Deadwood Dick Library (v. 1) (1899 03 29)

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fopyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar, 15, 1899, PENCE MA M. J.IVERS & CO., Publishers, oa No. 3, March 29, 1899), ‘Jumes Sullivan, Proprietor,) 379 Pearl Street, New York. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘DEADWOOD DICK,”* THE DOUBLE DaGGERS,’’ BTC., ETC, iN i lll TAIT PR a : ON OAME THE HEADLESS HORSEMEN, HEADED BY THE CUFFALO DEMON.

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EDWARD L. DEADWOOD DICK. JR. NOVEI Price 5 Cents per Copy. “SRS 443 Deadwood Dick, The Crimson * Crescent Sign. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. 453 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. A71 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Diggings, Deadwood Dick, Jrs, Deliverance. 5 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducks. Deadwood Dick, Jr. ’s, Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West V idocq. Deadwood Dick, Jr, on His Mettle. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. Deadwood Dick, Jr, in Boston. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 8 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the ' Continent. _ 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- lers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. "00 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. "04 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. A Sn caer 0} 1 For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c, Ber copy, by 1 ers, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 eu Senay New York Orty, ; *' 852 - 898 Deadwood Dick, WHEELER'S 716 Deadwood Dick, Jt.’s, Still Hunt. ae Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Disguise. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Watch 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Blow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Stra’ 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. ‘ 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. 787 Deadwood Dick, Shes Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double De 797 Deadwood Dick, Jv.’s, Desperate Venti 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 8, Diamond Dice. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush. — 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 's, Head-Off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. $22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, High Tors Deadwood Dick, Jr. : at Devil% Guleh 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole H 863 Deadwood Dick, J r.’s, Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico, 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 8, Decoy Due 882 Deadwood Dick, Jv., in Siiver Pock 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 4g, Dead-Sure Gan Jr.’s, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade- Mar’ 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 's, Double-Deck 928. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville. 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 3 at Flush Flats. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Shake-Up. 7 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Dr 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ ’s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ ’s, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Gold Dust 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath. 77 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom. 980 Deadwood Dick, dr. s, Best Card. 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dus 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big See: 1005 Deadwood Dick, It; Branded. 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four

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CRS ae opyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899 5 ae M. J. LYERS & ©0., Publishers, sree No. af Ge as sells (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) wes 5 ROne Vol, ke BU OMe y tus 7% Pearl Street, New York. sian sh ieee [2S THE BUFFALO DEMON; © <b Ts BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘DHADWOOD DICK,” “THE DOUBLE DAGGERS,” ETU., ETC, ~ NS 5} 4 Se? <—ONSS SS DEMOR dus, YEADLD BY THE BUFPALO s ae ;

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The Border Vultures. & TALE OF THE SOUTHWEST. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AVTHOR or ‘‘DEADWOOD DICK,” ‘‘THE DOUBLE DAGs GERS,”’ ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. FOUND IN THE MARSH—THE LOCKET, “ JACK Bunarp! Jack Bulard; d’ye hear me? Come here, I tell ye!’ « What's’ wantin’, Peggy?” came in slow accents m. within. ; att Bulard, a buxom little woman of five-and- twenty years, looked up from her wash-tub beside - the cabin door, with a savage frown. . “Ye'd better git a-comin’, Jack, now,I fell ye, or I'll come in there, and club the mop-stiek over your thick skull, see’f don’t. I want ye!’ ,. “Yas, ye’re allus wantin’ me, Peggy, w’en I git sot down for a comfortable smoke,” growled a great strapping fellow, of some ten years the woman’s senior, as he lumbered along toward the door, pipe in hand. ‘ W’at’s the rumpus, gal?” Peggy stopped in her work, and faced her spouse, peers. _ “Ye remember that clatter of hoofs we heerd at midnight, last night, don’ ye, Jack?” *“Consarn me, ef Tdon’t! ‘I tho’t that the Demon Buffalo, w’at ther fellers ar’ tellin’ such almitey yarns about, war broke.his tether-strings!”” “Vos!” snapped Peggy, maliciousiy, “ an’ ye war scar’t nigh about inter fits!” “No sigh a wey growled Jack, “ But w’at of the clatter of hoofs? “ A good deal, I s*pect,” nodded Peggy, knowingly. “Thar’s som’thin’ wrong, Jack— Listen! d’ye hear ? Jack bent his mulish-looking ears forward,fand was Jens. ; S Breséntlo a peculiar sound greeted his hearing—a sound singular, indeed, out there on the prairies. It ane [atch aed BA such as could be tted by only a baby, in distress. ont a muttered the squatter, “a painter’s screech, | jedge. “No, it ‘taint nuther, Itell ye!” vociferated Peggy. “Tt ar’ a baby’s © “ Blarst tho babbies!” grunted Jack, taking a good Yong puff at his pipe. ‘‘Ye run to em, woman. Since ye got hitched up alongside o’ me, I’ve heerd nothin’ but babbies, bab ie babbies! Ye've preech- ed on ’em from mornin’ till nite!” At this instant the long, peculiar cry greeted their rin ‘ain. net Wins it cum from?” muttered Jack, listening intently. ‘Frum the hoe over yander, eh, gal?” “On course,” coincided Peggy. ‘Jes’ ye go over an’ see, Jack. Ef it’s a baby, mind you, bring the little tootsy-bootsy to my arms; the poor humless little cherub!” “Ya-s! Dll toosty-bootsy it,” drawled he, as he turned into the cabin for his rifle. ‘* Like’s not I'll _ heave it over inter ’Soury, ef it’s a babby.” cr -, g ey. a “Now, jes’ le’me see ye try it, Jack Bulard! Ef ye want meter wear this hickory mop-stick out over your he’d, go and chuck et inter the Missessuri, Mrere'll be one less Injin-fighter, I tell ye!” -“Humph!” muttered Jack, eying the aforesaid Weapon of offense, contemptuously. ‘*Thet cudgel - hain’t got ther terrors ter me thet if uster have, Peg- 8 iy head knows thet ar stick by heart, an’ Pll The Buffalo Demon, thts * uk The Buffalo Demon; | never ster mors'mopstice dean than yee i oR, ot wind ter inflickt. No, gal; ye’ll hev ter cut a evyer gad’n that!” P uttered a screech that would have rivaled the ee er, and made a precipitous dive for the cudgel, ut her amiable spouse was out of reach ere she could possess herself of it. Across the prairie from Bulard’s cabin, at the dis- tance of a couple of hundred yards, was an immense flag-bog or marsh, which ran k to the edge of the Missouri river. At this the spring season of the year, tt was generally «bout half-filled with water and driftwood, and there were treacherous sinks and sloughs, here and there, that made it very dangerous to cross, if not quite inaccessible, Jack Bulard had been reared from infancy on the border, and was as good a scout, trailer, and Indian- fighter, ag the district boasted of, Therefore, when he left the cabin behind him, ha did not strike out boldly in the direction whence came the frequent cries, but turned abruptly to the north and hurried off. *: He was ever alert to the tricks and snares instigated by the wily savages. He knew that there were none of the panther species of animals in the bog; but he did not know how many of the red-skin species might be lurki in it, trying to lure him within gunshot, by the a of simulation which seems so natural among the bloodthirsty denizens of the West. So he bl heat aay by a circuitous route, and with the greatest caution. Fully fifteen minutes had elapsed, so carefully did he sneak along, ere he disappeared in the wilderness of flags. “The big idiot,” observed P , who had been watching him, contemptuously. e’s afeard et's a red-skin. Bah} no Injin ever made sich cries as them. It’s a baby, an’ that’s the long an’ short of it, Hum, well; 1 s’pose there’s no use frettin’ *bout him, He will hev his own way. I do believe he’d use jest so much caution ef he were goin’ ter a funeral!” Once in among the rustling brakes and flags, Jack Bulard exercised even more stealth than before. On his hands and knees he moved toward the object of his search, parting the thicket as he went. For a hundred yards he crept forward; then stop ped and listened. ; Not a sounc was to be heard save the sullen roar of the great river off to the west, and the rustle of the flags above and around him. Gol-darn the babbies, anyhow,” he forcibly eeouaied, as one of his hands and arms sunk to the oulder in a leaf-concealed pool of mud. Hardly had he spoken, when a piteeus ery broke out, in a thicket just in front of him. To ereep forward and part the brakes was but the work of an instant, and as he did so, the great border- er started aghast with an exclamation of horror. There, directly before him, was.a pool of clear, crystal water, completely hedged in by the surround: in; re of mes ead ate 1 ying just on the ‘e of this with its feet and little limbs submerged in ine rater was a child—-a mere infantin years, dressed ina baby’s dress, which had once been white, but wasjnow muddy, soiled and torn, _ Jack Bulard’s face was white with an awful feel- ing of terror, as he pulled the litttle sufferer from the cold water. It was not dead yet, but he could see by the short, quick gasps for breath, that it could not have held out much longer. The little white face, the staring blue eyes, and the deathly hue about the little mout fold him that in an hour more the poor thing woul have been dead, sath ye evidently a girl, for its huir was long and “ Horrible.” muttered the big-hearted borderer, tears standing in his eyes as he ee moaning ob ¥¢

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The Buffalo Demon. oe of pity upon his knee. tl “Ther man er ’ooman, 1et @’uld hey ther stummake to sling such a purty critter inter this hole ain’t no better nor than ar’ a lizard. Eh, leetle ’un, w'at is ity” ‘The waif continued to cry in a manner piteous to see, and its delicate white hand kept pointing. to- ward the pool, asif to attract the tion to ag ees’ buried beneath its placid depths. At first, Bulard did not comprehend, clearly; then something akin to combined horror and dread at- tacked him, and laying the child upon the ground, he stepped forward, waded a few steps into the pool and peered down into the crystal water. : His great form shook with emotion, and his eyes oulged from their sockets, as he made a second dis- wovery. ‘here, lying upon its back on the white, pebbly bottom, was another infant! It was dressed like the first, and of the same size. Very likely the two were twins. ; Awed! ay, horrified beyond expression, the bor- dererfreached forward his foot, and stirred the body, Then he perceived that it was held down by weights, attached to its waist by strings. After a moment, he staggered back to the shore, and seating himself by the side of the little girl, he bowed his face forward between his hands, and the tears fell from his eyes thick and fast. Never before in his life, thus far, had his feelings been so touched. Never had he stumbled upon a scene that so shock- ed his nerves, and opened the valves to the pity in Lis great heart. — It was some time ere he could control his emotior and raise the living child in his arms, and bear her toward his cabin. Here he gave her up to Peggy, as, in his rude but honest manner, he related what he had seen. Peggy Bulard, though she had a long tongue, was the possessor of a large and kindly heart, and she received the little waif with true motherly affection, and left the wash-tub to nurse her back to life—which was an uncommon thing for Peggy. Sad and sorrowful, Jack went back to the pool and fished out the body of the dead child, which he also bore to his cabin home. e Peggy laid it out in a white sheet, while out of doors Jack set to work, and out of a pine board made u rade coffin On the neck of the dead waif was found a strange scar—a birth-mark, doubtiess, in the shape of a tiny hand. Al) the fingers and the imprint of the palm of the hand bei hite distinct. 7 Also, around the neck of the little girl was a gold * chain, to which was attached “by a coral link a little Jocket set with precious stones, “Peggy,” said the borderer, that evening, as he sat tipped back ina favorite corner of the cabin, waiting for her *o prepare the evening meal, “ d’ye know wat I feel in my bones?’ “How shed I kno?” snapped she. ‘‘ You're allus fee¥fh’ som’thin’in ’em: but it never cums true!” “Don’t, eh? W’en I felt it in my bones thet ther Injins war goin’ ter burn out Shaeffer’s, they didn’t do it, did they? Oh, my gal, my bones are true as _allmanax in their prophecys, sure pop! I feel it in ’em, jest at this purtic’lar minnit, that some day or other, I shall run slap up against ther human that deserted these poor children.” “T hope to gracious ye will, Jack Bulard,” replied Peggy, ‘an’ ef ye don’t bu’st his pate for him, I hope he'll bu’st yourn, _ **Oh, T'll_bu’st him, never ye fear! ye goin’ to do wi’ ther | iher dam {” Raise her, on course!” * Thet’s right, gal— righ yo’ ar’ raisin’ her, I’ unter’s atten- But, what’re eetle girl, ef she don’t go over \ t asa cokynut. An’ wile eep my eye peeled erbout, arter the cuss who. hain’t got no more ov a heart than a alligator.” x he next morning the body of the little dead ome as interred by rude but tender hands. ‘ Rcd BP a pe CHAPTER II, : THAN JERROLD, ARTIST, Seventeen yi later. A company of about a dozen horsemen was leisurely across the great Pe at the close of Ww] had been a sultry Au¥ust day. All were mounted on spivited horses, and- their dress plainly denoted their calling—that of the free ranger of the border. The thain party was headed by two men, who, evi- dently, were chief in command, ‘The one was a muscular knight of the frontier, dressed in buckskin, with a face tanned to a nut- brown hue from constant exposure to wind and sun; perce pray eyes, dark cur! hair, and a heavy rigandish mustache of alike color, His form was of perfect mold, and he sat his horse like a cavalier : of old. His companion, who rode by his side, was a sturdy, - rim-f: oung borderer, with a lithe yet muscu- ar form, black eyes, and long, dark hair, that fell around his shoulders in protasken, while his face was shorn of all signs of beard. Both of the leaders, as well, in fact, as the whole of the cavalcade, were well armed. “You’re sure you can sight the cabin, ere dark- ness falls, Lije?’” asked he of the mustache, with an uneasy glance toward the dry, red sun, which was dropping behind the horizon. “‘ You are aware that we are now in the country of the eis and I am not too favorably impressed with the character of either the red or white inhabitants of the district we are about to enter; or, that is, I would not care to booed down on the plains here with this handful of men ‘ ; “ You talk like a hornet, captain!” said Lije, dryly; ~ “but never fear. “Less suthin’ Sianeeontt phe hes happened, I'll show ye Jack Bulard’s cabin afore — the moon’s-up. How’s yer compass pint now? — *Bout sow’™’est, ain’t et?” “Yes,” replied the captain, consulting the hands Y the ee sag about that. , A little to the south, anything. “Thort so. Ken’t ginnerally fool the Leopard on his reckoning. Wal, sich bein’ the case, I opine yell ~ see that gal‘o’ yer’s in short order. Luv her purty strong, don’ ye, boss?” Captain Chris Adams flushed, but it was a flush of pride and pleasure that shot athwart his visage, “Yes,” he replied, ‘* ilove her passionately, mad: ly, She is a pure and beautiful maiden, Lije!” “Right, capten, sure’s I’m a buffier-steak anihi. later, I’ve kno’n Guess Bulard these ten year, and ‘Il go my last plus o’ terbacker she'll make a re ad good wife. How’d ye ever happen to meet r “Tl tell you,” responded the captain, ashe gave another anxious glance toward the settirg sun. — “You remember the big freshet there was on ths Missouri, before Bulard moved down here to Texas, don’t yous Well, I was scoutin’ among the reds cn the other side of the river, when that mighty thaw came, about ten miles below Bulard’s cabin. * “One drizzling, nasty morning, when the Pitas were nothing more nor less than an ocean of water, a band of Sioux got after me, andI was compelled to ‘light out’ for the stream. I knew a canoe hid- den near the shore, and rather than risk my hairin — the keeping of old Nemostoka, I resolved risk & trip across the river to the other shore. ; “I got in sight of the river about ten minutes _ ahead of the reds, and uncovering my canoe,el sprung in, and pushed out. Lije, if you’ve ever seen the Misscuri on one of her tantrums, you’can im- agine something about how it was then. It was a boiling, seething expanse of water. 3 r “Mg trail bate toesed, and lurched, and plunged, was not able to do the battle, like a stick, and I much service with the paddle. = “At last I was about in the middle of the originat river course, and then made a startling discovery. “Coming down the stream, and bearing direct tox ward me was a cabin—yes, a log-cabin, sir, w!

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Terme rs Sessa eee: 4 The Buffalo Demon. ——_—<—<———— danced along like a ship upon the ocean, its heavy weight being a means of keeping it intact and from tipping over. Upon the roof, with their arms out- stretched toward me in a supplicating manner, were three persons. “From the instant of this discovery I resolved to save them, if possible, for I knew that Locust Island was not half a dozen miles below, and that there the eabin would be dashed against the tree-tops, and those on the roof would perish in the flood. “Tso managed my canoe that in a short tithe we -\ were dashing along side by side. “By the assistance of my lariat, I soon had the three prisoners in my frail craft, and after an hour of doubt and uncertainty, we reached dry land, “The rescued ones were Jack Bulard, his wife and his lovely young daughter. The freshet had swept ‘away their cabin while they were yet in bed, and by the opportune dismantling of the chimney, they had succeeded in escaping to the roof, “That was a memorable occasion, Lije. I tool them along with me, down to Dallas, and fell in love with Guessie Bulard,in the bargain. Just a year ago, when we separated, on the occasion of my call up into Montana, she promised to wait for me, and, on my return, become my wife.” “You orter be a joyous skffok, boss,’ said the Leop- ard, solemuly. ‘* But, by my steak-eating pecon sie look thar! W'at in the name of the forty-’leven - constellations o’ stars duz thet mean?” Captain Chris gave the signal and every man drew rein at once. Directly in front of them, though distant several » hundred yards from where they had halted, stood a ‘horse and wagon—the former, an old, scrawny, ribby sorrel, who lookad as if it had never known the taste of hay or grain, while the latter was a small, rackety specimen of the canvas covered “schooner,” used by wagon-trains in crossing the rairies, 3 Between this strange conveyance and the caval- cade was aman, whose frantic hopping about and grotesque motions, first to his wagon, and then to- - ward our friends, was intended, evidently, to warn _- them not to fae t ““Holdon a bit!” ordered Captain Chris, ‘‘ and let’s _ see what that lunatic means!” ‘The whole cavalcade pulled up abreast, and stared at the stranger. As soon as he perceived that he had succseded in bringing them to a halt, he skurried quickly back to the hind end of his vehicle, and took therefrom a Dox not unlike a camera or a i ae apparatus. whieh was attached to a tripod, or hig! three-legged stool. This he stood upon:the ground, with th nose pointed toward his audience, and then again back to the wagon he.skedaddled, ' *Gelestyal Singers!’ exclaimed pire Lije, in wide-mouthed amazement, ‘ w’at’s that?” e “Durn my moccasins ef [know w'at it ar’,” pane ed the veteran of a hundred hair-lifts Grizzly en. “it tell ye w'at I jedge!” ventured Fifth Avenue 1Sam. “ Bt ar’ w’at them ar’ consarned Britishers calla Gatlin’-gun. I see’d one, in er show-windy on ~ Fifth Avvynoo, New York, an’ et looked suthin’ like thet yander, Alla feller hes ter dew, arter he puts er hawful o’.ev¢-ridges in a sorter o’ pan, is ter turn —er krank wi’ er ‘andel to et, an’ holey hevyens! wi boyees, ther bullets just fly, as long’s yer arum, t il * sire one’s gone!” ~ “Gelestyal Singers!” gasped the Leopard, as the ttranger was now seen to approach the mysterious machine, “‘an’ thar he cums wi’ ther ca’/-ridges now! - Yer ther ground, b'yees, every mother’s son on ye, im a taste o’ mineral substant from the Injin-territory lead-mines, ere he ken git hes infernal , ‘rard the lone stranger. rae ‘old on, you confounded idiots!” Le here yelled | Captain Chris, who had waited, with an amused smile, to see if his oe companions were really sO deluded: “ what in Heaven’s name would you dof Put up your guns!” : “Celéstyal Singers?” growled Lije, in angry ac cents, ‘dye take 's fur a lot er coyotes? We hain’t er goin’ ter let thet long-whiskered antelope riddle us wi’ca’t-ridges; no, notmuch! Quick, thar, b’yees; see! he’s puttin’ hes he’d under thet cloth, ter sight on ye! Guv him a blizzard!” ere was an ominous click! click! as the rifle- locks were drawn back. “ Hold!” again shouted young Adams, his face paling, as he drew a revolver, for he saw the grim rangers were earnest in their belief—don't you dure to pull a trigger—not one of you, or the man dies that Goes it!” Not a weapon exploded, consequently, It was a scene worthy of the pencil of an artist. Eleven brawny knights of the border brought to Bay by a single man, under the cover of his gleaming weapon; in the rear, to the north and to the south, a vast ex- panse of level plain lay in isolation and silence; while in the foreground was presented to view the lone tourist and his awe-i apiring. machine, his pitiable apology for a horse, and the “schooner.” “Pat w our guns, and mount!’ commanded Captain Chris, as he at last saw the Seiigee emerge from under the eloth which enveloped the cam- era, and motion for them to approach, : The rangers sullenly obeyed. : “You see you were scared at nothing,” resumed Adams, with a chuckle. ‘‘Do you not yet compre- hend what yonder object is?’ “No!” growled Territory Tim, “Well, then I'll tell you. It is an apparatus for taking pictnres—photographs!”” “Wal, by thunder!” were the astonished exclama- » tions on all sides. ‘* Ye don’t say!” F In a few moments the entire cavalcade drew rein in front of the cameia, and the stranger, a large, © port personage with immense whiskers and eye- rows, saluted them; . _ “Haow d’ye do, gentlemen? What in creation was the matter wi’ ye,when I was a-try-in’ to take yer pictures a bit ago? Acted ashow as ye were skeert!"" “They were frightened, the fools,” laughed Chris. “Took your machine for a Gatling-gun, you see, But, who in Cain are you, governor?” “ Me—who am 1?” exclaimed the stranger, tn sur. rise. ‘Is it possible ye never heerd teli on me? » W-a-l, thet’s cur’ous! I’m the famed Jonathan Je- riah Jerrold, photograffical professor, sterescopshun- ist, and artist in nature’s sublime beauties!” CHAPTER HL THE PRIER'S REWARD. “ Crnmstyat Singers!” 5s ed the Leopard, “Then that ain’t no gun, arter all, hey?” ~ ‘““Oertainly not,” replied the artist. “It is an ap- paratus fur takin’ a surperyer and kurrect repersen- tashun uv yer facial delineaments, an’ then trans- fering them in a highly satisfacktory manner by the chemikal aid 0’ photogeric prossesses, to er peece of paper. When this remarkable ackquiremen’ ar’ sucksessfully ackkomplished, we go ter work, an’ — paste the piece 0’ paper onter a eard;youthen have as natural an’ neat a physiognomistical and chro- matical representashion oF youeels as though me war ter look in a hunderd-an’-seventy-five-dollar French plate mirror!” ¥ “Ye don’ tell us! So ore tryin’ ter steal our _ goon looks, war ye?” growled Grizzly Sam, fingering is six-shooter. é = — ‘No! no! 70!” eried Jonathan Jeriah, in abject terror; “don’t shoot, Mr. Red-skin—no, drat it; e Mr.—Mr.— Ranger, I mean—please, doan’t. Vil ax yer _parding, ef ye won’t shoot me!” C23 ce Pew oer aM epee the borderers, ; A quiet, boys,”’ ordered | radeon! ones oying the scene quite as much as his companions. sere our artist be. I say, governor, what are you Going roe aie

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The Buffalo Demon. 5 out here in this Injin country? Can't be you've got much knowledge of the Apache, eh?’ ‘* Kind sir,” replied the photographer, * i speak the truth, £m not particularly acquainted with the inhabitantg of this section of our Creator’s sublime footstool; but, nevertheless, I am possessive of a lion-heaxt, and consequently it behooves me not to fear aught in these solitary haunts, but put my faith in the Almighty, and trust for the best.” “Yas!” said Vircus Pete, grimly, “ et’s well ernuff ter trust ter ther Old-Un, w’en ye’re in sight o’ ther fort, or at ther settlermentz, ut wen ye’re wi'in gunshot o’ ther Pash huntin’-grounds, Ul take re- wolvers, for my choice. Jest let er gcol big ‘Pash gita cen at them whiskers, an’ thet ha‘r o’ yourn, an’ /’ll bet er buffler, it'll be good-by fotygraffer!” This caused a general lah at Jerrold’s expense, and Captain Chris added: “Pete, here knows what he is talking about, sir, and I agr. e with him that you are ina very danger- ous position, Even with my dozen experienced In- dian-fighters, I doubt if we get across the plains without hearing from the red-skins. You've come to a very unpropitious country to pursue your call- ing. Indians have no taste for the fine arts, and if ou point your a sor nppted at them as you did at my boys, here, very likely your scalp will pay the for- feit. I'd advise you to put for the * East,” as fast as you can Wy “Indeed! sir ranger, you seem to have a very poor opinion of me; but I care not a whit for your dis- couragement of my noble enterprise. To guide my footsteps back to the Orient would be an utter improbability. I am in the employ of the Cosmopol- itan and International Bureau of Art, and am bound for the great lava-beds via different routes, to photo- graph the spot where noble Canby fell.” “So ye’re goin’ to try Modoc, eh? Well, before you go that far, just make your wél/ Your family will doubtless need the benefit derived therefrom.” “T say, captain,” gy oe the Leopard, “let’s ke him erlong wi’ us. P’r’aps his eonsarned ma- chine may skeer off ther Pash, when we git to ther gorge, and thereby save us a heep 0’ trubbel. An’, tew, he ken fotergraff ther Demon Buffler!”’ “Yas! yas!’ put in the assemblage of fun-loving rangers, who foresaw a deal of sport in the com- panionship of this remarkable character,who had so strangely fallen across their path—“ take ‘im erlong. y Lye et ‘long wi’ us, Peech-blossom ?”’ ue sirs, you greatly honor me, and if you thinketh that my company would be agreeable, lam not averse to linking my fortune with thine.” _. “Karect! thun et ar’settled; ye shall go "lang. Ye shell see Cloven-Hoof, the Demon Buffer 0’ Texas! Ye shall see heaps o’ Injuns; an’ sides, we'll all hev our pictures en. ’at d’ye say ter et, Capten Chris? Hain’t no *jeckshuns ef we tote thes corn- _ krib erlong, hev ye? Reckon we kin purteck *im!” No,” said Adams, who had been closely studying the artist, and bad arrived at the conclusion that he was something more than his outward appearance indicated. In particular was noticeable the change in his manner of speech. Firstly he had used the language of a Yankee, but now it was plain that his words were studied. y “No objection,” he continued, “if you fellows choose to incumber yourselves with such a charge. Remember, though, we haye yet two days’ hard travel before us; and how-do you expect to make any progress with yon omnibus in tow?” The rangers looked blank for a moment. They had not thought of the “schooner” and its ribby at- tackee. - “Neyer fear, sir,’ broke in the artist. “Though _ yon LL ge bt ae eee plea reed signs oe ‘3 in where flesh s! predominate, ye’ pop tage er youthful spirit ea rest assured, kind sirs, that not been smothered!” _ “You mean that the gees not beyond the powers of fast travel? Th you can keep up with wa?’ 3 : fe g : ~ “Bixactly. courser of the century, Wait til Lload my wagon, La Belle can hold her own with any and then lead on; I will follow!’’ So saying, Jonathan Jeriah proceeded to pack the camera into the rear end of bis wagon, and when this was done, he pulled down a long canvas curtain, so that none of the rangers’ prying eyes should peer into the interior of bis covered vehicle—inside the rr 3 ‘wagon, “A en, sprin; te a seat in front, he gave the word; the old sorrel stretched her bony neck, and struck out like a race-horse for the West, followed by the amazed, as well as amused cavalcade, whose animals were left in the rear. : By and by the artist drew rein and allowed the ran- coe to approach and take the lead, while the sad- ooking sorrel shacked along at their heels, lazily, making no show of an effort to eee up, pihensis the oe. in advance were galloping along at a rapid gait. on moved the caravan. At length night closed in on the limitless expanse of plain; still the horsemen did not pause. F a hour passed and still no sight of the wished-for eabin. At last the Leopard drew rein, “Ther’s no use trampsin’ ‘round enny longer, eap’n,”’ he declared, “‘ fur I opine I'll hey ter gi’n up beat. I don’ see no kinder signs o’ er habbertashun, hyar’bouts, an’ jedge we'll hey ter gi’m up the ship, fur ter-night, anyhow.” So a halt was made,yand the horses turned loose to graze. As all were trained animals, no fears were entertained of their going astray. , : La Brile, however, had no sooner arrived at the conclusion that her day’s work was at an end, than she very deliberately lay down in the shafts, and closed her eyes. “Celestyal Singers,” ejaculated» Lije, “see thar, Peech-blossom—yer hoss as laid down ‘wi’ her gear- in’ on. Shell we gi’n ye er lift to ruise her?” “No,” said Jonathan Jeriah, coolly; “it is the way she usually sleeps!” And while the rangers were making a fire, the artist gathered a handful of ae for his pet, “See hyar,” interposed Fifth Avenue Sam. “Ig thet all ye allow yer anymile, old snoozer?” Wait till you seé,” replied Jerrold. When a fire had been kindled, and each of the ran- ger brigade were engaged in roasting their slice of Ly venison, the artist disappeared within the sacred precincts of his wagon, and presently emerged bearing two formidable chunks of “ b'ar-meat,” which he fastened to the ends of a couple of sticks. ~ and proceeded to broil at the fire. “Wagh!” grunted bie d Len, eying the contem-. plated meal, in unfeigned astonishment, ** ye ain't er-goin’ ter git outside o’ all o’ thet, ar’ ye, ole hoss? Skin me fur a buffler, but thar’s enough to Kill tuo ordinnery buzzards!"* Z ‘ Jonathan di not answer, but went on with his work, and soon had the chunks of meat done to a fine brown. _ He then laid aside one for himself, and took the other over to La Brile, who. to the great wonder of all present, devoured it without a whim- per, and immediately whined for more. “That’s a remarkable animal of yours, Cap.,” ob served Adams, as he finished his slice of venison. “Thinketh so, kind sir? Well, in all probability your words are full of wisdom. At least, I will not contradict you,and doubtless, in the future, you will become more strangely impressed with the sin- gularities conne with yon equine.” After the meal was disposed of, the fire was mitted to expire; the horses were brought in and hoppled, and Grizzly Sam and Len went on fuard. onathan Jeriah sought the inside of his “schoon- er” to repose, and the lone camp in the heart of th great plains soon was wrapped in silence, Y Before long the two guards fell asleep; they had ridden far that day, and were too exhausted fs 4 ae { further duty; so they imprudently slept at their — mae 2

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6 post. Wardly had they become wholly oblivious to time and sense when a man crept near and peered anead into the camp. After a moment's survey of the sleepers, be glided still nearer, and soon stood at the rear end of the artist’s vehicle. He was a brawny specimen of humanity, with im- mense length of arms and legs, and broad chest and shoulders, His face was covered with a stubble- beard, his eyes were of a piercing gray, while his hair was long, tangled and silvery-white. A long rifle slung at his back was his only weapon in view, for his belt was minus the customary knife and pistol. sy After assuring himself that he was still unnoticed, fe proceeded to survey the conveyance before him. “Humph,” he muttered, under-his breath. ‘* Thes ar’ quare. Nevyar see’d sich er contrivance in two year. Must be some bu’sted-up kerryvan, or elsé et ain’t; I dunno wich. Par’ps et ar’ a Gipsy keert— but, kim ter thunk, thar hain’t no Gips on ther P otagt else it be "Pash. Plenty on’em, tho’, an’ not fur off /at_thet. jedge I'll investigate a bit!” Reaching forth one hand, he unbuttoned the cur- tain, and lifting it on one side, peered in, In an instant the loud Hs eg of a gun broke the stillness of the night, and the borderer staggered back, with an unearthly yell, for a portion of his cheek had been blown away, and his face was pep- pered in a pitiful manner, with fine salt and powder, His wild yells brought every one of the rangers to their feet, and they huddled around him in surprise, awe, and amusement. The gigantic stranger was hopping, jumping, and squirming about at a great rate, and giving vent to hideous yowls of oe and rage, that were frightful to hear, It was plain to see, however, that he was more scared. than hurt, as the wound in his cheek had not quite laid the. bone bare. | c “Here! here!’ ordered Captain Chris, shaking him by the shoulder; “shut up ue howling, or you will have the whole Apache nation down on us. Dry up. 3 say! What’s the matter with you? Great eaven! is it you, Jack Bulard?” ‘Me? On course et’s me—w’at leetle thar’s left How! yow! yow! W’at d’ye keep in thar en- nyhow?” he pdlched forth! casting anyt ning but ad- * miring glances toward the “schooner.” “TI didn’t kim hyer ter be blown inter koyote-fodder, not by enny means!” At Adams’s expressed wish he then related what is already known to the reader. —__ ‘ “How is this, professor?” queried the captain, turning to Jonathan Jeriah, who had emerged from his mystery-enshrouded vehicle, and was looking at the borderer with a strange twinkle in his bead-like eyes. “Did you shoot Bulard?” “Nay, kind sir.’ I was wrapt in the dormant incli- nations unto Morpheus, like yourself, when yon prowling individual sought to penetrate the sanctity of my canvas-covered habitation, and incurred upon himself a just reproof for his audacious intrusion!” “ But what did the mischief? There was a report like a cannon, if I recollect!” ‘Very likely, kind sir. The secrets of yonder sfu- dio are not for other eyes than mine, hence it be- hooves me to guard the rear entrance with a small salt-loaded howitzer, in the event of my nocturnal repose, while the foremost end I blockade with my body, The gunI keep constantly loaded, and after T button the curtain down as I intend it shall air it behooves no man to pry into the conveyance. give you this explanation that each man peas ma; profit thereby, and prevent disfiguration of the’ physio omistical countenances!”” ack Bulard eyed the artist savagely, “Nevyar mind, old hoss,” he groaned, “T'll git yet, ef et takes till next year; Iain't no tain Chris, consol- iffy. / * tell me. on me. ly. ‘You'll get well in a The Buffalo Demon. Wonder w’at’s inside hyar, ennyhow? i eae where’s yourcabin and ranch? We could not find it, so we had to camp down here!” “You're on my ranch now,” growled Bulard. “Pash burnt the cabin yesterday \’ “ And the women? hat of them?” “ Carr’d off, Ireckon,”’ was the reply, accompanied with horrible groans CHAPTER IV. RETROSPECTION—OLD JACK’S STORY. Caprarin Curis Apams is so well known throughout the Far West and Nor’west, that no words of ours are necessary to proclaim his fame, No braver man has ever trod the wilds of the frontier, With his in- vineible rangers he has done many a service for the Government, in the way of repelling raids from var rious bands of desperadoes and hostile savages, tha’ will not soon be forgotten. Several weeks oe to the day when we firs saw the ‘‘Invincibles ” on the Texan plains, Captain Adams had recéived-a call from Camp Supply, signed by several prominent citizens, requesting his pres» ence there with his dof rangers. So, selecting tweive of his best men, he had left Fort Buford on hoe, and dangerous ip. AD ae eh alae + th e rangers, all old an ened sprigs of the eer tree, could stand aiinoet ng. . sO them were men notorious for their faring, skill and bravery—such as Lije the Leopard; Fift Avenue Sam; Beeswax (colored); Grizzly Len; Griz+ zly Sam, Territory Tim, Alaska Ben, and others. inally arrived at Camp Supply, young Adams was not a little surprised to meet Governor Coke. who at once took the ranger into consultation. The object of the call of the rangers from their northern home was soon made plain. In the northern portion of Texas a great excite- ment prevailed which had become akin to a panic among the inhabitants in that section—a panic that vated land. : By the earnest endeavors and constant induce+ ments of Land Commissioner Groos, several little settlements had sprung up, prosperous farms were under tillage, and the population was rapidly in- creasing, until the hs Segoe of the “scourge,” as the settlers termed “the mystery.” a= The prevailing mystery and excitement were pro- duced y the appearance of an unknown and wnseen | band o: bop ape on styling themselves the Vul- tures, on frequently distributed Ries, and who were headed by a nondescript being—a mysterious, cloven-footed creature, whom the more superstitious Settlers firmly believed possessed of the devil. Cloven-Hoof, as # was called, was in_ bodily developments shaped not unlike a man, but the feet were cloven, like those of his Satanic majesty are supposed to be, while, instead of a human the gigantic head of a buffalo surmounted bsg bull- neck, over which flowed a jetty mane. \d, an- other wonder, the at yee object was possessed of no arms or hands. The lower part of the body was covered with glistenin and, too, it was suspected that, together with all his other infernal qualifications, Cloven-Hoof was an amphibious monster. upon the settlements, and not unfrequently down sanat the pte trains, in the dead of night, and while he was attracting the attention of whatever sentinels might be posted, his minions would pounce upon and plunder the wagons. Such was the idea the governor gave Captain Adams of the mystery, ad inhabitants of the Government lands were thoroughly alarmed, and that unless somet! done immediately to “Jay” the Cloven-Hoof, ly, a precipitate desertion of the n had taken years of unceasing perseverance and la- bor to populate, EER irae ts a any amount of hard ~ seriously threatened to unsettle a vast tract of cultis — scales, like those of a fish, This mysterious thing was wont to lead his men AD! . that the settlers and i ming ell the wii ee oD oe # je, UNI - section, wenlen Be S

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‘om So it was vitally necessary that the matter should be thoroughly investigated; hence the ranger was summoned from his far northern haunts, and offered a@ munpificent reward should he succeed in overhaul- ing the band of outlaws, which he consented to do, and after a brief rest set out for Zossei, a little set- tlement nearest the principal scene of the depreda- tions, armed with a letter from the lieutenant-gov- ernor to one Alonzo Nesmit, a leading spirit and citi- zen of the infested community. < Desiring, for a Brion best known to himself, to increase his band to twelve men, aside from their leader, Captain Chris had laid his course across the lains toward the cabin of his prospective father-in- Taw, o1d Jack Bulard, whom he hoped to enlist in’ his service, Under what inauspicious circumstances the two met, we have already related. Let us, then, once more, look back upon the ee C “Great Heaven!" gasped Adams, reeling back at Bulard’s deciaration; ‘carried off by the Apaches? Horrible! Goon, old man, and do not keep me in suspense. Tell me all!” A e old scout coolly seated himself upon one of the hubs of the wagon-wheels, and after filling-and lighting his pipe, puffed away a few moments, con- ntedly. “Ken't tell ye how et war dun, eo he replied, rubbing his hand dubiously over his lacerated cheek, “Ye see I war out on er long trip up ter ther Platte, an’ w’en I left hum ther women war gittin’ erlong skrumpshis-like; so I didn’t worry much erbout ’em, But, yesterday, w’en I erriv’d back ‘bout dusk, an’ Paria: thet ther ‘Pash hed bin thar ’arly in ther mornin’, an’ cremated my ranch, I tell ye I war mad as er goose in settin’-time. I k’u’dn’t find nerry sign o’ ther femernines, sol jedged they war ampu- tated—no, thet ain’t ther word; le’s see! Abdi- eateded, am et, capten?” “ Abducted, you mean?” “Yas—thet ar’ et. Abdicateded! Wal, as I war say’n’, I jedged ther rotten "Pash had got ther gals = gal an’ yers—an’ I war "bout diggin’ fur their settlement, w’en I spied you.” “Whit! you saw us so long ago _as last evening?” ** Wal, yas—or *bout ther same, I see’d yer camp- fire. I kno’d ’tweren’t ‘Pash blazes, fur ’Pash ain’t no such big fools as ter ose ther carkasses by buildin’ fires, w’en old Jack Bulard ar’ bout. So I conjured up ther ijee, thet mebbe said fules moight be vally’ble ackcessories, and resowlved ter wait till pr tee up. Sol waited!” “Perhaps, kind sir, twas my camp iJJumination that you perceived,” ventured Jonathan Jeriah, “as last evening I kindled a flame from weeds!”’ ““Yas—recken ‘twere sum ignerent jackass like ye, ef I’m er jedge o’ sich riptiles.. Anneyhow, I burried up in ther sand, like er prairie-dorg, an’ wa‘ted tel ye camped down yere, w'en I coacluded ter inspec’ matters. Cuss thet shuten blunderbuss; I’m er sp’ilt chicken, sure!” = “*How know you that the Apaches are the captors of Guessie and your wife?” demanded Captain Chris. “Don’t kno’ fur sartin. Thar’s a suthin’ moighty ~ cur’us ’bout et, wich I ken’t parse in my grammer.” * Anu what is it?” “Wal, I’'lltellye. Ipried eround the premises, an’ fliiskivered thet ther main heft on ther gang halted erbout two hundred yeerds off frum whar my ranch stood, an’ near’s I kuld jedge, they remained thar. f saw the tracks 0’ one animel, as were rid ter the cabin, when thar soon_bercame {vo horses’ foot- prints inst’ed o’ one, But ther dickens 0’ et war, one hoss must hey hed four feet an’ t’other two, @a’se I could extinguish w’ar ther four-futted beast stood by ther larger tracks; an’ see whar suthin’ made er kupple o’ tracks alone! An’ quarest o’ all, cap'n, not er iumen hoof-print could I deskiver—not er single sign o’ un, tho’ I s’arched high an’ low!” “Ha!” ejaculated Captain Chris, excitedly. ‘I _ believe, then, I have the sofution of what seems a _ baystery to you!” Whereupon he related the strange story about- Cloven-Hoof, and all about their present expedition to Zossei, where they intended to begin operations, Bulard listened with the greatest interest. “An? ye thenk my femernines war kerried off by thes Cloven-Hoof?” “I haven't the least doubt of it. The two foot or hoof-prints which you saw, that were not to be ac- counted for, ag‘dnly one horse approached the eabin, are doubtless the tracks of the horse’s rider, who was the mysterious Cloven-Hvof)”? i ** Wal, boyee, I opine yee right; but et ar’ b’yant my grammer-pars’n erkomplishments. An’ ye tell me ee goin’ right down ter hunt this critter?” “Yes. We shall take up the'trail of these horse- men in the morning, and by following it. I-believe we will sooner or later learn something definite as to eee bedi ae NG rs eee Nastd waa *P’arps yer right, capten. Ennyhow, hyar’s ws ‘Il stick to aa clusser’n er coat 0” tat atte thers. Ef we diskiver them, all rite. Ef we don’t, the "Pash ‘1 ketch blazes w’en I do git at’em, Oh! Jerusalaam! won't I make ther ha’r bristle, tho!” —_ And the borderer chuckled. grimly, in anticipation ve ae contemplated swoop down upon the detested aches, i Good,” said Adamg. ‘Now, all hands turn in iia Morning will soon be upon us!”’ e raligers once more rolled themselves in their blankets, and not deeming it ne to post a Fuart for the remainder of the night, none was set. he artist retired to his vehicle, and soon the camp was wrapped in silence. But ere they were asleep, fortunately a strange sound aroused them. It was the snort of Jerrold’s animal La Belle—a snort that betokened affright. Every man was on his feet in a moment. Each felt that the mare’s fright was not feigned for the sagacious beast had arisen to her feet an was extremely uneasy, Grasping their guns the rangers peered through the surrounding gloom, which, the moon having Site down, was deeper and more impenetrable than ‘ore. Nothing was to be seen, and on Lepr: intently, naught save the low faint breathing of the horses could be heard, 5 Jonathan Jeriah Jerrold soon appeared from _ his oe and was told of the uneasy conduct of Za elle, He shook his head, dubiously, “She certainly perceived or heard something of a suspicious nature, else why this agitation?” he re- lied. : P ren minutes passed in restless watching by the rangers. “Celestyal Singers!” suddenly yelled the Leopard; look thar!” He pointed to the east, where a blood-red rocket had left the pall-shrouded earth, and was soaring far up and across the starlit sky, like a fiery serpent. *Injuns!” cried Fifth Avenue Sam. “Yas! an’ ’Pash, too,” assented Bulard. “Kerp oe peepers skinned fur more on them siguais, hey’re w’at skeert ther hoss, I speckulate!”’ An anxious watch was now kept on either sie, and soon a blue rocket shot up from the south, This was a, answered by a’white one from thc north. “That settles et!” announced old Jack, examin- ing his gun, ina business-like way. ‘Ther fust one, w’ich skeert ther ’oss, war fired in ther north. Cock ho pill-boxes, boyees, fur we’re surrounded by not less’n a hundred ’Pash!” ; And even as he spoke, a confused chorus of dis. tant war-cries, coming from either direction, broke the stillness of the clear night! ¥ CHAPTER V. e / THE SWOOP OF THE VULTURES, Nor many leagues to the west of the settlenient of Zossei, which was to be the destination of Captain

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& : The Buffalo Demon. Adams and his ‘ Invincibles,” stands the little Span- ish-Mexican town of Los Des Pumas, Formerly it had been a fortress, in the old times, but now the walls were crumbling with age, and the Mexicans and half-breed natives had built them- selves, outside the grim old fortifications, numerous adobe haciendas, and thus a considerable area of territory was occupied by the site of the ‘silent city.” The inhabitants of Los Des Pumas were of a shift- less, lazy turn, and were never known to do a day’s work, though the soil and general character of their isolated surroundings were well adapted to Sebati F It was rarely that any stir about the town could be observed, and many were the speculations made by the industrious citizens of Zossei, over the list- lessness and idleness of their unobtrusive, dark skinned neighbors of the ‘‘ silent city.” On the night of the strange advent of the old bor- derér, Jack Bulard, into the rangers’ camp, a scene ‘was occurring at Los Des Pumas that we must re- cord, as it will have a bearing upon our narrative. About sunset a man rode into the little town from the direction of the range of mountains to the east, and demanded to see the officer in command, as he had important-news to communicate. 7 : On being shown inside the grim old ruins of the fortress, and into the presence of the alcalde. a small, evil-faced Spaniard, the stranger gave a sigh of relief, and accepted a proffered seat. _ “Well—” began the Spaniard, but the stranger in- eeepc him. : “There is no time for parley,” he said, hurriedly. “ How many men can you arm, to repel an attack?” “To repel an attack!’ gasped General Murrillo, in . amazement. ‘ What do you mean?” ““T mean,” was the rely. “that in less than an hour Los Des Pumas will be attacked by a large band of American soldiers, with the view to plun- dering the town, and subsequently turning it into a military post!” Conales Murrillo grew ashen white, and sprung | _ wildly from his chair. : “Dost speak the truth, man?” he cried, savagely. “TI tell you nothing that the hour will not prove. How many fighting hands can you mount and arm?” “Every man and woman in Los Des Pumas, if necessary. All 5m ie under my control, that ex- ceed the age of ten years, are skilled in the use of both lance and carbine.” “Good. I had little idea this village was so strong in points of defense; but so much the better. Listen, _ Senor Murrillo, and 1 will tell you my plans, as I have a vital interest in this town and its safety. Now, these Yankee fillibusters have pitched their camp in the valley, two miles from this spot, and are prepar- ing for a night charge on Los Des Pumas, They must not do it, senor—do you hear?—they must not attack the village. Mount yourself and every human _un- der your command that can lift a rifle, and I will lead you against the accursed Yanks, From the bluff above the valley, we can charge down upon them and sweep away their heft; and then no attack w: be made!” “But, senor, what shall be done with the children, andm lovely daughters-—-Nola and Inez?” “Secrete them in the mines underneath us!” re- plied the stranger, watching the Mexican narrowly. Murrillo leaped k aghast. “Who are you?” he gasped, “that you know so much?” The stranger smiled, He was a young man in years, to all appearances, but his features were so covered with beard that it was next to impossible to make out their expression, His eyes and hair were letty black in color, and his form, which was clad n habiliments of the mountaineer, was a marvel of ; ey and muscular development. A sombrero. rawn closely down to the eyes, effectively concealed the upper portion of his countenance, : “Who am I?” he repeated, after stroking his Heard for a moment, as if in deep thought, “ oak u : _ &y name is Pietro Gonzellos, and Lan an indivic who knows every crook and corner of Los Des Pus mas, and also the secrets thereof. Is it not enough that I offer to save yours and yourself from capture — ye porters death?” “Yes; but let us not talk longer. here, and I will order everything ready. So saying, Murrillo hurried from the council-cham- ber, leaving Gonzellos alone. No sooner had the alcalde Scar este than the stranger arose excitedly, and paced to and fro. “Tt will work! It cannot fail to work!’ he mut- tered, a strange smile lurking in his eyes. ‘t Then!” (He did not finish the sentence, for a light footstep upon the tiled floor close at hand, caused him to wheel around, A maiden of some sixteen summers stood before him—a fair-haired, bright-faced creature, in whose soulful eyes gleamed the aie of pale and truth, She was very beautiful, both in face and form, and a remarkable contrast to the olive-skinned beings who went to make up the citizens of Los Des Pumas. Pietro Gonzellos sprung forward with a glad ery. “Inez! Inez!” he exclaimed, as he clasped the ee to his breast, “Thank God we meet once more!’ “Yes, Philip; but why are you here in this dis« guise? Does my father know you?” “Yes; as Pietro Gonzellos. You recollect, dear- est, that the life of Phil Warren would not be worth a whistle, were he to appear in Los Pumas un- disguised. These accursed Greasers have no liking for the King of the Hills!” : And here the man gave vent to a merry laugh, “True; and L wonder how you dare come here now. Bunt, Philip,” and the beautiful maiden’s tones. were full of anxiety, “‘tell me why you have come here to-night? I know your presence in Los Des Pu- mas bodes no good to my father, and the villagers, Oh, my friend, the scene of two years ago is not 7 ing to be mereated, I Hope r 3 : *No, fair Inez, no. ough I cannot tell you what changes may Diviem fae ire, rest assured no dan 3 gor will befall you, Hear! there is the blare of the rumpet that calls me away. Adieu, sweetest! May _ my meetings with you henceforth be longer and More frequent!” Hae a a kiss upon the full, rosy lips of the maiden, Pietro Gonzellos turned and hurriedfrom the room. In a dark passage he suddenly stumbled against Murrillo, the alcalde, ‘ “Come!” ejaculated he, turning back and preced- ing the stranger, ‘‘I have all in readiness,” ® led the way out into the court-yard that was fenced in by the grim old walls of the fortification. Here a strange scene was presented, Somehbundred and twenty horses were drawn up abreast, their noses. facing the ponderous gates opening out into the village, and on their backs were mounted a mot- | ley crowd of men, women and children, armed with | long lances and carbines slung to the pommels of their Mexican saddles, ¢ ; ' Some were evil-faced Greasers, a few half-blooded Nayajoes, and a goodly portion of the band were young and old Mexican women and children. ? You remain Des Pumas the wealth Falce in the direction of the little valley, followed — y the motley band of ‘ defenders.” PS er Pietro Gonzellos took the command, and in half an — hour drew rein at the foot of the hill beyond which wound the valley, yan “You must all remain here!” he ordered, as be — dismounted, ‘until you hear a shrill whistle. 1 will greep to the crest of the bluff, and Hey COwa ac - < te * +

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The Buffalo Demon. os the Americans in the valley. When TI see a suitable chance fora charge against them I will give said whistle, when you must dash up the bluff and make a@ rush down upon them. They will, of course, be surprised, and an easy victory will be yours. But, remember, don’t come until I give the pepe The next instant he had thrown himself upon all- fours and wriggled off through the darkness, which now enveloped the earth. When the moon emerged from the bank of clouds that had shrouded it and threw its mellow rays down upon the bluff, Pietro Gonzellos was nowhere to be seen. He had doubtless gone beyond the ridge on his lee : With great impatience the hot-tempered Mexicans waited for the signal, but an hour seged by, and still ge came not the promised whistle from the scout. Murrillo finally uttered a savage protest, and urged his horse up the slope. = “Come on,” he ordered, ‘and let’s see what this means. Perhaps Gonzellos has been captured?!”’ The whole party spurred swiftly to the top of the bluff, and came to a momentary halt, while their eyes swept the little treeless valley below, which was flooded with soft white moonlight, Not a person was to be seen! Not a sign of a camp, nor where one had been pitched could be found on searching the valley. They had been ‘‘sold,” and for what? z Let us return to the ‘silent city,” and see, in com- pany with the angry cavalcade. The deepest silence hovered about the old fortress and the low haciendas, outside the crumbling walls. The ponderous gates were wide ajar, and the trampled grass near by showed but too plainly the imprint of many horses’ feet. “Ourses on us fora pack of fools,” hissed Mur- rillo, dashing fiercely into the court-yard and fling- ing himself from his horse. “In our absence the town has been sacked / Ho, there, vou grovelings! Aes at once, and let a thorough search be made!” And a search was made accordingly. Every resi- ‘dence in Los Des Pumas had been plundered. The fortress had not escaped, for in an apartment where the alvalde kept his gold and jewels was found his rifled desk, Everything was taken that was of value. But, worst of all came, when Murrillo read the fol- lowing on a placard that had been conspicuously posted in the council chamber: *ALCALDE MurrILio, Dear Sir:—~ “We, the Vultures of the Border, are very much indebted to you for the large uantity of gold which we found jn the mines beneath this room. Likewise we are indebted to you for your two_ beautiful daughters, Nola and Inez, whom we adopt. The other small-fry—children—who were left to us, we took pity'upon, and have shut them ina dungeon beneath the ruins. Heaney relieved you of all that can be of any future use fo us, we shall not pan trouble you until you unearth some more of that precious ore which lies beneath the fortress. “Signed, Vurrurns. “ Qloven-Hoof, the Infernal, Commanding!’ Directly beneath S were numerous dirty tracks upun the clean floor—tracks made by none other than the terrible and much-feared Oloven-Hoof / In an hour when they were least expected the mys- terious ‘‘ Vultures ” had swooped down on hitherto unmolested Los Des Pumas, and secured as spoils a couple of pretty maidens and a large quantity of old in the rough and nuggets, With which they had fous since escaped to their unknown retreat. : CHAPTER VI. ‘am “INVINCIBLES’’’ VICTORY—THE FACE IN THE PICTURD. Art the first sound of the savage yells the ers, as of one accord, cocked their rifles and waited for i ster 2 $5 nate auacke Pag Nearer and nearer came the screeching savages, and then, all at once, a dozen dusky forms burst into view on either side, making the night hideous with their whoops of triumph. “¥irel’’ shouted Captain Chris, “and then use your revolvers!” Instantly there was’ a lightning glare of light which lit up thé’scene for a moment; then the re- port of fourteen rifles, drowning out even the Apaches’ cries. ! hen the rangers drew their revolvers, and poured a terrible fire into the dusky ranks. - Wild yells and groans rose on every side. Fifth Avenue Sam fell dead, with a lance through his body, and another of the hardy band of rangers aes arenes in his tracks, with an arrow in his reast. The Indians were not miounted, and this inspired young Adams with the hope that maybe they were not as strong in numbers as old Jack had prophesied. But, be this as it might, they were pressing down upon the band, closer and closer, and the rangers could not hold out against such odds for a great while longer. Already they were bleeding from nu- merous wounds, and beginning to waver. High above the din of battle could oceasionally be heard the stentorian voice of the Leopard, as he leaped fearlessly into the thickest of gy ns i “Outen ther way, thar, ye or’nery de’cendant o- ther divel!—gi/, willye! Take thet. Whoop! yoop! herraw! Slap et ter ‘em, b’yees. Take that, ye American Arab! Celestyal Singers! how ve vo rip ’em open, though! Yas, an’ thar goes ernuther son ©’ copperass ter ther roastin’ furniss, Hail kerlim- bery, happy footstule!’” Crack! bang! whiz! came from every side, and closer came the infuriated Apaches. Their loss had been great, and they were determined to capture the dauntless little band if such a thing could be ac- complished. Among the fiercest of the rangers stood Jonathan Jeriah, and the detriment he did to the foe was equal to that of any man around him, if not more, But, at last, he became weak and faint from loss of , blood, and soon ke d:opped his clubbed gun, and retreated to his “s:hooner.” Not long was he gone, however, for he presently stood among his companions again, and on his shoulder he carried a light dismounted howitzer. The truck which stood at the rear end of the wagon was wheeled forward by Grizzly Len, and in a moment more the little bronze piece was trained down toward where the heavier part of the attack was being made. It was quickly charged almost to the muzzle with bullets and slugs, and then,as at a word, the ran- gers swerved to each side, leaving an open path, the artist exploded his gun. % A roar that fairly shook the earth was the answer, and this was succeeded by a deafening. chorus of shrieks and howls from the wounded red-skins, The charge had mowed down a wide path in the ranks of the foe, and caused them to retire panic aed ‘akin; Nee of this lull, the rangers hastily reloaded rifles and revolvers, but not another shot or arrow was fired. , Morning finally dawned and the rangers, to their astonishment, ascertained that not an Apache—ex- cept their dead—was in sight. They had temporari- ly withdrawn, doubtless to strengthen their forces, “'Tain’t ther last we'll see on ‘em,’ said old Bu- lard, scanning the vast, glowing expanse with the captain’s glass. “Thar hain’t er sneakier set o° buzzards on ‘arth "n them same Pash, We'll kev - ter heevs more Je’d at'’em *g’in, I speculate.” Around the camp was a fe; sight. The out~ stretched forms of nearly two score of savages, marked the results of the defenders’ heroic resist- ance, The yellow sands were dyed with panen aoe : and here and there lay the brains of some unfortu- head had come in contact with » clubbed the ent among the dead, lay

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10 who had ‘‘gone wader.’ in the affray. x After Jonathan Jeriah had placed his howitzer once more in the “schooner,” he emerged from the canvas-cover with a spade, with which a large grave was hollowed out in the sandy plain. Here were interred the remains of Samuel Everston, and Al Kennor, and then, with tearful eyes, the caval- cade resumed its journey toward Zossei, Jerrold bringing up the rear with Za Belle and his peripatetic nvbitation. All day the strange caravan atrugeled on, lookin, Hke a diminutive serpent on the boundless sea o: level sand. At night a halt was again made, and after the evening meal was dispatched, a triple guard was posted, The remainder of the parfy rolled themselves in their blankets for a nap except Jerrold, who, as be- fore, disappeared, within the precincts of his ** schoo- ner, Captain Adams lay a long time, staring thought- fully up at the starlit vault of blue, overhead, and pondering over the He ¢ and future. All the long day they had followed the plata trail of the supposed abductors of Mrs. Bulard and Guess, but, as yet, they were not off from the plains, and could not expect to sight them, And, too, not a sign of an Apache had been ciscevered—a fact which inspired the hope that the reds would not make an- other attack, The night passed without incident worthy of men- tion. As soon as it was barely light a start was made and no halt ordered until noon, when Captain Chris gave the signal for a stop. Taking from his well-worn wallet a map, which had been previously prepared and forwarded to the Governor, by Alonzo Nesmit, he spread it out before him and studied it intently, glancing ever and anon epee face of the little compass which he held in his and. They had now left the plains, and were in a broken, rocky and wooded portion of country, about twenty miles south of Zossel. Directly before them yawned a deep, narrow seam, sunken fifty feet into the bow- els of the earth, and running northerly through a dense pine forest, toward the village, while its south- erly course pointed toward the mountains, and was guarded by a spectra! boundary of dead pines, whose naked branches pointed like skeleton fingers up against the epee sky. This change from life to death began near where the rangers had halted, and presented a most striking spectacle. The seam, or gorge, was walled in by perpendicular sides, and had evidently in former days been a water-course—the bed of a deep and silent river. Now, not a particle of water was to be seen upon the gravelly bottom, far below. Either the stream had dried up, or else it had found its as toward the Rio Grande through some other a After studying the map intently for a while, Cap- tain Chris/turned to his men. “Boys,” he said, ““we have come a long way out of our path, Zossei, as near as I can ascertain, lies twenty miles to the north.” A growl of displeasure went up from the men, “And ’ve we Bot ter wait_hyar, or go up ter Zos- sei?’ questioned the Leopard. “Remain here, of course. You could do little or ood there. I find, by my map, that Zossei is on the banks of this water-course, and by following it, I shall experience no difficulty in finding the town. I shall start for there, at once, and you may expect me back by to-morrow night. Pitch your camp in the gulch here, and be sure and get it on an exact line between the dead and live timber, I can then * easily find you ou my return. Let_me warn you all, however, not to venture too far in yon ghostly forest. It is spoken of in the Galveston papers as the Phantom Forest, and they, say spookerish ob- jects that can Mer therein. It may be a hornets’ nest; so look — ou qulet forms of poor Fifth Avenue and‘ Buffeler,” in no way be accounted for, | crow-bar, and trudged along without enarorg < ee OE he Lae} The Buffalo Demon, ecg “Or, it mought be w'ar this ere kritter, Cloven- Hoof, holds out!” suggested the Leopard. “True, [had not thought of that! You may be correct; anyhow, keep your eyes peeled, and look out for Apache. Now, good-by to you.” And, touching the spur to his horse, Captain Chris dashed off toward toward the north. The country through which he passed was wild, broken and unsettled, and as a eee thing over- rown with cactus and sage-bush. But, about an our before sunset he entered a populated section, where numerous little white haciendas and farm- houses were dotted here aid there, and signs of prosperity on every side; here a field of waving ecrn, there an expanse of billowy grain, and over youder a plowed field. all of which betokened the presence of the industrious emigrant from the ‘‘ States.” This was the State land, which the commissioners were endeavoring to populate, and which the ap- arance of the mysterious Gloyen-Hoof and his. and of Vultures, threatened to dispeople and lay oncs more to waste. 4 On a bluff to the ig of this scene, was.a small village of not more than a score of habitations, while beyond, to the north and east, were more ranches and thriving farms. Just as the dry red sun was nearing the horizon, Captain Chris struck into the one trail or “street” of Zossei, and galloped up to the saloon over which — hung a sign, suspended by cords and staples to two, lofty flag-poles, which bore these words: “Duron Frep’s Zosser RANcw.” On the steps of this edifice two burly half-breeds were loafing. “Oan you inform me where one Alonzo Nesmif . resides?” asked Adams, as he reined in his horse. Both men stared at him, curiously, but neither offered to answer the question. ~ After waiting a few moments, Captain Chris repeated the interrogation, surprised at not receiving a reply; but as before the fellows remained perfectly “mum,” “Confound it! can you not answer a civil ques - tion?”’. exclaimed the ranger, flushing angrily, “Then, I'll seek some other more civil informant!” The loungers apparently had no objections, and so Chris rode on. “Here’s a go,” he muttered wonder what those fellows mean?’ He soon came to a grocery store, in front of which sat a grim old fellow astridé a saw-horse. “Can you direct me to the residence of Alonzo Nesmit?” was the ranger’s question. The pinged looked up with a quizzical stare, but did not yt iy. : “Curse it! d’ye hear me speak, you old villain?” — now shouted the ranger, quite beside himself. 4 Still no reply. Chris drew a revolver from his belt, and cocked it, determinedly. . “Now give me the directions,” he cried, taking _ aim, “or [’ll—? ie hea “Down thar’s whar ther cunnel holds out!” growl- — 3g ed the store-keeper, pei one long bony finger toward a low ancient hacienda of Spanish architec- ture, which nestled in the flats below the village. =4 Captain Chris yu up his weapon, and galloped off — down the slope, followed by a loud guffaw from the old man at the grocery. 5 “Curse it!” he mused, savagely, “TI wonder what these close-tongued idiots mean? Ha! here comes & farmer; I’llask him, just for the sport of it, to sec if he’ speak!” J : An odd-looking specimen of the ranchero was — coming up the hill, and as Captain Chris drew rein, he stopped also, Then the horseman asked the same question. “Oan you direct me to the residence of Alonzo Nesmiti?” z eas The farmer stared at his interrogator a few mo- ments, vacantly, then once more shouldered his ,reflectively. Bun f

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The Buffalo Demon. Adams was both amused and mystified. He could not fathom the meaning of this singular conduct of these people. Were they simple and half-witted, as they appeared, or was there some motive behind all this silence and reserve? ; He pondered deeply on the subject as he galloped on. At last he drew up in front of the hacienda. A roofed veranda ran all around the edifice, and on this a swarthy Mexican was lounging. As Cap- tain Chris dashed UP, he left his bench, and came forward, bowing with many smirks and smiles. “I desire to see Colonel Nesmit,” said the ranger, in the Mexican tongue. “The senor wil] have to wait,’’ replied the peon. “The master is at Zossei, and willreturn soon. Will the senor come inside?” Dismounting and securing his horse, Captain Chris was ushered into a magnificently-furnished parlor, “I'll send the master when he arrives,” said the peon, and in a moment he was gone. Captain Chris sunk into a luxurious arm-chair, and stared about him. He was not accustomed to entering such costly places as this parlor, but he knew enough of the country now to be surprised at nothing, however strange it might seem. : “Rare old pictures graced the frescoed walls, and beautiful statuettes faced from little alcoves into the room, One picture in particular attracted the ranger’s attention. It was a large life-sized picture of a young Mexican cavalier, reaching from the floor to the ceiling. The face was strangely life-like for a painting, and the form a model of perfection. But, most strange of all were the eyes. They were jetty black in color, and darted out an evil, snakish expression at the ranger that made bim uneasy. “Humph!” muttered Captain Chris, thoughtfully, “what can art not produce? That is the best eee trait of an evil Spanish-Mexican I ever beheld. How natural those snaky eyes are—staring’ direct down at me as if they were trying to.read me through and through, Egad! if I did not know better I’d swear those optics were of flesh and blood.” Uncomfortable under the singular power that held his attention to the painted face, Captain Chris rose and strolled to the other end of the apartment. Hap- pening soon after to chill of somethi in to horror crept along his spine, as he perceived that those same snaky eyes were still riveted upon him. Witb an impatient exclamation he turned his back upon the annoying sight. He was growing nervous. Not many moments passed, however, ere he ven- tured to again glance at the face. An oath burst from his lips as he did so, for he distinctly saw those terrible orbs roll in their sockets! CHAPTER VIL. THE MOUNTAIN GROTTO—THE MAIDENS. *Way up among the peaks of a craggy and rugged chain of mountains, whose snow-capped crests seem- _ ingly touched the clouds, was a h grotto, whose existence would not have been dreamed of by the in- habitants of the earth, far below. Tt was a large natural honeycomb in the cold gray ock. Besides one principal chamber, there were a dozen o'her smaller cells, which ran back and were lost in a labyrinth of intricate and rough passages. — In the principal chamber was blazing a ruddy fire of pitchy cones, and before this fire, seated on blocks of solid rock, were three girls and an Indian. The two girls who resembled each other were ap- parently sisters, and were strikingly beautiful. One of them was a blonde and the other a bru- nette—-two. as well-formed and modest-appearing maidens as one would wish to see. $ They were the stolen daughters of Conales Murrillo, the alcalde of Los Des Pumas, and the blonde was tiie same who met Pietro Gonzellos in the council- i ‘ on | demon?” “A veritable evil spiri‘, f:ow hell, I firmly believe. lance back at the portrait. a il > chamber, previous to the ee sacl og of the town by the notorious ‘‘ Vultures!” 4 Though Inez and Nola Murrillo were very pretty after their fashion, the third maiden was more beautiful than either. : She was pk eee more than eighteen—and pos- sessed of a slender, sylph-like form, a pure, Grecian east of countenance, aud a soft, creamy complexion, while her eyes were of a soulful blue shade, and her hair brown and curling. Her face, expressive of a genial nature, was now clouded with sorrow. The Indian who made up the quartette was a brawny brave, with a handsome face, even though it was daubed with paint. He was armed with pis- tols, knife and rifle, and fastened upon kis back was a bow and quiver of arrows. Inez Murrillo was speaking: ** And, are you sure that the intentions of this Cloven-Hoof are what you have told us, Philip?” ** Certainly, asf dear. I would not lead you to fear what is false. [am_seriously afraid that our terri- ble chief willdo as he said~sell you to the Arapa- hoes for horses, which can be disposed of for large profits East. Not so with pretty women!” “What kind of a monster ‘s this robber chief—a Around him he has ltd as lawless a set of humans in the shape of men - years of secret search could discover. -. 327° ' ge wil? life of the free- booter, and as he feeds them well with gold and whisky, they are glad to stick by 4im.” Ais An yous Philip, who have won my love, serve in is gang?” “Alas! my darling, I do, but it is not because I love the life. Iam bound by an oath, for ten years, not to desert, expose, or otherwise work against this eague. My ten years of bondage expire two months hence, and then if I cannot be again forced to take the binding oath, I will be killed!” * Oh, Philip!” “Yes, darling; I know it seems cruel, but trust in me: Phil Warren will never die without a struggle. A band of plucky rangers are known to be enter ing this country to protect the settlers and to hunt us down. If luek should be in our favor, and you not carried off into the Arapahoe country, perhaps I can somehow effect your escape.” / “But, Philip, I will never go back to Los" =s Ro The very thought of my guardian is ‘o- ugnant,”’ , “Nor shall you go there, dearest. In the leader of the expected ranger band I nave an old-time mate —brave, true, and fearless Chris Adams, who will protect you for me.” The third maiden of the party uttered a low, glad ery. eta OMS Adams, did you say?” she asked, eagerly, quickly. 9 “Yes; do you know him, miss?” _ “Yes, sir, he is one of my best friends. In fact—" and the beautiful girl blushed scarlet—‘‘he is to be my husband—that is if 1 ever get free from this gloomy prison!" . 7 The bogus Indian sprung to his feet with an ejacu- lation. “Ts that so? Well, then, I’m right glad to see you, I count Chris Adams as one of my best friends, too, though I’d be ashamed to have him know me as an outlaw, And whatis your name, miss?” ‘ Quess Bulard, sir.” The disguised lover of though he had been shot. “ You arenot the daugh- ter of old Jack Bulard, whose remarkable spouse escaped the boys in the ‘Phantom Forest, are you?” 1S fe ~ The bogus Indian took his seat again, and went oft into a reverie. Finally he looked up, and said: _ “his is news to me, miss. I have heard of you before, but did not grown from a little child whom old Jack once-res+ cued from a death in McKandlass swamp. Did he — ae | > Ves Inez Murrillo reeled back as dream you were the woman.

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. lost. Oh! take us away—help us to escape in time ' whereabouts to my betrothed, Lieutenant Weslyn, ible th the north. 18 ever tell you about ii, and of your little dead brother?” “Yes, sir;” and the tears welled to Guessie Bul- ard’s eyes, “I have wept many times on hearing my kind, adopted father rehearse the pitiful scene of seventeen long years ago. Poor para, what has he thought, on his return, to see our little home de- wou and Peggy and I gone! /*l/ bet the Apaches will ketch it!” ies “Probably! As to old Jack’s eccentric wife, there’s something mysterious about her disappearance, The boys have searched high and low, but can’t find her.”’ If I did not know her well,” replied Guessie, ‘I should entertain much anxiety for her safety in such a case. Butas the old hunters say, ‘she’s some on her muscle,’ and [I doubt not will fight her way out of the wilds!” “T truly hope so.. And now, ladies; I must go. I have already stayed long!” Inez Murrillo burst into tears. ‘*Oh, Philip! perhaps we shall never meet again. If the Arapahoes carry us to their villages all will be to avert this terrible fate!” 5 “T would, God knows, Inez, if I could; but ’tis ut- terly impossible. Iam bound by an oath—a horrible oath—which I must regard; and even were | to break it ‘twould be to no avail. The Demon’s Staircase, which leads from this retreat, is swarming with armed and watchful savages. It was only by giving an overheard countersign that I was permitfed to come up here at all.”’ 4 : Then!" cried Nola Murrillo, ‘if you cannot serve us in one way, aid usin another. Send word of our at Fort Griffin, and h2’// come to our rescue.” “Indeed, Miss Nola, I cannos do even that. It would be an acc.of treachery. In fact, I am power- less to do anything for you just at present.” ** Does this horrible Cloven-Foot intend to sell me to the savages?” asked Guessie, thoughtfully. * No, Phelleve not, though I have not heard him speak of you.” ; “Mr. Warren,” asked Nola, clutching him by the arm, anxiously, ‘ tell me, trul ; do you believe this mystery-enshrouded Cloven-Hoof to be more than a human, in disguise?” “T do, and so does every member of our band—we are sworn to believe him a living envoy of the Old Nick. But, to tell you my solemn opinion, ladies, I am positive he is a beast possessed of human intelli- gence and powers of spe ch, e’en though his power may not be infernal. e is.a hideous spectacle—a combination of man, buffalo, fish and Satan, and God grant you may be spared from ever seeing him.” * Do you see him often?” “No. Very seldom, indeed; unless it is in the darkest of nights, when he leaves the ranch on a raid, In the daytime he remains in his chamber, or lides forth unwatched, and roams in the Phantom ‘orest.”” At this juncture Guessie Bulard sprung from her seat, and sped toward the little crevice looking north- wird, that answered the double het of a door and window to the grotto, From this aerial retreat a magnificent view of the surrounding country could be had—a strange, wild and weird prospect it was. Starting from the very bowels of the mountains, it seemed, and extending scores of miles to the north, was the straight and ahi] belt of timber that arose on each side of the old dry water-course. Plainly could be perceived from the grotto the spot where took place the remarkable division between the live and the dead forest—the green belt runnin, far off toward the distant river, and the serpent o' spectral gray rolling back into the depth of the hills, | Far off to the west from the grotto lay in plain view the ‘‘silent city” of Los Des Pumas, and the home of Nola and Inez Murrillo, Again, far away along the wooded water-course, were faintly discern- > the dots of eottages and farm-houses of Zossei, | i ; The Buffalo Demon. ‘What is it?” demanded Inez’s lover, as the girl looked intently from the opening. “See!” she replied, pointing toward where the dead and live forests met. He came to the crevice and gazed out, Acompany of horsemen had dismounted and were picketing their animals, while a single rider could be seen galloping rapidly off toward Zossei.\_ He was no other than oe Chris, on his way to the village, to interview Colonel Alonzo Nesmit, CHAPVER VIII. » THE CAMP IN THE WATER-COURSE—A FRIGHTFUL SPEC- TACLE. SHortiy after they were left by Captain Chris, the rangers held a short consultation as to whether they should pitch camp down in the seam, that lay in front of them, or remain on the bank, above. ‘ST don't purtickler like ter be so low down in ther ’arth,” observed old Jack. *‘S’posin’ ’Pash shed happun ter antelope erlong thes way? They’d hev us in er trap, down thar.” “Yas,”’ said: the re reflectively; ‘but d’ye see them thar m-t-s., off thar, tew der sou’?”’ “‘T jedge I hain’t blind; see’d’m heff an hour ergo. W’at "bout ’em?”’ “Wal, Pll enlightnin’ ye, Them thar discombob- berated heeps o’ stun an’ dart uster be ther ha’nts 0’ thet o’mery old thief, Joaquim. He hea er- bout thes kentry, afore he went up ter Kaliforny, an’ got smotched! Now I’ve conseeved ther ijee thet ni game, Mr, Kloven Huff, holds out thar, too, an’ e us, from them peaks, _Tharfore, I argy we'd better it outen sight, inter ther gulch, an’ risk ther Pash. e ken keeper guard posted on buth sides, an’ ef they diskiver enny bad signs, we kin sun ervackwate ther guleh, an’ klime ter one side’r t’other!”” “Hxactly. Idon’t keer a hoss either way; so go ‘lang, an’ do as ye think prackticable. You're boss —I’m lewtenernt!” So if was decided to camp in the water-course. But now a new diffieulty presented itself. The sides of the seam were so nearly perpendicu- — lar that the way to get down their horses was a puz- zle; but when Jonathan Jeriah produced a couple of spades and as many picks, they began to hew a nar- row path slantwise down the hillside to the bottom of the valley, sich ar’ ther kaise, be ken squint rite down onter _ Taking turns, of ten, the men worked with a will, — and soon had a good road into.the dry water course; for the soil was loose, and easily heaved aside. The horses and Artist Jerrold’s vehicle were then piloted down the declivity, and while old Jack set about constructing a rude lodge, for a Jodging- house, the remainder of the band hewed another road up the opposite side of the gully. Then two guards were stationed, and long before sunset the — camp was in resting order, , The next thing to consider was something to eat, and with a view to procuring something fresh in the way of meat, Lije shouldered his rifle and set off iu- to the Phantom Forest, He had a great curiosity to know what there was of the place, scarcely knowing the meaning of the word fear, he did not hesitate to take a stroll into the forbidding precincts. pee It lacked nearly an hour of sunset when he left the camp, and he hurried along, keeping both ear and eye on the alert, and examining any hollow stubs of trees and fallen trunks that he imagined might be the residence of such game as the part ridge, bear or woodchuck. ‘ ut, all to no avail. The dead timber creaked and _ oaned above and around him, and not a sign of ife, either animal or ve Evidently a blight had fallen upon this portion of the remarkable belt—a blight that had destroyed tha | life of not only the great pines. but the grass andi the animals who are ever to be found in the fer sis * of the West. : oi deagmattce : The shadows of night had fallen over the land-ee — mM ‘table, was to be foun’. | aS ee a r perk

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4 The Buffalo Demon. the sbaip-cyed hunter was aware of it, and present- ly the great round moon soared up and sent a weird ood of light in among the spectral pines, With an impatient fren he checked his footsteps, and had decided to abandon the search and retrace the trail to camp, when his gaze suddenly became riveted upon an object a dozen yards distant up the water-course. It was something that would not have attracted the attention of one man out of fifty —a single projection above a fallen log, like a crotched limb, full of little prongs. But the longer the Leopard looked at it the more _ satisfied he became that it was not the log’s branch —not a limb at all, but the antler.of a deer. “Celestyal Singers!” he muttered, carefully eock- ing his rifle. “Mebbe I’m bigly schoozled on thet | ‘ar objek, an’ erg’in mebbe I hain’t. Howsumdever, I kin soon assertane. Ef et ar’ a buck, I opine he'll obscorchulate on reseevin’ thes!” So saying, he picked up_a good-sized pebble, and hurled it toward the log. Lol and behold, it struck fairly and squarely against the Ae cere Then, there was a wild snort, a bleat that sounded almost human, and a huge buck sprung to his feet and glared around him. The next instant the sharp spang of a rifle broke the stillpess; the noble animal made an attempt to sprin per, but stumbled and fell dead! “Discombofferate my meutal equilibrium tho’!” chuckled Lije, triumphantly, “but didn’t I trans- moggerfy his terresivul gravytation, tho!? Whoop, yoop! won't I sattisfacktorily ap se the yeernings ©’ my anterlope-eatin’ proclivities, tho’, ter-night? You bet! and my prokrasstinashun sha’n’t bekim perverbial, hyarafter, nuther,” —~ Licking his chops at the thoughts of the future feast, he was about to advance toward the out- stretched deer, when his eyes became fastened upon something so horrible further up the gulech—some- thing so terror-inspiring and frightful that he re- mained rooted to the spot, and his knees began to "knock together and his teeth to chatter. Lije Mackkay, or the Leopard, as he is better known, was a brave man, with not a grain of cows ardice or superstition in his nature: and to-day I doubt if you can find a rover of the wilderness, from Washington Territory to the Gulf of Mexico, who can so easily dispose of his weight in red-skins. But the sight he now saw was one well calculated to make the bravest of men quail, From the spot where the ceer had fallen tre southerly course of the guich was very Slightly up- grads, showing that the dried-up stream had proba- ly run in the direction of the north, : Coming down this grade, and in plain view from where the Leopard stood, was the dread spectacle. A buffalo of medium size, looking shadowy in the streaming moonlight, was ambling along, coming in the direction of the rangers’ cainp, and on his back, with the bridle-reins held loosely in his hands, was the fery human jorm of aman, with a head the enact counterparé of the beast i bestrode, and feet like those of a young horse, but eoren / A long, tawny mane swept over a bull-neck from the horned head, and a sickly, ghost-like yellow fire seemed fo flame from every pore of the body. The form from the waist to the hoofs was covered with fish-like scales, and these seemed to shed a sil- ver luster of wonderful brilliance. But this was not all the Leopard saw, by any means, Behind the first frightful spectacle came a score of poe, white stallions in a train, mounted with tail eadiess figures of ghostly-clad attendants, armed with gleaming lances. All this, taken into consideration, and the great moon shedding her most spectral rays of light down through the grim, towering pines, it was a scene to shake the nerves of the most lion-hearted man. On came the headless horsemen, headed by the Buffalo Demon—on they came and still the Leopard stood rooted in his tracks, staring directly ahead, his ¢ ua) i3- face whiter than the snrouds that enveloped-the — headless trun’s of the approaching horsemen. : He could not move, could not speak, could : nothing but stand there, stare and tremble, : : ae drew the ghostly cortege and their demein _ leader. : Then came a spasmodic Joe a@ gasp, and the ran- ger found the power to use his limbs. It was enough! - With a wild, awful yell of righteous horror, thet would have put to shame the lustiest sereeehi: Comanche, he turned about and sped down the ol water-course, giving frightful bowls and shrieks at every leap, and never looking right or left until he ‘dashed into camp, where his mates were sifting — around a camp-fire, smoking their evening pipes. 2 As may be supposed, the precipitate advent into” their cirele of the thoroughly scared Leopard, caused considerable consternation among the ran- gers, and they as of one accord sprung for their Cors@ es. When Lije came to. aialt he was a sad-looking sight. His face was like’/that of a corpse, his eyes bulged from their sockets, and he quaked and trem- — bled in every joint. ar “What’n ther devil’s ther rip?’ demanded old — Jack, cocking his gun. “What?” burst forth the Leo sweat from his brow—* whot? y with him. Quick! ni han’s: hyar! Git ther ’osses— up outen this guich, Ther kussed kerryvan ‘ll be ou us, quicker’n a painter kin wiggle his tail!” seeing that something indeed was the row, the — rangers set to work and hustled the animals 1 onto the bank above, followed by Jerrold and his “schooner.” Then they lay low at the edge, and — waited, Presently Lije ects Sma “Look!—b’yees—look! Thar they kum a-yoopiw 1 Oh! Celestyal Singers !” i CHAPTER IX, COLONEL NESMIT—ATTACKED, We left Captain Chris in the parlor of the Nesmait’ hacienda, glaring at the moving eyes in the portrai® before him. Yes! they really moved—moved from somethin; they bad previously been gazing at, and plowereds down upon the ranger once more. te “Great miracles, this beats my reckoning. I never knew that pictures had movable pps eeriee ; Dash me, but I'll know the meaning of this, if I die for it!’’ muttered Adams, drawing a revolver. - ee While he was thus engaged, the eyes in the por: trait disappeared for a single second, but when he: Bhi up, a pair of d/ue eyes were staring down at. ee The ranger, however, did not notice the change. ; Grasping his revolver in the left hand, and his long 8 Broseantet knife in the Hight he advanced close to the picture, narrowly wa ching the eyes They seemed perfectly stationary, and did not move in the least, f - PY Raising his ‘tight, hand, Captain Chris made a mo- tior as though he intended to bury the knife in the” smiling face. But the eyes did not stir, They were fixed an glassy in their stare. Fe Thoroughly exasperated, the ranger touched the pupil with his knife-point. : t came in contact with a hard substance flinty nature. ' The eyes were glass! i Sap With a bafiled cry Chris staggered back to th chair he had previously oceupied, and sunk down. among the enshions while and faint, Y Here was a second inystery which he had encoun: — tered during the day. Virst the strange conduct of the villagers, and now the mystery of the eyes, He * was positive he had seen them roll around and fix — their snaky gaze upon him, 3 7 ae

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44 ‘ The Buffalo Demon. rer ee ES Now they were nothing more or less than glass. | know of your coming, and the purpose in view, they What kind of optics did the Zossei-ites possess if | probably do not care to aid you any!” they could withstand the jab of his knife and not “Tyne, Then, I judge, it will be useless for me to wink at it? It was a mystery, indeed. try to raise any men, here. If all the villagers arein | Adams was seriously cogitating oyer the plan of a | league with the robbers, matters are indeed assum- renewed attack upon the offending portrait, when a | ing a serious aspect. Have other rangers than my ‘man entered the parlor. band, ever tried to discover the outlaws?” Ha!’ he said, advancing, with a pleasant smile, “No;—only one attempt has ever been made and extending his soft. white hand—‘‘ Captain Ad- | against them. That was when my son Alf, alone ams, I believe, is if not?” and unarmed, attempted to track them far up the aS Exactly,” replied the ranger, cordially, ‘‘and | water-course to the mountains.” i you are Alonzo Nesmit?” “Your son?” “The same. I have been looking for you; for the “Yos—or, that is, the child I have always cailed _Lieutenant-governor wrote me you were on the way. | my son. He was thirty-five years old, the day he So you think you have the courage to brave this left on that fatal mission. Poor fellow! ‘Twould that mysterious Cloyen-Hoof, eh?” : I knew whether he is living now, or dead. He never ‘Treckon if courage’s all that’s wanting, I’ve got | returned. If he is living, Adams, the robbers have aliberal allowauce of the requisite!” undoubtedly imprisoned him in their secret den, “That is good. ave you your men close at | Yon picture is a correct likeness of him—so if you hand?” should ever see him, do not strike him down!” “No. I left them at the line on the old water- He pointed to the portrait. course, between the dead and the live belt of timber, Involuntarily the ranger gave a quick; searching twenty miles to the south.” glance at the eyes, but they were fixed perfectly “The deuce you did! Well, that is lucky, I | stationary. ; should have sent you down in that direction, any- Then he compared the smiling, evil, Mexican face ~ how, had you all first cortie to Zossei!”’ to that of Colonel Nesmit, There was no resemblance “Tndeed! then do you think our work will be in | between the two. The colonel was purely an Ameri- that neighborhood?” can, with an open, intellectual cast of countenance, . “Ido. Lam of the opinion that these ‘ Vultures’ | calm brown eyes, and chestnut hair and beard. His have their rendezvous in the mountains, not far | age probably youed between fifty and fifty-five, but, from the source of the water-course.”’ save a few wrinkles on his forehead, hw did not show *“How about this dried-up channel? Did ever a | his age in the least. Surely the two were not father river flow therein?” and son. ; ‘*So it is said. An Indian chief once told me that After conversing for about an hour longer, and ob- - astream called by them the Spirit river'ran across | taining all the information he deemed requisite, in the country, here. Then came the great shock of | the work before him, eal hos Chris arose to leave. the fependary earthquake which killed Moseeiz,* and “What! you do not intend to start for camp at the river disappeared, escaping through some sub- | this unseemly hour?” exclaimed the colonel. terranean passage!” “Yes, I feel that my presence may be needed “That is strange. Now, about these robbers? | with the band. Something tells me that there will Have they made any recent raids in this vicinity?” be trouble soon. and if there is any fighting to do, I ““Indeed, yes. A courier arrived to-day, with the | want to have a hand in it!” : news that the wily inhabitants of our neighbor town, “Well, if Tee must go, I will not try to hinder you, Los Des Pumas, have been lured from the village by | but I should be pleased to have you oo until a traitor, with a view to repelling a reported invad- | to-morrow. Do you propose to change the location Being band of Yanks, and while absent, the Vultures | of your camp?” swooped down on the place, and sacked it, also mak- “No; or, that is, not that I know as yet. I shall mg captives of the alcal/e’s two daughters.” probably remain there until something further turas ree ce oo ae, Mow "Ri Very well. If I learn aught that I think win wlewide personally?” % **No!. He is a Mexican, I believe, and having never. oe advantageous to you, I will ride over and in- ‘orm you.’ met him, I do not know him, nor do I want to.” . ; “ Best not to be oointimate with a Greaser, that’s “Doso, I shall.ba glad to see you. Here, you so. I hate ’em like I do the red-skins—which, 1 | peon, bring me my horse.” * judge, are the nobler of the two. Have these so- The horse was soon forthcoming, and Captain called ‘Vultures’? ever made any attempts upon | Chris sprang into the saddle and galloped away. Zossei?” 3 He took a route through the flats that would “No! but we are momentarily srg er them. Sartre’ bring him alongside the watew-course, for” There are twenty prosperous ranches in this locality, e did not care to pass through the village. Night had already fallen, and the moon rose in all her and just at present every farmer has considerable money about him. Could the robbers obtain it all, | splendor, so that the open country was almost as light as in daytime. _ theirs would be a rich harvest.” “Do you imagine they will be bold enough to hen he had left his rangers, Captain Chris had - make an open attack?” “3 “No, I think not. Taey do not come out boldly, _ or we should then be better able to protect ourselves, _ They swoop down on their victims when least ex- 2 po and so adroitly do they manage these raids, _ that they are rarely, if ever, seen.” r “Humph! Now, colonel, there is one thing I would iike gan to explain to me?” 7 " Whereupon the ranger related his experience among the villagers, and all about their singular re- serve. As he concluded a dark scowl overspread the __ fistener’s face. “T do not know how to account for it, Adams.” he replied, huskily. ‘I, sometimes, am forced to be- lieve that a er share of those villagers are par- outlaws, if such is the case, and they But, since seeing those menacing human eyes in the pa something told him that it would not be st—that he had better escape from the place as soon as possible. 5 What was the mystery of the hacienda? Whe was the owner of the snaky eyes which he was posi- tive he had seen move? Did Colonel Nesmit know nothing about it, or was he connected with the affair? No; the keen-minded ranger could not believe him were not his eyes, and he was, without doubt, ig- gaps that the eyes were not painted ones, instead of glass. : ondering deeply on the subject as he dashed along, the chief soon reached the;wooded banks of the channel, and turned his course to the south, — ide a pair of shadows, two men emerge: calculated on spending this night at the hacienda. ~ ‘ otherwise than a true and open-bearted man. Those _

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~ , erie “The Buffalo Demon. , eed ee the eover and sneaked after him. When they had gained considerably on the unsuspicious horseman, and were within easy rifle-range, they both stopped in their tracks, raised their rifles, an Then, as the ranger’s horse uttered a piteous scream and sunk upon the ground, the ruffians drew their revolvers and leaped forward. CHAPTER X: TRO"BLE IN CAMP—THE NAVAJOES—A SCENE. Tr was as the Leopard said. Cloven-Hoof and his Phantom Cortege were com- ing into view, riding leisurely down the channel, There were more than one pair of bulging eyes among the watchers on the banks above, as they saw the terrible spectacle advancing toward them; the frightful Demon Buffalo wrapt in his sheet of fiery flame, and his ghostly train of spectral atten- fants bringing up the rear on their white steeds. “Saints from Serrokker!”” gasped Bulard,: * my uncle’s bones, I feel loike abscorchulatin’ |”? *So do I,” replied Lije, chatteringly. ““No! you must not allow fear to take root Into your hearts!” commanded Jonathan -Jeriah, who was now the coolest man in the crowd, ‘ Cock your guns, all hands, and when yon combination of art and wickedness get directly opposite, let ’em slide!” With trembling fingers the rangers drew back the hammers and waited. On came the cavalcade. As they approached the foot of the road which led up from the bottom to the banks, the horrible thing on the buffalo’s back drew rein, and glared directly up toward the white-faced rangers. A screech of horror burst from their lips. Then there came a ferocious snort from the Demon, and he urged his savage-looking steed directly ahead, followed by the Phantom Cortege, They were coming up the road { * Quick! for God’s sake!” exclaimed th, artist. “*Pour in a volley!” Every rifle was leveled, except the Leopard’s. He nad lett that far up the water-course -Snap! The flush of the caps was the only answer to the inigger. touch ! The loads had been withdrawn! A howl of baffled rage escaped the rangers, and they drew back out of sight for 4 moment, followed by an infernal chorus of blood-curdling shrieks from the specters. “Quick! your revolvers—are they too unloaded?’ Jerrold, An examination proved that they were intact. “Now, then, take steady aim, and fire!” was the next command. Onee more they crept forward, and peered over into the channel. P = To their unbounded surprise they perceived that the Demon Buffalo and his ghostly cavaleade had wheeled their steeds, and were galloping far off up the water-course;and in a moment more they dis- appeared entirely from view! “Qelestyal Singers!” cried the Leopard, “ they’re gone, an’ I’m kussed glad on’t!” *So’m I!” sighed Territory Tim. “I nevyar got skeered afore; but them orful critters n’arly frizzed » me into ice!” “Like mine, your presence in this band is uninitia- “Now,” said old Jack, savagely, “T purpose thet we inwestergate one leetle matter, wat stickels in my crop. Who wuthdroo ther loads frum our rifles, {shed like ter inquire?” ‘*Yas—thet’s ther queshtyun?” assented Alaska. “Sum skunkyfied krockydile did et, an’ I opine thet same ain’t fur off. nother!” “Tf you mean to insinuate on me!” safd the artist, standing proudly erect, for 3 perceived that all eyes were turned upon him, “I embrace thé op» ortunity to deny the assertion.” 2 “T speckulate ye_ain’t none ter gude ter do sich er thing,” growled Jack. x “Nor are you, my friend,” was the cool reply. tory, and you are as much to be suspected as am TI. It will be recollected that you'were also alone with the stack of rifles, engaged in constructing yonder lodge while the remainder of this organization were delving in the soil at the opposite side of the gulch bes the purpose of making a second road to the: banks above.” . “Kuss Pees ay meen ter say I did ther job?” yee. old Jack, leaping to his feet and drawing a '@, j “Hyar! put thet up!’ ordered Lije, stepping — between the two. ‘‘Jes’ leeve thes vas matter tull ther kaptain gits back. I’m transmoggerfied ef I kno’ w'ich on ye ter pe a Let ther bizness rest, an’ we'll keep our optecks peeled onter both on ye.” — So the subject was dropped for the time being. : It_was decided that it would not be best to cam in the water-course again, so the rangers stretched themselves upon the bank and dropped asleep, leav- ing Grizzly Len on guard. m the following morning Lije, the Leopard, and the colored member of the band, whom we have previously mentioned as Beeswax, the Butter, start- ed off up the water-course, to search for the buck whom the former had shot, i At the camp the remainder of the rangers amused themselves in various ways, some playing eucher, some lounging lazily on the grass, and others clean: ing their guns. J.J.-Jerrold busied himself with his photographie apparatus, and succeeded in tak- ing several very creditable and praiseworthy views of the distant mountains and surrounding country, 5 Jack Bulard was sullen and uneasy. He did — not bear the greatest degree of friendship for the — artist, and now that he saw that he was himself watched more closely than was the former, he grew exceeding “blue” about it, Jerrold, however, mani- fested no sign that he had thought the second time of the affair, About noon considerable excitement was created by the discovery that a band of mounted Indians had sighted and were approaching the camp. But the surprise was not less when old Jack announced — that it was a small reservation of Navajoes, and — headed by his old friend, Stinging Wasp. « As among the band there were seen to be about a Jozen squaws and children, it was rightly conjeec- | tured that they were not a hostile-party, and conse- _ quently were allowed to come up unmolested. As the chief drew rein, he sprung from his saddle and ted old Jack wiih a hearty hand-shake, “Whar ye bound fur, Wassup?” queried the lat- ter, as he scanned the grim faces, Ee “Ugh!” said the chief, proudly. “The Navajoes — seek another home, deep in the wilderness. Nolike — to be cooped up in the pale-face reservation. Se leab um, and travel toward Mexico.” ‘ “ Goin’ ter try Greaser vashuns, eh? Wal, I hope ye'll like ther change, But w’at oye say ter kamp- in’ down hyar er while, long wi’ us?” i “Wagh! what ranger band here for?” “Wal, I'll enlightnin’ ye, ef ye’ll onhoss yer kop- — peries,’”’ was the Py. ; : And after the cavalcade, numbering some hundred braves and squaws, had dismounted, old Jack ex- plained to the avajoe the meaning of theirpresence so far from the scenes of their former operations, — and all about the Demon Buffalo and his Phantom Cortege. After being offered for his services all the outlaw scalps he dould take, ie Wasp finally ‘consented to encam ae the vicinity, and assist in ers. *

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18 od Among the P rty there were several not bad-look- - ing Indian girls, and the gristly old rangers began to make love to them with surprising earnestness. Old Jacek was soon entertaining a buxom youn; Squaw with stories of his various adventures an exploits in the mountains and on the wide plains. he maiden listened with rapt attention, and seemed to admire her white companion more than she did the copper-colored knights of. the moccasin, In fact, the two got along so fast together, that, just aa the Sun was setting over the western horizon, old Jack ventured to snatch a kiss from his dusky com- panion’s lips. Few of the rangers saw this act, but what immediately, followed, they all saw! é There was a wild shriek, and a femaje in tattered ee aente and with long, straggling ‘hair, sailed ont rom the shadows and began to beat the scout over the head with a formidable oaken cudgel without merey. ess Injin gals, will ye, Jack Bulard? Make luv ter red squaws, will ye, w’en yer poor wife, pegey ar’ wi’out hum‘n’ friends? You miser’ble old buz- zard, you reptyle, you snake, you desateful coyote, take that! an’ that! an’ that!” CHAPTER XI. {THE LEOPARD'S TERRIBLE RIDE. _ AFTER pats the camp in the morning’ Lije and Beeswax made their way cautiously down the water- : course, and in the course of an hour came to the spot where the Leopard had shot the deer on the previous _ night. : a Bat they were doomed to disappointment, ‘The deer was gone. ff z= Doubtless Cloven-Hoof and his crew had seen fit to appropriate so valuable a prize to their own use, “ Celestyal Singers!” i igang Lije, much cha- grined at the loss; “I'll be teetotally transmogger- - fied ef ther kusses hain't abduckted my pili box, too. ~~ left it lyin’ hyar, w’en I lit out fur Paris an’ now she’m gone. Blast me, but I orter kno’d better nor thet! Now, Vm minus ‘my gun, an’ ther’s not . ernuther jm kamp ter spar’. It’s er stiff fix, T call - et!’ Beeswax laughed heartily. 7 “Maps dat you find de gun upin de robber jcatmup,” he suggested, brilliantly. “Yas—I specillate ye’re plum thar, but whar d’ye hev an ijee thet ar’?” - “Bress me; I dunno no more’n de blackest picca- ninny in de world! S’pec’s dey am in de mountings, dar, dough, S’posin’ we gwine updat way, Elijer?” «'Datavar jes’ w’at I was roominatin’ on,” said the Leopard, reflectively. “ Reck’n we will gol Jes’ inerate et thr’u’ yer kernoodleum, Beeswax: s’pos- n’ we war ter find ther outlaws, an’ smotch ther de- mon buffler? Why! Cdestyal ingers, niggur, we'd be ther dumkussedest fellers, from ther erquater ter ther gulf o’ Slickery! Fur one’ I’m ‘greed ter try ~ an’ bustificate them imps 0’ brimstun, an’ now’s ther peerioddikal minnit ter begin o errashuns!”” : “All right Lije,so gwy ahead, an’ dis chile’ll stick elusser to you dan Sorgum “Lasses to a nigger’s heel!” _ “vect! Kim along then, an’ we'll purceed ter -explurate thes chann’l!” ‘ seaping over the fallen log, the twain followed the _ plain trail of horses’ feet, which had been made by i: s aaa animals of the Phantom Cortege. _ . “ Wus you ebber in dis region afore, Elijer?’’ ques- tioned the latter, as they tramped along. Reckon not,” was the reply, as the addressed took bite from a plug of “compressed weed;’’ “ but het don’t signerfy that I hain’t bin most everywhar else on thes terresishwul deposit 0° grannitan’ alkali, Celestyal Vocallists, yes; reckon as how Lhey. Kn 0’ very krook an’ corner in Iderhoe, Collaraddo, Montany, ‘Laska, Kallerforny an’ Oregon; besides, cal ijee o? Washington Terrortory, ewe place. But w’en ye ransmoggerfy me inter a he ever hear me us Pete tuk a. Phe Buffafo Demon. A jerk, hen he sprang nim! trip thr'u ther States,eh? Wal, we hed voleaners 0° fun. "Twar the fall arter Gineral Canby got smotched, . an’ ther Fang hed tuk in konsider’ble scrip, so. thet we all fult like kaster-ile posy blossums; an’ I an’ Cir- cus made up our minds to take er allyvant out East. Circus he had some relashun out thar somewhar, but we nevyar pot a peeper on’em. Arter weeks 0’ trav- el, we fetched up in Washington, “Oh! niggur, I jes’ wish ye mought’ve bin thar, an’ seen ther recepsht et war tindered us! Fust- ly, up comes the President an’ inwites us ter his Cabernet shop--I b'l’eve he called et, an’ the way he did set *em up, war a predlickshun! Wine an’ se gars by ther hoss-load, an’ he told us ter not be dain- : , but help ourselves. He sed he’d heerd tell on us ; more’n one’t, an’ he honerd us fur our grit. He sed, , tell Capten Chris ter acksept on his best respeckts, an’ vote fur ’im next ‘leckshun time. , “Wal we drunk up tburty eed 0" his kertobby. an’ smoked sev’ral yeerds 0” hes conscious, an’ then started fur our lodgin’! Oh! Beeswax, you orter seen us| Ther turkey-buzzard nevyar see’d daylite thet ever got any fuller, nor war me an’ Circus. We were jes }’élin’, an’ sloppen’ over on ther sides. pase Singers! but didn’t we weeve wuss nor er orkas-berry in fly time, tho’? _ At this juncture they had reached the crest of the little slope in the channel, and could see that it now ran on as level as in the vicinity of the rangers’ camp. 2 Scarcely any light penetrated the deep place ex- cept from occasional rifts in the tree-tops overhead, but this was not sufficient to permit the two men seeing very farin advance. Silence, seemed to reign - over all nature, Not a sound save the foot-falls of the rangers. The spectral pines stretched their naked branches up against the calm blue sky, - The Leopard kept doggedly on, peering about on every side, and Beeswax brought up the rear. For hours the two men kept on, and still the old water-course stretched off like a serpent before — them. It was gradually rising in grade, however and Lije entertained some hopes of reaching the end before long. : 4 s About sunset Beeswax suddenly came to a halt. ““Sh—i? he motioned to the Leopard; and then ‘loom, he continued: pointing ahead through the ¢ *ye know w'at dat aoe Elijer, look! Golly; am?’ The ranger uttered a low exclamation. “Trausmoggerfy me inter er Senator,’ he whis- ered, excitedly, “ef thet ain't er buffler—the same ritter w’at ther Deemen rid!” It was indeed so. Lying contentedly down on the sand, about thirty yards above them, and munching away at a pile of freshly gathered grass, was t savage-loo! steed of the mysterious Cloven-Hoof. As the watchers’ eyes became accustomed to the light centered around the beast, they perceived that he was bridled, as on the previous night, and that there were no persons in the immediate vicinity. ; ‘*What am de best t’ing to do?” ed ata Beeswax, eering Pe around, lest he should be surprised : y the terrible owner of the buffalo. Lijereflected several TROmente eerie then@ — wid, dare-devil light crept into eyes, as he re- plied: ‘ “Ye stay hyar, an’ continny the s’arch, niggur, an’—” Here he began to tighten his belt. “Wat'n de deuce you gwine to do?” ate “Wal, jes’ ye stay hyar, as I tole ye, an’ I'll show a ye, prisently. I'm goin’ ter ride thet bufier down tar ; camp ! Beeswax put up his bands in surprise and horror, but the daring ranger was creeping away,ere he could express himself, ‘ No difficulty was experienced by the Leopard in approachi the beast. He had evidently been thoroughly tamed, and did not eyen arise until Lije— seized him by the bits, and gave his mouth a flere bly upow his back, = Z Re, _

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The Buffalo Demon, Se fs steed leaped to his feet with a snort of anger. rom that instant began a wild and ludicrous race. Off leaped the novel steed at a fearful speed, di- rectly after “eae Beeswax, who, not relishing the situation, had turned his toes toward camp, and was “leggin’ it” for dear life. On plunged the buffalo with terrific snorts, and on Jeaped Beeswax like a frightened rabbit. e Leopard tried in vain to moderate the speed of his war-horse; but Mr. Buffalo seemed determined on overtaking and trampling down the African! On *—on—on, and the gravel and sparks flew from in un- der their feet, and the snorts of the bull and the ter- rifiea foe of Beeswax make the welkin ring, Skillful equestrian ae he was, Lije was not at home on the buffalo’s back, and it was only by the most strenuous efforts that he retained his position by clinging to the long hair of the animal's neck. Tofall from the buffalo’s back, at the speed they were now going would only be to meet instant death. On—on—on, and stiJl the pursuer and pursued kept about the same distance apart—Beeswax des- perately determined not to give up while there was a ot of a chance, and the buffalo bent on tramp- ing him to pieces, Tf there was one among the trio who suffered more than another, that same was the Leopard. He had fiattered himself that he would have a glorious gal- lop back to camp, but it failed, just now, to meet his Speciation: ; very tremendous leap of the infuriated bull, bounced poor Lije into the air like a rubber ball. Every bounce elicited an unearthly groan, which, to- gether with the snorts of the buffalo, and the shrieks of Beeswax, made the din to rival Pandemonium. On—on, and the Leopard saw that they were near- ing camp. In an instant he set up a series of frantic screeches, which, combined with those of Beeswax, soon brought the whole camp to the edge of the banks above, “Stop us!” shrieked Lije, white with terror and exhaustion; “stop us! stop us) Cuss our foolish picters, hyar we kim er-boomin’!” CHAPTER XII. THE MEXICAN ALCALDE—PURSUED. “ BrMstirrrrovus brimstun™!”” cried Circus Pete, as he and his companions, on the elevated banks, saw the-buffalo come apna down the channel, with the Leopard clinging to his back, and Beeswax bounding along in advance. “Thar kums my pard, an’ he av in a powerful bad fix!’ The rest of the rangers had gathered at the verge as had also all of Stinging Wasp’s party—an exprés- sion of amusement on each and every face. The situation was seen at a glance to be hazardous, but so ludicrous was the whole affair, that the smile soon became a roar of laughter, which echoed far and wide. There were two, however, who perceived that the race would not terminate without serious results, if something was not speedily done. These were Cir- «us Pete and Jerrold, the artist. “‘Quick!? exclaimed the latter, excitedly, as he cocked his gun, ‘Some oné of you fellows hur] a Jasso over the head of the Leopard. The moment he is dismounted, I will agree to dispatch yon beast. ican fetch him to the ground, I opine.” Cireus Pete heeded the words, and in a moment disengaged the coiled lariat from his belt. On came the infuriated bull, and as he came near- ly opposite where the rangers stood, Pete hurled his Josso downward; and, as at. this moment, the Leop- ard straightened bolt upright, the noose settled gracefully around him, and drew taut. The next moment he was Seas to the ground, stunned and bleeding, while the report of the artist’s rifle broke the silence, which had for the instant ensued. The buffalo gave a few more maddened gnorts and plunges after swax, who had suc- _ geeded in reaching the road leading up the bank’ JHA. i? then the beast staggered blindly about, fell upon his , knees, toppled over, and his life-blood dyed the sandy bottom of the channel. A yell of admiration from the Navajoe braves now rent the air, and a rush was made to the river bed. The buffalo was found to be quite dead. Jerrold’s bullet had reached kim, just back of the shoulder, and ended his mad race, Cate Though considerably brui:ed by his fall, Lije was not seriously injured, and soon recovered enough to relate his and Beeswax’s experience. The latter was so exhausted from the effects of his remarkable foot-race, that he was unable to speak for several hours; but, in the mean time, Lije peuars sufficiently for both, so that nothing was lost. The Leow was considerably surprised to meet Stinging Wasp, for he had not.seen him since their trapping expedition up along the Niobrara, two years before. But he was more od ag and not a little amused, at what he saw in a retired nook of the cam’ ld Jack Bulard, sitting upon a fallen tree. staring, with the most eines melancholy an meekness, upon the ground. His head was ban- vaeet up with strips of bloody cloth, and portions of his stubbly beard had vanished. fe By his side, with a grim, triumphant expression upee her deeply-marked countenance, sat a woman, whose costume, not the most dainty. fabric, was torn and raveled into shreds. By her side lay a ponderous eudgel; and the presence of this, and the condition of Jack's cranium, told the Leopard only too plainly that “clubs had been trumps!” “Hullo thar, Jack!’’ he hailed, lighting his pipe in the mean time; ‘I sw’ar, ye’re a sad-lukin’ kritter. Look’s if ye’d be’n in er scrimmage wi’ er mountain devil—do, by thunder! Who be thet femernine-gan- der w’at’s squattin’ ‘long wi’ ye? Hain’t bin gittin’ hitched ter ‘n Injin gal, hev ye?” “No, he ain’t, thank yet” vociferated the woman, springing to her feet and snatching the cudgel, ““so ye needn’t insinywate, you beast—you sneak! Thar hain’t one dipperful o’ Injin blood ‘bout me, an’ [kin lick ther dirty heethun thet sez that it ain’t so. I’m Peggy Aramyntha Bulard, this ’ere wretch’s lawfoolly wedded wife.” And, administering another rap upon Jack’s head, that elicited a howl, she took her position beside him once more, and peace ensued, The evening was spent in planning, and conversing ee the supposed Phantom Cortege and Cloven- oof. It was proposed to sit up all night and watch for the Phantom Cavalcade, and make up for their loss of sleep on the following day. Besides Captain Chris was momentarily expected, as he had said he would be back by that night. But, the long heurs ful sun once more replaced the li of the moon—a calm morning dawned, and still the captain did not come; neither had a sight been seen nor a sound heard of the spectral band. : “Bt's quare yoraice eapten don’t kim!” observed Old Jack, to the Leopard. “Ihey goter consarned proonean "bout me, that tells me sumthin’ hes ap) ened ter him!” y T don't loike ther squint 0’ ther matter, mysel’,” ssed awaye and the beauti. — was the reply, as the ranger searched the count in : the direction of Zossei, with his field-glass. ‘* How. sumdevyer, we'll remain hyar yet ter-day, an’ ef sumthin don’t turn up, as MacClubber sez, we'll antelope over ter that p’int o’ their ts Spe an’ cirkumnayigate ther inwestigaitin’ committer, 1 opine we'll behold ther boss bowlin’ over thes way ‘fore long, tho’! But in this ec~ tusion the erin was wrong, The forenoeis passed, and sti not return, / ‘ . ihe beoting sun had mer Ceara ane ee . compelling the rangers to seek the cool: lows deep channel for comfort, e young Adams did ee

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. i8 ae Jonathan Jeriah, however, bade defiance to the glaring rays, and drove Za Belle and his schooner several miles off to the south, to find subjects worthy of photographing. ‘ During the afternoon a company of a dozen horse- men were seen approaching, and the rangers made ready to reeeive them, were they friend or foe. As they dashed up, they were found to be a band of well-mounted and well-armed Spantsh-Mexicans, under the alcatile of Los Des Pumas, Murrillo, “Good-morning ” said the latter to Lije, as he doffed his sombrero. “ Gud-arternoon !” replied the Leopard, coolly, “Wow en thunder ar’ ye indetted ter us fur thes in- verview?” The alealde “ Nice da; * Bewtchiful,” was the response. “Independent rangers, eh?” *T reckon!”? “Well, then, I’m glad it has been my good fortuna to meet you, Your mission here is for the purpose of oad the mystery of the terrible Cloven-Hoof, eh?” t “MT 4 me smiled, but continued, all the same; ed. 7) ” “T thought as much.” Then, in a few words, the alealite related the _cir- cumstances connected with the swoop of the Vul- tures down upon Los Del Pumas, and the abduction of his two daughters. ** Wal,” said the Leopard, when he had concluded, “wat’s thet got ter do wi’ us, I shed loike to ’quire?” “This!” was the reply. “Ihave found a way by which I can penetrate the den of these Vultures, but my forces are not strong enough to permit of such amove, By consolidating our bands we would out- number the robbers, and we can clean them out; you can earn your reward, and I can recover my daughters!” ‘*Yas—I perceeve,”’ answered the Leopard, grim- ly. ‘Ole hoss, d’ve see thes road hyar w’at leads down inter ther channel, an’ thet t’other ’un w’at leads up onter ther banks yander?” ‘*Yes; I see the newly-made passes, sir, What about them?” “ Wal, thet’s "bout. ther cricket way ye ken git er- kross, an’ av’ide gittin’ riddled wi’ ca’t-ridges!” was the cool reply. “What do you mean?’, demanded the aleatde, sus- piciously. **T mean thet I, ther redowterble Lije ther Leop- ard, do guy ye an’ yer Greaser band "bout ther leng' on er koon’s tale, ter abscorchulate—cl'ar out—me’s- ure terrestyel gravytashun, etc.!”” “What! do you intend to show hostility to us?” “Sha’n’t aor ernuther syllybull, Greaser, *cept thet ef yedon’t make yersel’ rare, hyar’bouts, inside o’ ther wiggle o* er mother-jn-law’s lip, my b’yees "ll not be holdable fur enny accidenx w’at ’ll be sure ter foller. We don’t over well loike Greas-7s, an’ Vd speculate ye'd find er hellth’er locality-ty whar ye pie from!” ; t a word the aleade ordered his followers to cross to the other side of the water-course, for he per- ceived that the rangers were ready to do the Leo- pard'’s bidding, and should he refuse, a general fight would ensue, which must eventually be attended with a loss of life. So, one by one, the horsemen filed down the erum- Bane yet into the channel, for it was dangerous for two to attempt to go abreast; and soon half of the number were evenly distributed along down, leaving Murrillo and the other half above. It was at this instant that a prolong ed yell drew the attention of ciety man to the soufh—along the course of the channel. A man mounted upon a bony sorrel horse was spurring ey down upon the camp, yelling and -gesticuiating wildly, ; _ It was Jerrold, the artist, on the back of his La —coming on, furiously on. War away behind feim, eowd be seen the deserted “ schoouer,” from The Buffalo Demon. r which he had disengaged his scrawny horse, to fa- cilitate his speed. ‘ On - on, he came, and struck dumb with astoxish« ment at the sight, the rangers stood motionless, and watched him approach. Not so with Conales Murrillo. He started and prow deathly pale, as he beheld the wild rider, and clutched at his rein nervously. “Never mind me,” he fairly hissed, to his me but go on ’cross, and flee for Los Des Pumas. will—ay, must FO the other way!” é Unnoticed, then, he turned his horse stealthily to- ward the north, and was well out of rifle range ere ~ the rangers became aware df his escape. Then, he drove his spurs deep, and dashed away. On—on, came Jerrold, his eas fairly fly ie ing over the ground, and making sparks fly at every bound. ; On—on, he sped, dashing furiously past the camp, ter the fugitive, never allowing his eyes the mad Agen On, on, and uursued were hidden trom epression in the lay of the Wildly, determinedly on did the terror-stricken alealde urge his already petit horse, but the artist gained upon him constan iy. It was Lully five miles yet, to the only place where a crossing over the channel could be effected, Three miles whistled by. : If he could only reach the “ford,” the Mexican knew he could evade his pursuer, and gain an oppor. tunity to use his rifle, Two miles yet intervened, however, and his beast was dripping with froth and foam, while he stum, bléd at every leap, and then the artist gives vent to a triumphant yell as the distance lessens between him and his enemy. ‘ i Far away looms up a lone cottonwood tree, which marks the ford. But, ha! look!” j From this direction now appears,another horse+ man, coming south. With a rrible imprecation, Murrillo wheels his horse to the northeast, hoping to avoid a meeting. But the new-comer.also varies the course of his animal, to head him off. Direetly — in the rear are heard the thundering hoof-strokes of La Belle, and the eries of the artist. Capture is in- evitable between the tyo foes, the fugitive perceives, and shifting his )position so that he faces Jerrold, he unslings his rifle and brings it to bear. - But, at this ins tant, his éxhausted beast stumbles, falls upon its kn jes, regains its feet again by a fierce effort, stumbles »nce more, and then goes crunching to the earth, precipitating the doomed rider heavily upon the rocks ia front, stunned and bleeding) __ ; CHAPTER XII, BEFORE THE VULTURE COURT—SOLD, Ere Captain Chris could pp id himself from ~ the saddle, as his dead horse sunk upon the ground, the two ruffians were upon him, and in a moment had him overpowered and disarmed. After that it took but a short time to bind him, hand and foot, with stout buffalo cords. “Devils)’’ cried the surprised ranger, ‘‘ what means. this outrage?” s “To means thot the men, ooking and on leave the object o soon both pursuer and view at the camp, by a broken country. ‘ou are my prisoner,” said one of own into the captive’s face with a hideous leer. ‘‘ Do you know me?” Captain Chris eyed him a moment; then the vision of the portrait in Nesmit’s hacienda rose before him. It was the same as tho fece bent toward him now— this was the son of the colonel! ‘*¥ou are the son of Alonzo Nesmit, are you not?” he asked. , : “The same. Iam the noble fellow he told you he believed to be a captive among the Vultures. Ha! ha ! 3 ib Ea. do you laugh? How know yeu he sold © mae so?” : “Because Loverheard him!” —-- é si \

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- Whe Buffalo Demon. ‘ “hen it was you who owned the human eyes in the Hoe a : e) oF actly; I own the same _peepers you wo have jabbed your knife into. But fortunately I had a pair of glass substitutes ready!” ‘How did you get behind that portrait?” “There is an alcove just behind it, opening into a disused passage. I take the liberty to use this when U see fit to spy upon the old gent!’ “Indeed! Well, what do you propose to do with ne, now that you hhave secured me? “Any more ss you’d like to ask, boss?” vas the sarcastic answer. ‘““Yes—when you reply to my last.” “Wal, I guess we haven’t any more time to con- verse at present, so inhale a little of this perfumery, nd then we'll jog along toward the ‘ Vulture Castle, here his infernal majesty, Cloven-Hoof, is waiting 2 see you.” ‘ : So saying, the outlaw took a sponge which his companion had in the mean time saturated with dloroform, and held it close to the ranger’s nose. shough he did not yield without a struggle he soon save in to the seductive influence of the drug; and Jor many hours thereafter he was unconscious. When he awoke it was with a violent start, and he found himself in a mighty cavern, and the witness of a strange scene—a scene that soon caused him to ae under the restraint in which his bonds placed im. He was lying on a bench, or sort of rudely-con- structed table, and from the position in which he lay could command a view of the whole interior of the cavern. It was a monster chamber, some forty feet long by thirty wide, and as many feet in hight. ‘ There was no visible mode of egress or ea and it would seem a Sheed A how man or beast could be here in the bowels of the earth, Directly opposite, but some twenty feet from where the ranger lay, rose, a long dais, on which was mounted a box-like affair, resembling a palpi. Before this pulpit were a dozen camp-stools, and upon these sat as many white-robed figures, headless, to all appearances, At the further end of the council-room sat a dozen ' Indians, whose hair and crowns proclaimed them to be chiefs. 3 ; Captain Chris regarded the scene about him with exceeding interest. He judged that something of importance was about to take place, but what it was he could not for a moment imagine, and he Soeeuy, wondered what disposition was to be made 0! aes Presently there was heard the tinkle of a bell, and to his surprise and horror he saw the head and neck of a buffalo rise above the top of the pulpit, and the glaring eyes gaze around the apartment. At the same instant while Adams was staring at the frightful object in front of him, a party of four pases entered the council-chamber and drew nigh the pulpit. 3 One was the man who had been with Nesmit at the time of the ranger’s capture. The other three were females—the Murrillo sisters, and Guessie Bu- ra. Captain Chris gave a low cry as he caught a glimpse of the maiden’s face, “ Guessie! Guessie!”” he exclaimed. She turned at sound of his voice, and then as she saw him,came bounding to his side, with a glad light in her beautiful eyes. “You here, Kit? she cried, stooping over and kissing his pallid lips, ‘ * Yes, darling—it would seem su. Jut what means itall? Whois yonder beast behind the pulpit, and what is he going to do with you?” ~N “Ttis the terrible Cloven-Hoof,” replied the girl, casting a shuddering glance toward the Demon-Buf- falo, “and he is about to sell us to those Indian: yonder, for horses and skins!” \ Captain Chris groaned. “Ts there no way you can free me?” he ed at “Once let me get on my feet, Guessie, and I could lick the whole crowd, yon Satanie curse included.” Guess was about to reply when she was seized roughly by the arm and hurried back to where Juez and Nola were standing, F we feverish interest the ranger watched and lis- ened. / The three girls were drawn up in front of the pul- — a and then their outlaw guerd withdrew a short stance. For the e of several moments not a sound was heard in the great cavern, The s in white before the pulpit were motionless; the Indians at the further end of the cavern ceased their jabbering, - and silence reigned eee, : 3 Presently the thing behind the Le gave ini- tiatory snort, and then the following words, in a deep, rumbling voice, rolled forth: “The time is af hand when the fifth monthly ses- sion of the infernal order_of ‘ Vultures’ shall take pes providing the Spirit Brotherhood are prepared or the points to be discussed and argued, for the mutual advantage of the most high order. Are the Spirit Jurors all in readiness?” : There was a heavy rumbling sound like the mut- tered pore of thunder, accompanied by hisses as of lightning flashes, all seeming to emanate from the rock beneath the seats of the silent white-robed figures. The many torches in the cavern appear to flare up brighter, and a Wit ae odor of burning brimstone pervaded the close atmosphere. 2 The figure behind the pulpit soon gave a commen- datory snort, and resumed: “The Spirit Jurors are wise. They are ever ready for the Grand Council, and therefore they please the at Satanus. Before the Bretherhood to-day stand three creatures of the feminine sex, who were captured by the majestic order recently, and pre- sented to their Ruler. But, though he is greatly pci at the gift of his esteemed servants, Satanus as no use for women, and has therefore offered them for sale or in exchange for ponies to the chiefs of the roe od * Several of the same are now present in the Royal Court. Let them come forward and state the sums they would extend for the possession of the pale-— face maidens,” At this juncture the Indians in the further end of _ ‘the cavern drew near, and gazed at the shrinking’ rls, At last one burly chief fixed his gaze upon Gues- sie, and a gleam of admiration flared up into his eyes. “Ugh!” he grunted, seizing her by the arm, “Storm-Cloud, he dig chief. Thirty lodges in him ~ village by Fox creek. He gib ten hosses fur dis squaw.” A roar of dissent seemed to come up from the bowels of the earth. Asteunded at this answer to his proposition, Storm: Cloud sneaked back, and another red-skin took his lace. aa Metomula great chief,” he said, proudly, “an’ ae hoss. He gib hundred hoss for t’ree squaw, * Me gib hundred and ten hoss!” cried the next, bound to outbid his brothers. s ae So the bidding went on, after a lively fashion, un- til a hundred and fifty horses were offered forthe __ three trembling young girls, when the eleventh chief took the stand, a disdainful smile upon his stoical ‘ace, Ke ie he said, with a gesture of disgust toward the other reds—‘* dey no"good. Big Rogue much big chief. Ho been to Great City, an’ see Big Father. He got many iiorses. De squaws must be his. He eth iye hundred horses!” cry of rage wens up from the ten listeners.” a es sneered Storm-Cloud. ‘‘ Big Rogue hig 2. Whvew ne gil de shan; He ly got hundred eewe. odger bundred? Ugh!”

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‘20 . freely over the ia ‘ “Steal um/” was the reply, delivered in such a seriously comical way that even the Spirit Jurors could not restrain a Rain “Good!” nodded the Cloven-Hoof, from behind his pulpit, with an approving snort. ‘Is there any of he worthy chiefs, now, who wish to bid more?” «There is,”” said the twelfth savage, stepping for- ward. ‘Sky-Rocket is not an Arapaho chief, but a chief of the ar Apache nation, who are on friendly terms with the Vultures. .He will offer three hundred ponies for the white squaws!" “Siy-Rocket is a brick,” said the Demon Buffalo, with a snort, intended to declare his satisfaction, *“Now will the other chiefs raise him on that?” The Arapahoes shook their tufted heads sullenly, and retreated to the further end of the cavern. “Very well,” decided Cloven-Hoof. ‘The pale- facé girls are Sky-Rocket’s. Whenever he wishes to depart I will furnish him with animals to carry them to his village. Also will Isend men to bring back the three hundred ponies.” “The Great Ruler is wise. At the rise of the next sun Sky-Rocket will start, for his village is three guns distant, and he must return to his people. But he has yet another dozen horses to spare, and will ive them to the great Cloven-Hoof for yonder cap- ive pale-face dog!"” : Cloven-Hoof retired behind his pulpit for a mo- ment, doubtiess to reflect. But he soon reappeared, and gave his customary ivitiatory snort. _ “Spirits of the Infernal Order,” he said, “you have heard the words of the Apache chief. Are you es a you not opposed to the acceptance of his of- er There was egein heard the rumbling as of distant thunder, which was succeeded by spiteful hisses; then all was silence. - “They have no objections to the offer,” said Clo- ven-Hoof, addressing the chief. Then turning to the arin who had ushered in the maidens, he contin- ued; “You, Aspero, go at once to the band, and tell them of the offer we bave had for the pale-face ran- ger, whose camp lies at the further end of the Phan- tom. Wood. 0, tell them to rejoice and drink fortunately high disposal of the cl ac will net each member a good round sum Aspero bowed low, and in a moment more was gone, having left the great chamber through a fis- sure in the wall. It was several minutes ere he returned, and during this time a strange silence pervaded the cavern. -Captain Chris was waiting anxiously for the answer which was to decide his fate. He knew that if he was taken along with the maidens to the Apache village, he might hope to make his escapes. But if, on the contrary, he was not, either a horrible death or an endless imprisonment awaited him. Suddenly Aspero came bounding baek into the chamber, white and breathless. “The boys say dispose of the ranger as you choose!” he cried—“ but, captain, you are wanted atthe ranch. The member known as King of the Hills, is gone!” “Curses upon him!” roared Cloven-Hoof, savage- ly. “Here, you Sky-Rocket; you remain till I re- turni The scout shall be yours.”’ In an instant the Demon Buffalo had vanished be- hind his pulpit, and Aspero also had disappeared Pees. conlekty enptoadiing Oaptaine Onda, Gk Then, ickly approaching Cap! y SKY: Rocket wn red; ‘ “Sh! Keep quiet. Iam afriend!” CHAPTER XIV. THE RANCH—LITTLE FERRET'S DEPARTURE. Let us follow in the tracks of the mysterious Clo- vem Hoof. Directly behind his aa was a trap-door opening down through the floor of the dais. ter disappear- ‘ing from the view of the prisoners, the strai_e being fi # The Buffalo Demon. pecs up the door, and a dark, narrow staircase, ewn out of the solid rock, was revealed. Following this in its downward course, he presen came to a apartment, similar to the council- chamber above, and which was cimly lit by a smok- ing torch, thrust in a crevice. ~ In this cavern were a number of casks and barrels strewn about; also several fire-places, over which~ hung monster caldrons, were set in the rocky sides of the wall. The further, or northern end, was piled” to the roof with well-filled bags, while in the center of the room stood a tall cask, set on end, which somewhat resembled a generator, There were no persons to be seen about the prem- ises; and so, after casting a searching glance about him, Cloven-Hoof directed his footsteps toward the eastern end of the cavern, where a natural door opened ort upon a large level plateau. From here a marvelous and strikingly beautiful view could be had of a strange and weird scene. Below the plateau, some thirty feet, was a large circular basin or mountain-locked valley, where some forty acres of land lay as smooth and level as. on the great plains. All around towered giant walls of cold gray rock, rising up in perpendicular bodies until they seemed to touch the blue vault of heaven. Not a visible mode of egress from this strange val- iey was to be seen, nor were there ae. of the pre- vious communication of its inhabitants ever with the outside world. Nothing but a wilderness of moun- tains rose like the walls of a living tomb on either side. Directly opposite the plateau, on the further side of the busin, towered a frowning peak, higher by many feet than its neighbors. Commencing atits base, in the valley, and ascending gradually upward, was to be seen a spiral staircase, which apparently had been so form drous hand of Nature. This staircase led to the mountain grotto, where once before we haye jour- - er. own in the valley was a scene as strange as the one presented by the towering mountains—a seene suggestive of the retreat of the mountain outlaw. nexed with the read rge, long, barn-like cabin, built partly of logs % e and partly of adobe nestled in the center of basin, and around this grazed some fifty snow-white ponies. Here and there were flitting. the forms of men attired in the garb of the mountaineer, while at the door of the ranch, as the cabin was called, were huddled to; featured, evil-faced desperadoes. : Pouring down with # musical roar from the south- ern end of the valley, as it came leaping on its down- ward flight over the majestic mountain crags, dashed a mighty cascade, the volume of whose foaming and _ seething waters coursed northward across the level bottom, and disappeared again through a black aperture in the great wall of rock. Drawn up on ore near the cabin was a raft of logs, a flatboat ‘and several canoes. As Cloven-Hoof appeared upon the pa above the basin, a man left the group by the cabin-door, and advanced within speaking distance, “ What is this I hear about the desertion of the King of the Hills?” demanded the Demon Buffalo, giving vent to a horrible bellow and an angry stamp of his cloven foot. ; “Your majesty,” replied the spokesman, ‘‘it is in- deed true, by the great chisel in the won- | ther a motley assemblage of coarse. — he member of our gang you allude tu - pe. = % cannot be found. One of our canoes is Bons and { h doubtless the traitor has long since escaped.’ ““When was he seen last?” “Yesterday, your majesty—an hour befoye the — rt of chiefs arrived.” 7 “Who towed the red-skins’ canoe up through the gorge ” *Myself, your majesty!” “How many were there of them?” “Twelve, your majesty.”” “ Well, this is strange. You are sure .aat Warran i is not in the valley?” RS ote ats: bd Vesyour majesty, We missed him, but ‘thought : Se aap :

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path’ of absence, because we thought you might have him in the Vulture court. But when Aspero said, now, that he was not there, we began to suspect that he had deserted.” And what do youimagine is his object? Where has he gone?” “I know not, your majesty, unless it be to the rs’ camp at the end of the Ghost Forest.” “Hal yes. There he has probably gone. I did not think of it before. He doubtless intends to lead the Government dogs up here to capture us!” “So I believe, your majesty.” - “Well, then, by all the devils, I'll thwart his little game. I'll send the Ferret on his trail. If he could so suceessfully remove the loads from the rangers’ tight under their noses, without being dei ed, I'll wager he can put a bullet through this ac- cursed trattor’s heart. Where is he, Miguel—where is the Little Ferret?” 3 “In the ranch here, your majesty, drinking copi- ously.” “then send him up here immediately. But ho! there, Miguel; tarry a moment. Why are not the . works in operation? What are the gang idling for?” “Your majesty, there is no need of work until we have more tanks. The casks and barrels are “Indeed! This is the order will be growing fat at this rate. When can you be Pin aa Be spose of a cargo, Miguel?” ‘At any hour, your majesty. Everything is in readiness for a start.’ “Well, then, say day after to-morrow, for instance. Start a courier immediately for stations D and E, so that the grain will be waiting your arrival. Hollo had best go this time. I hope, before long, to make such arrangements with the farmers around Zossei, as will facilitate the earlier transportation of their grain. But now, away, and send Ferret!" Miguel turned toward the ranch, and when he had disappeared Cloven-Hoof sat upon a rock near the edge of the plateau, and gave himself up to reflec- tion. Not long, however, was he left alone, for soon there was a footstep, and Aspero came forth to the Demon’s side. “Hal my worthy prime minister,” said the crea- ture, giving an approving snort, ‘‘ we bid fair to over- haul this traitorous King of the. Hills, yet [ am about to send the Ferret after him!" a * What! the little Dutchman?” ‘Yes, I believe him the shrewdest man in the val- ley to undertake the job. His success in unloadin the rangers’ rifles has fixed him strong in my confi- dence. He’s an odd one, though!” “True, and I should not care to let him go too far away. He might desert.” J “T have no fear. But here he comes.” ‘ood news. The treasury of A man had clambered up the ledges to the plateau, and stood close by, as if waiting for orders. He was a stout, Ling h little German of some fort; years, with a little ullet-shaped head, a roun glossy face, and a form both corpuient and dwarfish. is eyes were black and brilliant, and they, tegether with the general expression of his flo counte- nance, gave him a sharp, cunning but intelligent look. In the Vulture stronghold he was known as Little Ferret, but his real name was Hans Vonderberg. ‘Ha! said the Demon Buffalo, with his custom- ary snort. ‘Ig the Ferret ready to leave the Valley of Vultures, in pursuit of the King of the Hills?” **Vat vor you vants me todo?” queried the Teuton, ‘eyiag the horrible object before him narrowly. “I vants do kno’ dot, before I answers your kweery.” “JT want you to go immediately to the rangers’ eamp, where you were day before oe > und -see if the missing man, Warren, is there, and if he is, you must shoot him down, without hesitation!" - “Datis goot,’’ nodded Little Ferret, Spprovingly: “) shudes him so quicker as vat nevar vas. Shall I sdarts right avay off, all the vile?” _ “Yes, go at once, and hurry back as soon as you _ Mepatch your mani” : The Buffalo Demon. 21 The man bowed, and then turned and clambered down into the valley. Ten minutes later he ap- — peared on the river-shore, and shoved one of the canoes off into the stream. : Then he sprang in, and the two watchers on the cliff-plateau saw him drift rapidly to the north and soon disap , like the seething waters, through the black aperture in the bottom of the wall of rock. “ — CHAPTER XV. OFF FOR THE APACHE VILLAGE. As soon as he was out of sight, Cloven-Hoof turned to Aspero, and said: “You may go, minister, and see that those ruf- flans do not get too drunk, down there. We ma, need every man, soon, for if these rangers shoul earn our hiding-place, it would be easy work to sur- round us, with such directions as yo Warren can give them. How many hands have we now, Seventy-six, your majesty, not counting the In- aithreads, who are continually soaked with whisky, and unfit for duty. There are twenty of them, I believe. But, captain, I fail to see what good these vagrants are to the Order. Also, there are thirty of the whites who are drunk nearly all the time. We derive no benefit from them.” . “T know, Aspero, it seems so at present. But, hark z? it would take another small lifetime to ‘break in’ a set of men, who would fear and obey — me, as those wretches do. Though of but little use now, we know not how soon we shall be in need of their services, to defend our retreat, Indeed, I fear ~ the day is not distant, when we shall have to dis- — band, and flee to better ‘spheres, sublime.’ There- fore, it behooves us to work while there is a chance. Miguel informs me that a cargo is now ready for the ‘shove.’ I think we had better not operate any more, then, until we see how matters eR Le Count, my epest at Station J, along the Rio Grande, says, in his. Jast dispatch, that his ex-clerk has dis- covered a capital place for a retreat, owes Roe Union Pacific. It is within reach of several thriving vil- lages, where we could make an occasional swoop, — and also dispose of our juice.” re “Indeed! Well, a gr it is for you to say—not — me. Bnt it seems like folly to give up this place, _— when.we have just got nicely settled here!” ney “Yes, that is true. But let us talk no longer, See— to the men down there, and then pre re yourself for along ride. I desire that you shall accompany Sky-Rocket. to his village, and bring back the horses _ to Station E. The agent there will take charge of them, and dispose of them at the best advantage to _ the overland trains.” Sesi? ‘‘ And who shall I take with me, captain, to help?” “T care not; any of the band, except Miguel. CRE. must remain to keep things straight at the ranch.” Aspere bowed, and then left the plateau for the valley below. ‘ soon as he was Fone: Cloven-Hoof re-entere the cavern, and ascended to the council-chamber. The moment his terrible head appeared above the top at tis pulpit, Sky-Rocket, the Apache, came for- Hs ward, * es “The Denion Buffalo is great, and Sky-Rocket — would like to tarry i within his stone tents,” said the chief, graciously. ‘* But the wiser finger of his nature points tow: his far-distant village, and bids him depart. He must go. Does the great, Clo ven-Hoof object?" : ay “Not at all,” replied Cloven-Hoof, “Let Sky- Rocket wait here, and the Demon Buffalo will sen two servants to guide him from the Vulture Valley, and accompany him on his journey.” = Then the strange be’ was gone, in a flash, as. before, and a half-hour rolled by. At the expiration: of this time, the prime-minister, Aspero, & pee in the chamber, coming. from the fissure. He was followed ty a burly ruffian, whose features at @ deckared him to be a Swede.

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ii day before, _ took the lead, and the Swede brought w . is _ that not a 22 ** Are you ready?” demanded Aspero. __ once reJeased Adams’s feet, and then signi- fied his readiness to depart, Sy) re-entered the fissure, followed closely by the Swede. Sky-Rocket bade the girls to follow him, and Captain Chris to follow them, while he brought up the rear, Thus the party proceeded. The fissure had been hewn out by the hand of man, evidently, and led to the cavern below. In the course of ten minutes the whole party were in the basin, below the plateau. Here Aspero and the Swede launched the flatbeat, and the four prisoners, Sky-Rocket and themselves were loadedin. An extra man was also taken along to tow the boat back into the valley, as soon as its cargo was disembarked in the outer world. Ata given word the moorings were cut, and the park with its human freight shot off with the rapid current toward the north. i Soon the aperture in the base of the mountain was ‘reached, and the boat passed into a little tunnel, where the light of day never penetrated. was su intensely black, and the boat leaped on with such velocity, that the prisoners held their breath in awe and anxiety The channel was barely wide enough to admit the ee de of so large a craft, and the two outlaws had watch narrowly to keep it from grating on the rough, rocky sides. Suddenly a flood of light burst upon the scene; the momentum,of the race lessened, while the boat shot along upon the level of aless rapid run of water. They were still underground, but now and then a bar of light streamed down from an opening in the rocky ceiling overhead, showing that they were out of the mountains. For perhaps a mile further the subterranean voy- age continued, and then the boat suddenly shot out into a large basin filled with water—a picturesque little lake, in a low valley fringed with trees. - Toward the northern shore Aspero and the Swede propelled the boat, and were soon alongside a small plateau of rock, or natural wharf, The whole party, save the man who was to work the boat back into the Vulture Valley, now disem- barked, and Sky-Rocket went off in the motte of cot- tonwood ‘for his horses, which he had left there a e soon returned with six wiry mustangs. The ladies were mounted. Captain Chris was now al- lowed the free use of his arms, but was compelled to ride with the girls, while Sky-Rocket and Aspero the rear. When all were mounted and everything was in readiness, the Apache gave the word and the caval- cade dashed off toward the north, They soon left the timber and galloped out across a level stretch of prairie, and Captain Chris saw that they were on the western side of the water-course, about ten miles from the rangers’ camp. On looking back toward the mountain he perceived 3 impse was to be obtained of the location of the robbers’ retreat. Naught but a majestic mountain towered up in the distance, its peaks stretching far up toward the blue vault of heaven. As it was well into the afternoon when they left the Jake, but a comparatively short distance was traversed ere night fell with its hovering shadows, over hill anddale, | During the rapid ride, Captain Chris managed to keep up a conversation with the young ladies; but when the camp was pitched for night he was separa- _ ted frormn their society. Out of his saddle-bags, Sky-Rocket brought forth a plentiful supply of dried venison, and a hearty meal was made therefrom, by all. $ _As Aspere insisted on standing guard the fore part of the night, and the Swede the latter part, the chief, was compelled to yield, though it was with bad grace. The maidens were given blankets, and «as the night ‘as warm no other covering was needed, the soft grass serving the purpose of a.bed, At the com: The Buffalo Demon, ee mand of Sky-Rocket they lay with their fases turneg, down to the ground, . His explanation was, that as they were unaceus+ tomed to sleeping in open air, they were liable to catch a severe cold should they lie on either their sides or back, 5 are here let me say; that this bit of information applies to all who visit our great West, and ‘sleep ex- posed to the night air, In summer nights the hun- ter may lie in almost any position without catching cold, if he is accustomed to roughing it, but in the damper months of spring and late autumn, the pos: ture of the general plainsman is invariably flat upon the pec with the face turned directly down: ward. - Experience will soon teach one the choice of posi- tion. And, too, wken"you lie with your face down- ward, and your forehead pillowed upon your arm, your sleep is less sound, more refreshing and benefi- cial, while your hearing is doubly acute. Ca Chris was bound, hand and foot, and hauled near where the chief was to lay. Then, after Aspero was posted on duty, Sky-Rocket and the Swede flung themselves upon the green turf, and silence reigned in the camp. Fs The night passed without incident, and early in the following morning the cavalcade resumed the seu northward. : All da; t nightfall y long they galloped on, an again went into peat § Aspero stood yon until midnight, when he was relieved by Sky-Rocket. Soon after, the loud breathing of the outlaws pro- + claimed that they were sound asleep. Going to his saddle, the Apache chief took out two fe lariat from the bags. These he dexterously fastened around the feet of both Aspero and the Swede, with. out awakening them, Then leading forth a spirited horse, he secured the other ends of the lariats to tha animal’s nigh hind leg near the haunch, and thrust ing a cactus-stalk under his tail, calmly awaited the result, ‘ : CHAPTER XVI. A PRISONER, Ar the rangers’ camp, the rangersand the Navajo Indians were anxiously waiting for the return of both Captain Chris and Jérrold, the artist. fe BED the latter was nothing to them, they took an interest in his welfare, and were anxious to know whether or not he had won the wild race, — ~ As to Captain Chris, there was not a heart that beat beneath the buckskin hunting-shirts of the sturdy whites, that did not beat truly for the gallant ranger chief. They all loved bim as_a brother and leader: and would have willingly fought till the last to shield him from death, The Leopard, in fact, regarded him as a brother, and now, as another nicht began to cast its somber shadows athwart the earth, he became uneasy. pe ye what,” he said, solemnly, ‘“ T jedea suthin’s the row. Captain Chris’d neverstay erway frum hes brood o’ chickens thes long wi’oyt cause, Hither he’s run afoul sum dumferned snag, or else he ain’t, an’ I dunno w’ich. W’at’s yer viewon ther a Jack?” ? Old Jack ruminated a few moments before he re- plied, in the mean time keeping a “‘ weather-eye out ”” upon his watchful spouse, Peggy, who, to use his own words, “stuck clusser ter him than ther ha’r ter er mountain-devil’s tail.” ' “Dunno!” he said, knocking the ashes from his pipe, meditatively. sel’. Ther varmint as ’d shute, er utherwise mawl- treet ther boyee c’u’dn’t hev no more stumake then er ’Pash; which they hain’t got none ertall!” ““Celestyal Singers! no! Ther ’Pash ar’ ther or’- neriest uv all or’nery yowlers frum ther West Pole ter ther eckquater. Ef I war er kannybull, an’ didn’t hev nor better wittles, I'd like ter engwage my services ter ther guyyerment in er Injun-eatin’ kaye UT ken’t quite swaller et all my- f |

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The Buffalo Demon. pacity. I'd luy nuthin’ better nor a fine, fat Pash, wi’ smoked Komanch fur side dish, ye kno’.” “Talk ‘bout coyote fude!” said Old Jack; ye jess orter sock yer fangs onter my Peg, hyar. Ther hain’t er tuffer peece o’ humen clay thes side Noah’s Arck, an’ I'll wager er plug o’ dog-tail thet ther tooth nevyar war invented w’at kin peerce her skin. Ther kannybull w’at gets Peggy fer er meel ’d better eet her er day er tew afore he goes ter sleep, so ’s he ken hev ample time ter suggest her. I’d hev guv her ter ther coyotes an’ buzzards long ergo, ef et hedn’t h’en ’s I know’d et would_extarminate ther hull caboodle er chawin’ her. Why, boyee, even wen Luste to go an’ spark her, afore we got con- sollerdated, w’en I’d go ter try an’ kiss her, her hide war so tuff an’ strong thet I culdn’t make ther leest impreshun!”” “Thet’s nuthin’,”’ replied Lije, disdainfully, “I once sparked er Crow squaw, w'at war so ene tnet w’en I slapt my lips ‘gin’ her cheek they stuc! thar tighter then a ten-scrude vise, an’ ther ole cheef hed to hitch on twenty mustangs ter each on us tew pull_us apart!” : ee | gy up,’”’ sighed Old Jack, hopelessly. ‘TI thort I war purty goode on ther elongate; but skulp me ef ye ain’t ther infernalist liar I ever did run across!” “'Thet’s nothin’,” laughed Lije; “them’s mere], ‘acks | Wait till ye heer me teller good squar’ yarn, ‘hen ye ken talk ]” Jes’ don’ tell ef now,” observed Circus Pete; “but look yander. Thar kums ther fotygraffer; he’s got the Greaser "cross his saddle-bows, too/ b Jerushy! Yes, an’ thar’s ernuther feller tong wl him. Look!” Two men were approaching the camp, mounted on horses, One was readily recognized as Jonathan Jeriah, the artist. Before him, across the neck of his scrawny horse, he bore the body of a man—the Mexican alcalde. » The second horseman was mounted upon a superb animal, but was unknown to the rangers, The twain galloped leisurely along into camp, and Jerrold was greeted with rounds of applause. “Bully boy!” went up fromthe red-skins as well as the rangers. “J kno’d thet beest of yourn war no slouch!” sa- luted the Leopard, ee 2 _ “She is a good. courser, is Za Belle,” said the ar- tist, smiling. “Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Colonel Alonzo Nesmit, of Zossei!l” “What! ther feller as the capten hed the letter to?” asked Lije, excitedly. “The same, He assisted me, in one sense of the word, in capturing this senseless villain here!’’ * But the capten; whar’s he?’’ demanded the ran- gers, eagerly. : “*Gaptain Adams left my hacienda night before last.” replied Nesmit, ‘‘ with the intention of com- ing back to camp. He explained his haste by saying that he felf he should soon be needed here. i8 morning I concluded to ride over this way and see how you were getting along. On the trail, not far from Zossei, I discovered his dead horse. There were numerous footprints close at hand, which led me to believe that your leader has been surprised and captured.” An’ by whom?” queried Lije. “The outlaws, doubtless, The tracks bore the im- press of boots!’ A cry of horror escaped the rangers’ lips. “ Cuss the luck; et’s nuthin’ more’n I. expected!’ growled Lije, “‘an’ now, the devil ‘ll be to pay.” While he was consulting with the men, who had gathered argund him, Colonel Nesmit and Jerrold ismounted. The senseless alealde was securely bound and left in the care of the former, while Jon- athan once more mounted Za‘ Belle and struck off to the south, for the purpose of bringing his schoon- erinto camp. He returned in the course of half an hour, and somewhat startled the camp with the de- @laration that he had seen a form skulking in the shadows of the dead pines, and also that his schoon: er had been plundered of its contents, even to the howitzer and photograph apparatus, Grizzly Len and Alaska at once volunteered to Hatt ae es os isles for the enemy, and they soon u off. Darkness had now settled thickly over the earth, and as there re no prospects of having a moon until nine o’clock, Colonel Nesmit suggested that a fire be kindled. “ Nix!” said the Leopard, authoritatively, ‘nary er smidger. Efthar’s enny o’ ther sneakin’ Pash about 23 they'll find us quick ernough, nevver ye feer, wi’out — our sere ther way fur ‘em. Hey, thar, Jack-ay 3 s'posi’ ye ante-lope erkross ter ther other side 0 ther ully hya, an’ see how things luke thar. Thar moug’ er passel o’ ther imps o’er thar now fer what I kno’.” Old Jack, too, soon disappeared in the pall of gloom, and the rangers in camp waited patiently. Sitting Wasp roused all his warriors and bade them make awed were, they needed no urging. for a fight, and savage as they An hour passed, and the camp was wrapped in si-_ : lence. All were waiting and listening. Not a sound was to be heard save the low whistle of the rising wind through the Phantom Forest. Lije glanced toward the east ever and anon un- — easily. It was time the moon should arise; but al the thick shroud of black not the first heralding flush of its b Elagorster ey was visible, “What time is it, do ye Jerrold, who had crept to risin’ time, eh?” By pressing the face of his watch close to his eyes, the artist declared it to be exactly nine o’clock. Half an hour followed but ho moon shed her rays upon the scene, “Thet settles it,” whispered Lije. ed up, an’ a starm °ll be on us soon—a rippin’ torna- er “T believe it. And during its fu ect an attack,” replied Jerrold, ‘if there are In ians about!” “Past moon- *Sh—!?? Both became silent as death. There was a sarin = the grass directly ahead of — them. What caused ‘Some one was creeping down upon them, CHAPTER XVII. PERRET—THE TORNADO—APACHE, BITrh i “Sa—!” again cautioned the Leona ashe laid ie See to one side, and clutched the haft of h nife. Nearer and nearer came the sound of rustling — TASS. : Then for a few moments all was quiet. ‘ “Ye swerve ter ther rite,”” bie a re Lije, placing | his knife between his teeth, ‘‘an’ I'll ante-lope off to ther left. Don’ ye make even er squeak 0’ noise, an’~ we'll surrotind the varmint!” “Et ar’ cloud- — we may exe — Karect!” acknowledged the ranger; “but listen, — e % ieceet he inquired of is side. E 3 a : Jerrold ‘obeyed, and crept away with the stealth — of a cat. For perhaps ten minutes he wriggled slowly — on; then believing he had gone far enough, he stopped and listened intently. . or At this instant there rose high and loud on the night, the distinct sound of voices, in excited versation, : ¥, * Ouch! ouch! Oh! Gott in heimel; vat vor youso — mooch bull mine hair. I vas no Injing; so don’ you vas pe so yast. Quch! ouch! leds me go, I dole you, or I vill yell like dunder!”’ i “Whoop!” roared the stentorian voice of thedeo- Soiee “so I’ve cotched ye, hev I; ye little kicker con- Varn ye ter kim prowlin’ eround our camp, I will! Skin my teeth, tho’, Ye. skunk, but ye’re an — odd sliver frum ther block. Kim erlong hyar, re ‘and. let’s inspeck ye. Ravers ahe’d thar, strike er lite; ; I’ve got er Dutch red-s! oa ‘hen followed a kicking and thrashing noise, ins

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24 The Buffalo Demon. termingled with furious curses, as the Leopard drag ged his victim back toward the camp. : a artist also turned his steps thitherward, eagerly. bit of vesguas or dry punk-wood was ignited, shaded by the rangers’ caps, and held close to the prisoner’s face. The light thus afforded, enabled all to see that he _ was a white man—a burly, muscular little fellow, ~ whose face at once proclaimed him a German. “Ouch!” he gasped, as one of the rangers acci- pe eed the flaming end of the torch to touch his nose; ‘tot vas ash bigger shame ash I don’ see pefore vorsome dime, You gapdtures a pce veller; poods mit der rips, an’ pull him py der air, ant den purns der eent off of his nose. ot vor you do dat? I vosno hog! I knose ven I vas got ernuff}’? “Wat in ther name o’ ther thirty-’leven conster- lashuns 0’ stars, ar’ zo snoopin’ eround_ our kamp fer, then?” demanded. Lije, drawing the back of his knife-blade repeatedly across the Dutchman’s fore- head. “D’ye perseeve thet I’ve an orful antippithy erg’in’ thet ha’r o’ yourn? Better speak out then, Who you war?” te ‘“‘Leedle Verret,” was the sullen reply. “Whar d’ye kim from?” ““Robper gamps.”’ ; “Hey! ye don’ tell us! » ter do, jes’ now?” “See off Villip Varren vash in der gamp!” * An’ who’s he?’’ “He vas von mon ash deserted !’’ “Ha! boyees, we’ve struck er big mine hyar; Ce- lestyal Vocalists, yas. I say, ye Dutch skunk, hes yer robber band got any prisoners?” : i + >. Wal, w’at war ye goin’ Little Ferret shook his head. ““Don’ vas kno’,”’ he replied. “Don’t, eh? Wal, all right. “wanter take et?” “Dake vat?” asked the Teuton, in surprise. ‘Death |’ was the stern reply. - *Ouch! ouch! you no vas goin’ der kill me? Dund- _ ter, you vas vorser as der Injings. Oh! don’t gill -me, mishdter! I vas nodt ready do die. Ledt me liff, Now, w'ich way d’ye ““Perzactly! Ther further we can git outen ther” track o’ thes er’ tornader, ther safer we'll be, fur et ar’ goin’ ter_be a ripper, an’ ther. trees an’ stuns wull fly hilter-skilter. Ha! hyar kims ther b’yees, now. Let’s see w’at they say.” As he spoke, Grizzly Len and Alaska came hurry- ing intocamp. They were quite out of breath, and not a little excited. “Pash!” gasped Alaska. ‘‘All around us, thicker’n hornets,” coincided Grizzly, taking out bis knife-blade, which was drip- ping with blood, ‘“ We'd better kerflummix outen thes, quicker nor lightnin!” “ But how can we get out,” asked Colonel Nesmit, “if we are surrounded?” “Hev ter make er rush fer et!’ was the grim re- ply. ‘We've got ter chews atween thet an’ fightin’ six hundred red niggurs. I say git /”’ “So do I!” joined in the body of the rangers. “-@it’s ther word!" “Which way shell et be?’ asked Len. “Bast, on course!” decided Lije. ed bs heap wrong!” now put in Stinging Wasp, who had_been a silent listener. “Best go west— north, Ugh!” “Vike thunder we will!” ejaculated the Leopard, sharply. ‘‘D’ye s’pose we're goin’ ter face er rip- roarin’ tornader? Not muchly, ef I kno’ mysel’!”” “Wagh! Ingin kno’ heap more dan pale-face "bout big wind. Go south or east an’ ’Pache light grass, an’ fire chase you. like debbil—run_fast like white lightning—no git out ob its path. Go north; ride slow through tornado; be all right; wind blow dirt one trail, and ’Pache no follow; go west, de same!” “By ther Celestyel Singers, Injin, ye’re er ma- sheen-mannyfackterd brick, 0’ dubble-compresst axun!”’ cried Lije, seeing the wisdom in the chief's words. ‘We'll foller yer directions. To hoss, all hands, an’ we'll cross ter t’other side o’ ther gully!” As La Belle was yet harnessed to the ‘ schooner,” it was proposed that the two prisoners and Jack and Peggy should accompany the artist therein, while the remainder of the party, being well mount- ed, should lead the way. Everything was soon in undt I vill fight mit you, I vill giss you; I vill do any- dinks, radder dan I vash to die.” - Will you show us where we can find these out- saws?” demanded Colonel Nesmit. “Yaw! eae I shows you vare 8 ioe ae if you _ vas no gillme, Idakes you do der Fuldtchure Fal- ‘ helbs ‘Ae vite midt der robpers. I vash no ike ‘ém, J gill em so quicker ash dunder!” ‘All k’rect; we'll see ’bout thet, byme-by. I oe ce aati said Lije, “we shel hev ter tie ye ‘up “Yaw, I don’ vas gare so long ash you vas not gill me,”’ was the reply. _. Accordingly, the prisoner was securely bound, and left lying near the spot where Jerrold had deposited y “'How’s ther ley?” asked Lije. : “Bad,” was the answer—'‘buzzin’ bad! *Pash Vother side, thicker’n frogs in er swamp. Creepin’ up, eesy-loike. ’Pash up nor’, in ther water-course; -’Pash up nor’, on this er’ side on it!” a eas eager Is it possybul we’re surround- ed? * Peers ter me thet way, Grizzly Len and Alaska vit “No. Not er squeek.” “Reckon they’ll be insoon, then, fer ther’s a high - old tornader brewin’!” _ * What is best to do?” asked Jerrold. “Pl tell ye my ijee,” replied Jack, as he listened oa for a moment to t side Tew Suter yolume of ~ wind, which came whistling down from the north- west, and gave an uneasy glance around him. ‘I 3 opine we'd better scoot, jes’ as fast as we can,” Reoot™ echoed the others. Pele much, Heerd from readiness, and the strange caravan began to toil cautiously down into the channel and up to the banks on the opposite side. Fully an hour was consumed in this operation, when a consultation was again held. By this time the booming roar announced that the tornado was close at hand. “Kit’s goin’ ter be er snizzer, tho’! observed Alaska, meditatively, “Yes!” replied Stinging Wasp; “there will be heap much blow.. Navajoe no afraid of tornado!” “Now, I'll tell ye w’at I speculate,” said the Leop- ard. ‘I’m a natteral-born wiggler, an’ I propose thet I stretch my prone ties out erkross thes prai- rer, hyar, an’ see how cluss ther reds are, before I leed ye inter a bumble-bee's nest!” “Wagh! yes,” assented the chief; ‘that is good. Den Leopard come back, an’ Stinging Wasp ridé fast, down to the Apache, an’ tell ’um dey wanted up north—dat pale-face escapin’ dat way. Nava: joe lead ’um good way off; den slip away an’skedad: dle back to pale-faces. He! he! Fool um big /” 5 ‘But, are you not afraid of being discovered?” asked Colonel Nesmit, anxiously. ‘ Will not they find that you are not an Apache?” *“Wagh! no! Navajoe dress much like *Pache. | Stinging Wasp kno’ ’Pache tongue. He fool.um much heap!’ “Then,” said Lije, ‘‘let’s ter bizness. Hyar, Cire ~ cus; jes’ hold my hoss, will ye?” poise Pete took the rein of his mate’s horse, and slip- ping flat upon the ground, the agile ranger crept away through the pall of blackness, With anxious hearts the band awaited. his return. The Econ ss ou ee me ounaee Fp came greater eyery instant. e trees b ithem creaked and groaned, the gale howled and shriecked =

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j farjously among the crashing, weaving and snap- ping branches, while a Z pats avalanche of dirt, up- rooted grass, sticks and gravel came hurtling down from the Northwest. - Ta ef all this, waited our friends—eagerly, ex- ntly. In fifteen minutes the Leopard came skurrying up. : R *Pash off thar—ha-If m-m-ile!’ he gasped,wiping the dirt from his eyes. Like a meteor, Stinging Wasp shot away to per- form his part. An hour passed; the tornado raged with fierce Sys still the chief came not. ark! A wild penteeoue of yells from afar soe yells!. Has Stinging Wasp been discov- ered? CHAPTER XVIII. THROUGH THE SNARE—FERRET’S STORY. No! not discovered; for at that moment a_horse- mag aaah wildly up; he was the daring Navajoe chief. 3 “Ugh! come!” he cried, exultantly; “me fool um heap big. Dey mile off dar. We get through ape ‘fore dey come back! Wagh! ride much ‘ast!’ He then wheeled his foaming horse toward the west, and led the way, followed closely by Lije, his rangers and the tribe—Jerrold bringing up the rear with his loaded schooner. JLike the tornado that rushed fiercely down upon them, the caravan dashed on, the yells of the be- trayed savages sounding nearer and nearer. Stinging Wasp held his way, silent and grim, and it was nof till full three miles had been compassed that he drew rein. . “Wagh!" listening to the awful Spin Boa boom- ing of the gale; “much hard *nado. Much blow! ind gettin’ bigger! Ugh!’ ““Zactly!” responded the Leopard. “ Et ar’ ther » dum-kussedest gale I ever see’d—er regylar nor’east yolcaner 0” blowitiveness!” “ Not nop soon.” declared the chief, anxiously. “Blow all p ight. *Pache close behind. Ugh! wait! Navajoe fix em!” ’ What was'the ranger’s surprise to see the red-skin then eekly: dismount, “What now?” he demanded. “Wagh!” responded. Stinging Wasp, with a chuckle. ‘“Ingin and Devil Snakeafter ’Pache. Dey no like him. Dey run, but he run faster. He cote um. He tickle um legs, and make um dance the death-dance. Ugh!” t Quickly drawing one of his pistols the chief hur- ried to the rear of the caravan and discharged the weapon down into the grass. In asecond a bright spiral column of flame flared up, which, on being fanned by the furious breath of the tornado, instant- ly developed itself into a sea of crackling, hissing, roaring fire, and was soon borne on southeastward, a gigantic sheet of awful flame. - : “Whoop!” yelled Stinging Wasp, full of glee. ‘Rangers wait herer Navajoe be back soon. Ugh!” And with another cry of triumph the savage _ dashed off in a direct northerly line. Every few moments they could hear the report of his revolver: then would come leaping southeast- -ward a giant ocean of rolling flame. In an hour fully two miles in width of furious fire was sweeping down across the prairies, toward the old water- course. ; ba : Shrieks from the tortured Apaches rose high above _ the boom of the tornado of fire. ; The savages were truly caught ina trap. There -was no use of trying to escape. The flames had burst like an infernal sea upon them; they could not escape the mereiless tongues of fire in flight; they could only fight fire with fire, until a horr'! came © their relief. . : : 1 On rasked the hurricane of destruction, like the ked garments of a demon, ea os eS, Pee ~ z “ ¥ : he Buffalo Demon, ble death. From their ition the rangers watched the grand = awful sight with feelings of awe and of pity for — e doomed wretches within that path of death. : Already the fire had reached the channel, ane 3 swept across to the further side, in mad pursuit Z the red-skins beyond. : The tall, bare, dry trees in Phantom Forest loomed _ up like speeters of wrath, as they, too, became wrapped in a fiery winding-sheet. . Far away, growing more distant and indistinct surged the pursuing scourge, while the shrieks and howls of the Apaches became scarcely audible. In the track left behind by the fire was a black, charred waste of smoking debris and ashes. pert ‘When he had set the fire as far as he cared to, — Stinging Wasp returned to where he had left the — caravan. “Wagh!” he said, with a chuckle of triumph} = a dogs no like Devil Snake. Dey get bit! he! e! he!’ ; “Ye guv ‘em er blizzard they won’t be likely ter disreckoleck fer er wile,” replied the Leopard. “But, wat now? W’at ye advise war best ter do — at present?” : “Go on furder,” said the chief. ‘* Git out of smell, Den camp. *Morrer, go wid Dutchman, an’ scalp robbers! neo “Good. It shall be as 7 say. But, hold up erbit. — Le’s see ef all hands are hyar. alive an’ kickin’! “9 A roll-eall was the next thing in order, andit was discovered that all the rangers, as well as the Na- — vajoes, were present. z en Stinging Wasp led the way on in a westerly — course, while the cavalcade brought up the rear. =) “Wuldn’t.keer ter ‘ve bin in them thar ’Pash’s gaiters!"’ remarked Lije, as he galloped alongside of — the chief,‘ Reckon ’s they thort fryin’-time hed er- rived. Ther varmints got in ther same fix w’ed ‘ve bin in ef we'd gone east. Ole hoss, we allowe our lives ter ye; d’ye perseeve et?” it 3 “Ugh!” grunted the Navajoe, grimly. “ Stingin, eT Was en fool. He see long way ahead!” et “Yas, ye must hev eyes like a tellerseope. Thun- derashun!” ee: This exclamation was caused by the violent rear- ing of both the Leopara’s and the chief's horses. - Hasty examination disclosed that the y bad arrived on the banks of a small lake, into which our two friends had almost urged their animals, “Wagh!” said Stinging Wasp, dismounting. “Camphere. Plenty grassand water. Timber yon- der to right. No Ingins. Good place to ¢ igh! 2 - Soit was decided to stop there for the night—what — remained of it. ; : or The animals were watered and tethered out to — while a rousing camp-fire was kindled on the _ lake-shore. ; er The warriors set to work with their hatthets, and out of the branches and poles in the adjacent wood, — constructed several rude lodges for the oecupaney of the squaws of the tribe. While this was going on the Leopard and several of the rangers started off in different directions in search of game, and Sting ing Wasp made a circuit of the beautiful little shee of water. He was highly pleased with the surroundings, and at once decided to build his village in this seclude spot. Tide and the rapgers each returned in the cours of half an hour, bearing portions of recently kill deer, which had been driven into a quagmire by the — furious tornado, and held close prisoners. ee: Soon after the camp was wrapt in slumber, for the might was nearly spent, and it was desirable to ob: tain all the rest possible.- Cee, In the morning Stinging Wasp declared it his tention to build his village on the site of the present camp. and he set his braves to work at manufactur. ing canoes for the lake and lodges for the prospe tive x orning meal Little lerret was = ive town. . After the m

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26 The Buffalo Demon, _ out from the schooner inte the presence of the ran- _ better ash dot. vat ers. ar Now,” said the Leopard, “ we're reddy fer yer assistance. Ye kenshow us whar therrobbers’ camp The Dutchman took in the surroundings at a glance. “Dundter!’’ ejaculated he, as he saw the lake lying ‘before him, ‘you vas gum der te righd sbot. Dis lage vas vere ve ee vrom der robpers’ gamp!”’ Frum therrobbers’ camp? ‘Splain yerself. W’at d’ye mean?” “You berseve dot exgayashun, ofer dar’, eh?” queried Ferret, pointing to the black hole in the dis- tant bank. “Vell, dot vas der blace vere vrom all dis vasser vas gum. Dere ish Kn underground shannel vat runs vay pack ub hillindo der segrit falley. Vender robpers vas vants der gum oudsider, a gots demselves inder er neat vat ish viat, and vidtes vite away town indo dis lage!” “Indeed!” said Colonel Nesmit. “Then is there no other way to penetrate the outlaws’ quarters?” ‘Yaw, dere vas von odder vay, but you vas no Sonsey It pe inter der ghambers op der Gloven- oof! “Then, ye Jedge ye’kin ram us up through thet ar’ Renee: hey?” asked Lije, meditatively. “ Nix!’* was the a8 “ Shust you lisdens, unt I dells you somedings. Vash you dink ash vat all dem roppers unt oudlaws do, peesh roppin’? Dundter! den you vas all misdagens, Vash you dink dot dem Gloven-Hoff pe a teyfel? Dundter! dod you peesh misdagens again. Vas you dinks you go ride oop mit ter falley, andt lick all off dem robpers so easy ash vat you drink viskey? Dundter! den you vas more misdagen prefore. Yaw! I speaks dhru. » “Off you lisdens, I dells you somedings vat you don’ know; so help me!_ I vas peen von robper sinze der Ep vas organized, Von veller zoomes do me mit St. Louis, von day, und says he, * Vell, m: good vriendt, how you vas?’ ‘ Burdy sny,’ shaagat how vas yourself?’ He tole me ash how he vas goot- er as goodt, undt dells me ash how vas I vant de mage somedinks? I say ‘ Yaw,’ an the toles me vat if laggompany him, he giffs me finfen-swanzy tollar a veek, do make dundtar! I agrees, unt he prin me up yonter mit de moundings, ant I vind myse in one pig falley, locked in mit der beeks, vere dere peesh lots off men, in gaverns magin viskey /” “What!” exclaimed Colonel Nesmit, excitedly, “whisky ?* “Yaw. But lisdens vat I say. In von pig cham- per apove der vone vere dey mages der visky, vash ey gall agourt-room. Here vash der gwarders r Deemons Pufiler, or der Gloven-Hoofs, ash dey gallhim. He has glothes ofer mit deir men vat manyfacgtures der visky ish von Tuyfel, and dot dem vellers mi ofer mit der headts pe sbirridts vrom Burgadory. But dot vas noddinks more ash hoompug. I knows I von day dook von peek into der ourt-room, unt I see’d dem. vellers unt der Puffler lakes der dings mit der headts off, undt I see’dt got von lod off vellers, mit eadts, undt he mages der pa ash he id der glothes - dot dey vash noddinks more ash men, like any- » lo _) von leedle pell, in mine cel skedattles out mit der ranch, avraid ash ter poddies. ‘ * Vell, efery vonce in von long vile der vellers vat mayes der visky dey go oop mid der gourt-room, unt Aspero—dot’s der Brime Minishder—he buys ’em off midt goldt furdeirlapor. On such oggasions ash. dese, unt all odther oggasions off imbortanze, Aspero eks me up mit von cells under der blace vere der airite sit, in der shamber pelow. Den, ven der Puf- flor bull vat gommunigates mit I mages dundter on von ig pase-drum, shust so hard ash I gan, unt hisses oe Dem _ shakasses off distillers, de under unt blifzen glose afder dem, undt tuyfel von leedle aig ) ‘ ige von nk it is off dem Puffler an’ sbeerits!”’ = Here the Dutchman broke into a hearty laugh, in which the rangers joined him »2 “Bow about the Phantom Cortege and the De- an z ‘ mon Buffalo who gave us a visit the other night?” asked Jerrold, “Dem vas Gloven-Hoofs unt his sbeerits,’” was the reply. “ a dink dey sgare you, so much ash never vas, t dey pe ’fraid mit your guns; so dey sendt me down mit your gamp, unt I wi, glet oop unt dook der bullets out mit your guns, right unter mit dot drapber’s nose.” And there the German gave Old Jack a comicat glance of disdain. “That settles who tampered with the weapons!” said Jerrold, are “Tt doubt not that you have all wondered who am—supposed that there was something behind all my outlandish ap reaen You have then conjectured rightly, and I shall pres ently come to coe in'a new light. But, Dutebman, you intimate that these outlaws are running an il- lett distillery, in connection with their robbery raids, e “Yaw. Der robper pizness vas _ontly von plincd/t, Ven der Vuldchurs mage a raid ondo von goot setule- mendts, unt der Gloven-Hoofs grates der beeples so vorser ash never vas, id vas ondtly vor do greate von sensadion, so dot der settlers vont nodice noddin *poudt vat loads of grain are pein’ drawn down dis vay vrom der upber sedtlemendts py der agents off der ban—”* ‘Sh—!" here interrupted the Leopard. sping Ferret by the arm, excitedly. ‘“ Celestyal ingers! look! thé robbers, by thunder /” CHAPTER XIX. THE WHISKY RAFT—BLOOD AND VICTORY. He pointed across the lake toward the black aper+ ture in the opposite shore. A canoe had drifted therefrom out upon the surface of the lake. Not a person was seen to occupy it, and yet it was suspected that there were outlaws concealed in the old. * Nix!’’ said the Dutchman, after surveying thelit. tle bark for a moment, “‘no robpers in dot poat. Id peesh der von dot I used ven I gum down mid der shannels. I leabs him hitched yoost inside der en- drance mid der shannel, yeshterday atternoondt, unt he vash gone eka avay. I gatches him, off you vil pe so gind do gut dese here sdraps ash bind me Ferret’s limbs were at once freed, after which he. Swam out and pulled the canoe in to shore, As he d, it was unoccupied. When the thread of the conversation was resumed, Colonel Nesmit asked: “Now, then, Dutchy, give us your views of how an attack can best be made upon these outlaw: ; do you advise a rush into the hidden valley at once?” “*Dundter, no!’? was the reply, “ untless you vants do pe schopped oop inter sausage- meets shust so — quicger ash vat a tog can park. Derrobpers vas got almost so many mons ash you!” ‘“Indeed! ‘Then what is to be done?” “Listen unt I dells you. Do-morrow or nexed day der gs vill staré von raft out vrom der falley loadted mit swanzy parrels off vis) Tt vill hp down mid dis lage; und you must Le brebared 0 shood efry mon vat is on “der. raft, yich vill ba yrom swanzy to foofsy. I vill now go pack mit der falley, so_dot der robpers don’ ves 90 and git sus- bicious. I vill get all off der vellers drunk mit drugt isky, so dot dey can no vite, fen ven you hafa shuded der robpers ont der raf, you gum up dhru mit der shannels, unt dundter you gills um all se again quicgker as von minnit!”’ “A good (coma said Jerrold. ‘‘You had better urry up to the valley at onca, us you have said, to h ARES) suspicion. If the raff, comes down we will e in readiness to receive it. ‘You think it will come to-morrow?” ; “Yaw; I so dinks, Mf dey do come, id vill pe apout noon.” * Where do they ugwully leave their unlawful poi- son, after unloading {.tvran the raft, and what he — comes of it!” : ge

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The Buifalo Demon, ‘ 37. ard glanced towar’t the Navajoes. heard the song, »..i were baa al “Dey untload i: onto der nadtcheral wharf, town | Quickly the 7 pelow here, un; yon man ish lefdt midt ter visky, | Ah! they, too, h vile der rest ob Jem fee peck mit der falley. Den, | waiting. They had slung their caroines to der man vat’s left, its dill nide, ven vaggons | backs, and were fitting arrows to their. s. Their dey coomes unt dakes Rim do der villages upnort’, | reason for doing this now became obvious. vere “ot visky is solt, unt grain pronene pack do der The arrows would make no loud report, to arcuse lage. In der mornings der vlat-poad coomes down | the outlaws in«the valley. J unt dakes der grain pack mit der falley.” Near and more distinct came the strains 02 song, - “Humph! a nice game these villains are playing. | emanating from the coarse ruffians, who were a T begin to see how if is that liquor is sold/so cheap roaching an unsuspected and sudden end of thar in this part of the country!” said Colonel Nesmit; | Journey. “but [never for moment dreamed that there was an | Nearer—nearer,and then there was a shout, and filicit distillery business behind this Cloven-Hoof | the raft leaped from its subterranean course, and sensation!” glided out upon the placid waters of the sunlit lake, Arrangements were now made forthe departure | with its freight of life, and distilled eee of hell! of Little Ferret, whom all the rangers felt they could There were two score of them—all great brawny trust, . fellows, with bloated, evil faces, wild haggard eyes; He was restored his rifle and side-weapons, which | and each man was in a standing position as the raft had been confiscated at the time of his capture, and | debouched into the little sheet of water. in the course of an hour, he sprung into his canoe, The Navajoes needed no more. paddled across the lake, and ts cage within the rctierales coger the twang of bows resounded mouth of the remarkable channel. ; upon the air, and a perfect cloud of arrows swept At the camp, the rigor spent the day in lounging | down upon t,e outlaws. i about, or assisting the Navajoes in the construction Strange to say not an arrow failed to bury itself in of their village, as they chose, the flesh of its victim. Jerrold and Colonel Nesmit kept a close watch He | of the ruffians fell dead in their tracks, * over the still unconscious alca/de, and with the as- | while the remaining ten, all more or less wounde sistance of Peasy Bulard endeavored to nurse him | and disabled, attempted to plunge overboard and es: back to life and reason, : bape : But the stamp of death was plainly marked upon ut it was a vain endeavor. the man’s features, Like an army of avenging demons, the Nayajoes Whether he would regain strength and conscious- sprung into their mewly-made canoes, and gaye ess again, or not, was an all-important question to | chase. Without mercy the other ten were killed, and _ ferrold and the colonel. two score of reeking scalps hung at the victors’ belts His only wound, resulting from the overthrow | a few moments later. from his horse, he kad received upon the forehead, Flushed at his aerate success, Stinging Wasp then in the region of the temple, and the only wonder was | was about to make a rush up the channel, when the that he had not been killed outright. Leo) checked him. . 3 “He must not die until we can arouse him, and “Wait, Injin!” he said, wisely, ‘don’ ye git toe ake him disclose that which is all the world to us, | rampageous, now. Jes’ wait an hour er so, an’ gi’ ow!’ said Jerrold, as he bathed, the discolored brow, | ther Dutchman er chance ter git ther rest o’ ther while the colonel was forcing a few drops of stimu- | gang chock-full 0’ essence, then we'll ali go!” ‘ tant between the set teeth, The Navajoes acquiesced with ill grace, and the “‘True!” he said, earnestly, ‘To “lose him now, | whole band waited an hour before entering the sub« when we have got him fairly in our power, would be | terranean pass. ually disastrous and disheartening to both of us.” In the mean time the bodies of the dead outlaws uring the day the Navajoes had erected some | were sent to the bottom of the lake, and the raft twenty substantial lodges, and as darkness fell, ini- | towed ashore in the vicinity of the Indian camp. za tiatory camp-fires were built before each, presenting Some time was consumed in unloading the barrels; a strange and picturesque scene, then Stinging Wasp led his warriors into the channel _ Lije and Cireus Pete had been out for a two hours’ | followed by Lije and the rangers, \ % scout, but returned with the good news that no hos- At first a deal of trouble was experienced in brav- tile foes were in sight. ing the mass of wildly roaring waters, which tore Sentinels were posted, and the night passed away | furiously down the great tunnel, without incident. In depth the water reached to the invaders’ arm- _ In the morning active preparations were made for | pits, and it was only inch by inch that any advance ~ the reception of the eapetbed raft of outlaws, under Datla be made. The roar and splash was deafening the superintendence of the Leopard. and the darkness intense. ; Stinging Wasp, with his seventy-five warriors, was Finally, however, Stinging Wasp made the discov- _ conceale slong the shore, on either side of the open- | ery that an immense rope was drawn along the left ing into the channel, and in such a position Phat wall, to which they co id cling and thus greatly fa- they could pourin a destructive fire upon the enemy * cilitate their movements. 2 ¥G the instant they appeared. Advantage was taken of this and the whole party — Lije and his men held themselves aloof, in the | moved on with considerable speed. background, but all were ready for a rush up the | For perhaps two hours the watery journey was ehannel, when the right moment arrived. contmued, when Sud dualy from far ahead, came a Jerrold. Colonel Nesmit and a couple Navajoes | faint gleam of bright light; they were nearing the had decided to remain at the camp, and take no | entrance to the valley. . i > part in the coming butchery. The former were On pressed the Navajoes wildly, eagerly. Brae anxious to be with their prisoner; the latter were The opening into the valley was not twenty rods — left to protect the squaws. . ~ | beyond, when a low “‘halloo” echoed through the Slowly the forenoon dragged by, but no outfaws water-course. It was instantly recognized as the came, Did they know of the trap that was waiti salutation of Little Ferret, and he was commanded = to spring upon them? Had Little Ferret warned | to advance. Inte them? Lije was asking himself these questions, “Dundter!” he gasped, as he dame up. “f vas 2 when Alaska touched him on the arm. dink ash vat you nefer vas comin’, you peesh “Listen!” he whispered. 50 longt. I got dum robpers ali so trunk puz The ranger instant! y obeyed, zards.’ P The notes of a loud boisterous song came floating “Good!” said Lije. ‘* Now wull et be necesstssary_ out from the black depths within the mouth of the | fur ter g’ard this pass?” 5 ohne: growing more distinct each moment. “Yaw! Robpers maype dry on esgape nit dis be ; was eoming! B wbannel. Rangers sday here, uni let no} 78 get Py.

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28 pe sh eed woe eee oe ee eee Yngings go up mit der failey m,_ 2 um robper., Verret show ’em!” : A short consultation was held, and it was decided to adopt the Teuton’s plan, though Tile and his men were as eager as the Navajoes to take part in the coming aftray, Stinging Wasp, however, promised that Cloven- Hoof and his spirit jurors should be taken prisoners, and handed over to the rangers, at the termination of the battle; which somewhat appeased their de- s'¢e to be in at the death. When all this waé satisfactorily arranged, Ferret went in among the savages, and they moved away. With anxiet ty, and fear of the consequences, the rangers waited, and listened intently, each moment, Ere long the Navajoe war-whoops were heard and the reports of rapidly discharged weapons were faintly borne ,in through the long passaze to the rangers’ ears, Then came searce audible hates and death: shrieks; the battle had commeneed! Soon numérous bodies came dashing down against the rangers, but as they were invariably those of dead and scalpless outlaws, they were permitted to rush on, with the wildly roarinz waters. An hour poe and no sounds of further conflict were to be heard. The rangers grew chilled and im- patient in their half-submerged position, and after waiting several minutes longer, they involuntarily moved forward, toward the valley. Near the aperture-exit, they ran suddenly against Stinging Wasp, who was coming to meet them. “Wagh)” said the chief, gladly. ‘‘Navajoe was eomin’ for rangers. Good! Foller Stinging Wasp! Ugh! his braves scalp all robbers. Capture Buffalo Devil and him white-robed dogs. Wagh! come!” And he turned, and led the way into the Vulture Valley. CHAPTER XX. : RELEASED—JOYFUL RECOGNITION—WESLYN. Wn must now return to Sky-Rocket’s camp. When the chief stuck the prickly cactus stalk under the animal’s tail, as a natural consequence, that tormen- ted creature gave a snort of pain and terror, and sprung away. Then it became aware of the load attached to its leg, and growing still more frightened bounded off madly over the prairie, uttering savage sereams and shrieks, of a character terrible to hear, On, and away tore the frenzied beast, dragging its freight of human lives, over rocks, into yawning arroyos, over ragged crags and through streams of muddy water—away! away! seemingly gone per- fectly mad, ? The howls of the helpless robbers rose loud and high above the vicious screams of the horse, and awakened the four prisoners in the camp, exciting them to the greatest pitch of surprise and anxiety. Soon, however, the wild sounds grew more and ‘more indistinct, and finally died out altogether. * What is it?” asked Captain Chris, as the cunning chief advanced to where the prisoners stood, ‘* Those were the most frightful howls and screeches I ever Ustened to!” A merry laugh burst from the Apache’s lips. ““Wagh!’” he said, drawing his knife and cutting the ranger’s bonds; “the outlaws are kissing the rairie, like the morning dews, Danger gone. Pale- ‘ace and squaws /¢e!”" A glad cry escaped the lips of both the maidens and Captain Chris. “Who are you?” demanded the ranger, grasping the chief's hard, and shaking it heartily. ‘‘You told me in the cavern that aoe were a friend, but I know rot yet to whom I and these young ladies are indebted for our release!” : -__ * Warht!? was the reply, in a cold tone; ‘ Sky- Rocket is a friend. Let that suffice till morning, when ill will be explained. The pale-faces must _ now sliep, for we shall ride many miles on the mor- row, Vg __ Without more ado the savage threw himself upon (dae ind axd left the others to do the same,which Snitaas Dem sm -* S28 a they goon did, anc in Yew moments wae 19mp wae once more wrapt in silence, All fell asleep except Sky-Rocket, He was awake and watchful; and as soon as ho was satisfied that the others slumbered, he cautious- ly arose and stole from the camp. On the prairie, half a mile distant, was a buffalo-wallow of water, and to this he made his way. When he left the wallow and returned to the camp, all that was left of the Apache chief was the garb. for his face was as white as that of Captain Chr s, the paint and stain having been removed by free sy toes hee of water. : e proceeded to kindle a small fire of dry weeds, and cook a few slices of dried venison over the flames; and by the time morning dawned, and Adams and the girls awoke, he had the breakfast all prepared. Inez Murrillo was the first to awaken, and es she gazed around her, and her eyes fell wpon the face of he man by the fire, she gave a wild, glad cry, sprung to her feet, and rushed toward him. He arose with a pleased smile, and extended his open arms, into which she flung herself, eagerly. ‘Inez! are you glad to see me?” he said, caressing her sop “ Oh, Philip! yes—of courseIam, Oh! I am so glad—so glad)” $ “Tid you know me, dear, in my Indian guise?” “Indeed, no! You looked so different in the Apache dress and hideous paint, from what you did when you visited usin the grotto. But I began to suspect a little, though, yesterday.” ‘“Humph! I flatter myself I fooled Cloven Hoof and his gang preety nicely!” laughed the King of the Hills; ‘though I must admit I trembled when in the council-chamber, lest I should be detected. It wasa wonder that I got away as easily as I did,” By this time Captain Chris and Nola and Quess had awakened, and were approaching—the two beautiful maidens leaning on the ranger chief’s arm. As the eyes of the captain rested upon the hand« some face of Phil Warren, he uttere prise, and drew back sternly. “You here, man!’ he exclaimed, his countenance Sonne white and red by turns. ‘What means his intrusion?” : Warren came forward fearlessly, and extending his hand, said: “Sir, you have but to touch m explain—all, to your satisfaction, I doubt not.’* Adams drew back, and refused the proffered treaty disdainfully. “Back! villain!” he cried, bitterly. “I would as soon touch a serpent. You are a traitor—worse, a murderer!” “Nay,” replied the other, calmly, “not a mur- derer.” Listen to me, Kit Adams, and you.shall hear all—all, as true as the God in, Heaven bears me wii- ness. ’ “Thirteen years ago you organized a ranger band up in Montana, out of The most reckless.and daring spirits on the wild frontier. You led them into the midst of Indian warfare, and won for them and yourself a name that is never to be forgotten by the old settlers of that region. Among your band was 4 dashing young adventurer named Phil Warren, whom you loved as a brother, and who loved you in refurn, until the crisis came, when a coldness sprung up between you and me. That crisis was this: Boys, in fact, as we were, we both fell in love with an old trapper’s daughter—sweet Eva Leigh. Yours was an infatuation of-youth—mine was a passionate truth of adoration, “Jacob Leigh, although a rough old trapper, had spent years in the | mines, and had buried iG beneath his cabin an snared! quantity of the pre- cious metal; a fact whieh reached the ears of another member of your band, who had but recen'ly joined it. This gold was the root of alleyil, p ee me—you she respected, Her father “na r > s or a cry of sur-' hand, and I will -

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a ten — Fort i end nothing but the truth. 3aid, huskily, the tears standing in his eyes. _ bovch wrong. Poor Eval It ‘The Buffalo Demor. ted me, for some reason I could never divine; ie, on the contrary, he fairly worshiped you, and determined that Eva should becom« your wife. “A coldness sprung up between us on Eva's ac- count; that you treated me insultingly, you cannot deny; that I returned fire for fire, I w/t not deny. ees you declared me no longer a member of your band, and bademe clear out. It stung me to madness. I was reaay for anything; the clevil was at nand to tare advantage of my condition, “His agent, Siaso Dreka, the new member, came to me and told me he had a band of outlaws close by, and they were going to attack Leigh’s cabin; if L would join, Eva should be mine. I jumped at she chance. “The attack was made. I got Eva away in safety: the outlaws got the gold, and murdered Jacob Leigh, I fled with Eva down into Kansas, and there we were married, **But the fates were against me. My little wife died, and I was left alone—a fugitive fror: justice; for you had set the hounds of the law upon my sqiok, telling them I was the murderer co: Jaco Leigh. Soon after this I met Siaso Dreka in Zossei. Here I found that he was not Dreka at, all, put Alf Nesmit, the son of a leading citizen. “THe told me of an enormous project he had in view, and under penalty of being delivered up*to justice as a murderer—for he had the evidence all against me—I was compelled to eee to join his future band—ay, to swear it, as [ hoped to be saved from the fiery pit of hell. “T was then permitted to go free, till the pee was in working order, but I was conscious of being constantly watched by the spies of my evil genius. “T roamed around for years—here, there and everywhere. I was like a wild man half of the time. At last Lentered the service of Alcalde Mur- rillo, as a confidential servant, and I learned many secrets of his black life—one of which relates to Miss Bulard, here—and in the bargain fell desperately in tie with Inez, who is here beside me, my promised dride. “When the Vulture band was thoroughly organ- ized, I was captured, taken to their retreat, and again forced to swear an oath—a horrible oath, of years’ servitude in the interests of the order. ortunately, I did the terrible commander a valu- able service a short time ago, and he declared my Sworn ten years of servitude should expire two months hence. When that time arrived, had I stayed in the valley. I would doubtless have been compelled to repeat the oath. But I did not stay; I longed for freedom. “After the attack was made on Los Des Pumas, and Inez and Nola were brought to our retreat, I re- ~ solved to escape, and take them and Miss Bulurd with me, “You know nearly all the rest. Cloven-Hoof had sent couriers from the valley to the Indians, offering for sale the maidens, and requesting a visit, I knew of this; I slipped from the valley. waylaid an Se Apache chief, donned his garb, bought you away from the Arapahoes, and now I've set you free. “Tam done, sir. You have listened to the truth, i Here are my pistols, Kit. Iam a traitor, as you say, but not a murderer, Shoot me, if you like; T'll offer no resistance.” _ Captain Chris sprung forward—sprung forward ot to touch the extended weapons, but to clasp the Aher hand of his former mate, and shake it heartily, “TI believe you, Phil, old boy; I believe ea C) were both wrong, then, Phil; I for treating you like a dog; you for betraying your trust, and putting the stain of suspected crime upon pone name, We were : is perhaps well you took her from me, _I find, since meeting my darling Guessie, here, that I never-before knew what it was to really love. Forgive me, old boy, as I freely do are you, and let us once more be brothers, as of i ‘ bers 6o ‘The next instant the two men were locked in each cther’s embrace, and they wept tears of joy and gratitude. Many, them, were the scenes that were rehearsed of olden and the congratulations offered. In fact, the m ing had well advanced, and the meat done to a crisp, ere a thought was entertained of eating, so great was the joy in the little campy” eee, Guessie and Inez were supremely uy v in the society of their stalwart ranger lovers, and Nola would have been, hinted Inez, had Lieutenant Wes. lyn, of Fort Griffin, been present, ; At last the morning meal was dispatched, and {hen Warren declared #t the best plan to go directly back over the course they had come, for at least a mile; then strike across to the water-course, and pursue it southward, unti] the rangers’ camp was reached. Captain Chris agreeing, the whole party mounted, and were about to dash gayly off, when Nola descri a horseman spurring down toward them from the northeast, The little band waited, and soon an officer of the lieutenant’s rank galloped up. He proved to be the betrothed of Nola, jolly l'’om Weslyn, all the way over from Griffin, to visit his darling, whom he was calculating to seek out, at Los Des as. Thus thé cavalcade was made complete, and right merrily they dashed off over the prairies; the ring- ing er ge now and then, as they galloped alone, denoted better than words could express that were elated in spirits, aa CHAPTER XXI. THE DEATH CONFESSICN—STRANGE DISCLOSURES, In the little mountain-locked valley, the rangers beheld a strange and startling sight. Bodies of slain and scal; outlaws were strewn about over the level, and the earth was literally soaked with human blood. Here and there lay a Navajoe warrior, where he had fallen, at the hands of the enemy. Savage-faced and grim were full three-score of Stinging Wasp’s band, drawn up in military line on one side of the valley, their belts loaded with reek- ing scalps;_ their whole demeanor indicative of triumph and Ag Under guard, in front of the Indians’ lances, cow- red the frightful Demon Buffalo and his spectral pirit Jurors, _ They had been surprised and captured, uninjured. “Have ye smotched ’em all?” asked the Leopard, “save them prisoners, yander?”* “Ugh! yes. Navajoe gat ‘cap many scalp. Lose only fifteen braves. Wagh! let the rangers come. Stinging Wasp will show’m roynd,”” Then followed a thorough inspection of the out- laws’ stronghold, It was found Chat there were numerous caverns and chambers in the soft limestone mountain-sides, besides the council room and the apartment beneath it, all of which were in most const. at use by the illicit distillers. Their capacity for producing illegal whisky was found to be somet ing immense, u Large quantities of the requisite machinery and mere for manufacturing the liquor were found, — an it was discovered that a perfectly-working dis- tillery had been running for months in the hills, while the country was being excited to a high pitch of superstition over the doings of Cloven-Hoof and his Vultures, «/ho,-when questioned, acknowledged that their raids throughout the settlements were merely tlinds, to keep the settlers from divining the real intentions and operations of the brotherhood. All the upper settlements within a radius of fifty miles were kept constantly pence and the rev: enue taxes were saved by the Ordcr, to say nothing of the great proit realized from the whisky Itself. Several thousand dollars were unearthed from the floor o¢ the court-chamber, at the sungpeticn of Li tle Ferret, ond when the rangers had ascertained that remained to be known, it was prope ors to the camp on the lake-shore. 4 a ye PS Oe ee,

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\ ‘30 As the Dutchman understood managing the flat- boat, the prisoners were loaded in it and started off down the.channel under a strong guard of Nava- logs, while Stinging Wasp and the rest of his band, ogether with Lije and the rangers, brought up the fear. Camp was reached in due time, and Colonel Nesmit and Jerrold were apprised of the raid into the Vul- ture stronghold and of the discoveries made there. The former was considerably interested, as he was in the service of the Government, and noted down all facts deemed worthy of notice in a report he in- tended to submit to the higher authorities. As it was growing dark, it was resolved that noth- ing should be done with the captives until the fol- lowing day, when they would be duly tried and treat- ed to the full code of border justice. They were consequently placed under a strict guard of Navajoe braves, and preparations for the night were made. in consulting with Colonel Nesmit, the Leopard decided to turn over the illicit whisky to Stinging Wasp for bis share of the spoils, while the raugers kept the gold as their booty. ‘he liquor was received with many thanks by the old chief, and he proceeded at once to deal it out with a liberal hand to his warriors. As a natural con- sequence, they got ingloriously drunk in celebration of their recent victory, The night passed away, and in the morning ar- rangements were made for the trial of the captives, But, before the hour arrived for said trial, consid- erable excitement was created by the awakening of the alcalde, Conales Murrillo, who clamorously G5 manded that all the camp should assemble atoun his death-couch, as he had a confession to make, to which he wanted all to bear witness, This request was of course obeyed, and the ran- gers and Inc when standing, as it were, in the presence of the grim monster, Death, they, as of one accord, felt somewhat awed and impressed. Tae dying man was lying on a bunk of leaves and moss, near the lake-shore, which the skillful hands of Peggy Bulard had fashioned out fer him, and he was very white and ghastly in appearance. Plainly on his brow was stamped the signet of death. He appeared to be in full possession of his mind and senses, and when the crowd had assembled close by he turned to the artist, Jerrold, who was kneeling by his side. ‘Arthur Trevor,”’ he spoke in husky tones, while the tears came to his eyes; ‘lam dying—dying, and with my soul burdened with crime, I know not how I will bo received in the next world; Idare not think of it. For hours I have been conscious, though if/was unknown to you, during which time the good and bad of my nature have been each struggling for the mastery. Thank the Lord, the good has triumphed, and I shall make to you disclosures of my past life, cost what it may, “Listen to me, Arthur Trevor, and you, Colonel Nesmit; listen, and remember each word that inter- ests you; for my moments on earth are numbered, and I shall speak direct to the point. “T will go back, Arthur Trevor, to those long agone days, when we were young college chums at Harvard —true and inseparable friends, devoted students, and wild harum-scarvm fellows, the pet of the la- dies, and the pride of our class, Those were happy days, Trevor—perhaps the happiest days that either you or I have ever spent. “Tt will commence with the time when we both loved a beautiful belle of our set—an accomplished, pure-hearted and winning maiden, whom all loved— whom we worshiped. e - “She was a prize, was Aileen Le Clercq, and you won her—won her fairly, I afterward found, but at - the time Iwas mad over my defeat, and believed you - to be guilty of all imaginable crimes; cursed you and _ her; cursed my own friends and my God, all alike, do my insane fury, Mic z ndians alike drew respectfuity near; for | The Buffalo Demon, 4 - “Then and there IT began to wade deeply into crime and wickedness. Iwas utterly regardless as to what stain I oa onto my hitherto good t..me; I sought and found solace in debauchery, and associ- © ated with characters of the lowest stamp. “T was only in moderate circumstances, and, very naturally, I longed for riches. Had I been a million- aire-prospective, like yourself, Arthur Trevor, I, in- stead of you, would have won the hand of Aileen La Clereq in marriage. “As it was, I was a b r; you won her, and I swore I'd have revenge. You married her, and two lovely litcle twin children were born you—a boy and a girl, and both the picture of their angel of a mother. Oh! how proud you were of these tiny darlings, and how devotedly you watched over them! But, you were destined to lose them—to lose all you held dear to you, and that, too, through my wicked- ness. The artist groaned. “At the tims I arrived at this determination, I was stopping at a small squatters’ settlement, on the Missouri river, C@ne black and stormy night, I quitted the place, and rode southward in search of some spot where [ could ae ee twins and rid my- self forever of them, and at the same time put them forever beyond your reach. .“‘I found a suitable hiding-place after hours ot riding—a lonely old swamp on the river-bottom, near which stood a deserted cabin, J tied rocks ta the Nears | of the male child, and drowned it in a ool of still, clear water. The piercing shrieks of he little thing are yet ringing in my ears. I grew nervous, hurled the other child into the water, and fled; heartily: glad that the job was done with. 1% came immediately to Texas, and wedded a Mexican woman of wealth. : : J “ She was the daughter of an-old Spanish alcalde, and it proved a fortunate match for me. Two chil. dren were born us; one a dark-eyed little girl, the image of its mother; the other, a genuine counter- part of the old Spanish don. hated the- youn: imp from the moment my eyes rested upon it, an resolved. rather than to rear it with such a feeling, to dispose of it. “Yes,” resumed the culprit, “through my wick- edness I obtained a sweet revenge when you least expected me. ; One day, Isent youa telegram from a distant town, purporting to come from a relative of yours, and requesting your presence immediately, as your cousin was dying, You flew off on your mission, I was at hand, and of course called upon your wife. She at first received me cordially, but when I pro- osed that, she should fly with me, to some distant and, she treated me asa vile thing to be spurned from her path. SSE ror enraged; and in a moment of terrible ury, killed her—ay, killed. her, Arthur Trevor, | and when you returned from your wild-goose chase, rou found your loving wife a corpse, and your twin abes gone! E “Probably it was the most cruel blow I could have dealt you. Anyhow, it satisfied my truly insane hunger for vengeance. “Tfled; you pursued. I roamed from point to_ point; yous like an avenging Nemesis, folfowed in my wake, Af last you approached so near upon my trail, and the babes were such an incums brance, that I resolved to rid myself of them, and thereby facilitate my chances of escaping your v! geance. ‘ “The chances soon came, ; “Having nothing except. my wife to attract me te Los Des Pumas, I traveled about the country fora aed eat during said time, | met with you, Alonze— esmit. ‘ aes “We went into a speculation and made a deal of money, all of which I fin decamped with—alse facing wet me your coor i pee ee Inez, rn, ft you my i son with my best rx mpects, Whetiler you sought me or not, I (do not: \

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for “Enough it is to say you would prob bly | Instantly the alarm was ever have found ine oa We an boon tanta wd soounted eae beaded by gpiead, and a posse 0 have f “ine t _by Captain Chris, the Leo- CT aetee ace hast ng Se ae | pard, and Colonel Nesniit. Marted in pursuit. The — Aud my children?” eagerly questioned Arthur | trail was soon found, and ina few moments the cay- _ vor, bending forward. = = alcade came upon a man lying face downward inthe | — “And “my daughter?” echoed Colonel Nesmit, | grass. He was rected by Colonel Nesmit as Alf, — y eee - eee - the son of Alcalde Murrillo, and by Adams, as the ¢kly smile lit up the visage of Conales Mur- | counterpart of the portrait in the ‘esmit haciend: % ; 3 \ He was almost dead, having failen in his attempt our daughter, Nesmit,” he réplied, ‘tis living, | to e{cape, and run a lance he had stolen through his nd was borne off a prisoner by the Vultures at the body, = pea me of the attack on Los Des Pumas, together with He revealed enough, however, to satisfy the ran- iy own daughter, Nola, If you find them, will you | gers that tt would be useless to pursue his come for her as [ have kindly cared for your child?? ious, as they had scattered—never again to wil,” replied the colonel, tears filing his ey: unite. Before he expired, he confessed that fo - “Tf God allows me to find them, I will treat your | years he had been associated with a band of th child as my own!” ; z sharpest rogues he could find in Eastern cite ae ‘May Heaven bless you!” sighed Murrillo. that it was he who had pecnsies the Cloven-Hoot, gut, what of my children?” cried the artist, im- | which had created such a sensation ail along the iently; ‘you Lave not told me of them!” border. oaees eae a ruel ‘T have not, because I would spare you - i ‘ ee Alcalde Murrillo and his sinning son were both | hur Trevor drew a long sheath-knife from in | buried in one grave, on the banks of that picturesque © er his clothing, a determined fire gleaming in his | little Texan Jake. : : cee eae i The whole of the distilling apparatus used by the_ Then you shall die, as did my poor, beautiful | Vultures was destroyed, and Stinging Wasp moved | mfe and children,” he exclaimed, fiercely, and he | into the little mountain-locked valley, where he still ned forward to do the terrible work, lives with his tribe, a peaceful and respected chief, — Hold! hold, thar!” shouted old Jack Bulard, ex- | in the full possession of all that can go to make a tedly; *‘don’t kill him yit? Jes’ hold on er bit till | red-skin happy—freedom and plenty of whisky. platterete!” = A week r the strange revpion on the lake- | n, with his wife on his arm, he drew near, and } shore, a _merry little party set out across the plains, rough, homely manuer of speech, related the toward the Eust. = - ecurrence of seventeen years before; all about the They were 2 jolly company, and prominent among nding of the babes in the swamp; how the female | them, we might mention the Leopard and his ran—) had been reared by them to womanhood; how they | gers, Captain Chris Adams, and Miss Bulard. or Tre. ‘ound a singular birth-mark on the dead infant, | vor, as she is now called, Philip Werren and Miss _ the magnificent Iccket on the little girl, Nesmit, Lieutenant Weslyn atid -affianced, Mr. and | Arthur Trevor put pis knife. Mrs. Jack Bulard, and two very happy elderly gen- | ‘**And this female child is living?” he demanded, | tiemen, named, respectively, Nesmit and Trevor— | y fully. : Se formerly the eccentric Jonathan Jeriah Jerreld, | Ay?” cried a yoice, back of the crowd, where a artist. BT] ‘fittle party of horsemen and women had all the Also, in their midst rode the sturdy little German, | “while been attentive listeners—‘“and here she is— | Little Fervet, eI eee ate all of us!” The journey was made without ineident worthy of | len, when Captain Chris and Guessie, Phil War- | monticn, anc at last the ao brought up in Austin, and Inez, and Lieutenant Weslyn and Nola rede | Here, Warren and Weslyn inked their fates with | ut into the scene, the surprises were complete. those of Misses Nesmit and Murrillo, and an elegant ie rangers se to greet their captain; Mr. | wedding they had. per ‘frevor received bis Jong-lost daughter with cpen Captain Chris and his affianced, however, pos! more pain,” was the reply. “‘ They are both dead!” Arte — arms. and Colone! Nesmit caught pretty Inez to bis poned their wedding a few months, on account of ~ breast, while No-a Murrijio tearfully knelt beside the | some 1 al affairs in which the handsome rangel became involved; then they too were wedded. Lije, the Leopard, is now in command of * Invincibleg,” ~ dying clealde, who sue had never known really was ~ her father, he having given her and Inez to under- _ stand that he was simply their guardian, or foster- it 3 Long and rapturous were the greetings, and well 1ey Might be, for even in the presence of death, all 1€ whites assembled on the shores of that lone hitle -e felt in their hearts the true gratitude and ‘toy THE END. THE ‘When quiet was restored. and the ehout hte of the risoners, the ae 1 Datta keorn. By Thomas Moore....-..0+00+ 10 2 Don Juan By Lord Byron. <.-...sceceesossees 06 8 Parapiss Lost. By John Milton,............. 10¢ 4 Tue Lavy or THe Lake, By Sir WalterScott.. 100 z es Near where they had stood, lying upon the ground, ‘as the explanation of the mystery of the Demon iffalo, or Cloven-Hoof. = - It was a buffaio’s head, dextrously hollowed out, 80 :to fit down over the head of an ordinary per- mn, & long, thick and sweeping mane of hair serving conceal the connection at the neck. By. the side of this lay a pair of spangled .pants, and a pair of hoes, the latter being manufactured out cf painted desther, and closely resembling the toofs of a ~biffalo, being cloven, and fringed-with hair: | : T of & bad m ) 6 Unvine; or, THE Warer-Srini. From fi German of Friederich De La Motte Fougue.. 194 For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postage paid on receipt of twelve cents for single numbers, dout ] -| mmabers twenty-four cents. ADAMS, VICTOR - CO., 98 William street, New York, __ wach for the ingenuity man for a

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BUPPALO BILL Novels inthe DIMB LIBRARY $2 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; or, Life and Dove in a. Frontier Fort, By Buffalo Bill, hed : " ft i ve be dd : "tts The Doomed Dozen; or, Buffalo. Bill, Chief of _ Scouts. By Dr. Frank Powell. {> Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead-Shot. A Romance of Buffalo Bill’s Old Pard. By Col. P. Ingraham, 4% Wild Biil’s Trump Card; or, The indian Heiress, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 43 The Pilgrim Sharp; or,The Soldier’s Sweetheart, By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout and Guide. $19 Wild Bill, the Whirlwina of the West. By Buf- falo Bill ®9 The League of Three; or, Buffalo Bill’s Pledge, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, w7 The Wizara Brothers; or, White euver’s Trail, By Buffalo Bill. 2 Tne One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland. By Buffalo Bill. {7 suffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony » Express Rider, By Ned Buntline, #9 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains. By Buffalo Bill, \29 Daredeath Dick, King of the Cowboys; or, Buf- falo Bill’s Darfng Role. By Leon Lewis. 139 The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnificent, By Buffalo Bill. : ‘4 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of the Silver Circle, Rv Col P. Ingraham. 49 Buck Tay.or, the Saddle K ng. By Col. P. Inv graham @2 Buffato Bill’s Secret Service Trail; or, The Mys terious foe. By Maj. Dangerfield Burr. 391 Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, Mustang Madge, the Daughter of the Regiment. By Ingraham J97 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Open- ‘ing es a Lost Trail. By Col P. Ingraham. #10 Buffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Desperado’s Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham. #16 Buffa'o Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or. Emerald Ed of Devil's Acre, By Col. P. Ingraham. #42 Buffalo Bill on the War-Path, By Col. 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Ingraham. ~~ 882 The Thre: Bilis: Buffalo Bill, “\ild Bill and Band box Bul; or. The Bravoin Broadcloth. Ingraham 890 Buffalo Bill's Life-Stake; or, The Pledged Three, - -by Col. Prentiss Ingrabam. 895 Boffalo Bill’s Secret ally; or, The Texan’ Double, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 900 Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders; or, Texes Jack? Sosrp-Shooters. By Ccl P, Ingraham. 004 Buffalo Bill’s Tangkd Trail; or, Gentleman Jack, the Man of Many Masks. By Ingraham, 909 Boffsio Bills Leagne; or, Red Butterfly, Br Col. Prentiss Ingraham. é 915 B ffilo Bi and the Surgeon Scout;or Go wan. ‘0, the R-dskin Rider. By Cul. P. lograham, 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary: or, Velvet Bill's Vou By Col, Prentt Ipgraham, 927 Buffalo Bil’s Buff; or, Dusky Dick, tbe Sport By Col. P. ‘ngruham, 5 936 Buffalo Bill’s Black Pard; or, The Gold Becrwer ~ of the Big Horn. By Col, P. Ingraham. 943 Buffalo Bill's Block Game, By Colonel R, Ingraham, : 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, ~ 956 Buffalo Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes. By Col, ~ Prentiss Ingraham, : 7 ‘ 960 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade. By Colmnel ~ Prentiss Ingraham. 964 Buffalo Bill’s Invincibles, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 069 Texas\Jack, the Lasso King; or, Tha Rob- ney Rangers of the Rio Grande. By ‘Suffale The Dread-Shot Four. By Buffalo Bill, Buffalo Bili’s Relentless Trail. By Cot. Prentiss Ingraham, ¥ Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle; or, The Doomed Three. Ready Sept. 1 ee By Col, ¥. \89 Buffalo Biil’s Marked Bullet. Ingraham. Ready Oct. 6. eae 94 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand. By Col. PY Ink graham, ¢ 000 Buffalo Bill's Grim Guard. By Col. P. Ine graham. The above Dime L‘braries are Wor Saie ay Se » LL NEWSDES” ERS, ten cents per cmp. o ent by mail on at af orice,

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Swart Toasts POR THE Swart See. mS ; * P Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. ag Sewed Book. Up-to- By Mail, Postpaid, I12c. ‘per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED “VIDDISH” YARNS.—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, ete. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence. a FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their Treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS.—Their Romance and Mystery, with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, etc. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introdue- tions, Dress, Balls, ete. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, etc. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; When to Write; What to Write. The above books are bound in handsomely Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. RECIPE BO@K.—For the Parlor, Nursery} ‘oom, ; Toilet, Kitchen, Larder, etc. ; BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, elie perme Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, ete. ; BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and — Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. i THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN ” JOKER.—‘‘ Duteh” Jokes and “Gags” by best ‘* Dutch" ‘’eams on the Stage. “HAYSEED” JOKER.—The Doings of ‘‘Our Country Cousins” in a Humorous Way. : “TRAMP” JOKER.—Good *‘ Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Iintertainers. “COON ” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our “ Dark- — er-Skinned Brothers.” “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- — ties of * Pat’ at His Best. = “VARIETY ” JOKER.—Good Things ftom all the Na-— tionalities: ** Pat,’ Alphonse,” ‘* Haus,” ** Jona- than,”’ ‘* Moses,”’ and ** Ebenezer.” illustrated lithographed covers. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. . BEADLE’S BOYS’ LIBRARY. ; PRICE 5 CENTS PER COPY. 1 Dandy Bill's Doom. By Oll Coomes. 8 Kit Carson. By A. W. Aiken, 4 Lillie, the Reckless Rider. By Stoddard. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Ingraham. 6 Deadwood Dick asa Boy. By E. L. Wheeler. 7 Wild Bill. By Ingraham. 8 The Prairie Ranch. By J. E. Badger. 9 Roving Joe. By A. H. Post, 10 '’exas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick, By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff. 18 Adrift on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W.R. Eyster. _ 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam’s Wild Ride. By Ingraham, _ 28 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. 28 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Pavl De Lacy. By O. D. Clark. 81 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 32 Fancy Frank's Drop. By Ingraham. os 88 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. ees 0. Wiens . ii iz 84 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clark, | 35 Old Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck. 36 The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker. 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By IT’. C. Harbaugh, 39 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Redwing. — 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett, 41 The Settler’s Son. By Edward §. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. D. Clark, 43 Rifle and Revolver. By. Whittaker. , 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By ‘I. C. Harbaugt.. 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh, ie 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, and ‘Tom. By I’, Whittaker. a 51 ‘om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark. a 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 3 53 ray hte the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles orvis. 54 California Joe. By Ingraham. j 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett, 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 7 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. By S. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham, or 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines. By Charles Morris, — 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By ‘T. C. Harbaugh. % 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. Zz 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham, — 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Roger Starbuek. “ 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W, Aiken. wee < s- + 1

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® THE Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! Extracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. In only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a novel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement that will be news to many when it is added that litera- ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, would show but few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest heroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important * * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left far behind in the race, It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks @re so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature fer boys and young men, that thetr position is assured * * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals in the eyes or vhe public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor in the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents Of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new set er cee nre thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call- ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice to them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be- tween them. To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes in- finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direc- tion, it would be cruel to The Evening Sun’s readers to stop, and it Is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. i Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 3 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 3 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger $1 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Déath 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the ae ean 1% Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo v7 Lapis Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gule 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand t9 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross ® Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty % Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Kdge Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve #7 Chip, the Girl Sport %8 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road te Fortune 20 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks a» Praioos Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule 91 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 8% Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick's Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 868 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road’ 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 Derecaxs Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’s ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect- ives 51 See Sates Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sazse- fras City 64 ee Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 379 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.

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Copyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar, 15, 18% vo. 8 v THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO, * r Cleveland, Ohio V ol. T AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICE," "THE DOUBLE DaGGERS," ETC., ETC, ON GAME THE HEADLESS HORSEMEN, HEADED BY THE BUFFALO DEMON. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, i iil = Same er 07 : iy *, .

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opyright 1978-1284, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar. 15, 1909, mr. ‘9 THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO, No. 8 Glevelandic Onis Vol. T ———— “THE BUFFALO DEMON; % moet res BY EOWAKRD EE, WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DGéADWOOD Dick,” “TF# DOUBLE DAGGERS,” HTU,, ETO. 13

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Deadwood Dick} e Library e DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. vo 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road _ # The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude.Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective % The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick's Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 prnhss on, ane Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick 11 on Biudsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to ea 12 prea Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood 18 Buckhorn Bill; cr, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the ’Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane ie Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 7 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gulch 18 "ay the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 ee gaore Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cro: 22. Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 23 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Edged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 Deadwood Diek’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ulch — 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base _ 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 92 Pages. 4 Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest? For Sample Cover See Othen' Side. > 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Jov_ 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadw ood; or, The Picked Party; 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 4 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo ui 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s L Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, ’Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogu: 44 waa oe Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator Gam 45 The Fr: eeatien Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colores 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar- -Coated Sam's C! a 48 Dick Drew, the ‘Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bil the Road-Ag rent 3 49 Sierra Sure, the Detective : 50 gas. Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Dete 51 sierra Sa Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rou 52 The ean Sport; or, Jumbo Joe's Disguise 53 Denver Doll's Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective : 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss — 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Bo: Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick's Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Spo 60 Dumb Dick's Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold eo 61 Deadwood Dick's Mission 3 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy . - 63 T . oer Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa F 64 Colorado 0 Snartie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattil gs