had begun to suspect this, and with a few determined men about him who were bound to sell their lives dearly, he was making @ stubborn fight. Several of the boys were: bleeding, and Clarrie Lee was down, with a long gash in shoulder, and Garryowen had his cheek laid open by @ slashing blow from a machete, as ne warded off a cut aimed at the head of his beloved captain. Rube was there, fighting gallantly and mak- ing desperate efforts to reach Velasquez, who in this supreme moment found that the men he had abused and insulted while under his com- mand were still ready to die for his sake. ‘‘ Back there!” cried the commanding voice of Captain Merry. ‘‘ Here, handle your rifles. A man is a fool whothrows his life away for a lot of Greasers.” The rangers sprung back to a rock near by, and ina moment rushed back with thei~ rifles, which they had piled there before the capture of Pedro Gomez. Weasel Wilson was with them. ‘Look out, boys!” he shouted, ‘Hold! orI shall be tempted to shoot the man who kills Odo Velasquez before I get a shot at him!” “Tet him alone, boys!’ shouted Captain Merry. ‘‘Leave bim to Weasel and Rube; they’ll account for him.” “Til mark him, then!” screamed Weasel. “His right ear is too long; I’ll crop it.” The rifle cracked, and with a perfect howl of rage the huge guerrilla threw up his hand to his ear and found a portion of it gone. The aim of the lad had been true. “Oh, I can get you when I want you!” eried Woasel, dancing wildly about even while en- gaged in driving another ball into his rifle. “Tt’s only a matter of time. Do you know who Iam? I’m the son of the man you murdered by this spring with your own hand. The other ear, now.” Again the rifle cracked and again the ball went true to the mark. “Oh, howly fly, Weasel!” cried Garryowen; ** don’t be such a divil. Shoot him, av ye will, but don’t torture him.” ‘DT wasn’t your father he killed, Garryowen,” We frat Weasel, as he poured in another charge. ‘*T tell you there’s no mercy for him.” Volasquez knew that his time had come, un- less he could break through the ranks and get to the horses in the South Pass; and with a savage yell he bounded into the midst of the rangers, oe his way through them, and ran like a eer. “There’s your méat, Weasel,” said Captain Merry quietly. ‘‘Go with him, Rube.” To the surprise of Velasquez, not a shot was fired as he plunged into the pass; but he could near the patter of feet and knew that he was pursued, He was a noble runner, and in ten minutes was crossing the plateau at a rapid run; and if he could cross the gulch, by placing the rocks between himself and his pursuers, he might escape. He kvew that the cleft was very wide, but he must chance it, for close behind him came the, atter of feet and he knew that this time Weasel ilson would shoot to kill. Before him lay the gully, and gathering speed as he rushed down the slope, he sprung out into the air, His feet touched the rocks on the other side and he would have fallen backward, but he
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clutched a short shrub which grew on the bank. Put the effort he made threw his feet from under tim, and his body slipped over the face of the cliff while his hands still convulsively clutched the little tree; and there he dangled over the deep abyss, struggling to find a point of rock on which he could rest his feet. Weasel Wilson, coming up on a run, grounded his rifle as he saw the predicament of his enemy, and watched him with the expression which only undying hatred could give. Rainbow Rube, who came up next, raised his rifle. ‘‘He’s got to go, Weasel,” he exclaimed. “ I’ve a little marcy in me, ef you hain’t.” ** Don’t fire!” hissed Weasel. ‘Curse you, Rainbow, do you think I'd miss a moment of revenge lor my dead father? Let him die slowly.” “T only hope he'll get away,” replied Rube, “and by George, I believe he will.” Velasquez, by the exertion of his tremendous muscular power, had raised himself in such a way, that bis face was above the cliff, and hold- ing himself in that position with one band, he shot out the other and caught the tree nearer to the root. In this position he could get a pur- chase for his knee, and was slowly drawing himself up, when Weasel brought his rifle to a level. As he pulled, Rainbow Rube threw up the weapon, and the bullet went on a useless mission. “Snakes an’ catamounts,” Rube shouted, “ive themana chance, By the holy poker, he shill hev it, ef I hev to warm yer bide.” “Tf he escapes I call you my enemy to the death,” replied Weasel, as he loaded rapidly. Before he could get a cap on Velasquez had planted one knee on the edge of the cliff and was exerting his giant strength to draw him- self up, when there was a loud snap and the sbru> to which he clung broke, and with a cry of mortal agony, he fell back into the gulf. “My father is avenged in spite of you!” cried Weasel.. ‘*‘ My work is done!” *“T ain’t sorry be’s rubbed out, nuther,” de- clared Rube, “but it w’u’d ’a’ bin murder to shoot him thar, an’ I couldn’t stand it. Let’s go back.” “Vm with you, Rube, But, now it’s over, who the deuc. are those Indians that helped us to-night?” “Spooks!” replied Rube, gravely. ‘*The critters thet made Clar Spring so unhealthy along back. Let’s go an’ git interduced.” In a few moments they were again in the camp beside Clear Spring. But a great change bad come. All about were scattered the bodies of the Mexicans who had been slain, while the captives, bound and helpless, lay upon the— grcss. The spirit band were there but they too bad greatly changed, for the paini had been washed from their faces and they proved tobe a band of hardy looking white men. Elegant Ed was at their head and he advanced and spoke to the leader of the young rangers, “Our work is done here, pards,” he said, “‘and I don’t mind now if I let you into a few secrets. These yallow niggers are all safe, I reckon, but leave my men to guard them, and you others come with me.” The Young Mustangers. 27 The boys followed him up the defile, and they | reached the brink of the chasm in which 80 many had mysteriously disappeared. ‘‘Tt’s far more healthy to jump into this place in some spots than others,” declared Elegant Ed. ‘‘¥For instance, if I were to jump down | here there wouldn’t be enough of me left to pro vide the materials for a first class funeral. 1 zo on a little further and jump down on this | shelf and slide into this crack. Here I find a | rope with a sliding-board seat, and down I go, lowering myself, Of course, there are some of | the boys below to give me a band, but, standing where we do, you can’t see them, because they are hidden by the rocks, We have got these ladders rigged all along the clef’, and can dis- appear mighty sudden by their means, Will you go down? Show the way, Belle.” The girl sprung upon the shelf, slipped into the erevice, and disappeared. Two minutes later the mellow laugh which had startled the young men on their first night in the pass floated up from below. “You next, Red Spur,” said Ed. ‘Oh, I trust you more than I did a few hours ago, Something has happened that sets all right. Down you go.” The young man slid down the rope, and the rest followed; but when Dick Merry, who was the third to go down, reached the bottom, Prairie Belle and Red Spur bad disappeared, ' and brave Dick felt a slight pang as he noticed: it, for he was more than interested in the noble ' girl, but he thought that she could choose no better or braver man than Red Spur, and was satisfied. The rest quickly followed, and Hle- gant Ed showed them how easily, by the aid of friends below, a man could be raised to the top of the chasm. Then he produced a lantern from a cleft in the rock, and they followed him down the cleft until he turned and plunged into a dark opening in the rocks, and they found after going a short distance that the rocks were honeycombed by natural passages, leading in all directions, and several of them coming out near the spring, but covered by vines. After twenty minutes they entered a Jarge vaulted room, in which were piled a number of small sacks, “T'll show you boys what I wouldn’t show any other menon earth, and you'll understand why we’ve kept every one out of the pass for three years,” said Elegant Ed. He opened one of the sacks and showed them that it was filled with the precious metal for which men toil their lives out in all quarters of the globe—gold. “ That’s it,” declared Hd, ‘I struck the cave by accident and found the vein, I knew it would take years to work it out, and when I had gathered these men about me, we came here and set to work, and thought of a way to scare off other men. These apparitions are got up by us, and you have no idea how far a tight- fitting black suit with a handsome skeleton worked on it in white—that’s Belle’s work—will goin amoonlight night. See here.” He turned down the Jantern so that it gave a dim light and threw on a robe of which he spoke, and although they expected it, the boy ho ainsi? bans os eee eae
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nt i 4 The Young Mustangers. were startled by the apparition, and Ed threw the robe away with a light laugh, “We've worked the vein out and are going,” continued Ed. ‘“ There’s encugh here to buy us alla ranch and stock it; and we’ve taken up 2, tract of land over bere on the plains this side of Austin, and we'll keep together because my boys won’t any of them laugh at me if I am not like cther men. Belle?” The girl, whohad been standing in the shadow with Red Spur Ralph, came forward slowly, and Hlegant Ed took her hand, “7 had but one brother, the father of this girl,” he said, ‘and now I’m going to own up to the only evil deed I ever did. wanted to have her with me after her father died, and I knew she was beautiful enough to win the love of some true man, and so I made b+* believe that there was a shameful story hanging over our family which nothing could efface, and that she must never think of marriage. Hold u your head, girl. The only lie I ever told you now atone for by giving you to the man you love, Red Spur Ralph, and by swearing that no better or finer woman breathes the air of Texas. “ And if any one denies it,” said Dick Merry, + on not one of my boys but wants his scalp. “So take her, Red Spur,” continued Hd. ‘It will come hard to part, but—” “Dll never leave you,” cried Red Spur, grasp, ing the hand of the speaker with friendly force. “There’s land enough in Texas for us all, and the same roof which covers me and my wife shall shelter your head, old man,” Few words are need, now. The Mexicans who were yet alive were soundly flogged and turned loose on the prairie, and their horses were used to pack the gold which had been se- cured by the spirit band, Their last disguise was the work of Elegant Ed and Prairie Belle, who had taken the idea even before the Apaches were plunged into the ravine, Ed was an artist in disguises, and withal something of a chemist, and his men were apt, and by means of this the last of the band of Black Vulture met their fate. Tt was after the death of Gil Perez that Elegant Ed penetrated the disguise of bis niece as Ra- mon the Runner, and seeing that the work was being done without suspicion heagreed to let her go on, and every step she took was planned be- foreband. When the gold-hunters were ready to depart the last farewells were said, for the mustangers had their work to do, and they rode away to hunt the wild horse while the gold-hunters turned South. Rainbow Rube went with the rangers, for he would not part from the Weasel. They passed adventurous lives, but in the after years the happiest hours they spent were under the hospitable roof of Red Spur Ralph and his charming wife, whom they had known as Prairie Belle. And any who could say: ‘“‘I was one of Merry’s Rangers” was always welcome. THE END.
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a 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E.'S, Ellis. 883 Cacada Chet, ‘he Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 84 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter, By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 85 The Boy Miners; or, Type Encnanted Island. By Edward 8, Ellis. 86 a Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge emyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. ’rentiss Ingraham, 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L, Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, Trapp r; or, Life in the Northwest. By Edward 8. Ellis, 90 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Yeung Champion. wy George Gleason, 91 Mustang Sar, the King of the Plains. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr, 92 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, the Red Pirates of the Caribhees. By Samuel W. Pearce. 98 Phil “taal the Boss Boy; or, Tie Mystery of the Stronghold. By @harles Morris, 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheel r. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess the Female Trapper. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 96 Gilt-Edge Dick, By Edward L, Wheeler. 97 ane Black Ste d of the Prairies. By James L. jowen, 98 The Sea Serpent; cr, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. 3y 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 E. S. Ellis, 101 Daring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. Georg. 102 The Yellow Chief; or, The Half-Blood’s Ven- geance. By Ca t. Mayne Reid 103 Chip, the GirlSport By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar, By Roger Starbuck, 105 Handsome Harry, the Boctblack Detective. By Charles Morris, 106, Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. hiy Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyl’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune. 3y Edward L, Wheeler. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mustanger, By T. C. Harbaugh. 109 The Brand d Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. By Frauvk Dun.ont. Z 110 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By George W. Browne. 111 Boe oh the Ki g cf Bootblacks, By Edward » Wher ler, 112 The Helpless Hand, By Capt. Mayne Reid, 113 Scar Faced Saul, the Silent Hunter, By Oll Coomes, 114 pe P.ul, the Mountain Boy. By T. ©, Har- baugh, 115 Deadwond Dick’s Double: or, The Ghost of Gor- gon’s Gulch. By Edwa dL, Wheeler, 116 Jabez Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Pelar Re- ons. By Capt. F. Whitta er, 117 Fancy Frank of C.lorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. By “ Buffslo Bill.” 118 Wili Wildfire. the Troroughbred; or, The Win- ning Hand. By Chas. Morris. 119 Blonde Bil: o*, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base, By Edwar:! L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper, By T. C. Har- baugh. 121 Harty Armstrong, the Captain cf the Club, By Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 122 The Haunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie. By Edward §. Ellis. 133 Bolla Bae the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler, 14 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. By 'T. O. Harbaugh. BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 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 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 180 Gold Trigger, the Sport: or, The Girl Avengers, By T, C. Harbaugh, 181 A Game of Goid; or, Deadwood Dic*'s Big Stri.e. By Edward L. Wheeler, 182 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph BE, Badger, Jr. 133 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road, By Frank Du- mont, 134 _ Merry, the Harbor Police Boy, By Chas, or-is, 135 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 136 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt, Hamilton Holmes, 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas, By G. Waldo Browne. 128 Bob Reckett, the Boy Dedger. By Chas. Morris. 189 The Black Giaut; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. by Jos. EB. Badger, Jr, 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents, oH Philip S. Warne. 141 New York Nell, the Doy-Girl Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll 143 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting F h Fire. B 43 Deac Jash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. Jos, ro Badger, Jr. . x 144 Liitle Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss In- graham. 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. ay, 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. Ly G, Waldo Browne, 151 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahum, 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. H. Eyster, 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L. Wheeler, 14 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty. Lance on the War-Path, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Inzraham., 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By ©. Morris, 157 me d earls: the Border Boy. By T. C. Har. raugh, 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane's Last Adventure. By K. L. Whecler, 159 Patent-Leather Joe's Defeat; or, The Lady Road-Agent, By Philip 8, Warne. 100 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwback r; or The Doomed Thirteen. By Col, P. Ingraham. | 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman, By C. Morris, 162 pee Hurricane, the Boy Captain, By O} Joomes, 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. ; 165 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, By Col. P, Ingraham, 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loscs: or, “A Trump Card.” By Charles Morris, 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunved to Death, By George W, Browne,
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5 tr hank c Ullah Pie VOLS _ 207 Kentuck Talbot's Band; or, The Red Lasso. By ! 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler, 169 The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life; or, Shadowed in New York. By Charles Morris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By Edwin Emerson. 178 Dick Dingle, Scout, or, The Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme; or, The Golden Hand. By G. W. Browne. 1%5 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. By Edward G, Wheeler. 176 Will Wildfire's Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand, By Charles Morris. 177 The Boy Commander; or, The Maid of Perth, 4 Col, Pren'iss Ingraham 178 The Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night Island, ‘By Burton Saxe, 179 gi ie eg or, The Mystic Marksman. By . Ee er, Jr. 180 The Boy ld Hunter; or, Navajo Nick’s Scout. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 The Scapegrace Son. By Charles Morris, 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine, 183 Jabez Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper. yy Oll Coomes. 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Ed. Willett. 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince, By Col, Pren tiss Ingraham, 186 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph LE. Badger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger King; or, Dai* Paul's Plot. By Charles Morris, 188 The Ase Song ened Dstective. A Romance of Rogues. By Edward lL. Wheeler. 189 Oid 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 Ts Bowen, 191 Dandy Rock's Rival; or, The Mysterious Wolf Rider. By Geo. Waldo Browne, 192 Hickory Harry; or, Roaring Ralph, the Ventrilo- uist 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 Oli Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of the Mountain, By T.C, Harbvugrh, 196 The Dandy Detective; or, Tne Abducted Boy Mystery. By Char es Morris. 197 Roy, the Young Cattle Kinz; or, The Texan Sport Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Inzraham. 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask; or, The Rival Leagues of the Mines. “y Frank Dumon'. 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective; or, Bill Bravo, the Bear Tamer. By T C. Harbaugh. 200 The Twin Ho-semen; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards; or, Tho Hawks of High Pine, By Wm. R. Eyster. 202 Tom, the Texan Tige ; or, Old Luke’s Luck, By Oil Coomes. 208 Sam, the Office Boy; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris. : 204 The Young Cowb»y; or, The Girl Trailer’s Tri- umph. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme. oy, E. L Wheeler. 206 White Lightning; or, the Boy Ally. By T. C. Harbaugh. Captain Mark Wilton. 208 Trapper ‘Tom’s Castle Mystery; or, Dashing Dick's Disguise. By Oll Coomes. 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective;.or, The Tables ‘Turned. By Charles Morris. . %10 The Hunchback of the Mines; or, Reckless Ralph, the Road-Agent. By Jog, E. Badger, Jr. BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 211 Little Giant and His Band; or Despard, the Duelist. By P. 8. Warne 212 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado, By E. L. Wheeler. 213 The Pirate's Prize; or. The My terious Yankee Schooner. By C, Dunning Clark, 214 Dandy Dave, of Shss":; or, The ’Frisco Flash o* Lightning. By T. C. Harbaugh. 215 Daring Dan the Ranger; or, the Denver Detec- tive. By Oli Coomes. 216 The C »wboy Captain; or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 217 Sald Head of the Rockies; or, The Ang’l of the Range. By Major Sam 8. Hull. 218 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim, By Edvard L. Wheeler. 119 Buck, the Detective; or, Paul, the Boy Pard, By Albert W. Aiken. 220 Cr ck-Shot Frank; or, Bill Bounce, the Moun- tain Bravo. By Charles Morris. 22) Merle the Middy; or. A Waif ofthe Waves. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie Rangers. By Olt Coomes. 223 Gold Conrad’s Wa'tch-Dogs; or, The Two Pards of Vulture Bar. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Frisky Fergus, the New York Boy. By G. L. Aiken. 225 Dick Drew, the Miners 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- eaneer. By Coloncl Prentiss Ingraham 228 The Preacher Detective; or Tue Boy Veutrilo- quist. By Oll Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall, 230 The Three Boy Sports; or, The Sword Hunters, By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 232 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or, Buccaneer Brandt's Threat By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam, 283 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 234 Baldy, tho Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 285 Jack Stump’s Cruise; or, The Montpelier’s Muti- neers. By Rover Starbuck. 236 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De- tectives. By Ed, L. Wheeler. 237 Newsboy Ned, D tective; or Two Philadelphia Gamins. By Charles Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea Scraper; or, Little Belt's Droll Disguise. By Col. Prentiss inzraham. 239 Ben’s Big Boom: or, Tue Boss Miner's League, By Capt. Mark Wilton. 210 Sharp Shot Mike; or, Colambia Jim onthe War- Path. By Oll Coonmes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence; or. Little Luck at Rough Ranch. By Edward L, Whee er, 242 The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold Gulch. By T. C. Harbaugh, 243 Dutch Jan’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. P. Ingraham. 245 Baldy’s Boy Partner; or, Young Brainerd’s Steam Man. By Ei !war ‘8. Ellis, 246 Detective Keen's Apprentice; or, James Jumper the New York Gamin. By Cherles Morris. 7 The Girl Sport; »r, Jumbo Joe's Disguise. By 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 Mer'e Monte’s Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief's Doom. .By Col. Prentiss lugrabam, 251 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, By Edward* Willett. -
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252 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen, By Edward L. Wheeler, 253 The Boy Tenderfoot; or, Roaring Ben Bundy of Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 24 Black Hills Ben; or, Durch Jan on the War- Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson 255 Jolly Jim, Detective; or, The Young Protege’s Victory. By Charles Morris, Merle Monte’s Last Cruise; at Bay. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 257 The Boy Gnief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young California Pards. By Maj. EB. L. St. Vrain. Denver Doll as Detective. By EH. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By OH Coomes, 200 Skit. the Cabin Boy. Ry Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport; or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By T, OC, Harbaugh. Billy, the Boy Rover. By Cot. P. Ingraham, Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. F C. Adams, Sport. By BE. L. Wheeler. 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy: or, The Young Railroad Detective. ty O s Morris, 266 Guy's Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. By Capt. Comstock. 7 Giant Geo: ge’s Revenge; or, The Boys ot * Slip- up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam The Deadshot Dandy; or, The Rio Maranders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quartzville ss; or, Daring David Darke By Edward Willett. Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss, By E L. Wheeler. Ebory Jim’s T By Oil Coomes 272 Kit, the Girl Detective, Sy T. O. Harbaugh, The Girl Rider; or, Nimbie Ned’s Surprise, Jos, E. tadger, Jr. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy | Pard, By Col. Prent I ra) er 275 Fred, the Ocean W Old Sailor's Protege. By rles Morris. | 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped. By Ed L. Wheeler, 277 ‘The If iot Boy Avenger; or, Captain Wild-Cat’s Big Game. By Albert W. Aiken. Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot’s Luck. By T. ©, Harbaugh. Jolorado Jack, the Tiger; or, The Ghost of the Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal, or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col, Prentiss Incraham. Ned, the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant’s Doom. By Jack F: ie Buck Hawk, Der ve; or, the Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler, Roving Sport Ki ; or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animai Tamer. By Capt, Fred. Whittaker, Ol Rocky’s Pied; or, Little Ben’s Chase. By Buekskin Sam. 286 Dick, the Dakota Sport, By Charles Morris, 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper; or, The Sea Sorceress’ Cruise, By Jack Farragut Deadwoo! Dic ; Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport. Hv Edw Wheeler, 289 Onl srado Nick, th 3y Major H. B. Stoddard, Rube, toe Tenderfoot «r, the Roys of Torpedo Guich. By Major E. L, St. Vram. Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport; or, Hawk, the Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken. 292 Joe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, the Black Rider, By Jos. I. Badger, Jr. 298 Dwarf Jake the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's MAn-Ttmt. By Edward Willett. 204 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 2% White Wing, the Perret Flyer. By Chas. Morris, 296 Govinda, the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American Horseman Abroad, By Captain Ff, Whittaker. BEADLE’S POCKET ; or, The Sea Robber | Denver Doll’s Par ner; or, Big Buckskin the | Grande | ror; or, Ranger Rainboit’s Ruse. | By | | 822 Fred & assist; or, Old Si's Pr: tege. | 3¢ | 838 ‘The Gold Bar De' 297 Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine Box City. By Buckskin Sam, 298 Daisy Doll's Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh. 299 The Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard, By Harry Enton. 300 Deadwood Dick’s Mission. By E. L. Wheeler, | 801 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Major E, L, St, Vrain. 802 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. O. Harbaugh, 303 The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Charles Morris, F Bald Head’s Pard; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning, 3y Buckskin Sam, Dusky Dick's Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By Harry Hazard. s 806 Spotter Fr tz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler, 807 Nick, the Boy Sport; or, Three Plucky Pards, By Major B. L. St. Vrain. 808 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic Calitornia Giant. By Jos. B. Badger, Jr O.d Graybeard’s Boy: or, The Girl’s Ruse, By C, Duoning Clark, 410 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, ‘The Mad Sailor's Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Frio Frea in Texas. By Buckskin Sam. 812 Tie Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners ot Sassafras City. By Edward L. Wheeler, & Honest Jack's Protege; or, The Dwarf’s Scheme, By Philip 8. Warne Clip the Boy Sheriff; o-, The ‘two Crooks of Montana. By Edward Willett. 804 805 | 015 Tom, the Arizona Sport; or, Howling Hank trom Hard Luck. By Major EB. O, Sv. Vrain, u16 The Street Arab Detective; or, Dick Dorgan’s Double Dealing. By Charles Mortis. Buckskin Ben of Texas; or, Single Eye’s Plucky Pards. By Buckskm Sam, Colorado Charie’s Detective Dash; The Cattle K'ngs. By, Edward L, Wheeler, 419 Fristy Fran’: in Idaho: or, Old Skinflint the Shadower. By Roger Starbuck, or, | 820 Cool Sam’s Girl Pard; or, Cxpt.in Dick and His T xans. By T. C. Harbaugh. Biliy, the Kid from Frisco; or, Silver Mask’s Clew. By J.C. Cowdrick. ive; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck, det By C $. Dead Shot Ike in Montana; or, Hez Helper, the Yankee Pard. By Roger Starbuck, Kit, the Denver Sport; or, The Bonanza Miner King. By Edward L, Wheeler, 325 Dusky Darrell the Camp Detective; cr, The Dandy’s Daring Dash. By Kdvin Emerson 326 Roy, the Boy Cruiser: or, The Water Wolt Wreckers. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 827 Ned, the Roving Miner; or, Arkansaw Jack's Match, By Harry Hazard. - Rocky Ben’s Band; or, Big Pete’s Big Haul. By W. J. Hamilton. 329 ere: the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. E. L, St. rain, 330 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Coast Detective; or, The Smuggler Shadow- er. By Roger Starbuek. Dakota Dan in Canyon City; or, Colorado Kate’s Check. By Philip 8. Warne, - 333 Boothlack Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard. By Authony P. Morris, 334 Frisco Tom on Deck; or, The Golden Gate Smug- glers. By George Henry Morse. 325 Ben Bandy, the Boss Pard; or, The Plucky Parson. By J. Stanley Henderson. 336 Fred, the Sport, in Brimstone Bar Camp: or, The Poston Wrestler’s Confederate. By Ed, L, Wheeler, #87 Daisy Dave the Colorado Galoot; or, The Boss of Dead Line City. By T. C. Harbaugh. tive; or, Iron Ike, the Solid Mau, By Major & L, 84 Vrain. LIBRARY. -
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BEADLE’S Pocket LIBRARY. 339 Rardo, the Boy Gypsy; or, Reckless Rolf’s Re- volt. By Wm. G. Patten. 340 Billy Bubble’s Big Score; or, Tim, the Tramp. By Charles Morris. 341 Colorado Steve’s Dash; or, Old Buncomb’s Sure Shot. By Philip 8. Warne, 842 Snap-Shot Sam; or, Ned Norris’s Nettle. By Bucksin Sam. 343 Mike, the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg Prancer of Vermont. By Edward L. Wheeler. 844 The Drummer Sport. By Edward Willett. 345 Jaques, the Hardpan Detective; or, Captain Frisco the Road-Agent. By J.C. Cowdrick, 846 Joe, the Chicago Arab; or, A Boy of the Times. By Charles Morris. 847 Middy Herbert’s Prize; or, The Girl Captain’s Revenge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 348 Sharp-Shooter Frank, By Buckskin Sam. Buek the Miner: or, Alf, the Colorado Guide. By Maj. BE. L. St. Vrain. Ned, the Slab City Sport. By Ed, L. Wheeler. Rocky Mountain Joe. By Col. T. H. Monstery. New York Tim; or, T..e Boss of the Boulevard. By Charles Morris. The Girl Pilot; or, Ben, the Reef-Runner. By Roger Starbuck, Joe, the Boy Stage-Driver. By Maj. St. Vrain. Texas Frank’s Crony; or, The Girl Mustang Rider. By Bucks: in Sam. } Idaho Ned, Detective; or, The Miners of Tarpot City. By Edward L. Wheeler. BY Guy, the Boy Miner; or, Rocky Mountain Bill. By Colonel Pren'iss Ingraham. Jersey Joe, the Old’ Tar; or, the Wrecker’s Protege. By Mrs. Orin James. Dandy Dick's Dash; or, The Boy Cattle - King. By Oll Comes. 860 Jim’s Big Bonanza; or, Jake Dodd and His Gang. y W. J. Hamilton. 261 Oregon Phil, the Sport; or, The Marshal of Two Bits. By Philip 8, Warne. 862 Kit, the Bootblack Detective; or, From Phila- delphia to the Rockies. By Edward L. Wheeler. 263 Tne Ocean Racer; or, Trusty Tom, the Tar, By T. C. Harbaugh. 261 Fritz’s Old Seore; or, Sib Cone’s Right Bower. By Ned Buntline. 265 Crack Shot Harry; or, The Masked Rider. Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 66 Gold Dust Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines, By G. Waldo Browne, Fred’s Bola Ganis; or, The Cave Treasure. By Paul Bibbs. 368 Jim, the Sport in Wake-up: or, Foghorn Fan to the Front. By Edward L, Wheeler. Captain Blake’s Jonah; or, Harry, the Cabin Boy. By Roger Starbuce, 870 Denver Kit’s Double. Ky Major H. B. Stoddard, 871 Blue Blazes Dick; or, Danger Doil of Dynamite. By T. C. Harbaugh. 372 The Sea Cat’s Prize; or, The Wlag of the Red Hands. By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham. $73 Larry O’Lynn's Dash; or, Kyle, the Renegade. By Joseph F, Henderson. 874 Jim, the Sport’s Big Boom; or, The Bonanza King's Rival, By Edward L. Wheeler. 875 Bowery Bob, Deteetive. By Jo Pierce. 376 Buckskin Dick’s Clean Sweep: or, Jonathan Jenks’ Still Hunt, By Col, Arthur ¥. Holt. 377 The Deadwood Sports, By Lieut. 8. G. Lansing. 878 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Printe. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 879 fe Se the Stowaway; or, A Yankee Boy’s Strange Cfuise. By Charles Morris. By 369 880 Young Dick Talbot; or, A Boy’s Rough and Tumble Fight from New York to California. By Albert W. Aiken. 881 Dandy Bill’s Doom; or, Scout, By Oll Cooms. Deerhunter, the Boy 882 Mh ea homa George, the Boy Pioneer, By Ed. illet. 883 Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. By Col. Ingraham. 393 394 895 401 402 403 404 405 408 409 884 Brimstone Bill’s Booty: ur, Mariposa Marsh ¢ acs Dead Man’s Gulch By Joseph EE Badger. Jr. o 885 The Boy Tramps; or, The Rougis cf Demon As Hollow. By J. M. Hoffman. 886 The Montana Kid; or, Little Dan Rock’s Mis- sow ON: By Morris Redwing. 387 The Boy Detectives. by T. C, Harbaugh. 3888 The P my Express Rider; or, Buffalo Bill's Fr t Feats. By Col, Prentiss Ingrabam. 389 New York Bill, the Dodger By Ed a Willett, 390 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick; or, Spring -Stee), King of the Bush. By J: seph BE. Badger, Jr. 391 Charley Skylark, the Sporr. By Maj r Henry B. Stoddard. 892 Texas Jack, the Mustang King. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn, Fy Noah Nuff. Tom Temple's Big Strike. By Barry Ringgold. Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris. 396 Detective Paul’s Right Bower. By C. D, Clark, 397 Tip Tressell, the Flatboat Boy, By Ed. Will tt. 398 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost, By Col, Jngraham, 399 Harry Somers, the Magician. By 8. W. Pierce. 400 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Roger Starbuck. Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Chas. Morris. Flatboat Fred on the Mississippi. By E Willett. Jake, the Colorado Cireus Boy. By Bryant sainbridge. ‘Texas Charlie's Wild Ride, By Col. P. Ingraham, Wide-Awake Ned; or, The Boy Wizard, by Barry Ringgold. 406 Giant Pete and His Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. 407 Old Ruff’s Protege; or, Little Rifle’s Secret. By Captain Bruin Adams. Stowaway Dick Abroad; or, The Desert Rover. By Charles Morris. Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Col. P. Ingraham, Captain Fly-By-Night, the Colorado King-Pin By Jos. E Badger, Jr. New York Jack’s Mettle; or, Old Traps and His Chums. By Barry Ringgold. Sam Spence, the Broadhorn Boy. By Edward Willett. 3 Revolver Billy in Texas; or, The Lone Star State Rangers. By Col. P. Ingraham, Dasher Dick’s Dead Lock; or, Plucky Joe, the Boy Avenger. By J. M. Hoffman. 415 Pony, the Cowboy Chief. By A.B, Stoddard, 416 Panther Dick's Death ee, By A. F. Holt, 417 Figbting Fred of Frisco. By T. C, Harbaugh. 418 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Col. P Ingraham. 419 Frisco Guy's Big Bonanza. By Roger Starbuck. 420 Pat Mulroony’s Pard. By Emerson Rodman. 4°1 'Tim, the Boy Acrobat. By Charies Morris, 22 Red Spur R Iph, the Texan. By C. Dunning Clark. 423 Dashing Bob, the Pony Express Rider, Prentiss Ingrabam. 424 Tom Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C.D, Clark. By Col. 425 Darky Jumble’s Wild Ride. By Barry Ringgold. Ready March 2. 426 Wolf-Cap; or, The Night-Hawks of the Fire- Lands, y Capt, Chas. Howard. Ready March 9. A New Issue Every Wednesday. Beapie’s Pocker Lrppary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. : BgADLE AND ADAms, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,