Pluck And Luck (no. 348) (1905 02 01)
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Issued Weekly—By Silseriplion $2.50 per year. Entered os Second Class Matter at the -New York Of Norember 7, 1898, by Frank Tousey. NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 1, 1905. Price 5 Cents. DY PRAIRIE COURIER » ER'S YOUNGEST AIDE. lay by My Moi by (WAM. _ at once mpee noose cast by the red perpen, who had crept up unseen, fell over r her shouldebe The lasso was drawn tight before she could throw off the coil, and she was dragged down.
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i ‘These Books Téll You Everything! _ 4 COMPLETE SET I$ A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! _ Each ‘book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover. Most of the books ate also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any ehild can thoroughly understand them., Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects mentioned. , -_ THESE BOOKS ARE FROM THIS OFFICE ON’ CENTS. POSTAGE ST - MESMERISM. No. 81. HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most ap- oved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of iseases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S., author of “How to Hypnotize,” etc. PALMISTRY. No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of reading the lines.on the hand, together with a full explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, and the key for telling character by the bumps on the head. By Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S. Fully illustrated. : HYPNOTISM. a; No. 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the leading hypnotists of world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. } : SPORTING. -No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete witing and fishing’ guide ever published. It contains full in- ¢raetions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, er with ‘descriptions of game and fish. : 26. HOW: TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully ated. ~ ‘hoy should know how to,row and sail a boat. are given in ‘this little book, together with in- imming and riding, companion sports to boating. _ . HOW ed tess dig IDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.— ete treatise on the : Describing the most useful horses best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for tothe horse. «- ; “! Bra OK ‘YO BUILD’AND SAIL) CANOES.—A handy mtaining full direttions for constructing canoes E TELLING. CULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— A comp’ ge eye DR 4 t man and woman. to all kinds of. dreams, together with lucky “Napoleon's Oraculum,” the book of fate. TELL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of ure life will bring forth, whether panpinee or erty. You can tell by a glance at this little e conyi Tell your own fortune. Tell L FORTUNES BY THD HAND,— fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, 7 the secret of telling future events ete, Illustrated. By A. Anderson. struction for the use of dumb: bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, bérizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations,. Every boy can ee and healthy by following’ ins’ ons 1 f-def@hse k. HOW TO BOX.—The art 0 Chaisiaing in ot. iinstensione. of er or 1 a good boxer. Ev ould obtai these pee instructive books, as it will teach ho without an instructor. ; PA, Le irsctious for elt Mugs oP piisante sports sod ebtietie nptru v ¢ sports an etic ¢ thir*y-fiv i tions. By Professor W. Ma book. \ TO FENCEContaining full instruction for use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best .. A complete book. nog EIEN WITH CARDS, planations of the general princi Illustrated. -ATHLETE.—Giving full in-| © .| By A. Anderso CARDS,—Containing | body SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL PRE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS SEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREE ‘AKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Em- bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il- lustrations, By A. Anderson. No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— Uontaining deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors and magicians. Arranged for-home amusement. Fully illustrated. : MAGIC. No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by our leading magicians ; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, as it will both amuse and instruct. No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of second sight. No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete. No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain- | ing Fhe secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson, vo..70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By Av Anderson. Fully illustrated. No. 73: HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. No. 75. HOW-TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — Containing tricks with. Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, etc? Embracing thirty-six Hlustrations. By A. Anderson. No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART,—Contajning a com- plete description of the mysteries:of Magic and Sleight ef Hand, en A ed many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson. ustra \ MECHANICAL. - No, 29. HOW TO BECOME: AN INVENTOR.—Every boy should know. how inventions originated.. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, pneumatics, mechanics, ete. The most instructive book published. No. 56.,HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containing full instructions how to proceed in order to become a* locomotive en- gineer; also diréctions for building a model locomotive; together with a full Speen! of everything an engineer should know. No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Fuall directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Aolian Harp, Xylo- phone and other musical instruments; together with a brief de tion of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or ir. fimes. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon S. Fitzgerald, wenty Years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. 6. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Cont a description of the lantern, together with its history and invention. Also fall directions for its use and for paintimg slides. Handsomely _ illustrated. en Allen. _ No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing — complet “astructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks. m. Fully illustrated. | LETTER WRITING. : No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most com plete little hook, containing. full directions for writing love-letters, and when use them, . specimen letters for and old. No, 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES —Giving complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; also letters of. introduction, notes and requests. No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.— Containing full directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjects; also giving sample letters for instruction. , ; No. 58. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—A_ wonderful little book, telling you haw to write to your sweetheart, your father, mother, sister, gain Page ness and, in fact, a te and any- ou wish to write to. Every young man and every young A the land should have this hook. o. 74. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS CORRECTLY.—Con- taining full instructions for writing letters on almost any subject: also rules for punctuation and compositien, with specimen letters. (Continued on page 3 of cover.)
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‘PLUCK AND LUCK Complete Stories of Adventure. Tesued Weekly—B seaeertetion $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Offices, | November 7, 189 Entered ‘according - aa of Congress, in the year 1905, in the office of the e Librarian : , Washington, ,» by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Squere, New York. , * 2 - y $ >: No. 348. NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 1, 1905. Price 5 Cents. OR, General Custer’s Youngest Aide. A TRUE STORY OF THE BATTLE AT LITTLE BIG HORN BY AN OLD SCOUT. 2% : 2 is ; CHAPTER I. shirt handsomely fringed and beaded, as were also the outside 4 seams of his leggings. . 4 BRAVE BOY BRINGS GEN. CUSTER THRILLING NEWS. His dark, handsome face was the very picture of rugged health, and his hair fell in graceful, wavy masses from un- 5 Two mounted Indians had halted on the summit of a wood-| gerneath his broad hat upon his ‘shapely ed hill, several days’ journey due northwest of Fort Lincoln,! Ip his hands he carried a splendid repeating. ats in in the Yellowstone country. his broad leathér belt there was a revolver ba hunting-! It was in the spring, and the grass was well up, 80 the|knife | > prairie presented an appearance of the most pleasing char- Suddenly the tall Sioux chief t a. ee oe _ ~~ acter, for the vast expanse of emerald hue was studded with brilliant flowers. ‘The sun was scarcely visible, and through the red glow of _ the dawn the two Indians gazed fixedly eastward. Mie deoe “Wah! The morning campfires of the horse soldiers are = = yonder! uttered the , extending a muscular he the ¥ ed It was one which thrilled him. ' He knew Sitting Bull was the most implacable of all the Indians of the n ; - When the whole Sioux nation gue with the whites, when Red Cloud and Spotted all their braves, had come in and settled on the patting Bull alone held The boy dodged back out of sight, his ng like a trip-hammer with excitement. 5 But he was not discovered, while meat ot the morning fluttered the tl by the warrior who had the redskins continued to ‘ we will go back to Pane At nightfall the Yellow- and: his soldiers will be at the place where will follow the big trail the red ; them on,” said Sitting Bull. and Rain- -Face will keep his oath. He will oy ) morning fires of Gen. Custer’s command which ill ¢ Haired chief!" replied the other, ‘ercely, in | sighted. emt of the two Indians, the follage of a dense clump aa previously Rain-tn-the-Face had been arrested by ; ’ face appeared, | Gen. 8 Orders for the murder of two white men and ‘ween, dark eyes ‘glanced stealthily at the two confined st Fort Lincoln. be OR | The bloodthirsty Sioux made his escape after the general te poston of the odie were such nad etorted « eofeson trom bin, ant he euccte not see their faces. reaching the hostiles under Sitting Bull in safety. ‘ul 3, and t hes it's Yellowstone Jack that ‘ull spoil your plans, Mr. Redskin,” said the boy in the thicket to himself. “Ive Soe, Seater S06 Somt.| shail ontry, tila
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2 THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. J —— he was creeping away toward the animal when a stick snap-| Yet he sought to avoid the approaaching lad by taking a ped under his feet. course at right angles with what the youth was following “Wah! Someone there!” exclaimed Rain-in-the-Face. But the great black horse soon brought the boy up along- And the red fiend made a flying leap into the thicket. He side the cavalryman. One glance at his swarthy face told the alighted very near the white boy, and Sitting Bull came crash-| boy he was a half-breed. ing into the cover after his favorite war chief. “You are one of Custer’s scouts, I take it?” cried the youth. The white lad was discovered. “Yes, me out looking for’‘signs.’ Boy come from West. Uttering a shrill, peculiar whistle, he bounded forward, and! Did him see any hostiles?” responded the half-breed, readily, the great chief of the Sioux nation and his lieutenant rushed but the boy thought he acted nervous and strange. in pursuit. “Sitting Bull himself is in the hills yonder. But what The boy heard Sitting Bull exclaim excitedly, in the Sioux) made you run away from me? You could see plain enough I tongue: was not a hostile,” replied the youth. “The white boy spy must lose his scalp! He must not get} The half-breed mumbled some unintelligible rejoinder. Then away to join the Yellow-Haired chief and tell him the words, he said: of Sitting Bull and his brother!” “Me go on little further.” Rain-in-the-Faace raised his rifle. “Look out for your scalp then—I’m going right on to But before he could send a bullet at the white boy fugitive,|camp!” admonished the boy. the latter sprang behind a tree. Then he wheeled his horse and rode on without halting The whip-like report of his Winchester sounded upon thé until he came to, the picket line about the camp of the troop- instant, and the leaden missile clipped the feathers in Rain-| ers, in-the-Face’s head-dress. The half-breeds were often useful as scouts, and Gen. Cus- “Wah ho!” yelled the Sioux, bounding behind a tree-trunk, a6 Bafa doore'of them with his command. while Sitting Bull sought shelter in the same manner. The boy rider had heard of that, and so he supposed the There came a areaning sound from the undergrowth in the) (oy nmander had sent out the scout he had met. rear of the white youth’s position almost immediately. But no sooner had the youth ridden on, after his meeting He repeated his shrill, peculiar whistle. with the half-breed, than the latter said: And a magnificent black horse dashed to the side of the) «now for the lodge of the white fire-water trader—the lad. The fine animal was the Day, own well-trained steed. leriena of Sitting Bull—I have the news he wants.” “Good boy! Just in time!” cried the youth, leaping into, He pressed on into the wooded hills, seemingly without the saddle, and throwing himself along the side of the noble ¢.., of the hostiles, and as it chanced, he encountered none e: animal furthest from the enemy, he thundered away. of them. “The chiefs fired at ring si ly. the le youth no ee te eahigg oe He had a long journey before him, but at length he arrived ; the I tter bore his young master down the wooded hillside at | at a large log house, inclosed by a stockade. the top of ‘equine speed. - ; : The half-breed had been sighted afar by the owner of the A moment and the black horse and his young rider emerged log-house, and the door opened for the new arrival without _ from the timber. aan by the ranchman. He was a tall, heavily-bearded man, of the 1 . Out upon the open plains the boy glanced anxiously in Barnabas Zadok was the somewhat singular name claimed Were some of the hostile braves of Sitting | White race, clad in semi-Indian costume and heavily armed. band He had made a private treaty with Sitting Bull, and was the friend of the hostiles, with whom he had established. a flourishing trade. The arch scoundrel had also acted as the agent of the Sioux in purchasing ammunition and arms in And he half a1 t ted an attempt would be made to cut s command when he showed himself = Sitting Bull and Rain-in-the-Face quantities, which the government would not have sold to : e any Indian. The white to nothing to indicate the proximity of oth-| A score of border ruffians of the worst type were the handed om hostiles. ; — ' henchmen of the renegade, and they garrisoned the stockade. The Sioux chiefs had lett their horses half a mile away, and| “Well, Saldier Fox, my friend, what news?” demanded the go the white lad had“a chance for his life. While his red foes|refiegade rancher. Were racing away for their mustangs, the boy rode on and| “The white squaw is with the soldiers of the Yellow- on, his bright eyes ever fixed upon the little smoke clouds | chief who are coming. Soldier Fox deserted before day dawn- - which hovered about Gen Custer’s camp. _ ed, taking Ouster's hest horse. The Whisky Chief gave ] When the two Sioux had reached animals and ridden | gold to join the pale-tace as a scout to act as a spy for his m in pursuit of the white lad for some , they saw that it| “Do you mean Custer is coming here—to this ranch after me was useless to attempt to run him down. —with that girl—BHthel Readon?” cried the renegade. ~ E _ His tall, long-limbed black horse was so vastly superior to| “Yes. Custer thinks. but is not sure, you are the man he bestrode by the redskins in point of speed, that he wants for the murder of Paymaster Readon, the white squaw's increased his lead. _ |father, soldier Fox hear Yellow-Haired chief say the white Shell TA Toate iny-thek Puce: oocaltuwnbd “Wap. sqnaw was the only person whe clearly saw fage af the man | snail identify me.» But it shall not he! While that girl lives Hesrappiinsty pik Rigs 8" 35 T love. sy
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THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER, ‘What Whisky Chief do? Me think he no wait for Custer . to come and arrest him?” “4*No. Do you ride at once to Sitting Bull’s hidden camp and _ -then lead your band of the hostiles to steal] the white girl away from the soldiers, and if you succeed bring her to the headquarters of the hostiles, where I will be in waiting. I shall desert this ranch to-night.” “Wah! Soldier Fox will do it, He has white blood in his yeins, but his heart is all red, and he hates the race of his father who left his mother to starve,” answered the half-breed, fiercely. He was given food and drink, and when he had partaken o> of both, a fresh horse was provided him, and he set ont for - Sitting Bull’s camp. _ ‘Meantime, the white lad who had overheard the plot of Sit- ting Bull and Rain-in-the-Face to ambush Custer’s command ' that night, was halted by the first picket of the troopers’ camp who discovered him. _ “I want to see Gen. Custer!” shouted the boy, making the “peace sign” of the prairie as the bluecoat leveled his car- bine at him. “Who are you, and what do you want with the general?” ema ded the trooper. " “T have news of the hostiles, and it’s mighty important.” ' “All right. Pass on.” The trooper lowered his carbine and the lad rode into camp. A trooper conducted him to Gen, Custer. The dashing cavalry officer stood at the door of his tent. Tall; finely formed, with a handsome, resolute face, his fair hair flying to the breeze, he presented a striking picture. Bull’s band. I had to join the hostiles and fight against my at The boy from the country of the hostiles regarded the great] OW race or run away.” ____ Indian fighter with a look of intense admiration. “So you came to me?” “This lad has just come into camp, and he says he brings| “Yes. And when old Wahnatach, my late Indian foster- news of the hostiles,” said the trooper at the youth’s side, as| mother, finds out what I've done, she'll wish she had taken he saluted his commander. my scalp. She gave me more blows than words Of kindness | “Indeed! What news do you bring me?” asked the general, | “WAYS. end I hated her. She is reputed e big medicine wo- ai 1 tly as he turned his fin n| man, and has some influence with Sitting Bull". \ ose Raiden ! m Hse Bino oft ee “You speak the Sioux language?” » ane “Yes.” CHAPTER Ii. THE AMBUSH IN THE GULLY. “The Sioux half-breed must be pursued. If he reaches the® hostiles he will give them information as to our numbers and our plans. My expedition will fail of its objeet, I fear, if Sit- ting Bull hears what Soldier Fox can tell him!” eried Gen. Custer. “How far from camp did you meet the half-breed?” he added, turning to the boy. “Only a few miles.” “Curley, take your scouts and be off after the half-breed deserter at once,” ordered the general. “Wah! Me go! But think no catch Soldier Fox.” “I know the whole Sioux country. Let me go with the scouts. I may be of use to them!” said the boy eagerly, as Curley, the Crow, hurried away to call up his band of friendly Indian scouts. “All right. But a word or two with you first. Tell me your name and all about yourself. It seems strange a mere lad like you should be ranging the country of the hostiles alone.” “My name is Jack Shelby, but the hunters and scouts of the northwest call me Yellowstone Jack. My parents were slain by the Sioux. An old scout adopted me. He had ‘an Indian wife, and the reds were friendly with him. Since I was six years of age I’ve lived mostly among the redskins and the white trappers.” “Where is your foster-father now?” “Dead, and his wife, who is a Sioux, has joined Sitting . —— = a3 “Ola Sitting Bull and Rain-in-the-Face were in the hills up “That’s good. You may yet be very . ‘me, I i n yonder a few hours ago, and I overheard ’em say they me@Dt} .ourier and aide to bear dispatches, and‘@airy orders ge > you to-night,” replied the boy. field. If you wish to follow the fortunes Of this expedition, I @ Shall be ready for the red deyils. So Ratn-in-the-Face will appoint you my aide, and 7 ‘be my Boy Prairie | h the chief of the hostiles? That’ rascal owes me ®| Courier.” } ” : 4 “Thank you, general. That wil just suit me,” replied the — boy, with kindling eyes. 7 ; “Now, I want to question» further. Sitting Bull’s stronghold is supposed to be somewhere between the Big Horn and Powder rivers, far beyond the hills in which you said to Sitting Bull that he meant to kill you.” | Ha, ha, ha! He is not the first redskin Who: pen gene Chat Les -do not fear him.” : following a nlatn tral, made by @ hand of the you not,-general?” the Sioux. Is this correct?” do you ask?” 3 es, general. But little good will that se ticiestien do ax made that trail purposely to lead you ‘toa you yee don’t know the location of the headquarters of the will be a favorable situation for an_ ambush. hostiles more definitely. But I know exactly where the Sioux pur going into chimp to-siigty tial, where 1P8y are massing their forces.” x “Better and better! I want to surprise Sitting Bull. Fou “Bh, what is tt, Curley?” shall be my guide!” cried Custer, enthusiastically. Indian, who served him as|_ “Sitting Bull will have a great army at his back. Al he Y jaune a olga’ to attract the| last few months he has been receiving reinforcements.” “Where from?” . : -breed Sioux, am “Why, from all the large Indian agencies along the Mi e halt rey sure| Where the reds areWed, clothed and armed by the rover r =i enc
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Squads, with two or three ponies apiece, carrying nothing but themselves and arms.” “Have you ever been in Sitting Bull’s hidden camp?” “No. But I have heard my Indian foster-mother—the old @ medicine woman—say just where it was. The old woman did not intend to tell me the secret. I overheard her con- versing with one of Sitting Bull’s runners.” Just then the general turned, as a musical voice from the rear greeted him with a cheerful “good-morning.” “Good-morning, Miss Readon,” responded Custer, lifting his hat gallantly. Yellowstone Jack, who had just been appointed Gen. Cus- ter’s youngest aide, saw a beautiful young girl of seventeen, who had issued forth from a tent near that of the commander. “Is there any news?” continued the young lady. “Yes,” replied the officer, and he imparted the resus sega which the boy had brought him. “Ah! Perhaps this youth can tell us something about the man you suspect was my father’s assassin at Fort onic. ‘said: Ethel Readon. “True, I had not thought of that.” The general turned to Jack and asked: “Do you kiow a man called Barnabas Zadok?” “Yes. He is a whisky trader and a renegade. His ranch is about thirty miles due northwest. Zadok is a villain of the worst sort, and he is hand and glove with the hostiles.” “I have heard of the rascal. You know, Miss Ethel, I mean ‘ to arrest Zadok if you identify him as the man who killed your father. At’ your request I consented to let you accom-| THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. He was really one of the best scouts Gen. Custer ever had. Brave as a lion, cunning as a fox; and devoted to the gen- eral, he was a man to be relied upon always, and Yellowstone Jack could not have found a more valuable friend. The camp of the bluecoats was soon left out of sight far behind the scouts. They saw a fresh Indian “sign,” but the trail of Soldier Fox was more recent. It crossed the trail of the hostiles. At a certain point Yellowstone Jack drew rein and said, as he pointed at the trail, while a perplexed look — upon his countenance. “Soldier Fox here turned from the course, which I believe would have led him to Sitting Bull’s camp. Ah! he has gone toward the ranch of the white renegade.” “Zadok, the Sioux’s friend?” asked Curley. t “The same.” “Good! Injun iether ee white outlaws for deserter than the Sioux.” “Shall we press on?” “Wah! Yellow Haired chief say Soldier Fox must be tak- en,” replied Curley, significantly. And Jack comprehended the brave Indian was ready to brave any peril to carry out the order of Custer. The youth and Curley rode on ahead of the main band o the scouts, and in a moment both disappeared in a depression of the plains. : Bang! The whip-like report of a rifle sounded from the gully almost immediately. Gen. Custer’s boy aide and the Indian scout re-appeared, pany the expedition as far as the ranch of the renegade. ; While the report of the rifle vibrated on the air. . Whether he proves to be the man you saw fire the fatal shot They came dashing back toward their comrades at full at your father or not, you will be sent back to the fort from speed, and out of the gully behind them swarmed two score Yadok’s ranch under a strong escort. If you identify the °f red riders in war-paint and feathers. renegade as the assassin he shall be carried a prisoner to the! A fierce and threatening outburst of savage yells sounded _ tort by the men who return there with you,” said the general “Here come the Indian scouts!” cried Jack, a moment sub- “sequently, - Curley, the Crow, dashed up at the’head ofa dozen “friend- a They were Delawares, Shawnees, and Cherokees. Cur- ley was thé only one of the Crow tribe in the band. ' ‘The Crow drew rein before Custer, to receive his last or- ders.» Ce oe ‘They were hastily given. Then the said: “This boy, Yellowstone Jack, will ase om I 2 appointed him my aide.” — _- He indicated the “prairie courier,” who wheeled his _ filme black horse into line with the ponies of the scouts. ese tama tocksiter$,, -” cgueyambemmmaectanltal i ge Nene the van. oe of Sabor eg Wey tsk G tuk the’ Kase . oe teas wagons ‘ esd aa but all were on the alert and femapeiioes of an 'smbush. aa 2 “Jack told Curley something of his life, and his escape trom "capture by Sitting Bull and Rain-inthe Puce that morning as ’ ‘Then Curley said: : ’ a Pees suns anaes ig woanes ator ions: tnos th He - ‘Big-bunter. He one time save Curley from the stake. upt Curley. White boy’s father great brave. Kill five cat ae ee WP: + as ie + ay i nk of
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5 More than one yelling warrior was unhorsed, and their affrighted ponies went galloping back among the ranks in the . Tear, occasioning considerable confusion. But still the Sioux came on. ~-. A’ second and-a third volley was discharged from the re- - At short range terrible execution was done. The hostiles could not withstand the destructive fire. _. ‘The storm of bullets carried death in its train. __ The Sioux began to waver. Then they wheeled their horses = ay and dashed away swiftly, getting out of range of the conceal- _ ed marksmen. = But the situation of the heroic little band was still Mis, aod _. ly perilous. “We can’t leave our position, and if they. don’t attack us again before night, the Sioux will be sure to come down on us when darkness comes,” said the boy aide. “Wah! White boy says true, and hoss soldiers can’t know we are in a fight. Too far from camp for them to hear fir- “ing,” replied Curley. “Must we wait here to be massacred by the red fiends wher sht comes and we cannot see to beat them off?” - “Tf one of us could slip away and carry news to the hoss soldiers, Yellow Hair would send us help.” " *Yes. But the Sioux are watching us closely. you say is impossible.” - Jack and the Crow scout were standing close to the water’ s “edge. p -_ * $uddenly a human head»appeared above the water near e them. They saw the face of a white man. ~ The rifles of the scouts were instantly leveled at the appari- tion from the water. a But the man they had discovered cried out at once: _ -*T am a friend, and I mean to serve you!” “The lone scout!” “he mysterious man of the plains!” exclaimed Jack and the Crow in unison. ~ “The same,” replied the stranger, in a calm, stern voice, - while the scouts lowered their rifles. Tn a moment he gained the bank and stood before the ‘scouts, shaking the water from his garments, while all Te- _ garded him with intense curiosity. Well worthy of more than passing notice was he wwiit _ acknowledged the soubriquet of “the lone scout.” ‘He was more than six feet tall, and of giant frame. was clad from head to foot in buckskin. Indian moc- encased his feet, and upon his well-poised head he ; ec adorned with a single straight c feather. hair, white as the driven snow, fell in long, sracetul his broad shoulders, and his beard of the same / r was full and luxuriant, covering his face almost! eieh Were large, dark and luminous. © ‘9 d a long rifle, and in his leather belt there was a rolvers, @ cartridge case, and a ove edleatitand c knife, with a sword-like hilt, 7 r said the lone scout, impressively, “your words at I am not unknown to you, at least by repu- Theda ap aes ak keg derstan your situa- Going as I have come I fear what a ars THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. stream, sank below the surface, and floated down with the current. “I wish I knew who thai strange man really is. But he has himself told almost all that any one knows about him. For years he has been known only as the lone scout, and it Seems to be his mission to warn and protect deserving whites. The Sioux dread him, and so do the white outlaws. ‘He has Surrounded himself with mystery, and no man knows his real + name or his history,” said Jack. Curley assented, and pointing at the opposite bank, he said: “We must watch that side of the stream as well as this. Me think Sioux will find stream and come at us from the rear.” Half an hour elapsed, and the besieged scouts were re- joiced to observe that nothing occurred to indicate that the lone scout had been discovered by the enemy. Ere long, however, the Sioux were discovered on the south- ern bank of the stream. The scouts Opened fire at once, and in a short time the enemy was Once more repulsed. After that they drew off. But Crazy Horse, the leader of the hostile war party, shook his tomahawk defiantly at the scouts as he rode away, and shouted tauntingly:. “Sioux have soldier Injuns and white boy in trap! night come take all ‘um scalp. Wah! see ‘um scouts alive again.” : The friendly Indians under Curley sent up defiant yells as several shots were fired at the boastful Sioux. The time wore on slowly after that, and the besieged were alert and watchful: But the Sioux had received a lesson. They were content to wait for the night to come, and they did not make*another attack. Sufficient time had elapsed for the lone scout to reach the camp of Gen. Custer:before night fell. Suddenly Curley-uttered a glad shout. “The hoss soldiers are coming!” he said, and following ; with their glances the direction in which he pointed, all saw a long line of dark moving objects far to the south. The Sioux had already discovered the troo Sand the red fiends were seen to. hastily mount and ride as il to the west- ward,| > Very soon Gen. Custer and his entire asuinate, some eight hundred men, came up, and with the ere rode the lone scout. He had, of course, reached Cus mp in safety, — and told the commander of the peril of his scouts. It seem- ed futile to pursue the Sioux then, = The general decided to push on toward the ranch of Zadok, _— the renegade, and, of course, of capturing the half- breed deserter was given up. | Rae: ; The well-marked Sioux ; which Sitting Bull evidently counted upon the troops following, until they reached the where they meant to ambush them, was abandoned. vith . and Curley ahead with the Indian scout, the force ‘pressed on. ‘But. night had fallen when they reached the ranch of the renegade, only to find it deserted. ‘ The Indian scouts had picked up the trail of Soldier Fox 7 all along the route to the renegade’s ranch, so it was clear — to Gen. Custer that the deserter had warned Zadok. r ‘The command decided to go into camp for the night at the renegade’s ranch. > . But just as aseconae were dismounting a band of hostiles ee Cease cena cc eee When Yellow Hair never pee
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. femained behind. The boy noted that the man of mystery was regarding a cs his face told he was experiencing some powerful emotion. The party left at the ranch had retired within the stockade, and some little time had elapsed when the sounds of combat reached them; and they saw Custer charge the hostiles and! -. drive them into the timber. “TI fear the troopers will be drawn into an ambush!” said the lone scout to Jack, as the soldiers disappeared in the timber pursuing the Sioux. : _A moment later a trooper came rushing from the rear wall of the stockade. y “The Sioux! The Sioux! A large band is dashing down to- ward the ranch from the north!” he cried. _. A terrible chorus of savage yells proclaimed the truth of the trooper’s announcement. The doors of the stockade were quickly closed and secured. The troopers sprang to the loop- es holes to repel the impending attack. Already the darkness of night was descending upon the _-«-Beene, and objects were only to be indistinctly seen at any _ As the redskins from the north came charging upon the ranch, a terrible explosion occurred in the ranch house, and in a few moments the building was wrapped in flames. The fire spread to the walls of the stockade, while the _ enemy circled about them and discharged heavy volleys of _ Tifle shots at the troopers. ;: The latter made a gallant fight. Every loop-hole was man- ned, and the volleys of the foe were returned. But suddenly a small, well-concealed door in the stockade was thrown open, and through it dashed the m(frderous Sioux, a thirsting for blood. “ 2 At the head of the meen was a tall, heavily bearded white “Zadok, the renegade!” cried Jack, as he beheld the ruffian. “My father’s murderer!” screamed Ethel, staring at the Gen. Custer’s young aide and the lone scout whisked Ethel ) the burning stockade, and placed themselves er, determined to protect her to the last. -kill all but the gal, braves! Remember I have mark- 3 7 ‘ IV. . wes —:. Sah THR BkrT At THE NENBOADES RAxCH. sibioh> Glenidie,: the’ damdtston-'6f “abi -saiendanell envanitiiat paymaster, uttered a despairing cry as the bloodthirsty Sioux, : 9 ae ee +f the stockade wortowittng the-burning tanch ofthe n known only as the lone scout, who had ba sel res bear the tng i nde), THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER | t6rce of the troops had galloped away that the lone scout had’ blood of my murdered father! Ethel Readon with covert intentness, and the expression of lone scout and Ethel. Save me from the fate, far worse than death, with which he threatens me!” breathed Ethel, fervently, thrillingly. She crouched in the corner of the stockade, white-faced and terrified. Her hands were clasped, and she made a wild ges- ture of appeal. At that moment of appalling danger, though the young girl had been heroine enough to make the journey from Fort Lin- coln into the perilous region of the hostiles to identify the sus- pected assassin of her sire, womanly terrors, which she could not allay, assailed her. And the horror of ali that wild scene in the land of the Sioux, coupled with the elements of intense dramatie action, stamped itself upon her mind never to be effaced while life lasted. The red glare of the conflagration shot into the dark- ening sky, dispelling the falling shadows of the fast-approach- ing night. The flames surged around the ranch-house in lurid billows, a sea of flame, tempest-tossed and wind-driven, The roar and crack of the devastating fire sounded as an undertone to the sounds of mad strife—the blood-curdling yells of the Sioux, the shouts of Custer’s men, and the de- tonation of firearms. “We will battle to the last to protect you!” said Yellow. stone Jack, in answer to Hthel’s despairing appeal. The point in the stockade where Barnabas Zadok and the Sioux had so suddenly made their entrance through the hid- den door was made some little distance from the position oc- cupied by Ethel Readon and her two defenders at that critical moment. And the renegade and his Sioux allies were compelled to charge across the ranch yard in order to reach the fair young girl whom Zadok had marked for a victim. Instantly the repeating weapons in the hands of Yellowstone Jack and the lone scout began to explode. More than one yelling red fiend fell in that charge under the bullets from the rifles of the two brave whites. But as. if to verify the adage that “Satan cares for his own,” Barnabas Zodak, like one who bere a charmed life pressed on unscathed by the leaden death missiles. Meantime, all the little force of Gen. Custer’s brave troop- ers who had remained at the stockade were fighting with the utmost heroism. And all were occupied at the other side of the stockade. The charge of the Sioux had been so sudden, their entrance through the hidden door so unexpected, that Ethel Readon, Yellowstone Jack, and the Lone Scout were cut off from the heroic followers of Custer. Suddenly the brave prairie lad uttered a shez cry, and — clapping his hands to his head, he reeled back and fell heavily at the feet of the young girl he had sought to save, aS The succeeding moment the redskins closed in upon Lone Scout, who, with rifle empty, stood as a gigantic livit barrier between the paymaster’s daughter and her ¢ Swinging his heavy rifle as a club, the Lone Scout m fight for life, such as had seldom been witnessed even in wild land of deadly frays and murderous combats pI men of the rival races. — “And the young girl crouched ‘beside the fallen lad, the red life-tide which trickled down his eh ae
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THE BOY “when she left Fort Lincoln. The contents of the loaded weapon she reserved for the "final crisis. She meant to hold off Zadok’s red fiends until ‘but one shot was left, and then turn the weapon upon her- _ And she was aware of a strange and terrible sort of exul- _ tation at the thought that the man she feared more than death, would not capture her alive. Suddenly, however, her _ Vision cleared. She Saw a huge Sioux warrior bound forward and stoop beside Yellowstone Jack. A long, glittering-knife flashed in the great bronze hand of the savage above. the _ head of the fallen lad. _ The deadly weapon of the Sioux deseribed a cirele in the air, pend the redskin gathered Jack’s clustering hair in hig leit pant. A strange, awful, fiendish, ssonat-iailech yell, like the scream j Se a lost soul, pealed from the lips of the Sioux. _ He uttered the “scalp hello” of his tribe, and Ethel Readon, the border girl, knew the painted miscreant meant to sealp Yellowstone Jack. _ Like a flash she leveled her little revolver at the redskin, ie d as the blade of the glittering scalping-knife was deseend- ing upon Jack’s skull she pressed the trigger. 3 The scalp hello was changed to a death yell, and the sav- age dropped the great knife from his nerveless hand and fell headlong td the earth with a bullet in his brain. ~ At the same time, like some noble stag, hemmed in by Wolves despite the desperate heroism of his resistance, over- i powered by numbers, the lone scout was dragged down. _ And the enraged Sioux would have slain and scalped the ; strange border wanderer, against whom they had many an old grudge, but for the interposition of Zadok. As the mysterious foe of the white outlaws and hostile red- skins was dragged to the earth, his hunting shirt was torn Pat open at the throat, exposing his broad chest. Zadok was close upon the unknown nomad of the’ West, and a startled cry burst from the lips of the renegade as he saw upon the breast of the scout a great red scar, where, as Ag _ The Indians were about to stab the fallen scout to death. A ; n deadly blades were uplifted in dusky, revengeful hands. hold, I command you! That man must be taken suddenly shouted Zadok, as he hurled his red allies s he—the man I branded with the branding iron used to y cattle in Colorado. He must have come to life after} hurled over the ledge to the bottom of Red nap add- ? », under his breath. ae. oR NN PRAIRIE COURIER. if long since burned in the flesh, there appeared the letters them had he witnessed the ¢ 1 is disguised, and it's clear he is still on my trail.| 1 yer suspected that the lone scout was my nemesis. a ig pon s he revealed himself to the girl? Does she know who the boy obtai 2 Ab! I comprehend now. ad ay rnp admi continued, saw enough to assure of| “I'll track the yaaa Seek wae until battled desperately to save, was a bound captive, at the mercy ¥ of Zadok, the white renegade. : And the few bluecoats who had survived the conflict at the ranch were fleeing for their lives from the burning stock- ade, closely pursued by the yelling and exultant hostiles. The fugitives took the course in which Custer and the main force of the troops had been drawn off by Sitting Bull, The lone scont was bound, hands behind his back, at the order of Zadok. Then a discovery was made which enraged the renegade and his allies. One of the Sioux who had meant to take the scalp of Yellowstone Jack, which his brother war- rior had failed to secure, cried out: . “White boy gone! Wah! he no dead!” It was so, In the confusion attending the capture of Ethel and the lone scout, General Custer’s boy aide had escaped. ee CHAPTER V. THE RETURN OF GEN. GUSTER. Barnabas Zadok and the redskins who had been direetly con- cerned in the capture of Ethel Readon and the lone scout hurried away with their prisoners in the direction whence they had come. In a few moments the burning ranch was seemingly de- serted by the living, and beyond the area illuminated by the conflagration, the night was closing down. Presently the head and shoulders of a human figure appear- ed above the leyel of the low curb of an old well at 7 side of the yard furthest from the ranch-house. A pair of bright young eyes cast searching piitivs hither and yon in all directions until their owner had assured him- self there were no redskins in sight. Then Yellowstone Jack, for he it was, drew his lithe and active form fully up out of the well, and leaped lightly over the curb. The lad’s face was yet stained with blood, but he had bound a handkerchief around the wound he had received. It was only a scalp wound—the bullet had grazed the lad’s skull and the shock had sufficed to fell him like one He had regained his senses and had taken. ck ¢ tage of the chance to elude his foes, which cir ces presented at the moment of his’resuscitation. The old well which he had gained had proved a secure hiding place. Through t Saat in the curb which screened bim from the sight o tiles, he had watched them. . and intense solicitude for of Ethel Readon and the ‘scout. lad had observed Barnabas Zadok when the latter saw ‘the breast of the lone scout, But although View of the cruel mark with which brandeq the scout for life, Jack. ) that Barnabas Zadok must haye the wie And with what feeling of 1 fe back. I'll get the general te le his friendly Indian scouts to reseye wrvely. P * A is ao
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a THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. about the ranch yard, the lad secured his rifle, which he had dropped when he fell. Hastily he reloaded the weapon, and then he crept toward a_ cattle-pen at.a short distance from the stockade. The lad had scarcely reached the shelter of the log building when the detonation of firearms in crashing and tremendous volleys resounded from the timber into which the Sioux in pursuit of the survivors of the fight at the ranch had followed the latter. And while Jack looked anxiously in the direction indicated he saw the redskins burst out of the timber, running their ponies at full speed, and evidently in retreat. After them came the troopers. And Jack understood, as he saw Gen. Custer and Curley, the Crow scout, it must be the fugitive troopers had met the main force returning from the pursuit of Sitting Bull just in time. The Sioux fled past the burning ranch and the cattle-pen, which sheltered-the boy, without halting. They were so closely pressed by the troopers that they were intent only upon eluding them. The hostiles followed the trail of the white renegade and his band, and Jack did not doubt that the two bands headed for the stronghold of Sitting Bull. ‘Gen. Custer and the Crow scout, with the friendly Delawares, Shawnees, and Cherokees, led the van of the troopers. Yellowstone Jack issued forth from the cattle-pen at onct, and hastened to meet the bluecoats. The Sioux had captured his fine black horse—one of Zadok’s band who escorted the captives had ridden the lad’s steed away. Gen. Custer and the friendly Indian scouts drew rein as they discovered Jack, almost as he emerged from the cattle-pen. The lad quickly ran up to them, and in a few words he re- ported the capture of Ethel Readon and the lone scout. Pursuit was continued, and Jack was given the horse of one of the slain troopers. Jack rode at Gen. Custer’s side, and the officer presently said: “I think now the appearance of Sitting Bull was only a ruse to draw off the main force of my men from:the ranch. The old rascal gave us a running fight in the woods, and then disap- peared in the hills to the west.” Jack assented. And then he said: “Miss Readon recognized the renegade.” “As her father’s murderer?” asked the general, quickly. “Yes; she cried out, as soon as she saw the rascal, ‘My father’s murderer!’ ” “Well, now that I am sassin, no effort shall be ¢ } that Barnabas Zadok is the as- to capture him,” replied the general. "eg h ' “Me no understand why ip ‘renegade ‘épate lifo of the Tone scout. Sioux all hate that man. Sitting Bull have offer fifty blankets and a dozen ponies for him, dead or alive!” said Curly, the great Crow scout. — “It must be that Barnabas Zadok has some knowledge of the mystery of the life of that strange man, which influenced the rascal to spare the life of the latter, I think,” observed the _ general. : “I'think so, too. But the seont and Miss Readon must rescued. Oh, general, we can’t hope to save them by trying to pun their captors down in this way. Let me have Curley and och gedehan di aban ate be | toasting 5 friendly reds, and we'll outwit the Sioux and save the| “Then there Curley help him “Wah! That so! Mabea rine oer = ing your return. But you must leave me some of your Indian Scouts, and while you are on the trail I hope you may learn something of Sitting Bull’s plans and the disposition of his forces,” assented the general. “We'll do our best,” replied Jack, cheerfully. “Wah! that so!” grunted Curley. He pulled his horse up short as he spoke, and added at once: “Me say better turn back now to ranch. Sioux think no more follow um now if do that. When night get darker Curley and band go after Sioux.” The wisdom of this advice was so elear to him that Gen. Custer immediately acted upon it. : As the entire force rode back to the burned ranch of the renegade, the general said to Jack: “I am ready to take myself to task, for bringing Ethel to this dangerous region, even though it was that her father’s assassin might be identified that I consented to do so. Poor girl, she is an orphan with no friends or relatives, so far as she knows; though her uncie, with whom she was a great fa-- vorite, may after all be living, though he has been mourned as dead.” “Indeed, what were the circumstances which make a doubt of the fate of Ethel Readon’s uncle possible?” asked Jack, with interest. I “He disappeared under a cloud. He was accused of a great crime—the murder of a rival—a year subsequently news came that Jasper Readon—that was his name—had been lynched for cattle stealing in Colorado; but there was no positive proof of the truth of this report. Ethel has assured me she and her father have always believed Jasper Readon was entirely innocent of the murder which was fixed upon him,” replied the general. CHAPTER VL IN THE GREAT CAMP OF SITTING BULL. The ride back to the burned ranch of the renegade did not consume much time, and as the troops proceeded on the return there, Curley the Crow scout said: “Keen-eyed Sioux on the hill yonder, acting as scouts. Um go on, tell renegade hoss soldier have turned back.” Through the gathering gloom the general and Jack strained their visual organs trying to see the Sioux scouts. , But the effort was in vain. The sight of the whites was not as wonderfully powerful and far-reaching as that of the red man. ie When the ranch, which was well-nigh consumed, was reach- »— ed, the weary troopers picketed their horses, and sentinels were. thrown out. The camp was quickly made, and upon the em bers of the renegade’s home the soldiers prepared the tregaly: meal. te, Meantime, Curley chose three men from among his india’ scouts, and led fhem aside to where Yellowstone Jack sat alone, — his hardtack over the red coals. ‘nu “Um! Curley an’ these three braves go with white voy © after renegade,” said the Crow scout. Bou: will only be five of us on thé dangerous traflt™ exclaimed Jack. “Well, so much the better” The fewer there are of us, the more easily we can conceal our movements.’ — + G8 “Yes.”
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THE BOY _ *Now strip bodies of dead Sioux. Get five war dress,” tinued Curley. _ “What are you getting at? You don’t mean——” “Wah! Curley mean to make disguise as Sioux of all our » party.” : : _ “Ha! That’s a great ruse! But mighty risky! I’m afraid My old Indian foster-mother—Wahnatach—will recognize me ' under any disguise if we should meet.” “Um! White boy steer clear of old medicine woman then.” boy who fled to betray your plana, to the Yellow-Haired pre
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10 Jack’s bright eyes flashed around in every direction. He was seeking for some avenue of escape, but the outlook appeared entirely hopeless. It will be remembered he was in the midst of the great camp of the hostiles when Sitting Bull had ne to am- bush the gallant Custer. Before, behind, and on all sides of the boy scout and his dis- guised comrades, Curley, the Crow scout, and his three “friend- lies,” the painted warriors of the hostile camp were throng- ing. The wigwams on every side had been vacated upon the arri- val of the band of Sioux with whom Gen. Custer’s youngest aide and his companions had so daringly ventured to enter the camp. All hands had turned out to welcome the returning band which Curley and his party had joined. The face of Yellowstone Jack paled. He looked covertly at Curley. But the face of the latter told him nothing. The old medicine woman clung to Jack’s bridle refn, and screamed again in the Sioux tongue: “Yes, this is Yellowstone Jack! The white snake who ran away to join the Yellow-Haired chief!” The Sioux who heard the old woman’s startling denunciation exhibited great excitement and surprise. The boy saw the warriors closing in around him closer and closer. For one brief moment he thought of resorting to a desperate dash to escape. But a second thought convinced him of the utter folly of such _an attempt. Surely he could not well hope to begin his flight before a hundred bullets from the weapons of the hostiles would pursue mea oS e It was one of those epochs which come in the career of all men who lead adventurous lives, when stratagem, coolness, and nerve alone can be relied on. _ The boy’s experiences had made him as shrewd and crafty as the red men, whom he must deceive or perish. He beheld Sitting Bull himself making his way to- ward him from the great painted wigwam where he dwelt. the idea of a ruse, which might serve, he thought, to at least delay his fate, flashed upon his mind. He cried out at once: pete whens: I did not run away to ieith-* crooked. toaigue: His blood is all he has slept in the wigwams of their campfires when he was too now all his white blood cries “Of the fire-water:¢hiat naw the white boy with there, and then he wore not the dress of the them,” said the great Indian - me explain. Where is Howlo- in the night?” rello Sail Mik iea dtiws thee whom te wale’ eee Spat eagion Pas, Soece Shy THE BOY PRAIRIE fee sarees tex wpe Set: sat Wy , t0-t0, And the Waite boy scout shuddered rom het COURIER. horse soldiers. Ask the man who runs in the night this, and” he will say he sent me to act as a spy in Custer’s camp.” “Weh! Can this be?” exclaimed Sitting Bull. “No, I don’t believe it! The spy has.a serpent tongue!” cried © the old medicine woman. " But Jack knew circumstances favored his story, lend it the semblance of possible truth. Since the dead could not be called to testify against him, he ; felt that a reasonable doubt as to his guilt might be created f in the mind of Sitting Bull. } The truth was that some time previous to his flight to join Sitting Bull’s enemy, Gen. Custer, the lad had overheard How- lolah propose that he—Jack—should be sent to spy upon the advancing forces of the great paleface. ; It was the timely recollection of this that caused the boy | to adopt the desperate ruse he had now undertaken, and which seemed to offer the only possible chance for the salva- tion. “If the white boy has spoken with a straight tongue, let him tell the chief why he fought against the red men at the ranch of Zadok, the fire-water chief. That was not the act of a friend—it was the evidence of enmity,” replied the astute and crafty Indian chief. “Ha! The great Sitting Bull does not see far. Has some- thing made the chief blind to the fact that the white boy was in the power of Custer’s men? They would have slain him if they suspected he was a spy, and that suspicion must have come to them if he had not fought. He made a show of fight- ing his red friends to save himself.” From the faces of the red warriors all about him, as well as from the expression upon the countenance of Sitting Bull, Jack read the most welcome intelligence that his clever and unexpected defense had made some impression in his favor. “We shall see!” said Sitting Bull, grimly. Then to the leader of the Sioux war party, with whom the white boy scout and the other members of Curley’s band had entered the Sioux camp: “Where did you fall in with this boy and the four strange braves I see with you?” The chief addressed explained. And Sitting Bull, looking somewhat perplexed, said: “Let the white boy be conducted to the prison lodge and there be closely guarded until we learn more.” Just then Zadok, the renegade, with a dozen redskins, press- ed forward with the lone scout and Ethel Readon. *Chief, we have here two prisoners. The gal belongs to me. But the old foe of the Sioux—the lone scout—!I give to Sitting Bull. Many a brave of your tribe has fallen under the bullets of the lorie white slayer, and I know that the red men thirst for vengeance upon him.” A chorus of fierce yells greeted this speech. The red fiends crowded about the lone scout. They brandished their weapons threateningly, and no doubt the mysterious man of the plains would have met his death . the hands of his red enemies, then and there, but for the interposition of Sitting Bull, whose will was the law of his hostile tribe. a “Hold!” he cried, stripping off the scarlet blanket wh he wore drooping from his broad shoulder. It is not that the dreaded white hunter, who has brought grief fir wailing to many a Sioux lodge in days gone by, should die any easy death.” f=, With thoed-worda he\ cast he!'héd: biantot Sveti ileal the mysterious scout, who had fought at the side of Yellow- — stone Jack, and so heroically to save Ethel Readon.” = : and might | : . The Sioux yelled in delight as they witnessed the terribly — significant action of Sitting Bull. 2 OS a
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he knew the casting of the chief’s blanket over the head of “the prisoner meant that he was reserved for the torture stake. Sitting Bull and Barnabas Zadok, the white renegade, ex- | changed some words in an undertone, and then the lone scout , ' and Ethel Readon were separated and led away to different - lodges. And Yellowstone Jack knew they would be watched by a * vigilant guard. Jack was led to the prison lodge. _ And having bound his hands behind his back to the center pole of the lodge, his Indian jailers left him. “Well, this is hard luck, and I’m afraid the future will be 4 even worse for me. But the Sioux don’t seem to suspect any- ‘@ thing wrong with Curley and his three friendlies, and as long _ as they are in Sitting Bull’s camp free from suspicion, I will - not despair.” In this wise Jack reflected. ‘ "He knew that Curley would risk his life to accomplish his _ Tescue. And he thought it most fortunate that Cutnose and his band _ Were not then in the camp. Cutnose’s band was recruited from the southern Sioux, and _ Sitting Bull and the main force of the hostiles were northern pindishs. It was but natural that all the members of the former band, _ who had but recently come north, should not be personally known to the Sionx chief and his immediate followers. As Yellowstone Jack was“led away to the prison lodge he caught the swift glance of Curley. Something in the dark, keenly flashing orbs of the cunning chief of Gen. Custer’s friendly Indian scouts caused the boy to feel that his red friend meant to convey to him a silent token of encouragement. _ The youthful scout did not count upon deliverance through the efforts of Gen. Custer. On the contrary, he believed the general could not help him, and that he could not find the hostile camp until the great ambush which Sitting Bull was arranging for him was com- plete. ie fe his devoted little army in the heart of the great officer’s youns- ot aide. , CHAPTER VIII. - A MYSTERIOUS ESCAPE. } Readon was.a brave Western girl. it great as was her courage it gave way before the assault ate i cireumstances, which had consigned her to the - Zadok, the white renegade. se of the fact that the arch-villain who had led her * cape the bloodthirsty rio was aa assassin ces emer eee rersasim ‘ith one: pb tho. Stews oe THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. _ There was an awful fear for the safety of Gen. Custer and , of her situation was materially intensified by] ain phage Sitting | darkness we must outwit those Sioux tam. ° for eee Seen ee Se il forced union with the red-handed slayer of her beloved father. Alone in the lodge to which she was conducted, poor Ethel crouched upon the buffalo-robe covered earth and ae for deliverance. And, meanwhile, the mysterious lone scout, aint as Jack was in the lodge which had become his prison place, seemed to contemplate his fate grimly. Anon his lips moved. But the words which passed them were mere mutterings. One must have come very close to the strange wanderer of the wild Northwest, to have caught his utterances, which were as follows: “Red Fawn heard all, and the beautiful Indian maid saw Sitting Bull throw the red blanket over my head. The daugh- ter of the Sioux has a true heart. Since the day I saved her life in the flood of the gYellowstone I have secretly met her many times. It has been against my will, though. But the red maid has persisted in’seeking me. She is the daughter of Sitting Bull, the great Sioux chief, and his favorite, but at our last meeting—which she brought about without my intending to see her again—she told me she would leave her father’s wigwam and follow me to the end of the earth if I would only let her. * ‘ “Will the red maid’s love now prove strong enough to cause her to brave discovery and the terrible anger of her father and all her tribe to aid me?” The lone scout did not answer the question of such vital im- portance which he put to himself. But anon he added:” “Poor Ethel! Heaven protect ‘her, since I am powerless to do so. ; . : “Does she Suspect who I am? I think not. But I dare not reveal the truth yet. A mystery much be cleared up, a con- fession must be forced from the lips of the miscreant, Barna- bas Zadok, before I can do so.” The hours wore on. Meanwhile, Curley, the Crow scout, was in a tevar. of im- patience and anxiety. He dreaded the coming of Cutnose and his men. He knew the bloodthirsty chief, who had long ago vowed to take the life of Custer, might arrive at Sitting Bull’s camp at any time, — And, of course, Cutnose would repudiate his claim that he _ and his three comrades had holoneed to the war sabe of the — latter. Shenton id a pe Se Curley and the three disguised ve rstiat a a part to play in the hostile camp. But they managed to hold a bar vu! undetected of unnoticed. ‘a “Brothers,” said Curley, “the ‘ite the great paleface general, must b fia ved. If we return wjth- out him, the yellow-haired chief will think we are old women and cowards. Then, too, I Owe him a debt, which an Indian never forgets. - He must not die!” _ ? “Ugh! Ugh? Ughi” — Each of the ¢ tt scouts uttered a guttural as- sent. as eo ie a [o rhen Curley in the language of the Crows urse with that tribe, had_ “When night comes, the attempt et in iio ae white boy off and also the white squaw. Under cover ¢ , “More conversation ensued. And Curly fully developed a daring projet, which
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THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. : _ was made from it, which was set up at the western edge of the But one of the returned trail-hunters took the Sioux chief camp near the wigwam or lodge of Sitting Bull. aside and whispered some communication which seemed to sur- ai “Wahnatach, the hideous old medicine woman of the tribe, prise the latter. . " painted the stake black. | Sitting Bull gave the warrior some instructions. Then he A number of the warriors employed themselves in gathering glided away, and with an expression of demoniac fury upon dry fuel, until a great heap of it had been collected and heaped his painted face, the chief shouted: up near the torture stake. “March Yellowstone Jack out of the prison lodge!” , The old medicine woman then announced that everything i was in readiness for the torture. — But there was some delay. _ + Sitting Bull hoped that Cutnose and his band would come CHAPTER IX. in time to witness the burning of the lone scout at the stake. : As night was coming on once more the warriors became YELLOWSTONE JACK AT THE STAKE. _ more and more impatient. _ And they claniored for the prisoner whom Sitting Bull had} “Hi! What is coming now? What message did the Sioux himself doomed to the stake. trail-followers bring Sitting Bull, that causes the chief fo Finally the great chief said: e order the boy brought forth?” muttered Curley to himself. “Let the paleface be brought forth!” He had been watching Sitting Bull closely, when the trail- And he led the way to the lodge ‘in which the mysterious hunter returned and made his whispered communication to the _ _ white captive had been placed. eae chief. sz __ Two braves stood on guard at the door. A moment later the guards at the prison lodge led Gen. Cus-_ “Lead out the paleface, and soon his streams and yells of ter’s boy spy out before the chief of the Sioux. __ torture shall make music in the ears of the Stoux,” Sitting Bull, Curley and his three followers drew nearer the chief. _ said, addressing the guards. © Jack glanced apprehensively at the face of Sitting Bull, . One of them drew aside the flap of ee at the entrance and he felt a thrill of horror, as he saw the fiendish expression” _ Of the lodge and looked in. — upon the painted face of the merciless Sioux. _. Then a wild, startled cry escaped his ftp: ; Old Wahnatach, the medicine woman, came dancing to Sit- The others sprang with = into the lodge, and all saw it ting Bull’s side, beating a war drum and shaking a guard’s was empty. rattle. . And a great rent in the deerskin at the. back of the lodge’ “Wah! Ho!” she yelled. “The stake is painted! The fuel told how the scout had made ‘his exit. ; \is ready! Wahnatach must have a prisoner for the stake! Sitting Bull picked up the thongs with which ‘the white pris- “Wah, ho! Give me the pale-faced runaway!” PO ner had. been bound and announced that they “had been sev- | The hideous creature stretched forth her claw-like hands tg _ ered by a keen-edged knife. and seemed all eagerness to seize Jack and drag him away to “There is a traitor among the Sioux. Ha! let me find him the stake. out and he shall take the place of the pale-faced hunter at the} He shuddered in spite of himself. - torture stake!” gritted the enraged chieftain. “Peace, Wahnatach! Peace, aged prophetess of the Sioux! _ “To the trail!” he added. _ | The stake shall have its victim anon,” said Sitting Bull. et his braves had bounded through the great rent in Then addressing Jack, he continued: _ the rear wall of the lodge. “The pale-faced boy has said he was sent by Howlolah, The- eal And, like bloodhounds on the scent, bending low, with flash- man-who-runs-tn-the-night, to act.as a spy in the camp of the ing eyes riveted upon the earth, they were seeking for the Yellow-Haired chief?” prints of the white man’s flying footsteps. “Yes,” replied the white boy courier, stoutly. _ ‘They found the trail. F “And the pale-faced lad has declared that he is still the Pon yell, fiendish, exultant in its wild and thrilling intonation, friend of the Sioux?” ‘announced the discovery. ‘ ; “It is so,” was Jack’s answer. ~The trackers sped away, But a terrible fear was in the boy’s heart. hie, And the news of the escape of the captive spread shecttgh There was an air of suppressed exultation in the manner of iq ‘the camp. Curley and three comrades heard it. ‘ Sitting Bull. And their hearts sank. It the shad hoped to save Yellow-. Jack suspected that the chief had a fearful purpose in ques- ston Jack before they” of doing so. tioning him again in this manner. +4 _ “The escape of one prisoner will make the Sioux doubly, When Jack had last spoken, Sitting Bull shouted: 3 of the others, Look! They are setting extra guards| “Behold this man!” “ piper igepatee as as hee hens mio ea Out from behind an adjacent lodge at that moment leaped 3 | tall, painted I 5 ‘The other disgulsed friendlies saw ft was indeed as Curley “Lost!” Jack under his breath. 7 z CO peteeegeeee = braves, instead of two, ‘es meaty were | The redskin was Howlolah himself. ae cian at tae a He had not been slain at Zadok’s ranch, as Jack supposed. f ~. | On the contrary, he had only been knocked down by # bullet while the friendlies walted which grazed his skull. eh, of the lone scout. st | But, as he remained unconseous for Tong tine, bis com- the: -of the eseape Trades had left him for dead. — ‘bad taken his trail re-_ The tral flowers in port ofthe Lone sout had met
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THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. 13 Of course, the redskin repudiated this. Hearing the wild uproar from about the torture fire, Ethel ! And it was arranged that he should remain outside the Readon crept to a hole in the deerskin of which the lodge she Camp while the intelligence that he lied was carried to Sitting ,occupied was composed. Bull. Looking through the small opening which was in the side of _ _ The warrior who whispered to the great chief aside had com- the lodge toward the stake, the young girl witnessed the fright- " Municated the intelligence that Howlolah yet lived and was | ful arama ot savage vengeance which was being enacted there. _ ‘Rear, and that he denied all Yellowstone Jack said. But while she stood enthralled by the horror of it all, though : Then Sitting Bull planned the terrible surprise for the white| she did not wish to look longer, she saw a mounted Sioux boy prisoner which has just been described. come dashing into camp at full speed. The brave, whom Jack supposed to be dead, danced before/ ‘The red rider waved something in his hand. _ the white boy and taunted him in every insulting manner. And she heard him utter a shout in the Sioux language _ The warriors yelled and shouted for the blood of Gen. Cus-| which she did not understand. _ ter’s youngest aide. But sh i tartled b 3 ut she noted that Sitting Bull, with a star ery, bound- _ Sitting Bull raised his hand high above his head. ed away from the circle of red dancers, and rushed toward Silence fell. tha “anieronahl _ “He will doom the pale-faced lad, and Curley cannot save rein . nS ~ ‘him now,” whispered the chief of Custer’s Indian scouts to a a : . 5 ss ie And he placed the object which he carried in the hand of i “Warriors,” said Sitting Bull, “the pale-faced boy is a ser- Sitting Bull. “ , and out of the mouth of the brave, whom the traitor vs the oe time he seemed to speak exultingly. ‘thought dead, we have heard the proof. Let him die at the ost a e same moment Ethel caught the sound of a _ stake!” stealthy footstep in the lodge. erat She turned quickly. hand. a : : Sr clare ustensa v how! of delight. A low, alarmed exclamation escaped her lips, and she shrank And she leaped at the boy prisoner, crying cut: phe “Oh, you young snake! I'll beat you once more! I'll scratch; She beheld a tall Indian in full war paint and feathers stand- - your face and tear your hair—I'll—-” ing just inside the door of the lodge. But the tirade of the savage old medicine woman ended in The intruder seemed about to speak when a second Indian a howl of pain and rage. leaped through the door. He opened his lips as if to utter a | She had barely advanced near enough to the white das to yell, when the first-comer hurled himself upon him and caught enable him to do so when he dealt her a kick that doubled Dim by the throat. The next moment the two men were en- } . her up and hurled her to the ground at some distance. wr cogent red struggle, and he who had entered first ut- The held Jack then dragged him to the painted iw eeeeeee a : ‘stake. ee miaia ~~ ‘ A “Fear not, I am the lone scout in disguise.” And he was bound hand and foot. : _ Pale as death the doomed lad faced the howling red demons, eee ; BS _ who began to circle around him in the wild scalp dance, bran- 3 dishing their weapons and seeking in every way to add to CHAPTER X. _ his terror and intimidate him to-the utmost. ; Old Wahnatach, whose vindictive hatred of the boy prompted eee LORS BORVS MICARED, her, gathered herself up and running forward snatched a blaz- firebrand from the hand of a warrior who was about to Ethel Readon recognized the tones of the strange man of Tapply it to the fuel which others had quickly heaped about mystery cag was known throughout all the Northwest as the the lad, and herself ignited the torture fire. sa ae aes ear The surp 6 girl captive was intense. ov ' reds f the opportunity t te in oy hs telah s st a nya tandeeatae to! But another and most welcomne emotion had its inception in fic: a severe punishment, for his savage nature most de- ‘the thrilling revelation of the disguised white, a ede peatiaring: ot ag-ehems, His presence in the prison-lodge of the fair prisoner of the “it came about that all save two of the guards who had Temesade was of itself sufficient to” Pe eins ae ¢* rad about the lodge in which Ethel Readon was im- the despairing girl @ new hope. : “deserted their posts to participate in the torture| Ste thought he had come, inspt i by some daring plan looking to her rescue. oF llowstone Jack saw the red flames leaping up ali about And such was the case. > closed his eyes to shut out the terrible sight. | But the mystery of his own escape and how he came to re- . ei aor bs wits ‘cogolved to h heroically. appear so soon in the camp of Sitting Bull must be explained, ould SS eae hope, and he schcaenanl Wik soul to the a8 those incidents have a direct ‘hearing upon thrilling events tl » all-wise Creator, of whose teachings he had yettocome = 2 Rneice toon the good’ sisal ies who had. come While but two of the h were acting as sentinels before kins in other days. i re the prison-lodge in which lone scout had been confined, a “suffering of Curley, the Crow scout, and the slender, graceful red Sate eorey. S006: wae relly. &, Se st the ned boy were too terrible | bright and pretty one, stole out of the great lodge of the Sioux vei ft ee Biers ee, ; chief, Sitting Bull. ar oe 2 $8. irs had suddenly taken a turn} “Where would the Red Fawn, the princess of the Sioux, go?” _ : half formed, looking asked an old and withered squaw who was seated at the door, Ba en Fae ee, the Wee a
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And under her beaded and fancifully embroidered tunic the heart of the red girl was beating fast. _. She felt the keen-edged scalping knife she had secreted in . her bosom, and a daring, love-inspired determination which _ She had formed became more intense in her heart. The old squaw said no more. And the Sioux princess went swiftly away toward the water- course which ran near the prison-lodge in which the myster!i- ous white hunter was a hound prisoner, awaiting a terrible death at the torture stake. Red Fawn’s eyes were fixed upon the prison-lodge. “He is there, the great white brave, whose strong arm saved Red Fawn and brought her in safety out of the roaring, rush- ing flood, when but for him she would have perished.” Her lips parted.’ Her face was all alight with the glow of love. : “He shall not die! He who saved Red Fawn at the peril of his own life shall not perish at the stake. Red Fawn dare not plead for his life—she must save him secretly by her own efforts—and she will!” e reached the water-course. There she remained for a few moments plucking the long, Sweet grass, which the Sioux use in making their fancifully colored baskets. Meanwhile she glanced hither and yon in every direction, seeking to make sure that no one was observing her move- ments. _ Satisfied finally that she was not watched, she crept stealth- | ily away through the long grass. 4 -And she shaped her course directly toward the rear of the _ ‘prison-lodge, which contained the white man to whom she had -. given her heart unsought. the hostiles of the great force which Sitting Bull "had assembled secretly, with the avowed purpose of ambushing and z Custer’s army, moving about everywhere. But seemed to have, detected her stealthy movements. blazing eyes fixed upon the lodge, which she had % ~ marked for her destination, she went on and on Still fortune favored the daring and heroic purpose of the Indian maiden. fi lapsed, ane A yadlnliagad ie Almost br excitement now that the supreme le the fate of the Lone Scout and _her own, for Sitting Bull in anger would not spare his own POI oc RR SS a tate Sitting Bull had decreed for the Lone Scout, THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. enough to admit of the passage through it of a human form. Instantly Red Fawn lifted the irregular flap she had cut and crept into the lodge, with one little bronzed hand clasped upon her lips, as a sign to enjoin silence. The Lone Scout saw and recognized the Sioux princess, the daughter of the great Sitting Bull. The hope that had come to him, that the Indian maiden would not let him perish without an attempt to save him, was realized. Red Fawn reached the lone scout. And as she cut the thongs of deerskin with which his Sioux captors had so securely bound him, she breathed in his ear: “Crawl away, through the long grass, as silent and as swift- ly as the serpent. Go, and may the great Manitou—the God of the red man and the white—guide' your footsteps so that you may meet no foe.” “Red Fawn,” he said, taking both her little trembling hands in his, “I go, and if I escape with my life, I shall know it is Red Fawn who gave it to me. Maiden, I thank thee with all my heart.” He was about to go. But she threw her arms about his neck detainingly, as she said: “And you will love me after this?” : Gently he put her away from him, and a troubled look came upon his countenance. “Tf we meet again we will talk more. Now good-by, my brave girl. Good-by, and may the Manitou watch over you.” The conversation had been carried on in the Sioux lan- guage. And when he had spoken the last words we have recorded the lone scout glided through the opening which Red Fawn had made for his escape. The Indian gir! followed. Through the tall grass the escaping white man crawled un- til he reached the water-course and the forest. Red Fawn made her way to the chief’s lodge to watch and listen, dreading each moment lest sounds, to tell her that the escape of the white hunter had been discovered should reach her. But she heard nothing until time enough had elapsed to en- able the escaping man to place a safe distance between himself and the hostile camp. But the mysterious man who had such a deep interest in the fate of the daughter of the murdered paymaster paused at length. “I eannot go on. I cannot desert her. Hthel must be saved. But how? I cannot hope to bring Custer’s men to the rescue. A surprise would be impossible. To lead the soldiers here would be to deliver them up to massacre. The reds outnumber them twenty to one,” he reflected. - ‘ He was a man of resources, ‘skilled in all the lore of the forest and the prairie, but the present circumstances pre- sented obstacles in the way of his purpose, which cunning could not show him a way to surmount. Chance served him in a manner which he had not of. While he was still vainly reflecting, and seeking to -jate some daring stratagem to outwit the redskins, he the soft tread of moccasined feet in the forest, whee he halted.
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THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. | Red Fawn had given the lone scout her knife when they _ parted. The white man drew the long, keen blade, and mak- ing a sudden leap, buried it to the hilt between the shoulders’ _ in the back of the Sioux. heart, for he fell dead. Hastily the Lone Scout disguised himself in the war dress of the dead savage, and painted and stained his face with materials he found on the Sioux. The blade must have pierced his _ to the camp of Sitting Bull, and entered it unquestioned. bs me 3 * CHAPTER XI. Fe 4 ‘ A DARING RESCUE. “a "he irresistible power of the horrible fascination which the scene at the torture stake where Yellowstone Jack was end exerted, had, as we have seen, drawn all save one Sioux guard away from the lodge in which Ethel Readon -was a - eaptive. _ + Barnabas Zadok was so confident that there was no escape _ for the beautiful young girl, whom he had marked for a vic- _ tim, that he entertained no uneasiness on her account, and » cheerfully entrusted her to the guardianship of the Sioux. ~ _ The lone scout sauntered near the lodge in which Ethel was imprisoned. _ And as all the Sioux were giving their attention to the boy eaptive, and the preparations which were going forward look- ing to his torture, circumstances favored the daring stratagem the mysterious scout had planned. He meant to snatch the white girl from the power of the renegade—to carry her away beyond the camp of Sitting Bull. And then, if it was in human power to accomplish the des- _ perate undertaking, he meant to reach Gen. Custer’s camp with _ the maiden. It wrung his noble heart to think that he must abandon the ~ boy hero, Yellowstone Jack, to the awful and untimely fate % which his captors meant to mete out to him. But he knew no effort of his could avail, either to save Gen. \ Custer’s youngest aide or mitigate the severity of the dread _ fate to which his merciless red judges had condemned the de- Voted youth. And so he went on and on until he came up unheeded close d the Indian who remained at the entrance of Ethel’s face of the solitary guardian was turned toward the s stake. In spirit he was there, and he grumbled because Jack was the central figure. umstances favored the Lone Scout. ly the solitary guard could not anticipate any per- ril in the midst of the great hostile camp. ngs closer to the guard dréw the lone scout. : is muscular hand firmly clutched the handle of the ‘ife, whosé long, keen blade had so recently been im- th i of one of the red’ demons. . and the final act, to open the way to the white consummated. | ‘ tremendous blow the lone scout sent the ‘the ous daniels wih pulsated in the breast} LO pone d not approach and take part in the savage drama of) nly nt, ecg earn time in attempting to get clear of the encampment.” héad to] “Let us go at once,” replied Ethel, trying to app ates And then he é¢rept into the lodge—into the presence of the fair prisoner, as a messenger of*@eliverance to her, at the moment when, in her despair, Ethel had abandoned all hope. But a pair of glittering, evil eyes, in the head of a Sioux who chanced to appear at the door of an adjacent lodge, where 'he had entered to procure a rattle, to be used in the torture dance, a moment later looked forth at the lone scout as he Then he retraced his way , threw the blanket over the form of the dead Indian. A suspicion seemed to flash upon the mind of the Sioux, He noted that through the blanket the outlines of a hu- man form was visible. ~ The discoverer was a young warrior, anxious to distinguish himself and prove his cunning and prowess. To give a false alarm would be to call down upon him the derision of the older warriors. He was not sure there was anything wrong. He would first satisfy himself, and then—his flashing eyes and eager look told he would act decisively if there was real cause to do so. He gained the form concealed by the blanket just as the figure of the disguised lone scout vanished within the prison lodge. Instantly the Sioux grasped the blanket and threw it aside. The dead body of the Sioux guard was fully revealed, and the discoverer knew there was a foe—a disguised enemy—in the camp—ay, inside the very lodge which sheltered the fair captive of the white renegade. With visions of honors won, and a rich reward to be ob- tained from Barnabas Zadok, if he frustrated an attempt Iook- ing to the rescue of the white girl, the Sioux sprang into the prison lodge. We have recorded how the warrior opened his lips to utter an alarm yell when he beheld the disguised rescuer. e And we have noted how the lone scout promptly hurled — himself upon the redskin and clutched him by the throat. The yell the Sioux meant to sound was not uttered, and the struggle which went on, while the rescuer to Ethel who he — was, became a furious and deadly combat. 4 The lone scout knew he was battling, not only tor his own life, but for the honor, perhaps the life of the daughter ot the — murdered paymaster. The combat was as brief in its duration as it was Serve in character. But the rescuer seemed endowed at that supreme moment | with superhuman strength. a Finally he hurled the Sioux to the earth, planted his knee - upon his hereulean chest, and still retaining his clutch upon the redskin’s throat with one hand, stg She other used his terrible knife with fatal effect. . _ Then the lone scout sprang erect. from. the lodge. What he saw reassured him, ~ was no one near, and he decided the Indian whom last slain was the only one of the Sioux who suspected him. The scout turtied to Ethel. “Wait one moment,” hesaid. 4 1¢ lodge and quickly dragged the Then he stepped redskin, who lay without, t the portal, and he Brought the Sioux’s blanket h him. Casting the blanket o othe soar of the trembling he continued: “Follow me. sie sour Oe Wy taal hab das movements are noted from a distance. We retina peaie
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16 lowed by Ethel he made his way toward the confines of the! He returned to the torture stake. camp. All went well. They were not noticed. Soon they reached the timber. The lone scout drew a deep breath, and shouldering the rifle of one of the slain Indians, which he had brought with him from the lodge, he gave Ethel his hand, as he said encourag- ingly: “Now for the camp of Gen, Custer. God grant we may reach the troopers in safety.” They went forward swiftly after that. They had proceeded for some miles in the direction of the camp of Gen. Custer, when the lone scout made the discovery that a considerable band of Sioux were approaching. The redskins were coming from the direction in which the fugitives were going. And the lone scout presently announced to Hthel: “They are Cutnose’s band!” Almost as he spoke a yell rang out from an adjacent thicket, and a painted warrior sprang into view. Instantly the lone scout knew he was one of the advance Scouts of Cutnose’s band, for when on the warpath the Indian always threw out scouts ahead. Answering yells came from the main band of the hostiles, and the lone scout said as he plunged into a dense cover with the maiden: “Our advance is cut off! There is but one hope left us, and that is to reach an old hiding place of mine in the hills!” SS iaenamiel CHAPTER XII. . is © RESPITED AT THE STAKE, Meanwhile, some startling and unexpected events, which were destined to exert a potent influence upon the fate of the ‘boy prairie courier, had transpired in the great paces of the hostiles. . hatha: Aebaatictael mati ot the WiC fro. which threat. - @€med soon to reach and consume the doomed lad at the stake were drawing very near Yellowstone Jack, when the Sioux rider, whom Ethel had seen dashing into the camp, appeared. The red horseman continued to wave the object which the | THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. - a Sitting Bull arrived there in a moment. And, leaping forward to the blazing circle which enveloped _ the great heap of fuel about Yellowstone Jack, he beeen to kick away the firebrands, And he shouted: “The paleface boy is respited. Yellow Hair has ecbtaiad Long Knife, my son. The white boy may be exchanged for the young brave if we keep him alive. If we kill him the chief of the harse soldiers may slay Long Knife.” In a moment Sitting Bull reached Yellowstone Jack. The boy was half suffocated by the smoke of the torture fire, but the flames had not as yet reached him. With his hunting knife Sitting Bull severed the thongs with which the lad was bound to the stake, and led him away from the torture fire. The brave lad could scarcely believe his deliverance was a reality. But from the conversation among the Indians, which went on around him in excited tones, he gathered the explanation of how it came about that he was respited. Tt seemed to Jack as if this was something more than a mere chance—that the hand of Providence was at work—that he was destined to live to serve Gen. Custer yet. Yellowstone Jack was returned to the lodge, from which he had been removed to the torture stake, and though old Wahnatach, the medicine woman, howled in disapproval, the boy was not further molested then. And Barnabas Zadok, disappointed at the respite of the boy, took his way to the lodge in which he believed his fair captive still to be a prisoner. When he arrived at the door he noted, in surprise and alarm, that there was no one on guard at the portal. Bounding into the lodge, the renegade instantly discovered the bodies of the two dead Indians. And he saw, of course, that his fair prisoner was gone. The rage and chagrin of the renegade was. unbounded. He darted out of the lodge and uttered the wild alarm yell which he had learned from his Sioux allies. fhe redskins, hearing the alarm, came dashing toward the lodge from all parts of the encampment. Sitting Bull chanced to be near. And he was one of the first to reach the lodge. There was wailing, and threats of vengeance were uttered ; girl captive had seen in his hand until Sitting Bull, rushing. over the bodies of the two redskins whom the lone scout had to meet him, took it from his hand. slain. Ethel, being ignorant of the language of the Sioux, had not! Then search was made for the trail of the white girl and understood the uttered by the courler, for such the rider really was. Ate He cried: Sp eens Stel Solacial “Stay the torture fire! ” " It was @ picture writing traced on bleached deerskin, which the Sioux hastened to deliver to Sitting Bull. Reading it the great Sioux chief gained the surprising and alarming intelligence that his youngest son, who had been with Cutnose’s band, had been: captured by Gen. Custer’s “Wah! The yellow-haired chief of the horse soldiers has my gon! But I have his boy spy. I'll spare the runaway white “boy now, for he may yet serve me as a hostage to exchange ; son!” said Sitting Bull. the lagulsed Crow out, tm the service of Cuter, + wit! i Dacian Gaba inl an/ah ona. there sean ada hada her rescuers. The wonderful skill of the red trailers enabled them to find the trail of the lone scout and the maiden at the edge of the timber. And ere long several of the warriors were tracking the fugi- tives with the sagacity and perseverance of bloodhounds on the scent. : 7 Curley, Gen. Custer’s Crow scout, was at the lodge fr which Ethel had been rescued almost as soon as Sitting But he did not remain there. * On the contrary, he had no sooner learned that Ethel | tt been rescued than he hasteneg to join his disguised comrades. — “Come, my brothers. The white boy’s life is safe for t present, ond the white squaw has escaped. Let us creep of the camp and away.” A few moments later, while all the Sioux were Curley and his devoted comrades crept out of the cured their horses, which were picketed near, and rode ly away. “We must reach the rays a ale ie
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THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. : 17] ‘And warn him,” replied one of the other friendlies who at some distance east of the hostile camp, when they discov- le at Curley’s side. ered Cutnose’s band at the mouth of the pass. es, the yellow-haired chief has no thought that Sitting! A cireumstance had transpired after they left the camp of has assembled such a vast army, and even I did not sus- Sitting Bull clandestinely to arouse the suspicions of the Bect it. If Custer advances and is not warned in time, he will Sioux. be drawn into an ambush.” ; And almost immediately the confirmation of those suspicions “True; the pale-faced braves do not think Sitting Bull has C@me to the hostiles in a startling manner, and in a way More than a few hundred warriors with him, at the most.” |Curley and his friends had not anticipated. “And the Yellow-Haired chief is burning to give battle. He| Soldier Fox, the half-breed deserter trom the forces of Cus- "thinks it will be an easy matter to defeat and scatter Sitting ter, who was in the service of Zadok, the white renegade. had - Bull’s forces.” executed the commission which Zadok had intrusted to him, An and brought the-Sioux down upon the bluecoats at the ranch ¥ opines nn! far, “st Bull nad ae airy the eqpnelan te of the renegade, where Yellowstone Jack, Ethel Readon, and 3 eno. Selewets sade “age a Speak 4 ginal Hand oF ie the lone scout were captured, as we have seen. warriors to d spfhpentionnet rf those have promptly retreat- The half-breed spy had later been dispatched southward 7 "ed at the advance of the troopers, as though they dared not to scout for reinforcements, which he had told Sitting Bull and ~ stand a fight.” the renegade Custer expected. 5a “It is all as my brother says—Sitting Bull is the great gen- The ppc reine spy a while bs the oe oe = Custer, of the Sioux. He will catch the Yellow-Haired chief and se at t eee ot, ene, MBTC ea ! all his wa: to reach the soldiers with siderable force of troopers, intending to form a junction with eetore'2h'a trap if we fail Custer in the Yellowstone country, before the campaign against _ draped he Si tively ’ After that the friendly Indian scouts rode on steadily for| the Sioux was actively opened. some time. Soldfer Fox made a long scout. And that fact accounted for his absence from the great camp of the hostiles during the occurrence of the thrilling in- cidents last recorded as taking place there. But the half-breed spy was on his way to Sitting Bull’s camp at the very time when Curley, the Crow, and his three disguised comrades were stealthily making their way from the great camp. _ They were in a pass in the hills, when all at once, with a ‘Startled exclamation of warning, Curley drew rein and point- e! ed to a ledge high above his head. For an instant the keen-eyed followers of Custer’s Crow Scout caught a glimpse of an Indian—a Sioux scout. ” The rifles of Curley and his comrades leaped to their shoul- ders. _| The half-breed was in the timber among the hills when his At the same instant the hill-top spy of the hostiles disap-|+6en sense of hearing suddenly warned him that horsemen : “peared silently. were approaching at no great distance. The weapons of Custer’s friendlies descended. - They looked into each other’s bronzed faces in alarm. Curley was the one to speak first. _ “Forward! We must ride for our lives now, my brothers. * The spy who was on the ledge will tell others that we are’all', moment. _ Maing toward Custer. We shall be cut off and called to ac-| 444 nile his beady black eyes gleamed cunningly, he led _ ¢ount. Though the spy cannot know. we are not Sioux, suspl-'s;. pony into a dense thicket, secured the animal there and elon, once turned on us, we are lost,” the Crow said, in his own immediately crept. away. , : ‘The half-breed proceeded in the direction whence the sounds _ After that the friendly scouts did not spare their horses. [of an approach emanated. the animals _on at full speed, they were approaching| Ye had no means of deciding in advance whether the ap- ‘end of the defile, when suddenly the opening to the plains proaching parties were hostiles or some of Custer’s scouts. | was closed by a mounted band of full ten score Sioux; But he meant to make sure. ~ | He presently halted behind a great 2 noiselessly parted | The lieutenant of Sitting Bull and his warriors.’ the bushes that grew beside it, wa ceyhogsty peered forward knows me! I helped to guard him when he into the open beyond. ne The spy of the hostiles instantly drew rein, and leaping lightly from the back of the swift-footed pony, he placed his ear to the ground. ee SS er at Fort Lincoln,” said Curley, recognizing the! At that moment Curley and his t Owers were near ; ¥ Sioux who had long ago taken an oath to kill Cus- ped poms e hares : oath ea: 3 The spy saw them. | ay, was one of awful perfl. The unmasking of the frees vpieceuge ani gala mw mt Sn oC, ore om ence knew, When he oetaeen,S Btaret view of the face of to him. oretgnenm ware or écleasieesomvls. Soldier Fox had become _ Ng bE. : very familiar with the appearance of the Crow scout, who ee rou ee | however, generally unknown to the Sioux. be HAPTER XIIL en plas Something in the face of Custer’s disguised scout immediate- ae “He cunningly restrained the tmpulse to show himself, rego ceten« rtimece, tog de Sele Tevet tay: o-eipnistanc raned the mish of thet a cnrrenl C ‘hs comrade neasitn it ¢ ie “Wah! One, two, three, four! Four riders,” he muttered in — i ee 4 , aS
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the faithful friendly, Soldier Fox presently made the thrilling discovery of his identity. “Wah!” uttered the half-breed under his breath. “He is ‘ Curley, the Crow scout of the Yellow-Haired chief. Wah! Why is he painted and dressed as a Sioux, as are his comrades? I suspect they are Custer’s scouts, too, and that they have been with Curley spying upon Sitting Bull.” The Crow and his three followers rode on. And presently, while he remained undiscovered, Soldier Fox heard Curley say: “We push on steadily now. We make Custer’s camp at the _Tanch of renegade. Wah! We bring Yellow Hair great news. Though Yellowstone Jack told him the Sioux were massing, 5 the great white chief does not suspect what an overwhelming force Sitting Bull has to hurl against him.” Soldier Fox remained in his place of concealment until the friendly seouts were out of sight. Then the spy retraced his way. He soon reached the thicket in which he had left his horse. Mounting the animal he rode at full speed straight in the direction of the great Sioux encampment which Curley had so recently left. ‘ _ Meantime Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, ‘Rain-in-the-Face, and lok, the renegade, were holding.a consultation. were discussing the mysterious rescue of the girl cap- , and considering the probability of the red trackers over- taking the maiden and her as yet unknown rescuer, when sud- -denly a warrior rushed up and exclaimed: “Wah! The four strange Sioux are gone! The boy, who watched the ponies, saw them $o away. some time ago. They _ went slyly. Wild Wind suspects something wrong.” _ “Ah! This must be looked to, Those four braves were all ‘strangers. And now I recall they were im the company of Yel- emrrone IRE, ‘the white boy, when he joined the band with bees he came to camp,” the chief cried. we ‘That is a suspicious circumstance which we should siesta aye Overlooked, chief,” said Zadok. - _ “No, The Sioux were blind.” eee - eee ee 5 ay * Bull rallied a force of a score or more of picked (at They were instructed to mount the: fleetest “ponies in the tribe and run down and bring back the four ae renee st oh Same In a few moments the picked band were ready to set out. “a “But just then Soldier Fox rode into camp. _ ne “Wah! I have news for the great chief!” he shouted to the red sentinel at the edge of the camp. As they Fecogai#ed ‘hiss, he was allowed to pass without delay, ? Bie "He rode up sfore he lodge of Sitting Bull. “There the great chief, Crazy Horse, Raiu-in-the-Face and Zadok still “What is it, Soldier Fox?” cried Sitting Bull, _ “Wah! Me see Curley, the Crow scout of Yellow Hair, dress- - ed and painted like a Sioux, in company with three comrades, “riding away from the Sioux camp.” “Ha! Then they were splegi” yelled Sitting Bull. “5 Pao yaa ag = “cl. Une Shvice Wied, Vike thom e, in angry tones. pita on Away, braves! Bring the ux back or take their scalps!” said Sitting Bull to the neve Custer. Remember, chief, those They ave acted ony THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. will if they reach him,” fiercely rejoined Sitting Bull, as he urged the pursuers away. x The picked band dashed out of camp. They saw the well-marked trail of the mounted men they meant to overtake. Flogging the.:ponies mercilessly, but grimly silent, with their bright eyes looking keenly ahead, they went on. And so it came about that at the time when Curley and his followers discovered the band of Cutnose blocking the mouth of pass through the hills ahead of them, the Sioux from the hostile camp were close in their rear, but yet undiscovered. “We must turn back, get out of the pass, and make a dash southward!” said Curley, when he had discovered the hostiles ahead. ' It was the only chance. They wheeled their ponies. And, as they went clattering back along the defile, they heard the Sioux from whom they were retreating yelling say- agely, and they caught the sound of swift pursuit. The grim red scouts of Custer knew they were riding for their lives, with the chance of escape against them. In silence they pressed on. And they had just got clear of the pass, and entered the” open valley which ran southward, when all at once, out of a fringe of timber, at a water-course not more than a hundred yards away, dashed the redskins from Sitting Bull’s strong- hold. Crack! Crack! Crack! The friendly scouts discharged a deadly volley, and swept on like the wind, while the bostiles sought to intercept them. * CHAPTER XIV. THE LONE SCOUT’S SECRET CAVE. It was, of course, the same band of Cutnose’s warriors who had discovered the lone scout and Ethel who had later pur- sued Curley and his comrades. The fate of the brave rescuer of the daughter of the mur- dered paymaster and the maiden seemed trembling in the | balance, with all the chances against them, when we left them. “Yes,” reiterated the lone scout, as he saw the large war party spreading out to cut off the further adyance of himself and his girlish companion. “Our only hope is to reach my old hiding place in the hills.” ‘ oie They wheeled about and dashed away, hand in hand. But they had not ran far when they came upon two In- : dian ponies, which their owners had left picketed, while they climbed a hillside to inspect the country. They mounted the: ponies and rode swiftly southward. is “Ride for your life, girl!” admonished the mysterious hite — scout. With the yells of the Sioux ringing in her ears, and st .|ing terror to her heart, brave though she was, the border gir followed the daring man, who had evinced so deep an in in her fate, and terribly imperiled himself in her behaliy The Sioux rode at the utmost speed. Bit Cutnoge's band had made a long ide that ¢ therefore their ponies were jaded and weary. ks The ponies ridden by the lone scout and Ethel how- ever, comparatively fresh, having so recently come om 1 camp, Where they had’ been at pasture for some i a et ee aes ae i ot slow to > 3
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THE BOY time to time, as they thundered on, they glanced back we . 2] was with feelings of great joy that they observed they "Were maintaining and gradually intreasing the lead of their Ted foes. They saw the main body of the band give up the chase ' But some twelve braves, who were the best mounted mem- _ bers of the war party, clung to their trail obstinately. We - “How far have we to ride to reach your hiding place?” asked ~ Ethel anon, in tones of anxiety. **“Some ten miles. My secret cave is in the very heart of the wila hills.” ' “Oh, it is a cave, then?” _ “Yes; and I have good reason to suppose no redskin of this ‘age has ever discovered it, though I think {it was once the home of some aboriginal race, who may, indeed, have dug it.” ie On and on in silence they went. _ And finally the foremost of the determined twelve, who hung bon their trail like grim shadows of doom, was left behind. _ He had been lost to sight for full half an hour, and all Sounds of pursuit had died away in the distance, when the B scout drew rein at a waterfall. _ It was a beautiful and picturesque scene of wild, natural _ grandeur which presented itself to the sight of the fugitives. ' They were at the side of a waterfall. There a hill stream __ ©f considerable size sent its water over the rocks in a sheet Of spray with a fall of more than a hundred feet from a jut- ~. ting ledge. ~ “Pollow and fear not! There is a hidden pathway under the falls,” said the lone scout. Then to the amazement of thé"young girl he urged his horse into the torrent and disappeared. ‘She hesitated for a moment, and then she, too, rode into the blinding sheet of falling water, but in a moment she found her- self on a ledge of rock close to the steep wall over which the _- Water descended. ‘The falls fell as a limpid curtain between her and the outer wall, but the water did not strike her. -_‘Through the mist and semi-gloom she saw the lone scout. And he rode into an opening in the rocks, over which the descended and vanished from her sight at once. s followed again. — she found herself in a large, dry and lofty- “23 Fe o = Jone scout had already dismounted. > had ignited a torch of resinous wood. t flames burned brilliantly enough to dis- n of te cavern, Ethel, glancing about curiously, discerned numerous evidences of previous occupancy. _ was a heap of resinous wood at one side of the cave, tt was a rude couch of leaves and balsamic boughs cov- te » fireplace full of blackened ashes was built against] and there were some cooking utensils near it. um scout assisted Ethel to dismount, but first he stuck yeh in a crack of the rocky floor. e we may remain safely in hiding until the PRAIRIE COURIER. i gine eae te ah 19 “If you will carry the torch I will lead the animals to the improvised stable.” “Certainly,” said Ethel, becoming cheerful, under the in- spiration of the lone scout’s hopeful tone. While the girl carried the torch, her companion took the ponies by the bits and led them to the rear of the main cave. These two compartments, the one extending to the left, the other to the right, branched off from it. Into the right cavern the mysterious friend of the imperiled girl led the horses. The place was rudely fitted up to serve as a stable. The scout secured the ponies. Then he said: “We will now go back to the main cave, and I must leave you for a time.” “Must you go?” - “Yes; I must scout about, and if any redskin should at- tempt to penetrate under the falls, I shall try to make the attempt fatal to him.” He pointed up at the wall, adding: “T have here some extra weapons.” Ethel saw him reach up to a natural shelf of rock and take down a revolver. Thi he examined, and handed to her. “Take this weapon,” he said. “You will find it all réady for use, and if necessary do not hesitate to use it. But I trust there may be no need for you to do so.” ¥F She received the weapon from his hand. And, as she did so, she saw beyond him, on the rocky wall, some strange, grotesque figures, rudely carved in relief. “Those carvings were here when I first accidentally discov- ered the cave. I am satisfied they are the work of some 4an- client race, as they are.entirely unlike any of the Indian carv- ings of this age,” he explained, observing the direction of her glance. lah A moment later he pressed her hand, saying: “Try not to be alarmed. I shall soon return. But in the meantime be vigilant and watchful.” Then he stole away through the mouth of the cavern Mader: neath the waterfall. . x Taft alone Bthel flt the dread and fear which for « ying girl was but natural. The torch continued to burn. Its fitful glare a mumts nated the underground place. — - And the uncertain light fell upon the grotesque figures carved upon the wall, producing a startling effect. BA As she gazed upon them with a sort of fascination, it ‘seem- ed to Bthel’s excited imagination that they were all maps forward, as if to surround her. Sem Se, She shuddered and crept nearer the 1 né ‘of the cave. of the Ione scout, when Ethel became a y footsteps were “Giaty ate thet Petts Gladly she thought: oe / “The lone scout is returning.” Bare : But he 2G) tines Oe able terror she saw a hideous redskin peering im at es the mouth of the “a 3
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Sitting Bull’s camp, who sought to intercept the four scouts ‘While Cutnose’s band came yelling after them in the rear, was a deadly one. Every shet told. Four Sioux ponies dashed away riderless, and four red war- tiors were hurled to the ground, stained with their own life blood, . The rush of the Sioux was checked. On and past them swept Custer’s Indian scouts at mad speed. Of course, they were. pursued. Cutnose’s band and Sitting Bull’s trailers united. And they pressed on in the chase with determination. Curley and his men knew the red wolves behind would never leave - trail until Custer’s camp was too near to make it safe for to follow further. Suddenly a shot from a long-range rifle struck one of the ponies ridden by one of the friendlies. . The animal fell with a broken leg. A comrade took the dismounted man up behind him. * aiid the race continued, but again the-long-range rifle in ‘the hands of an expert Sioux marksman spoke. Another pony fell. L As before, the rider of the unfortunate - steed was taken up behind a comrade. Curley took ‘the last dismounted scout on his.own steed. “now there were but ‘two Taositng. to carry. the four escap- ing scouts. It began to look black indeed for the latter. ‘The ore ponies could not long keep ahead of the oo b. “a = , They soon Keehn to gain rapidly. : . “This will never do! In ten minutes the Sioux will be upon Curley. ah! Let me down and ride on!” said tle scout whom = had taken. up. | Pat sey _ too, brother, do you do the same. It is better a two should, escape, than all should be taken,” bravely said the warrior who rode with the other mounted scout. ++ “Never! Curley, the Crow, is a great brave. He will never *e = a brother,” the chief of scouts. ? Aise, 4 ’ “Wah! So Red Rifle madd asserted the other Indian who had appealed to. “What can we do, then?” naked one ‘of the warriors who ere amessboinn. § esis =nd Gast to She dont ne the death!” _ myst sae ‘which had carried double, Cur- : into the hills at the foot of site coor dc eae: timber, and = eon plentifully strewn. and the intention of the friend- . ye > ete oi ee THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER The top of the hill was a plateau nearly level, and all ‘around were rocks and bowlders like a patural breastwork. For some distance on all sides the hill was barren of vegeta : tion toward its base. And there were very few rocks or bowlders which could serve to shield an advancing enemy. “Here we must make a stand. Wah! It shall be a eee fight, if we lose our scalps! We cannot retreat much far- ther without deserting the hills, when we should soon be run down and captured,” said Curley. “Wah! Chief say true,” assented Red Rifle. “And Curley has not forgotten that he carries some of the yellow-haired chief’s signal-rockets,” continued the Crow seout. “But the chief cannot use them now.” “No, not to any good purpose. Not until darkness comes.” “And then?” “Oh, if we can hold the hilltop until then, we can send up the rockets.” “And they will be seen in Custer’s camp?” “Yes, and he will send us help.” “We must hold the hilltop.” “Wah! while we have a round of ammunition left.” In a moment the four brave Indian scouts took advantageous positions on the hilltop. Each one leveled his rifie over the natural barricade of rocks which encircled the party. On came the Sioux. Soon a couple of warriors appeared on the open hillside, and at. the same instant the repeating rifles in the hands of Curley and one of his comrades. cracked. The foremost Sioux leaped into the air, uttering a terrible yell, and then went crashing down, shot through the heart. The other was shot through the arm. Dropping his rifle, he staggered back, and disappeared in a clump of bushes. The other Sioux halted. The fate of their leader had taught them caution. But creeping stealthily around in the cover below the barren _ space which extended for two or three hundred yards toward the hill top, the Sioux soon completely surrounded the sum- mit. Now and then an Indian could be seen at the edge of the timber. The Crow scout and his friends were alert and fully aware of the movements of the enemy. “We are besieged. Wah! The Sioux mean to keep us here — until we have no ammunition, if they can’t get at us bom 2 said Curley. oF It was the truth. The Sioux kept firing occasionally site hilltop for some time. Then at a given signal from Cutnose the Sioux charged from all sides at once. The besieged scouts worked the triggers of their repeating Winchesters like lightning. A rain of leaden bullets descended upon the charging tiles. S "They were popaland And they carried the dead and wounded away with After that only an occasional shot was fired by the | some time. : But at length one of the hostiles leaped upon a ‘dhs marks © Rite ie.6¢ Cis somple ids gut, Oem “talk.” . % 4
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kesman of the hostiles’ only rejoinder was a threat- : yell. A Then he leaped down from the rock and disappeared. pe Atter that the hours passed until nightfall, and only an asional shot was exchanged between the besieged and their But meanwhile, leaving them, we must return to Yellow- Jack, Gen. Custer’s youngest aide. The young lad was of course much rejoiced at his, respite, od he meant to improve the slightest chance for escape which chapter of incidents yet to come might possibly present for Just at nightfall old Wabnatach entered the lodge in which Was confined. The lad was no longer bound. He looked the old Sioux medicine woman, and the idea of a daring Lone ke him howl. Now she’ll beat him so he'll never run away in,” hissed the old Indian fury, ahd she raised a heavy btted bludgeon to strike the boy, when, with the leap of a , he bounded upon the fierce hag and caught her by the CHAPTER XVI. GEN. CUSTER’S CAMP. _ Meantime, Gen. Custer in camp at the burnt ranch of Zadok, “the renegade, impatiently awaited the return of Curley, the Chief of Indian scouts, and Yellowstone Jack. - The gallant officer was troubled by many doubts and mis- 'Sivings. He dreaded lest his invaluable friendlies and the ee aide might fall into the hands of the hostiles. = apes he was most anxious on account of Hthel Readon, the Si @ughter of the murdered paymaster. tt pe ‘she was not rescued, he felt he could never forgive him- If for having allowed her to accompany the expedition. nd yet her presence he had deemed essential, as she alone Positively recognize the murderer of her father in the seer the assurances of the boy prairie courier that was massing a tremendous force against him, imagine anything like the truth. ine out of ten officers of the frontier army would have hi impo e that Sitting* els could concentrate such had assembled ; ihe igtrength of the hostiles. was vastly under- mxiety grew apace as the hours went by, and scouts and Yellowstone Jack did not return. eee ee er THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. s and the reports of the Indian agents all go | cz ana ions with thet them. 21 ——— And the only captive taken was the great chief’s son. All his comrades escaped, and Long Knife would have been equally fortunate but, for the fact that his pony was shot under him when in full retreat. Then he was overtaken by the white scouts. It was one of Long Knife’s comrades who brought the in- telligence of the capture of his son to Sitting Bull. The young redskin was brought before Gen. Custer. / There he stood, silent and sullen, but erect and defiant, among his captors. He would not shame the reputation of his sire, and though he was then on his first war-path, he comforted himself, as be- hooved one upon whose shoulders the mantle of the great Sit- ting Bull might one day fall. 1 Custer questioned the young Sionx. At first he would make no answer. But finally he said with fierce dignity in the Sioux —- = an interpreter duly translated: “Long Knife is sree brave; he will tell the pale-faces noth- ing, save that soon their scalps shall note at the belts wai Sit= ting Bull’s warriors.” And-nothing moré Gould be elicited by persuasion or threats. An old scout cried-out: © “Give the pizen varmint a taste of Injun treatment. - Put. - him to the stake and let him feel the flames, and it will loosen his tongue.” a But Gen. Custer rebuked the old scout, saying: “We are not savages. Away with the young Indian; after all, he is acting with savage chivalry.” : oH So Long Knife was hurried to the guard tent. And sentinels closely guarded him after that. The next day not an Indian was seen, but the camp was alert and watchful. - We know that Sitting Bull was ivine low. . Custer had not yet entered the hills, anit on the open prairie the Indians do not fight well. Even with his great force Sitting Bull would not risk a con- flict on the plains. No. He would curb his impatience until he had lured the yellow-haired chief of the whites into the chosen fighting grounds of the Sioux. When night drew on again, and there was he news from the daring band who had gone forth to attempt the rescue of the white maiden and gain information about — enemy, Custer was inclined to give them up for lost. His men were eager to advance. The younger officers frequently urged their commander to give the order to march. : They had so frequently been successful in their raids against the Sioux that they had acquired a ee of contempt for their red foes. Brave Tom Custer, the general's expedition, was one of the most t 1 the enemy. ~ , who was with the E for an advance against afar aaee Holding off only en- » courages them, and ‘gives them timé: to Strengthen their forces,” he said. a = . Bate But Custer would not > a m o _ He had the plan of campaign for ‘mind, as it had previously “ont pretty certain of success at the outset. ad c" hen he left Fort Lincoln it was understood that Generals) commands were to operate with t 7 PSA. aw 5% “1 was supped Siting Dull could at the utmost a
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} ‘ routes, to guard against the escape of the Sioux southward if they sought to retreat. ; But the-delay in getting a start caused the expedition to be begun too late in the year to surprise the Indians. - The general belief of the leaders of the expedition was that Sitting Bull was to be found on the Yellowstone, between the Big Horn and Powder rivers. The Missouri river describes nearly a quarter circle all around this region, at a distance of some three hundred miles. All the time the expedition was getting away from the forts x the force of Sitting Bull was being augmented from all the '.+ great Indian agencies in the territory bounded by the Mis- souri. & At the last moment Gen. Custer had received orders to scout for Sitting Bull on his own account, and if Generals Crook and Gibbong had‘not joined him when the enemy was found, to fight if his force was sufficient. meant to obey orders, but what Yellowstone Jack, the boy prairie aide had told him, made him hesitate about _ charging Sitting Bull. He did not know that three days before Crook had been at- Skoteans. driven back by three thousand of Sitting Bul)’s , Crook was advan from Fort Laramie, so he was first to get into a fight with the Sioux. The night which witnessed the siege of Curley and his Crow -seouts on the barren hill-top, where the Sioux had hemmed _ them in, came on dark and cloudy. . That night, because it was a most favorable one for an ‘Indian attack, - Gen. Custer caused a double line of outposts wal? nd the camp at Zadok’s ranch. tone wild 1 land of the Sioux when a sentinel at the door of Be” ‘tent entered. bo he ON was sitting at a camp table, looking over a “map of the Yellowstone country. He looked up quickly when the trooper entered. _ The latter saluted: i “Well, James, what is it?” asked the general. “Signals, str. The sentinels have just discovered rockets Be Cigclna wel fu ehh Wit x thn northvonat:* “Is that so? It must be Curley is sending up the, rockets. -- He had some with him when he left!” cried Custer. Zi Then he rushed out of the tent. ; ad At that moment, as he directed eager glances to the north- EY west, he saw a red ball of fire flash high in the black sky, sput- ter and fall in a shower of flame. — pind 4 a —— el ‘cote! ! e “Take Bandi of the ou and be off oar the one wanls help, see that he gets THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER } down and ran in on him, while with the other he sought ip ’ . ous man of the plains had so nobly rescued from the camp of Sitting Bull. : It was not long after the lone scout left the cave, to make a short scout about it, as narrated, when, hearing footsteps, Ethel became alert, and presently saw a hideously-painted Sioux warrior peering in at her through the mouth of the eave. © Revolver in hand, the girl sprang back. But the light of the torch, sticking in a crack in the rocky — floor of the cave, had revealed her to the Indian. : “Wah! White squaw found at last! Ugh! Big Bear heap glad see white squaw! Um take her back to Sitting Bull's camp. Get big jug whisky from white trader, Zadok,” uttered © the Sioux, gutturally, in broken English. The redskin advanced. The young girl was frozen with terror. She wanted to scream, but her tongue seemed to cleave to the roof of her mouth, and she could make no utterance. With an exultant grin upon his painted face, the redskin continued to approach. | Ethel recoiled, and caught up the forch in one hand. Then she leveled her revolver. The Indian had not previously seen the weapon, for she held it concealed in the folds of her dress. Evidently he had believed her to be unarmed. Quick as thought the imperilled girl pressed the trigger. But the weapon was not discharged. A cartridge had slipped so as to hold the cylinder. The Indian made a forward leap, uttering an exultant cry, for he was sure of his prey then. But just then Ethel flashed the brilliant light of the flam- ing pine torch upon the wall at her side. It was there that the hideous human figures of life-like and gigantic size, carved by some forgotten race of aborigines, stood forth’ in bold relief like a grotesque phalanx of giants. The Indian saw them. He must have thought he beheld a troop of living men, who were about to spring upon him. He leaped back, wheeled about and darted to the mouth of the cave. Again Ethel tried to discharge her revolyer, but again. the weapon refused to act. p) . And the young girl thought with a feeling of despair at her — heart: “The Sioux will escape and. bring his comrades to the cave, We are lost!” ; At this juncture she would have given tn yore of er tte for the appearance of the lone scout. . She found her voice and uttered a loud and t As the utterance escaped her lips the Sioux walla bound away through the entrance of the hidden cave, But what was that? . ; Oh, joy—joy! Ethel clapped her hands ag she threw a the weapon which had proved useless, { Just then a human form, which she recognized at a appeared at the mouth of the hidden cave to bar the # wa y the escaping Sioux. The lone scout had ‘come. His rifle sprang to his shoulder. But, before he could discharge the weapon, the Sioux <p! the white man with his hunting knife. ‘ _ The lone scout dropped his rifle. “And a desperate aay cans ery
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THE BOY ddenly the indian uttered an awful, half-smothered he lone scout bounded to his feet with his hunting fe, which was bathed in the life blood of the murderous avage in his hand. ‘The young girl turned sick and faint. _ And she sank heavily upon the cave floor before the lone Seout could reach her. "When she recovered her senses she found the brave man who had so nobly protected her bending over her. \ “Fear not. The Sioux is dead!” he said, in reassuring tones. _ Ethel regained her feet and asked anxiously: ’ “Are there any more Indians near?” _ ‘*I have discovered a small war party, to which, no doubt, _ the Indian I have slain belonged.” _ “Then we must remain here?” _ “Yes. It is our only chance.” “How long must we stay hidden in this cave?” “It is impossible to tell; but we must not think of venturing h while there are any of the hostiles in the neighborhood.” “Then Ethel told the scout how his weapon had failed, and bw terribly the Sioux had Ween frightened by the figures farved upon the wall of the cave. ” Ethel’s guardian finally prevailed upon her to seek sleep. _ He spread a buffalo robe on a eouch of boughs in the rear hd of the main cavern, and Ethel reclined there while he kept at the entrance of the cave, mentally resolved that no harm should reach her while he lived. The night wore on. _ For a long time Ethel could not sleep. put at last exhausted nature succumbed, and her trembling _ Rerves became quiet. Her heavy breathing assured the lone _ Seout she slept. Leaning upon his long rifle, he remained on the watch. mie It was about midnight when above the roar of the falls, ’ Which concealed the entrance of the cave, ‘he caught a faint ory first he was not sure of its cause, but as it came again he ew it was the yell of an Indian. Once or twice more the Hl reached him. “Ha! It is the peculiar signal yell by which the Sioux scouts Announce the discovery of a sought-for trail,” he muttered. : apa he suspected that some white fugitive, seeking to es- ape the vengeance of the Sioux, had been successfully tracked } ‘demon whose signal yell he had heard. Zoe om did not leave the cave, and the long hours . ‘the period of his night vigil drew their slow | the dawn. opy of falling water beyond the en- » the light of a new day found its way in a atic sunbeams dancing in the silvery sheen of - S gsont awoke the sleeping girl. of food, and Ethel was rejoiced to learn that zl alarm during the cei save that of the scout. us man of the plains saw Ethel shudder as she » hideous form of the dead Indias, and he out of sight. out of the cave and cast it into the cine Saaes RCs PRAIRIE COURIER. —_— j-under the falls. Then he once more went| ahead. Bathe! 23 Bull’s camp, it has been stated that the Boy Prairie Courier flew at the vindictive creature and caught her by the throat. The idea of a daring stratagem, which had flashed upon the mind of the youth, came lke an inspiration, and his prompt action completely surprised the old medicine woman. She struggled desperately to free herself from the tenacious hold which Yellowstone Jack had fixed upon her throat. But she was unable to free herself. And she could not utter a sound. The boy strangled her. Gradually her struggles grew weak- er. And finally she sank insensible upon the earth. Then the daring boy aide of Gen. Custer crept stealthily to the entrance of the lodge, lifted the flap of coon which hung before it and peered forth. The shadows of night had fallen. Darkness was closing down upon the great camp of the hos- tiles, and already here and there the evening fires had been kindled before the long rows of wigwams. “hx. Jack could see the dusky forms of the Sioux warriors and squaws moving hither and yon about the campfires, while the odor of broiled venison filled the air. Near the door of his lodge two warriors stood on guard. _ But their manner proclaimed they neither knew nor suspect- ed what was taking place in the prison lodge. While his heart beat fast with excitement, the boy courier crept back to the side of the insensible old medicine woman. Then he set about the preliminary steps looking to the ac- complishment of the greatest and most perilous attempt of his life—to outwit the wily Sioux. The lad quickly possessed himself of the strange teathered and beaded head-dress worn by the Sioux hag. And he removed the blanket tunic she wore. He was about the same height as the old medicine woman, and he quickly donned her head-dress and tunic. Then, by means of the stain and paint he found in a pocket of the hag’s outer garment, he made up his face like that of the old woman. . This done, he took the twisted medicine stick, carved like a serpent, which she always carried when she went abroad. =~ . “Now IT am ready,” he reflected. sentinels around the camp in safety, I think I shall stand a good chance of getting to Custer’s camp.” t Then, having dragged the still insensible old hag into ‘the darkest corner of the lodge, he bound and gagged her, using thongs he found upon her person. ; At last he was ready to leave the lodge.’ _ With the twisted medicine stick in his hand, he strode ines. forth. . i The sentinels had, of course, seen | she entered the lodge. go's And they took the boy for her. © The gloom favored him, and the. tinels did not bestow a second glance upon him as he He passed them in safety. © = A And then De penatenod to Saeiptetera ad of te casrp, and 2 ‘Stoux. cas det esc healt toeoe lll paetglet “Wah, Wahnatach, where go?” he asked. - “Ugh! The serpent weed grows in woods whee See “If I can only pass the
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24 THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. e The sentinel grunted and allowed the disguised boy to pass But a few moments subsequently a loud yell rang eke ° on without further questioning. him. =! Jack soon left the camp at some distance behind him. He glanced back and saw a dozen dusky forms upéet his trasl. , Anon the moon and stars began to illuminate the night. ‘ Guiding himself by the nocturnal luminaries and walking swiftly, for he had not dared to attempt to recover his horse, he pressed on. Meantime, Jack had been gone from the Sioux camp for perhaps an hour, when the sentinels at the door of the lodge from which he had escaped heard a strange sound from with- in it. The noise was a smothered groan. It was ted again and again. The sen’ at length strode to the door, and drawing aside the flap, peered within. 4 At first, on account of the darkness, they were unable to discern anything. But the eyes of the Indians are sharp by night as well as by CHAPTER XIX. | SAVED BY A RUSE. 3 The situation of Curley, the Crow scout, and his braye com- — rades whom we left on the barren hilltop still remained one of © extreme peril. Curley and his followers had a respite from the assault of the Sioux who had hemmed them in as the night drew on. But the wily Crow knew the enemy were closely watching his position. Occasionally a feathered head could be seen when a Sioux — appeared at the edge of the fringe of timber below the barren hillside. “They are only waiting for the darkness,” said Curley to one of his men, as the shadows lengthened. , | “Wah!” replied the Indian addressed. “The Sioux will ereep up when it is dark.” “Yes, and if they reach us before I can bring help by sending up a signal, rocket we shall all be slain.” Curley spoke in the Crow tongue, which the other under- stood. “We must make everything ready now,” he added. “Against thé time when it will be dark enough to see fire a long way?” “Yes, we must send up the’rockéts as soon as night has com- pletely fallen.” “Wah!” was the laconic assent. While the others watched the enemy, and occasionally dis- charged a shot when a feathered head was seen above the bushes down the hill, Curley and the Indian to whom he had spoken, as above recorded, soon got out the rockets. Then they prepared everything. At last Curley announced that the gloom was sufficiently At length, becoming accustomed to the gloom, the two sen- tinels were able to see the form of the medicine woman. In a moment they reached her and dragged her out into the open beyond the door. saw she was bound and bien and the realiza- ‘the ruse wwhich the daring white boy had employed to dupe them-flashed upon their minds instantly. i a he had passed them in the garb of the medicine we While one of the sentinels removed the gag from between the jaws of the hag and cut the thongs with which Yellowstone had secured her, the other sent“up the loud and shrill alarm yell of the tribe. Oe) in F moments. a! wes excitement: and confusion about § was alarmed and enraged, because if Yellow- * stone Gen. Custer in safety he would have no prisoner to hold as a hostage for the safety of his son, who iy had been captured by the troopers as stated. ‘Whe pursuit of the white lad was immediately undertaken by “hd a score of Sioux warriors. ’ "And from the. 0 on with they learned ip - from the one w spoken earn ‘ a which way the lad had gone. — And he sent up the first signal—the rocket whose mission was to bring deliverance to the devoted little band of friend- : lies, who were so completely hemmed in by thelr deadly eS. Up—up into the black vault of the overcas ) the hilltop, which had proved a fortress . ; shot the ball of fire. Up—up, glaring, scintillating against the of the sky like a meteor earth-driven into spae Higher and higher soared the fire-ball, and ; a chorus of fierce and threatening yells rang out: from th Sioux. oe But answering war-cries, full and defiant, pealed lips of Custer’s red scouts like a cheer to speed the the help beacon on its way on high. ne: Beene ay meet the: Siw: all etenels See times gone by. Thay Rb tae docutashay tek hendied Sonal 4 They procured torches. zn And by the Ught thus afforded they sought for and found PR - While they followed it the moon and stars came forth—and ee ene eres pee west forward on ‘the - The second rocket quickly followed the first. - Then came the third. But Custer and his braves in blue were far away.
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THE BOY Ps ammunition of Curley’s s force was almost exhausted. rete Be ‘as the Sioux would reach them under cover of the ie: lich "Not very long after the last rocket exploded high up in the roe sky, sending forth a shower of sparks, the Sioux sound- 8a the battle yell anew. ' A yolley of rifle shots came hurtling through the night at the 2%. Scouts on the barren hilltop. ' “Wah! They come! They come! The Sioux are charging the hill!” cried Curley. ‘Tt was so. The foe could be heard on all sides. The pandemonium was frightful. ‘The yells of the Sioux were mingled with the incessant re- ts of firearms. One who has never taken part in a battle cannot adequately mprehend all the horror and excitement of the night con- Wwe are seeking to depict. Phe friendly scouts of Custer’s crouched side by side. ‘Shoulder to shdulder the red heroes of the Yellowstone leant to make their last fight. « "They leveled their rifles over the rude barricade they had Lawl Sam. * 4 ee 4, : 1 sg they opened fire as the foe advanced. But they could not see the enemy. _ They had to be guided in their aim wholly by the flash of : on the hillside. 3 eedtesrer and nearer came the foe. _ The repeating rifles of Curley and his braves became heated. They knew the end must soon come. _ Once the red fiends, whom Sitting Bull had leagued for mur- der and rapine on the border, reached the barricade all was lost. Death under the hatchet and the scalping knife stared the besieged scouts in the face. Or, it might be, their lives would be temporarily spared in r that they might perish at the torture stake. The Sioux had an old grudge against Curley. _ And indeed they were, if possible, more bitterly in their tred of the red men who served Custer than of the whites x “ : ‘terrible reflections as to what the immediate future ; eaatene — must have flashed through the among the rear ranks of the charging “of whom had almost reached the barri- hilltop which sheltered Curley and his men. hem. men! Forward by fours! Charge!” shouted » from the rear of the Sioux. “have occurred to so completely surprise and PRAIRIE COURIER. in the hiding place where I Paha Sok ateecs aes 25 It would require some hours for the men from Custer’s camp to reach them. Curley thought it must be a party of scouts had chanced to be near the hill when he sent up the signal rocket. What then was his surprise when presently a voice out of the darkness, quite near the breastworks on the hilltop, reach- ed him, shouting: “Don’t fire, Curley. I’m Yellowstone Jack!” The next moment the boy prairie courier leaped the bartri- cade. After him came a tall man. One of the scouts was about to shoot at the second ok when he exclaimed: “Hold! I am the Lone Scout, aa Custer’s friend! © It was so. Yellowstone Jack and the lone scout were warmly wel- comed. And the brave boy of the wild northwest hastened to say: “Now, Curley, you want to get out of this before the Sioux find out we have worked the stratagem and fooled them!” “What white boy mean?” demanded Curley. “That the lone scout and I are all alone. We made the Sioux think we were a large forte, but I fear they’ll soon discover the truth.” : “Boy say true. Scouts go quick!” A moment later the entire party were creeping away down the hillside. CHAPTER XX. % HOW YELLOWSTONE JACK AND THE LONE SCOUT MET/ The friendly scouts and the two friends who had so cun- ningly scattered the Sioux reached the foot of the hill. No Indians were encountered on the way. When the plains were reached the lone scout said: “Now I must leave you.” “Where go?” asked Curley. : “To look to the safety of the paymaster’s daughter.” “Ugh! then great white hunter have ‘white gal hidden?” “Yes. But I will not stay to talk. Push on to Custer’s camp. Tell him not to give Sitting Bull battle until he receives strong reinforcements. Assure him Ethel Readon is safe for the present in a hidden retreat of mine.” “Ugh! Curley do as white hunter say,” “Good-by, Curley!” cried Yellowstone Jack. “Where boy go?” “With the lone scout.” “Why do that?” “To help save the white girl.” ne, “Ugh! good-by. Tell Curley w p send sng soldiers to bring in white gal.” Fe a The lone ent relied before te boy oul dn He said: a ~ “Until Custer is strongly
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3 The lone scout and Yellowstone Jack set out swiftly in an- a other direction. 7 They went toward the secret cave under the waterfall where the mysterious man of the plains had hidden the daughter of the murdered paymaster. But how came Yellowstone Jack in the company of the man of mystery? And how did the brave border lad who had entered the ser- —. vice of Gen. Custer elude the Sioux whom we left upon his be made clear. the fact that Yellowstone Jack was fleeing of ald Wahnatach, the medicine woman. some distance from the great camp of the hos- Sitting Bull had assembled. Then he heard guttural voices near. recognized the tones of the Sioux. forward at increased speed, when he heard ot rh fy as fe eh he ix, when, as previously stated, a stick broke under @ sharp snap. bounded on like the wind. back, and saw several Sioux warriors in secret. . Fe secret of the hidden cave. — remembered that a white trapper had told him the c Spe he Sane spar Pir excl: Tedien fe is : } i : Deeeiet ls eneitiateds hina that the-memory et which he had forgotten in early childhood should urned to him like a revelation of possible salvation at ent of the most imminent and thrilling peril. x runners were gaining upon him. — , were some of Sitting Bull's scouts. " ‘The whole country thronged with the parties whom Sitting Bull kept constantly ranging the country through which the troops must advance to reach him. - Jack had never visited the secret cave under the falls of the white : THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. an inspiration, the recollection suddenly came to him The cover through which he had just made his way ; out from the Sioux. ak He lost not a moment, but dashed boldly under the bine: s ing sheet of falling water which hid the mouth of the caye. A moment later he sank down exhausted against the steep ledge, but he was hidden from the Sioux by the curtain of falj- ing water. Jack rested for some time. Then he crept along and sought to find the entrance to the cave. But he passed it without discovering it, and finally he crept under a sheltering ledge beneath the falls, and soon fell asleep. The new day had dawned when he awoke. : The sun was shining on the falling water which screened him. Suddenly, as he started up, he heard a footstep. The heart of the hunted boy beat fast. He listened eagerly. Someone was coming along the ledge under the falls. The next moment the boy beheld the tall figure of a man ine the uncertain light. At a second glance the border boy recognized the lone scout. The latter saw Jack as he sprang forward, exclaiming: “I am the Boy Prairie Courier!” The lone scout was surprised. warmly. Jack told how he had escaped from Sitting Bull’s camp. And he also made known how he had come to seek a hiding place under the falls. The lone scout led him to the cave. There he met Ethel Readon, and further explanations were made. The lone scout had just returned from a scout. He remained with the boy and the paymaster’s daughter all day. Toward evening he went out on another scout. It was now the night on which Curley sent up the signal rockets. The lone scout saw the rockets later. But he welcomed the lad CHAPTER XXI. CURLEY AND HIS SCOUTS REACH GEN. £ The discovery of the rocket signals by ( him to conjecture that there was a : But he scouted forward stealthily. Ere long he heard the occasional report ' He drew still nearer the position of Curle; seouts. ‘ And he soon gained an idea of the situation. Two Sioux warriors passed close by him po be in a thicket. From their remarks the lone scoyt learned that his men were hemmed in on the barren nititep. Then the scout sped away. : M He reached the hidden cave in an incredibly short time, with Jack, to whom he explained everything, 3 $ Fortunately the Sioux delayed their charge, @ sion of the last rocket which Curley sent up until ¥ Jack and the lone scout came up. caer ae Sere. Fut rast SRN we haye seen proved ¢ ) uti e
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The trap has failed.” T am sure of it.” ‘What new plan have you, chief, for I am sure you do not an to abandort the game to lure Custer to his doom?” _ “No. Sitting Bull neyer gives up a project once he has ‘formed it. But the spies who have escaped from our camp, and particularly the white boy, will tell the Yellow-Haired ef how strong we are. Custer is brave—he is a great brave *but even he will not dare to attack us here.” “Then you must moye?” “Yes. We must scatter the great foree of the Sioux, but only D reunite again further up the valley of the Little Big Horn,” “Good!” “We will leave only one trail, and that not too large for Cus- to follow. The other trails will be hidden before they mite, The Yellow-Haired chief will think the Sioux have @ttered, and that, after all, they are afraid to stand a bat- ny ; Just so.” We will send & renegade to tell Custer we'have fled. He Will send scouts. They will see our renegade has told the truth _ >that the great camp is deserted. When Custer hears this » he will only fee) afraid we may get away from him. He will lollow the trail we have left plain, and that will lead him to ‘7 a Small Sioux village.” _ "Ana then what, chief?” “The whites will attack our small village, when suddenly _ from out of the defiles and covers I’ll hurl my thousands of red _ braves upon them and slay them all.” a | "i “You are a great general, chief, and | think your new plan _ Of the campaign will succeed. But when shall we break camp?” “At, once.” E _ “Who is the renegade you mean to send to Custer? - “One of your men. The néw one, who has been with you but ae : days.” Sioux obeyed. ly-looking white man, who had come h, entered the presence of the as- cnown to the whites of the frontier as a . addressed the rascal. . : se him to make his way to Custer’s ve the general | the news that the Sioux had scatter- 1 to do the ae of Sitting Bull. the camp. _ med by Sitting Bul. oe time the whole foree had THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER. ‘and Zadok, the renegade, to the council lodge. “the Yellow-Haired chief can never be led to attaek parting with Curley and the friendly scouts, whom f had saved by the daring stratagem at the barren hill, Yelk stone Jack and the lone scout held a consultation. remained silent, and waited for proceeded, as follows: of his brother—your unele, Jasper dont ted info stall bands tor the| ma: but Tet me assure you that he was innocent the 27 The white man whom Sitting Bull had dispatched to the eamp of Gen. Custer rode swiftly. Meantime Curley and his scouts, after leaving. the barren hill-top where it had seemed for a time they were hopelessly imperiled, had pressed on steadily. If the Sioux pursued them they did not know it, for the enemy did not find their trail, or come close to them. After some hours Curley and his companions sighted ad- vancing men as the night grew lighter with the appesrance of the moon. At first the scouts could not decide whether or not the men they had sighted were mounted Indians or troopers. The latter approached cautiously. But Curley soon uttered a signal yell which imformed the cavalrymen of his identity. & Then the cayalry force galloped up. : They were the men Gen. Custer had sent to find the parties who had sent up the rockets. "ee Curley related his story, and, with the troopers, he and his comrades made their way back to Custer’s camp. ; -s There Curley made his report, and, of course, the gallant officer was rejoiced to learn that Ethel Readon had been res- . cued from the Sioux and that Yellowstone Jack was safe; but Gen. Custer did not approve of the conduct of the lone scout. “He should have brought the paymaster’s daughter back to camp at once, and Yellowstone Jack should haye returned too. The Jone scout is foolish to think I shall allow old Sitting Bulb to catch me in a trap,” said Custer. ; . Then Curley told all about the strength of Sitting Bull's forces, and Custer looked grave. He said: “Of course I shall not attack the Sioux, since their n so vastly exceed my estimate—at least, not until rei bers rce- A low murmur of admiration went up from the assembled :Ments arrive or the reds scatter,” Just then an orderly came up and announced: “Long Knife, Sitting Bull's son, has made his ah ” CHAPTER XXII, THE SECRET OF THE LONE SCOUT. Having reached the hidden cave under the waterfall, ; Then the lone scout turned to Hthel. “The time has come when I feel that I should reveal to you, e reputation of being an honest white|™Y dear Bthel, a secret of my life; for if I should be slain be- ay r . fore you are once more safe at a settlement, I should “Blways regret that you would never know | wh . The scout paused. But the paymaster’s icine ay After a moment’s reflection, “Bthel, you have, no doubt, bear'¥ st He by “Yes,” replied Ethel. eS Se “Then you know all ‘te “end. history oe ete gape aed ape
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THE BOY against him was too strong for him to combat without conclu- sive proof.” “Yes,” said Ethel, as he paused. “Very well. Jasper Readon really left his home to seek for the evidence of his innocence. He knew the man who com- ‘mitted the crime of which he was accused, but lacked the evi- _ dence to convict the latter. He set out to track down the guilty.” “Did he succeed?” “Partially.” “But he died. The story reached us that my Uncle Jasper Was lynched in Colorado.” '“The wretches who lynched Jasper Readon when he was in Colorado close upon the trail of the man who committed the ‘of which he was falsely accused, branded your uncle the breast with the branding-iron used for marking cat- ‘tle. "Then they hurled their intended victim into the depths he atogal he was not killed, How did he escape?” Ethel eager- A friendly Indian rescued 1 hi. ‘and though he was sorely he recovered fully in the wigwam of the red man who him, and he is still.upon the es of the man whose me | him an eae Zz sposead oe added: . “The man Jaspe: roe is seeking to bring to justice is S murderer, Barnabas Zadok, and I am Jasper h secret of the lone scout was out. eae Rees Sr, Sate ch surprised, and exclaimed joyfully: “I comprehend, dear uncle, why you have so heroically ac err eee te Nar be berotcaly our first you inspired me with trust and confidence. : ‘Sepecceeee oo you become your friend and guardian in this wild land, where so many perils are to be encountered.” _ “And,” he went on, “now let me finish my story.” _. “By all means!” cried Ethel. 1 dates: ag santana prairie courier. “But it is a romance of real life—a story as strange as fic- tion, but strictly: true.” . “The story of a brave man,” replied Ethel, regarding her new-found uncle with a look of admiration and wonder. “It pleases me to hear you say that. But to continue: When I had fully recovered from the wounds I received in the Colorado cattle country at the hands of Barnabas Zadok and his band, who were then located there, I took a solemn oath to conceal my identity, and become the Nemesis of Zadok.” “To avoid m ae ot et? Work alone.’ So I.bec n as the lone scout. ‘had become too het to hold emer ene tvs IPI Yolae of the tonto a Kone PRAIRIE COURIER. men came. - 7 “I need say only, in concluding my history, that tt Nene ing the years of my quest for Zadok through all the wild Northwest that I won the title of the lone scout!” i “Now, as to your plans for the immediate future?” asked Jack. e “T mean to guard Ethel here until Custer’s reinforcements 5 arrive and Sitting Bull is beaten.” “I have volunteered to help you.” “I know that, my lad, but, after all, I believe I have been selfish and unjust in accepting your offer. You joined Custer, and accepted an appointment as his aide.” “But for Miss Ethel’s sake I will do anything,” cried Jack, as she flashed a glance so full of admiration upon the young girl that she blushed deeply. But she hastened to say: “Your duty is to serve Gen. Custer, Jack.” “Yes,” added the lone scout. should rejoin the general.” And Ethel looked at the mysterious man who had so nobly stood by her. Mig “Then I will do so,” said the brave boy. When night came again he left the cave, disguised as a Sioux in the costume of one of the reds who had been slain at the barren hill, and set out for Custer’s camp. CHAPTER XXIII. THE OPENING OF CUSTER’S LAST BATTLE. Yellowstone Jack had fallen desperately in love with. the pretty daughter of the murdered paymaster. But he has as yet scarcely dared to acknowledge the truth of his attachment even to himself. Still, when he parted with Ethel in the secret cave of the lone scout, he pressed the little hand she gave him warmly and said: “Tf any harm should come to you it would break my heart. I hope we shall soongmeet again, and Gun t ie ee come better acquainted.” ; a And Ethel had answered woliiagiv® Nt, “T hope so, too. Good-by, and The boy prairie courier reached th safety. The general welcomed him. They had a long interview. The lad related his thrilling experiences am He also told the story of the lone scout. 3 The interview ended, and Jack went to find Curley, sho m of course, delighted to see the lad. The next morning the renegade from the great camp of” ting Bull, which the crafty hostile leader had — ; into Custer’s camp. ’ The fellow had not taken part in the battle at None of the troopers or Yellowstone Jack knew he W: renegade. We have previously explained ran very recently joined the Sioux, “It seems to me that you
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The general received the renegade in his tent. ‘And the fellow told the story Sitting Bull had sent him to, plate to the Yellow-Haired chief in a most cunning and seem- igly sincere manner. He Said that the Sioux scouts had found out that large rein- ents of soldiers were on the march to reunite with sae » and that so the wily Sitting Bull had broken camp, and Ordered his men to scatter, fearing to meet the troops when acne had an adequate force. _» Gen. Custer listened to the story of the renegade intently. S Then he questioned him. But he had a shrewd rascal to deal with, and the renegade vfta not betray himself. _ At last the general said: _ “What you have stated maf be all true. Then again it may be all false. I propose to test the truth of your statement. If “you have told the truth you shall be well rewarded. If not, you sh all be punished.” =, _ “Ym satisfied,” said the renegade. _ hen Custer called the guard. _ “Put this man in the guard-tent, and watch him closely. “Treat him as a friend, but don’t let him trick you as Long : ‘ e did. I hold you all responsible for his safe keeping.” _ "The renegade was led away and confined in the guard-tent. bs ' Then Custer called Curley to his tent. And he related what the renegade had said. 4 » “Wah!” said Curley, shaking his head. _ man tell heap big lie.” “That’s what I want you to find out. Take Yellowstone - Jack and your scouts and try to learn if Sitting Bull has a broken camp: Make haste. I fear the old rascal will escape ‘ tle after all.” ~ Curley bowed and hastened to carry out the general’s orders. , Eaalt an hour later he and Yellowstone Jack and the “friend- ” were cautiously scouting in the direction of Sitting Bull’s Tecent camp. Tn-due time they reached a hilltop, from which they could land a view ofthe yalley in which the great force of the had been assembled. were surprised to see the camp was no longer there. hing indicated the hostiles had fled in haste. Curley was wrong, the white man told the truth,” “Me think white * his companions made their way back to the ees "3 were in favor of pursuing the hostiles. So or- the command took up the line of march ‘Ball's recent camp. It was reached in due time. d ‘trail was found, which told the di- Seapets Sree ones fo mele = cette THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER, three thousand warriors to fight. 4 darkness fell, they moved on the weary march across the di- vide. They had marched three hours when the scouts came in to say the divide could not be crossed before daylight, so that all their trouble was thrown away. The regiment rested ,from two to five o’clock. Then the march was resumed. At eight o’clock they entered the valley of the Little Big Horn, and the Indian scouts saw the scouts of Sitting Bull on the ridges in the neighborhood. These scouts laid whip to their ponies and rode for the village which Custer’s Indians declared | they could see fifteen miles off. The faint smoke of the morn- ing fires had met their vision. be there. Away went the column, hoping to reach the Indian village before the Sioux scouts, or with them. They went im three battalions. Major Reno commanded one battalion, Captain Benteen another, Custer led the third. He meant to attack the enemy in front and on both flanks at once. There were twelve companies in the 7th Regiment, and one had to be left to guard the pack train. The other eleven were then divided. Custer kept five himself, for the main attack, gave three to Reno and three to Captain Benteen; Captain McDougal was in com- mand of the company left with the packs. Captain Benteen was sent off to the left front, in case lurk- ing bands might be waiting to harass his flank and rear. Benteen was ordered to rejoin the main trail as soon as he was sure the flank was clear. Reno’s battalion was at the left of the main column, where Custer rode, so the advance was in three short columns—Benteen left, Reno center, Custer right. Benteen was soon out of sight between some hills, but re- turned to the main trail when Custer and Reno were about three miles ahead. At about twelve o’clock the columns were in full sight of the Sioux village, where a great commotion prevailed. Now was the time to strike. Custer said to Reno: “Charge the village, and the whole column will support you!” A cloud of dust hung over the village of the Sioux. Reno charged down the river, crossed at a ford, and then halted ten minutes to gather his men, formed in line, and galloped down toward the village. By this time clouds of dud hid the Indians, but a number of braves were galloping toward him. No sooner did Custer see Reno fairly in the battle than he charged down the river to find another ford and attack the Indians in flank and rear. And Yellowstone Jack, the boy prairie courier, rode with Custer. About a mile below he was hidden by some tall clits, from whence he could see the whole village and Reno's battlefield. They knew the village must At that moment Custer made a thrilling discovery. : He saw that inetend at ‘= small village, there were. at least Sitting Bull's ambush had been sprung. é Turning to Yellowstone Jack, Custer shouted; W sch tpseds Daes Pattie ae serch cape
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30 tremendous force of Sioux warriors came dashing out of this cloud, flogging their ponies and yelling like fiends, while they discharged a shower of bullets as they came. The crowd was so immense, the sounds so horrible, that Reno halted instantly. In great haste he dismonnted his men, sent the horses into the woods, and lined its edge with _skirmishers, who began firing. ‘The Sioux could be seen coming on, shying off from the front and sweeping to the left to driye the soldiers into the river. suddenly changed his mind, He called for the horses and ordered his men to prepare to mount. This caused the men to rush into the woods to reach their animals. The Sioux thought it a retreat. They tore on by the woods to get behind the soldiers. In a moment more the men were mounted and almost ae goon dismounted again. Reno had almost concluded to hold the woods when the In- dians began fire from the rear. ‘Then Reno suddenly came to a decision. He knew he had bo geome numbers and he determined to retreat to — A moment later the whole command was dashing the river in a confused mass, with the Indians racing after them on all sides firing away at short range with their Win- chester rifles. All the’ way to the river the soldiers were slaughtered, and at the ford the rout was horrible. The soldiers and horses plunged in, crowded together, and the red flends shot down the huddled mass of fugitives without He The foremost, with Reno among them, gained the bluffs. And just then Yellowstone Jack, with Benteen'’s men, came dashing to meet them. The boy prairie courier had safely carried the order of Cus- ter to Captain Benteen. A moment later, far down the stream, they heard the volleys of musketry. Then the fire of the reds behind Reno ceased, and away they all went toward the village, leaving the commands of Reno and Benteen on the hill. _ The firing down the river increased every moment. The volleys were so close and incessant, they knew an awful con- . flict must be taking place. ‘Custer was fighting there! Renae: terep j wee -Gomeralized, The officer had lost his bead. He waited until Benteen came up and also McDougal with the pack train. time the firing down the river continued. Yellowstone Jack believed that Custer was in deadly peril. He urged Reno and Benteen to go to his assistance, but they delayed. - Only one officer to share the belief of the boy prairie courier, that | hemmed in. That officer was Captain Weir, a devoted friend of Custer. The remnant of the Seventh Cavalry made a breastwork on the hill, and there defended themselves, Topaietng. every as- pe enemy. Ban; days the battle raged. Sometimes the Indians © gare ctw th seo and he cry ot a But on the third day the Indians suddenly fled, and the rere ne etre ge Oe: Tey often came route Custer had followed e valley, whence they had Little Big Horn, lay Custer had heard those terrible volleye| mail to FRANK TOUSRY, PUBLISHER, 24 UW! ang | SQUARE, NEW YORK, and you will receive the THE BOY PRAIRIE COURIER, {SS great cloud of dust, cast up by the Indians. And suddenly al The trail showed that Custer had gone down to the river and charged toward a ford, where he was met by the Indians and driven back. The line of Custer’s retreat was marked by dead bodies to the top of a small hill, where he made his last stand. There, on the top of the hill, lay Custer dead, with his off- — cers around him. Yellowstone Jack had fought like a hero, but he burst into | tears when he beheld the dead body of Custer. Suddenly the boy felt a hand on his shoulder, and turning. he beheld Curley, the Crow scout. The latter had been with : Custer. He was the only man who got out of the fight alive, by dis- — guising himself in ga Sioux blanket and creeping away after © Custer fell. Curley told how the Indians in yast numbers surrounded Custer, and how they charged again and again and were driyen back each time as long as Custer lived. How every man had died like a hero. When Custer died the remnant was all mas- sacred. The historian says: “The greatest testimonial to the valor of Custer was found, however, in one wonderful fact. Among all the dead, stripped and hacked to pieces, without another exception, Custer lay with a bullet in his brain, another in his heart, but otherwise untouched.” * > e * * * = * A few days later, while the soldiers were preparing to follow the Sioux, and forces were concentrating to pursue them, Curley and Yellowstone Jack while out on a scout came npon Zadok, the renegade, and captured him. They marched him into camp, and he was held a prisoner, That same day the lone scout and Ethel came into camp. The lone scout, know- ing of the arrival of the strong column of Terry, no longer feared to trust Ethel to the protection of the soldiers, Zadok was tried by a military court, convicted as a hostile and shot, But before he died he made a confession which ex- onerated Jasper Readon, the lone scout, from the suspicion of a crime. A strong party, commanded by the lone scout, and of which the boy prairie courier was a member, was sent back to Fort Lincoln with Ethel. They reached the fort in safety. Thereafter the-brave border boy cultivated the acquaintance of the paymaster’s daughter to such good purpose that some years later the beautiful young girl, who had shared so 4 perils with Gen. Custer’s youngest he en his . bride. J The lone scout made his home with the were thereafter prosperous and happy. 3 Curley, the Crow scout, came to visit them at th frequently. : THE END, Read “LED ASTRAY IN NEW YORK; or, A COUNTRY - BOY'S CAREER IN A GREAT CITY,” a true temperance: story, by Jno. B, Dowd, which will be the next number of “Pluck and Luck.” ? a! SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of this weekly are always in print. Tf you cannot obtain them from: newsdealer, send the price in money or postage stamp te be a ptet
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Young Athlete's Weekly By “PHYSICAL DIRECTOR” A $2-page book for 5 cents ‘ ang number complete in a handsome colored cover. A new one is issued every Friday. Do not fail to read them BE STRONG 3 3 BE HEALTHY These intensely interesting stories describe the adventures of Frank Manley, a plucky young ath- lete, who tries to excel in all kinds of games and pastimes. Each number contains a story of manly sporis, replete with lively incidents, dramatic situations, and a sparkle of humor. Every wae popular game will be featured in the sueceeding stories, such as baseball, skating, wrestling, etc. ; Not only are these stories the very best, but they teach you how to become strong and healthy. ; You can learn to become a trained athlete by reading the valuable information on physical culture mn they contain. From time to time the wonderful Japanese methods of self-protection, called Jiu- Jitsu, will be explained. A page is devoted to advice on healthy exercises, and questions on ath- , letic subjects are cheerfully answered by the aythor “PHYSICAL DIRECTOR.” "Doe a _ Here are the titles of the first two numbers and their dates of issue: 3 Frank Manley’s Start in Athletics; or, “The Up-and-at-’ . eg ' Isaued <Y 7 We 2, Frank Manley’s Great Wrestling Bout; or, What the Jap 2. : Ronen “The Up-and-at-’em Boys,” _ Issued Feb. S, _or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents p er copy, in money or postage stamps, by , Publisher, 24 Union aers bea York. IF You WANT ANY BACK NUMBE and cannot procure a ec ene ‘ ae of ean poh et asaphiontg aradiyt se us Ww. ing Ore MpOSTAGE STAMPS TA vie "Me As ws oP ee eee ser eseceseeraseerserser® eso o0 vee eats Mee @ Votes tewes se eeteeees + £2 00, 6? 2 eae ae: eer . ‘ne 4 Uso Sar fy Te ae lie ra . cents for which please send me: , ae ae tae eh 40+ gid Wierda ¢o # Taig W oo ceetesseeterrersreree pecpeteeeeaeeenens £ a Fie Tapert are Al
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- eH": >» THE LIBERTY . BOYD OF 76. A Weekly Magazine containing Stories of the American Revolution. By HARRY MOORE. These stories are based on account of the exciting adventures of a brave ban and willing to imperil their lives the gallant cause of Independence. 32 large pages of reading matter, ouths who were always ready or the sake of helping alon Every number will consist o actual facts and give a faithful of American bound in a beautiful colored cover. LATEST ISSUES: 145 The Liberty Boys’ Greatest Triumph; or, The March to Victory. 146 Liberty Boys and the Quaker Spy; or, Two of a Kind. e Liberty Boys in Florida; or, Fighting Prevost’s Army. The Liberty Boys’ Last Chance; or, Making the Best of It. Liberty Boys’ Sharpshooters; or, The Battle of the Kegs. iberty Boys on Guard; or, Watching the Enemy. iberty Boys’ Strange Gnide; or, the Mysterious Maiden. berty Boys in the Mountains; or, Among Rough People. Liberty Boys’ Retreat; or, in the Shades of Death. y Boys and the Fire Fiend; or, A New Kind of Battle. 3 or, Making Things Lively in ibd 185 The Philadelphia. : rae Liberty Boys and the Gypsies; or, A Wonderful Surprise. 1 ilery ; or “Liberty or a. F e In- the Red Demons; or, Fighting an ders. 159 The Liberty Boys’ Gunners; or, The Bombardment of Monmouth. 160 The Liberty Boys and Lafayette; or, Helping the Young French General. - 161 The Liberty Boys’ Grit; or, The Bravest of the Brave. 162 The Liberty Boys at West Point; or, Helping to Watch the Red- coats. * = 163 The Liberty Boys’ Terrible Tussle; or, Fighting to a Finish. 164 The Liberty Boys and “Light Horse Harry’; or, Chasing the British Dragoons. ae? 165 The Liberty Boys in C. + or, Working for Washi " 166 The Liberty Boys and Mute Mart; or, The Deaf aud Dead Spy. 167 The Liberty Boys at Trenton; or, The Greatest Christmas ever 168 The Liberty Boys and General Gates; or, The Disaster at Cam- 169 The Liberty Boys at Brandywine 5 ; or, Fighting Fiercely for Free- 170 The Liberty Boys’ Hot Campaign; or, The Warmest Work on 171 The Liberty. Boys. Awkw fd Squad; or, Breaking’in New Re- ; or, Holding Out to the End. Fort; or, The Battle of Pocono Death or, The Girl of the Regiment. The Liberty Boys’ Only Surrender, And Why it was Done. The Liberty Boys’ Drum Cor ya Inting for the * starry Fi e Orps ; or, ‘or the Sta ag. un Maker; sy The Battle o Stony FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price, 5 oe 181 182 183 The Liberty Boys and the Girl Spy; or, Fighting Tryon’s Raiders. The Liberty Boys’ Masked Battery; or, The Burning of Kingston. ae Liberty Boys and Major Andre; or, Trapping the British essenger. The Liberty Boys in District 96; or, Surrounded by Redcoats. The Liberty Boys and the Sentinel; or, The Canaan of Fort Washington. The Liberty Boys on the Hudson; or, Working on the Water. ork in a Good oe Liberty Boys at Germantown; or, Good ause. The Liberty Boys’ Indian Decoy; or, The Fight on Quaker Hill. The Liberty Boys Affoat ; or, Sailing With Pasi — The Liberty Boys in Mohawk Valley; or, Fighting Redcoats, To- ite, and een. nicks e Liberty Boys Left Behind; or, Alone in the Enemy's Country. The Liberty Boys at Augusta; or, "Way Down in Gen ta. ” The Liberty Boys’ Swamp Camp; or, Fighting and Hil The Liberty Boys in Gotham; or, beng ‘ork in the Great’ City. The Liberty Boys and Kosciusko; or, Fight at Great Falls. The Liberty Boys’ Girl Scout; or, Fighting Butler's Rangers. ~~ pioerts Boys at Budd’s Crossing; or, Hot Work in Cold eather. The Liberty Boys’ Raft; or, agg | and Fighting. The Liberty Boys at Albany; or, Saving neral Schuyler The Liberty Boys Good Fortune; or, Sent on Secret Service. The Liberty Boys at Johnson's Mill; or, A Hard Grist to Grind. The Liberty Boys’ Warning; or, A Tip that Came in Time. we Liberty Boys with Washington; or, Hard Times at Valley orge. The Liberty Boys after Brant; or, Chasing the Indian Raiders. The Liberty Boys at Red Bank; or, Routing the Hessians. The Liberty Boys and the Riflemen; or, Helping all They Could. Sa Liberty Boys at the Mischlanza; or, Good-by to General owe. The Liberty Boys and Pulaski; or, The Polish Patriot. The Liberty Boys at Hanging Rock; or, The “Carolina Game Cock. The Liberty Boys on the Pedee; or, Maneuvering with Marion. The Liberty Boys at Guilford Courthouse; or, A Defeat that Proved a Victory. The ~ gia Boys at Sanders’ Creek; or, The Error of General ates, 137The Liberty Boys on a Raid; or, Out With Colonel Brown. 14 The Liberty Boys at Gowanus Creek; or, For Liberty and Independence, Ea 24 Union Square, New YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS ee of our Libraries and cannot procure th em from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fll in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by re Ca .s POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Bin ee ve etesves sree ce Pre eee errr ee eee eee eres, SCC e eee eee eese 1°09 90%. -iiemee Y, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. —Enclosed find......cénts for which please send me: ; Pa ENE AM TOR NOG. 6S. oss doin ds aan eces's ys bye xv 06g s pee gunbeantl atte cos ARES MMI, UE OR, Mo io ns ,0'¢le a(-shdin Wiakeiaee nn ‘ S BME OT y4 jy 605 esr oese td eosdeyveccdes sees eer etree eesses see eeey nee wwarg” _ “@WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nom....0...600-000ce000e: 3 Pee METS ANINGBAY WEEKLY, Wos..... c.:-.../:..,--2\-0+keprodnugvenebiowlecianans nal *. se eetee aie | ome he ork. eS bi dg + % _ A. d it ot 1 OO ee be vied esaserstes shes street enone : ees ce ited 2 bite 54 wa y ortthg hog es
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THE STAGE. No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing four- BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to bécome nina great variety of the latest jokes used’ by the| * good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from d men. BNO Seuteur minstrels is eoanplote witliout all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most book hi nl little ; simple and concise manner possible. ~ 2NO- 4. iE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.— ind Trish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- 0 Spc ee shows. - , No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE o- OKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Every _Sanizing an amateur minstrel troupe. jon’ MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original ; books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It ‘Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of the day. Byery boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should immediately. instructions how to make up for various characters on the ; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, By a prominent Stage Manager. anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and 4 German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome C cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting de- bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the beat sources for procuring information on the questions given. } SOCIETY. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con tains a full Jist of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is interesting to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy withuut one. _ No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome littie book just. issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instrue tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, _ to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular sq ances. . No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A compléte guide to love, courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interesting things fot gen- erally known, r No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world . a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of ‘ a ___No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing com- plete Artist and vty Man. mr . awe. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the lat- HOUSEKEEPING. No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful at home, ‘The most complete book of the kind ever pub- Everybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. The secret is simple, and almest costless. Read this book and be convinced how to become beautiful. A BIRDS AND ANIMALS. + No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illus and containing full instructions for the management and trai of the canary. mockingbird, bebolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, ete. No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and instructive. book, Handsomely Mus- trated. By Ira Drofraw. ; No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints « on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. pe how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington eene. No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—4 valuable book, giving instruetions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving birds, animals and insects. : No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving com* plete information as to the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight om, making it the most complete book of the kind ever published. No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books ‘on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game. and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of Pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for | everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. = ELECTRICAL. No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- ®cription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; together with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, ete. By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- lustrations. No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- taining full directions for making electrical machines, induction Spile, dynamos, and many novel toys te be worked by electricity. y R. A. R. Bennett. ly illustrated. : No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, together with illustrations. By A. Anderson. ENTERTAINMENT, Y BECOME A VENTRIL JIST.—By Harry nyse : : a 9. HOW a8 pent awe Every intelligent ie’ eanaiae No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A @omplete hand-book for : a ions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- | making all kinds of candy. ice-cream, S¥yfups. essences, etc., etc. Ste ~ Me ingot with bis. wonderful imitations), cas master the. No. 84. HOW TO BECOMB AN "AUTHOR Containing full art, and ate any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the = and there’s millions (of fun) in it. manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing . TAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A| valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com- published. A complete compendium | position of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Primee s. comic recitations, etc., suitable} Hiland. ¥ ts jmeroom entertainment. It contains more for the| , No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR:—A wom Rhy GAMES.—A complete and useful little the: s and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, MISCELLANEOUS. No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and in- structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex- periments in acoustics, mechanies, mathematics, chemistry, and_di- rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled % se derful book. containing useful and practical information in the treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com: dominoes, etc. plaints. : ‘6 SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all} No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Cons ims of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging Witte | Rae WOW TO BE A DETECTIVE. By Old King B DS.— ‘a ttl 0. O8. — ing Bra the BO eee i tections my plete apd handy © ib the world-known detective. In which*he lays down some valuab 4 For -Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures : ‘ours, and many other popular games of cards. ; TO DO PUZZLES.—Conta ning over three hun-|. RAPHER.—Contain- zaies. and conundrums, with key to same. A and how to work it; strated. By A. Anderson. ; mtern Slides and other ETIQUE E ‘By Captain W. De W. - OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTR—It i Sf POINT MILITARY TOD? ES bas tase young man desires to know DET. yw y gain admittan d it. Rye Grietang Sean an cint a church, and det.” a NAVAL © No. 63. HOW TO most at parties, balls, “ st of bow, £0, ain _idmission to a DE LAMATIO . cademy. con n e@ course 0 ction, description : c ‘ of pons and buildings. historical sketch, and everything a en should know to become an officer in the United States Na eo and written by Lu Senarens, author of Hine to est Point Military Cadet.” ¢ EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. be Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York, a
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PiU CC & —_ IN: FID iUOU0CKE. CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. EVERY STORY COMPLETE. 32 PAGES. LATEST ISSUES: 283 Sixty Mile Sam; or, Bound to be on Time. By Jas. Merritt. SS 284 83 grees North Latitude ; or, the Handwriting in the Iceberg. By Howard Austin. 285 Joe, The Actor's Boy; or, Famous at Fourteen. By N. 8S. Wood (the Young American Actor.) 286 gl For 5 Years; or, The Mystery of a Madhouse. By Allyn aper. 287 Broker Bob; or, The Youngest Operator in Wall Street. B. H. K. Shackleford. << a * 288 Boy Pards; or, Making a Home on the Border. By An Old cout. 289 The Twenty Doctors; or, the Mystery of the Coast. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 290 = ery Scout; or, Life in the Saddle. By Gen’l. Jas. ion 291 The “by ¥ Firemen ; or, “Stand by the Machine.’ By Ex-Fire Chief 292 Bob, the Runaway; or, From Office Boy to Partner. By Allyn 293 e "Shattered Glass; or, A Country Boy in. New York A True ighining Le Story. By Jno. B. Dowd. ightn ng Lew, the . Boy cout ; or, Perils in the West. By Gen’l. Gordon. 295 rhe. ¢ ali: House on the Rock; or, The Ghosts of Ballentyne Hall. y Jas. C. Merritt. 296 A She Boy's Fight; or, The Hero of the School. By Howard ustin. : & ae Tempest ; or, The Prince of the Sea. By Capt. Thos. Vilson. " y - coos the Young Clown and Bareback Rider. By Berton , ‘ eciicer at a or, The Prince of the Lightning Express. By is. C. Merrit the North Tole in a Balloon. By.Berton Betrew. 301° Et it Eereow s Little Scout; or, The Renegade’s Doom. By An Old Sco 302 From he Street ; or, The Fortunes of a Bootblack. By N. S. Wood ia the Young American Actor). $803 Old Putnam's Pet; or, The Young Patriot Spy. A Story of the Revolution. By Gen. Jas. A. Gordon. Tho cnet of Brookton; or, Millionaires at Nineteen. Draper. By Howard Austin. pe: er, the Bo: 306 The ge ge ie A True Temperance rom Corporal to byes sy A Story of By Gen’! Jas. A. Story. By H. 307 Up From the po ae or, F Wie. the Great Rebellion, ; 3 gry ee Deane School; or, The Rebels of Beechdale Academy. 309° Lares, eae tate Maver; or, A Born Firetan, By Ex-Fire. Chief 310 aye rand yom y Siberia; or, The Boy Tracker of the Steppes. By ait inioes the Continent with a Circus; or, The Twin Riders of the ‘sin OL Ring. yy Berton Bertrew. Pilot of the Mississippi. ;.or, The Road to Ruin, mnaeneere, =_—~ Pe sed . Man-of-War; or, Jack Farragut In the U. 8S. Navy. Oy Capt. Thos. H. Wilson 313 “ Ly Jed, the King Trappers of the Border. By An Old 814 Red’! Tight Dick, The Engipest Prince; or, The Bravest Boy on the ilroad. By Jas. C. Merrttt. - / 815 Leadville Jack, the Game Cock of the West. By An Old Scout. 816 Adrift in the Sea of Grass: or, The Strange Voyage of a Missing : Ship. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 317 Out of the Gutter; md Fighting the Battle Alone. A True Tem- perance Story. By i Shackleford. 818 The Scouts of the Santee; or, Redcoats and Whigs. A Story of the American Revolution. By Gen’'] Jas. A. Gordon. 319 Edwin Forrest's By” te ed. or, The Struggles and Triumphs of a Boy Actor. the Young American Actor. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, - IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and po with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by re- AGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME ee PRS e ee mee ee pe OE) ? See 9 © 6 oe eee ee of our Libraries and cannot procure th em from newsdealers, in the following Order Blank and send it to us turn mail. POST ee FRANK TOUSEY, Pee 24 Union Square, New York. re ...--cents for which please send me: .-- copies of WORK AND “ WILD WE i. BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS. 320 For Sale by All ieaiites, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by q i UCK AND LUCK, Te i a? ak Ta os ove lace ces veo eee coos ees S SCN mem Nes SERVICE, Oe a Siocd s,s siete b <M 8 0's O81 prea ae cre roreSeree ee bees oovccevase seamen i es cite, Bag os gece cc “ Ten-Cent Hand Books. WRG 8S). eb eet ae © Sete mi wees O10 G ET ED a+ ones sees eee eee eee (OR EES Bae EI and Were Sate es oe ads SOMMR + wien . . State... i ar teee 5 The Floating Treasure ; PRICE 5 CENTS. Air Line Will, The Young Engineer of the New Mexico Express. By_ Jas. C. Merritt. or, The Mystery of the Gila. By The Richest Boy in Arizona; Howard Austin. Twenty Degrees Beyond the Arctic Circle; or, Deserted in the Land of Ice. By Berton Bertrew. Young King Kerry, the Irish Rob Roy; or, The Lost Lilly of Killarney. By Allyn Draper. Canoe Carl; or, A College Boy’s Cruise in the Far North. By Al- lan Arnold. Randy Rollins, the Boy Fireman. A Story of Heroic Deeds. By Ex-Fire-Chief Warden. Green Mountain Joe, the Old Trapper of Malbro Pond. By An Old Scout. The Prince of Rockdale School; or, A Fight for a Railroad. By Howard Austin. Lost in the City; or, The Lights and Shadows of New York. By H. K. Shackleford. Switchback Sam, the Young Pennsylvania Engineer; or, Rall- roading in the Oil Country. By Jas. C. Merritt. Trapeze Tom, the Boy Acrobat; or, Daring Work in the Air. By Berton Bertrew. Yellowstone Kelly, A Story of Adventures in the Great West. By An Old Scout. 2 The Poisoned Wine; or, Foiling a Desperate Game By H. K. Shackleford. Shiloh Sam; or, General Grant’s Best Boy Scout. By Gen’l. Jas. A. Gordon. Alone in New York; or, Ragged Rob, the Newsboy. By N. 8. Wood (The Young American Actor). or, The Secret of the Pirate’s Rock. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. Tom Throttle, The Boy Engineer of the Midnight a pana or, Railroading in Central America. By Jas. C. Merrit The Diamond Eye; or, The Secret of the Idol. By Richard R. Montgomery. Ned North, The Young Arctic Explorer; or, The Phantom Valley of the North Pole. By Berton Bertrew. From Cabin to Cabinet; or, The Pluck of a Plowboy. By H. K. Shackleford. Kit Carson's Boys; or, With the Great Scout on His Last Trail. By An Old Scout. Driven to Sea; or, The Sailor's Secret. A Story of the Algerine Corsairs. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. A or, The Secret = of Dismal Hollow. Twenty Boy Spies; Story of the American Revolution. ee Gen’l. Jas. A. Gordon. Dashing Hal, the Hero of the Ring. A Story of the Circus. By Berton Bertrew. The Haunted Hut; or, The Ghosts of Rocky Gulch. By Allyn Draper. Dick Dashaw ay's School Days; or, The Boy Rebels of Kingan Col- lege. By Howard Austin. Jack Lever, the Young Engineer of “Old saad ; or, On Time with the Night Express. By Jas. C. Merrit Out With Peary; or, In Search of the North Pole. By Ber- ton Bertrew. The Boy*Prairie Courier; or, General Custer's Youngest Aide. A True Story of the Battle at Little Big Horn. By An Old Scout. 24 Union Square, New York. © AS MONEY. ~~.