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; —  Playmg the Fun or 1319 Stakes.
‘ A Bomtnce of the Rio Grande Ranches.
' BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS,
' ' AUTHOR OF “ SIGNAL SAM,” “JOLLY JEREMIAH,”
" “l “ WARBLING WILLIAM,” THE “ TEXAS T0u~
‘\  CAT ” NOVELS, ETc., ETC.
1 l CHx—CIT'FIER I. ‘~ ‘v' " " ' "

TEE FOOL OF THE RANGE.

AS a broncho—lmeaker, Simon Satterlee was a
success. “Simple Sim,” they called him; to
Which flattenng appellation was frequently add-
Od, “ the Fool of the Range.” when some unex-

 

“' ix ‘ ff: 2f": / r. i W a: “ '—""‘ - W "J "4 rva ampled act of witless recklessnesp seemed to de-
un BRONCHO w 3'00“; BUDDENLY TRANSFORMED “"0 AN INFEBNAL MACHINE. monstnte that absence of cannon and reason

BALIAOINTID, swan WITH STEEL, AND BUN 3y ELECTRICITY. which is suppooed to characterize: tool.

 

 

 

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His skill in the difficult and perilous work of
broncho breaking had secured him a situation
on the ranch of the great cattle baron, Giles Hunt-
ington, to which place he had come, scarcely a
month before, with nothing in his stomach and
less than nothing in his general appearance to
recommend him.

Huntington’s ranch lay on the American side
of the Rio Grando, in one of those overgrown
counties of Southwi-stcrn Texas which contain
enough land for a State but barely sufficient popu-
lation for a. township. There was, however,
plenty of water in the river and oceans of grass
on the ranges, the' only two things absolutely
necessary to make cattle grow fat: So that Hunt-
ington and his cowboys cared little if the sole
other indigenous and prominent products of the
soil were Greasers, mesquite and cacti.

The advent of Sim Satterlee had furnished a
new source of interest and amusement to the
people of. the ranch. They had never beheld an-
other quite like him. The ingenuousness of his
simplicity, the seemingly utter lack of discretion
be displayed on all occasions, the artlessness of
his speech. and the good-homered way in which
he received the ridicule the cowboys constantly
heaped on him, gained him friends from the be-
ginning.

For days he had done nothing but break and
manage bronchus; and n0w, mounted on one of
the wildest and most vicious beasts the ranch
aflorded, he was exhibiting his skill to the great
delectation of the ranch people, as well as to
many others, drawn there by the fame of his per-
formances.

In the first place, there was Giles Huntington
himself, swarthy of face, easy-going in disposi-
tion, and reputed to be the wealthiest cattlc
owner on the lower Rio Grande. Near him was
his wife, Emily, and his daughter Mildred; the
former a. pleasant-faced, middle-aged woman,
the latter a very pretty girl of twenty, with
brown eyes, a. sweet mouth, and a vivacious air.

There were many Mexicans in the picturesque
group of spectators, the most of them being cow-
boys from the neighboring ranch of Charles Ir-
win. Irwin, “ bearded like a. pard,” stood in
their midst, his black, flashing 9 es roving from
Simon to the party about Hunt ngton and back
again, with a restless expression. He was not a
handsome man, and the sharp glances he some-
times best0wed on the young ranch foreman,
who stood near Huntington, did not add to his
good looks. r.

" What makes ’em call a chap like me a
‘ broncho-bu’ster?’ ” Sim queried, with a puz-
zled expression, as his steed desisted momentai-il y
from its vicious bounds and leaps. “ Tours to
me if they’s any bu’stin’ done, the broncho is the
critter what does it.” _

It was the first thoughtful question Sim had
given utterance to since his arrival, and was
consequently greeted as the best joke of the sea-
son. There were many functions replies, but they'
were drowned in the vicious squeal by which

the broncho announced that the performance

was about to recommence. The beast was not
subdued; it had only been taking a breathing
spel .
“ Look out for him!” yelled the foreman,
warningly. _ .

The caution was unnecessary. Simon had al-
ready l'ocked his long legs beneath the animal’s
belly and braced himself for the ineVitable
’ O ’ ’

It came, with a jar that made the earth trem-
ble. The broncho had become suddenly trans-
formed into an infernal machine. ball-jointed,
sinewed with steel, and run‘ y electricity. With
a sprin that might have u envied by a pan-
ther it ad lea into the air, shaking its. head
wildly and writhing as if determined to tie itself

. into a knot, and then landed with: feet close to-

I].

gather, legs as stiff as iron bars, and back arched
fire a camel’s. , And no sooner did its feet touch
the earth than it repeated the maneuver again
and again.‘2r But it could not unseat the man
who clung to it so tenaciously, and discovering
this it reckless! threw itself upon its back.

With the agi ity of a cat Simple Sim leaped to
one side as the broncho irame down; but, when
it arose with another scream, he was again in
the saddhl ‘

Then there were leaps and, bounds, indescriba-
ble contortions, prime ngs‘upon hind feet and
fore, pitchings and curvetings scarcely to be im-
agined by one who has not seen the bucking

" broncho on his native heath—all the tricks and

, .and daughter.

artifices of Which those animals are capable!
“Simon is not doing so well to-dayl" Hunt-

ington observed, in an undertone, to his wife

"I knew this broncho would

, give him trouble, but I thought he could con-
"quer it. Housings!» other boyswuld ever do

 

anything
fail, too."

The fear of the worthy ranchman was prema
turc. Tho Bronclio-Bu’stcr had only been per-
mitting the maddoiied horse to play with him
for the amusement of the spectators, Seeining to
consider it his duty to furnish sport for the
friends and guests of his employer. All this was
evidenced a few moments later.

Vaulting lightly to the ground he caught up
one of the animal’s fore feet and drew it tightly
against the breast. Strange to say, this Simple
expedient seemed tndivcrt the broacho’s_mind
from its recent OXlllilltS. A horse can retain but
one impression in its brain at a time, a. fact ob-
served and made use of by every successful
trainer from Rarey down. This alone, howeVer,
will not account for the success of these trainers.
A good trainer, like a poet, is born and not
made. - _

Simon was an expert, evidently: and while
holding the foot of the animal pressed against
its breast, he talked to it soothingly, combed
out its mane with his fingers and passed his hand
gently over its face and nose.

It had been trembling like a leaf when he first
grasped the foot, not alone from exhaustion, al-
though it was well blown, but from terror. He
would have begun in this Soothing manner had
it not been for the desire for display which had
crept into his brain.

It required but a few moments for the panting
and quivering broncho to discover that no
harm was intended it; and with this knowledge
pressed firmly home, the victory was more than
half won. .

Still holdingr the foot, Sim passed back along
its Side, stroking; in a caressing way as he went,
the large eyes of too animal following his every
movement. Then he retraced his way to its
head, pressed the other foot against the breast
in the same way, and repeated the sti'okings on
the other side.

Within ten minutes the broncho had appar-
ently forgotten its recent scare, and oven ven-
tured to rub its velvety nose against his ragged
coat in a fondling way. Then, with pattings
and low, coaxing words, the F0o1 climbed
cautiously into the deep, double-girthed saddle.
He did not at once urge the animal forward,
but seated quietly, continued his soft strokes
and soothing words. Then he bent his body for-
ward, and the broncho, seeming to understand
the nature of the movement, walked slowly
around the inclosure. It was a revelation in
horse-breaking to the assembled cowboys, whose
sole idea of the conquering of a. horse was to
wear it out and crush its spirit; and the cheers
they sent up, as they witnessed this marvelous
success, made the gray prairies ring.

Simple Sim had not yet reached the full tri-
umph of his skill. When the broncho had cir-
cled a few times, and before the cheering had
ceased, he arose lightly to his feet; and, stand-
ing erect in the broad seat! of the saddle, urged
the now docile brute into a gentle Canter.

There had been cheering before, now, there
came such a wild burst of applause that the
very air seemed startled.

The slow canter was ,zincreased to a gallop,
which became momentarily faster. And when
the broncho was SWeeping around the inclosure
at full 8 ed, its hoofs cluttering, and a cloud of
dust ha f enveloping it, the Fool of the Range
placed one foot on its haunt-hes and the other
on the saddle-horn, and permxtted the bridle to
fall'loosely a inst its neck! Then, with low
whistlings an calls be urged it on; and when
the flying broncho rushed by the group of

with it, and I’m afraid he’s going to

amazed and bewildered spectators, he bowed

awkwardly, while a smile of delight expanded
his wide mouth. A few feet further be dropped
to 'tgle earth, the broncho stopping almost as
quic y.

The delighted cowboys streamed through the
gate and over the barbed-wire fence, pressing
proudhr about him and lavisbing upon him their
encomiums. It was an ovation such as the Fool
had probany never received before. Eulogis-
tic praise had not been his meat and drink, as
seemed evidenced by the childlike ecstasy With
which he appeared to accept their laudations.

.“ ’Twa. pretty good i” he declared, thrusting
his arm t rough the bridle-rein. and reddening
pleasurabl as he led the broncho slowly about
for the de notation of the enraptured cowboys.
“I don’t reely think they’s many, as could ’a’
done it better.” I .

But when the ladies advanced to Offer their
congratulations Simon’s swelling words degen-
erath, into mere gasps.

“ ’T—’ -’twa’nt jljes’ nothin’ ’talll I ’low I’ve
done better a thousan’ times.” '

‘ And then be flushed guiltin and seemed to de-

 

sire to sink into the earth as this modest a

deprecatoi'y statement was greeted with roa‘

of laughter.

 

CHAPTER II.
IN WRATHFL’L MOOD.

“ YOU’RE a scoundrcl, sir!” and Taylor Win-
gate, the foreman of the Huntington Ranch,
glared hotly at the man he had addressed.

This was Charles Irwin, the proprietor of the
“C l,”a ranch lying further up the valley.
Angry words had already passed between the
two, and they seemed on the point of blows.

Irwin was not only a ranch-ouner—a fact to
confer honor in that section—but the sheriff of
the pathless leagues known as Calaveras county.
_His herds Were not as numerous nor as impos~
mg as those of Giles Huntington, but this lack
was more than made up, in his estimation, by
the dignity of his official position. Hence, when
Huntington’s foreman, who had but recently
risen from the ranks of the common cowboys,
ventured to place himself across his homeward
path and address him in wrathful mOOd, he be-
came exasperated beyond measure.

The subject, too, was one calculated to touch
him to the quick. He had
of the beauty of Mildred untington. Few
men ever were, for she was coufessedly hand-
some. And the equality of their Worldly sta-
tions had recently emboldened him to approach
her in a loverlike way. ,

“ You’re a. scoundrcl, sir!” Wingate repeated.
“If you were not you would res ect the oung
lady’s wishes in this matter. 0 gent emap
will force his attentions where they are not
wanted.”

Irwin’s dark facc blackened with hate, his
form trembled, and he seemed on the point of
riding down the steed of the foreman. But he

recovered himself, while the blackness gave way ‘

to a ellowish pallor.

“ o doubt you have a lot of your villainous
cowboys within reach of your Voice or ‘ you
wouldn’t talk sofresh‘, my young whipper—snap-
per!” he snarled, dropping a band carelessly to-
ward the revolvcr that swung against his hip.

If he thought to “ get the drop” on the fore-
man he was disap ointed. Few men were more
watchful or quic 'er of 'movement than Taylor
Wingate. . '

“ Now you’re coming round to my way of
thinking!” the latter declared, swinging his Own
weapon forward With a. warning click. “We
might as well settle this little nll’air once for all.
That’s why I intercepted you. You insulted the
young lady again this evening!”

“ I did not!” Irwm protested.
right to pay court t_o the young ladyi'as you or
any other man. Th1 is a free country, and I’m
not used to being dictated to by cowboys!”

" Isn’t it an insult to Press your attentions on
a woman when you know your very Presence is
distasteful to her? Bah! What’s the use of
argument? We understand each other, without
words. We’ll put a hundred yards between us,
and then cba 9, fll‘mg- _D&l'e you do it?”

“ You thin you’ll kill me, so that you can
have mm a your own way!” Irwin sneered, that
black loo Of hate 98‘8"] sweeping across his
face. “ We“, 1 Tefus" to fight You on any such
terms. I warn You» bOWGVGr. to look out for
yourself in the future.”

“ A coward’s Way 0! dodging a difficult .
You have hurled a warning. Listen to mine: If
Miss \Huntingtcn cpmplams of your distasteful
attentions again I ll thrash you within an inch
of our life!’

nylon- Wingate was not given to the cool
measurement of words, and had a temper that
Wu. occasion became fiery and ungovsrnable.
- otbing was further from the desire of Mildred

Huntington, when she casually mentioned to:

him that Irwin had again been pressing his un-
welcome presence upon her, than that her lover
should became her bolli erent champion.

The fact that he was er lover, however, and
had been accepted as her future husband, wr...
all the warrant Wingate wanted for the ado
sign of such a course. He held it to be not on y
his right‘but his duty to protect her from these
flagrant insults, for such be conceived them to

. And so, Without aking to may one of the
thoughts that stirred gig, ho bad 1‘1 den beyoud
Sight and hearing of the. ranch. determined to
settle with Irwin in his own own peculiar way.

“ You’ve been appointed the young lady’s
guardian, I reckon! .. hauntingly. “ hadn’t
heard Giles say “Whig? about'im”

lVingute’s es" . fire; ,

“ That wi doi _,winl” m i a mice that was
hoarse and. reach inf!"

“I thong is, I'd .ask Giles!” mocking] Rain V .
that~ithswotdggstuns the young lovei'r’into E

 

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Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

 

 

 

. state of delirious rage. “It may be, though,

that I can ascertain by an examination of the
records down at the county seat.”

With a bellow of anger, Wingate grasped his
heavy stock-whip and Spurred his brancho at
Irwin. The latter’s pistol flashed as the circling
whip-lash hissed in the air. But the bullet sped
wildly, and the curling lash wound itself like a
red-hot wire about the ranchman’s burly shoul-

ders. Asuccession of blows fell like-rain, cach
biting through the heavy coat like knife-
tirusts.

Irwin was not made of pugilistic metal. If he
had been, a revolver duel would have taken
place and blood would havo flown long before
But flesh and blood, no matter of what

such humiliation. He managed to grasp the
Whip, and gave a rent wrench in the endeavor
to wrest it from ingate’s hands. He was a
powerful man; and as the whip~handle was fas-
tened by a. loop to Wingate’s wrist, the latter
was dragged bodily from the saddle and fell with
.-i. crash to the ground.

Instantly Irwin flung himself upon his enemy
like a maddened beast: and drawing a heavy

1- knife aimed at Wingate’s breast a furious blow.
The young foreman turned the point by throw-

ing uphis arm, and the keen-edged weapon was
buried hilt deep in the hard soil.

‘By a sudden upward movement the prostrate
fin hurled his assailant backward, tearing his
._ sp from the haft of the knife and preventing
Jim from regaining it. Then the two, locked
in deadly embrace, rolled over and over in a
frightful struggle for the mastery. Irwin was
much the strongest, but Wingate was sinewy
and agile as a panther. For a time the balance
seemed to poise evenly. Then it turned in favor
of “the black-brewed ranchman from up the
va ey. '

A dexterons twist had enabled him to grip the
young foreman’s throat, and at the same time
free. himself from his embrace. Remorselessly
be tightened his clutch, choking his adversary
into a state of partial insensibility. Then. Dant'
rug from his tremendous exertions, and with a
fiendish gl'ire'in his eyes, he began drawing the
young man tiward the knife which remained
fixed in the ground a few feet awa ,.

There can be little doubt that in another
minute Wingate’s cord of life would have been
out. There was a trampling of many hoofsl
They were near at hand, too, though Irwin,
blind and dent with the fury of ven canoe,
heard them no more than he did the rust ing of
the wind. The desire for the blood of the man
who had assaulted him centered in itself every
sense and emotion.

 

, Not until he was seized and dragged roughly
backward was be aware that others had come
d On the Scene. Then he raved and stormed for
:ns freedom like a madman in the hands of his

( :eepers.

' They were his own cowboys, these who had
orevented him from committing murder: W 0.

g after a day of jollity at the Huntington Ranch,
had beenlcantering leisurer along the home-

ward trail. ' ,

“ Let me gel” Irwin howled, wholly beside

’ iimself. .“ The scoundrel assaulted me, and I’ll

‘tVe his life-blood for it!”
Wlhfiat6 W35 Slowly regaining consciousness.
[he wordsreached his ears, aroused him, and he
'sat up—evuiently not quite certain of his con-

 

‘ dition and whereabouts.

As recollection dawned ’the stagnant arteries
A bounded and a hot

flush came into his face.

‘ The situation was peculiarly humiliating.

 

on!” he said,

“I presume Iowe my life to
aining Irwin.

iddressing the men who were
F“ You have my thanks.” .
S ots were flying before his eyesand his brain
I Ti! a sickening giddiiiess. However, he stag-
""T;qd to his feet, looked at the knife sticking in
; e‘ground and then glanced t0ward his horse
‘, - itch had ceased staring at the new-comers and
. .ain fillen to nibbling the'gijassc
l Irwin was still struggling in the arms of his
‘ Vboys and glaring his hate. but rmon was
- ginning to reassert itself and ills 815m gles
to more in the nature of bravado than rom
y real desire to get at his opponent.
iugate began likewise to feel that he had
if‘de a fool of himself. .
I’m willing to fight or let it pass!” he
ffledifipeakin this time to Irwin.
, No more tin’ l” declared the cowboys-
W,e sham allow it. We don’t know what the
row 8 about,  we don’t keer; but you’ve claw-
Mi 8&0h Ohm {enough for one round.”
,The T6158 .coway is not usually averse to
witness“)! 8 38 ‘t they readily foresaw

. ht. Bu
1 3h?“ the killing. brtbeir employer, of the fore.

 

 

. who now approached him, notwithstanding the

any meaIiS'
’t

 

man of the great Huntington Ranch, or even a
continuance of a feud between the two, would
bring about many unpleasant complications.

“ We ain’t a-wishin’ to inquire into the cause
of this hyer trouble, Mr. \Vil'lgilte,” respect-
fully asserted the spokesman, “ but we’re bound
to see that it don’t go any furder. So, you’ll
oblecge us by cliuibin’ onto your hose and headin’
him toward home. \Ve’il see that the sheriff
comes with us, peaceable as a. friskiu’ lamb.”

There was the sternness of a command in the
tones.

\Viugate glanced at the now silent and passive
ranchman. After which he turned slowly,
mounted his broncho, and without a backward
glance rode away.

“ I’m a fool!” was his mental asseveration.
f‘ Holding the position that I do, I ought to be
kicked for letting my temper get awiiy with me
in that style. There’s a cowardly streak in that
Irwin. Just enough to make him as dangerous
an enemy as a man ever had. Ten to one, he’ll
waylay and assassinate me if he ever gets half a
chance.”

As for the ranchman, riding homeward with
his cowboys, no rattlesnake ever held beneath
its venomous skin a poison more rankling than
that which seethed in his inmost heart.

 

CHAPTER III.
a LOVE-LORN LASS.

_WHILE this stormy scene was being enacted,
Simple Sim Saterlee was sitting quietly in the
bunk-room, to which he had retired after the
triumphs of the day. The feverish heat was
givmg place to the balmy coolness of a perfect
night. For more than an hour he had been the
center at a noisy good—humored and congratu-
latory throng. His jolly laughter had risen as a
constant witness of the fact that this new-found
glory was a perennial delight.

His face was a study, as he sat tilted back in
one chair nnd with his feet resting in another,
his gaze wandering constantly from the belong-
ings of the apartment to the red glow of the
dying sunset.

The apartment was a large one, capable of ac-
commodating all the cowboys of the Huntington
Ranch, though Simon was now the sole occupant.
There were bunks innumerable, a goodly num—
ber of chairs and some benches and tables. At
One end a wide fire-place yawned like a black
cavern, a few sticks of charred mesquite resting
on a bed of gray ashes. Every thing denoted
a provision for comfort, with little care for
scrupulous cleanliness, not to speak of the ele-
gancies of life.

It was evident, however, that Simon saw
nothing of the contents of the room, though his
gaze seemed constantly turning from one
bit of furniture to unotber.‘ The light in his eye
denoted an introspection that blinded the vision
to outward objects. On his broad face sat the
seal of perfect self-content. Occasionally he
gave way to a silent chuckle.

Believing himself alone, he was revolving the
exploits of the afternoon. But i alone, he was
not unobserved. A dark face was peering at
him through a chink in the walls of the building.
The owner of the face lay concealed in a growth
of weeds, and the cold and crafty way in which
he observed Simon showed that he held for him
no kindly feeling.

Suddenly the Fool’s chuckling was brought to
an abrupt end. The door of the bunk-room
opened, and there glided into the apartmenta
female figure, at sight of which the humorous
light died out of the Buster’s eyes, and his heavy
jaw dropped.

No doubt he had cause to dislike the woman

fact that she had been the most boisterous of the
throng in the afternoon’s approbation. .She was
tall and ungainly, with a s are figure, light
eyes and wispy, sandy hair. ot a beauty .b
though from the self-satisfaction
she often m nifested one would be inclined to
think she so believed. ,

She was the personal servant of Mildred, and
as such was something of a privileged character
on the ranch. , _ .

“ You here. Mister Simon!” she cried, drawing
back with an apparent start, which was, how-
ever, too feigned to deceive even the bard-
h . Simon. “Lord! who’d ’a’ thought it?
I “’95 Jew-comin’ to set the banks to rights.”

Sim smiled hopelessly and disconsolately and
at a loss for wordsL-edg‘ing away from horas
she again advanced and. plumped herself down
by his side.

“Iii_does {body ‘ to see you by yerself
onc’t. in awhile,” she purred. “ It do indeed;
’specially after the crowd and the worrlt. I’ve

\

 

jcs’ worked myself to a frazzle, to day, and
laughed till I’m sick. ’Twas most as good as a.
play er a story.”

Plays and stories were Nancy Hackett‘s de-
light. Of the former she got to see few enough;
but of the latter, her little trunk was so packed
that it was fairlv plethoric. They were all of
the chivalric, English school, dealing with
knights and priests, and lords and ladies, who
Were always going about on iiiilk-whitc chargers
and gray palt'i'eys. the lords and knights knock-
ing people (in-the head in a very heroic way, giv-
ing such splendid opportunities for the women
to weep and the priests to pray overthe victims.
And then those handsome knights were always
running away with high-born maidens iii a style
that was supremely delightful; and their fath-
ers—that is the maiden’s fathers—always pur-
sued too late to prevent,the inevitable weddings,
but just in time to witness the conclusion of the
wedding ceremonies, and whisper, hollowly: “I
forgive you, my children; I forgive you! Go,
and be happy i”

There were no sir knights and milords along
the prosaic Rio Grande. In lieu of them Nancy
mentally confessed that cowboys would do; but
the cowboys were not of her way of thinking.
They laughed at her immoderately, got up
practical jokes at her expense, and showed any-
thing but a disposition to abduct her in the man-
ner of her dreams. i

And so she was forced to turn to the Fool of
Range, whom she had proceeded to clothe with
a thousand heroic attributes. His marvelous
feats of the evening had almost pinnacled him
above those doughty and romantic soulsyhose
deeds she had so admiringly followed in the
pages of her favorite novels. To her fancy the
inexpressive face and wide month now took on
a strange beauty and the blankness disappeared
from the e es.

“He ain t a lord ner a knight,” she whispered,
cyin him askance, “ ner he ain’t a fool, if them
blac gnardin’ cowboys'do call him one. He’s
got more sense’u any of ’em, for they ain’t a-one
could ’a’rid a broncho like that.” .

All this time Sim was leaning from her, as if
Wishing himself a thousand miles away, yet
fearing to retreat.

“The cowboys says ’et you must put some
thin’ on your hands to be so poworfnl winnin’.
They ’lowed mebbe ’twas musk i"

“New!” declared the Bu’ster, twisting un-
easily.

“ 1 most knowed you didn’t,” with a sage toss
of her head. “ ’Twouldn’t be necessary.”

The compliment was so delicate, in spite of its
directness, that it entirely escaped the compre~
hension of the Fool.

“Yer 'es’ nacherly winnin’l That’s what I
says to ilderd. Says I. speakin’ of the bron-
cho-breakin’—he’s jes nacherly too winnin’ to
live. Thin can't help follerin him.”

The Fools jaw dropped still lower, while dis-
tress and dismay were written in every fea-

ture.

“Why don’t you talk to me?” drawing back
with a coquettish toss of her head. ‘ You
wouldn’t have a body do all the talkin’, would

on?
y “ New!” repeated Simon, groping feeny for
a way out of the dilemma.

“ 0’ course I knowed .you wouldn’t,” encourag-
ingly. “ The fellers in the stories never .does,
ypiu know. It don’t look well, from the maiden’s
si e.

“New, it don’t!” declared the Bu’ster, de-
cisively.

“Tell me somethin’ ’bout yerself,” edging
close to him again. “’Bout yer only life, ye
know I”

It Simple Sim was stron
Versation it was in persona inlscence, a fact
of which the crafty Miss _ ackett was fully
aware. How manytimes, since arriving at the
ranch, be bad recounted the story of his life, no
one knew; but it must have run into the scores.

“ ’Tain’t much!” Simon averred, though a
sense of greater ease and confidence made itself
visible in his very manner.

“But you hain’t never tol’ me!” pressing yet
nearer. “ An’ if anybody’d ort to be int’rested,
I ’low its me.” _

“Yes!” assented Sim, groping after the dis-
connected threads with which memory bound
him to the 938%, and not thinking of whatbe was
saying. “ ut ’tain’t much 1” . ,
- ‘Bnt the multiplication tables! They’re Jes
Mauit’iml’i”h ‘ ted ‘ f tti ' firm i-

86» e assen as i n a e
foothold on the swimming  “I know all
of ’um by heart; and weights an’ measures, an’
the rule fer cube root! Teacher said I was a
good ’un for gettin’ things by heart. ’Twas back

in any line of con-

 

 

 
 

"w— M

4

 

Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

 

 

in Greenhrier county, Wes’ Virginny. Lemme
see! Once one; one; once two is—

“’Twas a little, ole log school-house, with a
mornin’ glory over the winder! Once two is
two! An’ I had to walk a mild a day, right
throu h the woods!”

“ us’ ’a’ been dreadful!” Nancy sympatheti-
cally simpered.

“ ’Twas! Once three—an’ they was a groun’-
hog made his nes’ under an ole stump; an’ me
an J,im Larkins smoked ’im out onc’t an’ killed
him. ’

Was he forgetting that Nancy’s presence was
distasteful, engrossed in these Juvenile recollec-
tions!

“ But, when my brother Tom got his foot cut,
then I had to ’tend to the pigs an’ chickens an’
sich, an’ couldn’t go to school no more. An’
they was one ole gander that’d fight jes’ like a
bu! -dog. He whupped me ever’ time I went to
the stable, jes’ nigh about. But I got ’im one
day. I tied a fishhook to a wire, put a grain 0’
corn on it; and the ole fool he swallered it.
Then you better b’leeve he got tame! I could
jes’ lead him anywheres!”

The grin of childish pleasure was again dis-
tending the wide month.

At that moment the swarthy-faced spy on
the outside became convulsed with laughter,
and uproariously kicking his heels in the air,
dislodged a. loose plank, which fell to the ground
with a clatter.

“The boys is womin’l” and recalled to a
sense of his position, the Buster leaped ungallant-
1y from his chair while Nancy Hackett smother-
ed in her handerchief her hatred and disgust of
the entire cowboy tribe, and marched straight
from the building.

CHAPTER IV.
A PAINTED FACE.

THE man who had so startled Simple Sim and
Nancy suddenly ceased his convulsive lau hter,
drew the weeds more closely about his he , and
flattened himself like a badger. He did not
arise when they had left the building, but re-
mained concealed until the shadows of night he-
gan to gather. Then he slip . from the danger-
ous vicinity and hurried off into the gloom.

If any of the occupants of the ranch could
have seen his face and witnessed his sin ular
actions they would have been sorely puzzl , for
he had been among the spectators who had
howled themselves hoarse that very afternoon. He
was of low, Mexican lineage, on evil bent and
serving a villainous master.

It was an hour afterward when Taylor Win-

ate returned, crestfallen and depressed in spirits.

here was little in the misadventure of the even-
ing to give him comfort. The cowboys were
gathered in and about the bunk-house, singing
songs, laughing, cracking jokes, and discussing
the great sport of the afternoon. The Broncho
Buster was with them, swelling with pride, and
answering their jests in his fee ly facetious way.

There was a small room set apart for the fore-
man, and to this Wingate went as soon as he
had turned his broncho into the corral and put
away his saddle and bridle. He was in no mood
to mix with the hilarious throng. Nor did he
even, at that moment, care to pay his customary
visit to his betrothed.

On gainin his room he almost immediately
disrobed an went to bed. Not to sleep. His
guises were bounding too feverishly for that.

at to think over the words that had passed be-
tween himself and Irwin, and of the savage com-
bat that had followed.

The minutes slipped into hours; the voices of
the cowboys droned lower and lower and then
ceased altogether; the innumerable noises of the
night became stilled. Through the open window
he could watch the soft radiance of the stars,
and the patches of cloud that now and then dark-
ened the sky.

With the speeding of the hours his thoughts
became quieter and followed more placid chan-
nels. The soft breath of wind that came up oc-
casionally from the mesquite brush that stretched
away from the building had a lulling effect; and
he dropped into a refreshing slumber.

From it he was aroused by loud outcries, suc-
ceeded by scattering reports of fire-arms. One
bound placed him at the window. Freshly kin-
dled flames were curling along the Outer walls of
the ranch-house and of the building be occupied!
Wild bellowings and a confused trampling of
hoofs sh0wed that the herd which had been
rounded-up for brandin had been thrown into a
stampede. To these sig ts and sounds were add-
ed fierce shouts and savage yells.

“ Indians or Mexicans, or both!” he muttered,
slip ing hurried] into his clothing.

on he boun ed through the doorway, and

 

hurried to where the cowboys ere rallying
around a self-constituted leader. irecting a
number of them to extinguish the es, he sent a
messenger to the ranch-honee to learn if any
harm had befallen its occupants. The meSSenger
had scarcely started, however, when Giles Hunt-
ington appeared on the scene with the assurance
that all were safe. At this Wingate placed him-
self at the head of the remnant of the cowboys
and raced after the stampeding cattle.

Perha s the most wildly excited 0f the lot was
Simple Sim. His face wore a grave and un-
natural expression of seriousness, which at any
other time would have been ludicrous. Hntless,
and with hair flying in the wind, eyes rolling,
and his breath coming pantingly, he urged his
horse on with voice and heel. Either he had the
fastest broncho or was better able to get speed
out of one of the little brutes, for he uickly
drew in advance of his companions. n one
hand he swung a heavy revolver, which he occa-
sionally circled around his head to give emphasis
to his vociferous yells.

The other cowboys paid scant heed to him, in—
tent as they were on reaching the rascals who
were running away with the cattle; and soon the
darkness hid him from their view.

Simon seemed not to notice that he had left
them behind, but continued to push his steed,
circling to the right of the cattle as he drew
near. For some cause a half-dozen of the fright-
ened long-horns became separated from the main
bunch and went off at a tangent, being followed
by a single rider. This occurred just as Sim
reached the laggards of the herd; and with a
yell louder than any to which he had yet given
utterance he dashed in pursuit of this lone rider.

The latter gave a quick, backward glance as
he heard the cry and the pounding hoofs. A
feathered head-dress arose above the face, which
was the painted one of a Comanche warrior!

The day of the homestealing Comanches lay
largely in the past. The power of the tribe had
been broken, and most of them had been remov-
ed to distant reservations; but there were a few
remaining who led a vagabond existence and
herded with the vilest class of Mexicans. as not-
ed for thieving as the renegade red-skins them-
selves. Raids by these “ Greasers ” and Co-
manches had been all too frequent of late.

The persistency and fearlessness with which
Simple Sim hung at his heels had a demoralizing
effect on the painted rascal. He speedily aban-
doned the cattle, and turned his attention to sav-
ing himself. Simon had been owrhauling him
at a startling rate, but, relieved of the cattle,
the Comanche again pulled well to the front,
heading for a spur of hills which at out from
the river and were known as the “ luffs."

The race promised to be a long one. What
the Fool ex ted to do should the Comanche be
overtaken id not appear. Perhaps he had no
definite idea. All his being seemed centered in
the wild ssion of the chase; and he rode as
rides the Jockey who has hopes of winning the

cu .

With frantic energy the savage lashed his
willing beast; but, lash and urge as-he might he
could not widen the gap between himself and the
man who pursued. Whenever he glanced back-
ward, which was almost every moment. there
was the pursuer bowling along like a relentless
fate.

The cattle-thief appeared to have no thought
of turning about and giving battle; and, as the
separating gap slowly but visibly lessened,a panic
seized him. The hills were near at hand, now,
and to them he turned, riding furiously for the
rockiest - gorges.

Simple Sim had given no cry since the cattle
had been abandoned, and the chase turned upon
the endurance of the bronchos. He rode with
head and body well forward, aiding his beast as
much as possible, and husbandingiits strength
for the final spurt. A light, as of fierce excite-
ment, glittered in his now flashing eyes.

Suddeniy the horse of the Comanche went
down in a cloud of dust; then struggled to its
feet and galloped riderless away. was at a
point where the rocky walls opened. Simon
drew in on the bridle rein involuntarily, and
stared open-mouthed at the spot where the sav-
age had vanished. Then a yell arose to his lips,
and he spurred heedlessly on, without an ap-

ent thought that the seeming fall might have
,n a ruse to draw him to his death.

But, no rifle spurted its flame as he drew
near the granite barriers. The flying dustrcloud
had vanished with the horse that had stirred it
into existence. A faint clatter of hoofs came
back on the wind. That was all. Except that
the soft brilliancy of the night, which had en-
Ibled the pursuer to witness the overtth of
the renegade with almost as much distinctness

 

as if the time had been noonday, outlined
against the dark background of rock and grass
a silent and motionless figure.

A look of questioning wonder came to the
Fool’s broad face. Was the motionless figure in!
ambush, waiting an opportunity for a certain
shot? It seemed unlikely! The shot would
have been aimed long before.

With swinging revulver Simple Sim urged his:
broncho to the side of the fallen savage—and,
looked down on the face of the dead.

With a bewildered an“ he climbed out of the
saddle, at the same time drawing the broncho’s
bridle-rein over its head and allowing the end to
drop to the ground—a maneuver which will hold
a well-trained animalin its place as effectually
as a picket-pin. Then he strode to the side of
the prostrate man.

Curiosity seemed to guide him, for he drew
the feathered head-dress away, placed it on his-
own head, and walked round and round, watch—
ing the fantastic shadow which his figure cast.
0n the sward. After which be inspected the
singular head-gear careful] ; and having ap-
parently satisfied his inquisitiveness, again ap~
preached the lifeless Comanche.

A hasty examination showed that the neck of
the fallen man had been broken, resulting in in-
stant death. Doubtless his steed had tumbled
into a hole, hurling him against the rocks with
much violence, and in a way to shatter the Ver-
tebra of the neck.

“Done him up!” he whisnered, a queer lump
coming into his throat. “ ’Most sorry I run ’ini
so hard!”

He was bending War the body as he muttered
the words. Suddenly a cry of surprise came
from his lips and he bent still closer. The re»
moval of the head-dress had left bare a circle of
white skin running around the upper portion of‘
the face! '

At this discovery the Bu’ster glanced about
as if uncertain what to do. Not far away one
of the few springs of the region gurgled into a.
little rill and wound its way to the river. To
this spring he hastened, scooped up a quantit ‘
of the water in his hat, and returning with it
washed oil.’ a rtion of the paint that concealed
and disflgur the dead face.

The features thus revealed were those of a
Mexican. The man was the one who had watch-r
edSimon and Nancy that evening through the
loosened chink in the Wall of the bunk house!

“ Well, if I mayn’t be switched!” gasped Sim,
the bewilderment in his face deepening. “ Tain’t.
an Injun ’tall! It’s one 0’ them blame Mexican
cowboys what hangs up at Irwin’s ranch. If
’tain’t may I be 9’t up by rattlers! He was over
to our place this very afternoon, too!”

The problem thus suddenly presented was evi—
dently too much for him, for he scratched his
head awkwardly and stared a sin and again to
make sure his ViSlOll had not eceived him.

“ Jes’ beats all haw he come to be among them
In uns‘ an’ rigged out that way! Should think
he d is! been afraid of sich aiotof ’eml Wouldn’t.
never ketch me_in a crowd like that. Likely
they captured him on his way home, painted
him up that wag, and made him go ’long of ’em.
An, that’s why e shied ofl frum the crowd. Cut
sticks at the fu’st chance. An’ me. like a blame
ijit, a-howlin’ after him an’ a-skeerin’ him out’n
his _boots, makin’ him think the Injuns was
a-goin’ to take ’im ag’in. _An’ hyer he run into
the rocks au’ jes’ bu_’sted his-self. Law! Law l”

Having thus lucidly and satisfactorily ac-
counted for the presence and appearance of the
Mexican, Simple Sim heaved a sigh that shook
his lank frame as the blast shakes the cotton-
wood. Then. after a long survey as if to assure
himself he was unseen he dofi‘ed the head-dress
and re laced it on the head of the Mexican; after
which e hid the features by daubing With clay
the portions from which he had washed the

aint.
p “Icalc’late the feller won’t never want his
frien’s to find an’ rec’nize him in a rig like that!
Shouldn’t, if ’twas me, shore! Siug’lar! Smg’lar :”

And still stumbling over them story, be pro-
ceeded to roll the body to the ottom 0f the
gorge, there to heap stones over_it and leave it
with the spire of rock above as its monument.

_—————

CHAPTER V.
m UNGALLANT LOT.

TAYLOR Wines“ and those with him, follow-
ing the main band of the maranders, had pm
them so close! that the cattle were abandoned,
and the rasca s scattered and sought safety in
flight. But not until the had forced a portion
of the herd over afrecip tons blufl’, resulting in
the crippling and illing of a large number.

The cowboys had continued the pursuit, but

  
 

(

 

 

Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

 

‘Wingate turned back toward the ranch-house
He gave as a reason that his services might’
be needed there, when in reality he was
actuated by e. tormenting desire to ascertain
how Mildred had borne the fright and anx1ety
of the night. He was in a very save a mood,
too, as he pushed homeward through t e dark-
ness of the early niornin . The loss of the
cattle sat heavily on him. g1t was not the first
raid that had been made on the ranch; and
prenath would not be the last. The.recur-
ring question was, how to prevent their con-
tinuance?

The cattlemen of that portion of the Rio
Grande border had organized for protection

., h A .. - -,
. , i ,
' WW': ~- “
x V. ,7 g“ “0.-.; . - A.
.,~ ‘ \¢_

Clue-«-

fig  .2

against these raids. The action had, however,

,2; _. given very slight immunity. .
-  The location was peculiarly favorable to the
all" raiders. Just across the river lay the untrod-
 den expanses of Northern Mexico, heaped with
i' ‘ ' hills, gullied with ravines, and. covered with
‘1‘! If”; dense stretches of Chaparral and mesquite,
, ,4: which offered the sccurest of hiding-places.
will And, besides, the logic of events seemed to in-
‘iztl , dicate that the Mexican authorities were in 8.
~_  1" manner allied with the outlaws. Certainly, it
‘  ;. l is to be presumed they were not; but the jeal-

ousy with which they guarded against the
encroachments of pursuers on the sacred soil of
the Aztecs squinted strongly in that direction.
Wingate was sifting away at the questions
resented by these thoughts and cantering
'eisurely along, when, having arrived within
two or three miles of the ranch-house, he was
aroused by a sound of boots and a woman’s
scream. There was scant light in the hour or
two preceding dawn, but sufficient to enable
him to discern a group of horsemen, upon whom
he had almost ridden without discovery. In
their midst was a woman, the one who had
.given utterance to the scream.
 ‘It seemed evident from the course they were
pursuing that they had come from the ranch-
house; and Wingate leaped to the quick con-
clusion that they were members of the band of
marauders and had remained behind for the
. purpose of abducting Mildred. Perhaps she
had recognized him, even through the gloom!
égHis brain reeled with its tide of emotions.
, ' There was no time for reflection or cool judg-
v 'ment. Setting his spurs against the flanks of
ibis animal, he drew his revolvers, gave a great
shout, and charged the band.
“Come onl" he yelled, as if encouraging a
body of followers. “Down with the rascals!
- Pus ’em, my hear-ties!”
He discharged bus of his weapons in a quick,

"tended to create the delusion that he was backed
by a strong palt‘y‘.’ The act was thoroughly
characteristic of ingate and of a piece with
his general recklessness. Cooler heads would
have ridden to the ranch for aid, or frJIIOWed the
abductors quietly, trusting to chance to effect a
rescue. ,

The rascals at once urged their horses into a
panicky flight. At this the woman screamed
ouder than ever.,
»  “ I 8'9 coming!” Wingate bellowed, hoarse

', ‘ with exatement and anger.

' Again the ‘ au’s wail floated to him like
M  z the moan of a i c Soul. A deathly chill closed
' T ‘x-i.” ‘ about the_ heart of the anguished lover. In

-r  r s ite oi his utmost endeavors his broncho was

sowly falling behind. It was blown by the
long run after the cattle-thieves, while the
others were fresh. .
. “Oh. my God 1” ‘he cried, “ they’re pullin
‘ .. 5 away from me. I can’t come up with them. f
* I had another horse!” / ~ ,
' Then, in his great fear. he cursed himself for
not bringing some of the cowbo s with him;
for leaving Mildred at the ram, without his
protection; for the stupiuit of those who had
made her abduction possist nfaet, he an-
athematized every circumstance. Seen or unfore-A
seen, which by, any possibility coulg have cod;
tributed to this direful result. : ' ~

 

a“

thovdis one between bimeanrl. them. Seen the

darkness hid-them frbm his View; but he could
\ s‘tillh r the ringin of boots on the hard turf.

1’ Wiggly even this 5

and away. and the terrors of silence were added

to . of the gloom. .

Still be. reused on, s'purrin his horse cruelly
and merci y, the echo of t t despairing cry
CY“    ‘

30" “’98 0F 59‘” far he had continued in this
madam be scarcely knew, whgn his straining
“9339 931181“ “mot-2a fl restandiug in his ad-

e Ivancin pathwar‘umw Idlv 'Waving its arme.
~ “11”,” you X‘in” hgcalled, raining in
 hishoi‘lesosu eniytmj 'x 1,,

{hit *9.

 

    
   

  

rattling volley and gave a succession of ones in- .

And ll the while the abductors Were widening "

vidence of their proximity »

its haunches; for a feeling that here was some-
thing wrong took quick possession of him.

At this there was another little scream, and
the woman for he could now see that it was a
woman, fell to the earth as if in a faint.

“Would Mildred act so?” was the question
that assailed him. Perhaps the outlaws had
discovered he was alone and were attempting
a ruse to draw him within gun-shot and slay
him. The affair had a very mysterious look.
Where were the abductors? and how did the
woman manage to escape from them?

Nevertheless, as a careful scrutiny of the sur-
roundin s failed to reveal anything of the men
he had been following, he began a cautious ad-
vance, increasing his speed as he neared the
prostrate object.

“ Oh, Simon! an’ you’d poke around that way
when I was in sich distress! You ain‘t a bit like
them there cavaliers, you ain’t; and I’m ashamed

0, Wu H

ingate drew back, astonished beyond the
power of expression. The voice was that of
Nancy Hackett, and from her s .ech she evi-
dently believed him to be Simple im, the Bron-
cho Buster.

“\Vlz—what you doing here?” he at length
succeeded in stanimering. “ \Vhere’s Mildred?
And where are those men?”

Nancy Hackett sat upright, swayed her body,
and gave way to disconsolate grief.

“ Stop that blubberiu and try to explain
things!” he commanded, lled with a queer com-
bination of anxiety and disgust.

“ And it ain’t Simon! Au’ I ain’t been rescued
at all! And them abductors, after stealin’
me out of the winder jest like a storybook,
drotiped me like a hot pertater when they found
out weren’t Milderd. It do beat all how ever’-
thing oes wrong with me!”

The statement conveyed volumes. Some of
the marauders had remained behind and at-
tempted~ the abduction of Mildred Huntington.
But in the darkne they had blundered woe-
fully, seizing Nanc Hackett instead, and had
not discovered their mistake until they were
miles from the ranch—house.

And she. filled with visions of knightly bandit-
ti, had enjoyed the whole affair, fancying her-
self some medieval heroine which an ardent
wooer was hearing away to his castle hallsl And
then, when the chase came, she was changed by
her imagination into alady of high degree borne
from her lover’s arms by some freebooter who
Would, pcrhaps,fight for her, or demand ran—
som! ,
The belief that Simon was the pursuer added
tothe realism of the picture. Simon couldn’t
pay ransom, but he could fight like a Chevalier
of vs olden time.

Then had come the discovery of her identity,
her abandonment by the ungallant rascals and
the final crushing knowledge that the would-be
rescuer was not Simon, and had not been en-
deavoring to wrest her from brigandish hands.

“And Mildred! She was not with you?” he
queried, nervously stamping the ground.

“ Mildred? Who’d run away with that little
chit?” wrought to bitter anger‘ by his tone and
manner.

“ Then she’s at home, safe!” with a thankful
breath of relief. . v ’

“ ’ course she is! An’ I’m hyer, with a
brute!”

He became silent under this scornl'ul attack.

“ It’s really worse than bein’ with t’other fellers.
They calle ,me an old hag and a squaw, and
flggered wlether they hadn’t better take me
along any way as soap grease l”

“ Who were they?’ '

But, Nancy was again rocking herself discon-
splately, and meaning out her grief at the un-
satisfactory turn events had taken. _ y

' It was impossible to obtain any information
from her; so Wingnte commanded or to mount
the horse, and tuckin his arm hrough the
bridle-rein, started on t e long tramp homeward.

CHAPTER VI.-
' . A BECKLESS CHARGE.
“Inna feel overly safe in a place of this
kind!” and ‘the ranch foreman looked uneasily
at the chaparral stretching like a brush; sea
e of.

 

and him. “And especially on this 31
t eriver." ' - _
his sole companion (was Simple, Sim who
seemed to give scant heed to ,the dan ers enJ
velopiui, any particular portion of t e foot-
 merican and Mexican soil were alike

m. .

It was the ‘fifternoon succeedingltbe attack on
the ranch, and Wingate had taken the Bu’ster
with him to look after some cattle which were

 

believed to have been driven across the Rio

i

h_‘),,i‘i ‘ A-

They had been able to track the ani-
mals to the brink of the water on the op site
shore. There the trail was lost, for the anks
on the Mexican side were so firm and rocky they
retained no hoof-prints.

Nevertheless, they continued on, leaving the
river a considerable distance'behind, and plun -
ing into the Chaparral in the direction in “hie
it seemed most likely the stock would be driven.

“ Keep your eyes peeled, Simon! We on ht
to come on some sort of sign hereabout. Un ess
the cattle have been driven up or down the
river! I’ve been thinking the rascals would
aim for that rocky pass ahead. If they didn’t
take that, the hoof-marks will begin to show in
the softer soil just beyond.”

The foreman appeared to have conceived a
fancy for the Fool, much to the astonishment of
the ranch geople. Perhaps Simon’s reckless
bravery in t e pursuit of the previous night had
raised him in the foreman’s estimation. Cer—
tainly no one had responded more quickly to
Wingate’s rallying cry on that exciting oc-
casion.

“ I’m a-keepin’ ’um peeled!” Simple Sim de-
clarcd, running over the ground with eyes
spread like saucers. “ Can’t see a thing,
though, ’ceptin’ centipedes aii’ lizards. I do
b’leeve they 5 a million 0’ them last bakin’ the’r-
selves on the rocks hyerabouts! Should think
’at a Mexican could live fat hyer,_if it’s trUe, as
the cowboys say, that they eats ’um.”

Wingate smiled at the seeming simplicity with
which Simon accepted the large stories which
the cowboys Were constantly dinning into his
as

Grands.

rs. _

“ It’s iguanas the Mexicans eat, a different
kind of lizard from these.” .

They were leisurelgV approaching the rocky
gorge through which 'ingate believed the cat-
tle had been driven, if brought that way.

When within a hundred yards of the pre-
cipil’ous wall, a puff of smoke spouted from an
aperture of the rocks, followed by a whip—like
report, and a bullet plowed through the fore-
man’s hat, cutting so near the skull that it
shaved away a lock of hair.

“ Back!” hecalled, wheeling his broncho as if
on a pivot. “ It’s an ambush! Ride for the
river!‘

Turning in his saddle, he saw that the other
was not obeying. Instead, the face of Simon
was working strangely; low sentences were
dropping from his lips, and he was fumbling
with the handles of the revolvers that swung in
holsters at the saddle-bow. ' >

“ Ride for the river!” VVingate ordered. “ It's
death to stay here. We’ll get some of the cow-
boys and come back and give these fellows such
a rustle as they never had in their lives.”

But if Simon heard, he failedto heed. His
weapons were in his hands, now, and his eyes
were shining balefully. The man’s foolhardi-
ness held the foreman fascinated. Then, even
as he looked, he saw the Bu’ster make aquick
knot in the riata coded about the horn of the
saddle, give it a hasty turn that formed a loop,
and into this loop thrust a foot.

“ Do you hear me! Come back!" Wingate
again shouted, expecting every moment toagain
see that put! of vmoke and feel the sting of a ‘
bullet, or to see Simon go down beneath the

o .

The Bu‘ster, turnin
broad!
over t e broncho’s side, after the fashion of a; ’
Comanche, and with a wild whoop, cha ed
madly at the rocks. The broncho, with end
stretched well forward, tore wildly along. cir-
cling as it neared the gorge, soasm interpose its
body between the rider and the concealed marks-
man,

When within good pistol range Simple Sim
opened on the point whence the shot had comes-
a stream of fire and a constant succession of '
shots issuing from the muzzles of his Weapons.

“ He‘ll be killed, sure!” Win ate groaned,
rooted to the spot by the daring o the s tacle
and forgetting to continue his flight. ‘ They’ll
shoot his horse, and then he can’t get away 1’

- But, strange to so no burst of flamecanio
from the rocks. ’ith fierce impemofle,
Simon, having completed a half circle, '
straight at the openin in the wall,  ’
a veritable savage. hen the pass elm 

had witnessed, and wondering whynoshet had
stricken the reckless rider to the earth.

were shots after Simon had vanished, but,
whether they all came from the pistols of the
Bu’ster he could not determine. But, a few mo-
ments later, the broncho ridden by SimpleBim

 

came

tearing from the pass, riderlelsi

I

 

toward him, smiled?
and confident y; then threw himself?“[

in. ,
Wingate set his horse stupefled by what he - '

    
   
   
     
  
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
     
   
  
      
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
     
   
 
   
   
   
    
  
  
    

 

{'K‘fi};  .h ‘3'

 
       
     
   
     
    
          
         
         
         
         
       
         
       
     
     
       
     
 
     
  

 
 

 
     
  

    
  
    
    
 

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
  
  
    
  
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
 
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
    
 
 

 

escape.

V day’s

. by a sin 19 man. .
  covery, t eman scudded from his hiding-place in
~ a niche of the wall, and ran for the concealment

 

Simnle Sim, the Broncho Buster.

 

 

The foreman groaned at this proof of the ful-
fillment of his fears.

“ It’s as I thought. A regular death-trap.
Well. they‘ll rot draw me into it! He’s dead,
and I can’t help him; so I’ll look out for mySelf.
No, lcan’t help him. But, I can avenge him,
pOor fellow 1”

His teeth came together with a snap that
showed the deadly nature of his resolve.

Setting spurs to his horse, he rode desperately
for the river. This he forced the animal to
swim, and then pushed on in quest of a party of
cowboys he believed to be in the vicinity. He
had directed them to make a search of the oppo-
site shore, to determine if the cattle had not
been driVen into the water as a ruse, to be after-
ward turned back to the American side. It
seemed unlikely they could be far away. Per-
haps they had heard the firing and were even
then galloping to his aid.

It required nearly an hour’s search, however,
to locate them; and a half-hour more to bring
them to the point where he had crossed the
stream. The cowboys were admirers of a deed
of reckless daring such as Simple Sim had per-
formed, and folIOWed willingly enough, anxious
to avenge the fate of a man who had been so
brave, or to rescue him if he still lived. They
had also, in the past few days, begun to under-
stand that if Simon had not intellect in any
large quantity, he had many qualities to rec0m-
mend him to their confidence and esteem.

“ Only show us the way,” they chorused, “ an’
we won’t leave a grease-spot of the villains.”

With much anxious foreboding, lVingatu led
them to the place where he expected to find the
body of the Broncho-Bu’ster. The approach
was made with all due caution, as he feare'l an-

other ambush, an had no wish to sacrifice the

‘ lives of any of his men.

To his astonishment nothing was to be seen,
when the gerge had been gained. There was
the niche from which the dastardly shot had
been fired, the opening; into which Simon had
ridden and from which the horse had darted,
and the bowlder—strewn pass winding its serpen-
tine course thrOugh the hills. But, no sign of
the Bu’ster nor of the men who had been con-
cealed there.

The affair had a mystifying look. There was
no blood on the rocks, such as one Would expect
to find if a fatal shot had been given and the
body of the slain dragged away. Neither Were
there any footprints. This last was not strange,
when the character of the soil is considered.
But it did seem singular that Simon and the
men in ambush should disappear without leav-
ing a trace.

“ They must have pushed on through the peas
as soon as I rode away!” Wiugate asserted.
“ Wd'll follow, anyway, and see what comes of
it. Ourborses are rather fresh and he may be
able to overtake them. They’ll be bound to
make some sort of a trail when they reach
the lowland below.”

This seemed the only course topursue; and
having determined ‘on it, the foreman put his
men in motion and hastened along the trail.

They discovered nothing, however, and were

as much in the dark when they debouched on
the other side as when they had started. The
expected hoot-prints did not appear here, the
softer soil of the low-lying belt being as barren
of V“ sign” as the fiinty windings of the pass.
" ours were spent in fruitless searches; the
cowboys beating the entire adjacent country
with avthoronghness that permitted nothing to
They could find nothing; and Wingate
was forced to the reluctant conclusion that the
men who had lain in ambush for him, had been
without horses, and had escaped by taking to the
rocky fastnesses of the hills.

“We’ll have to give it up!” he averred at
last. “ We can do nothing and are just wait—
ing time. Simon is surely dead, and there
seems small chance that we can discover and
punish his murderers.” _ ‘

Nothwithstanding'the belief that all effort in
that direction was useless, he sent a number of
dismounted cowboys into the hills, feeling that
he ought to leave no stone unturned. And,
with. the others, retraced his way toward the
river, 'ckk at heart over the outcome of the
r .

W
CHAPTER VII.

“4 FOOL FOR LUCK l”

Barons Simple Sim had completed a half~
circle in that reckless charge, he saw, whatsvas
invisible to the foreman, that the pass was held
Even as he made the dis-

 

i... - u...

l

was the stern rejoinder.

 

of a ravine. It was at this point Simon gave that
terrific yell and raced straight for the gorge.

When he rcabhed it the man was turning a
rocky spur in the ravine below. He was run-
ning as fast as his legs Could carry him, his
Winchester at a trail, and only his head and
shoulders Visible above the Chaparral. Before
vanishing behind the spur he twisted his head
around to look backward, giving the yelling
cowboy a good View of his face. It was the
face of the i‘anchman, Charles Irwin.

The Bu’ster gave no indications of surprise or
astonishment on making the singular discovery.
Everything seemed to come to him use. matter of
course. But becaUse of the knowledge thus
gained, or for some reason not apparent, he im-
mediately changed his tactics. At the moment,
he could be seen by neither Wingate nor the
would-be assaSsin. He leaped to the ground,
turned the head of the obedient broncho t0ward
the mouth of the gorge, and gave it a smart cut
that sent it flying back toward the river. He
then carefully refilled the cylinders of his weap
ons, hurried into the ravine, and crept with
stealthy footsteps in Irwin’s wake.

If Sim le Sim had known of the encounter be-
tween ingate and Irwin, the shot from am-
bush would have been given a ready explanation;
for it must have been evident to even the stupid-
est intellect that the ranchman had waylaid his
rival for the purpose of assassination. He had
failed, and was now fleeing as if for his life.

It did not take Simon long to reach the point
where he had seen Irwin disappear. Strangely
enough, too, since sendin his broncho thunder—
ing back into the valley, e had taken to himself
all the wariness and caution of neat. His burn-
ing glances constantly roved from covert to
covert and from rock to rock. Not a leaf
stirred but. he observed it, and nota bird chirped
but his quick ear caught the sound. From the
smiling, good—humored Fool of the Range he
seemed to have been suddenly transformed into
a crafty, crawling Comanche.

Irwin was not hiding behind the spur of rock,
and Simon halted and keenly swept the ravine
before pushing further. No rain had fallen for
months, and the compact soil gave no indica-
tions of the ranchman's progress. There was,
however, but one way he could go, and at the
same time retreat with any speed. That was
directly 1‘1) the ravine. And. as Simon stared in
that direction he caughta momentary glimpsoof
the object of his Search, half concealed by the
low-growing Chaparral.

“Goin’ it jes’ lickety-splitl” and a smile re-
placed the intense look tbut had disfigured the
pursuer’s face. “ Travels taster 0n Shanks’
ponies than if he was struddlin’ a bronch’, I do
b’lieve. I’ll have to niicher’ly hump myself to
kee in sight of him i”

V (:‘th this observation, he again writhed for-
war .

An hour at this kind of work carried him
thro'igb the, hill re ion. During that time he
had hardly lost sig t of the ranchmnn. Yet,

frOm Irwin’s movements it was plain the latter'

had no idea that he was being followed. Only for
the first few hundred yards had he been careful
to keep himself well concealed. After that he
strode along with a bold ' pi-nness that made trail
in him mere child’s play.

he country assumed different characteristics.
A high, rolling mesa stretched away from the
baseof the bluffs. The Chaparral gave wayoto
vast expanses of mes uitc, interspersed With
prairie‘like openings. iant cacti everywhere
abounded, and at intrrvnls small groves of
gnarled trees offered shelter from themays of the
sun.

Into one of these grovos Irwin finallydisap-
peared. Simon could not determine whether he
came out of it at the opposite side or not, but
supposin that he had. advanced toward the
trees.
grove held a large number of men and horses.
Presumably the were Irwin’s men, and no
doubt they had iscovered him.

Without a moment’s hesitation he continued
on. A man arose at the edge of the timber,
cooll pointed a-rifle at Simon’s breast, and or-

‘derec him to throw up his hands.

“Throw ’91!) up. 01' I’ll plug yel” cried the
man, warningly, evidently fearing ‘the other
might attempt to draw a revolver

“ Up, ye air,” drawled the Bu’ster, “ high as I
can put ’e_m.,. If on want ’em any higher you’ll
have to git me a r-x.’ , ; ‘

“ Keep ’em up, then, and,“ march into camp!”
“ You can do your
talkin’ to the captain.” ,

" Well, I hain’t done nothin’i” Simon ,pro-
mated, as he marched ahead of the threatening
r e.

hen too late to retreat he saw that the '

"u

'vicious. Only the presence of anumber of well—

 

All told, there were ten men in the grove; and 
among them Simon searched in vain for the ,
murderously-inclinod ranchman. The latter 1
had Come in there, audit seemed unlikely he had i
gone out. :

Four or five of the men were Mexicans, the '
others Americans. Simon had never seen any .
of them before.

“What’s become of the feller that run in

hyer'l” he asked, glancing from face to face ' ‘

with owlish gravity. “ He shot at me back "
there towards the river, and I’ve been follerin’
him ever sence. Seems to me some of ye ort’ ’a’
seen him.’ He was a tallish man, with black ,
hair. I didn’t get a good squint at his face.”

“ Do you know who he was?” asked one of the 5 .

men, who had been lazily seated on a log. .

Simon’s ears were keen, and peril had appa—
rently sharpened his hits. The voice was dis-
guised, but he recognized it as Irwin’s.
theless, he gaVe not a sign.

“ Nawl he run too blame fast. Jes’ cut a
streak, when he started. I got a goodish look at
his back, though, an’ think I’d rec’nize it. ’Twas
asort of a squaie back, with broad shoulders
and big arms. ’

“ Well, he didn’t come in here!" another ob-
served. “ Yon mUst have been monn~eyed
when you thought so. And, now, tell us what
you intended to do, if you had caught him?”

“ Do?” and Simon howled the question. “Well,

I cal’late he wouldn’t shout at any more men!”

_“ And what were you doing on this side of the
river alone?” the man again questioned, assum- .
ing the duty of spokesman of the arty.

‘f Wasn’t alone!” sputtered the Su’ster. “ Mr.

I‘Vingate was with me; an’ we was lookin’ for
cattle.”
. “ Well, if we see the chap you’ve been hunt-
ing, we’ll tell him to send you his post-office ad-
dress!” and the fellow laughed loudly at his
supposed wit.

“ Thankeel” Simon placidly replied. “ I’d
like to find him reel bad. That’s a purty bunch
0’ horses you’ve got out there i”

“ They re mustangs. 'We caught them only a.
few days ago.”

“ Uni-huh l”

“ See here! Seems to he I’ve heard of you,
Ain’t you the chap that’s been. bre’akin’ bosses
for Huntington?” -

“ You betl” and the Bu’ster’s mouth expanded
with the pleaSure of the thought that his fame
had extended so widely. “ I kin break anything
what runs on four legs.”

“ That’s a putty big boastl I don’t allow you
could do anything a 1th those critters out there?”

Simon looked at the mustangs the man pointed
out; then got up. sanntercd over to the group
and curiously inspected them. They were cer-~
tainly mustangs—that is, they had once been
wild horses and had been caught from some
herd. But .there Were certain marks on one or
two that did not escape the Bu’ster’s atten-

Never~ i

\ .

tion.

“I_ reckon I can handle ’um,” he declared,
Shaklllg his head egotistically. "‘I’ve handled
WUSS.

A silly grin had crept into the corners of his
expansive mouth and he chuckled in a way that
was ridiculous. Evidently he had some thought
in connection with the mustangs, that greatly
aniuSed him. ”

“ It Won’t. be no lau hin’ matter, if one of ’em
should break yer. foo neck!” the man averted,
wrongly interpreting the meaning of the
chuckles.

“Nan ’Twouldn’tl” and Simon straightened.
his face with an effort. “ I cal’late’twouldn’t
be no fun l"

The other/members of the band were watching
him closely, laughing now and then at some»

 

War-964'!" “unsung-i4».

O

Oct

C353 “2*?”

00m"?

 

pointless remark to which he gave utterance. It , '
was to them an amusing thing to contemplate
with what case he had been outwitted and turn—
ed from his search. To all appearances he had
emirer forgotten what he ca me there for.

The mustangs were still half Wild and wholly

trained saddle-horses kept them from dashing
awa as the men drew near.

“ wouldn’t be jes’ no trick ’tall to break
’um,” Simon confidently asserted. “If you’ll‘
gimme five dollars I’ll fix ever’ one so they can

. ,rid easy. That’s dog cheap. I ’low they
all‘l‘t another man in Texas ’u’d do it for that.” _

. W hatdo you say, Cap?” and the man turned ‘
With awmk to the di uised Irwin—might as .
well let him go ahead, e t” ‘

Irwm fancied he saw in the prospect an
abundance of sport-an opinion shared in full
by his comrades, and observing that the men.
were anxious for an exhibitionlof Simon’s skill,
nodded his head in assent, ’ ,

       
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
        
        
         
      

 

—-1w—

un .
: “I’ll haf to have a saddle and bridle and
lariat, an’ you’ll hat' to help me git the critters
, out from under the trees. I don’t keer about
3 . - ittin’ my head bu’sted ag’in’ one of these byer
imbs.”
I. The articles asked for were immediately forth-
5 ' coming.
'K , “If you git a bridle over the head 0’ one of
l them you’ll do better than I think!” the spokes-
3 A ’man observed. ‘_
, His surprise was great when Simon advanced
? wit outstretched hand and wbecdling voice and
_  walked straight up to one of the finest as well as
_, l wildest of the bunch. The animal seemed to
recognize him as a friend.
I “ Oh, I’m a-reachin’ fer your five dollars ;”
b turning to the men who were watching him in-
B tently, “ I’ll yearn it easy enough,”
3 With 9. touch as soft as a Woman’s he smooth-
ed down the tangled mane. The face and nose
_ were rubbed in the same soothing way. “’hile
] thus engaged he slipped a thumb between the
t animal’s jaws, aboVe the front teeth, forcing the
mouth open, and with a deft movement inserted
[ the bit, at the same moment dropping the head-
’ iece over the ears and fastening the throat-
etch.
2 At this there was an emphatic protest from the
brute, and it required some time before it could
. be again quieted and reassured. But Simon
,1 worked with marvelous patience. The placing
of the saddle upon its back and the tightening of
.‘_ the cinches were the most troublesome. But it
[_ was all accomplished in due course, and the
s broncho-breaker stood ready to mount.
‘ The other mustangs had for some time been
3  curiously eyeing these movements. .
,1 “They cal’lete they’d like to be rigged up in
the same way!” declared theibreaker, with a
a chuckle of deep satisfaction.
He had stated he would not attempt to break
the animal there under the trees; and as he nmv
, led it coaxiugly toward the edge of the grow»,
 its mates followed, with ears laid forward, and
‘ . Smmng the air distrustfully. .
d Neither Simon nor the men seemed to give any
8 heed to this very natural movement, though the
latter had abundant cause to regret their inztt-
g tentiou, when it'was too late. ‘
Q When well out of the grove the Broncho—Bu’s-
7’ tor sprung lightly into the saddle. The mustang
d trembled when it felt the uuaccmtomed weights
and appeared inclined to resentit; but the soft
E caressings of~the rider’s hand, und' the quieting
n tones of his voice calmed it into subinissiOn.
e . “Git our five dollars ready!” he called, urg-
r mg it rst. into a walk and then into a trot.
,. “ l’m a-reachin’ fer it, strong!"
In afew minutes be reduced the mustang to
I complete subjection: forcing it to a» walk» “'05
,1 or run as the whim suited him. The men,
grouped on the outskirts of the grove, watched
:3 him With unfeigned admiration, occasionally
’6 shouting a word of encouragement, such as:
,5 ‘ G0 lEnglmple! I’m a-backin’ ye!”
They falled tobnotice' that he was widening his
y CiI‘CleS and dm‘fing further and further from
n ,th_9 trees} {{180, that the rest of the mustangs,
l Wltb CUI‘IOSIPY Ir. pronounced as an antelope’e,
9’ Were imitating us example. 1
‘ Such a how 8? went up When the awakening
a camel As the. final circle threw the rider n!-
.5 most beyond rifle range. and while the inquisi-
tive mustangs were crowding hear, he gnvo a
rill, whistling. 08“, and headed his steed
g i traight for the bills! The mustangs seemed to
,3" . understand the character of the whistle, for they
_9 ' ,all streamed utter him With headlong speed.
,__ , To the men in the grove the whole thing was
d {an aggravating and incomprehensible mystery‘.
' [Could they have seen With clearer vision there
y ,Would have been no mystery at all. ,
'1- At the first glance which Simon gave the
. gmustangs he had recognizsd Chum. as the property
‘3 90f old Joe Hunter, a. ranchuian living ,a number!
k in! miles down the river. Hunter had caught
in. itth “that spring. As it chanced, Hunter's
n ‘ : Oh‘was one of the first Simon had Visuted on
' I "-- hing; that section; and while there 6 had
'y radially broken the mustangs to the sadd e and
,1  ‘ and" them obedient to his call, which, of course,
,5 hfiv wall remembered. - ;
I e was reasonably well convinced the men In
n 1' he STOVE had “aka the animals from Hunter,
.n -nd 3'0"“ . m of retaking them crept into
in “mind. ‘7. . been well carried out; and it
,1 " m°d Po" imDOGSible that the mustangs could
t o : regained by the thieves.

. ._ v.

Simple Sim, the Er

oncho Buster.

' '7
a

 

 

“ If he’ll take all the risk! There’ll be some
broken ribs and may be a broken neck. . .

The Broncho, Bu’ster was awaiting the decxsxon
with u nervousness very unus

 

 

  

  
  
     

     

    

  

  
   

   
 
 

. 1‘ I’ll go back after that five dollars when I

- . its in such aypesky, hurl-xi" langhed Simple

A; 1  ' l - - \

 

> He ort to be glad, too.

 

Sim, glancing over his shoulder to see what the
rascals \\ ere doing.

They had not stood idlc. As soon as they
understood the nature of the trick, they rushed
frantically for their ponies. These bad re-
mained quietly in the grow. But the Bu’ster
was more than a mile away with the mustangs
before they were ready for the pursuit. Then

they galloped from the grove, furious with rage

and filling the air \Vllll curSes.

“ A hundred dollars to the man that first lays
hands on him!” Irwin vocifcrutcd, now furious
with rage.

He had removed the disguising bcnrd.

“ If we overtake him, the scoundrel shall die
like a dog!”

But they were not destined to overtake him.
His former experience had taught Simon which
niustan possessed the most speed and endur-
ance. This one he had selected. The others
were almost as good; and being unincumbered
kept close at his heels. The race was it long
one, ending only after the Bolster had safely
passed the river. And here the baffled ruliiaus
turned back, realizing that it would be perilous
and well-nigh useless to pursue him further.

CHAPTER VIII.
A DEED OF HEROISM.

THE sun was low in the heavens as Simple
Sim left the shallow, turbid river behind him,
and led his recapturel mustangs in the direction
of the Huntington ranch buildings—for be was
already on the range over which the bnron’s
cattle roved. Naturally he was in a very
jubilant frame of mind.
thieves in a manner that was decidedly superb;

and he tried to picture the welcome and surprise 1

with which he should be greeted on his ar-
rival.

“ I cal’late. they won’t be lookin’ fer the with
an outfit like this!” glancing proudly at the
mustangs that were folloMng him sodocilely.
“ I reckon as how ole Hunter ’11 pay me the five
that I lost bv bringin’ of ’em away. Crickyl
They ain’t a hoot of ’cm
bnt'si wu’th five times that." ~

Seeing that the thievos had not followed him
across the river be dropped into an easier pace,
as the animal he was riding was by this time
pretty well blown.

Shortly before sunset, when centering along
in this leisurely fashion, be rounded n. knoll and

came on a. sight that sent a thrill of horror v
A bunch of half wild cat— ‘

through every vein. I
tle had been recently brought on the HUnting-

ton range; and as frequently linmwils in such ,

cases, they had persisted in avoidin;_r the others
and in herding to themselves. They had been

reared in the Mexican interior, and had passed ;

a great ortion of their lives without seeingtt ,;
human icing—hence scared easily when ap-
proached. '

What Simon saw was the form of Mildred
Huntington; prostrate on the ground, win-re she
had been hurled by her pony, and directly in
front of a stampeding band of those wild cattle.

The situation was explained by a glance.
She had been taking her customary evening
ride, and happening in the vicinitv of the cattle
had ridden near to inspect them. Some of them,
irritated by this approach, had charged the
pony. It had wheeled so quickly that she was
thrown to the earth.

Simple Sim saw her rise and stare bewilder-
edly for a moment, and then break intoa brisk
run. The steers which had charged 'the pony
had passed her by,.and the others were tearing
madly in the wake of those leaders. But those
in the rear were spread out in the form of a fan;
and it was plain that one wing of this fan
would strike and crush her to the earth, where
she must instantly bekilled by the trampling
boofs.

It was indeed a situation full of terrible peril.

With an inartlculate cry, the Bu’stér lashed
his steed into a furious gallop. I To attempt
Mildred’s rescue seemed running into the Jaws
of death. He was not the man, however, to
coolly count chances and consequences. He saw

that, unaided, she could not escape. and lbcro— f

folrfe threw to the winds all considerations of
so . »
The mustangs followed with blind obedience
for a short distance, but when they saw the mad-
dened cattle, and caught the roar of their tramp-
hng feet, they scattered like a flock of frighten-
ed sheep. Simon had forgotten them. and knew

not whether they were following or remained ,

behind. Had be reflected on the matter he would
probably have preferred they should do the lat-
ter, as their presence might complicate the dim-
enlties and dangers of the situation.

When he started on that fearful race it seem-

He had ontwitled the :

g ed almost a hopeless one. The steers were much
I ncai'cr Mildred, and plunging along at a rate to
ltax the speed of any horse. But tbe willing
! mustang entered into the spirit of the cil'ort, and
1 ran as it perhaps never ran before in all US wild
career. r

At this juncture the imperiled girl saw the
coming horseman, and altering her course ran
directly toward him. This change of oii'ection
increased her jeopardy, as it brought her nearer
the center of the path covered by the hero’s ad-
vance. But, at the same time, it made it pos-
esible for Simon to reach her romiel‘ than it‘ she
had continued in the way she had been going.

Simon gavca great shout and Waved his bat-
tered but by way of encouragement. She
could not hear the shout, but she saw the mo-
tion, and it put new life and energy into her
flagging steps.

And the cattle, with beads in the air, hoofs
jarring like the roar of distant thunder, half
revealed and half concealed by a dust-cloud,
swapt on with the pitiless impetuosity of a ter-
DH ll.

On the face of the daring mustang-rider was
in tense look, and in his eyes a li rht that ban—
ishcd the usual Clownisbncss of his appearance.
He was always a good rider, and now sat on
his mustang with something akin to grace,
leaning for forward in his earnestness, yet
I sticking close to the saddle after the fashion of
i the Western cowboy.

He had to cross in front of the handle or point
of the fan and press along iheoppOsite side to
rcqu the girl. As he crossed the“ point the
leaders of the herd swerved slightly in the direc-
tion he was taking, us if to crowd him away and
make Mildred’s destruction more certain. The
threatening feet were now not more than a bun—
drul yards from her. The change in the course
of the leaders threw the front of the herd into a.
semicircle of which she was the center.

It seemed suicidal for the Cowboy ‘to press be-
tween the horns of that ciewrnt ot death. Yet
he never hesitated, but struck his spurs hard
against the flanks of the straining mustang, and
gave another cheery cry.

Mildred’s strength was spent, and she i'celcd
from exhaustion. But to stop Wns death. So
she staggered blindly on, With gasping breath,
her senses swimming, and a blur of darkness
before her Vision.

Simon saw all this, and urged his flyingnius-
tang to still greater efforts. The little beast rc—
~pondcd nobly, the inward circling iiiovcnient
! giving to horse and rider the appearance of a

sea bird dashing for its prey into the combing

crest of a wave. A few, only, of lilOM‘ mighty
1 bounds were necessary to carry the mustang to
the side of the half-fainting girl. Then the cow-
boy, nithontin the least checking the speed of
‘bis steed, leaned from the saddle, can-hing Mil-
dred under the arms as he whirled lat.

With a herculean effort he. drew lar up in
front of him and regained l is upright position.
They were enveloped, now, in the dust-cloud _
raised by the cattle; and the in isc of the crowd-
inghoofs was absolutely deafening. The mus-
tang seemed to understand the necessities oi the
situation, wheeling and racing away at its he's:
gait as soon as the rescue was effected.

Simon gavea quick, backvwml glance at the
surging sea of hair and horns and fiery eyes.

 

sinuous movement that, under the circum-
stances, was fascinating, yet terrible.

:‘ A narrer squeeze!” he gasped, turning from
this spectacle to the widereaching prairie
ahead. “The gal’s fainted, I ’low. Jes’ about
another minute would ’a’ been too late.”

e fe t 1119. were safe, should no accident
befall. Bu i the pony stumbled, or any one of
a dozen possible mishaps occurred, their lives
would not be worth the weight of feather.
Conscious of this, he kept a firm hand on
the rein and scanned the route with solicitous
care.

By this timethe pony was pretty well blown,

 

 

but it was a plucky creature and kept up that
marvelous burst of speed until it was ,clear of
the horns of the quivering crescent. ' 

“Good boy!” said Simon, patting its stenm-
ing side. “The best 0’ Kentucky blue-blood
couldn’t ’a’ beat that. ’Twas a stunner for a
race, shorel An’ you won 1” ‘

The .maddened herd had streamed by, at a
safe distance, and he drew the mustang down
into a trot—then soon he brought.“ to a full
stop._ The deathlike stillness of his charge was
causing him much uneasiness. ,
I “Hain’t hurt, air. ye?” he questioned, aux--
many, swinging from the saddle and lifting her —
gellth to the ground. “’Twas enough toskeer ~ '-
a body, that‘s a fac’." '- ' - , 

  

  

The galloping motion of the herd gave to it a- “

 

  
  

   

 

 

8 Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

 

 

There was in his voice the softness and tender-
ness of a woman’s, showing that, beneath the
seeming crudeness of his nature, there throbbed
a. heart that was warm and true.

Mildred did not immediately revive. On
the contrary, it required considerable time and
effort to fully restore her to consciousness.

She shuddered when she recalled the peril
from which she had been rescued.

“ It was a noble and unselfish thing for you to
do, Simon!” with an earnestness that could not
be mistaken. “ I can never, never repay you
for it. But you have my thanks! My sincere
thanks!”

“ ’Twan’t jes’ nothin’ ’tall!” Sim declared,
wiping a bit of suspicious moisture from his eyes
and turning away to hide his emotions. “I’d
do as much for a Greaser, if there’d come a
needcessity. An’ now, if you’ll ’low me to he’p
you onto the back of the critter, we’ll jog on.
It’s gittin’ late.”

She willingly complied.

“’Pears to me it’s ruther resky in you to be
out hyer, anyway!” as he swung along at the
mustang’s head. “There’s thieves ’crost the
river—reg’lar bad ’uns. Had a race with ’um
myself not more’n a hour ago.

“Geewhillikins! There’s them plaguey mus-
tangs! I clean fergot ’em. An’ after takin’ ’em
away from them fellers so slick! If you‘ll
’scuse me, Miss Mildred, I’ll jes’ see if I can’t
round ’em up. I’d hate to have them fellers git
’em ag’in.”

“ No!” urged Mildred, feeling that she wanted
him near her, and too weak and taint to ques-
tion him as to the circumstances. “ I’m afraid I
can’t go on alone. I’m giddy, and—and-might
tumble from the horse.”

Simon had halted and was scanning the
prairie, now growing dark with the approach of

night.

‘Jes’ as you say, miss,” tucking the bridle
beneath his arm. “ l cal’late a woman’s worth
more’n a good many mustangs. I sh’u’d hate to
lose ’em, though! There’s five dollars in that
bunch belongin’ to me.”

lo Simon’s estimation five dollars was evi-
dently an immense sum. But he forgot this
promise of wealth in other topics of conversa-
tion; merging into a stream of commonplace
which ended only on their arrival at the ranch-
house.

 

CHAPTER IX.
GREEN-EYED JEALOUSY.

WHEN the accounts of the rescue of Mildred
and of the reca ture of the mustan s were ren-
dered, Simple im received such avish praise
that he was elevated to the pinnacle of earthly
hap iness.

" hem tricks weren’t no small pertaters!” he
grinned. “I cal’late 1 c’u’d do ’em better,
though, if I had another chance. A body kin
allu-i do a thing better, when he’s had ixperience.
It’s jes’ like hoss—breakin’. A body’s got to

'know how: an’ then it takes ixperience. Kuowin’
. how ain’t no good, jes’ by itself!”

There was, however, one person on the ranch
who was not pleased with all that had occurred;
and that was Nancy Hackett.

“Course I wouldn’t ’a’ had him let her git
tromped into a jelly an’ all that!” she sniffed,
turning stifliy away from the laudatory group.
“ Law, no! But, it’s jee’ her luck. Allus
a-shppiu’ down, when they’s a man around to
pick her up an’ set her on her feet, as you might
say. Not that I’d think 0’ insiniwatin’ that she
done it a-purpose! But it’s pesky strange; so it
is. Don’t nobody never come around reskyin’
me when I’m in trouble! That they don’t!”

Notwithstanding these mental reservations. it
was plain Nancy felt that in some unexplainable
way she had been wronged. Simon she con—
sidered her especial property; and no other wo-
man had any moral right to place herself in a
situation demanding heroic or chivalric conduct
on his art.

“ An he’s jes’ tickled to death because of it;
an’ hangs right to her skirts like any ten-year-
old baby an’ never thinks 0’ comin near me.
An’ she’s a-praisin’ him to his face eve!" blessed
minute, an’ a-tellin’ him what a fine man he is,
an’ a-makin’areg’lar fool out’n him! I never
see sich carryin‘s-on. That I didn’t. An’ me
no more thought of than if I was the dust under
his feet!

“Well, I won’t stay hyer an’ see it! That I
won’t! If she wants him she can have him.
But I ain’t a-goin’ to see myself tromped on like
a worm; an’ then turn an’ lick the hand that
$518133}. Nancy Hackett ain’t jes’ that kind of a

Y
And then the troubled creature broke into a

i

 

torrent of sobs, as Mildred and Simon chanced
to stroll in her direction.

“ Why, what’s the matter?” Mildred queried,
in great perplexity; while Sim flushed and fum-
bled guiltily at his hat. “ What are you crying
about?”

“ I hain’t a-cryin’!” Nancy asserted, straight-
ening up with much dignity. “Ketch me
a-cryin'! I wouldn’t cry if I was burnt at the
stake!”

“ But you are! Your voice is trembling, now,
so that you can hardly speak. Tell me what it’s
about.”

“ I shouldn’t think you’d haf’ to ask 1” with a
flutter of fresh indignation. “If you’re jes’
bound and deetermined to have him, though,
why take him! That’s all I’ve got to say. But
I won’t stay hyer an’ see your carryin’s-on!
That I won’t! I’m jes’ as refined an’ good a
lady as you, Miss Mildred; an’ I’d have you
know I’ve got my feelin’s thou h I dessay you
won’t give me credit fer ’em! on never do!”

For a moment Mildred stood amazed and per-
plexed; then as the ludicrousness of the situa-
tion dawned on her she broke into hearty peels
of laughter.

“An’ I won’t have a little chit like you a-
pokin’ fun at me, neither!” reddening to the
roots of her hair. “It hain’t bad enough to
steal a girl‘s feller, I s’pose? but you must go to
pokin’ fun at her into the barg’in! Ihain’ta
t'ool, Mildred Huntington! An’ I kin see as fur
through a grin’—st< me as some other people, what
thinks, mebbe, I hain’t got eyes! ThatI kin!
An’ fer all yer smartness, you hain’t smart
enough to fool me. That you ain’t! An’, sol
say ag’in, if you want him, why take him; an’
I hopes you’ll never live to regret it!”

And, with a fresh torrent of tears, Nancy fled
from the room, seeking her own chamber,
which she barred against all callers.

The next morning she presented herself before
Mildred. all traces of tears washed from her
eyes. She was arrayed in her neatest dress;
xlvlith her extra clothing done up in a little bun-
( e.

“ I didn’t think I ort to go ’thout lettin’ you
know!” she said, cold constraint visible in her
face and attitude.

“ You’re not going to leave the ranch?”

“ Yes’m! After las’ night, I don’t think I’d
keer to stay longer. I’ma lady, Miss Mildred!
An’ I’ve got the feelin’s of a lady, if they is some
that thinks I hain’t!”

Mildred found persuasion and argument quite
useless. Miss Hackett’s resolution was firmly
taken.

“ If you’ll just wait till father returns!”
Mildred urged. “He’s out with Simon and
some more of the cowboys, looking up those
mustangs. Perhaps he can say something to
change your mind. And, besides, he has the
key to the money-drawer, and you’ll want your
wages before going.”

The reference to Simon was mOSt unfortunate.
It kindled anew the fires of Nancy Hackett’s
wrath.

“Thank you for nothin’! I don’t Want 3’"
money; aii’ Iwouldn’t stay hyer, not if you’d
give me a million dollars a week I”

With this resolute assertion, she gave a scorn-
ful toss of her head, and with deliberate steps
marched away across the prairie, soon becom-
ing lost to view in the groves of gnarled and
scrubby mesquite.

She had set her course in the direction of
Irwin’s ranch, which she reached after a toil-
some tramp of many hours.

Irwin was at home, iving some instructions
to his cowboys. The on y woman in his employ
was the wife of one of the Mexicans. his
woman Nancy found in the cook-room, to which
she marched, without giving the :ranchman a
second glance.

The black-eyed senora stared as Nancy un-
ceremoniously entered and tossed her bundle on
the floor.

“I’ve come to stay with you a bit!” shrug-
ging her shoulders disdainfully at the untidy
appearance of the place. “I can be a sight of
help if you’ll let me. You need somebody to
100 ( after thin s a little and set ’m to rights.”

The cook ha never heard of such a being as
Nancy Hackett, and flew to the swift conclusion
that her domain had been invaded liya crazy
creature. With this belief. she whisked from
the room and ran frightenedly to Irwin.

“ Eh?” said the ranchman, staring as He lis-
tened to her complaint. “She’s out of her
head? I wondered what it could mean when I
saw her.”

With this, be accompanied the woman to the
cook room, and there confronted Miss Hackett,
who had taken a broom and was beginning to

 

stir up a cloud of dust in her initial effort to
“ set things to rights.”

“ What does this mean!” he demanded, frown-
ing severely. “ You’ve scared my cook half out
of her wits!”

Nancy gazed at the senora with fine scorn.

“Why, I jes’ wouldn’t stay at t‘other place
any longer! I can’t a-bear that Miss Milderd!
That I can’t! She’s that uppish of late that a
body can’t live with her.”

“ Oho! So you’ve had a quarrel?"

. “ We might ’a’ bad, if I’d ’a’ quarreled! I
Jes’ tol’ herI couldn’t an’ wouldn‘t live there
any longer. An’ so I come hyer!”

:‘ And ex ct to stay?”

‘Stay? by, I wouldn’t go back there fer
auything.”

:: But don’t need you. I don’t want you.”

2”Y0u don’t! Jes’ look at this room, Will

e.

_Ap amused, yet crafty, look glistened in Ir-
wm 8 eyes.

. “ Perhaps you can be of some service in help
ing Juanita! You may remain awhile: that is
if you two can get along without fussing.”

And thus Nancy Hackett was installed in the
ranchman’s service.

“ She can do no harm,” Irwin mused, as he
returned to the cowboys, “ and she may do me
some g90d. I ought to be able to get a lot of in-
formation from her that will serve me well.
And her presence will give me an excuse for a
visrt to the ranch.”

CHAPTER X.
MYSTERIOUS THREATS.

BEFORE nightfall Irwin had worked out his

lane and was on his way to the Huntington

anch. He had had several conversations with
Nancy—if conversations they can be called—and
had gained thereby a very fair idea of recent
occurrences affecting Mildred and her lover.

It was the first time he had visited the place
since his encounter with Wingate, and he was
naturally anxious as to his reception.

“1 half wish, sometimes, the boys had let me
be, that night,” he growled, thinking of the com-

bat. “ I had him in my power, then. No one was ,

near; and I don’t believe suspicion would ever
have pointed to me. ’Tisn’t anything so very
uncommon for a man to be mysteriously killed
in these parts."

Darkm 55 had set in before the ranch was
reached. Dismounting a short distance from
the horse-corral, be secured his broncho by means
of a picket—pin and lariat; then walked leisurely
toward the house.

_ His knock on the door was answered by Hunt-
ington.

"‘Ah! Good evening!” said the cattle baron
With his usual warmth, though he was not at all
pleased at sight of his visitor. “ Step into the
sitting-room. Or, would you like a bite of sup-
per? The table hasn’t been cleared away, yet.”

“I believe I don’t care for anything, ’ Irwin
replied. “ I had supper just .before I started. I
thought I’d just drop in awhile for achat.”

He laughed to conceal the slight restraint he
felt, and followed the baron into the sitting-
room, an apartment framed in airy, ample pro-
portions.

“ That Hackett woman flared up, did she?”
he asked, stowing his hat in a corner and drop-
ping into an easy chair. “ She’s about the
queerest female I ever run across.”

“ Have you seen her?”

“ Well, I should say! She camped down onto
me this afternoon and declared that she was
going to stay whether I wanted her or not. I
haven’t much use for her; but I couldn’t very
well drive her away, you know.”

“ Certainly not!’ and the baron smiled. There
was something indescribably amusing to him in
this sudden freak of Nancy. ,

Huntington seldom let an occasxon for smiling
puss unimproved. He was a cheery, good-m1-
tured gentleman, of the Southern persuasion, in-
clined to take the world ens and extract from
it all the comfort possible. 11 the past few days
there had been much to irritate and annoy him;
and Nancy’s silly jealousy had given him some-
thin to laugh about. .

“ don't, suppose you could induce her to come
back?” Irwin uestioned. “ Hang it all I wish
you could. y cook thinks she’s half crazy, and
is desperately afraid of her; and if J uanita.
should take it into her head to leave we’d be in a
bad way over there.” .

“ Yes." assented Huntington. laughing tiil his
sides shook. “‘ It was a funny aflfair all around.
I’ve been Joking Mildred about it the entire day.
She takes it good-humoredly enough. But you
ought see Simon! Just say Nancy Hackett to

 

 

 

 
  
 
 
    
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
    
   
   
  
   
    
  
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
   
 

  
  
 

   
   
 
  
  
   
  
  
     
   
  
   
   
  
 

     
  
  

 
   
   
   

 

 
 

 

Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

'r""‘uIv-1sz§~p.g, .
,, , . . ’J‘ x a.

  

 " .7 ’3‘; '.'I 

9

 

 

'him and he flies all to pieces. Idon’t sup
the cowboys ever will get done laughing at im
:about it.”

“ I rather hoped you could think of some plan
“to get her to return,” Irwin persisted. “ To tell
the truth, that’s mainly what brought me here
to-night.” ‘ .

“ I wouldn’t know how togo about it. Peo-
« ple can't be made to stay just where they’re

wanted in a free country. She was a great
help to ildred, too, in the way of company.”

“ Speaking of Mildred,” Said Irwm, after a
time of silence. “I’d like to talk to you a little
about her, Giles, if you don’t obJect.’

A momentary frown came to Huntington’s
placid features. He. was not aware that Irwin
had been favoring his daughter with sundry 'at-
tentions intended to be consiliatory and to pave
the way to something warmer than fl'leDdShi .

“ She’s a handsome girl and a good one, and II’d
like your consent to pay my respects to her.”

Huntin ton fldgeted uneasily, but managed to
remain si ent. .

if You’re rich. Giles. I know that. While I’m
only an ordinary sort of ranchmau. But I’m
not so bad off. _I’ve got a snug, little sum in
bank; and, besides, my position as sheriff of the
county gives me something of a standing. I’d
make a girl a good husband, and one you

.couldn’t be ashamed of, if I do say it myself.”

“ Mildred isn’t old enough to think about
marrying, yet!” and the perturbed fatherdrum-
:med nervously on the arm of his chair. “ She is
only a child. It seems only yesterday that she
was a baby.”

‘f She is twenty!” declared the ranchman,
doggedly, not liking Huntington’s tone and
manner. “And a girl of twenty is a Woman.'
Old enough to think of such things, anyway. In
fac’t she’s been already thinking of them, and to
some purpose, or I miss my guess.”

Huntington chose not to understand him, and
Irwin went on:

“You must know what I mean. , Your fore-
man. Taylor Wiiigate, is using his position.-—”

“Stop!” commanded Huntington, a trace of
anger in his voice. “ If my daughter chooses to
accent Wingate’s civilities, that is her affair.”

“Of course. Only I was in doubt whether you
knew of it. If you didn’t, I thought you ought
to. I suppose it’s none of my business. But
'Wingate lacksa good deal of being her ual in
social standing. Why, it’s hardly a moat since
he was puly a. commOn cowboy.’

. Huntington’sanger was seldom of a character
, to last long. . He could, flrm, however, on occa-
' ' sion: and this seemed an occasion demanding
‘ firmness. Nevertheless, out of consideration for
7. a neighbor, he banished the harsh words that

leaped for utterance.

' ‘ Why don’t you go to Mildred? If she’s a
woman, as you say, she is fully competent to’set-
tle all such matters, herself.”

“ She doesn’t take kindly to me,” said Irwin,
bow-ing his head. “ I have spoken to her several
times. I thought you might be able to say a
goodword in my behalf. I think the main trou-
ble is that she looks on me as old! But I’m not
old. _Just in the prime of life. But a girl is apt
to think a mfm a Methuselah when he is past
forty. You vs , rved that, no doubt. NOW
it’s my belief that in nine cases t of ten a man
Of my 8. 0 W111 make auchagirl a ‘ tter husband
than wil one who is twenty years younger,”

, “Perhaps you Merl lit; but we’ll not argue
the matter. I always t ink a woman’s personal
Preference 5110"” be “’9 mild? in such matters.”

“And ou won’t say anything to her, then, in
my beha ?” ,

Huntington {gave a decided negative.

“ Perha a few words Will make you think
better pf t,”—-—and I_IWm Baned‘ forward and
whi red some hurried sentences into the cattle

 baron’s ear. , _
8 import. for

  

 

» ' They must have been of startlin
the latter fell back, white and gaping.

‘ ‘.‘ How did you come by that nowledgee” star.
in; at the ranchman as if fascinated. .
-' . ,‘It’s every word true, isn’t it?’ . '

“ You haven’t answered my question 1” ova.

. ._ Siva I I
T. i“ fill ~‘ on needn’t so it iii. if you don,” want
u . .teP’KIid"‘Ivi'win rubbed yhis hands tOgether and
. 'chnckledwith fiendish flee. “I know all about
 ‘~-it, Huntington: and 1’! reveal it if you don’t do
‘ asIsay.”-,_,  “r
Y“u ye. Godwan‘! You wouldn’t be so cruel?
o . _  . '
tag-Wouldn’t Iln'lYon’d better not put it to the
. ,riie Icatfle' Mrs-aims as if struck
 “mitts-sud?!” 091d. '  i i  i i
“It you’rea man ‘ ‘
on the

 

M

     
  
   
 
    

 
 

  
      

 

‘ the efforts they Were making.

to—night. I can’t and won’t. ITO-marrow. Any
time! But not to-night!” '

And with these hasty and anguished ejacula-
tions, he quitted the room; leaving Irwin to find
his way from the house as best he could.

 

CHAPTER XI.
srmmnv VISITANTS.

SIMPLE Sm Sanitarium lifted his head from
the saddle which served as a pillow, sat half erect
and listened long and intently.

“ Must be soniethin’ wrong!” he mumbled. “I
never wake this way unless there is.”

The wind moaned dolefully through the mes-
quite and rustled the short, dry grass. The moon
was far down in the western sky, and its pale
and half-obscured li ht served but to make the
darkness visible. bore, a spray of ragged
clouds blew westward, blotting out the stars.

Simon glanced at the silent forms of the sleep-
ers about him. Slumber and blankets enveloped
them, and they were dead to matters of sense.

“ Wonder if I hadn’t better wake “’ingatc 14”

Wingate, as foreman, bad charge of the little
party which lay camped that night on the broad
plains many miles from the Huntington Ranch.
They had Hunter’s mustangs in charge, intend-
ing to return them to their owner, and had been
now two days on the route. Half the distance to
Hunter’s had been covered.

“ Pshaw! I ’l0w there can’t beanything wrong.
The man on guard wouldn’t shorer go to sleep!”

“ He was about to lie down again, when his
quick enrs caught suspicious sounds and move-
ments in the direction of the mustangs and
ponies.

“ I cal’late ever’thing ain’t jes’ as it ort to be!”
he whispered, crawling to where \Vingate lay
and nudging him in the Side. “ Git up and take
a listen 1”

\Vingate started up instantly.

“ ’Sli! Don’t make any noise!” cautioned Sim.
“ I thought I heard aqueerish racket among the
bosses awhile ago.”

Then there came distinctly to their straining
ears the tramp of horses’ feet on the soft award;
the movement of the sound seeming to indicate
that the horses were moving from the camp.

“ Quick! Wake the boys!” the foreman com-
manded. “ There’s something wrong here!”

He scrambled away to obey his owu injunc-
tion, and Simon as nimbly imitated his example.
Two minutes later every man in the camp was
wide awake, and ready for action.

“ A couple of you run over and see what’s the
matter with Jim; the rest follow me! Some-
thing must have happened to him. He couldn’t
fail to hear that, unless he’s asleep. And 1 never
knew Jim to sleep at his post.”

The mustangs and ponies had been hoppled
and turned loose to graze, it being reasonably
certain they would not stray far. The rapid
trampling of feet indicated, now, that they had
freed themselves of the hopples—which was very
unlikely—or that they had been released. And
if released, then an attempt was being made to
steal them.

The cowboy, Jim, had been, stationed near
them to guard against any such attempt, and to

give warning should trouble of any kind arise. '

is silence at this time was prophetic of ill.

Before Wingnte and his followers reached the
point where the animals had been hoppled they
were joined by the men sent to ascertain what
had befullen the guard. They came back with
him limping in their midst. He had not fallen
asleep, but had been stricken down by a stealth
blow from behind, and then bound and gagged:

“ Then it’s rustlers!” Wingate asserted, in
blank dismay. “ And they’ve got every one of
our horses!” v

What this meant all knew fiillwell.and as'

one man they rushed forward, hoping to be in
time to prevent'the rascals from carrying out
their scheme to its full extent. ‘ Without horses
thev were as helpless as shipwrecked mariners.

No one bounded awa with more nimbleness
than did the F001;. an when near enough to
make himsflf heard he gave one of those ear-
splittin whistles for which he was famous.

Atth sthe clatter of boots increased a. bun-
dred fold: and men’s voices could be heard urg-
ing the animals on.

Ten to one, they are the very scamps from
which Simon took the mustangs!” Wingau
panted. “ And they’ve. been dogging us for the
Purpose 0‘ getting them back.” . ‘ ,

But half of his comment was heard, for Simon
was sending one blast afhl‘ another, the vibrant
03113 cum“ the air like the staccato of a
locomotive. . ~ , . _ “

It seemed foolishto thus ~warn the thieves of
Simon MIL/lid”-

i

  

 

ever, trained a number of the Huntington horses
to come to him anywhere on hearing the signals.
This fact was well kn0wn to Wingate and the
cowboys; and they waited anxious! to see if on
this occasion it would have its usua effect.

The thieves had now adandoned all attem ts
at concealment, and were shouting and firing“
their revolvers and racing here and there for
the purpose of throwing the animals into a
stain de.

“ ebbe we c’u’d bring down some of ’em, if
we’d give ’em a volley!” one of the cowboys
urged. as he raced at the l'oreman’s side.
“ Migbt’s well kill a few of the bosses as to have
them all git away!”

“No!” said Wingate.
waste of time and cartridges.
hit a house.” .

He was hoping Simon’s ruse would accomplish
its purpose; and was quickly gratified at hear-
ing the thunder of boots as some of the best
trained of the bronchos broke away from the
herd and came thundering toward those quaver-
ing calls.

It was evident, ftoo, that the rascals were
having trouble with more of them, and perhaps
with some of the mustangs, for they increased
their yells and firing, with the evident inten-
tion of creating such 9. din that the whistles of
this plains Rarey could not be heard.

Twice some of the animals broke away, judg-
ing by the sounds and the galloping pursuit of
the thieves. If Wingate’ party had been
mounted at these junctures, it would have been
a. matter of comparative ease for them to have
dispersed the villains and secured the animals.
But the thieves managed to check these incipient
rebellions; though they could not bring back the
animals that had first broken away.

“Hyer they air!” howled the Bu’ster, from
the semi-gloom. “ Come a-junipin’, if you want
a mount. I’ve got six, I think!”

The cowboys needed no order. They were
racing toward him, even before the words were

spoken. ,
had thought to bring saddles and

“It would only be a
It’s too dark to

No one
bridles, however, which were at the camp; and
much valuable time was 10st in obtaining these
needful articles. Hence, when they were ready
for the pursuit, the sounds of the running mus-
tangs had grown faint in the distance, and the
chances of overtaking them in a race were speed-
ily diminishing.

“ All we can hope to do will be to keep close
to them till daylight.” said Wingate, in discus-
sing the matter. “Then we’ll have to fight
them. There are a lot of Greasers in that out-
fit, which is so much the better for us. They’re
great fellows for cunning trickery, but they’ll
be apt to run at the first smell of burning gun-
powder.”

There were more men, now, in Wingate’s
party, than horses.

“If I could ’a’ jes’ kep’ up that squealin’!”
said Simon, dolefully.

“ ’Twould‘ ’a’ been a great thing!” declared
one of the coixboys, who, having secured a
mount, felt jubilant.

“ I ’low ’twould l” with naive simplicity. “ I
cal’lite it wouldn’t do any good to try, now?”

He elevated his sharp nose in the air and
stared longingly in the direction taken by the
thiev s.

“ f I jes’ had a bellus like a steamboat
whistle Ireckon I could bring some of ’em back,
yit. If them plaguey Greasers hadn’t ’a’ ki-
yied, I’d ’a’ fetched more, when they was clos-
ter.’
“ You did well enough!” declared Wingate
commendingly. “ The point now is, who shall
go nd who shall return to the ranch.”

but an Irishman would call “ a bit of ruc-
tiOn,” was already in progress over this point.
It was, however, quic ly settled by the fore-
man, who called out the names of those who

.were to go back.

“ Perhaps it’s as well,” he said after but-
riedly giving his instructions. ‘2 The ranch
folks will want to know of this; and besides,
these fellows may be entirel too much for us
when it comes toa. tussle. ell Huntington to
send astrong. force to the Rio Grands-crossing -
south of here. There they’re to look for our
trail, and follow as fast as they cam” .' 

No further time was to be lost, for the horse of
the running mustangs came new ’only as faint.
echoes. Andasall were‘in diness. Win ate

vs the word of command, an With his wil ing

ollowe thundered away in pursuit.

Dayli ht found then; on' the American side of

the Bi Grands. The thieves had crossed at ' , ,
thg‘tro’int; and ii ' the cowboys halted forn‘ ; ,  ,
sh, ' ‘ consultation party similarly situated   '
 , I, into trouble 0eg d1” ~,

  

,g A

 

   
    
   

 

    

’10

Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

 

 

months before by invading the Mexican terri-
tory, in force and without [lel‘illlSSlOlL

To obtain this permission more than a day’s
journey would be net-casary.

“ We’ll risk it!” asserted “'iugate, urging his
steed into the stream. “These Mexicans have
not good horse-sense, or they’d never make such
an order, expecting it to be obeyed!” ,

CHAPTER XII.
A TERRIBLE SITUATION.

FROM a sandy, open space in the midst of a
chaparralthicket, issued a series of means. The
hot, Mexican sun blazed from acloudless sky
causing the scanty blades of grass to droop, an
even the lizards to seek shelter from its rays.
Scarce! y a breath of air swayed the surrounding
chaparral.

“ Oh, my God! This is terrible! Why didn’t
the villains shoot me and be done with it?”

The voice was that of Taylor Wingate, and
expressed the most dreadful agony. He was
lying, bound and naked, across the month of a
giant ant-hill! The sun was blistering him; and
the ants, angered at his presence, were swarm-
ing in myriads over his body, biting with ven-
omous Vicmusness.

It was a situation more to be dreaded than
death. The ants were of a large, reddish species
whose bite produces acute and tormenting pain.
They abound in portions of the West and South‘
West, throwing up hills that are frequently se v-
eral feet in diameter. Plainsmen understand
their characteristics; and it is a frequent custom
to toss into the craters of these mounds antlers
and skulls from which they wish the flesh cleaned.
In a few hours the savage insects will have every
shred of flesh removed.

And u on such a mound Wingate was lying!

He ha crossed the river bravely enough that
morning, and pushed with his force to the west-
ward aud southward, following the trail of the
stolen mustangs.

Toward noon they had reached a point where
the trail split into many sections. Wiugate be-
lieved he understood the ruse, and that a rendez-
vous had been appointed where the thieves would
again unite. Of thia, however, he could not be
certain; and an ordered his mon to separate and
follow the trails to their termini. '

Along one of them Wingate set out alone, lit-
tle thinking of an ambush. The trail showad
the hoof-marks of adozen animals. He supposed
them to have been made by riderless bronchos
and mustangs, driven by one, or at most two
mounted men. Great was his surprise, there‘
fore, on riding into this sandy opening to find
himself surrounded by a group of scowling vil-
lains, who pointed their weapons at him and pcr~
em torily ordered him to dismount.

6 had ridden into a, trap from which there
seemed no way of escape. The path was blocked
in frontaan rear and the almost impenetrable
Chaparral stretched on each side. And, besides
should he attempt to dash away, his life would
very probably be forfeited, for the men were a
murderous lot.

With one exception they were Mexicans,
brown~faced, lOW-browed rascals, with a pen—
chant for robbery and assassination. Their ani-
mals Were not visible, having been concealed
further on: and they had lain in the brush like
so many Serpents, awaiting the moment to
strike. .

“Get down!” commanded the one American
in the group, backing the order with the per-
suasion of a cocked pistol. “ Get down, or I’ll
blow the top of your head off.”

Wingate complied with what grace he coull
famtiously remarking that while he kept a head
he preferred it whole.

The instant his feet touched the ground he was
seizod and his Weapons wrestled from him. Then
the American stood over him with threatening
revolver while the eximns removed from his
person every article of clothing.

“ What are you going to do with me?” he asked,
thinking they intended to take everything he
possessed and then turn him loose.

“ You’ll see,” was the surly enjoinder. “ We’ve
got orders to do you up, and we mean to do it.”

At this the noose of a Nata was t'usSed over his
head and with deft nickness the Mexicans pro-
ceeded to bind him, aving him well lashed al-
mOst before he realized their intentiOns.

Thus bound lie/was laced upon the ant-hill;
and With mocking laugfis his fiendish tormentors
glided away. leaving him to face a death of ex-
cruciating torture. ‘ .
“0h, why did they not kill me?” he groaned
again and again. “ It would have been merci-
ful kindness compared to this.” '

A Every minute scorned drawn out into an hour,

aloud. Only the’ bonds held him, but these had
been so cunningly fastened that, try as he might,
he could not roll himself from this miniature
crater of fire.

He had been there scarce ten minutes, how-
ever, when a rustling came from a blind trail
leading into the Chaparral thicket at one side,
and a burro pushed its way through. It was
followed almost immediately by a torn sunbon-
not. The wearer of the bonnet was about to
emerge likewise, but peering around the burro,
she caught Sight of the man prone on the ant-
mound, and drew back with a llttlc scream.

“ Oh! my goodness gracious, Pedro! There’s
a naked man out there, and he’s yelling like an
Indian! Do run and see what’s the matter
with him. And here, take this saddle-cloth,
and give him your blanket, too. Something,
you knew, to—to clothe him with. It’s too hot
for you to wear anyhow, Pedro. And do, for
mercy sake, be quick!”

\Vhile speaking, she had pulled the saddle-
cloth from the back of the burro, and thrusting
it into the Mexican’s hand, again enjoined him
to haste.

These rescuers, who had come 0 opportunely,
were none other than Nancy Hackett, and the
husband of the black—eyed cook, Juanita.

“Pedro, you lazy thing, why don’t you
hurry?” Nancy shouted, as another scream
came from the tortured man.

An'l Pedro, at last fully awake to ‘h‘, neces—
sity of haste, trotted across the open space to
the mound. A string of Spanish exclanmtions
rolled from his lips as he saw \Vingate’s predica.
meut.

“Jesu Maria! That is bad. It was el dia-
blo fix for the senor!” inextricably mixing his
English and Mexican.

“Then, catching Wing-ate by a foot, he un-
ceremoniousl dragged him from tho ant-hill,
threw the sa dle-cloth over him to shield him
from the sun, and began to untic the cords.

“Cut ’eml” commanded Wingate, impatient
and irritable from his sufferings.

“No stiletto.” Pedro placidly explained.
“ The senorita she took him away.”

But the nimble-fingered Mexican scarcely
needed a cutting instrument. The knots seemed
to fall apart as if by magic, and in a second the
ranch foreman was free.

With a deft twist Pedro slipped out of the big
blanket which, in spite of the brat, he had been
wearing, and tossed it over Wingnte. With
this about his body, and the saddle-cloth twisted
about his head to shield him from the sun, hc
exhibited a costume that was (lecidcdly novel
and picturesque. But it answered its purposes
very well; and just at that moment he was in no

the ant-bites were still torturing him, and to
this was added the misery of a painfully sun-
blistered body.

He knew the Mexican well, having frequently
seen him at Irwin’s.

“You have my thanks a thousand times,
Pedro. How you happened in this miserable
region I don’t know, but you came just at the
right minute. I couldn’t have stood it much
longer. Heavens! It’s enough to make a
liinatic of a man just to think of such torture.
But you havon’t told mo 11 v you came here.”

“I fetched him nlongl’ exclaimed Nancy,

who was now approaching with the burro, and
whose preSence Wingate had not prevmusly
noticed. “He came meekasalamb, too. Pedro
can tell you that.”
“Si, senor!” Pedro acknowledged, With an
abashed look. “The senorita is—what gen
cgll him—irresist! She say the word an I
o ey.

“ Because he couldn’t help himself!” beamed
Miss Hackett. “I hope you’re all right, Mr.
Wingate. I’ll tellyon about it in a minute.
It was really ’as funny as a hook. Ah! Them
terrible ants. You must ’a’ suffered dr-ead-
fully!”

Then, having heard VVingnte’s story, she pro-
gedcd to enlighten him concerning her presence

ere.

“You see, me and that Juanita jes‘ couldn't
git along a-tall. Such an uppish thing! Why.
she reely had the impidence to tell me I didn’t
know how to cook. An’ her jes’ a-p’izenin’ the
victnals with pepper an' onions an’ sich. Law!
the things that woman did cook an’ the way she
cooked ’em was enough Vito ruin ever’ blessed
stomick on the place.

“And that wasn’t half my trouble,” Nancy
continued, leading the way into the chaparral at
Wingate’s suggestion, for he feared the Maxi-i
cans might return. “ No indeed! For Juanita
took her ,. complaints to Pedro, hyer, and Pedro

 

and at  his agony, wane great he screamed

   

hadn’t any better sense‘n to carry ’otn to Irwin; ,

   

 

critical or fault—finding mood. The effects of"

an’ then II‘Wlll he fired up an’ told me my room

him by p’intin’ my nose from the ranch an’
trnvehn’.

“ That was jes’ too much like bein’ dis-
charged, that was. Though, law sake! I
wasn’t gittin’ any wach nn’ was doin’ the work
of half a dozen lazy things like Juanita. An’ so
I told him I wouldn’t go; an’ he couldn’t make

me.

“ An’ then he gits this hycr fool Pedro to send
for some of his Mexican friends un’ carry me off
in the night. Er, ruther, ’twas mornin’: an’
they dum )8 me in the sand and Chaparral, eight,
er ten miles back from this. An’ there they
left me, thinkin’ I couldn’t never find my way
out’n the place.

“ Mebbe I mightn’t, by myself. But while
stumblin’ ’round tryin’ to find out where I was,
I run ncrost that fool Pedro, who was settin’ on
that burro half asleep and makin’ fer the river.
I had a little pistol in my pocket that the Mexi-
cuns never knoWed of: an I p’inted it at Pedro’s
head and told him I’d like to change places
with him. Mercy me! I don’t s’pose I could
chr ’a’ pulled the trigger, even if" he’d ’a’ re»
fused.

“But he never thought 0’ refusin’. He jes’
clim’ down like a little man, an’ handed over his

of I jes’ wouldn’t shoot him he’d do ever’ blessed
thing I said.

“ An’ so I rid the burro, an’ made him march
and show the way. An’ bymeby We heard a
tremenjus groanin’ an’ screechin’. So we come
hyer; nn’ hyer we be. Au’ that’s all‘they is;
’ceptin’ that I’m goin’ right back to Irwin’s
runch—an' I’m n-goin’ to stay there tell the
earth turns to melted lead. Hain’t 1, Pedro?”

“ Si, senorita l” confessed the humble Mexican,
almost afraid to say that his soul was his own,
so complete had been his subjugation.

“ I’ll have to walk along with Pedro,” sighed
Wingate, knowing that in his condition every
movement would bring pain. “ I’m anxious
about Simon and the cowboys, too. If I had a
horse I’d be tempted to follow them.” ‘

The mention of Simon evidently excited in
MiSs Hockett’s breast the liveliest emotiousof
interest and curiosity.

“ llo tell! Is that idjit with them?”

The tones belied the scorn and indifference in
her Words. . '

“Yes; and a, fine fellow heis,” Wlngate re.
plied, giving her a uizzical glance. _

“ I suppose every cdy’s a right to their opin-
ion!" tossing: her bend disdainfully. “I can’t
abear that Simon— I jes’ can’t! I don’t ."ee hcw
anybody can !——’spcciully a woman what’s {wt as
much sense as Miss Mildred. Butlallus said
they ain’t no accountin’ for tastes. Go ’long
there, you lazy thing—go ’long tl ere!”

She had been assisted to the back of thc burro;
and now from sundry whacks him a huge stick
proceeded to belalor the least 'into a crawling
gait and satisfy her vindictive feelings.

CHAPTER XIII.
STMNGELY CAUGHT.

WHEN Huntington’s co“ boys severally reached
the point where the divxded trails reunited, they
Were made anxious by the non-appearance of
their foreman. A half-hour was spent in vain
waiting; and then the suggestion was ventured
that the go on. From the looks of the trail It
was evi out they had made marked gain! on the
ihieving party: gains which were certain to be
lost if they tan-led much longer. _

Simple Sim, in spite of his sobriquet, the
Fool of the Ranch, was really he leader of the
party. His marvelous success in venturesome
undertakings, and his reckless bravery, “at”-
rally pushed him to the front in enterprises sur-
rounded with peril. i

“ You lead on, and we’ll do the Wad-92391“
in‘!”said one of the cowbol'fi. bluntly. ‘ Like-
wise of which they won’t be much tqdpw It’ll
be mostly hard knocks 5311’ hard flgbtlu, if we
overhaul ’emz nn’ hard ridin tell we do.

His statement of the case seemed certainly
correct. ,
scrimmage at the end of it was’apparently all
there was to “figger” on. I, i
Simon’s mouth expanded in a pleasad grin at
this evidence of good will on the part of his com-
radcs. Nothing could have suited him better

ti 1 ck of brain power failed to strike him.
Plancgd :t the head of a charging part he cared
notwa planned or directed the steam t, ' .

N I’m upwind” he declared, with all thb lim—

 

 

with no'difliculty in following thorn: an

liéi of a madam Barkis. _ x
91.2335 reasonably certain Wingate dinneet

was bettcr’n my company, and that I’d ableege A

butcher knife, an’ took on dreadful; an’ ’lowed'

 

:—

,.:-ir:.§zf‘-vr?f¢2  - cvrvxcm-

.—

 

 

 

 

A straight-away chase With alivelv .

than an offerof such leadership. The implica- '

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Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

11

 

 

cowboys rode away at a brisk gait on the trail
of the mustang-stealer‘s. The temporary halt
had been of considerable benefit to their animals,
as was shown by the increased speed With which
they flew over the ground. In less than an hour
they came in sight of the retreating force; and
then the Fool of the Range pushed the pursuit
with an unparalleled fire and energy.

The marauders were manifestly thrown into a,
panic by the approach of the C()Wlioys_ The
stolen mustangs hampered them; for lllS‘thd of

‘ riding directly on they were occasxonally com-
pelled to ride from side tOISlde to keep the herd
from scattering. In addition there were lag~
gards that had to be urged, for the mustangs
were becoming hungry and evmced a disposi-
tion to nibble at the grass along the way.. So
that, altogether, their speed was much lessened;
and at a time when delay was both vexatious
and perilous. _ I

“ Push ’eml” cried Simon, emphasizing the
order with a victorious shout. “The beggars
are as skeert as coyotes, a’read y l”

The thought gave him an elation of spirit that
was unmistakable. It shone in his eyes, thrilled
in his voiCe, and by a subtle contagion commu-
nicated to his men, creating in them something
of his own impassioned ardor.

A glance made it patent that the fleeing men
outnumbered them almost two to one. But this
fact was wholly unlieeded by Simon’s excited
follovVers; and, strange to say, this knowledge
of the inequality of the parties seemed not a
source of encouragement to the pursued.

The country through which they were passing
was soinewbat rugged. but beyond lay a narrow
and apparently open plain, which on one Slde
ran up to a series of rocky hills.

A strange and puzzling thing happened when
the outlaws reached this plain. The mustangs
and saddle animals began to act queer] y, stumb—
ling blindly about as if endeavoring to extricate
themselves from a quagmire, and now and then
falling. _ .

The pursuing cowboys instinctively reined in
at this sight, at a. loss to understand what it
meant. ‘

“ Can’t be a trick to draw as on, I reckon?”
one of them ueried. _ .

“ I dunno ’ said Sim, staring wonderingly.
“Makes me think 0’ the time Jim Reeder, back
to Virginny, throwcd a lot 0’ kittens into the
swamp. Them kittens acted fer all the worl’
jes’ like them hosses.”

The trouble of the mustang-stealers was ob-
viously increasing, the animals struggling and
plunging m a manner painful to Wltnes<. Some
of the riders had leaped down and were appar-
ently engaged in an endeavor to release them.-

“ ’I‘ain’t ’zackly clear what’s the matter with
them chaps; but they’re in a fix. Don’t take no
OPBI’Y {£11138 tosee that. An’ now’s our time to
crowd ’em.”

A flush of excitement mantled the homely fea-
tures of the Fool, and as he gave utterance to
these thoughts he again ushed his bronclio into
a swinging glallop. be willing cowboys
streamed after im, fingering their Weapons and
anxioas for a fight.

This dash great] disconcerted the thieves
who had been Work. n energetically to free the
animals. For a litt 0 while it seemed they
meant to make a stand. They threw out a rear

uard: which sent 3 volley at the approaching

orsemen.

The fire was promptly returned by Simon’s
men; and with suchenergy npd accuracy that
the guard fell back In confusion. At this the
entire body of thieves ed in wild disorder to-
ward the hills, abandoning their own horses as
well as those which had been stolen. . .

This ignominious retreat was received by the
cowboys with wild cheers.

“ Whoo ’em up!” shouted the Bu’ster en—
couraging y, lashing his brOchO into a still
swifter pace. “ I’d like to capture a lot of
them tellers jes’ to see who they be- '

"This they were not destined to accomplish,
however. Th bills were impassable to horse.
men and so rugged that pursuit was well-nigh

 . useless.» It too nearly resembled the chasing of

artrid in the mountain ‘, There were 8.

undr doe deflles and shadowy gorges. 1’00
extensive to thoroughlysearched and capable
of safer secreting scores of men.

Notwithstanding this an effort was made to
trail and rout the rascals, but it ended in fail-
ure. ’ .,
In the mean time their own animals had been
left in charge of a sin to man.

When they return ,they found the mustangs
and saddle-horses of the thieves in an apparently

one condition. They had not been mired in‘

q a bog; but had flounderedvinto a bramny ex-

 

panse, where the low-growing Scrub was matted
and tied inextricably with a mesh of trailing
vines. These had looped and twined about the
legs of the poor beasts until they could neither
advance nor retreat. The most of them had
ceased all efforts at escape, and many had sunk
to the ground in the passive despair that horses
evince under such circumstances.

“ ’I'wouldn’t make a bad trap for elephants
or litiif’lers,” Simon sagely observed, as he
viewed the meshed animals.

" ‘ Ohuwalk into my parlor,’ said the spider to the
y.
‘ ’Tis the purtiest little parlcr that ever you did spy -’

“ I used to know all of that air piece: an’ it’s
a ood ’un. Teacher said I could say it tine!”

‘his little disquisition had been unneeded by
the cowboys, who were hurrying to examine,
and if possible release the prisoners.

They found the latter task one of no smlll
moment. Many of the brutes had wallowed a
Considerable distance into the trap. To extri
cate them it was necessary to cut a path with
knives to the open ground, a work requiring
much time and patience. Then the binding
vines were sawn from the limbs of the captives;
after which they were assisted to their feet and
cautiously led to a place of safety.

It was high noon by the time they had all been
freed; and a meal was cooked and eaten and the
animals allowed to rest and graze before com-
mencing the return journe .

Much anxiety was felt at the failure of Win-
gate to appear. It seemed probable some mis-
hap bad befallen him, for With so plain a trailhe
could not easily have gone astray; and burden-
ed with apprehension they started to retrace
their way toward the Rio Grande.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
A PECULIAR EXPERIENCE.

TAYLOR WiNcATE, with the blanket worn
poncho fashion, and with the saddle cloth bound
like a turban about his head, presented a de-
cidedly ludicrous appearance, as he led the way
tOWard the river, followed by Nancy and the
Mexncan. Just at that time, however, he was
caringlittle whether he looked well or ill, ludie
crous or charming. The bites of the ants had
produCed an intolerable itching which was only
equaled by the pain of the sunburns. But be had
his freedom, a horrible death no longer menaced
him, and. in his good right hand he swung a small
revolver, Nancy’s weapon. All these were cir-
cumstances for which to be devuutly thankful.

He had checked his incipient worryings about
the cowboys by the assuring thought that they
were at least able to take care of themselves, and
if fighting was to be done, no better leader than
Simon Could be chosen.

“VVe’ll make for the ford where the thieves
crossed with the mustangs,” he had said, “ and
then kee i a sharp lookout for the boys from the
ranch. huntington will start them out as soon
as the messengers arrive. We can’t look for
them, though, before to—morrow, and they may
not get here then. They’ll be apt to crowd
things, however, knowing they’re likely to be
needed. .

“ We can get water when we reach the river,
but the question of something to eat may worry
as. Perha 81 may be able to pop over a jac
rabbit: an if not we can eat the barrel”

Pedro combated this murderous suggestion
with a. disapproving shrug of his shoulders. The
bun-o was his :—-an< therefore valuable.

It was mid-afternoon when the river was
reached. The shallow, muddy torrent seemed
to have risen somewhat since the pasaage of the
morning, presenting an impassable appearance.
Man of the flat sand-bars were submer ed.

“ t’s plain we can’t cross here i” and \ ingate
looked at the turbid waters in blank dismay.
“ There’s been a rain in the hills somewhere to
the northwest; and I think the river is still ris-
ing. Pedro and I might swim it. But Miss
Hacket—” .

“Oh, mercy me! no. I couldn’t smm any
more’n a stove. Might as well tie a stone to my
neck'and throw me in, and be done with it. I’d
go to the bottom one way 598’ as quick as the
other.”

“We might make a boat out of the harm!”
and Wingate laughed at the alarm visible in
Miss Beckett’s countenance. “ All you’d have
to do would be to hold on. You couldn’t drown
a burroif you’d try.”

The ..bare suggestion struck terror to her
trembling soul. This was worse than the first
proposition. No, she could not swim; neither
would she trust herself on the back of a swim-
ming donkey. ‘

“ I’d as soonresk a mus’rat. It’s a’mostas

 

big and a good ’eal usetcr to tilt: water. \Vhy,
if that bui" should once git its ears full it’d go
down jes’ like a chunk. You don’t ketch me on
the back 0’ no secli cre’tcr. ‘

“ There was a time when men-—”

Nancy, recalling the deeds of her legendary
heroes, was about to launch into a recital of the
marvelous things these Leandei's would proba-
bly do if similarly circumstanced; but checked
herself. feeling the rehearsal would be throwing
words away.

“ ’Tain’t no use to waste your sweetness on the
desert airl” soliloquizingly and with a skyward
tilt of her freckled nose. ” i‘ellers nowadays
won’t understand these things, no way you put
’em.

As none of the party desired to remain on the
Mexican side of the rivera search was com—
menced in the scant hope of finding some means
of crossing. The banks Were in most places
rocky and along them sprung a scattered
growth of pinones.

In a stony basin hollowed by an inward whirl
of the waves and where the leaves or a large
pinone cast heavy shadows, “'ingate came upon
a most unexpected object. It was a rudely con-
structed skiff, and swung lazily at the end of a
long rope Which ran back under the edge of the
cliff where it seemed to be meored to the roocs
of a tree.

The point at which the dripping rope disap-
peared had a look suggestive of cavernous
depths; but of this at the time the foreman gave
no thought.

“Just the thing!” he exclaimed, waving his
hands excitedly to Nancy and Pedro, who
were dallying along the water’s edge. “ As old
\Vhat’s-liis-name said, ‘ I’ve found itl’ ”

“ Found what?” Nancy screamed back, ob.
viously fearing the ranch foreman had taken
sudden leave of his senses. “l hain’t seen a
blessed thing but rocks and scrub pine.”

“ That’s because your location’s wrong. One
can’tfiee through a bill, you know. Come up
here.

He smiled jubilantly, feeling, that under the
circumstances he had a right to smile in spite of
the fantastic appearance of his attire.

Miss Iiackett and the Mexican scrambled up
the slope in obedience to this sumnmm, leaving
the burro to nibble contentedly at the scanty
grus<.

“Oh, it’sa boatl” and Miss Hackett gave a
gasp of astonishment.

“Yes, and there’s an our in it.
two will just climb in, I’ll follow. TLeu Pedro
can cut the rope and lwill paddle the craft to
where the bui'ro is. We’ll try to get him to go
with us. and if he won’t he’ll haw: to remain
here until the c0wboys return.”

The Mexican and Nancy had stq ped into the
crazy craft, and Wingatc (lid likewise. He had
no sooner taken his Seat, however, than the rope
was drawn taut and the boat hogan to move
slowly through the water in the direction of the
cavern-like place beneath the roots of the tree.

The occurrence was so startling and mysteri-
ous that the ranch foreman dropped the oar,
and Pedro, who had been standing with stiletto
ready to sever the rope, let the Weapon fall with
a clatter to the bottom of the boat.

“ Oh. oh] what can it mean?” quavcred Miss ‘
Hackett, visions of robber knights and medieval
bandits flashing across her mind.

As for Pedro he gave a bowl, and leaping
overboard splashed wildly shoreward.

“ I’m sure I don’t know,” answered Wingate,
almost as perturbed as the uestioner. “ But
we’ll find out, pretty soon. here’s something
or somebody tugging at the other end of that
re )9.

“ What if it should he hears?” Miss Hackett
tremblingly whispered, seeming on the point of
imitating Pedro’s example.

So, if you

“ Keep still!” and the foreman drew and
cocked the tiny revolver. “ There’s a queerness
here that I’m anxious to look into. Don’t say,

another word, please, unless I give you permis-
sion. This rope runs into a hole back there, and
there’s some one in it.”

His words were firmly spoken, but his face
was quite pale. The unknown is always the
dreaded. More than once he' had been tempted
to cut away the boat and drive it out into the
river. But each time his curidsity gained the
ascendancy, and he remained silent, eager to
solve thisstrange puzzle. He was well aware
that his inciuisitiveness might cost them their
lives, and i more time had been given for
thought he would probably have chosen the safe-
course of flight.

Slowly the boat out athwart the current and
moved in under the shadow of the pinone. Heron.

semi-darkness prevailed,and objects were barely I I  ‘

  

    

u—

 

 

...u-ugm .— mur . r <- ..;. ,.._....

12

 

Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster.

 

distinguishable. The nose of the skifl grated on
a sandy bed; and as Wingate arose to his feet
.and took a step forward a frightened exclama-
tion came out of the glcom.

“ It’s a meal” sputtered Miss Hackett, a -
‘parently thinking the human biped more terrib 9
than the dreaded bears.

On hearing the explanation Wingate had
leaped past her; and the sounds of a combat
nmv came to add to her dismay. But she arose
above her fears, and with unexpected bravery
followed him.

“ Therel” said the foreman, rising from the
struggle. “ I’m afraid I cracked the fellow’s
.skull. It’saGreaser, and what he is doing in
here goes beyond me. He tried to run by me
when I jumped out of the boat, but I got hold of
him and we had quite a lively tussle.”

That the Grosser was not dead, however, was
quickly evident. Even while the foreman was
speaking he raised his head and glared at them
with heady black eyes which shone strangely in
that place.

" See bore!” ’Wingate ejaculated, advancing
and toWering over him. “ We don’t want to
stay in here any longer than we have to. and the
faster you answer the sooner you’ll be rid of us.
You understand me?”

“ Si, senor,” with an undisturbed draw].

“ Well, then, what were you doing in here, and
'what did you mean by towing that boat outside?
And why did you draw in on the rope as soon
:18 we were seated?”

The Mexican shrugged his shoulders, but re-
:nnined silent.

“ You’ll have to anSWer, and might as well be
:in a hurry about itl” thrusting the revolver into
his face.

The man recoiled at sight of the deadly tube,
and Sent up a string of prayers and protesta-
'tions.

“ What was the boat out there for?”

“ Camarados I”

“ Oh, for some of your friends? And you
wouldn’t see it from here and thought we were
your friends, and so drew it in? But why didn’t
you’lmow better, when you must have heard
us?

“’Sleep!” rubbing his eyes to indicate his
meaning.

“ That will account for it. I hadn’t thought
‘of that. And where are your friends?”

“ With the mustangs.”

Even before the answer was given the fore-
:man had leaped to a realization of the truth. By
mere chance he had stumbled upon a secret
in ling-place of the men who had stolen Hunter’s
mustangs, and been guiltv likewise of the many
recent raids along the Rio Grande. The man
left in waiting had expected some of them to re-
‘turn soon and allowed the boat to drift to the
edge of the adjacent bluff for their convenience,
as the cave could not be approached from above.

Then, like a true Mexican and lover of siestas,
-"ne had fallen asleep.

CHAPTER XV.
A FRUITLESS SIEGE.

FURTHER questioning on VVingate’s part serv-
ed to substantiate this theor . But the Mexican
would not or could not tel the name of the
leader of the organization. He was of the peon
class, this Mexican, with no very high grade of
intelligence—a mere conscienceless tool that
--could be made very useful in the hands ofa
daring and unscrupulous man. The kind of a
‘tool that will, if commanded, undertake an
assassination with no more twinges of feeling
than if the being to be slain were a snake and
not a man.

When further attempts at obtaining informa-
tion seemed useless the foreman passed the re-
volver to Nancy and requested her to watch
over the peon while he tookalosk about the
cave.

“ But for goodness’ sake don’t be too long!”
Miss Hackett grumbled. “ I don’t like the
looks of this hyer place, noway; and them he
was talkin’ about is li’ble to come at any
minute.”

The foreman had not failed to reflect on this
latter danger. Should the mustang-stealers re-
‘turn, their situation Would be rendered extreme-
ly precarious. The rifles of the thieves would
block the way to the river; and to remain with-
in the cavern would be to court starvation.

“You are right,” returned Wingate. " I’ll
not spend more thanaminute or two in the
search.”

On the stony floor were a few charred sticks
in the center of which a half-live coal burned
Zlikea hot and sleepless eye. Wingate crossed
'the sticks over this and blew them into a little
iflame which served to light an area of a few feet.

 

 

Some weapons and a torch were found hangin
on'the wall. The latter he appropriated; an
lighting it at the sputtering flame, started on his
tour of investigation.

The cave was much larger than he had sup.
posed it to be, consisting of several good-Sized
chambers. In one of these he found some arti-
cles of clothing which he hastily exchanged for
the ncho blanket and turban of saddle cloth.

“ don’t like to take anything without paying
for it,” was his mental comment. “ But a fair
exchange is no robbery. They took all my clothes,
as well as my horse and weapons. If I should
take everything there is here it wouldn’t make
us even, for these rascals don’t seem to go in for
luxury.”

He only took the clothing, however, together
with a revolver and knife. The other articles
were too cumbersome and valueless to waste
time on—and a few minutes of time just then
mfght mean a great deal.

When he returned to the entrance he found
Miss Hackett crouching at the Mexican’s side
with the revolver pointed threatenineg at him.

“ He begun to wiggle jes’ as soon as you was
gone,” She remarked, triumphantly, “and I tol’
him if he didn’t keep still I’d nacherly blow the
t0po’ his head off! An’ after that the creeter
didn’t onc’t bat his eyes.”

“ \Ve’ll want to move him from here,” de-
clared the ranch foreman, who had hastily formed
a plan of action. “ I found a bit of rope back
there with which we can tie him. Then we’ll put
him in the boat and carry him up among the
rocks somewhere.”

The Mexwan looked at him with stoical indif-
ference as the rope fell with aswish upon the
rocks. Just a single ray of interest glinted in
his eyes as he noticed the changed attire of his
captor. But he uttered no word of protest
against the programme which had been outlined.

Miss Hackett guarded the peon with the cool-
ness of a veteran as Wingate proceeded to tie
him, giving a threatening shriek now and then
as she fancied she detected rebellious symptoms.
The foreman, like most c0wb0ys, was skilled in
the construction of knots, and it took him but a.
few moments to so bind the Mexican that escape
was impossible.

The latter was then dragged to the water and
lifted into the skiff, and when all were in readi-
ness it was pushed into the whirl of the channel
and allowed to drift to its first position, where it
remained Swinging at the end of its cable.

The peon was then, with Miss Hackett’s assis-
tance, carried to a hiding-place among the rocks
above. Here he was left under Nancy’s guardi«
anship while Wingate scaled the further heights
to discover if the thieves or cowboys were re-
turning, or if Pedro were still in the vicinity.
They had expected to find him close at hand
when they came out of the cave.

“ It’s plain the rascal has abandoned us.” a
frown disfiguring the handsome brows. “He’s
a fine fellow, truly, for a neighbor! But one
shouldn’t expect too much from men of his
stamp. Heigh-hol I wish the boys were herel”

He was about to descend when a dust-cloud
floated from behind the nearest hill and the
melt: for whom he had been wishing came in

ig t.

“ Hurrah!” he cried, hastening down with a
reckless disregard for the perils of the way.

The cowboys saw him and drew near at a
swin ing gallop, Simon at their head.

” ou got the mustangs?” and Wingate’s eyes
were a pair of dancing interrogation points.

“ I ’low we did!" was the pleased rejoinder.

Then a quick interchange of information took
place; after which Wingate directed that the
saddle animals and mustangs be driven into a
a mesquite grove some distance away and there
held secure from the observation of any chance
comers. '

“ I haven’t time to explain everything,” in
reply to the many questions propounded. “ l’ll
tell you all just as soon as things are snug. Half
0f you go to the grove and hold the animals
there, and the others follow me.”

Simon seemed somewhat crestfallen when he
reached the hidingmlace among the rocks and
found Nancy Hackett mounted as guard over
the bound Mexican.

“ I’ve been practicin’ p’intin’ at his eye,”
declared Nancy, with a warlike pride in the
brilliancy of her achievements. “ But law!
I’m afeard if he should ’a’ made a break I
couldn’t ’a’ hitit. These hyer pistols is as onreli’-
ible as some men I know!”

This last was a fling at the Bn’ster who,
abashed by her unexpected presence, was fld-
dling nervously with his hat. and seemed unde-
termined whether to accept her inevitable com-
panionship or fly from the place.

 

“ Get down here!” the foreman peremptorin
commanded. You are as conspicuous as a
church steeple.”

It was an order not to be disobeyed, and
Sim descended into the screening crevice,
breathing very hard but uttering no words of
rebellion. I

Then, when the entire party were safely en-
sconced, VVingate told them of the discovery of
the cave and of his plans. If the Mexican had
spoken truly some members of the robber band
could be expected to appear at any moment.
They were to be allowed to descend to the
water’s edge, then menaced with rifles and
ordered to surrender.

“ It strikes me as a good way to get at the
secret of this thieving. It’s been going on for
some time. and I’ni certain there are some men
connected with it with whom we are acquainted.
I have pumped our new friend, the pcon. but he’s
as mute as a clam. Perhaps he don’t know
anything. If he does he won’t tell it.”

The cowboys were jubilant at the prospect of
capturing some of the men who had given them
so much trouble. There was small likelihood
that any of those who had taken to the rocks
when the mustangs became tangled in the vines
would he able to reach the cave that night, for
it was now well on toward evening. But the
taking of any of the band was worth striving

for.

Few of the cowboys had dreamed that any of
the thieves might belong to their own locality.
\Vingate’s statement, therefore, produced some-
thing of a sensation and evnked a considerable
amount of quiet comment.

The siege was a most monotonous one. Scant
heed was paid to the Mexican as the laggai'd
hours dragged wearily. On his part he seemed
half-asleep, though his Stinky eyes took in every
movement, and occasionally a vengeful look
came into his face.

The coming of nightfall produced no change
in the situation. A supper of hard bread and
uncooked meat was served, and washed down
with some water stealtliily obtained from the
river. Suddenly the startling announcement
was made that the peon had vanished. His
bonds had been loosed to allow him freedom to
eat, and as was supposed had not atlei‘Ward been
properly secured.

“ Just as well give the thing Over, now,” an-
nounced Wingate, somewhat bitterly. “ Per-
hope it don’t matter. I’ve been haunted for
some time by the idea that that rascally Pedro
has already managed to give the. thieves warn-
ing. It’s very strange, otherwise, why they
have remained away.”

All efforts at secrecy were now abandoned,
and an adjournment was made to the mesquite
grove.

The river was still high, but was deemed ford-
able. Nancy was given one of the strongest and
most manageable of the animals; and thus re-
assured followed safely in the foreman’s wake.
Some trouble was had in getting the mustangs
across, but it was accomplished in due time, and
the little party rested that night on the Ameri-
can side of the river.

CHAPTER XVI.
A STATE OF DISQUIE'I‘.

ON the return journey to the ranch, the fol-
lowing day, they met the force of the cowboys
which Huntington had started to their aSSist-
ance. To the char 8 of these were committed
the mustangs, with instructions to take them to
Hunter’s. I

The greater part of two days was occupied in
the homeward trip. Wingate found the place
in a state of outward order and inward confu-
sion. The two or three cowboys left at home
had gathered in as many cattle as they could,
and were herding them on. the Cl(’se')”9¢ten
pastures near the ranch buildings- Hunting-
ton, himself, was shut npin his llltlef filce, study-
ing a map of the surrounding counties and mak-
ing mysterinug marks on it here and there.

He was thus occupied when the foreman called

to give a detailed account of the reccnt expedi-
tion. .
The usual carelessness of attitude and manner
had disappeared and there Were 111193 01’ perplex'
ity on the cattle baron’s gOOd'humored. brown
“germ glad you’ve got back!” with a sigh of
relief, as Wingare entered the room. “ I intend
to change the location of the ranch. and am
bothered to death to know where to go.”

The statement was such an astonishing one
and so incomprehensible that the foreman sunk
into a chair without being able to [Ifth a we -
A cloud of queries oppressed him. Whv should
Huntington wantto remove his ranch? Then

   

 

fim __ ,-. I. _ __._—.~ ..<. I
,

 

 

 

  

 

 

some details I don’t care to enter

'full
.-,_-,stll rankled in his mind; and he believed the
'acts which had led to that, or similar ones. had

\ sprelvvvperpleXed and

I. j and anxi V ‘
, ' «was‘embol enedtodrawhsrtohim in a lover

,‘ 3 'lkeembraoe.
x , »- “0f one  I ammo,”hedeclared.kiss-

I

    
 

was not a better location on the lower Rio
Grands.
The .cattle baron apparently comprehended
the feelings of his foreman.
“It‘s too long a storyto tell and there are
into. But I‘ve
been annoyed bevond measure recently by cer-

' tain threats and. rudenesses of Sheriff Irwin. So

intolerable have they become that I have deter-
mined to make a change rather than endure
them longer. I’ve been thinking. that atlthe
point where Pinone Creek empties into the river

would be a place to locate."
He ush the map toward Wingate and
point to a spot marked thereon.

“ It crowds us further up into the Greaser
country and away fr0m the markets,” was the
foreman’s rejoinder. “ OtherWiso it ought to be
nearly as good aplace as this. I think it would
be my chorce if a change has to be made.” N

Huntington was pleased with this ready con
currence. . .

“ I’ve already written to a friend of mine who
will, I think be glad to pay something for the
water-right here. and for the corrals and build

in on
, ESI should think he ought!" and the foreman's
stones showed his (1188. proval of the whole busi-

ness. “ Of course. .i. on’t understand the aflair
.and have no desire to advise if \‘i did; but it
;strikes me that I’d never pull up stakes for a

' .man like Irwin.”

His looks belied his words and indicated that
he thou ht he comprehended the moving cause
hat fierce combat with the ranchman

brought Huntington to his present resolve.

W n ates ready agreement to the Pinone
Creek ocation brought a sense of relief to the
cattle baron So he put away the map and be
gan to question concerning the wants of the
trip. The report was an nteresting one, and
when the talk ended and Wingate turned to o.
Huntin n was in 9. much more comforts 1e
frame 0 mind. ~ '

As the foreman passed through the corridor
the rays ot a lamp streamed across his way,
coming from the sitting-room. There was work
outside demanding his attention, but he could
not resist the im ulse to turn aside frpm duty
for a few minutes conversation with Mildred.

“You are slowin paying your devmrs,” she
385d, Ml! petulantly ‘ You forget, sir. that
you havo been gone fully a Week 1’

The (Words were lightl spoken and mom
 with a smile, bu exhibited, neverthe-
rfl can; certain nervousness and anxiety.

* “ our pardon, lease!" bowing with mock
--humility “ You vs missed me, then? ll
should never have dreamed it."

“You have been talking with father! Sit
down and tell me what he said."

It was an invitation the ranch foreman was
glad to accept.

“There isn’t much to tell. It seems he has

» hadsome trouble with Irwin, and is planning to

move the ranch to the Pinone Creek range."
" I presume you know why?” questionineg
, In a limited sense. only.”
“Irwin has been here twice since you left.
Each time I refused to see him. Instead of
oing away, he had a long-talk with father-and
can’t tell you how father looked afterward!
All the life and stren th seemed to hav been
taken out of him. An mother, tool She has
been going about the house like a ghost."
These were startlin details, and Wingate was
istressed.
hat do you make of it?” he asked.
“,I don’t know Neither rather nor mother
has ventured to speak to me on the subject and
I haven’t bad the courage to broach it to t em.

If they wanted to rain me into their confidence -

.th'iy surely would do i‘ of their own accord." ~
he foreman “was trying to think what this
‘Itrange state of affairs could mean.

“I can't make anything oi it he confessed.
“My first thought was that Irwm had been
tr g to press his attentions upon on, and
fa ling to sin yoar willing consent. ha endeav
Wed lose cit the good oflices of your .rather
But “let doesn’t appear to tally with these
other.“ things. Ii: that were all there is in it,

 ‘ there would be no occasion to move to Pinone

Creek ' or an other count‘l' . He could sim l
5011 “Willie, 50 back to his ryanch and mind is
own business—and would have no reason to give
the matter arfurther than ht.”

Tears were in Mildred

“ fire so manifest. ' that Wingate

éyes, and hengrlef $5

 

 

‘ pHSi,“ aromas... '—

ing her upturned face, “ and that  that,
though there seems much to perplex, eve thing
is sure to come out right by and by. Irw n is a

rand scoundrel—a much worse man than we

ave ever thought. He would not hesitate a
moment at any baseness. It is quite evident
your father fears and hates him. Perhaps he
thinks Irwin may attempt his life or your ab-
duction; and therefore wishes to leave this sec-
tion.

“ But such fears are utterly baseless. I have
good reason to think nothing of the kind will or
can he attempted. I have come into certain
knowledge which, as soon as proper proofs can
be procured, will quickly wind up his career of
deviltry. This is an assurance in which you
my feel secure.”

ildred clung to him shivering] , an occa-
sional moan testifying to her anguis of spirit.
Her lover's words were helpful and comforting,
but they could not drive from her mind the fear
or some im riding calamity. 'I‘he explanations
were not w oily in accord with her knowledge
of her father’s character. He was easy-going

iii disposition. but his Southern blood was

quickly aroused by antagonisms or im itions.

She did not put her words in thong ts, h0w
ever There was such a. sense of restfulness in
sim ly listening to the tones of Wingate’s voice!
it e could onlybe near her always to thus
cheer and console. thf troubles and griefs of life
would lose their poignancy ,

" i did not speak to your father of this," he
continued. after waiting a moment for a reply.
" I thought it best to wait a day or two. In the
mean time it want to look a little into Mr
Irvin’s record andJ get together the proofs I
mentioned. And, now. I must be going. Keep
up vour spirits, my dear. for all certain to
come out right in the end.”

She arose and walked with him to the door.
bade him good~by with her usual sweetness
and calmness; then, when he was gone, re-
turned tc her former position, where she spent
hours in trying to solve the mystery of her
father’s actions

——-v

CHAPTER XVII

m ENIGMA OF A NIGHT.

THE cattle which had been collected were
sent away the next day to the new range on the
Pinone, notwithstanding the (woman’s appeal
for delay. He was not yet ready to reveal his
plans to Huntington, and the latter showed
no desire to return to the subject of the
previous night. Hence the foreman could only
urge the postponement of the drive in general
terms. '1

Nancy Hackett had been forced to remai
over night at the ranch, but in the gray of the
early morning she borrowed a broncho and
started for Irwin‘s, declaring she intended to
make him “ tireder” of her than ever. During
ger stay she had spoken to neither Mildred nor

imou.

On her arrival at Irwin’s she found Pedro
going about as if nothing had occurred to dis—
turb his usual lazy serenity. She recived
some black looks from Juanita, however. Which
she took pleasure in returning with interest.

“I see yer ol’ man’s got back,” she com-
merited, seating herself com lacently in the
doorway of the kitchen. “ e 811' him had
enough adventures together to nighabout make
a book. I s’pose he’s tol’ on of ’em."

Juanita maintained an imperturbable silence.

“’Twas real funny, some on’t—’specially
when Pedro got skeered and jumped into the
river. I cal’late he hain’t had such a wettin’ an’
washiu’ since the day he was born.’

She rattled on for half an hour;and, failing
to arouse any apparent interest in the apathetic
senora, she went ontto where Pedro was sleep-
ily currying Irwin’s favorite riding animal. She
succeeded better here. Pedro would ruffle his
brows now and then, and hurl Spanish epithets
at her to her great amusement.

“ I’ll hat to watch .tbat there Pedro,” she mut-
tered, as she left him. “ He looked knives and
daggers at me if any man ever did. Heain’t any
800 good to stick one of them wicked stilettoes
into my back, if he gits a chance. I wouldn’t

t, anythin past him, after what he’s done.

hat’s what I wouldn’t l" ‘ ‘

Theranchman was not it all pleased when he
came in that afternoon and found her there. as

been out on the range with some of his men,
“d they brought a bunch of cattle in with

em.
‘ “ I thou ht ” sserted staring
ruefuliy aghegou w Mt, he a ’

“No, I didn’t leave; an’ I wouldn’t "a’ come
back neither, if they’d ’a’ been any place else for

 

 

 

me to go. But they jes’ wasn’t, an’ what:
could a r creeter do ’

“ We] , why don't you stay at Huntington's
where they want you, instead of coming here
where we don’t want you! If you were not a.
woman I’d horsewhip yougand I’ve a good mind.
to do it, anyway 1”

His rage was sudden and terrible. and there
was somlething back of it that made Miss Hack-
ett uai .

“ don’t mean to stay any longer than a day .

er two,” she promised. “I jes’ come to get my
things, an’ help Juanita a littie, an’ then I’m a.
goin’some’eres. I don’t know jes’ where; but I
cilan't ,i’itay hyer, an' I won’t stay at t’other-
p ace.

There was something so piteous, yet defiant in
her tones that Irwin looked at her curiously as.
if half recalling some black thought.

“ See that you do!” he said, shaking his stock
whip savagely. “ The sooner you go the better.

u ll please me—and I’ve no doubt Pedro and

uanita.”

From this stormy scene Miss Hackett fled to
the kitchen, where, in spite of J uanita’s gluin-
iooks. she. insisted on making herself useful.

“ I jes’ can’t about to set around when they’s:
things a-needin’ to be done,” she explained. ‘ IE
they’s an thing I do hate it’s shif’lessness.”

And al the while her thoughts were busy with-
the manner in which Irwin bad greeted her.
When uttering his fiercest threats there had:
been in his eye a light that terrified her. It
meant far more than the words he spoke. It
meant that if she tarried long she would fall a.
victim to the knife of an assassin.

She was not reassured, therefore, when
she noticed Irwin and Pedro in close conversa-
tion. an hour or so later. The sight caused her
breath to come quickly.

‘ )3 won’t darst to sleep a wink this night,”she~
thought. clutching the little revolver in the:
pocket of'her dress. “ Au’ I ’iow I’d better gee
away to-morrer. They ain’t thinkin‘ about me
in a way that I’m likin’.” _

Shr kept her fears well concealed, and gave
no inkling of her resolves as she continued her
work in the kitchen. But that night, after she
had retreated to the little room assigned her
and was presumably aslee she slipped out into.-
the darkness. She carri with her a dark com~
forter. on which she made her bed in the shadow
of a near building and narrowly watched the:
house from which she had lied.

She was more t an half persuaded that Pedro,
at Irwin’s command, would attempt to slay her
that night, and she knew of no better way tofoih
his purpose.

' That there place is a refillar rat-trap!” she

ambled, referring to her 'ttle room in the)

ouse. “ With an inimy in the door, the
wouldn't be no way 0’ gittin’ out. I ain't muc 
of a shooter. "s cially when I’m aslee ; and.
that Pedro coul wrop a blanket ’round a y’s-
head 'rore they could db anything. I declare,
he’s as mean as pu’sleyl”

She was almost cr ing from vexation. The
isolation and frien lessness of her position
pressed strongly on her at that moment. On all:
that ranch there was no one to whom she could.
go for a word of advice or consolation. Yet.
she had no doubt there were many brave men
there, and brave men are usually chivalrous.
I‘o these she resolved to appeal in case of neces
sity. In the o n air s 9 could make herself
heard: and she 'eved that the
her injured when they knew
ness.

So wrought upon were her nerves she could
not have s ept even had she desired. It was sel
dom that she was so disturbed, for she was little
given to the depressions and melancholies which
ifiiict many of her sex. On the contrary, the.
courageous undercurrent of her nature was de-
cidedly masculine.

Crouching on the dark comforter in the som-
ber shadow of the building she narrowly watched.

would not soe
er defenseless-

. the place she had uitted and gave instant heed

to every sound of t e night. The dee breathing:
or some cattlenear, the vicmus sque ing of some
zombating horses in the corral, and the cry of
u. nocturnal bird alone broke the oppressive still-
uses. i

It was gust midnight before there was any
stir about t e ranch buildings. Then three men
came from the adobe bunk-heuse. A little:
thrill ran through Miss Hackett as she noted the»
stealthiness ,of their movements. But,
or proceeding toward the room that shelled oc-
cupied, they turned in the direction of tho
branding-chute, which stood at a little distance
from the horse-corral

  

\‘w

m

“ Whatever can they be up to?" Nancy asked ‘

herself, rising to a sitting posture and staring

   

  
   

   
    
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
  

was... Aw .a:.;"~:n€’-‘r‘ . i  =~ '* r -

   

14

s»,  , . i .
lS'imple'Sim, the

 

; 1:.
.Veliyf” ». m .&~,-r

 

after the shadowy figures. “ I’d take my ’davy
that one of them is lrwin; and what he wants to
go slidin’ ’round on his own ranch like a thief in
the night is more’n I know.”

great was her curiosity that she finally
ventured to steal after the men, though in so do-
ing she realized the was running perilous risks.
There had been murder in the heart of Ir“ in,
that afternoon, and should he detect her spying
on his movements, she felt sure he would not
hesitate to put the thought into action.

The sky was ovorcast, rendering the night just
dark enough for her purpose. When the brand-
ing‘chute was reached, the men halted and one
of them proceeded to kindle a fire in the little
sheet—iron stove used by the hranders in heating
their irons. The flickering light from the half-
open door of the stove fell occasionally on the
men’s faces, revealing their identity. She had
already recognized one-the 0! hers were Pedro
and a companion of similar low instincts.

Miss Hackett had dropped to the ground
when the men halted. Her recumbent position
brought into plain relief the chute, together
with the wing corral into which were driven the
cattle to be branded. Before the fire was Well
under way Irwin and the cowboy disappeared,
returning after a little with a dozen steers from
the bunch which had been brought in that
afternoon.

These were driven between the barbed-wire
wingsleadingto the chute, and there guarded
by the cowboy, while Irwin returned to where
Pedro was blowing and puffing over the glow-
ing coals.

It was plain even to Nancy’s bewildered com-
prehension that the cattle had been brought
there for branding. But, what the rauchmau
meant by proceeding about the business in this
sneak-thief fashion was not so plain. /

In a short time one of the irons was withdrawn
from the stove, its red-hot points tracing fiery‘
characters against the black background, as
Pedrp walked with it to the platform overlook-
ing the chute. At the same time some of the

steers were crowded into the narrowin passage.

'At the point where Pedro stood t ere was

scarcely room for one to squeeze through; and
as each pressed by he thrust the glowing letters
against its flank.

When the iron cooled a second was produced;

and in a short time the dozen steers were brand-
ed. Then they were driven into a small in-
closure not far away, after which Irwin and
Pedro returned to the bunk~house.
' Miss Hackett was about to creep back to her
position in the lee of the building. The strange—
ness of all she had Seen kept her still, however;
and when she saw the cowboy approach the
horse corral she was glad‘ she had not been too
hasty in beating a retreat.

She saw him bring out and saddle a horse.
Then he released the newly-branded cattle from
the inclosure and drove them away into the

night.

“ What kin it mean?” Miss Hackett queried,
again and again as she retraced her way.

There was no plausible answer.

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A FINAL BLOW.

“ 11' will take a good deal of work to get
things in as good shape as they are down yon-
derl

One of the old smiles. which it was pleasur-
able to see, lit up the brand features of the
cattle baron. He was sitting in his saddle, or
rather half out of it, for one massive leg was
thrust straight downward into the stirrup, while
the other was crossed lazily over the seat. The
expression had been called forth by a survey of
the new location at Pinoue Creek.

est a week had elapsed since his interview
with the ranch foreman, on the latter’s return
from the expedition against the mustan
stealers. Two installments from the great berg
had been driven to the new range, and prepara-
tions were under way for bringing a third. At
this particular moment Huntington was survey-
ing the proposed site of his buildings.

“But well have things nicely fixed after a
time: and as for range—We’ve got about the
whole county.”

The mere factthat miles lay between him and
the cruel face of Irwin seemed to revive his old

elasticity and restore the former buoyancy of
" his laugh.

“ Hello! Somebody’s a-comin’,” said the cow-
boy, to whom he was talking, nodding his head
toward where three or four horsemen bad ap-

from behind the mesquite. “Some of
our. new neighbors comm’to scrape up an ac-
quaintonce, likely.”

 

Huntington twisted about in his saddle and
stared curiously in the direction indicated.
Almost immediately a shade came over his
face.

One of the forms was familiar. Yes, there
could be no mistaking that. The foremost of
the riders was Charles Irwin.

“ “'hat does the scoundrel want down this
way?" the cattle baron whispered. “ I thought
I had got out of the line of his travels. Does he
mean to pursue and bound me?”

The cowboy now recognized the ranchman,
and likewise evinced his surprise, but in words
far different. There was another cowboy fur-
ther down the slope; and be, seeing them staring
into space in this curious fashion, came up to
ascertain what it meant.

Irwin’s party was close at hand by this time.
Huntington disdained to return his bow as he
came on; and even when he was quite near re-
frained from looking at him, but glanced in-
stead toward a bunch of cattle that were grazing
far devvn the valley.

Irwin was not pleased at this, and checked
the words of greeting which had risen to his

1P5-

“ I haven’t much to say, Mr. Huntington,”
drawing a paper from his pocket and opening it.
“It will be short and sweet and to the point.
As sheriff of Calaveras county, I have here a
warrant for your arrest on the charge of ca tle-
stealing, and also for the arrest of the men ith
you.

A fierce, angry light flashed into the eyes of
the cattle baron.

“ Hold on i” he cried, imperiously. “You
scoundrell this is some vile scheme of yours, and
I won’t listen to it. The absurdity of it! VVhatl
Giles Huntington l—who never knowingly
wronged a man in his life?”

He was choking and fuming with rage and
astonishment. But Irwin, unheeding his fiery
mood, calmly proceeded to read the paper.

“I don’t suppose you caught all of that, Mr.
Huntington—you are in such a sputter: but, if
you will be kind enough to look the warrant
over you will see that it’s Correct in every detail,
and issued by proper authority.”

Huntington snatched the extended paper from
Irwin’s hand and scanned it hastily. The sweat
came out on his brow and a deep groan broke
from his lips.

“ Whose cattle are we said to have taken?” he
hoarse] y questioned.

“ Mine!" and the sheriff bowed sardonically.
“ And the proofs are so plain, Mr. Huntington,
even you can’t dispute them.”

“ My God! what foul plot is this? I can’t un-
derstand it. For myself I could bear anything
--but my wife and daughter!”

His explosive mood had passed as quickly as
it came, and he now looked white and helpless.

“ You do it very well, Giles!” sneered the
ranchman. “ You must have been practicing
at theatricals. And your men seem to have
been in similar training.”

The latter were scowling blackly at him, and
seemed half anxious for a fight.

“I’m sorry to spoil such a neat little lay—out
as you have here,” glancing over the wide-
spreading valley. “ It is almost a pity. A bet—
ter location couldn’t have been picked for the
work in view.”

" I don’t understand you,” Huntington assert—
ed, with some show of his former feeling.

“ Oh, I had forgot that I didn’t fully explain
matters. You see it’s the general belief that
you ran a few of your cattle up here to cover
your stealing operations. I can’t see, though,
why this additional disguise should have been
deemed necessary. You were certainly succeed-
ing very‘well, as it was. How many cattle and
horses you have managed to run out of the coun~
try in the last twalve months I suppose no one
knows; but it must have been a good many, as
every ranchman has suffered more or less.”

“No more of that," cried the cattle baron,
Wrought up to his former itch of fury. “Just
another word. Irwin. and ’lLdrop you in your
tracks. . I can stand a good deal. but not every-
thing. }You are making of yourself both judge
and Jury, and convicting me without a scintilla
of evidence.” ‘

Irwin quailed before the fire of his glance.

“ What evidence have youg I asked you that
a while ago and you evaded it.” ~

Irwin compressed his lips firmly and cautious-
ly slipped his hand toward his revolver before
replying. v

‘ You will doubtless find the evidence in your
herds over there. if you’ll only take the trouble
to look. According to the best of my informa-
tion the stolen cattle are there; and as I’ll have
to take them with me as'phrt of the proof, I’ll

Broncho Buster.

s

 
    

 

 

with my friends to drive them in.”

There was nothing in this to which Hunting-
ton could object, and besides he was anxious to
Sec of what the proofs might consist. The fact
that cattle from other ranges had drifted among
his would amount to nothing. Such things were
of common occurrenca.

The cattle, comprising nearly a thousand head,
were Scattered for several miles along the creek
valley, and it was a work of hours to bunch
them and drive them to the designated point.
Irwin attempted to change the current of
thought and discuss minor and trivial subjects.
But the cattle baron maintained a moody re-
serve; and finally the former rode to where the
heavy ranch-Wagon was standing and seated
himself in its shade.

When the united herds had been collected for
inspection he remouuted and with Huntington
and the cowboys rode among them looking for
the animals alleged to have been stolen.

“ There!” he cried, triumphantly, pointing to
a young steer.
know my own cattle 1”

Each member of the party examined it
critically. Apparently there coald be no mis-
take. Irwiu’s brand was “C I,” and Hunting-
ton’s “ G H.” Irwin’s brand had been covered
over and partially concealed by Huntington’s.
The burns Were fresh.

It will readil be seen with what ease this
transformation ad been effected. The G of the
Huntington brand exactly covered the C of the
Irwin brand; and the first upright of the H had
fallen on the I. .

There were a half-dozen of Irwin’s cattle
whose brands had been thus chan ed, and an
equal number from various other ran es. On the
latter the work was not so well done, the covered

to the fact that they differed so widely from the
new brands which had been placed over them.

Huntington was dumfounded at this mute

evidence of his guilt. He could make no claim
that the cattle were his or that the brands had
not been changed. He had no wish to make such
a claim.
“It looks black,” he confessed, facing the
triumphant ranchman brawly. “But [swear
before Heaven that I had no knowledge of this
thing and am as innocent as a child. And you
know it, Irwin, in your inmost heart!”

But at such a time protestations were of no
avail. The proofs were against him, and it
seemed that nothing but his previous good
record could serve him now. He knew he had
been entangled in a cunning-laid tra ; and it
was very natural for him to believe t at lrwin
knew a great deal more of the matter than he
professed. His anger burned hotly; but he
managed to keep it in check and said:

“ There’s nothing for it, I suppose, but to go
with you. You must give me time, though, to
make some arrangements for the taking care
of these cattle.” _

Irwin agreed toleave two of his men there;
and Huntington and his cowboys accompanied
him without further words.

 

CHAPTER XIX. ,
THE GREAT TRIAL.

Tau arrests created a tremendous sensation.
Without the aid of telegraphic or mail facilities
the startling news spread from ranch to ranch
seemingly on the Win 5 of the wind. No one
had ever suspected untington, but the con-
clusive character of the evidence forced convic-
tion of his guilt. On the border no eater
crimes are known than those with which e was
charged;the ranchmen were sore over their
heavy losses and smarting to avenge them upon
some one; and now theta victim was‘found
tn lost their heads and clamored for his life,
am the lives of his abettors. . _

The trial was to be held before the Mexxcan
Don, Porflero Alcatraz by name,’who had by
some strange political jugglery been elevated to
the position of judge of the new county of Cal-
averas. Alcatraz was aman of fan- intelligence,
and had for years been an alcaldé in the coun-
try of his birth. But it was pretty generally
known that hehad no great friendship for the
cattle baron, and the belief was common that
the latter would receive scant mercy at his
hands. '

,edobe court-room of the little county town of
San IldefOuso. The sun Was blazing hot, and
the s uare,

 

posed of men of every rank and station, {mm

parole your cbwboys and let them go down there\

“ If that isn’t mine, then I don’t _

 

brands being visible almost at a glance, owing ’/

 

 

  

     
 

 

{6 I1”- -
,,

 

On the great day Alcatraz satin state m'thg‘ _ '

ved court/about the building wu~
crow wit arflostling.swelteriug throng.comr, fl

 

      
     
       
       
     
     
     
     
       
       
       
     
       
     
     
     
       
         
       
       
     
       
       
         
      
 
     

 
   
    
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
   
  
   
  
   
    
      

     
      
   
 

 

'6 e 1,

  
 

e ’3 roncm ': uter.

 

 

 

, by, low-brewed, ear—ringed Greaser to the
stalwart Americana who boasted his thousands
of cattle and horses. ‘

At the hour appointed Irwin pompously el-
bowed his way through the throng, bringing
with him the prisoners. These were surrounded
by a guard, as much for the purpose of humili-
ating them as for protection against the alleged
danger of lynching. i

Alcatraz was a stickler for legal formality, as
he understood it, and there were many delays
consequent thereupon. But after _a time the
wheels of justice were got in motion and the
trial began. There was no difficulty in proving
that the cattle with the changed brands had
been found in Huntington’s possession. It was
a fact which the cattle baron did not deny In
truth, so conclusive were all the proofs offered
by the prosecution that when the State rested its
case there seemed not a loophole of escape for
the accused men.

But just at this moment Taylor Wingate, ac-
companied by Simple Simon and Nancy Hackett
entered the room. .

There was a lull in the court proceedings and a
buzz of expectancy from the crowd, for the very
carriage of them new arrivals Was prophetic of
startling denouements. In the general appear-
ance of Simple Simon there was so marked a.
change that It attracted universal attention
from all who had known him. His slouching
gait was gone, the smile of easy, good-humored
rusticity had Vanished and been replaced by a
look of intellectual force and strengthful pur-

ose, and in his eyes had come a glance of
sternness and resolution. In addition his ill-
fitting cowboy garb had been discarded for
clothing that revealed instead of concealed the
really manly proportions of his figure.

There was no change in Winga’te, except that
a look of triumph shone in his face, and in Miss
Hackett the change was but slight.

Simple Sim advanced to the desk occupied by
Huntington’s attorney and whispered for a few
moments into that gentleman’s ear. Thelawyer
gave a start, but managed to control his nerves,
and announced that the defense was ready with
its evidence.

To the surprise of all the first Witness
called was Nancy. A few deft questions 3915
her on the ri ht track, and she detailed in
her own pecu iar way the mysterious night
branding she had witnessed at Irwin’s. The as-
saults of the prosecutor failed to shake her testi-
mony, and when she retired, to be replaced by
Simple Sim, many black and suspicious looks
were cast upon the erstwhile arrogant sheriff.

There was a bush of nervous expectancy in the
room when the attorney addressed the new wit-
ness:

“ You will please state to the court your true
name and profession.”

“ Samuel Wilberz—and I am in the employ of
the United States revenue service.”

“ Exactly! And new state, in your own way,
why on came here and what you have discov-
emd in connection with this case, if anything?”

Objections were made to the form of the nes-

‘tion, but they were over-ruled by Alcatraz. and

the witness went on:

“There has been a great deal of smuggling
across the border here, and I was ordered this
vicinity to ferret out and arrest the guilty Par-
ties, if ipossible. Miss Hackett I sent on several
weeks n advance, and when I arrived I found
her at the Huntington Ranch, whichl concluded

,to make my own headquarters.”

The prosecutor realizing the dangerous trend

 of the evidence, here made some hasty and fiery

ob ections, “misting that the statements were ir—
re event and immaterial, and that the witness
should stick to the case in hand. Similar objec-
tions were made constantly as Simon continued,
but they were almost uniformly over-ruled by
the court and the witness was allowed to tell
his full story. A word-for-word‘ repetition would
be tedious. Substantiallyit was as follows:

e had assumed the disgmse of a. broncho-
br ker, bein a natural horse-trainer, the bet-
ter to conce his identity. He had for some
time been engaged with Miss Hackett in the
revenue secret service. She was not an educated
woman, but had a certain shrewdness, tact and
courage that made her invaluable. '

Her pretended attachment for him, and her
subsequent jealousy, had been more pretexts—

. pal'tSLOE a Ian to enable her to take up her resi-

dence at rwin’s, where she could keep a (31059

watch on all the ranchman’s movements. _
.111 Playing their several roles the?r had been

careful to keep their masks on at al times and

._ under all circumstances, as they could never be
" sure thev Were not being watched; and this
fact, as the reader knmvs, had saved them many

\ i

 

times from what would otherwise have been in-
evitable discovery.

He had found abundant evidence to convict
Irwin (if the charge of smuggling—and this evi-
dence had not been collected without revealing
far more. The constant surveillance to which the
ranchmnn had been subjected had disclosed the
fact that he was the leader of the band which had
been engaged in the cattle and horse—stealing
operations of the past year.

When this statement was made, Irwin, who
had for some time been edging nearer the door,
attempted to pass to the outside.

His movements had not escaped the eagle
glance of the detective. Rising in his seat, he
throw back his coat, displaying his official badge
and shouted:

“ In the name of the United States I call on all
good citizens to arrest that man! He is trying
to leave the court room 1”

At this Irwin made a dash for his horse, which
was standing just beyond the square. but he was
seized, and though he fought madly, was brought
back and duly placed under arrest.

No further evidence was asked for. The
prosecutor, realizing that his case was lost, and
disgusted with the fraud that had been practiced
on him, promptly dismissed the cases against
Huntington and his cowboys.

And that afternoon another trial took place,
wherein Charles Irwin sat in the prisoner’s box,
and from which, at its conclusion, he went as a
convicted felon to serve out many weary years
as a penance for the crimes he had committed.

Before the close of this memorable day many
other things were revealed which threw the
light of explanation on various matters which
have seemed strange and euigmatical, and
which involved the life history of many connect-
ed with this narrative.

The chief of these was that Irwin had been
sailing under a false name. Long before, in the
days of his early manhunt], he had met Mrs.
Huntington, who was then a widow, with one
child. an infant. This infant was Mildred, now
grown to womanhood. 1r win sought the widow‘s
hand in marriage, and had been rejected for his
rival. Giles Huntington.

Years after, having changed his name becpuse
of offenses against the laws, and being wl olly
altered in appearance by the flight of time, he
chanced to locate on the Rio Grande, where he
found the Huntingtons, happy and prosperous.
This prosperity and happiness fired his mind
with the deepest hatred. He saw that all
thought and recollection of himself had vanished,
and so with diabolical wiles and schemes he set
about a work of revenge.

Mildred’s father had not been a man of which
a daughter could be proud: and she had been

‘reared in the belief that Huntington was her

father. Her real father llllil perished for wrong-
doing, and Mrs. Huntington could not bear that
Mildred should ever know of him or have the
stain of his ofl‘enses thrust upon her young life
to blight it. This had come to Irwin’s know-‘
ledge: and the revelation of this to Mildred was
the threat with which he had annoyed and at-
tempted to coerce the cattle baron.

The white face revealed beneath the feathered
head-dress of the supposed Comanche raider had
set Simon on the right track. He had taken
Wingate into his confidence. and they, With
Nancy’s aid, had collected and pursued the claws
which had led to Irwin’s d0wnfall.

Of ecurse there was a- wedding! [t is the
proper ending of true love; and no truer love
existed than that which knit the hearts of Taylor
Wingate and Mildred Huntington. The cattle
driven to Pinone Creek were returned to the old
ranfieis: the right triumphed, and PTO!th
smi . .

And the hero who wrought these changed
circumstances was the Broncho—Bu’ster and ‘ ‘Ewl
of the Range," the dauntless Scout-Detective,
Sam Wilberi -

THE END.

f

Readies Half-Dime library.

BY LIEIIT. A. K. SIMS.

546 Captnln Cactus, tlw Chaparral Cook

568 The Dandy of Dodge. '

5’“! The Silver Sport.

553 Saffron Sol. lllb‘ Man ‘Vitli a ShadOW-

5H9 Toni-Cat and Pin-d: or, le Dead Bot It Silver City.
601 ‘llfip‘ “aria. the Dutch Vidoct}.

8‘” “ll II Barnacle the Drier-live l ercules.

82 Texas Tom-(let’s Trlnd

681 Tom (‘00: Terrible Talk-

638 Tom-Cattgrlumpli; or. him-k lvnn’! Great, Combine.
‘ . the Cattle-Range Dflfi‘fll‘m-

or}; Wurblfnz “'llllnm. the Mountain “Watchm-
66» Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Drmtive.

6?“ Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout-

 

 

BY (.‘(llAlN El. DELLE SARA.

103 The Lion Oi'fllc Run: or, The \'.:i'.ud Indy.
186 Cool Dortmund: or, The Hiunblvr's liv; Name.

llY JAMES L. lHHi'l‘ZN

107 One.E .4] sh": or. The .‘\l"lllll(‘l'1'il Forest ll~me.
110 The I; iu-l. Ftecd ul'thc l’rulrlen. A Story of Texas.

ll Y (‘. DITN NIN G CLA RR.
135 Captain Paul: or, The lloj; Spy oi th.- Mountains.
280 The \' ankcc Rajah; on The Fate of the Black Sher-of.

BY J. “'. OSBON.

469 The Blvnl (iluntfl of'Nowhiir‘.

498 Cacti": Burr, tho Mun irom llurd Luck.

£38? 0].] Buckeye, the Sim-m Shadow.

564 l'mvdcr l'lill, the lluy Miner.

609 Holly Dori-ll, tln- \vu-run Duh-Mire.

620 Little Li htnln v’n Lciuzlic: or, The Mvstery ofine Island.
688 l'lucky ’aul, t e Boy Prospector.

BY CAPT. J. F. C. ADAMS.

84 Oregon Sol: of, Nick Whimes’s Boy Spy.

46 Glues-Eye, lliv (.‘mu Shot ofthe West.

54 Ned Hazel. the Boy Trapper.

56 Nlck \Vhlfllen’n Pct: or, In The Valley nfDenth.

80 The \Vhlte lmllun; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone.

70 "Id Zl ’I Cabin: or, The Ureeuhorn in the Woods.

81 Lightn n: Jo. the Terror of the Prairie.

85 Buck Iiuckramz or, Bess, the Female Trapper.
2-17 Old Grlzzly and Ills Pets: or. The Wild Huntnu.
$51 Llflht-houne Line; or, Osceola, the Flrebnnd.

357 The Lo-t Hunters; or, The Underground Camp.
298 The Scalp King: or, The Human Thunderbolt.

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR.

2 Yelluwntonc Jack: or. Thu Trn Ter.

4% Illiick John. the Nomi-Agent; or. he Outlnw’s Retreat.

65 lllll‘l’ll'fllle lllll: or. Mustang Sam and His Ford.
119 Mustang Sam ; or.’l'lie King oftlie Plains.
136 nglit-llnwk Kit: or, The Daughter of the Ranch.
144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport.
lfil Panther Paul: or, Dainty LilYlN‘ to the Rescue.
160 The Black “hint: or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy.
16% Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire With Fire. ‘
18-} The Boy 'l‘rallern; or, llniuly Laure on the War-Path.
203 The Boy Pal-(ls: or. lhiiniy Lam-e Uninuks.
211 (‘rimkcd Cale, the Cnlilmn of (‘elest‘ml City.
810 The Rarranoa “'ou': or, The Beautiful Decoy.
1519 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves' Magus.
“85 "Id Double Flat; or. ’I‘he Strange Guide /
3-" The King 0‘. [he “'imdu: or llulllei Isuone’s Last Trail.
89 Kit Fox. the Border Ilov Detective.
2:, (‘lilnonplu Dim, the lloy Trailer.
77 (‘lilncupln Dnn’n Second Trail.

3.
4

A New Issue Every Tuesday.

The WflfJMme lernry is for sale by all neweduloan
an» p" copy, or sent by man on receipt at six cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. l’ubllslieflo
98 William Street. New York

 

Now Ready.
A Brilliant Holiday Number!

BEADLE’S

Dime Dialogues, N0. 38.

For Schools, Exhibitions and
’ the Amateur Stage.

 

CON TENTS (ALL ORIGINAL).

A WILD IRISH MAN‘S DIPLOMACY; on, How rim
“SCRAME” Wonkkn. In Four Scenes. For five
males and four lemales. ,

AUNI‘IDEBORAH IN THE CITY. A llllDNIGBT liv‘
TERLUDE. For tWo females

A CHINAMAN IN CAMP. A WILD Witsr ESCAPADI.
For three males.

PLAYING HOSI‘ESS; on, Tin'r TERRIBLE CHILD.

‘ For two females and child.

SLIGHTLY HILARIOUS; on,’1‘oo MUCH FOR RACK-
ETTS. An Office “ Affair." For four males.

WHAT HAPPENEL TO HANNAH; on. ma “ Bos-
TING ” CURE. An “Old Homesxead " Verifica-
tion. For two males and one female.

THE AWAKENING OF THE FLOWERS. A BEAU-
rurun Dares AND Cannons Pam DRAIA. For
a girls‘ school.

PLAI‘O POINDL‘X'I‘ER’S ASHES ; on, Trams
“STYLISH” Sincmarrv. A Decidedly Effective
Case of Learning the Truth. For tour females
and two males.

THE SPIRIT OF DISCON TEN 1‘. In Verse. For
nine little he is.

THE GOOD STRIKEIRS. In Verse. For six little

girls.

THE MlSSlNG ESSAY' on. Esvr. Human AND Au.
UNanair.ini.iixnss Kinsman. A Sun‘ng and
Impresswe School and Parlor Drama. In Two
Scenes.

THE WELL-TAUGHT LESSON; on, TAKE ONLY
THAT WVaicia 13 Turns. A Boya’ Cluo Episode.
For several boys; ’

EPHRAIM liLACh’S POLITICS: on. Gsrrmo His
NAME IN runPAPnas. An Expose oi Modern Po-
litical Methods and Morals. For tour’niales and
one female.

And several others:— the best collection of original

forces, burlesques and humorous incidents-oer

minor dramas for the‘scliool and parlor stage, and
for dramatic entertainments - of dialogues, collo-

quies anddrels ieces. that has ever been oflered I

the American pu lie at any price.

. BEADLE AND ADAMS,PonLisanas.

t 98 William Street, New York.

\

  

  

. ...,-~-..- s...va «j‘uw

   

it
i

fogs” a3;

o.-....,..A.. . o. 1-.

BEADLE’SrHALF-DiMEiLIBRARY.

Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Qents.

r

No Double Numbers.

 

 

BY EDWARD L. \VIIEELER.
Deadwood Dick Novels.

1 Deadwood Dick, the, Prince ol the Road.
20 Deadwood chk’n Defiance: Hr, [miihh-Dnggerl.
£8 DeadlwoodI IIDiIcil." i|n lIDII‘llgttllue:lur. iiuliillo Bell
5 Deal wool )c ' n n ‘ant e.
42 Deadwood Diek'n Bonanza; in, The. Phantom Miner.
49 Deadwood Dick ill Danger; iii-,Oiiinliuull.
5i Deadwood Dick‘li l‘Illglt-n; or, The Purdue! Flood liar.
73 Deadwood Dick on Deck: i-r. k‘illuuiity June. the Heroine.
17‘?) Bead'wooli :l’i'ck’i; Llai-ti  ur. ('ui'iiiiruy Charlie.
0 eat wool ck In em v e.
104 Dead wood :iilek’n lift-ice: !or, The Double Cross Sign.
109 Deadwood D ck ai- letcct ve.
129 Deadwood chk'n Double: or. The Gurimn's Guh'h Ghost.
13" Deadwood Dick’s llolne Bane; “r, Blniiiie iiiil.
149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike: or, A Grime ni'unld.
156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or. The l'ii‘ked l’urtv.
195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream: or, The ltivnia iii the ltmui.
201 Deadwood Dick‘s \Vurd; or. The Block iliii’d Jezu-llel.
20;) Deadwood  i‘ioonlulor, fulamity Jiliie'n Adventure.
21 Deadwom c ' a Deal lea .
221 Deadwood Dick's Death-Plant.
232 Gold-Dun. Dick. A ltniiinure oi Rough-i and Toughs.
:68 lleagwool:  Blvltlie ‘ “13"!er Spirit of Swamp Luke.
68 Na wool c'lt ea l"ra .
309 Deadwood Dick’n Deal; hr, The Gold Brirk of Oregon.
821 Deadwood Dlek'a Dozen: or, The Fakir uii’hantmu Finis.
I47 Deadwood Diek’a Dueata; or, Days in the Di 'gingu.
 lll’ead‘woot‘il ilzi'clfi’sriplte‘nced; or, The Terrible 'endettn.
' ea woo c n ‘ am.
405 Deadwood Dick ill Dead City.
410 Deadwood Diek’tl Diamonds.
421 Deadwood Dick ill hew 1 ork; or, A “ Cute Case."
:80 Deadwoog Dielfi’nJDuat; or, The Chained Hand.
43 Deal woo Dic r.
448 Deadwood Dick: Jr.’l, Deilllrlce.
458 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’u, Full “and.
459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’II, Big Round-Up.
465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’n. Racket at Claim 10.
471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’n, Corral; or, Buzeinnu Bill.
 ll:('a(li“'00:li  Shh-i IDiog Idletec‘tilve.
cal woo e ’. r. I ea “00 .
491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.:l-, Compact.
:36 :ieagwood :”'i('.k, Jr.:n, };Iilt‘;'iinnl'eo
0 lea wood ck Jr. ll Igg ngll.
51:3 :Deagwoog  grin: Deliverance.
5 5 lea woo c r.‘n rotegee.
522 Deadwood Dic : Jr.’lt: Three.
529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘~, Danger Ducks.
 Readwoog 1::elk,:llr.’n‘, ille‘ath llunt.
eat woo c ‘ r. n 0K]!!!-
513 Peagwoog  J’r.:.the \l’Iilld git-l Viidocq.
5 )ea woo c' r. on I i- ett e.
564 Deadwood Dick: Jr-: in Gotham.
561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Benton.
567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia.
 Beagwogg Rick, J:., i‘nflCiltieago.
ea wo . ., on .
5534 Deadwood Die Jr., in Denver.
690 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'a, Decree.
595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub'n Basin.
600 Deadwood Dic , Jr? at Coney inland.
2?: 3333333 ill: .‘ll‘ ‘lnLi‘it‘iill'f m"
 IID’eat‘i'woot‘ll gill-ll“:  i'n (gincirauhti.
ea woo c '. r. n . ova a.
«so Deadwood Dick, Jr.: in No Mom. Luna.
:2: limos: use 3:" mire: 
o ' . ., n a o.
648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’l-, Chane. Acrou the Continent
654 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'. Among the smugglerl.
:3: 33:33.22: use i: 'hl';l."i.‘."l‘if “ii?”
' ' - ' e . neu.
67$ Deadwood Dick: Jr.: in Durango: nr, “ Gathered In."
 geagwogfi Biol]? grin, “ii-copier” or, Found aFortune.
. ea wo (- ' r. l. at: e.
690 Deadwood Dick: Jr.’a. Dollar...
695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide.

Other Novels by E. 1.. Wheeler.

.6 Cloven lloof, the Buii‘nio Demon.

8. Bob Woolf: or, The Girl Dad-Shot.

89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York.

45 Old Avalanche ' or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brig-lid.
58 Jim Bludooe, r., the Boy Phenlx.

61 Buckhorn Bill: or. The Red Rifle Team.

69 “old Rifle tho Shnr Ihootor: or, The Bo ' Detective.
80 Rosebud Rob or. ugget Ned, tho Kulght.

.1 84 ldyl, the Girl . inert 0r, Roubud Rob on Hand.
88 Photo ra h l’hll; or, Rosebud Roh’s Renppeimlnca.
92 can. 3 C et; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull's Camp.
96 “'atch-E ex ory Arnbl and Angels of. Grut City.

113 Jack 1105' e the Young Smculator.

117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective.

191 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport.

135 Bonanza Bill, Miner.

188 Bola Bob the King of Boothiach.

141 Solid Sam the Boy RondAAgont.

145 Captain ferret. the New York Detoctlva.

161 New York Nell the Boy-Girl Detective.

171' Nobh Nick offievadai or, The Sierru Scamp»

181 Wild rank, the Buck-kin Bravo.

909 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective.

815 Fritz to the Front: or, The Vontril uilt Hunter.

826 Snoozer the Buy Show? or, The Anb otoctivo.

ass Apollo Bill, the mu Tornado.

’40 C clone Kit, the Young Gladiator.

244 S errg Sam, the Frontier Ferret.

848 c. . .. Sam’s Secret; or The Bioodv Footprints.

958 c. . a. Sam’s Para; or, Tho Angel oi Big Vina.

258 crrn Sam's Seven: or. The Stolen Bride.

2278 lumbo Joe the iiny Patrol: or. The Rival Heirs.

277 Denver Dol’ . the Detective Queen.

381 'lenver Doll’s Victory.

.35 Denver Doll's Decoy g or. Little Bill’l Bonanza,

.91 'l‘urk the Boy Ferret.

'96 'Denver Doll‘s Drii‘tt or. The Road Queen.

'99 A No. l, the Dashing Toll-Tailor.

808 'Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or. the lmn-Norvod Sport.

825 Kelley, illckev & 00.. the Detectives of Philadelphia.

880 .lttle Qu! rig-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Dnggnnvillo.

884 {angaroo kit; or. The Myltorioul Minor.

“9 Kang’aroo Kit’ll Racket.

848 iian attan Mike, the Bowery Blood.

 Fina-Claus Faedzwlhfngit irgm Gopher.
re a m. t e -o - at erer or The Life Lotto .

or. Yreka Jim’s Prize. ' ’ ‘7

878 Naboh Ned: or, The Secret oiSlnh City.

882 Cool Kit. the Kin: of Kids; or. A \‘illuln’l Vengeaneo.

885 Yreka Jim‘s Joker; or, The Rivaiu of Red Non.

889 Bicycle Rent or. The Lion of Lightning Lode.

894 Yreka Jim of Yuha Dam.

400 Wrinklea, the Night-Watch Detective.

416 Iligh “at Harry, the Blue Ball Dotoctin.

4.6 Sara Slab-idea. the nr.Bov Dotoctlvo.

“4 Jill Beak and Pal, ivau Douctivu.

a: Santa Fe Sal, tho Sluhor.

Goal-kl- Ial, tho Owner. '

Q
3.-
no

R'
.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY COLDNEL PRENTISS INGRAIIAM.

7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean ()utcnlt.
1‘? Ralph R0", the “in liuu‘ilnrt‘l‘; or, The Fugitive Yacht.
24 Diamond Dirk: or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone.
62 The §lllllllt\t‘ Ship; or. The ltivnl Lieuteiiantl.
75 The Boy linollni; or. The Cruise hi‘the Sea-VVoli'.
02 Dick Dead-Eve, tl'e liny sinuggier.
11 The Sen-Dev l: or, The Midehiiiiiinn’s Legacy.

[6 The llunnar Ca llalll; hr, ’I he iieiinil hi lloll Gate.
97 Little. Grlt: Ur, iessle, ihe Stork—'l‘eniier's Daughter.
04 Gold I’lulne: or, The lx'iii-(iime. Sport.
216 Bit-on Bill. the Prime oi the Reina.
222 Grit. the Bravo Sport; or, The \Vniuun Trailer.
229 Crinl-on Kate: or. The (‘mvlmy's 'i‘riiiiiiph.
237 Lone Star, the Cowhny Cu plain,
245 Merle the Mldtiy ’ Ur, ' 'he Fren-lnnro lleir.
250 The Nildllhlplnan hilltlneer: or. liriuidt, iiio Buccaneer.
264 The Floating Feather: hr, Merle Rhine‘s Treasure.
2159 The Gold filllp: Hr, Merle, ilie Condemned.
276 Merle Monte a Cruise: ur, “ The hold Ship " Chine.
2H0 Merle Monte‘n Fate; or. l'enrl, the l‘iruie'o llridu.
234 The Sea Marauder: or, Merle Monte'a Pledge.
287 Billy Blllc-Eyen, the, Buy Rim-r of lhe Rio (irnude.
604 The Dead Snot Dandy; or, Benito, the lioy Bugler.
309i Keno Kit; or. lleall Shirt llnnily's l)i>iihlc,.
814 The Mynteriolnl Marauder; or The Buy Bugler's Trail.
87? Bonodcl, the Boy Rover; on'l‘lw Hairless Srhimnar.
883 The lndlan I’ilot; or, The Seilrch for l’irute leiund.
837 \Varpni h “'ill, the Boy l’hiliitoin.
393 Seawali', the Boy Lieutenant.
402 laodor, the Young Conupiraior: or, The Fatal League.
407 The Bov int-urgent; or.'l'hc (Tuhnn Vendetta.
412 The “'1 d Yacht-man: or, The War-Ciuuo’n Cruise.
429 Duncan Dare. the liny Refugee.
483 A Cabin Boy’n Luck; or, The Corsair.
48? The Ben Raider.
44] The Deena Fir-oily: or, A .\liddy‘s Vengeance.
446 llnphazard “arr ' ; or, The Smpe race of the Sea.
450 “'izard \"ili: or. The iiuy Ferret 0 New York.
454 “'izard “‘ill’n Street licolltn.
462 The Horn Guide: or. The Suiiur Boy “'anderer.
468 Neptune Ned, the Iiny Counter.
474 Flora: or. 'v'i'i-lnrd Wiii'u Vnunhond Pnrd.
488 Ferret! Alioat; or. Wizard Will‘s Lint Can.
4”? Nevada Ned. the Revnlver hunger.
495 Arizona Joe the Buy Yard of Texas Jack.
49'? Back Taylor, King ol the CowllOyI.
508 The Royal Sliddy: or. The Shark Ind tho Sea Cat.
50? The limited Midi-hi man.
511 The Dutlawed Mid y.
520 Buckskin Bill. the (‘uuiiinche Shadow.
525 Brothern in Bucknkin.
530 The. Bucknklll Bowers.
585 The Bile-akin Roveru.
5-10 (‘nptilin Ku-Klllx, the Marauder oi the Rio.
545 Lieutenant Leo. the Son of Lafitte.
550 Lailtte'n Legacy: or. The Avenging Son.
555 The (.‘reole Cort-air.
560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower.
565 Kent Kingdon, the Card Kliig.
570 Camille, the ('ard Queen.
575 Tile Hllrgeon-Heont Detective.
580 The Dutclult (‘adetz or. The Falls Detectivo.
5H6 The Buck-kin Avenger.
591 Dclmonte. the Young Sen Rill'Pl’.
597 The Young Texan Detective.
602 The ‘ ngabond oi’ihe Milfl'l.
60? The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit‘n Champions.
81? Ralph: the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders.
644 The IIereulea llighwnymlln.
650 Butterfly ,iiilly, the Pony Rider Detective; or, Buflalo

llili'ii Buy Yard.

656 Butterin Biliy’n Man Hunt.
662 Butterin Billy”:- Bonanza.
66" The Buccaneer Mid-hipnlan.
6T4 The “'lzard Sailor: or, Red Ralph, the Rover.
679 The Sea Hhadower; hr. The Fri-.ubrinter’a Legar‘y.
636 Orland". the ill-elm Free Fine: or, The 'l'nrnilhed Name.
699 The Rival Sharpe: or. Reiiiern. tht Secret Service Scout.
697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texal.

(gut—lulu

BY BUFFALO BILL (Ron. War. 1". Cody).

8 Kan-an King; or, The Red Right “and.
19 The Phantom S y z or, 1 he l’ilot oi' the Prairie.
55 Deadly-Foe. the nilnown Scout.
6“ Border Robin Hood 3 or, The Prairie Rover.
158 Fancy Frank of Colorado: or, The Trappcr’l Trust.

BY CHARLES MORRIS.

118 Will Some", the Boy Detective.
122 Phil "Ith ', the B Ifll Buy.
126 Picayune ’ctc: or, Nivodemus, the Dog Detective. )
130 Detective Dick ; or, The Heroin Rap,
3 "and-nine Harry, the Bonthinrk Detoctivo.
X'ill Wildfire, the Thoroughbred.

lack Bean, Will Wildfire'n Racer.
Mike Merry, the Hilrhnr Police Boy,
Will W'ildilre in the “'oodll.
Billy lingga‘c, the Railroad lin ~,

Trump Lard; or. Will Wild re Wine and Low.
Bob Roe kett: or, Ml'm‘rl" 0‘ New York.
kett the Bank Runner.
en {land 1 or, Will Wildfire's Revenge.
18'! Fred Ila yard, the die Built Boy; 4... Th. 51mm“...
189 Bob Roe kett; or, Driven to the “'nll.
196 shadowed; or, Bob Rockett‘l Fight for Life.
206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King.
212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective.
920 Tom Tanner: or, The Black Sheep oi the Flock.
225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Dinky.
235 Shadow Sam. the Messenger Boy.
94% The. Two “ Bloods "3 or. Shenandoah Bill and HI: Glng.‘
252 Dick Danhawnyx or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago.
262 The Young Sharp-t 0?. Roliicking Mlka’l Hot TraiL -
274 Jolly Jim. the. Detective Ap rentica.
289 Jolly Jim’s Jolt; or. The ouni: Detective.
298 The Water-Hound; Ol’, The Yiillng Thoroughbred.
805 Danhaway, of Dakota: or, A W'elliern Lad in Quuor City.
824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detorliva.
841 Tony Thorne. the Vagnhnnd Detective.
853 The Reporter-Detective: or, Fred Flyer’l Blizzard.
86? Wide-Awake Joe: or. A Boy of the Times.
879 Larry, the Levelers or. The Binodl oi the Boulovud.’
408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective.
423 The Loat Fin er; or, The Entrnpped Cuhier.
428 Fred Fiyer. t a Reporter Detective.
489 invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret.
456 Bill Brick, the Jolly Vagabond.
4 3 W1 e-Awake Jorrv, Detective; or, Entombed Ailvo.‘
479 Detective Dodge; or, The Myltory of Frank Hearty.
488 W ild Dick Racket.
501 Bootn. the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for tho Shlrpor.
566 The Secret Service Boy Detective.
596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolvu.
607 Tom Brace oi Arkanna-x or,'l'he Woliin the Full.
655 Pluoky Paul, the Boy Speculator.

667 Bob and Sam, the DIin Detectivu.

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BY J, C. COWDRICK.
860 illver-Mank, the Man of Mystery.
369 shame, the Gold King; or. For Seven Your: Dead.
420 The Ileiretive’a Apprentice : or, A Boy Without i. Nmo.
424 (iibnta John: or, Red-Hot Time: at Auto Bur.
489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout.
467 Dir-co Dan. the Dniiiy Dude.
490 Broadway Billy. the Boothinck Bravo.
506 Redli hi, "Ill ill, the Prince oi the Road.
514 Broa way Bi ly’n Boodle.
524 The Engineer Detective.
536 Broadway Bllly'n ‘ Diillkilty.”
548 Mart, the Night Express lleti-i'tive.
557 Broadwa ' Bllly‘u Death Racket.
57] Air-Linc, ,ukc the Young Engineel.
579 The (‘hinlney Spy: or, limll‘iway llilly’| Surprise-Party.
592 The Boy Pinkerton.
605 William 0’ Broadway: or. The Boy Dctective’u Big Inning-
615 Fighting Harry llli‘ (Iiiici nl Chained Cyclone.
693 Brondva Rilly’u Dead Act.
640 Barehl'cli' Both, the ('viituur oi the Circle.
647 T 'peivliter Tilly, the Merrhnni’d “‘nrd.
659 . oonlight Morgan, the “ i'izeiie-t " Mun of Auto Bar.
669 Broadway Billy Abroad.
6?5 Broadway Billy's Bent: unit-Mini; Sun Francisco'l Final.
66?. Broadway Billy ill (‘lou-r.
696 Broadway Billy ill Texan.

BY T. C. lIARBAITGII.

23 Nick 0' the Night: or, The Boy Spy of ’75.
87 The Hidden Dodge: or The Lilli. Hunter.
4’: Nightin ale hat: or, The Forest Cumulus.
64 Dandy IH‘lii or, 'he Outlan hi the Oregon Trail.
Hid Kit Illtl'ei'oot the “'ood-ililwli.
94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The In..- Trapper.
106 Did Fronty, the Guide; or, The White Queen.
128 Kiowa Charley the White Multnnger.
189 Jild e l. 'ncll, Jr.: or. The liuv Vigilante.
155 Holt '1‘!‘ 3‘ er, the S nit; or, T ie (I‘lrl Avenger.
169 Tornado ’ ‘onl; or, iuuii Jack From Red Core.
lids Ned Temple, the Border lloy.
19R Arkannaw: 01', Th” QUW‘" 0i Fate’s Revenge.
20? Navajo Nick the Boy Gold Hunter.
2155 Captain Bullet: of. Little Tilllhlmt'l Crusade.
281 I’lueky Phil; or. Roan, the Re I Jezebel.
24] "ill llrgvo; or, The, Rough! iii the Rnrklu.
255 Captain A 01]", me King-Pin ui'Bowle.
867 The Back! 'in Detective.
279 Did Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperado“.

294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Cochetopn.
802 The Mountain Detective : or. The Trigger Bur Bully.
816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Ariwnn.

826 The Ten Parda: or, The Terror oiTilke-Notico.

886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lawn).

345 l’itlleu Matt; 0', Red Thunderboit‘n Sen-rot.

856 Cool Sam and Par-d; or The Terrible Six.

866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective.

886 Captain Cut] an t or, 'i he Bivecnneer’n Girl Foe.

896 Rough Rob: or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blunt. 1
411 The silken Lam); or, The Rope of Rituch Robin.

418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spoiler.

435 Texan Trump. the Border Rattler.

438 Phil Fla-h, the New York Fox.

445 The City Vampire-t or, Red Rolie’t Pigeon.

461 Due Again-t Filly: or. The Last hlan or Keno B".
470 The Boy Shadow; or. Felix Fox'n limit.

47? The Excelnlor Sport: or. The \Vnahingiou Spotter.
499 Single flight, the One-Eyed Sport.

502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret.

519 Dodger Dick. the Wharf-Spy Detective.

521 Dodger chk’lt Belt Dodge.

528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows.

538 Dodger Dloir. the Dock Ferret.

548 Dodger Dick’a Double: 01'. The Riv-l Boy Detectives.
558 Dodger Dick’li Deuperate Case.

563 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidocq.

578 The Two Shadows.

582 Dodger Dick’s Drop.

594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective.

610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or. Touy Sharp on Guard.
626 The Champion Pardn.

687 Dick Doan, the Dock Buy Detective.

845 Kit, the Pavement Sharp.

658 Billy Bantam, the Bov Boogie.

671 Jersey Jed, the Boy lid-tier; or, Shadowing the Shndovur.
085 Happy “ugh, the Boy-Musician Detective.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

698 Old Crazy, the Man ‘l'illinut a Head: or. Lixhthnrt Lulle’ri
Clean Sweep. By Julqu 1%. Badger, Jr-

699 Sim le film, the llrniivho Butter: 02‘. Phyllis: the Fool for
Big taken. By Lieut. A. K. Slim.

700 Deadwood Dick. JP.’I. Drop: or» Tho sojourn in
Satan’s Spring. lly Edward 1.. Wheeler.

701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp; or. The Fight to-
tho Hui-h. By T. C. linrhnugh.

70’ Blue Jacket Bill; or, The Red lint Rangers Red lint
Racket. By Col. l’rontiu lugnhnm.
I

708 Broadway Bill ’ll Brand: 01'.The New York Delegates
ln Hard-u Camp. y J. C. Cowdrlck.
Ready anunry 13

T04 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Joell-pot; or, Mlklng amok“
Thing: Straight. By Edward L. V: heelor
Ready J unuory 90.

705 Violet Vane’n VOW! 0"- Th° C’my Detective’l Cull.
By Vi'm. G. Patten.
Rudy January 97.

A New line Every Tuesday.
The Half- Dime Library |' {0' Ill! by Ill mended-r...»
unit per copy, or uni by mail on receipt of ll! rout. cull.
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