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CHAPTER I.
LAST LAY-OUT.

THE Moro river is a small stream
which rises in the Rocky Mountains, and
forms one of the sourcesof the Rio Cana—
dian. This stream Is in New Mexico,
and takes its rise in the adamantine
range, twenty miles due West from Fort
Union. The Government wagon, and
mail stage road from Bent’s Fort south to
Santa Fe and other important stations,
leads through the town of Trindad, Colo-
rado.

The Rocky Mountains, at a little dis-
: tance north of the source of the Moro,

curve westward; their towering sides
presenting a most grand and im .osin
View. Huge rents, serpentine crac s an
fissures, tremendous gulchcs and perpen—
dicular cliflfs are outlined u on the azure __;:~_:; ::
morning. or golden sunset sEy. -~
At the foot of the range, the grass is
rich and rank, the clumps of pines and
cacti are luxuriant i growth, and form
a dark een fringe 120 the rocky range,
agreeab e to the eye of one approaching ‘ .» r o
from the level plain eastward. BLANCO BILL FACED THE MADDENED MUSTANG, THAT, STANDING ALMOST STRAIGHT UPON ITS
At intervals, along the tiny streamlet, BIND LEGS, CUT THE AIR WITH ELECTRIC-LIKE VELOCITY WITH US FORE moors. .‘

    

 

 

 

 

_ , and south,.

In



' room

 

' the table.

2

\

Blanco Bill, the Mustang Monarch. ‘

 

that rolls on, increasing in volume to swell the
waters of the Canadian, grow gigantic cotton-
Woods, to guide the far-off prairie—roamers to
water and to camp; while, down along the base
of the towering wall of a most gigantic orge,
flows the little stream that swells into the ore,
the waters rippling from afar into the heart of
the range.

A great winding gulch extends for fully a
mile into the heart of the mountains; so abru t
the turnings of which that one would fr uentliy
suppose that the end was directly ahea , but,
upon advancin r would discover that the tremen-
dous rent in t e mountains extended yet fur—
ther. And did one Continue to follow it up, he
would find t t there was no outlet—that the
walls met ab tly, and towered as high as the
entrance. .

But, at some places, a mountain climber
might, but with difficulty and no little danger,
surmount the walls on either side, although
there seemed, as far as eye could determine,
quite as difficult climbing up the mountain-sides
after the gulch wall was surmounted, as one
would be forced to enter before reaching the
upper edge of the latter. However, here
seemed no object in climbing such rough walls,
unless to escape some deadly foe; and ofttimes
indeed, the Apaches had been seen, bivouack
within the ravine, on the bank of the little
stream, while monster grizzly bears and raven-
ous mountain wolves prowled the rough ada-
mantine range, seeking what they might devour.

Having thus described this gigantic gulch,
within which transpired some strange and start-
ling events, which Occurred in the wild experi-
ences of those whose trails we propose to fol-
low, we will now proceed up the range to a
point some ten miles distant, where a new min—
in town had been but recently “ slapped up.”

gnly a few weeks previous to the time when
the attention of the reader is drawn to this par-
ticular section of the Rocky Mountains, a small
party of prospectors had struck “pa rock;”
and, havin on all previous occasions ecu dis-
appointed in their “finds,” which had turned
out we thless, they immediately named their
“ loca Last Lay-out.

i Span s monte is the principal game of chance
‘de t or played in New Mexico; and it can be
easily determined by watching and keeping the
run of the “ paste-boards,” when the last pair of
cards that can possibly form a “ lay-out’ upon
which mone may be wagered, are cast upon
ence the characteristic desi ation
of the town. For all that at the period 0 which
we write there had been but little grounds for
founding hopes of large fortunes being ground
out from the rough rocks, by the discoverers
even at points where the outcropping rom'

a rich percentage of both silver and go (1.

This, however, was due to the fact that, ashas
been mentioned the pros ctors, who had first
“ struck” and ‘ staked,” ad not the means to
purchase the necessary quartz-mills and fur-
naces, and to employ the Workmen needed to de-
‘velop the mines. In consequence, they had used
every means to spread flattering reports of their
“find,” both up and down the range; for the
purpose of drawing 8 culators, or agents of
mining companies to t t point.

Their success in creating an excitement was,
as is alwa s the case in the mining regions, most
remarkab e; a perfect stampede of culaters

amblers, tradespeople of every desc ption, and

ummers and (1 cos of all nationalities,
startingmat once after hearin the glowing re-
ports t t were being circula in connection
with the new “ find.”

The first find of silver-bearing quartz with
quite a percentage of the richer metal, had been
made at some distance up a ch, from which
branched many smaller ones, he beds of which
were found by the experienced “ old-timers” to
pan on “pay dirt,” but which could not -be
worked, except in places, on account of the
scarcity of water. or some time after a rain
storm, however, many im nious miners who
had joined the rush oun no difficulty in -
hing out sufficient of the yellow dust to £30;
them ” and their favorite beverage,

T quite. a favorable lace for the loca-
tion of ‘a towmfi'the mouth 0 the gulch, which
was grass-grown, with mottes of pine scattered
picturealue y here and there, and a small stream
of clear, cool wata? winding between the foot-

hills. 

A double row ‘ slab shanties, running north
r '1 with the ran , constituted
the “town —-there being but a ut thirty or
forty of these primitive-lookin buildings. The
longest Of these, the “Benzine azaar,” was the
£1in public house of any consequence in the

ur . 
e blishment was of some sixty feet long
by W. ty wide, with hi h peaked roof—the
.attic being rtitioned of? into small slee ing
by co ton cloth which was tacked mm
the rafters to the floor. Small iron bedsteads
were the only articles in the way of furniture in
anyhof these apartments.

r 9 bar was to the right'of the front entrance,
and was finished with a largg mirror, besides
many showy decanters and ohemian glasses.
Tic rear portion of the “ Bazaar ” was used as a

.

 

gaming room, there being no partition between
it and the bar—the proprietor thus being able to
stand at his counter and overlook his entire es-
tablishment, with the exception of the small
rooms in the attic.

The landlord was known as “Alamo
Abe ” he being a Texan, an inveterate hater of
all ‘ Greasers,” and who invariably, when over-
loaded with his own merchandise went on the
war-path seeking to wipe out a l\ exican, in re-
vcn e for the many outrages inflicted upon his
old ellow-Texans. His favorite war-cry, when
on a “ jamboree,” was “ ’Memb'er ther Alermo!”
which fact had been the cause of his having
been dubbed “ Alamo Abe.” Thus far, how-
ever, the Mexicans had existed only in his ima-
gination.

Abe was a character in Last La -out, he be-
ing the leadin s )irit and acknowle ed chief of
the burg; pro ialily from the fact at he was
quite liberal when a little “ off his cabase,” from
over-indulgence in “ tarantula juice,” more than
from any just claims as a ‘ bad man,” or a
“ frontier terror,” or even from his capacity as
a leader.

Very vain was Alamo Abe of his popularity
and im ortance, and he would have furnished
free w iisky to the whole town for a month
rather than lose a fraction of the good opinion
of the citizens and miners—which opinion, how-
ever, was maintained only through the import-
ance born of his evident wealth.

Abe had made a big stake at monte just pre-
vious to the locating of Last Lay-out, and join-
ing the rush, had estabiislicd himself as detail-
cd—he never before having held such a high
position, or stood upon the paying side of a bar.

But there had as yet been no 0 portunity for
Alamo Abe to prove that he had tliie “ sand ” to
back his boasts and domineering words, as the
excitement in connection with prospecting in the
vicinity had tended to keep the denizens of the
new town well occupied up the gulch. But at
the time of which we now s ak, there was des-
tined to be a reaction, for t ere were few miners
in Last La -out who had not “sized” that
section of t 6 range, and knew just what might
be expected or hoped for with good grounds in
the future.

Thus far not a single female had arrived in'

Last Lay-out, and two Chinanien, who had been
discovered heading for the burg had been im-
mediately hanged—the corpses of the Orientals
havin served as the “ starters” for the “ stiff-
yard,’ which had been located and dedicated
with much ceremony and “ bug-juice.” '

As there was a large representation of the
wild men of the 'West, who continually “ hank-
ered” for a shooting-bee or a lynch icnic, but
who for the reasons previous] men ioned had
not got down to “biz,” the c ances were that
the pair of “Heathen Chinee” would not long
remain the sole tenants of the “ stifl— ard.”

Aside from the excitement that a ways pre-
vails in a newly located mining-town, caused
wholly by the insane eagerness of each and every
arrival to inspect and “ size ” the “ find,” nothing
had broken in upon the citizens of Last Lay—out to
detract one iota from this all—absorbing inspection
which had even kept all the citizens and miners
busy with their own personal affairs, thus caus-
ing the business of the bars and gamin -rooms
to be of no consideration whatever. ut the
proprietors well knew the cause, and also that
the change was near at hand—that soon, all
would take to drinking and pla ' g to a greater
or less extent, and busmess in t e burg would be
flourishintg, and exceedingly more profitable
than the ow mines, which had as yet not been
developed”mifilciently to indicate their exact

-out.

ghey knew however that this was rich enough
to insure the success 0 the burg.

Last Lay-out was, however, destined to be the
scene of startling events, and the denizens of the
town to be more excited than when rushing for
the new “find.” Even the “old timers" would
be forced to acknowledge that times were as
lively and interesting there as in any burg they
had ever struck; even in he good old days on
the Pacific slope. . _

And, stran to record, the stirringi times
startling even and tragic occurrences, estined
to happen in st Lay-out, and thgdgigoantic

orge we have described, were fa_ be

rought about by a handsome and princely look-
in young man, who, at the opening of our nar-
ra ve was ing up the range from San
Miguel: and ointly wit him, a beautiful maid-
en, who was galloping down the range from
Raton Pass. . ‘

Each was near] the same distance from Last
Lay-out, and both were rapidly advancing to-
ward each other, drawn by the Fates, or some
strange and subtle influence of which we know
nothing. Both although never havmg gazed
into each otherls eyes, neither of them having
any knowledge of the existence of the other,
were yet hastening unconsciously to meet; and
u 11 meeting, to love with a passion that Would
bind them to each other until death.

CHAPTER II.
THE BUCCARO APOLLO.
THE particular evening on which we start our
story was destined to be I‘ll cvcnti‘ul one.

 

 

 

Last Lay-out was jubilant over its celebra—
tion of the arrival of a bull-train, with the first
quartz-mil] and furnaces, to open the most
promising mine which had ever been purchased

y a company of s culators, and been named
the “Grizzl Gulch onanza.’

Alamo A was in his glory, being forced to
employ extra barkeepers in order to attend to
the crowd of thirsty and hilarious customers
that thronged Benzine Bazaar.

 

The setting sun was gildin the western side
of the serrated peaks of the ocky Mountains,
presenting a most brilliant and gorgeous spec-
tacle, whie the eastern base of the range was in
comparative gloom, when a single horseman
was seen upon the plain east of the Rocky
range,_his course bent toward the great gorge
ten miles south of him. The beast and its rider
made up a picture of e uestrian beauty and

race, seldom to be seen. ach seemed to have

ecn created for the other.

The horseman was Apollo-like in form and
face, the perfection of manl beauty. His cos-
tume consisted of buckskin reeches, roi'usely
bedecked with buttons of silver; a richly-em-
broidered woolen shirt, blue in color, with wide
flowing collar turned loosely over a black silk
kerchief. This was tied in a square knot and
upon it was pinned a horseshoe of solid gold, the
nails being represented b diamonds.

The wide brim of his w ite felt sombrero was
turned up jauntily, just over his ri ht temple,
and held to the crown by a pair ofminiature
gold spurs crossing each other. His top-boots
were of the finest workmanship, and he were
huge Mexican spurs of silver.

A bowieknife and a. brace of Colt’s army
“ sixes” were sustained about his waist by a belt
of stamped leather. This was fastened in front
by a clasp of silver which was engraved with
the five-pointed star of Texas, and with an in-
scription which we omit, the name above it:

“ WILLIAM WILLIAMSON,

BLANCO, TEXAS.”
and below the same,

“ BLANCO BILL, ran Boss Buccuo,
AND
MUSTANG Mommas.”

The animal which he rode was simply magni-
ficent. Black as a coal, with the exception of a
small white spot on the forehead, lon and clean
limbed and in size just suitable for t e one who
bestrode it; with long, gracefully-arched neck,
great intelligent eyes, and abundant and glossy
mane and tail—such was the noble steed of
Blanco Bill.

. It was evidently one of the finest of the
“Black Hawk” stock, reared in the blue-grass
region_ of Kentucky—the State that justly
prides itself upon producin some of the fastest
and most superb horses in %he world.

Built for strength, and speed as well, was this
equine beauty; and its equipments Were worthy
of it, being of the finest and most highly-orna-
mented description. The name upon a si ver
plate that was riveted to the fore-strap of the

ridle, was “ Black Hawk.”

The rider seemed in no (great hurry. Not once
did ur touch flank, an the bridle-reins hung
loose y over the horn of the saddle; while, at
times, the beast would bend its neck to one side
or the other, and aze 11 into its masiii’s face.
The arms of Wi iam illiamsen were i‘( ldcd
across his breast, his form was erect in his sad-
dle, but his e es were fixed in a stead gaze
upon the sadd e-horn and a soft and sa dened
expression was 11 on his face—evidently born of
the thoughts the ruled his mind.

At length the horse thrust its muzzle around,
and touched its master’s thigh, at the same
time givmg utterance to a low neighing, which

seemed to arouse him. He uickly unfolded his ,

arms, and spoke to his stee , in much the same
mainner he would have addressed a human c,cm-
ra e.

“Excuse me, Black Hawk, for' having been
absent-minded, and not paymgByou any more
attention for so long a time. lit, my Pam, I
was thinking of the old ranch far eastward.

could not spend my life there, so I left all, and I

you and I have roamed the Rio Grande country.
_ “ I vowed to make my mark in the world, and
instead of studying my fellow-man, have studied
man’s best friend; and I flatter myself I have
not only learned much, but have benefited both
horse and man.

“ Your wildest brothers, Black Hawk, be.
came tractable, entle, and kind under m
treatment. Mine as been a grand study, wit
a grand object. And I have resolved to, win a,
Wider reputation _ et. Never will I return to
the old ranch unti my fame has preceded.me.
In Texas, the call me the “Mustang Monarch,"
and also the ‘ Boss Buccaro,” or horse—breaker,
because I can subdue the wild free-range half.
breeds and mustangs, without:recourse to Co-
manche-like cruelty.

“ Even the dark-eyed senoritaS, who cast
ravishing glances at me, could never entice me
tramt m self-im mission, which I consider
a t u y

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owe to a much—abused and noble part‘  A

 

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' Bun a 6 go in
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5 ‘hshad been at El
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Blanca “Bill, the Mustang Monarch. 3

 

of creation. An influence has been given me,
and I will cultivate the gift regardless of all al-
lurements. I

“ Ha] ha! old pard! I reckon on do not
think there is any real dancer 0 my losing
sight of my object in life, while I remain in
these wilds? From appearances ahead, and
from the re rts that ave been circulated in
San Miguc , I judge that possibly I may be
called up to subdue some war- intcd savages,
in place of mustangs; or that may run into a
part of little less savage white men.

“ he mountain roamers are a rougher set I
am told, than I have yet met, even on the Rio
Grande' but I rather doubt that. However,
Black Hawk, I believe you and I are capable of
taking care of ourselves. One thing is certain——
there is no danger, in these scenes, of my bein
fascinated by the bright eyes of some beautifu
female. although I am of a susce tible age, and
have a taste for the lovely in all t ings, animate
and inanimate.

“ Have no fears, Black Hawk, on that score.
There is no cause here for 'our jealousy, for
there are no Women ahead, un ess rha 3 some
hideous Apache squaws, and I sincere y hope
none of those.

“But, look ahead, my noble steed! There is
as grand a sight as ever human eye beheld, and
with the consciousness that cool water, rest, and
food await us at the base of yonder rocky range
we can en by such a gor eous vista.”

Thus B nco Bill tal ed to his four-footed
pard, the animal seeming to en'oy hearing the
sound of its master’s veice, an to know that
the words were addressed to it; for every time
its name was mentioned, Black Hawk tossed his
head roudly the thick and glossy mane flowing
with he quick movements.

And man and horse gazed at the golden sky,
the dark peaks outlined against the same, and at
the green, cool shades below, which promised a
quiet, safe and agreeable camp for the coming
ni ht; which, however, was not to pass so peace-
fu ly and leasantly as the young man’s words
indicated 6 anticipated.

Had he been told that, although he had ex-
pressed his 0 inion to the effect that there could
not possibly any white woman in that wild
region, there was a most beautiful maiden up
the range, galloping down the same, but many
miles away—had he been told this, and all that
was to follow, he would have pronounced his in-
former insane, or an idiot.

But Blanco Bill was destined to “meet his
fate ”—a stran e and checkered one.

On, at a gent pace, rode the Mustang Mon-
arch, the wandering be from Blanco county,

Texas who had ' ed t 6 title of the champion
horse-breaker in is native State.
Soon after yo Williamson had disappeared

within . the pines hat stretched in a line across
the entrance to the great orge, and ing the
wall of verdure, encam upon the m of the
little stream, the head-waters of More river.

Black Hawk was divested of equipments, the
horse drinking with avidity of the cool waters;
and then, after rolling u n the green sward, he
proceeded to tear the rich grass from the sod
with keen gusto. The Mustang Monarch start-
ed a small fire, prepared coffee, and partook. of
his frugal prairie meal; all his belongings bein
kept at hand, ready to clutch at the instant o
alarm' although, after inspecting the _
bed of the orge, he decided that no enemies
were within be same. . _ .

Had he cast a glance over the prairie, on his
back trail before entering the pines, the young
man would have discovered afar of! a sight that
would have caused him to seek a more retired
place to camp.

This was an immense herd of horses, gallop-
in wildly toward the gorge, with full a score of

' 'nous—loo men, rid’ in the rear, on
each side, and a of the rd, keeping the
animals to ther.

Some of hose men, it was evident, were white
outlaws of the most desperate character. The
remainder were low-brewed, snake-eyed Mes-
tizos or half-breeds—men of mixed Mexican
and lndian blood—who, it in the paint and ear
of war used by Apache braVes, would have a
“gen I"; gelong to that tribe. the

n, a urious speed, over grassy rairie,
sped the white and ellow desgeradoesfiia '

at least a hundred orses in t e herd, anima

I ‘ .Which had probably been stolen.

On, their black 9 es fixed 11 n the entrance
ed, unt' within a mile of
the same: t en he herd was halted, while two
of their number spurred on ahead, to inspect
the , or act as spies. .
._ eir manner, as well as from their
hich were murderously vengeful, one
ve decided on the instant that they not

   
 
  

X only ore aware of the presence of the Boss

Bu , but were bent upon his murder.
the MustanéeMonai-ch knew not that he
enemy in world.

 

I CHAPTER III.
GRANDE GEORGE.
nee of
e Rockies
on t

Grande, and directlyacroes the Bravo

Mexican side of .

 

from the town of Franklin. He had crossed the
river for the purpose of viewing the ancient
Mexican town; and, as he did not understand
the S anish language, he had rather a lonely
walk 8)!“ some time, although there were many
interesting sights to be seen.

However, he was fortunate enough to meet
an American, like himself from Texas, who was
conversant with the language and customs of
the people, and the two soon became well ac-
quainte .

Our young friend had noticed that there was
considerable excitement among the citizens, and
he was not obliged to inquire of his new-found
friend the cause; for the latter almost immedi-
ately invited him to accompany him to what
was considered a ver rare entertainment. That
is, the taming of wil horses.

The Texan complained that a Spaniard re-
cently arrived in l Paso, had announced pub-
licly that he could subdue and tame the very
wildest mustangs. As the Greasers are, them-
selves, generally very expert horse—breakers, in
their way, it seemed absurd for a professional
in that line to expect to win either renown or
dollars. But the are exceedin 1y su rsti—
tious: and Senor onaldino Chri obal, ' ow-
ing this, had so worded his bombastic announce-
ment as to insure himself arespectable audience,
in int of numbers.

he Texan stranger had introduced himself
as Grande George, a Fort Davis scout who was
known and hated by the lawless Mexicans, who
frequently made predatory incursions into the
Lone Star State. On that account the scout
was new and at all times, on the alert.

When e informed Blanco Bill of the possible
dan ers ahead, the latter had given a careless
laugD; and the scout inquired:

‘ id yer git ’cross the 'drink wi’ yer shooters,
mm, that or ’pears ter be so danng keerless

ut hevin a circus wi’ ther Greasei‘s?”

“ I rather think I did,” was the reply with a
significant smile. “ You don’t suppose I would
venture over the Bravo without arms?

“I stuck a ‘six’ in each boot-leg and my
bowie down the back of my neck before I met
the guard. That’s the reason I walk so slow.”

“Do -gone me ef yer ain’tu to snuff, pardl
But w o, in the name o’Croc ett, air yer? I
never heerd ther name 0’ Blanco Bill afore es I
knows on.” ,

“The boys generally call me the Mustang
Monarch,” was the met reply.

“Great snakes! or doesn’t slay so? Why,
I’m all knocked up a standin’. yer wo’uns
air takin’ in a hoss-show, a Greaser one et that;
an’ eou the boss boas—civilizer 0’ Texas!

“ ang ef I don’t smell fun ahead! I’ve heerd
’bout yer doin’s at San Antone an’ I’m cussed
glad ter hev runned ag’in’ er. Vhat (1’ er say,
pard—ain’t yer goin’ ter 3 ow ther yal er-bel y
yer knows more ’bout nags than fourteen hun-
dred and fort -four 0’ his sort?”

Blanco Bill aughed heartily, as he re lied:

“I had no idea of meeting a riv in mg
chosen profession, pard George; but I’m In ,
all the same, to have the opportunity. If t ere
is a chance open, I don’t mind 'ving the audi-
ence a ' irnen of my skill. ughfierhaps he
has ran the inclosure, and I ' have no
right in the arena.”

‘ I’ll find out,” said Grande Geo ; “ an’ an
way I kin slip a doubloon in Pe ro Garcias
y or w, an make hit hunk fer yer. Ef we

ts in r a risk racket, we’ll jump a pair 0’

er nags, an’ a lo fer ther Grande. Air thet
a whac , pard ill?’

“I’m agreeable; but we mustn’t take the
horses across the river. I have no desire to
fi as a horse-thief, especially in a country
w ere it is considered a more heinous crime to
steal a domestic animal than to break up a do-
mestic circle, by shooting down the father of a
famil . We must remember that.”

“ t’s all hunk, pard; though hit ’u’d be a
feather in yer ca ter run a hull herd over
t’ether side. But er we-’uns air, an‘ thar’s a
heap o’ humans pac ed in, ter gaze et ther king
boss-fl 0’ South ’Merica.

“Gl de in ahindt me, an’ don’t be bashful;
though I sees ther senior-caters air gazin’ et yer,
right smart. Thar’s a big flicker an’ flutter
’mong ther caliker my gentle Mustang Mon-
arch, an' don’t yer ergit hit.”

Blanco Bill did not hear the last words uttered
by the scout, for his eyes and mind were fully
occupied with the scene before him.

The inclosure was of considerable extent,
formed like a corral the posts being some
twelve feet in hight. The seats were arranged
after the manner of an amphitheater, the bar-
rier of the arena being abou five feet high.

The arena itself was fully thirty yards in di-
ameter, and covered thinly with sand; neither
man nor animal being inside when our two
friends arrived. The seats, however, were
nearly all filled with Mexicans of both sexes;
and many an eye flashed with hatred and fury,
when they caught sight of the hated Americanos.

A party of Greasers were playing upon musi-
cal instruments, but their attempts at harmony
were far from pleasing to the ear.

As it happened the Texans ined seats just
as, with a grand flourish of nd instruments
the self-styled “Champion Horse Educator of

 

 

South America” sprung from the gates of the
bull- n, on one side of the arena, into the same;
and wing to the earth, in acknowledgment
of the loud virus, strutted, with a long whip in
hand, around the sanded circle.

Senor Ronaldino Christobal was about five
feet seven inches in hight of strong and sinewy
build, and extremely quick of movement. He
was, it was quite apparent, of an excessively
nervous temperament.

His hair and eyes were black, the latter being
cunning and treacherous in expression. His
face was ghastly in color being more corpse-
like from the contrast With its framework of
long black hair, which hung straight over his
shoulders, like that of an Indian. And the
black mustache and oatee, both of which wu‘e
long, and waxed to s arp-pointed ends.

Both our friends Were unfavorany impressed
by the champion at first sight, and pronounced
him a designing fraud.

“Jist ther galoot I’d like ormighty well ter
see yer make wilt inter his butes,” whispered
Grande George. “But I‘m goin’ ter hunt arter
Pedro Garcia. I’ll see yer later, pard.”

lVith these words the scout disappeared, going
toward the. entrance.

Soon, with a grand flourish, two mustangs
were let into the arena, and several of the cham-

ion’s attendants, all Greasers, bounded in,
lhssoes in hand.

A mustang was uickly brought to earth when
at full d butt e actions 0 Christohal after-
ward, ti led Blanco Bill with contempt and in-
di ation.

e sprung u n the head of the rostrate
beast, inserted is fingers in its mout , and at
once inclosed the lower jaw in a slip-noose of
rawhide ropchthe jaw—strap used {by the In—
dians. Then every lasso was detach from the
animal by the attendants, and the mustang

rung to its feet, the champion at the same
time bounding u n its back.

For a moment he animal stood as if paralyzed.
Then, quivering in every nerve, it sprung high
in air, giving as many as a dozen leaps up and
down, while the cruel whip of its rider lashed its
hams continuously. Then around the area go 1-
loped the afi'righted beast at terrific .eed, the
champion fyelling likea Comanche an lashing
it unmerci ully, until it was forced to sto from
fatigue and nervous prostraticn. Lou virus
391221 the air. Evidently the animal was sub-

u .

New this was no more than any raquero pres-
ent could have done, but it had been accent-

lished in so systematic a manner and with smh
heatrical display that the Mexicans could not
withhold their admiration. To the Mustang
Monarch however, it was a cruel exhibition.

The other animal was subdued in the same
manner and others followed. Then it was an-
nounced by a crier that two of the most vicious
horses procurable would be, one at a time, let
into the ring. These were to be broken in with—
out assistance from the attendants.

Blanco Bill watched each motion of Senor
Christobal, and noticed that he changed his
whip for one of heavier stock and shorter in
len h. This he held in handb the middle of
the target portion of the stock, olding the lash
behind im.

At this moment Grande George joined his
friend, and whi red: .

“Hit’s all hun , my festive Mustang King.
I’ve rented ther hull outfit from this on, in your
name, an’ paid fer hit. Pedro knows this cuss
air a second-class fraud; ’sides thet, he doesii’t

y nothin’. Ef thar’s any show ter 've ther
Sguth ’Meriky galoot away, lungs rig t in, in’
I’m ready ter back yer wi six an’ bowie.”

“Thanks,” returned Bill; “I believe he’s go-
ing to play a trick, that it will be stra to
me if many do not detect it. If not, I'll s ow

him up, just for fun. Watch that whi of his!”
Barely had these words passed the s of the
Mustang Monarch, when out from gate

sprung a magnificent black mustang stallion, its
eyes b azing, its forefeet in the air, and walking
upon its hind hoofs directly toward Senor
Bonaldino Christobal. -

No more terrible and dangerous animals
could have been brought into that arena; The
champion stood firm, awaiting the shock; or. as
many believed, awaiting his death. One blow

from those terrible heofs would crush him, a...

mangled corpse, to earth; there to be stampul
into a shapeless mass!

But, cool and calm stood Senor Christohal,
until it seemed that but an instant was between
him and a terrible death. Then, up went the
butt of his whip, b a. lightning-like movement;
being held for an nstant stationary, at the very
nostrils of the frantic beast. r

The audience sprun to their feet in horror,
but the next mornent lled the air with virus, in
relief, admiration, and astonishment.

And why!

For a very good reason.

The furious mustang stallion had instantly

sunk to a natural position, seemingly at tho '

order of the champion: its fiery eyes became
bereft of vengeful fiereenass. and it walked list-
less! along, led by the fore-lock by Senor Chris.
toba , who proudly stal red around the arena
once, and then, as if eager to cstenish his audi-

 

 

 

4:

ence again, and insure his success and renown
in that region, he relinquished the listless steed
to an assmtant at the fgate, and then, with a
strut, and a flourish 0 his arms in vaunting
estures, ordered the wild prairie equine into

e arena.

‘ On the instant that the manner and position
of the black mustang had been so suddenly
chan ed, Blanco Bill uttered an exclamation
whic indicated that that which had occurred
was exactly as he had anticipated. Then he
said in a low voice:

“l’ard Geor e, I suppose you saw through
that trick! ow I am ready for biz, on t e
jum , when I see an o nin .”

“ see’d nothin’ ’ceptin’ t et ther white-faced
cuss wi’ ther black ha r did aormighty bi thing
an’ saved his brain-box from bein’ smas ed b
ther wile boss’s hufl‘s; though I couldn't tell,
sw’ar how ’twas did."

“I’ show you, George, and I’ll show this
whole audience too, directly. Watch and wait,
pardl”

 

CHAPTER IV.
VICTORY AND FLIGHT.

As Blanco Bill spoke, the gates of the bull-pen
flew open, and then followed a shriek like the
last outcry of a lost soul—a shriek of such
agony and dread as to curdle the blood in one’s
veins.

All sprung to their feet once more, as from
the gates, dashed a wild-eyed, furious, and sav-
age mustang, of most powerful build; holding
fast in its jaws the mangled form of a man
which the beast shook furiously, as a dog would
a rat!

The man’s skull had been crushed by the hoofs
of the maddened mustan , the brains and blood
covering the corpse and t 8 animal; the gore in
stron contrast to the ink black coat of the
frantic steed, which foam at the mouth, white
flecks flying over its glossy coat amid the blood-
splashes, resenting a most horrible picture!

Instant , however, upon entering the arena,
as the audience gave vent to their horror in one
simultaneous groan that was half 8. cl], the
horse dropped its Victim, and sprung orward,
with blood and foam dripping from its wide
open 'aws, and then reared upward. But, be-
fore t e furious animal reached that point in
the barrier to which it had started, a piercing
shriek again cut the air' and the a palled audi-
ence beheld a beautiful little gir , some seven
years of age—evidentl of Castilian paren e,
and of wealth and ran --fall headlong over e
barrier into the arena; while, the next moment,

with a scream of fury that was terrific to hear, '

the wild stallion reared within six feet of the
rostrate and fear-paralyzed child, as if about
crush her beneath its hoofsl

The vast throng ain arose quickly to their
feet with prayerful ejaculations and loud cries
of horror.

The moment had arrived for the Mustang
Monarch to act.

Casting aside his sombrero, in one mad bound
he cleared the barrier into the arena, landin
directlv betwaen the blood and foam smear
ii rear g stallion and its angelic victim—the
c ild who seemed doomed, inev1tably, to a fear-
ful death!

The next moment, the little one was clutched
by the young Texan, and up to her hor-
ror-stricken and shriekinglparents, in safet .

Then Blanco Bill facedt emaddenedm ng
that, standing almost straight upon its hind
legs, cut the air with electric-like velocity with
its fore hoofs; the same barely clearing the calm
and fearless face of the young man, who with
arms folded across his breast, gazed straight in-
to the eyes of the wild horse.

It was an imposing, an impressive scene!

The vivas that sprun from the crowd, upon
witnessing this daring eed, were simply deaf-

.emn .

 attention was centered upon the brave,
handsome, and athletic Americano, who, all be-
lieved had sacrificed his life to save the angelic
child which had been recognized as the daugh-
ter of an old Castilian don.

None believed that the young stra or could

‘ 'bly save himself from a most terri 1e death

Senor Christobal had been, at first, filled with
the most ab' terror, as he saw that one of his
attendants been crushed and mangled to
death by the mustang; then, as he realized that
he himself was safe, and the young girl was safe
throu h the exertions of the American, he felt a
most ntense relief which changed suddenly to
a fiendish rage. His hand clutched at his knife,
through the murderous jealousy that ruled him;

but. believing that the man who had thus drawn

all attention from him, was doomed, the self-
styled Champion Horse Educator of. South
.America stood in his tracks, and awaited de-
velopments. And, not long had he to wait.

The stallion, to the amazement and furious
rage of Christobal, and the relief and wonder of
the audience sunk slowly to a natural pomtion,
and then walked ently u beside the hero.

The face of stoba was contorted in a
f ' htful manner. He foamed at the mouth,

gnashed his white teeth, from which his lips
curled away, like those of a wild beast.

Loud viva: for the Americana filled the air,

 

Blanco Bill, the Mustang MOnarch.

from fresh red lips as well as from bearded
mouths; torturin the cham ion of the arena
almost beyond en urance. ut his fury was as
nothing to the frantic madness that uickly fol-
lowed; creating a thirst for blood t t would
never grow less until the hated rival, who had
[:0 léumiliated him, lay mangled and dead at his
ee !

'What had caused this!

Nau ht else than the bounding of Blanco Bill
from t e back of the subdued mustang to the
side of Christobal and the snatching of the
wlfip from his han .

olding this high and walking around the
arena, the young exan at times touched a
sprinf in the stock, which caused a spra of
liqui to fly through the air from the butt 0 the
im lement.

nto the ring ran a dog, and the Mustang
Monarch, pointin the whip close to the ani-
mal’s nose, gave t e firing a touch. The dog’s
ener seemed sudde y to have been banished,
and it staggered alon with drooping head.

Gazingl significanty around the audience,
which 0 eered loudly, the yo Texan tossed
the whip to the Castilian whose ittle daughter
he had saved.

Instantly a heavy purse of gold fell at his

eet.

This be tossed back to the old gentleman, with
a graceful wave of his hand, in adieu; and
throwing a kiss at the little one so lately rescued
from a fearful death, Blanco Bill turned about,
hearing the voice of Grande rge:

“Come on, my festive Mustang Monarch!”

elled the scout. “Come on, or be carved by
reaser knives!”

And none too soon came this warning.

Our two friends, with revolvers in hand
blazing right and left, but not to kill, cleared
their way through the midst of the villains who
had' rallied at the side of Senor Christobal, pre—
pared to cut the Texans to pieces.

Bounding upon the first pair of horses that
the reached, the two young men galloped to
an crossed the Rio Grande; leaving the ani-
mals with some friendly Mexicans, who were
paid to return them.

And thus, as Blanco Bill believed, ended his
experiences connected wit-h El Paso; for, al-
though the Champion of South America sent
him word that he would have his life—that re-
venge should be his to the death—yet the brave
young1 Texan gave the m e no second

he g t, and the next day e good—by to
Grande George, proceeding north in the direc-
tion of the Rocky Mountains. But, unsuspected
by him, his trail was followed by a band of out-
law assassins, in the y of and led by Senor
Ronaldino Christoba , the Champion Horse
Breaker of South America.

CHAPTER V.
THE OUTLAWS ON THE TRAIL.

Tm: excitement at the arena on the outskirts
of El Paso, after the rape? flight of the Mustang
Monarch and Grande rge, was intense.

Those who had rushed to the assistance of
Christobal were the followers, or employees, of
the latter, and those of the audience who had
hoped somethin would occur to favor an assault
by them on the ted Americanos. Many Mexi-
can “ rustlers,” or cattle-thieves, were present
who had good cause to wish Grande Geor e un-
der the sod. Therefore, without consi ering
the injustice of their actions, or the fact that the
stran e young Texan had ex the South
Ame can as a fraud, many rus ed with cuchil—
leis in hand, to hack the detested Americans in

eces.

p The prompt action and rapid flight of our two
friends however, saved the lives of both, and
then left behind not a few who were marked by
their well-aimed bullets, although none of the
Greasers had received serious wounds—Blanco
Bill having requested the scout to notkill a single
man, but aim to wound li htly. .

Senor Christobal ac more hke a raving
maniac than a sane being.

He at first believed that he was doomed, that
the ex re of his trick b the Texan, whose
marve ous influence over t 6 last wild steed,
which had so nearly ca a second awful
tragedy had filled him with wonder, would
cause the Mexicans present to mob him. He
was, therefore, exceedinsg‘l‘y relieved and grati-
fied u n receiving est-ii nce when he .had ex-
pec assault.

When he saw that the two young men had
appropriated horses to escape from them, he
was intensely re oiced, for this gave him an ex-
cuse to follow 1: em over the river and shoot
them down on si ht. .

Well did Ch bal know that he was ruined
professionally in Mexico,_ that no lon or could

6 put forward his boasting claims. 9 foam-
ed at the mouth as this conviction was forced
upon him. He felt sure that even the Greaser
outlaws, who had rushed forward to slay the
Americans, w‘ould, after the excitement was
oVer, sneer at and detest him, if not seek his
life. It was not a pleasant outlook.

He had seen the stran er Texan toss the tell-
tale whip up to the old astilian. He knew that

 

} the latter was very wealthy and influential—iii

fact, high in the confidence of the Government;

 

fl"

and from the fact that the American had res-
cued the child at the risk of his life, the father
would, from gratitude, exhibit a friendship
which would be enmity to himself.

From such reasoning, the ex-champion decid-
ed that it was not safe for him to remain in El
Paso; and he quickly got together his followers
ordered them to sadd e up, and he would lea
them to a safe place, he being careful in im-
pressing them with the fact that the lives of all
were in den er if they remained.

Christobaf, having used trickery himself, be—
lieved that this American was also a fraud, and
realized the necessity of convincing his ignorant
Mexicans of this, as their naturally supersti-
tious natures mi ht lead them to believe that
the. young man ad owers iven him by the
EVll Que. This wou (1 put t em in such fear
that it would be impossible to enga e them to
hunt his rival to the death, as he ha fully de-
termined to do.

Senor Ronaldino Christobal was natural] of
a tigerish disposition, and his hatred o the
American who had exposed and humiliated him
ruled his whole being; causing him to banish all
else from his depraved mind except the longing
for the revenge which he swore by all the saints
in the calendar should be his sooner or later.

He had not the slightest doubt as to his suc—
ceeding in his designs, as he was well supplied
with mone , which had been gained in his tour
through exico; and more from the poor de-
luded ignoramuses who believed in his wer to
heal the sick, than from his profits in t e arena.

To plan was to act with this South Ameri-
can adventurer.
for a he lf score of disreputable cut-throats, who
had been in his employ since he had exhibited at
Chihuahua—nearly a1 being Mestizos, or half~
breeds—he galloped from the scene of his expo—
sure and disgrace, into El Paso. There he se—
cured his old and most easily transported effects
and with is gang at once left the town; pro-
ceeding u the bank of the Rio Grande for some
miles, an then encam ing in the chnparral.

Upon being establis ed in this camp, the mis.
creant at once dispatched one of his men, as a
spy, over the river, to watch the movements of
t e hated Texans whom he had sworn to kill-
and to report at once when they left the town of
Franklin, and also as to the trail they had taken.
For the infuriated villain had still sense enough

left to know that it would be im ossible for him ,

to accomplish his wish until af r his intend-
ed victims left the Texan cit .

This spy having dep , Christobal bribed
two more of his ollowers to return to El Paso,
and en ge ten of the most desperate and daring .
horse-t ieves they could find; telling his men
openly that he intended to combine profit ,with
revenge, and steal alarge herd of horses from the
Americans before returning to Mexican soil.

At this announcement the low-brqwed, treach-
erous-lookin Greasers were jubilant, and rent _
the air wit their rejoicing; becoming more
beisterous as Christobal gave to the two Mexi—
cans who were to return to El Paso sufficient
money to purchase a score of revolvers with the
ncc . ammunition; these to be d stributed

ually upon their return if successful in their _

mission.

These arrangements having been made the
South American announced that he was a
visa born, and had unlimited credit in anly 1a;- a
city of Mexico, being of noble birth. his, fie
knew, would insure him the re t and obe.
dience of the ignorant men whom e was'deter-
mined to use in accomgisbiizf his p ; for,
since he had had time pon er upon t e sudden
change in his fortunes and prospects, he had
somewhat altered his plans.

Had he merely wished to slay the hated Amer-
ican who had foiled him, it would not have been
necessary for him to have engaged such a num-
ber of followers.

His new idea was to ca ture the Texan buc-" ,-
a betrayal of his ,

care, and torture him in
secret influence over wild horses.

Christobal was uzzled as to thendture of this ‘

influence, as well e might be; but, he felt posi.
two that there was some jugglery about it, the
nature of which be determined to know, and to '
become of. He would force the Ameri.
can to reveal his secret, and then slay his hated
rival, thus regaining his lost restige, and indeed
becoming far more celebra than ever, and
with untold gold at his command.

With the wer, so mysterious of this Ameri.\
can, he wou d be the monarch of the horse king.

le of the Spanish-American repub ics.

pe'I‘Eese thoughts and conclusions tended to make
Christobal feel less discouraged and more
ful; but it did not lessen his thirst for revenge
which would continue just as intense and ungov’l

dom, as well as ruler among all the sugerstitious . '

ernable, even after he should have forced the .

secret from his intended victim.

There was not one spark of gratitude in‘his \'

base heart toward the brave oun stra er v .
though be well knew. his riva co (1 havnegeifsfifr
rushed behind him in the arena, and thus 1e t

eru— '

hopc- ‘ .

Indeed he felt the necessity.:

3
a!

l



him to be trampled and crushed by the infuriatL I

ed mustanfi.\ , ,
The nig t passed, the two Greasers returnin '
before the sun arose from El Paso with not only "
the revolvers and ammunition, but the full hum?

‘ 

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' they failed to observe at what

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. “,1  its  ‘ », ,”\-I‘-?,-.-., "l  V   v ," , ‘
Blanoo ‘Bill, the Mustang Monarch.

 

 

‘ber of ruflianly border thieves and marauders;
some of whom, to the surprise of Christobal and
those of his men in camp, were Texans.

These explained that the were outlaws—that
they could not traverse t 9 north Side of the
Rio Grande except at the risk of life; and that
the had, by crimes committed, forfeited all
Tiar ts of citizenship in the United States.

[boy were without either arms or means, and
were anxious to join any part for ant); object.
After the Peruvian ascertainc that t cg were
well acquainted with the trails of how chico
and Texas—being fatisfied that they had given
a correct account of themselves, as their con-
diLion went far to prove— he engaged them at
once.

Horses, arms and equi ments were distribut-
cd and put in order; an , before night, the spy
from Franklin returned with the information
that the American who had so excited the
hatred of his employer, had left town, proceed-
:ing toward Santa Fe; while the Texan scout,
who had been in his company, still remained in
Franklin.

Christobal was rejoiced.

All was as it should be.

He cared little for the Texan, although he
took pains not to betray this fact to those of his
followers who thirsted for the blood of Grande
George. He resolved at once to cross the river
and start on the trail, assuring his men, who
were interested in the killing of the scout, that
the latter would undoubtedly soon follow his
pard and fall into their power.

Upon their return they would seek for and
slag the object of their hats
an

but they must now
at once, make sure of

the man who had

’i 7; crossed the Rio Grande on purpose to break up

the horse—show, and who had been the means of
woundin so many of them. Not a few of the
band ha had their flesh torn b bullets, and
were eager for revenge on one, if t y could not
secure both of the Gringos.

.Food was procured, each man packing several
da 5’ rations in his buckskin saddle-bags; while
a arge uantity of dried beef corn, coffee,
sugar, an the inevitable Chile of the Mexican,
was packed upon two mules which were takenin
the lead.

Thus the newly or anined band of outlaws
made ready, crossed t 6 river and proceeded on
the Santa e trail; but, as has been seen, Blanco
Bill, upon Black Hawk, reachsd San Miguel,
and proceeded up the east base of the Rocky
Mountains, in place of the west to Santa Fe, be-
fore bein overtaken by Christcbal and his cut-
throat fo owers.

However, the latter did not lose the trail, but
kept on toward the head of More river, as had
been stated; for the herd of horses, being driven
in the direction of the young Texan’s camp b a
band of desperate-looking men. were none 0 er
than Christobal and his followers. All were
doubl infuriated at having failed to ever-
take eir intended victim; having been obliged
to travel man days beneath a burnin sun.

Doubtless a would have turned bac and left
their leader to seek his revenge alone, had they1

- - not met a small part of Apaches who had wit

them a large herd o stolen horses. These ani-
mals were captured by the outlaws, and all the
Indians slain, except one, who escaped to the
mountains.

The miscreants were fated to realize that the ,

escaped that lone brave would rove to be a
mac regretted occurrence. In eed, althou b
they re the warrior in question no thong t

after shad disappeared from their view, they S

were, in the near future, doomed to recall his

escape, and its dread import to themselves.

CHAPTER VI.
A‘l' BAY. o
Tan band of outlaws soon knew that the in
they had so long followed, had turned up the
eastern, instead of the western side of the range.
One of their number had traced him to San
Miguel, and for some distance beyond it, and,

 

rejoining the band, they all hastened on the

ail. ,

Owing to the gloom near the range at sunset,
int their intend-
ed victim had encamped: but t 6 thin column-of
smoke, from his campfire, had revealed to them

his esence.
C ristcbal was insanely exultant. He ve
' out a liberal drink of mom) to each of the d

‘and then dispatched two of his men, to ascer.
, tain if the American was aware of the presence
of their party. .
Blanca Bil bad no idea that it was
for any danger to threaten him from _t e back
36?“ He Ihadfnot once 100111:st behilnd lum.
, uent . a ter enjoying ' ruga supper

I be secured lack Hawk near the camp, an
‘ threw himself upon his blankets for repose;
habe spread his “lay-out” for the mght on
' the so t carpet

as well as sheltered from the bright moon.
Totally unconscious of the deadly dangers
that threatened him, the Mustang Monarch fell
into a deep sleep.
ies had not

as chosen by their leader

 

the other a half-breed, and they hated each
other like rattlesnakes.

l with the object of robbery; and the darkness

I and their excitement in being so startled by Black

It so hapypened, that the rogramme made out 9 Hawk, and then falling over him, had crushed

bKIChristo al was to be c anged to a consider-
0.

them to such an extent that they knew not, in

e extent—in fact, to such an extent as to in— I the i'cugh and tumble struggle, who it was they

furiate him and all his gan —for they did not
wish to venture further up t e range, although
all were ignorant of any ranch or town in that
vicinity.

Both of the spies dismounted, secured their
horses, and approached the base of the range;
taking advantage of every bowlder or thicket,
to shield themselves from view. There was a
rivalry between the two worthies, as to which
would first discover the man of whom they were
in search. Neither, however, betrayed this to
the other; for not a word was spoken between
them.

They had orders not to venture so near the
American as to betray their presence. Each

drew his knife, ready for defense, proving that '

they were not sure the might not themselves
be surprised, in lace 0 being able to approach
the camp of the one traveler without being dis-
covered by him.

They also slipped their revolvers around to
their front, rea y for instant use. Both, it was
evident, entertained the idea that the man they
were seeking was one to be feared—one who, if
he detected their approach, would not hesitate
to shoot them down at once.

Soon the scent of tobacco-smoke cautioned
the skulkers to proceed with more caution; and
they fell upon their knees, crawling forward,
their knife-blades being held tightl between
their teeth. Thus they passed throu the wall-
like growth of pines, which stretch across the
mouth of the get e.

Peeping throug the foliage, the spies discov-

red t 6 lack horse quietly feedin , the manner
of the animal proving that he ha nearly satis-
fied his hun er, and would undoubtedly be
alarmed at t e slightest noise, thus awakening
his master,- should the latter be aslee . J udgin
that the owner of such a valuable ast woul
not be far removed from him, the miscreants
crawled toward the ines, beneath which he was
then sleeping; but B ck Hawk, as it happened
just then concluded to take advantage also 0
the soft carpet made by the pine needles.

As the hoofs of the horse made no sound, he
had reached a point beyond where his master
lag, before the spies gained a position from
w ich they could inspect the border of the matte
nearest to the clear portion of the gorge. They
had not heard the animal, as Black Hawk stood
silent and motionless after gaining his position;
and it was quite dark beneath the pines. They,
therefore, failed to observe the horse, that was
directly in their path.

The consequence was, that they were a lied
by}. a terrific snort, and the bounding 0 lack

wk, crashing through the branches, and di-
rectly u n them.

With lf-suppressed cries of fright and alarm,
both zprung to their feet, and rushed forward
town the moonli ht, di'cadin the darkness,
which might conceal their inten ed victim, who
had it in his power now to turn the tables on

them.

At the snort of his horse, Blanco Bill, awoke,
and arose to a sitt' posture. He was greatly
bewildered, and mm 19 to understand, for some
moments, the nature of the sound that had
startled him from a deep sleep. He did not per-
ceive that his noble steed had been alarmed.
He only knew that danger threatened, and he
clutched at his knife and revolver. ,

Before, however, he had his wea us free
from their scabbards, there was a su den rush
through the pines, and two men with terrible
curses fell over him. Blanco  then saw
what had been intended.

The outlaws, also, realized their danger.

' nothin for each other they clutched
their knives, an struck out wildly.

The Mustan Monarch felt the cut of a blade
upon his shoul er and knew that only by slay-
ing his unknown oes could be hope to save his
life. With a superhuman effort, be sprung to
his feet—both outlaws clinging to him, and lung-
ing desperately on all sides with their knives.
The wonder was that he escaped.

But, with a grasp of iron, Blanco Bill twitched
the assassins back and forth, and hurled them
with terrific force against each other.

This manner of proceeding lasted but a mo-
ment or two. Then, as our young friend had no
chance to use his knife, his weapons having been

: dropped in the struggle, he drew both his an-

'ble ‘

of dead leaves within the shade f
. of the fragrant pines, and concealed from view,

tagonists quickly toward him, and then, with all
his strength hurled them out into the open
moorialight. They fell, with curses, upon the
SW8 .

The blood of Blanoo Bill was now up. Life
and death, be well knew, depended upon prompt
and vigorous action on his part.

He had been positive that some mistake had
been made—that he had been taken for some one

: else. He knew, as soon as he clutched his fees,

that they were not Indians. It was evident

also, that they had knives in their hands, and I
1 had used every endeavor to slay him; and that,
The two outlaws, who had been sent forward

without any caution as to inflicting wounds
upon each other.

~ i wi good judgment; for one was a Texan and ' They must, he thought, be bent upon murder,

 

were clutchin .
Quickly did these thoughts flash through the
' mind of the young Texan, and quick were his
motions. He stooped, and ran his hands over
the leafy carpet; fortunately laying hold of his
bewie and revolver at the same time.

The next instant, be bounded free of the ines,
and into the silvery moonlight, just as the race
of assassins regained their feet, and turned to
rush u n him. A single glance proved to
Blanco Bill that the men chore him Were of the
most depraved and desperate class; men, to
whom the life of a human being was no more
than that of a dog; and also, that they were

g thirsting for his blood.

The Greaser, with long knife in band, s rung
forward ahead of the outlaw Texan; the atter
drawing his revolver.

It was an impressive tableau.

The Mustang Monarch sprung out bold] , to
face the villainous pair of assassins, bot of
whom halted instantly at the unexpected a
pearance of the man they had believed to e
seeking safety7 in flight, beyond the pines.

“ Cara 'o!’ exclaimed the Mexican. Then,
with his ips curled away from his white teeth,
and his serpent-like eyes flashin , he snarled out
an oath, and darted forward- 8 clothing cov-
ered With blood, his sombrero gone, and his
long, black matted hair flying from his shoul-
ders with the force of his spring. Half-bent,
and panther-like, the Mestizo, With murder in
his eyes, bounded toward Blanco Bill.

The Texan outlaw followed close after.

Then, with a wild ort, out from the pines
dashed Black Hawk and leaped directly be—
tween the Texan and the Greaser; cutting off
the latter, and without doubt saving his mas-
ter’s life. The white outlaw had already pre
sented his revolver, to shoot Blanco Bill down,
while his Mexican pard alone held the young
man’s attention.

It was a critical moment for the “ Boss Buc-

. care,” but he was equal to the situation.

Scorm'ng to use his revolver, as the half-breed
had not drawn his six-shooter, the young Texan
sprung to meet his ellow-skinned foe. Then
followed a lightning-hke play of steel, while the
noble black steed acted as a barrier against the
advance of the murderous outlaw—a barrier,
however, which could but for a moment or two
prevent the latter from assisting his swarthy \
comrade.

The attempt was soon made, but Black Hawk
seemed to comprehend that the stran rs were
fees to his master, and shot his hind oofs out-
ward, striking but not heavily, the Texan out-
law u n the s oulder. With a fierce oath, the
kick miscreant fell to the earth.

clashing knives of the combatants; the bright
blades glinting in the silvery moonlight, Blanco
Bill bendin , and fixing his steadly  into the
eyes of his reaser opponent. A] t is time, Bill
knew what had occurred in the rear of the
Mexican; and felt that, at any instant, a bullet
might be planted in his brain b the Texan,
who had thus far been balked by lack Hawk.
Not a moment was to he lost.

The Mexican must die! '

Thus decided the young man, and by a nick
and powerful blow e broke the guard o the
Greaser, and then plunged his bowie, buck-horn
dee , into the breast of his fee.

I over his head ware thrown both hands of
the elf-breed, a gurgling cry came from his
lips, from which welled his life-current: then,
as the Mustang Monarch jerked his knife free
from the Greaser‘s breast, and an arch of blood
spurted forth, the yellow marauder fell, with a
heavy sound, dead upon the sward, his eighties
eyes fixed upon the star-studded heavens.

No sooner did the Mexican fall dead than Blan-

expression in his eyes. But, before our friend
could take aim, the sharp crack of the white out-
law’s weapon sounded; and with a whir, thebul-
let passed within an inch of his head. Scarcely,
howaver, had the echoes died awa when the fire
was returnedfiand, with an awfu {ell of agony
and dread, the remaining assassin
upon the bed of the gorge.

Just then, wild and vengeful yells sounded
from the plain beyond the wall of inc-s; and Bill
knew that the two miscreants he slain had
many comrades near, who were now hastening
to assist or. aven e them. The end was not yet.

His li e was still in at danger.

Flight he must ma e, and at once; and the

avenue of escape was u the g

eqmpped his noble beast, to which he had no
doubt he owed his life: patting the animal’s neck
and muzzle, and, speaking kind words to him.

 

'thedinand tumul

In a very short cc of time, the Mustang Mon-
arch wasready or fii ht; when, to his amaze-
ment, he heard the t under of a multitude of
hoofs, approaching at a terrific rate of —
theflerce yells of rash sounding high above all

Meanwhile, sparks of fire flew from the fast- ‘

to Bill ' rked his revolver; for he saw the Texan ,
bound esperately to his feet, with a murderous ‘

0’11; 0r??. ,
_ith quickness and dex rity, B anco Bill

w

ell, a corpse, L

 

 

 

Bewildered and amazed, not knowing how to

1 account for these sounds, but having no doubt

that the men who thus yelled were comrades of

the assassins he had just slain, the young man

urged his horse up the great gorge toward the
a * heart of the range, hoping to discover some
branch of the gulc , which would afford him an
;, opportunity to avoid his foes, who, he was forced
sf to decide, must be outlaws, who had observed
5 4 ' him on the plain When he approached the range.
3 Not for a moment did Blanco Bill entertain
3 any thought of his experience in the arena of El
11, I’aso; much less did he connect his recent assail-
‘ cuts with what had there taken place.
.‘ On, up the gorge, he gallopcd, until he came
: 1 near its head. All around him, except the way
i by which he had come, were towering rocky
i , / clitl‘s, insurmountable barriers to a horseman;
’1 and he felt that he must, then and there, stand
2 and fight to the death.
i I Drawing rein, he listened intently his a pre-
f, hensions deepening; for the dull rumble of loofs
' ' below still sounded, and seemed fast approach-
 in".
 The moon cast but little light down into the
' j dee gorge.
‘ B anco Bill felt that the great crisis of his life
was at hand.

lVas he to be shot like a dog, and then tram-

i
 . pled beneath the hoofs of the very animals to i

which he had devoted his life?
Such a fate seemed inevitable.
Certain it was, he was effectually “ corraled.”
-, Still, he sat Black Hawk, undaunted, and
i awaited developments; guiding the horse behind
' a spur of rock, and then drawmg his revolvers.

' CHAPTER VII.

- ' A rnssn COMPLICATION.

ABOUT the same time that Blanco Bill, upon
Black Hawk, entered the great gorge, ten miles
V ‘ south of Last Lay-out, and encamped there,
" , there might have been seen, nearly the same
7‘1,’ distance north of the mining town mentioned,
is ’ and proceeding slowly ale 7 the base of the
. range toward the south, 9. one female eques-
~4a trian.

fl " f It was a strange sight, on that wild frontier,

H at the base of the Rocky Mountains, more espe-
ciall as the female in question was a beauti ul
mai on of eighteen. But, from the girl’s man-
ner, one who saw her at this time would have
known that she had an escort; for she made
frequent halt, gazing keenly on all sides of the
range, besides calling out, in a silver voice,
but with considerable im tience in its ne:

“Ted! O-o-oh, Teddy cCarthy!”

No response came to the call.

Maid and mustang made up a most lovely
picture, one to chain the attention and hold
the admiration of the most senseless of dolts, to
say nothing of a person of sense and artistic

’ taste. The girl was small in stature, with well—
rounded form. Her features were Grecian in

, ‘ t pe, and her every movement, together with

f a. t 9 flash of her bright eyes and raven black

 a hair, roved that she was quick in thou ht and

»  act. t also indicated a fearlessness an a will
’ ' ‘ * power not often met with in one of her sex, es-
pecially at her age.

An abundance of glossy hair, black as mid-
night, hun free to the cantle of her saddle, but
prevented rom flaunting over her ears in front,
when at speed, or in the wind, by a cheery-col-

‘ cred ribbon, through which ran a. vine of old.

Her wide-brimmed felt hat was ecked
with prairie flowers and her costume consisted
of a black riding-habit, the tight-fitting ue
yaist of which revealed the perfection of or

oral. '

But the horse, which the young girl rode, was
even more remarkable than the four-footed pard
of the Mustang Monarch. This animal was of
the kind called in Texas, a “paint,” and in
Mexico, a “ pinto,” both words having the same
meaning—and, indeed one would think that the
beast had stampeded t rough a paint-shop.

Spots and splashes of white, black, sorrel,
and in fact every color ever seen upon a horse,
were matched upon the coat of this noble mus-
taoggilgaand, at a short distance away, one might
n

 

 

 w ( .._, _.  .i. . __ nus:
"f .1 ,, “A, .154. :»‘::w. -

he never before seen such an animal, to have
advanced the opinion that he had been fitted up
with close-fitting tights throughout, and those
made from a “ crazy quilt.”

In regard to build, the beast was a model of
beauty, and graceful in action. Its limbs were
slender and long, its neck the same, and with an
abundant and wavy mane. Both mane and tail
were black, which gave it a still more strange
and peculiar appearance.

A circus roprietor would have yelled with
delight, on beholding the animal we have en-
deavored to describe. ,

This beautiful wanderer of the Wilds was
Kathleen Jordan—called Katie by those whom
she honored with her friendship—and, to her
wh-prized steed, she had given the name of

co.

Herpresence at the Rocky Mountains, and her
obiect, will be explained as we pr .

Some distance in the rear of the horseman
was a diminutive burro, or donkey, which had
,1 nr, huge ears, that fla .ped listlessly, as if hung
t ithe animal’s h:a.! by inges. Considering the

 

ve been considered much of! the trail. had ‘

 

 

small size of the beast, its ears Were particularly
noticeable; in fact, one mi ht readi y believe it
to have been the veritable ackass described so
graphically by “ Josh Billings” in his peculiar
Natural History, as a “ bird that had wings upon
the side of its head.”

This burro had upon its back all the necessary
cooking utensils used by a small arty of rairie
campers, together with food, an extra c othing
and blankets. It stopped quite frequently to
graze, but kept an eye on the fair equestrian
ahead, and when the latter would ain some dis-
tance in advance, the burro won (1 fork 11 its
head, and trot along to a point near t le hce s of
“Calico,” when it would stop, and again begin
feeding.

Katie paid little attention to this small beast
of burden, seeming to be occupied wholl by a
close inspection of the range in search of ier es-
cort, she fr uently calling aloud, as has been
mentioned. e(llalico appeared to understand the
object of his fair mistress: for, every time she
thus summoned her wandering protector, the
horse would halt, and rick up its slender ears,
while it gazed along t 6 base of the range. It
would then arch its neck, and cast sweeping
glances up the side of the mountains.

Thus on went Katie Jordan, Calico, and the
burro, southward; while the shadows of the
peaks lengthened afar out over the eastern plain
and the golden sky to the west high over the ad-
amantine ran e grew less and less brilliant. At
length, as the arkened shades gave notice of the
near approach of night, the maiden seemed sud-
denly to realize with all its desolation and dan-
gers, her true position.

She gave a despairing look around, and her
eyes were blinded with tears; which, however,
she immediately dashed from her check. In a
little time, emotions of fear, such as she had
never before experienced, began to dart through
her mind; which, to a certain extent, she ex-
pressed aloud:

“ May Heaven protect me, and you too, Calico,
my pet; for we must camp to—iiight for the first
time without our devoted friend, Teddy. I fear
he is in dagger somewhere, or perhaps he has
been wound by wild beasts, or by those terri-
ble Indians, of whom I have heard so much, but
have always laughed at when my dear mother
strove to frighten me, and prevent my going on
my self-imposed mission.

‘ Surely the hearts of all at home in far-away
Scranton, would be tortured tonight, did they
know that I was riding alone and unprotected on
the wild frontier of America and mght coming

on!

“ Oh, Patsey Jordan! m wayward, wanderi
brother! Why did you cave those who lcv
you so, to go to the wild West, and, worse than
all, neglect to write to us? Surely he knew that
we all loved him dearly' but go he would, for
he was a willful and stubborn boy. Indeed, we
all are that—ever Jordan of us—as my present
position proves; or, in spite of all that could be
said and done to revent me, I would come to
seek for Patsey. nd, what a hopeless search it
seems!

“Often have I heard of him as flying from
one new ‘flnd,’ or di ing, to another; and I
fear it will be a fruit ess mission I have come
upon. My mother must have been right in say-
ing that I was a wild and strange girl from hav-
ing been born in the middle of the broad Atlantic
Ocean, my infant eyes opening upon the mad-
dened surf; for even here, surrounded by un-
known dangers, and alone, with night coming
on I feel lied with admiration for these mag-
nificent mountains with their dark, yawning
gulches, seams and chasms.

“But, dear me! if anything has happened to
that good old soul, Teddy McCarthy, whose de-
votion to me and mine alm0st surpasses belief
may I be forgiven! For it will be my fault ii
harm in any shape comes to him. How selfish I
have been! And then, what if my brother should
be dead?

“But, no; it cannot be! Patsey is not dead.
He lives, and I will find him. But now, Calico
you and I must camp. Yonder is a beautiful
place—a small cove in the side of the range, and
with a spring near, as I know by the greener
and more luxuriant grass and willows. Come,
Texas !' -——this was said in a lender voice to the
burro—“ you make sure of plenty of grass as
you lag along. Come on, and I will relieve you
of that load. You are a patient, uncomplaining
and most valuable servant.” .

Touching the flank of Calico lightly With her
spur, Katie Jordan guided the horse between two
mottes of pines into a grassegrown space in the
side of the range; towering cliffs, rough and
broken, being upon three sides, and the bases of
the same being lined with dense pines, the very
extreme of drea in appearance.

Straight up to a little spring of water .b _the
side of some willows dashed the young gir , her
horse eager to shake his thirst, and the burro
following, no less eager.

The pool of water was nearly reached—in-
deed but a few paces intervened between it
and the on ing Calico—when suddenly out
from the wil ows shot, with a snort of n at
the prick of a knife a half-wild steed, a ride of
which was a near y naked, paint-daubed and
feather-bedizcned Apache 1 rave!

 

it 'Blanco Bill. the Mustang Monarch“ 7 I" I; r 

The snake-like eyes of the savage glared ex—,

ultantly and gloatin 1y from between the bars
of white g psum an vermilion into the face of
K%tfilleen ulordai}. 1
6 rep sive ips parted as a sing e guttural
ejapIquation was grunted forth: I
h m

Calico halted instantly, with ears protruding
forward, e es bulging in fright, and limbs
planted sti and rigid, his hoofs sinking in the
soft sward with the force of the instantaneous
halt from headlong speed.

Few could have retained their seat in the sad-
dle, but the young girl sat firm; her rosy face»
losing every vestige of color, her eyes frozen, in
drea terror and repulsive horror, upon the
painted, fiendish Apache.

Her very lips were bloodless and arted, while
she clutched the bridle-reins light y, incapable
for the moment of movement or speech. In—
deed, she was breathless with dumi‘oundcd as-
tonishment and despairing dread.

Even Texas, the unimpressive burro, gazed in
something like amazement, his long ears gra-
dually becoming elevated, seemingly reluctant-
ly, until they were rigid, and pointed straight
Eloward the red warrior of the mountains an

anos. ,

CHAPTER VIII.
THE RIDE FOR LIFE.

THE Mustang Monarch was in a. most peculiar
and dangerous position.

This be fully realized.

Not that he felt any great apprehension, after
having discovered the favoring spur of rock, in
connection with the stazndpeding herd that were
coming at frantic spe up the gorge; but he
felt assured that some outlaw gang were speed-
ing fast after the animals.

he two assassins, he decided, belonged to this.
band, and had left, with the knowledge of the
others, for the purpose of slaying him, and
securing his horse, mone , and effects. His re—
volver-shots had warm the gang that the at-
tempted assassination had not been accomplished
as proposed—that the intended victim had been
alarmed, thus necessitatin the use of firearms.

The outlaws would not now that their com-
rades had met death until the reached the

int of the fight. Then, after t e stain ing

erd had tram led the corpses, the mang ed re-
mains would discovered in the bright moon—
light, and a murderous thirst for revenge would
be awakened in the breasts of the comrades of
the slain.

If the outlaws had seen him as he approached
the range, Blanco Bill reasoned, they had of
course taken notice of his remarkably magnifi—
cent steed, and Would know at once, by an ex-
itililnination of the pines, that he had escaped

em.

 

The horse and himself would be mi. th '
up 9

They woilld know that he had esca
gorge, as it would have been impossible for

1m to have made his way out upon the lain,
or up or down the base 0 the run e on orse-
back without bein observed; as t e advance
of the outlaws, an the stampede followed im~
mediater after the reports of the revolvers.

' In cons uence of this, the outlaws must
either be With the herd, or else had halted to
examine the vicinity of his camp. If the lat-
ter, they would undoubtedly soon follow the
herd; and, if any of them Were acquainted
with the gorge, they would know that they
had him in their power. In any event,~Blanco
Bill knew that he was in a most dangerous pre—
dicament, from which he saw no favorable way
of extricating himself. '

But his thou hts Were busy.

H8 resolved t at, if assailed b numbers, as he
had cod reasons for believin e would be, he
wouId sell his life dearly, the more than one of
the outlaws should bite the dust before his re-
volvers.

His mind being thus occupied. he awaited
the regress of events—the presence of the herd
of orses, with, and under the control of the
lawless men, being to him a myste

Nearer and nearer came

tinet y hear the wild snorts of the animals, and
the screams of agon from scme, as they were
Crowded, in the ma mob, against the rough
walls of the orge. There was no mistake in
regard to the erd being greatly terrified, and
bevoild all control of man.

u
leader}; of the herd were discovered by Bill,
who bent forward, and gazed around the rocky
spur, that romised him and his steed safety
from the mpede. Black Hawk’s ears‘were
pricked forward, his head held high, and his

eyes protruding: but the assurin Words and 31— 

a few moments passed, and then the.

17- -
the sounds of the
stem cde, until the young Texan could dis-,

fectionate caresses of his master ept the animal ,

from further manifestations of alarm.

Blanco Bill saw at once_ that the horses,
which composed the stampeding herd, were ani-
mals that had had free range on the plains.
Some of them bore saddlemarks, and nearly all
were marked and branded; but he knew that
those which had been held under the service of‘
man, and then allowed free range for any length
of time, were wilder than the average mustangs:

,

at”.   s

   

 

 

 

 

 

. (flaw—finals Amour»! 'm‘rm .- Maw,

 

 

w‘wsx. ‘xx «x

m «we

I

m Nvfilw~vn'r 37”” m—

"\

1...
an.

 

 

i fl A...

 

 

 

 

 

IV.

) 
l .

Blanco ‘Bill,

/’  ugh. ."j, ‘

" ~ '. f. ‘ ‘ ‘

I .

the Mustang Monarch.

I

 

 

 

that had never felt the rope, or the hand of man
upon them. _

It was a fearful sight in the dim hght of the
gor e, to behold that vast mass of snorting,
wilg-eyed, and foam-fiecked beasts, dashing
headlong toward the head of the gorge, where
that towering wall of rock would meet them!

The Mustang Monarch realized on the in-
stant, that the fright of the animals had par-
tially been dissipated, and also that they were
greatly fatigued, and might be stopped, or their
s essened to such an extent as to revent
many of them from being injured, or killed by
those in the rear forcing t em against the rocks.

The last of the her becoming visible, and
none of the outlaws being in view, Blanco Bill
at once urged Black Hawk out from behind the
spur of rock, and caused the horse to gallop
back and forth across the gorge; thus attract-
ing the attention of the leaders of the stampede,
and causing them to lessen speed. In fact, as it

roved, gradually causing the leaders to hold
Back against the animals in their rear, only,
however, to be again forced forward; and
Blanco Bill, to save himself and Black Hawk,
was forced to hasten to his former pos1tion, be-
hind the spur of rock.

The next moment, with snorts and shrieks, on,
like an avalanche, dashed the frenzied herd of
horses- some being crushed to death against the
wall of rock at the head of the gorge.

Checked thus, the others, the main portion of
the herd, became a vast whirlpool of brutes; af—
frighted doubly by the sounds from the maimed
horses at the base of the bluff.

Not until that moment, did a plan occur to
the young Texan, and one which he at once put
in o ration.

l ith encouraging Words, he urged his noble
black steed into the whirlpool of frenzied brutes;

' and, when within the middle of the mass, he

gave utterance to a series of whoops and yells,
that would have caused a Comanche to envy
him. The result was immediate, and as he had
desired.

The outer animals of the herd, on the side
0 posite to the head wall, at once bounded on
tge back trail, down the gorge, from whence
they had come. They were quickly followed by
the others; and, in a few moments the “ Mus-
tang Monarch” really seemed a most appropri-
ate title for the young man. For, moun
upon his superb steed he dashed headlong down
the gorge, surrounded by the terrified herd; all
going at terrific speed on a wild stain ie, that
no body of men could have stopped, Without loss
of life.

Looming up, above this mob of snorting

‘ steeds, was Black Hawk; while, yet higher was
, the proud and dauntless form of the Texan hero.

It was an easy matter for Black Hawk to
keep at even speed with the mad herd, and
there was little danger of his being inJured.
Blanco Bill no sooner gained the position de-
scribed, than he drew his revolvers, and With
one of these in cach hand—having cast the
bridle-reins over his saddle—horn—he cpt a keen
lookout ahead, expecting each moment to see
enemies approaching.

Nor Was he mistaken; for, not half the dis-
tance between the head of the entrance to the
gorge was poised, when, on ahead of the stam-

e, he perceived nearly a score of horsemen,
ast galloping up the huge chasm. _ '

But they instantly halted, upon discovering
the avalanche of animals, dashing headlon'lgfiin
an irresistible mass, down upon them. ey
instantly whirled their horses about, and sped
as if for lifw, indeed, it was—toward the
entrance of the gorge; all gazing over their
shoulders, in evident amazement, at beholdmg
the strange sight in their rear.

Blanco Bill had gained a sufficiently near
view, to enable him to see that his suspicmns
had been correct; for he decided, from appear-
ances, that the band of men ahead were a mur-
derous party of bandi nearly all Mexicans
and that the pair whom e had slain belonged
to them. Yet, not a suspicion did he entertain,
in regard to an of the hand holding animosity
toward himsel ; indeed, such an idea would
have seemed preposterous, had any one ad-
vanced it. .

Had he been near enough 1’0 have recognized
Senor Ronaldino Christobal, or.Capitan Christo-
bal, as he was now known to his cut-throat fol-
lowers, Blanco Bill would at once have under-
stood the situation; yet. it_ would have W1
improbable that the Peruvmii had followed him
Such a distance, to avenge his exposure of him
as a fraud. .

However, there is no doubt that Bill would—-
knowing the vindictive character of the Spanish-
Americans—have realized that he was in a_ much
more perilous position than that in which he
really did believe himself to be, as matters ex-
isted. That he had little chance to escape With
1|st he was confident; but this he Judged,
knowmgvthat the outlaws would risk much to

\ avenge their slain comrades.

He resolved that he would keep within the
stampeding herd, which, having before dashed
through the pines, had no doubt cleared a, way
through which he could pass with safety.

The outlaws would undoubtedlv ha t, when

.clear of the pines, and endeavor, by stationing

 

themselves at one side of the track of the stam—
pede, to shoot him from his horse.

Then would be the time of peril.

Should his horse be badly wounded, or killed,
he would, upon the fall of the animal, be tram-
pled into a shapeless mass.

Could he pass the ambush, which he believed
the outlaws would form, he felt by turning the
herd u the ran e, he might escape; for, he had
learn at San iguel of the recent locating of
the new bur , Last La '0ut, which, he was
aware, could go but a litt 6 distance north from
the entrance of the orge.

But little time ha he for planning.

Indeed, there was no need for it; or the only
way out of his LKari], was to dash up the range.

He did not 'nk it prudent, however, to do
this for he reasoned that probably the outlaWS
would 'udge such to be his intention, and some
of the and would speed at once up the range,
and by secreting themselves in some thicket,
gaii:ed an opportunity of shooting him as he

g.

This last probability occurred to Blanco Bill,
as the leaders of the wild herd darted into the
pines. Bendin low, and glancing ahead the

oun man das ed safely through; but a num—

ir o the frantic horses were crushed against
the tree—trunks, and fell, with the sound of
crashin bones, and shrill screams, to the earth.
Then, t e little life that remained in them was
trampled out by the fast flying, merciless hoofs
of those that dashed along in the roar.

In place of regaining his upright )Sition in
the saddle, Blanco Bill.with is hee partially
supportin his weight, by being braccd over the
cantle of is saddle—held thus by a pressure on
the end of his roll of blankets on the opposite
side from that upon which he hung—and keep-
ing his left foot in the stirrup; thus, Comanche-
like, he remained while in the pines, his right
hand clutching the mane of his horse, and his
left a revolver.

Almost entirely concealed from any of his
foes, who might be on either side of him, thus on
the young Texan rode, into the clear moonlight,
and clear of orge and pines. But not ten
bounds had B ck Hawk made, after clearing
the belt of pines, when Blanco Bill congratulat-
ed himself, not only 11 n havin maintained his
position, but from t e fact t at a swee ing
glance had revealed to him the whole on law
gang! Of this he was confident.

They were all, providentially upon his right,
seated in their saddles; their horses in a line,
and their revolvers leveled at him.

Upon the instant the young man made this
discover , the weapons of the bandits belched
fire and end; and, with shrill screams, many of
the horses of the herd, between his position and
that of his enemies, fell to the earth in the
spasms of death. At the same moment every
one of the outlaw band drove spurs, evidently
with the intention of dashing through the
thinned ranks of the stampede, and capturing
the Mmtang Monarch.

From this movement and the fact that not a
bullet had cut the air over or near him and his
horse, Blanco Bill began to perceive that their
intention, for some reason or other, was to take
him alive.

He could see that the were all of the most
mfllanlyaaispect; and, ha not Senor Ronaldino
Christo upulled low his sombrero, the young
Texan wo d have recognized him. Had he
done so, a rtion of the m stery that puzzled
him would ve been made c ear and plain.

But the very acts and movements of the ban-
dits proved to be the salvation of the Mustang
Monarch: for, the volle from their revolvers
increased the fright o the animals; and the
dash of the outlaws from the south, together
with the loud explosion, caused the stampede to
be turned toward the north. Directly u and
along the base of the range the atfrighted asts
rushed; and just clear of the scattered bowl-

ders, and the “ wash-outs ” that had been caused.

by mountain torrents in the time of heavy
rains.

No sooner was this turn made than the gap
caused by the shooting of some of the hcr
closed up; and Blanco ill quickly regained his
position in his saddle, gave utterance to the
most fearful yells, to increase the speed of the
herd, and insure the continuation of the stam-

e.
This was, now, his only hope of evading cap-

ture.
He also turned partly in his saddle and o ned
fire on the outlaws who were sp ng an lush-

ing their mustangs on, in the rear of the fast-
flying herd.

Several shots were returned, the bullets
whistli quite near the young Texan; when, to
his grea amazement, he beheld one of the out-
laws, who appeared to be the chief, gallop mad-
ly among his followers, cesticulating wildly,
and evident] ordering them not to shoot. And
this, althoug he must have known that Blanco
Bill had wounded several of the hand; one hav-
ing been seen to fall over the hams of his horse
upptrii the plain, apparently shot through a vital

th another revolver was fired at him.

Here, then, was another mystery. ,
Who, in the name of wonder, was the chief of

 

the outlaws? And why did he prevent his men

from firing?

h3’ny did the bandit leader wish to capture
in.

Why had he sent the two assassins to slay him,
and now was prucnting his followers from
shooting?

What object could the outlaw chief have in
wishing to secure his person?

These were mental uestions, which Blanco
Bill could not, for his li e, answer.

It was all strange—most mysteriously so.

But, as he saw that he had now a very ood
chance open for escape, our young friend cut
all his ener and stren h in the effort to keep
up the hea ong flight o the herd; knowing that
every bound took him nearer to safety.

And thus on, in the midst of the maddencd
herd of horses—on, toward Last Lay-out—rode
the Mustang Monarch; pursued by a horde of
merciless inarauders, who were in the employ,
and under the leadership—although Blanco Bill
did not dream of such a thing—of Ronaldino
Christobal, the disgraced and humiliatcd Cham-
pion Horse Educator of South America!

This baffled villain was now furiously frantic
to capture his rival, and extort from him by
torture his strange secret of fascinating, and
bending to his will, the wildest specimens of the
equine family!

On, and still on, over the moonlit plain, and
up along the base of the Rocky Mountains, to-
ward Last La '-out, bounded Blanco Bill—ridin ,
fcr life and li erty, upon his noble black steeg,
Black Hawk, amid the wild stampede!

CHAPTER IX.
AN EXCITING CIRCUS.

PROBABLY but few of the female sex, or at
least of those anion them who had been reared
in civilization, coul have retained their senses,
had they been placed in the position of Katie
Jordan confronted by an Apache brave!

But t e young girl did not faint.

She sat in her saddle as if paralyzed.

The manner of the Indian was exultant and
confident. Undoubtedly he felt positive that
there were no whites in the vicinity. That the

maiden was completely in his power, she herself -

realized; more from the manner of the savage
than from any reasoning of her own, for of that
she was incapable. But she took in, ata glance,
the entire situation.

She remained motionless, moving not a mus~
cle but maintaining that steady stare of fright
and horror. The Apache appeared in no hurry
to bring matters to a crisis; for he was aware
that he was inflicting upon the maiden, the most
ppi ant mental torture, and this was sweet to

's endish nature.

Like a ther, crouched for the ring, and
within p ain view and near to a he less fawn
that was powerless from terror—so t e hideous
painted brave, holdin the 'aw-strap of his half—
wild steed stifl as a r 0 iron, remained; his
steady gaze fixed, in a horribly fascinating
stare into the eyes of the fair girl, curdling the
veg blood in her veins!

atie dared not move.

She feared even to shriek out.

Even did she make the attempt, she felt posi-
tive that no sound would dscape her lips.

Her breath came in gasps.

It seemed like some horrible nightmare.
almost disbelieved her own senses, feelin that
the appallin sight before her existed o in
her imaginat on. Her brain was as if see 113'

in flames, and she felt that she must become ill-r

sane, did she not give vent to her dread emo-
tions, or exert herself in an attempt to escape.

Suddenly there came a resolution into the
m nd of Kathleen Jordan. Her natural daring,
anld strength of will, partly asserth their
re vcs.

But it came too late, for the savage read what
was in‘ her mind. His burning gaze noticed the
change, and he knew that she thoughtof escaper
Ile had no fears in rcgard to a rescue, but
cn'Ryed the situation hugely, in his own way.

is, however. must end.

He would bind and gag his lovely captive, and
then speed swag. V

Thus reasonc the Apache spy, and he lost no
time; but, with a yell of triumph, dashed for-
ward cn his mustang.

The scene that fol owed was trul terrible.

By this time the silver moon ru ed the heav-
ens, and the whole western world. *

At the very instant after the yell of the Inc
dian was heard, a spurt of fire shot frcm the
willows, followed by a dcafcnin explosion. '

The Apache, with a horrible eatli-yell, threw , ‘

up his arms in the air, his flaunting feathcrs
quivering and then sunk rackward; falling, at
the next bound of his startled steed, over the
animal’s hams to the ward. .

Awa ' das‘hdetighe sign-Wag iniilstang, at frantlig,
speed, owa open air ea in over t
back of the little burro.’ y p 3

As the savage shot out the last round that
was ever to leave his brutal lips, his frightfully-

were bent upon Katie, who believed that the
Indian was then about to inclose her in his rig
raised arms. Then. at last, she gave vent

her dread and horror, in a piercing cry, which

-

She '

\

‘\‘_

contorted face and glance of fiendish meaning 3. 

 

 

  

+43 ..
-
.
3
.

"24> +1 ;

"broke the echoes of the death-yell of the savage

amid the peaks above!

As that shriek left the allid lips of the maid-
en, she slid from her sad e, with the dew-laden

ass and flowers; while Calico, disdaining to

5:0, stood beside his senseless mistress, with

startin eyes fixed upon the corpse of the A ache,

which y extended but a few feet from t e un-
‘ conscious girl.
The cry of his mistress seemed to have struck
Texas as something worthy of notice and in-
vestigation: for the burro jerked up his head,
shook his loosely hun ears, and walked up in
a listless manner to t 6 side of Calico, putting
his muzzle down, close to the dress of his mis-
K tress. He then half-closed his eyes, as if inti-

mating to the “ pinto” that he was about to take
:, asnooze, and would be on hand if there were
.2.,,‘ any more startling events on the programme
affi , for the night.

 The dead Apache lay, in all his hideousneSS,

almost side by side with the beautiful maid-
en, whom the Fates, at the last moment, had
snatched from a doom worse than death, and
hurled her would-have—becn destroyer into the
' , great unknown hereafter!
. No stranger or more impressive scene could
" well have been imagined than the tableau there
resented. All was still as death itself, in that
e 'ttle cove in the rocky range; for neither Calico
nor Texas moved a step.

And yet, although some person had shot the
Apache dead, and thus saved the life of Katie
. Jordan, not a shout nor a word had broken the
x, W silence; nor had a human being appeared, to

‘ further aid the oung girl, by endeavoring to re-
cover her from er faint.

, This appeared strange.
‘ Wh had not the concealed marksman shown

himsc i

This was a m stery,but a mystery easy to solve,
had any one 11 there at the time; for, ad-
vancing to the willows, and rifeping within the
screen of b anches, one mi t have beheld a.
sight that would have exp ained the non-ap-
pearance of the man who had fired the shot so
opportunely. The weapon, as any one who
heard the report of the same, had been greatl

' overloaded. The man, who had fired it, lay ou
stretched, as part of the result.

He was a very small, and dried-up s cimen
of humanity, with strongly-marked Hi rnian
features.

Fully sixty years of age he must have been.
His hair was gray, short, and curly; while his
thin cheeks an chin were covered with a brist-
ly heard, of more than a week’s growth. For

. all that, there were marks 11 'n his face which
indicated great firmness of c aracter, Will, and
fearless bravery.

Nor were there marks lacking which explain-
ed his non-appearance; for quite a large swell-

' ing was to be seen upon one sideof his head, and

z' his right temple was torn and bruised. His fea-

tures, where not blood-stained, were ghastly as
death itself.

Knowing that the r wanderer had lost her
‘ protector, We judge t at the prostrate Irishman
l was none other than the missing Teddy Mc-

Carthy. And he, indeed, it was.

The reason he had not responded to the repeat-
ed calls of Katie Jordan are obvious, when we
consider that by so doing he would have betray-

-;;- :

ziJ-‘x‘ 57..

ed his resence to the Indian.
Wh‘ e within the ines, in quest of ame, the
- old Irishman was umfounded, and ed with

the reatest apprehension for the safety of his
muc -loved char e by discovering, a little dis-
tance in front 0 im the Apache brave, who
was proceeding down t 6 range with great cau-
tion; at times seeking a position from which he
could gain a view of the whitesquaw.

Ine rienced in border life, and even in the

> use of rearms was Teddy; but he swore b all
.f the saints that no harm should come to iss
’ Katie, until he lay dead through defendin her.
N at dari to follow the savage upon horseback,
as the clic of the iron-shod hoofs might in some
unguarded moment betray him. Teddy McCarthy
dismounted, and secured the animal in a matte.
‘ Then clutching his double-barreled shot-gun, he
glided on after the war-painted A che.

It grieved him greatly when he card the anx-
ious and a prehensive outcries of Katie, as the
latter call to him. and he was forced to remain
silent. He knew that his prolonged and unac-
countable absence must be giving her great un-
easiness of mind.

Teddy had never before seen a hostile Indian,
and the sight of this war- inted Apache was
anything but a pleasant vision to him. But he
prayed most fervently, and vowed that he would
save Katie, even should Satan himself favor the
red-skin.

On he stole, the shadows darkening mean-
while, when he suddenly became impressed with
the they ht that he was in no way a match for
the Apac e, when it should come to a passage of

arms. At close uarters the Indian could Pick
him up, and cho 0 him, as if he were a sick
chicken.

Teddy McCarthy decided that the only way
open to possible success was to steal upon the
savage from covart, and shoot him down.

. He knew himself to be a r marksman, con-
sequently he must get quite near to the Apache

 

 

‘,' , .i

He also recalled the fact
enough
e a good

before taking aim.
that his weapon might not be heavil
1(1)]aded to kill the brave, even did he

8 0t.

Tedd quickly halted, after thus considering
and jer ing out the ramrod of his gun, adjusted
the wormer, and strove to draw the charges,
resolving to substitute bullets such as he used in
his revo ver, in place of the buckshot with which
the piece was loaded.

In his excitement, he broke short oil’ at the
wood-work the wormer, and the brass heel of
the same, both of which remained in the gun.

" Thunder an’ turf l" he muttered, in vexation;
“sure the divil’s to pay now, an’ no pitch hot.
\Vhat’ll I do, be gorra? Sure I have it. I’ll put
in another load 0 powdher, an’

grass wid the 'ackass the rist o’ my life!

And the Irishman suited the action to the
word.

He was uite near to the savage. when thelat-
ter enter the willows, and awaited the coming
of his intended captive. The old man suffered
tortures, when he saw the terrible a onies of
Katie, when the Indian révealedhimsel . \Vhen
he perceived that the life of the young irl de-
pended upon him, he took hasty aim, an pulled
tri ger.

eddy did not press the gun tightly to his
shoulder, or the consequences might not have
been so serious. As it was. however, the breech
of the weapon flew back with great force, upon
exploding, and knocked the unfortunate Irish-
man senseless; the poor old fellow knowing
nothin of the success of his shot, except that
from his own end of the gun.

Even that was only for a single moment of
consciousness which was banished as instantly,
when he was hurled into the regions of chaos.

CHAPTER X.
RETURNING 'ro LIFE AND norm.

THE scene in the little glade at the foot of the
towering range of adamantine rock, remained for
some little length of time as last described. And,
impressive enough it was; made still more so by
the attitude of the two faithful animals, Calico
and the comical Texas, who stood beside their
senseless mistress.

The patient burro, with the pack still upon its
back, still maintained the same ition; its
huge ears and muzzle resting 1i ht y upon the
skirt of the maiden’s dress, and ts eyes closed.
The noble horse stood as at the first, but its head
was in almost continuous motion, and its lar e
lustrous eyes were distended, giving quic ,
sweepin , and suspicious lances upon every
side, an up the dark precipitous range.

It was a scene that sug ested death, and with
it brute faithfulness an affection, such as is
seldom known, and hardl to be believed; for,
although the animals had th betrayed a strong
desire to slake their thirst at the spring, neither
of them now left the side of their mistress.

For some time, this remained unchanged;
then with a low moan, Katie Jordan drew her
hand over her brow, and opened her eyes.

Directly overhead, the Silver moon rode ma~
jestically amid the twinkling stars, through an
ocean of azure, which the dark peaks of the
Rockies seemed from her 'tion to ierce.

Had not the faithful alico and exas been
close at hand, indeed so near that she could hear
their breathing, the youn girl would have been
at a loss to understand er condition, or what
had occurred; indeed, she would not, for the
moment have known where she was. But the
sight of the two animals recalled the near )ast,
in all its dread signification; the picture 0 the
Apache, with agony contorted face, so awful in
its war-paint—the dead brave with uplifted
hands, in one of which was stil held a murder-
ous knife—all this was indelibly photographed
upon the mind of Katie Jordan, for life.

And, throu h life, that horrible death-yell
would ring in er ears.

As the past came up before her, the maiden
sprung to a sittin posture; pressin her hands
to her temples, an crying out, from her inmost

ul.

“ Oh God, protect me!”

Then she naturally gazed keenly around.

One sweeping glance, in a circle upon the
rough rocks and dark shades, and then up the
mountain-side, where shaded points, and seams,
and clefts, were black as ink, she gave; but no
moving object met her vision.

She started to her feet, clasping her arms
about her horse’s neck: the animal manifestililitg
strong delight, and rubbing his muzzle most -
fectionately against Katie’s shoulder.

Texas teased up his head, as his mistress arose
to her feet, and gazed almost stupidly upon her.
Then straightening, or stretching, one hind leg
after the other, straight outward, at the same
time shaking his head with evident surprise and
indignation, upon discovering that the heavy
pack still remained upon his back, the bum
walked straight to the spring.

There, having drank with great gusto, it re-
turned, and stood gazing at Katie, as if wonder—
ing what had been the occasion of his having
been so he lected.

Not unti that moment. had the maiden really
recovered and composed her mind sufllcicntly to

l

 

I

some big bullets; v
an’ thin if I don’t fetch the red haythen,,I’ll ate ‘

Blanco Bill, the Mustang MonarCh- - ' t, ' ,

 

 

 

‘ .

reason upon her strange and he] less position, as
well as the probable dangers t at surrounded
her. Her first act was characteristic of her.

She (finckly stepped to the side of Texas, and
unbuck 'ng crupper and girth, she then, by the
exertion of her whole strength, succeeded in
throwmg the pack off from the animal.

Katie then unloosened the girth of her saddle,
but did not remove it from Calico, and then
slipped the bridle, hangin it upon the horn of
the saddle. This reliev the faithful steed,
which immediately proceeded to drink at the
spring; Katie following, as if she dreaded to
have the beast—her only friend in those vast
wild solitudes—absent a moment from her side.

She feared to break the awful stillness that
surrounded her, and filled her with awe. and
superstitious imaginings: for no human being is
entirely free from superstition, and the situation
of the poor girl was calculated to awaken all the
emotions of this character that were in her na-
ture.

It was a matter of the greatest wonder to
Katie Jordan that she, upon returning to con-
sciousness, had not found herself in the power of
the horrible savage who was bounding toward
her when last she was capable of sense and
reason.

Her aze had been frozen upon the terribly-
painted face and black, serpent-like eyes, he (1
thus by the attraction of repulsion, horror and
dread; and although she had noticed a flash of
fire and heard the loud explosion, she knew not
that the Indian had been shot at the very mo-
ment he threw up his arms and gave that blood-
curdling yell.

Con uently, Katie was dumfounded u n
finding erself free and the Apache vanis ed
from view.

Even when she had attended to the animals,
the position of the young girl revented her
from perceiving the corpse of the irave.

But upo
s ring with Calico after the horse had drank—I
s e scannin the little glade to ascertain the
most favors. 16 int at which to stake her four-
footed friend—t en the maiden suddenly halted,
uttered a piercing shriek, and cried out in her
horror:

“ Oh, Heavenly Father, protect me!”

She, at first sight, believed the Apache to be
alive, and that he lay there confident that she,
his intended victim, could not escape him.

Her horse, although well aware of they osition
of the corpse, snorted wildly in sympat .y with
his mistress, who clung tohis neck as if trusting
to him for protection.

Soon, however, Katie recovered from her
Enable fright, and realized that the savage was

ca .

No longer was her safety a mystery.

She recalled the flash and the explosion, and
knew that the Indian had been shot, and that
thus she had been saved from a horrible fate.

But who could have fired that most providen-
tial shot?

Who. if not Teddy Mr Carthyi

Certainly no other friend was in the vicinity.
But, if it had been Teddy, where was he now?

He must certainly have heard her fr neat
and urgent calls to him, and he. had ma 0 no
replf', and was still among the missing.

A1 this was strange, inexphcably so; get as
Katie pondered, it occurred t0 her that eddy
must have been following the savage, and had
been afraid to make an outcry, as that would
betray his presence to the lurking A che.

n leaving the near vicinity of the '

But then, why had he not come to er after he ‘_

had shot the red-man? I

This was a question that both puzzled and
pained her.

Soon, however, she recalled the fact that the
flash had been from the willows near the spring;
indeed, it had proceeded from the very point at
which the savage had first appeared.

As Katie remembered this, she also had
brought to her mind the recollection that the re-_
port she had heard was much too loud to be an
orginary g1m~shot. To her it had sounded ter-
n c. i

This was also puzzlin ; but1 when the Young
girl meditated further, sic began to flunk tha
as Teddy was armed with adouble—barreled gun,
he had robably pulled both triggers at the same
time. is would account for the loudness of

I the report, but not for the old man’s absence; or,

if it had not hccn McCarthy. of the person who
had arrived so opportuner on the spot.
Certain] , Katie reasoned, no one who had
thus ac would remain in hiding,.but have
hastened at once to her side; unless, indeed, he
had been wounded, and was incapable of so do-

in .

I10 sOOner did this thought occur to her, than
she became greatly distressed; for again rushed
with prostrating force. upon her mind the
thought that possibly Teddy was dead! Remorse

for havin been the direct means of leading her , ,

old frien out uplon the border and to his death
now tortured t e poor girl, and she stepped
slowly toward the Willow's, drawing her revolver
as she went. I,
Soon she reached the outermost branches. and
clutching the same, quickly drew them as'deand
peered within.
' It would have been agonizing to a beholder to

I

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Blanco'  the‘Mustang Monarch.

9

 

 

have wide the an 'sh that was stamped
upon the face of Katie ordan at that moment.

At her feet la the poor old man, who had con-
stituted himsel her rotector in her wild wan-
derings in search of er brother.

Yes there lay Teddy McCarthy apparently
dead, his attenuated form outstretch , and hls
face the pallor of death. . _

His gun lay beside him, rovmg that it had in-
deed been be who had fir the providential shot
that had saved her from so dread a fate.

The sight was a terriblefone, agd, 31th a wild
or the r ' 1 run orwar , si 'in upon
he¥,kneespol?esi%lg tshpe degthlike form of tie old
man, and placing her hand over his heart.

Then, in the most intense relief, joy and thank-
fulness, Katie Jordan cried out:

“Oh, thank God!"

Tears flowed freely, relieving the maiden’s
overtaxed brain, as she lowered her fair head
upon Teddy‘s breast and sobbed convulsively:

CHAPTER XI.
MARCHING on.

NOT many moments (lid Katie Jordan allow
her anguish to rule her, to the excluSion of her
duty to Teddy IIcCarthy.

She k1r-‘.v that life remained in him, that the
old man had been stunned by a heavy blow;
and this was another enigma, seeming to indi-
cate that the Indian who had been slain must
have a confederate, and that the latter had
fellol Teddy, a moment after the old man had
fired.

But, if so, why had not the savage made sure
of his murderous work? And why had he not
ca )tured her, and the animals?_

erhaps ho had gone for asSistance, for some
of his savage companions.

This possibility served to hasten the move-
ments of the Iyoung girl, and she procured some
water from t e spring, with which she proceeded
to bathe the bruised head of her old friend.

Ever since she had discovered Tedd , and
formed the conclusions recorded, Katie ordan
had been in a most torturing state of apprehen-
sion. She feared that some horrible savage
would spring upon her, from the dark shadw, at
any moment; and she continuously shot lances
of suspicion in every direction, keeping er re-
volver ready for use, determined to s oot the
first Indian who made his appea nce. But she
detected no indication of the presence of any red
foe. Indeed, all was still in the little glade, no
sound meetin her ears except those made b
the horse an burro, as they crepped the ric
grass from the sod.

Katie, however was not fated to sufler thus
in her mind very long.

Again was she to enjoy the companionship of
her old friend, and listen to his voxce.

But a short time had she waited in suspense,
when Teddy gave a heavy groan and threw 11
one of his hands to his brui. temple, whic
evidently gave him considerable pain.

Then he moved about uneasilg.

“Thank Heaven Teddy Mc arthy, that you
live!” cried out the younghagirl, Wlth 30y and
deep feeling. “I feared t t I shoul never

' a ain hear our voice—that you had lost your
‘e in my efense! If you had been killed, I
should never have ftg'igiven myself.

“ Speak to me, T dy, and tell me how you

 

" came to be in this sad state?”

The old man struggled to a sitting posture,
with Katie’s assistance, and then held out one
hand, placi it in a caressing manner on her
shoulder, as 9 re lied: _

“God help us, thleen mavourueenl. Is it
yersilf, then, or is it ycr ghost? What in the
divil is the matther Wid me hid? Upon me sow],
it feels es though I’d got a whack from every
shtick at the closin’ day 0’ Donnybrook Fair!

“ Who shtruck me, is it? Faith, an’ I’d like
moighty well till know that mesilf! Howld on
a bit, till I get me idays a—runnin’.”

“ Oh, Teddy, do come awa from this horri-
ble place! I think we are sti l in great danger.
Do you not remember shooting the Indian, when
the terrible savage was about to seize me?

“I think there must have been another one,
crouching in the Willows, and that he felled you
to the earth after you had shot his comrade.
Do come awa , 'l‘edt y!” .

“ Aisy, dar 'nt! I have it all clear now. Be

the eat Bog of Allen, but I made a feel 0’
mesif entirely. Faith. there was but wan o’
the red divils. Sure, I got me two eyes fixed
an him, only a bit afther I left yees: an’ I fol.
lowed the haythen, knowin’ hed be afther git;—
tin‘ the best of us, if I didn’t put me best fut
for’ard, an’ put in a shot that ’u’dilay hun low.
v “But, upon me sow], I was laid low meSilf;
for it was a double dose 0’ powdher that I put
intill the gun, to say nothin’ o’ the handfu o’
bullets. An’ sure whin I pulled thrigger, I
thought the. worruld had bu’sted intoirely!

“Me hid’s in a fix, be jabers! But 1 know I
hit the red sarpint, or it’s yersilf I w’u’dn’t be
afther luckin' at now forninst me. I’m wid ye,
Miss Katie! We’ll l’ave this immajitly.

“ It's a wild place it is, the Lord knows, an’

= the‘re monght be more 0’ the scalpin’ divils not

far beyant. May the divil fly away wid me, if
I l’aves ve ag’in—d’ye moind that?
‘ ' “ Oh, Teddy! I am so glad it was not another

I

 

Indian who attacked you. You must have been
greatly excited, and so overloaded your gun.
which kicked you badly! there is your horse?
We must travel on, until we reach that new .
mining-town. l

“I could not close an eye to-ni ht, if we en- ‘
camped anywhere this side of t Lay—out. 4
But, I fear, we shall hear nothing of Patsey,
even there.”

“Well, thin, Miss Katie, I don’t bel’ave we’ll ,
flnd Patsey, at all, at all; but I’ll o wid yees
all the same, as long as Calico can 5 ke a hoof,
or I km stand straight in me brogues. .

“But, be cripes, it’s a luck at the corpse I ‘
must have wid all the strin’th 0’ me two eyes, to '
take some 0’ the pain out 0’ me hid. Upon me
sowl, I’ll say it to the fore I niver 0t sich a
whack in me hfe; though it’s Teddy cCarthy
that has swung a stick wid the best 0’ the b’ys,
from W'atherford till Cork, an’ back, at all the
fairs!”

Katie was very impatient to be going, but she
well knew that the Irishman would rattle his
tongue, even though he knew that danger
threatened. She perceived that the brain of
the old man had received a great shock, for he
acted and talked strangely, and his voice sound- ,
ed unnatural.

While bringing his remarks to a close, Teddy
succeeded in gaining his feet; when he rubbed
his stiffened joints, and picked up his gun, which
he examined carefully sayin :

“Be the powers o’Moll lgelly, but that’s a
foine n! Sure, Miss Katie, if ye load it heavy
eno , it’ll kill at both ends. Lade on, alan-
na! ’in ready to cut, shuffle, or dale wid
every, painted divil that lucks crass-eyed at
yees.’

“I hope and pray we shall see no more of the
horrible savages,” returned the maiden, as she
led the way into the glade; while Teddy follow-
ed slowly and stiflly, his eyes scanning the
sward ahead.

“It is yonder,” said Katie,
the corpse. “I would not 100
thin again for the world!”

“ aith, thin, mavourneen, I don’t wondher.
But yees must kape cool, an’ strug le ag’in’ :
wakeness in this divil of a counthry. I’llbe wid '
ye in a moment. Och !—” !

McCarthy just then perceived the dead l
Apache brave.

‘ God be betime us an’ allharrum! Thruefor

e, astore; it’s a sight till make any one shiver, ‘
rrin’ it’s the din! himself, bad cess till him. 
Well, well; I’ve seen enough, an’ I’ve said !
enough. Serra wan word more has ould Teddy 
till spake, till we’re afther l’avin’ this God-for- :
saken spot behint us!”

McCarthy hastened, with a wild look in his ‘
eyes, to the side of the burro, catching one of its "
long ears, and leading it to the pack' Texas
ho! ing back, evidently surprised and indignant
at the proceedings.

“The divil a word now, Taxes! Hould er
tongue, an’ for the love 0’ God don’t be af er
givin’ one o' thim thundherin’ squeels o" yours,
or e’ll have all the red divils in the counthry
aft or us!”

Katie Jordan had tripped, as expeditiously as
was possible, to the si e of her horse, when she
adjusted the bridle, t' htened the saddle-girth,
and mounted. She ept constantly azing
around her, being little less fearful of t e ap-
pearance of more Indians than before she
understood what had caused Teddy McCarthy’s

unconsciousness.

The latter quick] em tied the pack of the
heavier articles, an buc 'ng on the burro the
pack-saddle, cast the huge bags over it; and, in
a short time, had the animal full equipped.
Then, with a gesture he beckoned atie to ride
forward; when, in a low voice, he said:

“ Never will I l’ave yees again, miss; but it’s
out 0’ this we must be afther gettin’. Sure, no
dacint gossoon w’u’d think 0 slapin’ nigh the
corpse 0 that ha thin!

“ But, it’s his nife, an’ the rist 0’ his thraps
I’ll have, if me blood runs cowld while I’m get-
tin’ that same. God stan’ betune me an’ all har-
rum!

Teddy strode to the side of the dead Apache,
quickly tearing the war gear from the same,
and runnin back with such a horror-stricken
and pallid ace, that Katie could not suppress a
light laugh; notwithstanding she had so recent-
ly been terrified nearly to death, and passed
through such a dreadful ordeal.

The old man looked at her in 01%, horror
actually entertainin the opinion a she had
gone hopelessly ma ; a thought which caused

im to decide in favor of hastening on, as fast
as possible, to Last Lay-out.

But, first, he must recover his horse.

“ Don’t mind me, Tedd .” said the young girl
as she detected his scar expression, and re
the old man’s mind; “I am hysterical, Ibelieve,
and it is little wonder, after the fearful occur-
rences of this night.

“ May Heaven protect us from any more such
dangers!” ,

“Faith, an’ I say that same, mesilf! May the
good Lord look till us. But it’s ready I'll soon
be, an" thin it’s Teddy Mc arthy that’ll make

pointing toward 1
at the dreadful

!
! thankin’ St. Pathrick I am, tha

 

thetcraythurs fly. It’s me horse that I want
nix .

I r

“ Bad luck till the Injuns I say! 'Sure, it’s
t the divil a wan
0’ them, or a snake aither, there, is in Ould Ire-
land, from Cape Clear till'the Giant’s Cause-
wa 'l”

hus muttered McCarthy, as he trudged along,
up the range, keeping a safe distance from the
borders of the mottes and thickets, as well as
from the bowlders; the patient and ridiculous
looking burro following, at listless gait, its long
ears fla ping, and its eyes half-closed. Texas
had evi ently resolved to take matters resigned—

yCalico foHOWed, with his young mistress,
prancing proudly along; while the maiden con—
tinued to cast sweeping and suspicious glances
on all sides.

Teddy as he proceeded, neglected not to
“ feed’ his gun; and, with such liberality, not-
withstanding his recent im ressive warning, as
to promise him a broken cad when he next
pressed trigger.

But the good Irishman doubtless considered a
broken head a decidedly secondary consideration,
where Katie’s safety was concerned; indeed, his
proceedings in the handling of ammunition
proved this.

Soon the old man discovered his horse—the
animal being safe at the oint where he had left
it—and mounting, the 'ttle party proceeded
some distance out on the moonlit plain. They
then sped down the range, but not at such a gait
as to leave Texas far in their rear; the burro, to
the indignation and apprehension of old Teddfi',
givin vent to its isapproval of this nig t
trave and continued excitement, by a far-reach-
ing, iercing, and prolonged squeal, the like of
whic could only emanate from a steam-whistle,
or a jackass.

 

CHAPTER XII.
LIVELY TIMES 1N LAST LAY-OUT.

WE were forced, it will be remembered, to
leave the new and promising burg, on the eve
of a general celebration. Had a stranger, un-
accustomed to life in any of the mining-towns,
entered Last Lay-oat on this, to the citizens,
eventful and propitious night, shortly after the
moon arose, he would very possibly have con—
cluded that he had “5th ’ a town, the pn-
lation of which was made up entirely of una—

cs.
Benzine Bazaar had done a rushing business '

for some three hours; and now, at nine P.M.
there were few men in the burg who were no
well “primed,” even to the extent of each one’s
actually believing himself to be a member of the
compan that owned “ Grizzl Gulch Bonanza”

] ——if, in eed, he did not consi er himself the sole

owner. At any rate, there was not one present.
who did not feel equal to the task of “ settin ’e'nl
3),” for as man

ong the bar 0 Alamo Abe.

At times, however, it so happened that the

man who pompously ordered the drinks did not _

have the necessary “two bits,” to pa for his
own glass; but a sly wink at Abe ‘gxed ther
biz,” for the landlord knew better than to raise
a rumpus, or insult one of his lord] custom-
ers, by refusiiég to entertain any thong to favor-
able to the c it system.

From the manner in which the ni ht had
opened, one who had taken his stand in nzine
Bazaar, would have concluded, without much
difficulty, that if Alamo Abe was not one of the
owners of the “ Bonanza ” up the ch, he had
a much better thing of it—that is gold was
“ bagged,” without the trouble of waiting for
the. quartz to be crushed.

A sober observer would also have decided,
that if the “forty-rod beverage” continued to
flow down the threats of the celebrators until
midnight, the new “:stifl-yard ” would be broken
by more mounds than those beneath which re-
posed, in their last sleep, the pair of unfortunate
Celatials.

Alamo Abe had been the originator of the
celebration: and no sooner had he decided, from
the very evident favor his proposal met with, to
make a night of it, than he intervieWed private-
1% each one of the “card-she ,” and induced.
t em to join in the festivities or that particu~
lar night, and refrain from “flipping paste-
board ” until the following day—promismg two
weeks’ table-rent free to each, in consideration.
Thus Abe insured himself against any competi-
tion, in the gaman line.‘

Confident that nzine Bamar would be
crowded to suffocation, the Texan caused the
tables to be removed to the large room in the
rear, the wide plank door between being left
open, as was also the enter one. From this last,
one could ' a view up the gulch that prom.
ised to e ch those who had staked claims there-
in.

Never were there collected a rougher and‘ ‘

more boisterous set of men than filled the “Eu
zaar;” the blue and red-shirted miners predoniv

and soiled.

inat‘igg, although these garments were mostly, ,
rag .
Flashilgnattired gamblers, wearing a profusiofi ‘

of “lou jewelry, mingled with the crowd;
and made themselves conspicuous and popular
by treating any one who acco ted them. Range
hammers were in their glory, and it truly ap-

peared that the more ragged and dirty a man.

as could crawl in double line I.

l

- .
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Blaneo 13111, the Mustang Monarch. '

 

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was, tho more claim he had to raise the mischief
generall . ,

The din was simply deafening, and any miner
entering would have known at once that he was
among those of his own trade; for the boisterous
conversation betrayed this fact—all the techni-
cal terms and slang of the mines being used
from all sides of the room.

‘ ' to nine o’clock, “ chin” or “ ton e-
muSic ” had universally ruled in Benzine a-
zaar, and the words of no one had been of such
a character as to call for anything of a sanguine
color ; edyet, in many instances, the wrangling
had 1 to the very jbimping-ofl’ place where
peace ends and war egins.

ence of liquor, they seemed to realize that blood-
shed would follow the slightest personal difficulty.

This might, at any time, occur; and all appeared ;

to guard their tongues, except on general sub-
jects, to which no one could with reason take ex-
ce tion.
'8 state of affairs, however, could not long

continue.

The worst passions of humanity ruled each of
I the lawless class present and these had been
brought to the front by indulgence in strong
dri

Being a new bur , the dangerous men were, as

a eneral thing, un nown as such.

ven the most exemplary, orderly and law-
abiding men of the place were eager for some
diversion of an exciting nature; the pouring
down of liquor, and the shouting and yelling,
having become too tame and of long continuance
to further interest or amuse them.

All at once it seemed to flash through the
mind of some one in the crowd that Alamo Abe
had an unusual quantity of his own merchandise
on board and might therefore be easily persuad-
ed to act a part which would without doubt ut
all resent in a state of good humor. is
wou (1 change the current of the thou hts and
inclinations of those who, unable to hear so
heavy a load of extra steam might announce
themselves as “ spoilin for a ght.”
bee” was once

If a “shooting an cutting

started, those who had nothing whatever to do .

with it would stand the best chance of getting
hurt or laid out cold for good.
This thought had probably occurred to the in-
dividual who knew the weak point of the pro-
? prietor of the Benzine Bazaar and who now yell—

“S hl Speech by Alermo Abe, ther 
bullw cker 0 Texas, an’ ther chief o’ benzme
’ slin ers in New Mex’ l”

ow Abe had never been known to make a
public speech, but all well knew that he had
great aspirations for
wished to be sheriff of t e burg, and would un-
doubtedly be elected such if proposed as a_can-
didate that very ni ht. Many resent believed
that the landlord d ropo

the arrival of the mining mac 'nery insured

the success of the burg, as a burg, and conse-

quently the new “locate” must have some re-
' h

6 cheers which followed the call for a speech
from Alamo Abe—though coming, for the most
part, from “bummers’ and impecunious min-
ers—seemed to testify to the popularity of the

Texan.

The giant form of the landlord arose behind
the bar, as he dropped the demi ohn he had been
filling. The keen gs of Abe g ttered with the
extreme of shtisfl pride and exultation, his
features betra ing mock surprise; for he had
been inipatien y waiting, knowing that he could

upon certain ones, when half-drunk, to
create an excitement favorable to his nomination
and election.

Proudly erect stood Alamo Abe, glancing
around upon the crowd to mark an man who
might, by word or look, indicate t he was
averse to the roposed 5

Beech.
But, from he fact t at Abe was a giant in .

form and strength, besides being noted asa crack
shot and expert knife-tosser, he was r cted
full as much as for his liberality as far as iquids
were concerned, and if any one held enmity to-
ward him, it was not manifested, even b a
glance or a whis r. Indeed a second roun of
cheers threaten to take the roof off Benzine
Bazaar, and caused Abe to erk of! his sombrero,
and bow as gracefully as a b-tailed mule when
sending its “hinders” Skyward in chase of a
' buffalo gnat.
Close after the last round of cheers, something
like ‘a bush fell upon the assemblage, when a
ragged bununer, who had taken in more than
his share of whisky in the early part of the even-

ing, and had fallen asleep regardless of the din, ;

crawled from a barrel awakened by the cheers
ind gazin around With bloodshot eyes, on
out hoarse y:

“ Why in thunderation didn’t yer wake me
up? Dog-gone ef I’m goin’ ter be cheated out’n
m vote! I goes heavy, an’ votes often for
£52me Abe, es ther sheriff 0’ this hyer slam-up
bur I” ‘

T e “bum” evidently supposed the election
bed come off during his siesta.

It needed but a >
slight “starter” to create the most uproarious 3
excitement and change the assemble e to aroar— 2
ing mob; and, although all were un er the influ- v

ublic office—that be;

this “ benzine- %
,” principally with t at vieW' knowing that 1

of the landlord, another voice sounded:

“I nomernates Alermo Abe fer Sheriff 0’ Last
Lay—out!”

‘ Second ther motion!”

Then up sprung one of the best known “old-
timers,” and cried out—at the same time level-
ling two deadly six-shooters:

‘ Han’s up for Alermo Abe, es sheriff l
ther fu’st galoot I f'riz my pee
hain’t {int his paws elevated, I’
tor his rain-box!”

sink a shaft in-

 

a cnt gang, while all roared with laughter.
ad the ‘
demand ten minutes before, he would no doubt
have been riddled with bullets for his pains; but
his way had been pre
thoughts of the crow effected by the yells that
preceded. Besides at the very moment that the
old fellow jum upon the barrel, the men
whom Abe ha engaged to assist him for the
. night, at a signal from the latter, began to set
glasses and bottles upon the bar in an expedi-
a tious manner which meant a general“ irrigate ”
y for the crow .
l :IAIermo Abe air ’lected Sheriff 0’ Last Lay-
l ou

Thus yelled the “ old-timer,” returning his re-
volvers to their scabbards.

He then added:

“Abe yer kin now sling in a leetle high-fa-
lutin’ ’N’ited States er Texas lingo, ter er con-
stiterants. Hit’ll count ’bout now. e—‘uns
don’t want no sheriff what can’t wabble his
tongue, as well es cut, slash, shoot, an’ tie a knot
on a lariatl”

‘t‘l’gtah fer Alermo Abe, ther sheriff 0’ last Lay-
on

Such was the universal yell that followed.

, sardine yerselves ’long my bar, an’ 'ist errigate
| yer in’ards with Alermo Abel his air my
treat. all ’roun’, ef hit bu’sts me in ther way 0’
benzine.

“ I’m ’blee ed ter er all, fer ther honor yer

hes showed; ut of I in sheriff 0’ this hyer burg,
hit must be a free ’lection, without weepins bein’
mixed inter hit. Not thet I keers fer myself so
1 much but fer ther honor o’ ther burg.
l “ er doesn’t want loose ilgrims runnin’ up
7 an’ down ther range, slin 'n thar tongues ’bout
l ther citz 0’ Last Lay-out ' ’forced ter vote fer
Alermo Abe thet-a-way. I reckon my ole pard
didn’t look et both sides 0’ this hyer thing.

“ We’ll all h’ist our p’ison, an’ then of yer
wants ter ’lect me on ther uar’, why I’m yer

rsimmon, an’ I’ll do my eetle duty like a

exan. Thet’s me! I’m sizy, from my hufl’s to
my ha’r. I’ll gi’n yer a h, ef I kin scrouge
‘ out lingo enough 0’ ther right sort, arter yer hes
i drunk; an’, should yer inc inate ag’in er me es
nyfidy

 

‘ sheriff, in a XXX strai’t up an’ down
’lection, I’m thari”

The cheers and yells of approbation that fol~
lowed this unexpected announcement were sim-
ply terrific.

All saw that they had laid themselves, and
Abe as well open to ridicule and sneers.

j The deciSion of the sheriff-elect raised him a
pe or two higher in the estimation of the “ citz ”
of t Lay-out.

Another vote was called for, with the same
result, and without recourse to revolvers.

Alamo Abe was really elected this time, and
again the cry rung, lou :

“ Speech! S h!”

Abe placed is horny hands upon the bar-
slab and then sprung upon the same, standing
straight as a forest pine; his head just clearing
the rough joists and slabs of the top of the

room.

Instantly the vast assemblage, so recently a

elling mob, and near to frenzy and bloodshed,

ame perfectly silent.

One could almost hear a pin drop—the linch-
pin of a Government wagon. we mean, and
, not the diminutive article generally so desig-
1 nated—every eye being fastened u n Alamo
<1 Abe, the newly, and doubly, elec Sherifl of
‘ Last Lay-out.

 

 

CHAPTER XIII.
A MODE L SPEECH.
rance of Alamo Abe, as he sprung

THE ap
, was both comical and command-

upon the

in .
g'hysicallzr he was a superb specimen of hu-
manit , bu his long hair was Wild and tangled,
‘ and his matted beard concealed onl gartially
his large and sun-tanned neck; whi e is eyes,
. although bloodshot fr0m drink glittered with
I joyous good-humor, not unmixed with pride.
As he ined his pOsition on the bar slab he
l stood an nstant, striving to maintain the per-
: pendicular, but it was in vain. His giant form
swayed from side to side like a mountain pine
shaken by changing currents of wind.
3 After the first wild cheer that welcomed the
, newly-elected sheriff a bush fell upon the assem-
blage. The act that followed was in keeping
with Abe’s character and breeding.
, This was the tearing from his head of his hu
sombrero. which ll" tlxi'cu' (it his feet upon t e

 

l

I

“Feller-citz!” cried out Abe; “trot up, an’ ,

old-timer ” made this movement and ,

red, and a change in the .

 

Much to the surprise and extreme gratification 1 bar. The next instant he raised high his right

I leg, and stamped hard with his heavy boot upon
I the hat, crushin the same flat beneath it.

This act near y caused the worthy sheriff to

P lose his equilibrium, and it forced him to beat the

l their
An’ 1
rs onter what f

air on all sides with his long arms to keep from
fallin amid the crowd many of whom held up

ands to catch him, while the building
rung with peals of laughter. Instinctively Ale
clutched at his belt and jerked it upward. tight-
ening it a hole: but this was a dangerous move,

» although the Texan did not realize it until too

It is almost needless to say that every man 3
thrust up his hands much uicker than he would .‘
probably have done at t 8 order of a road- 5

 

late; for, upon pulling the belt again, he came
near falling, being forced to stumble sideways
along the bar for some distance.

These totally unexpected public displays of his
inability to maintain a dignified position were
very humiliating to Alamo Abe, for he seemed to
have a better command of his mental than of
his physical powers, as was evident by the glance
of his eye.

Abe became really angry with himself, and so
comical was the expression of his countenance,
which underwent an almost continuous change
that the room rung with almost endless roars o
laughter, so intensely amused were the crowd, in
fact, that they were actually partially sobered
through their uncontrollable mirth.

It was a regular “ circus ” to all, and the
promise of fun without stint and without blood-
shed or bitterness, was favorable in Benzine Ba-
zaar. The landlord be an to realize that he had
better have remained ehind his bar and de-
ferred his speech to some more favorable occa—
sion. He regretted not having addressed the
assembla e previous to whisky’s having settled
in his pecfal extremities.

But, as it was, there was no show for him to
back out, jum out, or crawl out.

He had ma e himself ludicrous, had made an
exhibition of himself in a manner far from dig-
nified. and he was cunning enough to see that
the on] way out of his dilemma was to feign to
be bur esquiii a drunken manner, and thus
amuse his audience still further. Under the cir-
cumstances, this was not a hard matter to ac-
complish; indeed, it would come as natural as

fe.

Full of his own merchandise as he was, Abe
was confident that he could regain ard hold the
esteem and r t of his constituents, Ly cater-
in to their “ ankering” after fun.

9, therefore, resolved to carry out his inten-

tion, and the Wishes of the denizens of the burg, ‘

by giving them a real old Texas speech.

Bracing himself in the position of a cavalr -
man when at saber-exercise on foot—that is,
with limbs extended on either side, yet at the
same time being on the alert to bring a foot
quickly forward or backward, should he inn 6
either way—thus postured, Abe raised his rig t
hand, as if to command silence. The laughter
ceased on the instant, some being forced to cram
their sombrero-brims into their months, while
out shot from the huge mouth of the sherifi’, the
ejaculation:

“Ker-whoa l” _

This was fo owed by a snort, resembhng that
of a frightened mustang.

The expression upon Abe’sface, backed by
these sounds, enforced attention. All became
silent, all confident that, although the night
thus far had been somewhat diil they had at
last “ struck it rich,” in the way of fun and en.
tertainment.

“ Feller-citz l” .

Thus far Abe got, and then rubbed his sleeve
across his brow.

“ Glide on, Abel”

“ Don’t be bashful l”

“Take a fresh start, Texas, and don’t git
bo ed down at ther fu’st jump on ther trail 1”

ese, and other such encouraging words,
came from all sides.

“Reckon yer’ll ’low me ter hev a riflle ,0’
time, boyces. ter sorter round up my idees.”

“Take another dose 0’ bug-juice, brace up, an’
glide ahead, Abel”

“Feller-citzl” again yelled the sherifl, flour-
ishing his arms, ‘1 doesn’t need no coachm’,
nor no more p’ison. I’m all 0. K., an’ I don’t
’low ter take a back seat on ’count 0’ 9. leads
bu -'uice. That’s me boyeesl _(Cheers.)

‘ eller-citz, hyer air, ormighty proud ter
hev ther good opine o’ sich a slam-up crowd, ter
ther extent 0’ bein’ ’lected sheriff o’ ther bestest
locate atween Baton Pass an’ ther Grande.
(Cheers) ,

H Gaze et me, you-’uns what doesn t know me
clean through, an’ I reckon yer'll conclude I’m
’bout es much meat an’ muscle es air giner’l
slapped inter one human, Down Texas-we, §
war giner’ly sot u es a rip-Shorter; an’ in
Lay-out, I ’tends r set myself 11
tamed, full-sized panther-cat o’
Wa-hoopl (Cheers and lau hter.)

“When I gits a call ter stir up ther anermiles .~
in ther shape 0’ bag-slashers an’ boss-thieves, I
’tends ter gi’n ’em a idee thet I’m a ginerwine,
ondivided. new-horned ’arthquake; an’ that my

’8’
es ther on-
er Rockies.

breathe, when I’m hyderphobic mad, air wuss I

nor a tornado in ther alkali perrarers. (Cheers)

“ I hain’t never afore speechified, but I’m b’il-
in’ over wi’ hngo ter-ni ht; an, seein’ hit’s
’greeable, I ’tends ter spi her out. Ef I hits

anybuddy liarder’n I does myself, an’ be bankers l ; 

. 3“:

_ ‘ 
\_.- r.,,,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

j:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

the

Blanoo Bill, the Mustang Monarch.

.w‘lza‘,‘ ‘: I

./‘ ’

11

 

 

fer satisfac’, thar’s a heft o’ moonli ht in ther
street, an’ m shooters air chuck- ull 0’ cold
death. But ’d a heap rather fight painter-
style, by clawin’, tooth and nail, ter work off
ther ex Whisk’ what keeps my cabase on ther
whirl. ( rantic whoops, and yells of encourage-
ment.)

“Howsomever, I doesn’t ’low thar’s a pil-
grim in this hyer crowd what air inclinated ter
tromp on m tail-featherS. Ef thar bees, he
must be keer ul, fer I’m a notoher from Notch-
erville. When I peeps cross sights, somethin’
draps ter stay, every time; an’ hit’ll be ormighty
bad ter 0 innin’ arter Alermo Abe. When a
pilgrim uc ag’in’ me, he hes tcr lay four ton
ter a ounce, fer I pan out billious es Tophet.
Reckon that’ll do ter record, bo ees, es ’bout
whata sheriff orter be; though doesn’t per-
tend ter be posted. You hear me twitter!

“ I never war knowed ter scratch gravel,
when bloody biz war spread es a la -out; but
allers play my keerds clean through t er game.
Bein’ thet’s the case, I reckon I kin do my part
es sheriff 0’ this hyer burg, takin’ chances ter be
laid out myself. (Cheers)

“Anybody what hunts me fer a ’ m ’11
find he’s buckin’ ag’in’ a painter; an’ he’d bet-
ter git up an’ git, quick es lightnin’, er I’ll hash
him inter catfish bait, an’ scatter him ’bout per-
misc’us—like fer half a shoot.

“But, es I spit out afore, I ain’t giner’ly
b’ligerunt, an' doesn’t often flare up. Fac’ air,
I’m gentle an’ innercent es a suckin’ 
ontil I’m r’iled; then I goes in full 0 ' , an’
never war knowed ter fizzle. (Cheers)

“I allers bed a spite ag’in’ water es a bev’-
ridge, ’count 0’ bein borned in ther chap’rell, on
ther trail, when my marm war meanderin’ ter
a fresh locate. Hit rained big guns thet time,
an’ I gut ’noufh water ter last me clean through.
Thet’s why slapped up Benzine Bazaar, ter
’commerdate sufferm’ humans. (Terrific cheers.)

“I’m Alermo Abe an’ I hates Greasers wuss
nor snakes. I sh’u’d cackle ef I didn’t, fer I’m
sorter bleed relation 0’ Dav Crockett. Didn’t
he often asserwate be war ‘ alt-boss, halfoaller-
gator?’ \Val, I’m a leetle more’n half-allerge-
tor, an’ ther rest air mule. Ef yer doesn’t b’lieve
hitz somebuddy git nigh my buffs!

‘ Mebbe so yer o ines I pears too gentle, too
vealy an’ saint-li e, for sheriff; but take a
squar’ gaze et me. I m solid, plum up an’ down
-—when I ain’t chuck-full o’ bug-f‘uice—an’, I
means biz. Thunder an’ blazes. kin hustle
°roun’ in my gentle, onobtrusive style, an’ han ,
shoot, er cut a batch o’ crooked humans, wit -
out sp’ilin’ ther ’pearance o’ ther stifl', ef he

sn t kick too much. Thet’s ther kind of a
Texan relict I am. Wa-hoopl”

Benzine Bazaar was now a rfect pande-
monium of yells and Ian hter. A)?» continued:

“My heart air es har es a big-horn’s head,
where crooked humans air consarned: but es
soft es a post-oak bog, when I’m mixed wi’
squar’ pilgrims. Gaze at me, pardsl I’m all
bone, meat, muscle an’ bleed, mixed in with
sand ’nou h ter make me es stn'f! as a wagon-
tongue. This air a fac’, an’ I’m ready ter back
my lingo wi’ sticker er shooter, ef any aloot
smears my fambly ’scutehon by sayin' ’m a
pervaricator.

“ J ist ’low me ter gaze on ther long-legged,
knock-kneed chap’rell coyote, er swamp-owl,
what dar’s ter whisper my tongue’s crooked, an’
I’ll send him on ther whiz, et telegraph stom-
pede towards dangnationl . _

“ Bf thar’s any one hyer what’s  bilious
feelin’s to’ards Alermo Abe, let him dust
out, er else stan’ up squar’ an’ toe ther trail in
ther dissectin’ biz. I t all broke up in biz
onc’t furnishin’ boxes r plant ther stiifs what
I laid out cold, down-range; an’ now thet I hes
a fresh start, I deesn’t want ter be bu’sted
ag’in. When I furnishes ame fer a funeral,
that’s enough; don’t be comin’ ter me fer dress-
in’, er thar’ll be gravy spilled, an’ no grub in
cam !

“{Ver hes ’1de me Sheriff 0’ Las’ Lay-out,
an’ I’ll ill ther  bleed in my systematics
fer ther urg an’ hits eitzl (Loud cheers.)

“I’m no gold-ed ed galoot an’ I doesn’t per-
tend ter sling hig alutm’ffiited States lingo;
but I kin pour down_benz1ne es long as ther
bestest copper-lined pilgrim ’mong er, an’ not
wobble in my cowhides. . I’m .a ’r—hunter
from H ens-town, ther mpg-tailed Roarer o’
the R00 ies—ef I ain’ . 0111“ my pericar-
dium wi’ lead pellets, an’ t en chaw me up an’
spit me out!

“ Yer mought es well scout ’roun’ ’mong ther
stars in a' bob-tailed balloon arter white buz-
zards es ter “ hold up” ilgrims fer “ dust "
’roun’ this h er locate whfie ’m Sheriff 0’ Las’
Lay-out. et’s me, every day 0’ ther year,
Fourth 0’ July an’ reachin’ days counted in! _

“ That’s me, A ermo Abe, ther mountain
screamer. Ker-whoop!”

CHAPTER XIV.
vmwnn wrrn scsrrcron.
“THE'r’s me, Alermo Abe, ther mountain

 

' .. screamer. Ker-whoop !”

. \i
.. ’7‘

These words were the
Worthy sheriff‘s speech, an
thé‘ last “ her-whoop” be

and finale of the
were fairly yelled;
strongly em ha-

.,sizedbya bound upward, w th the eviden in-

/ r ./

 

tention of bringin his heavy boots down upon
the bar slab with t 6 full force of his enormous
f weight. This, Abe doubtless considered, would
‘ bean appropriate winding up of his address, and
; cause a great impression.

i But the unfortunate landlord was destined to
, create an impression of greater depth than he
1 believed possible, not only upon his audience
but upon his own head; for, totally unmindful
of the fact that his cranium already nearly
touched the flooring above, he had stooped to
give force to his jump. The consequence was
that he struck his head hard against the planks,
and the burly form of Alamo Abe fell limp upon
the bar and there remained.

The close of his speech had been received
with shouts and laughter, and the sudden
change in his attitude was so comical that this
was kept up.

The men behind the bar, however, began
presently to use their best endeavors in recover-
lng their employer; but, notwithstanding their
attention, r Abe was destined to lie unnoticed
and insensxble, and the crowded room to become
vacant. In fact, the still form of the Texan was
fated to be the only human one remaining within
the precincts of Benzine Bazaar.

A moment after the heavy fall of the sheriff,
and before the assembl had recovered from
their uncontrollable laughter, all became in-
stantly hushed by a piercmg yell from the front
door, which shot through the long room with
wild and strange intonation.

At once an impressive silence fell upon all
within the Bazaar, the denizens of the burg
gazing into each other’s eyes in the utmost
amazement; for all were conscious of a sound
like the continuous roll of distant thunder. For
a moment or two, the vast jam of men were
frozen in their tracks: the spell, which the un—
accountable sound and tremulous motion had
cast upon them, being broken by another pro.
lon ed yell.

T en followed a mad rush for the door, which
was simply terrific; for the crowd became anic-
stricken, by reason of the incom rehensib e dis-
turbance that had so unexpected y occurred.

Something of superstitious dread seemed to
be manifested by this mad rush, in the faces of
the mob of men, some of whom fell, and were
trampled upon remorselessly by their comrades.

The sound of fierce oaths, yells of pain, and
of blows hard struck, filled the room: while the
noise outside increased to a most thunderous
tumult, the building trembling greatly.

Out from Benzine Bazaar poured the human
stream, the gaze of all being guided down the
street to the south; where a strange sight, in-
deed met their view. It was one, however,
which banished all apprehension from the minds
of the beholders.

It was the thunderous and terrifically stam-
pedingaherd of half-wild horses, with the Mus-
tang onarch, upon Black Hawk, dashing on
in t eir midst, in the same manner as described
in a previous chapter; the young Texan havin
maintained his position, and kept the affright
herd in headlong fli ht up the range, close]
followed b the out w band. This, althoug
urged on y Capitan Christobal who offered
lar e rewards for the capture of Blanco Bill
ha failed to overtake the stampede; but had
kept up the rapid race, even to the lowermost
ca ins of the town, so eager were they all towin
the doubloons of their leader.

Not only this, but every member of the band,
white or yellow entertained a most deadly
hatred toward t e pursued, on account of the
long trail they had been forced to follow, into a
dangerous country, the headlong chase after
him up the range, and last, but not least, for the
sla ing of their comrades at the big gorge.

Zest Lay-out was destined to be shaken up, to
be the theater of stran scenes, upon this, the
night of their celebration, and the election of
their sheriff. ' -

Alread the wrangling and carousing had
been 'bro en in u n, b the remarkable ora-
tion of Alamo A , fo owed by that oflicial’s
instantaneous and une ted retirement from
active service, upon t 9 very evening of his
election. Close after came the stran and
ominous sound, that ‘had, upon investigation,
proved but a stampede of mustangs. This
stampede, however, was somewhat startling;
from the fact that but a very few animals were
within the limits of the b —in fact, not with-
in a day‘s journey in any 'rection—and those
few were staked securely at different points.
They were not a score in all, unless the oxen of
the recently arrived train were taken into con-
sideration: and for this there was no occasion,

as the stam e was of horses.
This had n determined at a glance.
But the most sin ar and unaccountable fea-

ture of the view at caught the eager eyes of
the citizens of fast Lay-out, was, that a single
horseman was in the very middle of the herd of
frantic, foam-covered ammals.

Had the “ citz” been able to pierce the pines
at the lower end of the street, and thus discov-
ered the bandit band, they would not have been
so much amazed at the situation of affairs; but
this was, of course, impossible. Consequently
they were at a loss to understand what had
caused the stampede, where the herd could have

 

l

 

come from, and why the lone rider was in the
midst of it.

Capitan Christobal had been furious, indeed
almost insane with baffled rage, upon discover-
ing the shanties and thus realizing that his in-
tended victim had undoubtedly escaped him.
He ground his teeth, in his rage, and his black
eyes shot murderous and vengeful glances at
Blanco Bill, when the latter, amid the terrified
animals, dashed into the street of the town.

But not, even then, did the South American
give up all hope.

He turned his horse to the left, toward the
orge, and by awave of his hand, bade his band
ollow; all dashing amid the bowlders and

pines, within the screen of which the outlaws
made their way, parallel with the western line
of cabins in the rear of the same, and next to
the range. Then they halted, thus sheltered
from view, directly back of the rear entrance
to Benzine Bazaar.

Here. every second man dismounted at the
order of their chief; half their number remain-
ing upon their horses, and kee ing hold of the
bridle-reins of their dismounte comrades.

The latter, with Capitan Christobal, at once
stole cautiously, as near as the cover would
permit, tothe cabins, and there awaited devel-
opments. Christobal, although he realized the
great danger of his position, and the foolishness
of remaining near the town, resolved, in his
mad fury, that he would risk his own life, and
the lives of his men, rather than ive up all
hope of capturing the man who, he (1 sworn,
should die.

Possibly there might yet be an opportunity
of ca turing the American, who would deem
himse f safe, after thus reaching a town, and
consequently Would take no steps to guard
against being taken.

Thus were matters tending toward stran e
occurrences, which none of the actors therein
could possibly have dreamed of ; the Fates seem-
ing to influence those of whom we write, to
take the parts and position which they did.

But, to return to the Mustang Monarch.

He had been, indeed, greatly relieved u n,
discovering Last Lay-out; for the race Egd
seemed very long to him, and he had begun to
fear that he must have passed the town, and
must eventually be taken y his pursuers.

Upon dashin up the street into the town,
Blanco Bill ha ceased his efforts to keep the
stam e going b his yells and felt great re-
lief t at he shoul soon end the race, and be
able to rest and recover from the excitement
and exertion he had undergone during the time
when he should have been asleep, after his long
ride of the previous day.

He was to learn but too soon, however, that
there was not only no rest for him; but, that
the dam ers and excitement through which he
had safe y passed thus far, were as nothing to
those which were to come. This night wasto
be the night of all nights to him. "

The scene that met the wondering eyes of the
crowd, who streamed pell-mell out rom Benzine

, was most impressive and ' ;
more so from the fact, that not a man in Last
Lay-out was in anything near a state of sobriety.
Just the opposite, indeed; for their brains were
inflamedallnjy the vile poison, which they had
freely sw owed.

They saw the Mustang Monarch, on his
superb black steed, in the midst of the stem ,
and they detected the fact, that the her was
made up of animals of many different marks
and brands. This was indisputable proof that
the horses had been stolen.

Further evidence was it, that such a number
of animals were at that particular point one. I
stam de, evidently having been driven at grfit

a long distance.

This left no doubt in the minds of many,  i 3174.,
the man who rode in the midst of the herd was  "  ,

a horse-thief ; that he had been purwed, had
purposely frightened the animals into a frenzied
state, with a view of esca e, and, upon discov-
ering that he had driven t e herd into a town—
of the existence of which he had been i
he had endeavored to dash ahead, an turn the
stem e; thus becoming inextricably sur-
roun ed by the maddened horses, a fact which
rendered his capture easy.

It needed but a moment’s reflection, for a few
of the less intoxicated miners to arri at these
very natural conclusions; and these immediate-
ly yelled, as they jerked their revolvers.

“Corral ther cuss, boyeesi He’s a boss boss-
snatcher! Shoot him ofl his nag, ef he doesn’t
jerk up! Let ther anermiles whiz, but snake in
ther nag-stealer!” '

Such cries rung out from different throats,
and served to arouse and enhghten the whole as-
semblage. . -

In consequence of this, Blanco Bill, in lace of
seeing a friendly spirit manifested by e citi—
zens of the town, into which he had made his
strange advent, beheld fierce looks and leveled
weapons; while, from many a threat, rung the
words, in merciless intonation.

“Skute outen ther critters. with han‘s up, er
we’ll shoot yer from yer hoes!”

So great was the din of cluttering hoofs, how-
ever, that the young Texan heard not this 0cm»
mand; but the manner and actions of the mob

\

orant— ‘

 

 

 

Fm...~__. -m— . --_... ... .__...-._._. .- ..- .—

’ ‘: i‘w Hire-‘4 :3 Bee’s.“ . r

v. "v.

a. ‘r“

-' «- 4,.-.

.
i.

 

-rsueri-ieies.af*:~;:+. A

viii-Eu: a": “cask: ~'

than. id.

. admiration. Indeed, at first sight of the lovely

.of the stranger, thus straggely situated in the
e

12

were most certainly sufi‘icientl ominous of
death to decide him that, if he ad reached a
town of his own countrymen, he was far from
being as safe as he had been when in danger of
assassination, of being trampled to death-in the
mountain gorge, or of being shot by his merci-
less pursuersl

CHAPTER XV.
THEY MET BY CHANCE.

ALTHOUGH the liquor-infuriated denizens of
Last Lay-out had the ame in their own hands
—holding the life of B anco Bill in their power
——yet they did not pull triggers; perhaps, for the
reason that they considered a ‘lync picnic”
would come in nicely on that particular occa-
men.

The capture of the man however, seemed no
easy matter to accomplish as not one of the
miners had a horse near at hand.

Meantime, the Mustang Monarch strove, in a
very skillful manner, to free himself from the
herd. As the only seeming place of safety was
within it, this movement on his part surprised i
the observers.

Full half the length of the street had been
passed by the young Texan, when new actors
appeared upon the scene. These were none
others than Katie Jordan and her attendant,
McCarthy; the burro following at a full gel- .

10 J.

1it so happened that Katie and Teddy, being
fearful of encountering other Indians, had made
good speed down the range, and were searching
for Last Lay-out, when they heard the yells of ‘
the miners, which indicated the location of the l
burg. It was a wild sight that greeted them, 1

et they entertained no up irehension of danger:
indeed, tliiy were less frig tened than surprised
and puzzl .

But the amazement of the “ citz ” upon the
sudden and unexpected appearance of the beau-
tiful young girl and her escort, and the danger ’
they were in of being caught in the stampede, (
was dumfounding. It caused them all, for the ,

J
l

 

moment, to lose sight of Blanco Bill, whose cf-
forts to guide Black Hawk out from the wild
herd had ceased immediately upon the appear-
ance of the maiden.

The young man realized that he was in a ;
position of great peril from the manner and ac- [
tions of the people of the town into which he
had dashed in so peculiar a way; although, for 
the life of him, he could not decide or account i
for, the plainly expressed enmity—and that
for the reason that he had not understood the
lilrlnport of the words that had been yelled at

m

It appeared to our friend that he had arrived
in a town made up wholly of desperadoes and
outlaws.

The Mustang Monarch was thoroughly amaz-
ed. But his astonishment was unbounded, at
the sudden appearance of the beautiful girl in
that wild spot; especially at that late hour, and
attended by but one man—he being, besides, not
an] aged, but apparently wounded; for r
T dy’s bruised and swollen head was p ' y to
be seen.

Only a flitting glance, however, was iven by
the young Texan to Teddy McCarthy; or Katie
claimed and chained his whole attention and

maiden, who sat so gracefully poised in her
saddle, yon the superb ‘ pinto” horse,
Blanco B' forgot, for the moment, everything

6 .

From the very instant that Katie had broken
clear from the pines her eyes had been fixed in a
gaze of admiration which 'she thought not of
concealing, upon the handsome form and face

midst of that wild stamp . It was a picture
which she felt sure would never be banished
from her mind.

Even the danger of her own position was lost
sight of, in her admiration of the young horse-
man, seated on a sable steed that seemed to have
been created especially for him, and speeding on
amid that mass of terrified brutes, by which she
soon found herself surrounded.

As for the Mustang Monarch, he felt that he
had met his fate; that this maiden, who thus a -
peared so strangely before him, and who was in 1
danger of death, could wield an influence over him 3
such as none ever had before. His whole being i
seemed to have been electrified by a single glance :
of her eye.

He determined, at once, to gain the side of the
angelic 'rl, and extricate her from the frantic
herd which threatened her.

The last dwelling of Last Lay-out was passed,
et on plunged the mad stampede, the young
exan hurr mg toward the fast galloping Calico

and its love y burden.

Re ardless of dan r, Katie Jordan gazed be-
hind er; the eyes 0 the maiden meeting those
of the young man, in a look that spoke of the
deep interest she could not but feel in him
though a stranger. Rarely, it is presumed, ha I
man and maid met under stranger and more i
startling circumstances.

As for Teddy M 1-Carthy, the old man was
dreadfully concerned for the sa"e.‘y of his low] y
charge; yet he was powerless to do anything to-

 

 

; would inevitany

I greatfiand to him astounding, change had come

‘ long as life lasted, would endure the love, born

ward extricating either her or himself from
their peculiar and perilous predicament.

Texas, the burro, having made sure of his own
comfort and safety, had begun to raze with
comical com osure, satisfied that he ad avoid-
ed bein swa lowed u in the stampede, and evi-
dently isposed to ta e no further part in the
excitement of the evening.

“May the saints presarve us!” had been the
wild cry of Teddy. “Sure this is the divil’s
own nig t intoirely, an’ I’m thinkin’ it’s oursilves
that’ll never be afthcr seein’ the sun again I”

Katie was too much occupied to make any re-
spouse.

The herd, when it had been under the control
of Christobal and his men, had been kept at a
gallop, and had therefore been in an uncontrol-
lable stampede for some twelve miles; conse-
quently the animals were in a most desperate
and frenzied condition, many of them, at times
stumbling from fati ue, and plunging, with wild
snorts, to retain their footing.

This caused our three friends to be in a very
dangerous position; but Blanco Bill felt that his
own life was as nothing, in comparison with
that of the fair being in his front—felt that he 1
would gladly risk his life in an attempt to save
her, and this he resolved to make.

If one of the frantic horses in front of him I
should fall, and Black Hawk were to stumble
over the animal, the young man knew that he
be trampled to death; hence
the greatest skil and care must be practiced in
gaining the side of the maiden.

The same sad fate might behers at any mo-
ment, and this thought caused the Mustan
Monarch to dash forward at once; Black Haw
wed ing himself with such force between two of
the orses in front, that the animals were not
only forced away on each side, but so suddenly,
that they both sunk to the earth, and were tram-
)lcd by those in the rear. This gave our young

riend more he , ., and the plan he had conceived
was immediate y carried out.

He was greatly averse to slaying the half-
Wild horses, but the life of this fair girl was
to be considered, more than all the horses in the
universe. ,

Strange, but nevertheless true it was, that a

over lanco Bill, in a few moments time.

He felt, although he could not account for the
feelin that this stranger maiden was more to
him t all the world—more‘than life! He was
ready to risk his life for one smile of thanks
from the ruby lips and bright eyes of the angelic
being, to whom he had never spoken a word,
and whom, until a few brief moments previous,
he had never so much as beheld.

But he stopped not to analyze the most pleas-
in emotions that now controlled him.

nstantly upon formin his plan of operations
he jerked one of his revo vers, and at once he-
gém to blaze away; shooting down the animals

the right and left, and in front of Black
Hawk, at the same time driving spurs, and keep-
ing a stiff rein, to prevent if possible his steed
from falling to the earth. Soon, six horses had
fallen; Black Hawk bounding afar, over or be-
tween the carcasses, toward Katie Jordan.

No sooner had be emptied his revolver, than
he drew its mate, and again the sharp crack of
the weapon rung out: horses falling at each re-
port—the last one directly behind the afl'righted
girl, who turned pale, at the sight that met her
view as she glanced over her shoulder.

The shooting of such a number of animals in a
direct line caused, as Blanco Bill had anticipated,
a break or parting of the herd. The next in-
stant, his horse bounded u beside Calico, and he
thrust out his hand to c utch the bridle-rein,
but it was 1grasped, at once, by the fair eques—
trian herscl .

One moment, while madly galloping side by
side, and hand in hand, the eyes of man and
maid, so strangely met, became fixed u on each

ther; and, in that moment. each realized that

ey had met their fate—that, henceforth, as

amid the dangers of that night.

Katie Jordan never knew just how it occur-
red: but, as it seemed to her, in a sin le instant
of time, she sat Calico in the rear 0 that fear-

ful stampede in safety: her panting and foam v

bespattered favorite standing still, with ears
pricked forward, and eyes starting, staring to-
ward the on-galloping erd, within which r
Teddy McCarthy was to be seen; the. luc less
old man gazing in his rear, and gesticulating
wildly.

Then, for the first time, the voice of the Mus-
tan Monarch broke u n the ear of Kathleen
Jon an; as he lifted his sombrero, in polite, in-
deed reverential salutation. _

“I must beg of you to remain here, miss, it
you please, for the present. You are now in
perfect safety—thank God! I go to rescue your
old friend yonder.”

Katie was s chleSS. Not a word left her
lips, as Blanco ill, upon Black Hawk, sped on-
ward to the rescue of Teddy McCarth

Blanoo Bill, the Mustang Monarch. ,‘

 

 

But though the young girl 8 ke nogher eyes
were fixed, in almost worship ul adoration. upon

the proud form and noble bearing of her hand .

some preserver, who. from that moment, she
felt assured, would rule her love and life.

\ /

CHAPTER XVI.
LOVE WAS LORD or ALL.

THE Mustang Monarch urged his horse quickly
to the rescue of Teddy McCarthy; but, before he
reached the herd, the became so scattered that
the old Irishman easi y freed himself from their
midst. He immediately whirled about, and
soon meeting the young Texan, called out im-
pulsively:

“ God be wid yees, thin, whoever ye are! But
this has been the devil’s own night entoirely. In-
dade, but for mesilf, a aintcd haythen w’u’d
been afther takin’ Miss hathlccn the Lord knows
where, back beyant there. Sure, it was a big
dose 0 lead I give him.

“ I’m hopin’ there’s rist an’ p’ace in the shanty
town fornmst us, thin. But, be the piper that
played before Moses it’s the fine luckin’ man ye
are yersilf begorral ’

Although Blanco Bill could not help smiling,
it would have seemed sacrilege to him, to have
laughed at this quaint old man, who, it :cr med,
had recently saved the life of that fair young

irl. This aged Irishman, it up ared, was so
ienorcd as to be the Unsth friend and mm-
which of one who, in so i-hort a time, had
banished all else from his own mind, except
thoughts of herself; more than that, who had
filled his hunt with a love that astounded him

i by its strength and depth, and the heavenly hap-

piness that it occasioned.

Had he not detected, in the free and open gaze
of Katie J ordan, that she was mcst favorably
im ressed by him; that gratitude, if no stronger
fee ing, was mirrored in her bright black eyes—
had not all this been plainly shown, without at-
tempt at reserve, he would not have been buoyed

‘ up by the emtuisite happiness (1 nd hope, that were

betra ed in is every look and act.

As eddy ceased .s leaking, Blanco Bill tuined
Black Hawk on the ark track, and gazed anx-
iously toward the I‘oint at which he had parted
with the bright angel of his thoughts. A close
observer would have detected that the young
man could hardly believe his senses; that the
strange occurrences of the hi ht seemed too
startling and unreasonable to e true, that all
a pearcd like a dream and be half sus .ected
“fat the view toward Bast La -out we d not
contain the central figure for w ieh he looked.
TAt length he spoke, for the first time, to

cdd :

“You astonish me,” he said, “by what you
tell me' Do you mean to assert that there are
Indians in the vicinity, and that this young lady
came ncar bcin captured by one of them?” '

“Troth an’ do, sirl An’ if ye’ll be-afiher
luckin’, ye’ll see the haythen craythur’s fixin‘s,
that I tuck from him, afther blowin’ a hole in
his back that a wolf c’u‘d crawl into, be gobs!”

lThe young Texan examined McCarthy’s sad-

e

Proofs were there, plain proofs, to back the
old man’s word. ,

“ I am, indecd, astonished,” said Blanco Bill.
“But, in the name of wonder, wh has your
young mistress periled her life, in us coming
to such a wild and savage region?

“ Surely she must have some stron motive.”

“Sure, sor, Miss Kate’s brother, atsey Jor-
dan be name—an’a wild ossoon be nature_.
struck out for the wild Wes some years ago, an’
the divil a back did he iver come till Scranton.
Thin Miss Katie tuck the notion she’d hunt for
him. An’ she left her mother, her father bein’
dead entoirely—rest his sowll—an’ a sisther an’
a brother, sayin’ she‘d be afther findin’ Patsey.

“ Thin Teddy Mr Carthy—that’s mesilf,, be
gobs !—eouldn‘t l’ave Katie till he lost entoircly;
an’ here yer honor sees us, on our way till Last
Lay-out as they call the shantics be 'ant. But
divil a bit does ould Teddy think iss Katie’ll
ever see Patse again.”

“Doesn’t Miss Jordan know in what part of
the country her brother is located?”

“ Divil a word, he cri es! Sure Patsey’s been
here an‘ there, like a jar -a~lanthern over a be .
But, sor, how come you till be mixed up Wld
thim crazy bastcst” ' ~

“ It is too lon a stor for the present. _ But I
must tell on, fileCarth' , I don t much like the
looks of t ings here. ve map In the place
seems to be intoxicated, and hesrtate about ad-
vising Miss Jordan to enter the town. Perhaps
it would be safer to encamp in the pines.”

“Bad ’cess till the loikes 0’ the crazy divils in
this curse of a counthry, anyway! Sure it’s
Teddy that’ll 0 an‘ see for himself what sort of
a place Lam flay-out is. Ah,thinl_ Miss Kath-
leen, it’s safe ye are—thanks till this gentleman
an’ the saints! It’s mesdf c’u’d dance a her-run-
pi wid pure joy this blissid minit!”

IIfhe Mustang Monarch raised his sombrero,
with a joyous smile upon his handsome face, as
his e es now met those of Katie J ordan,

Natural] self-possessed, and not easily PX?
cited or a armed, her emotions being readily
under her control, she now, in the presence of
this handsome stranger, felt a reserve and difli-
dence that were new to her, and to a certain ex-
tent unaccountable.

“Miss Jordan,” said the young man, “ our '
e, Wit out,

friend here has escaped the stam

my assistance; and I am indeht to him for

some little knowledge concerning yourself, in: v

eluding your name.

.
A..." i ,

 

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i a"... ‘*W
a m  WT. _.-.-._

 

 

 

 

   the Mustang  13 '

 

 

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, 5"...»

 

“ Allow me to introduce myself as William
Williamson, at your service, now and at all
times.

“ I have been greatly astonished to learn that
your life and Lbcrty have but recently been en-
dangered by the attack upon you of an Indian.
Permit me to say that this is a most dangerous
section of the country for a young lady like
yourself to ass through.”

“Mr. Wi iamson,” returned the maiden, “I
will not waste words in expressing my thanks
to you, and the pleasure that I feel on account
of your timely aid, for words are too meaning-
less. It is true that I came near falling a vic-
tim to savage cruelty; indeed, but for Teddy I
should undoubtedly be now far away, a captive
to a hideous Indian. My old and devoted friend
here, however, shot the savage; and came very
near killing himself at the same time, as you
may rceive.

‘ T is has, indeed, bren an eventful night. I
shall never forget it, and the services of you
both. My deepest gratitude is yours.

“But, had we not better proceed to Last Lay-
out? I resume Teddy has explained my pres-
ence in t iese wilds, Mr. Williamson ?”

“ He has; and I must say that, although your
obsLect is commendable, you are taking fearful
ri s, and with but little chance of success.
Your sisterly devotion is very stron , and
speaks well for you as a young lady 0 great
resolution, daring, and devotion.

“But, as this night has also been somewhat
exciting to in even previous to my havin had
the pleasure 0 doing you a service—for w ich I
have been already more than a thousand times
repaid—I must say, that I am still somewhat
suspicious and ap rehensive on your account.

“ From that w ich I detected, in my dash
through the town below, I doubt the honesty of
the people there; indeed, thefleitppeared to be

 

CHAPTER XVII.
CLAMORING FOR BLOOD.

AFTER assing the border of the pine matte,
the yout 11] pair found themselves beneath trees
of a larger growth; free from branches for full
ten feet, and also from undergrowth.

Blanca Bills rung lightly to the ground, al-
lowing Black awkto go free, and stepped to
the side of Calico. A bar of moonlight shone
full upon the head of Katie Jordan, crowning her
form with silvery radiance; as if even the ma-
'estic Luna felt called upon to favor the lovers,

y revealing the striking beauty of the maiden
to her ardent admirer.

Neither of them ke a word.

There stood the ustang Monarch, his hand-
some face bent upward, his arms held out to
Katie Jordan, offering her the assistance which
he wished her to accept. For a moment, the
young girl sat her horse, still as a statue; but,
drawn b an irresistible influence, she sunk slow-
ly into t a open arms, that wished so much to
inclose her fairy form.

These lovers, who had never told their love
neither of whom had, an hour previous, dreamed
of the existence of the other, trembled with the
intensity of their emotions; their astonished be-
wilderment at the change in their whole beings,
bein almost as deep as their intense, though
new- in affection.

The queenly head of Kathleen Jordan sunk
upon the shoulder of Will Williamson: and thus,
for some time, the pair remained. Both wished,
in their hearts, that the hap y 8&11 would last
forever. Both banished all e from their
minds, but the blissful thou hts that were, in
each, wholly and entirely of t e other.

Then the young man spoke, his voice so soft
and tender that the sound surprised himself;
spoke, with an intonation so expressive of his ad-
miration that volumes of words could not

ished all her contempt for danger, all her
strength of will and daring, and clung to her
new-found protector, as the vine to a iant oak;
for, sweet it was to her. to gaze into t at hand-
some face, which was now stamped with the ex—
treme of fury and determination, born of his
love for herself, and an almost insane hatred for
anl who might seek to bin in her.

ike some vengeful god, did the young Mus-
tang Monarch appear: his proud form poised
for fight, while arrows of moonlight shot down
upon man and maid. rtvcaling a picture that
would have driven an artist into an ecstasy of
delight.

But the young man had not been thus startled,
alarmed, and caused to prepare for desperate
defense, by the sounds of crashing brush alone.
His keen ears had detected the distant din of a
mob of men, yelling and howlin like demons.

Blanca Bill rightly interprete these sounds.

He knew that a frenzied crowd were fast ap-
proaching from Last Lay-out. and that they
were thirsting for blood—his blood— although,
why they should seek his life was to him a
m stery.

‘vcn these sounds would not have been
noticed, or at least would not have alaimed
him, had not the thought of the whisky—in-
flamed faces, and leveled weapons of the “ citz "
of Last Lay-out flashed upon his mind, on the
instant.

Thus, for a moment, stood our two young
friends; Bill, with revolver leveled, and finger
curved around trigger, ready to “blaze” into
the breast of whoever should dash, with murder-
ous intent, into the matte.

Katie Jordan trembled; for, although she was
as free from fear as any of her sex could be un.
der the circumstances, yet she felt great concern
in regard to her protector.

Rapidly the tumult drew near, yet not a word

 

 

\

 

either insane from drink, or e esperate char- have told as much. ssed between the pair. xv
:acters, with whom you would be in the greatest Yet, it was but a single word, that left his The young irl looked up into her lover’s face,
danger. The were about to shoot me from my lips: with a aze o adoration: seeming to have for-
horse, when t e sudden and unexpected appear- “ Katie!” gotten t e cause of alarm, and to be heedless of all
.ance of yourself and Mr. McCarthy drew ofi Slowly the maiden raised her head until her else except the one by her side.
their attention from me. lovely face was direct] in front of that of her Blanca Bill’s e as were fixed across the matte,
“They seemed astonished at beholding you, lover. Then, from her lips came, like the glancing alon e sights of his revolver.
as indeed so was I. You will now understand, whisper of a gentle zephyr, the words that his The inner Branches of pines were suddenly
Miss Jordan, that I am deeply indebted to an; eager ears drank in: dashed aside, and into the clear space shot none ,
in fact, without doubt I owe you in life w ich ‘Willl” other than Texas, the little burro, in a wild gal- ‘
is, as I have said, at your service. ut Ida not “Thank God! Yes, and thank you, Katie lop; the pack still upon his back, and his long
"think it prudent for you to enter Last Lay-out, Jordan! Henceforth and forever I am yours— ears pointed forwar .
until I 0 there, and ascertain if it is safe for yours until death, and after death,if that is - Directly toward the lovers galloped Texas; .
you to 50 so.” sible. Bless the bandits for seeking my ife! Katie disengaging herself hastily from the arm “'
“That must not be,” returned Katie, uickly. Bless the kind Fates for leading me to you I” of the young man, and, with a glad cry sprin — ‘
“ You have admitted that they were a at to They were, indeed, a handsome pair, seeming- 3 ing to the side of her stran e four—footed frien . _ I.
shoot you, and consequently your life would be ly created for each other, and seemingly having ; The burro made instant h t, its huge ears drop- - .
in danger should you return. Some of the men been destined to meet, and to love——to have been i ping at once; while it gazed at Blanco Bill, and " ,'
of the town must hold enmity toward ou' but, by some stran e and subtile influence drawn to- : around the matte, as if it sought to discover .
.as this Cannot be the case as regards ed y, be gether, there %y the base of that adamantine I proofs that would enable it to decide whether 9
can go on ahead, if you really think it neces- range. anythin further, in the way of excitement, had w
.sary. ’. “ his is all so sudden, so strange,” said the ‘ occurr during its absence. 1.,
‘ Miss Jordan, lmow nothing of any man in young girl' “I can hardly believe my senses. It I Only one glance, did the “ Boss Buccaro ” give .,1
the place. This is my first appearance here. cannot, I t ink be more than an hour since we ; at it; then be bent his ear, straining his senses,
But I must explain how I came to be in the first met; but from the moment I saw you, in ‘ in endeavoring to decide more fully the charac- ,
midst of the stamiwdef’ . the midst of that dreadful mass of maddened , ter of the sounds he had detected in the distance. . ,
Blanca Bill then related his adventures. horses, I seemed fascinated. And, when I first , Then be rushed forward, thrusting his revolver 
.“It seems," said Katie, “that altho h you gazed into your eyes, my whole heart was 1 into its scabbard, and crying out: 
have given no one cause to bear enmity ward yours. It seems unmaidenly for me thus to 9 “Come, Katie! We must fl . For some un- . 3:;
you t ose outlaws wished to capture on.” express myself—thus to allow you to clasp me in ; known reason, the men of La Lay-out seek my " “"
' “They certainly did,” was the rep y, “but it your arms—yet I cannot resist the impulses that ‘ life. Teddy has been taken. or he would have ..
is all a mystery to me, and the actions of these control me.” ' joined us, Come, my darling; I will protect ~32
men of Last Lay-out are just as unaccountable. “He who has brought us together, Katie dar- 1 you while life lasts! '5 
It is bewilderineg strange but I  fathom ling, alone shall part us. Ten thousand thanks i “Here would I stand, and brave—ay, scorn ‘ J
the mystery before I leave this lacahty. for your precious words! Our destiny is united L the maddened mob, but for your presence; for I h;
mBut you are tired and sleepy, havmg already forever. I thank Heaven for the happiness I E have done no wrong. It may be that the town“  "g,
been through dangers sufficient to unbalance enjoy this precious moment—this moment of all g is in league with the outlaws who chased me. .
the minds 0 many of your sex. You and Teddy moments in my life I" Q But P11 mow my way through the drink-frenzied .4”!-
had better enter one of the adjacent pine mottes, There, among the whi ring ines, were Will fools!” g, 3":
dismount, and rest‘ while I ride into the town I‘Villiamson and Katie ordan trothed' with Katie Jordan rung erect, as her lover spoke, 
and investigate affairs. Should I not return, no witness exee t Calico and Black Haw ——flt— her black e es fi ed With a furious light. ,4, *1
remain secreted; for there will be danger for , ting witnesses, owever, for the Mustang Mon. “Why, 0 , why, do they seek your life, Will! 
you if I am overcome.” I arch and his prospective bride. But I forget—you yourself do not know. Yes, ’;,1
“ Be the powers 0’ mad, thin, but e’ll not ' Suddenly while the stood silent, there came i let us fly. and at once. .,
shtir a step intil the curse o’ a town, if t e mur- T a crashing of branc and bush through the t “ Poor Teddy! Why did I allow him to leave ’
therin’ bl. gards were goin’ till shoot e when matte; proving the approach of humanor brute, me? He must not be deserted. Cannot we
ye were r1 . [1’ through aforel It’s mesi that’ll at rapid . i avoid the mob, and rescue him? Oh, hear those
go, for diVil a wane thim’ll hurt ould Teddy. : At once, Blanca Bill drew the maiden to his l horrid yells!”
side, his left arm encircling her waist: and, at The sounds made by the on-comin citizens

“ Both 0‘ yees step beyant in the pines, an’ I’ll
bewid yees soon, lase God!
all ‘9’

Before either Bill or Katie could utter a word
in remonstrance the old man was galloping to-
‘ward Lust Lay-out. _ .

And there, sitting their horses side by side,
the outhful pair remained; the hearts of each
fill with emotions that were expremed most
plainly by glance and manner, but not by word.

It was to both a most happy'experience; the
whole world and all the past experience of each
being as naught—both living in the resent, and
Praying from their inmost souls t at nothing
might ever come to mar the happiness, so recent-
ly rn, and never before dreamed of.

Without a word, Blanco Bill took the bridle-
rein of Calico in his hand, and gazed into Katie’s
eyes - unmistakable loveli ht flashing from
each. Then he his negle steed toward the

, pine motto, Calico and Black Hawk walking
neck and neck; the happy young lovers an
their horses soon ' from view into the

, dark and Silent Smd the sweetly-scented

balsamic air, over the thick carpet of needle-

Zlike leaves.

_ Take care 0‘ cr- ,
silves, an’ the b ssid saints take care 0 us.-
; leveled
his limbs braced for a conflict to the death—a ?

 

the same instant faced the point of alarm, re-
volver in hand. he held the weapon cocked and
his eyes blazing, his lips clinched, and

struggle to protect the angelic girl, who was all
the world to him.

Had not the experiences of the night been al-
ready so tragic and startling to both himself and
Katie, the young Texan would not have been so
apprehensive of danger; and, had he been alone,

he would have been far less concerned, and not ’

near] so has in his movements. But the re-
sponSibility 0 his position, with the maiden he

so adored depending upon him for protection, 3
caused him to practice the utmost caution, and .

nerved him to combat.

It transformed him, giving him a herculean T

he had ever before

strength beyond anythin
those who sought

: and woe be

harm the fair girl his arm so tenderly :

clasped.
Had he not recalled the evident enmity of the

men of Last Lay-out, Blanca Bill would not have t

entertained suspicion of coming danger.
And Katie, what of her on this occasion?
The little black-eyed, fairy-like beauty ban-

l were now plainly to be heard, and B anco Bill‘

, tiprung forward, clasping Katie in his arms.
; e then ran toward the horses.

Placing his darling in her saddle, the young
man sprung astride of Black Hawk, and jerking
a rave ver—his face pale, and teeth set—he shot a
glance toward the maiden. who had drawn her

istol, and with flashing e '96 and daring mien,
ad guided Calico up besi e the black steed.

There was a moment’s silence.

Then, from many throats close at hand, in
coarse and mad intonation, shot frantic and

vengeful yells.
‘ “ Down wi’ ther stampeder!”

“Hang tber cuss up fer seed 1”

“ Jark up ther hobs-stealer!”

“ Short rope with a greased loop fer him i”

“ He’s run ther purty gal off, an’ we'll choke
him of! !”

These. and other cries of like character were
5 plainly heard. with the. tramping of many feet
upon the hard-beaten trail beyond the matte.

It was plain that the “ citz” of Last Lay—cut,
I all intoxicated as they were, were after the
' Mustang Monarch. . r.

The yells were those of frantic men, thint‘rg I

 

,.

g."-

i.

it...

?'=‘—‘ 53“ 52H , 

' ' ’14

for blood. with vengeful fury; their liquor-
crazed brains being incapable of entertaining
a thought of justice or mercy.

CHAPTER XVIII.
A RACE FOR LIFE.

“COME, Katie, my darling, we will balk
that crazy mob,” CXcltllmOd Blanco Bill.

“I know now why they seek my life.
g? ' They believe that I am a horse-thief; that I
' stole the herd of animals, in the midst of
which I dashed into their town. Keep to my
right, and maintain equal speed with me.
L! If hard-pressed, you must dash on ahead,
while I hold that crazy mob at bay.”

. Straight out from behind the matte, the
1 . handsome pair shot forth; the young man
ii between Katie and the point of danger. No
 sooner had they cleared the matte, than a
‘ fierce yell burst from many throats; and the
, “— pair discovered, to the south, and not a pis-
‘  tel-shot from them, a score of the infuriated
’ ' - , “citz.” with weapons in hand.
 ' " Ilalt, er We'll bore yer!"
"' " . “Death tcr nag-stealersl"
0 ' “ Thar's ther purty gal—go fer lier,
h‘ ~ boyccsl"
' '- - “ Plug him, but don't hit ther leetle gall"
. t :, .:. “Don't. nary one o’ yer, pull trigger!
’ ()‘orral him fer a lynch picnicl”

Such were the cries, that came from the
lips of the rough men, all m0re or less in-
toxieated.

 , Bloated faces, bloodshot eyes, clothing and

‘. hair in disarray, after the scrambling strug-
 . gle out from the establishment of Alamo
 - Abe ——all madlyrusliing, in a scattered crowd,
’7 *7 u toward Blanco Bill and his fair companion.
I '. Thus were the citizens of Last Lay-out pre-
’- ’j' . ‘ seated to them.

' ‘ Well knew the young Texan that the mob
would not hesitate to our a volley at him,
,_ did he manifest the slightest disposition to
r‘ i , shoot.
h. , They might wound or kill Katie Jordan,
’ ' now more than life to him; and the very
thought of this was so terrible that it curbed
, .. . / his almost overpowering rage, and changed
2"" * f, his determination to ma e a daring dash up-
 ., on them.
i / .Tl‘liis excitimy scene had a strange effect
upon the mai en. She could see that the
I . ~' “citz” had made up their minds to have a

 

an. a;-

--,u.

for blood. and no amount of reasoning would
convmce them that Blanco Bill was not a
horsethief.

Besides, in their present condition, the
were incapable of reasoning; and, it was ev -
dent, that the escape of the Mustang Mon-
arch, when dashing through the town, had
doubled their fury and hatred.

All this, Katie saw, and it decided her to
immediate action.

Jerking Calico to a halt, until Black Hawk
_' sed on a length ahead, the young girl
' ' spurred her horse directly between the mob

and her lover.

The latter was intent, at the moment, up-

' on examining the ground ahead, and form-
ing plans to gain Last La -out; thence dash-
ing through the town, an rescuin Teddy if
poasible. For Katie had declare that she
woald not abandon her old friend and pro-
tector, who had so recently saved her from a
fate worse than death.

Onl a couple of moments had elapsed
since eaving the nwtte. They had been rid-
ing at full 8 ed toward the range; but, as
the mob bed can at some distance from the
matte, they had not been able to get to the
west of the crowd.

On the instant that Katie performed the

‘maneuver, she cried out:

"Spur on, Will—spur on! They will not
shoot me, and the cannot harm you now!“

“Neverl"yelle Blanco Bill. “It shall
never be said that I sheltered in self behind

ix, lia ' ing, or else kill the young man at once,
13' . (lid ei'esist capture. .
'5}? ’ Their yells were the yells of men insane

 

a woman. Do on spur on. atie, or I‘ll
halt here and ght them. Ride for Last
g La x-outl We‘ll rescue Tedd . Spur on !"

, saying, he shot past atie, the black

7 horse rearingupon its hind le 9 at jerk of
i hit. and facing the mob, which was now
quite near.

 

gig, in an a on of apprehension; "come!
, I will ti 6 a mad. as you wish!"

I In aloud voice, clear as a bell, the Mus-
‘, tang Monarch yelled:

 

mo._p~.-‘v-m- .w A. ._.-...... _. v. .s..- .- . -..._.__..~......--._..._-.___.... .—. ..

 'Biafico Bill, :thelMustarig‘ Monarcfi; .  a  ,\‘-  .- H ,

“Back, you cowardly dogs, or I’ll shoot
some of you in your tracks! Back, I say,
and I‘ll meet you all. if you don‘t come too
many at once, in your town, after I‘ve found
a suitable place to leave this lady. You,
man in front, with the red shirt, pick up
your liatl"

The hat of the man desi natcd was, at the
time Bill spoke, upon his mad; but as the
last word left the young Texan's lips, his re-
volver was leveled between the ears of Black
Hawk. Then followed a spurt of fire and a
whiplike crack, and the sombrero of the
red-shirted miner fell from his head, perfo-
rated b the bullet.

The i ustang Monarch then turned Black
Ilawk’s head west, Katie comprehending his
object, and away they both galloped head-
long, a rattling fusilade of revolver-shots
sounding in their cars from the rear.

Their speed was simply terrific, and in a
minute's time, having passed beyond the
range of revolvers, they dashed toward Last

Layout.

{atie felt sure, by this time, that she had
made a great mistake—that the mob would
have shown no favor whatever—that they
would have had no respect for her sex, in
their denioralized condition.

She now regretted having insisted upon
goin to the town to investi ate the cause of
Ted y McCarthy’s absence. or she felt that
her rescuer would be slain. The poor girl

, was, indeed, in a tortured state of mind, and

neither she nor her lover spoke a word as
they galloped on. The latter, upon reason-
ine‘ rapidly in regard to the condition of
a airs. concluded that it would be tempting
fate to ride boldly into Last Lay-out; for
well he knew there must be a large number
of the citizens who Were in the same condi-
tion of drunken fury, and who entertained
the same liOstile feelings toward himself, still
in the burg. '

Besides this, those who had been outwit-
ted were of course now on their return, and
doubly infuriated at his having escaped them
when they had believed him entirely in their
power.

The outlook was far from promising, yet
it would be more than cowardly to leave
poor old Teddy to the mercy of such a
mob.

Thus cogitatin , Blanco Bill spurred up
b the side of Cadco, and catching the hand
of' Katie Jordan, exclaimed:

“ It is very unfortunate, my darling, that
we allowed your old friend to enter the town,
for it has placed as in a most perilous pre-
dicament. We could have escaped up the
range easil had Teddy been with us; and if
we enter ast Lay—out openly, I fear that
your libert , and possibly your life, will be
cndangere . Icannot hope to defend you
against a whole town, the people of which
a I seem to be drunk or crazy.

“ It is better, I think, that we turn to the
right, and pass through the pines, between
the shanties and the mountains." '

“ I am perfectly willing,” said the maiden;
“indeed it relieves my mind great] to have
you propose it. I cannot be ieve, owever,
that the miners, intoxicated though they seem
to be, will offer me violence. It was a reat
mistake, I now see. to permit poor Ted to
leave us, but I do not see how we can do im
any good at present.

“ He must be detained by force—indeed I
am confident of it. But you must not think
of entering that town to-night. Those men
would take your life. Only think of my
condition, should I be left alone, and unpro-
tected by either Teddy or yourself. Do let
us, at once, dash to the rear of the cabins, as
you roposcd, before it is too late!"

“ atie, I trust and believe that the Power,
who has protected you thus far, will watch
over us, and will not allow villainy and
crime to triumph. Did your safety not de-

 

end. as I truly believe it does, upon myself,
Iwould ride boldly into town, and confront
‘ my accusers. _

“Had the strange events of this night oc-
curred without our having become an actor
, in them, 1 shou d have been in Last Lay-out
' before this time; and blood would have been

spilled, had they tried to lynch me. I have

 

“They will kill you!" cried the young j curbed my just anger, for your sake, dar-

' lin .

I Turn to the ri ht at once, while I ride

' behind, ready to de end you: for death may
lurk in every mom, or sand the bowlders.”

 

 

 

Instantly the young girl obeyed. ‘

Blanco Bill had determined to rescue
Teddy.

He would leave Katie, securely secreted,
and enter the town on foot and alone, to seek
and save the old man who had been so faith~
ful to Katie Jordan.

But, surrounded as they were with peril,
the pair were happy in their mutual trust,
and through being permitted to enjoy each
other’s company. There was no need for
them to utter words of devotion, for glances
spoke more plainly.

Down in the rear of the west line of shan-
ties they proceeded, little dreaming that they
were nearing the coverts of (,‘apitan Christo-
bal and his band of outlaws; for the Mustang
Monarch knew not of the presence of the
South American in New Mexico, and his
fair companion knew not that such a man
existed.

To their left, in the street of the town,
they heard a wild tumult, which proved that;
their suspicions, in regard to there being
many of the “citz” still in Last Lay-out,
were correct.

Riding slowly, and keeping pines and
bowlders between them and the bur , the
pair passed on, until they determine that;
they were in the rear of the central portion
of the street.

Just as they halted, the commotion of the
town seemed to increase; and Blanco Bill,
thinking it possible that the drunken miners
might lynch poor McCarthy, urged Black
Hawk into the nearest matte, bidding Katie.
follow.

There dismounting, he said:

“Promise me, darling, you will remain
here, regardless of any sounds you may hear.
Teddy must not be left longer at the mercy
of these men.”

“Go, Will,”/ she replied; “but, oh, do.
hasten your return! But do not ask me to
promise anything. We, neither of us, know
what may happen. G0 at once, or I may
nfit be wi ling to have you leave my side at.
a 1"

“I wish, from my soul. I was not obliged
to part with you thus. Go leave ou here,
in darkness, and alone, with probab e dan er
near is agony itself. But bearu , and -
lieve with me it will all come out right!”

Blanco Bill saw the tears on the maiden’s
cheeks, and heard her choking sobs; but,
tearing himself from her clinging embrace,
he sto e awa in the darkness.

Katie Jor an was alone! Alone, beneath
the shades of the sighing pines, with the
thick darkness around her, and the weird
whisperings of the evening breeze amid the
foliage, deepening the despairing gloom that
had suddenly oppressed her.

The gloomy ap rehensions of the poor girl
were now doubled;
only would her poor old protector probabl
be banged by the mob. but her lover‘s li e
would also most certainly be sacrificed, in
the vain effort to save him.

For what chance, humanly speaking, could
there be of rescue, or of safety, amid such
surroundings?

 

CHAPTER XIX.
TEDDY 0N ms mavens.

WHEN Teddy McCarthy galloped away
from Blanco Bill and Katie, he proceeded at
a headlong gait toward Last Lav-out; but he
did not ol ow the wagon trail, as the same
idea occurred to him that had to Mustang
Monarch—namely, that it would be more
prudent to reconnoiter the town from the
rear.

Consequently, the old man rode directly
toward the ran e, and thence continued along
the base of t e mountains. shielded from
view b the modes and bowlders. .

The chef that he and the maiden had es-
caped the stampede. and that the latter had
been captured by the supposed horsethief,
had infuriated the mob more than might else;
for they had been Wild With delight at be-
holding the beautiful young girl, and had de-
termined to makeher the queen of the bar .
When they perceived her in company wi h
the stampeder, they were greatly surprised;
for she apgeared to aecompan him of her
own accor ,
to shield and protect him.

The shots they had flred had not been in-

for she now felt that not! ,

and indeed mani ested a desire .

   

 

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gm. fl, ,_,_._._r-< , _ -.,

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~..._...

 

 

'15

 

  \Bill’, the Mustang Monamh‘ A }

 

tended to go near her, for none in the party,
intoxicated though they were, would have
harmed a hair of her head.

They were all simply wild to induce her to
enter Last Lay-out, and then their celebra~
tior. would indeed be a grand affair.

This explains why the mob had been so
furious when they had discovered the youth«
ful pair together, and realized that both had
a fair chance to escape; thus cheating them
out of their lynch pic-nic, and also depriving
them of their queen.

llad Teddy been captured by the on-rush-
ing mob, the events recorded, and about to
be recorded, would have been entirely differ-
ent witliOut doubt; for the stubborn old
Irishman would have refused to guide the
frenzied men, and then his life would have
paid the forfeit. McCarthy was prudent, as
has been mentioned, and he spent much time
stealing toward the town, and fortunate it
was for him that he was cautious, for he
passed quite near the concealed outlaws of
Capitan Christobal, who would have “ scoop-
ed him in," bad they discovered him.

After a time the old man reached the rear
of the establishment of Alamo Abe; where,
concealed from view. he listened intently in
an endeavor to distinguish from the words of
the “ citz,” something in regard to their feel-
ings and intentions. But, such was the din
that Teddy could make neither head nor tail
of the ejaculations and mad yells that pre-
dominated,

“The divil a worrud of the Quane‘s En«

lish that’s fit till spake before dacent people
fiin I hearl” muttered the old man. “May
I sink in the bogs of Ballinasloe widout
praste or prayer, if it isn’t the liaythenest
place I was ever inside of l Upon me sowl,
it w'u‘d be a foine thing if there ’u'd be afther
comin’ a sigh-clown, as they calls thim, an’
blow the whole batch o’ thim to Ballyliackl

“ There‘s Mistlier Blanco Bill an’ Miss
Kathleen. both aftlier waitin‘ for me till come
back, an’ tell thim the koind of a reciption
the ’d mate wid, an‘ how the divil am I till
fin out? But, be cripes, it's intil the town
1 must go. even if the crazy divils will be
afther draggin‘ me through that same; for
it’s the divil‘s own night entoirely. an' harrum
moight come till Katie when Teddy’s not
wid her. God be betune us all an’ all mis-
chief."

As McCarthy spoke, he stole toward the
Benzine Bazaar, and along in the shade of
the same toward the street, soon peeping
around the corner of the building. The
sight that met his view was not of a charac-
ter to cause him any relief of mind; just the

,opposite, for those of the citizens who had

remained in the burg were awranglin mob,
and appeared to be greatly exasperat .
This the old man found out by their words,

as they discussed the esca e of the supposed

.horse-thiefl They were a so much excited in

regard to the advent of a beautiful young
woman in the town; but who had dashed ac-

cidentally into the herd of stampeding horses

and been borne away amid the same-doubt-
less to be captured by that villainous nag-
stealer, who seemed to carry on business by
wholesale.

At times some were confident that their
comrades would capture the thief and return

v with him, and also release the maiden and

her protector. Then these would give utter-
ance to doubtful expressions, and others
would assert that they had been fooled all
around, andwould never set eyes on either
of them again.

If Blanco Bill (lid return, Teddy felt posi-
tive, from the furious threats, that he would
be hanged at once, and that Katie was eat-
I desired as a resident by the citizens 0 Last

ay-out—in fact, they would .crown her
queen of the burg, including her in the grand
celebration.

Thus situated, the faithful old Irish'nan
was at a loss what move to make. when he
heard a heavy groan, which seemed to pro-
ceed from the interior of the building against
which he was leaning. _

Instantly examining the slabs, Teddy dis-
covered a crack. through which he peeped,
ascertaining that the interior was illuminated
by candles in tin sconces upon the rough
walls.

Almost immediately the old man gave a
low ejaculation, which burst from his lips,
in mingled horror and astonishment.

" Thunder an‘ turn The murtherin‘ div-

-»a
lvl'r‘ ." r

 

ils! Sure, it‘s a deuce of a hole ye’re in,
Teddy McCarthy; an’ begobs! it’s hard tell-
in' if ye‘ll ever get out 0’ that same!

“Be the hole 0‘ me coat, if they‘d be af-
tlier killin’ wan 0‘ their own crowd, What
w’uldn’t they do wid strangers? Bloody
warsl what a sight for a famale, that is!
Upon me sow], it isn’t the like 0’ mesilf that
’u’d bring purty Miss Katie among sich a
batch o’ liaythinl”

The view that the old man had gained was
indeed a strange and shocking one.

The large room was. as we have said, bril-
liantly illuminated, but not a man was mov-
ingr about within the establishment. The
form of Alamo Abe, whose head and face
were covered with blood, was stretched upon
the bar counter, he being motionless and ap-

parently dead, althoughkTeddy believed that :

the groan which he had heard proceeded
from the corpse—it being perhaps the last
sound uttered by him.

The watcher was greatly shocked and
startled, as well as well as somewhat impress-
ed with superstitious dread, a horrible fasci<
nation forcing him to gaze upon the blood-
stained face of the gigantic Texan.

But not for any length of time. for, while
yet the old man peered through the crack, at
the ghastly sight within. the report of a re-
volver sounded from the street, and Teddy
McCarthy fell to the earth, as if shot through
the brain.

Several other flashes and shots followed,
amid fierce yells and mad oaths, but no one

approached the spot where lay the old Irish- I

man, still and silent as a corpse, in the shade
of Benzine Bazaar. It was evident that he
had been struck by a random shot, intended
for some other person.

In the street there was a rushing of whoop-
ing and yelling roysterers to the point from
whence the reports had sounded, which was
nearly opposite the establishment of Alamo
Abe, the newly elected but senseless sheriff,
who it was qu1te apparent was greatly need-
ed in his official capacity at that moment.
For two miners lay prone upon their backs
in the dust of the street, their revolvers
clutched in a death-grip. their soulless eyes
fixed on the heavens—both gone to solve the
Great Mystery!

Blood welled from wounds in the breasts
of each, and an excited crowd gathered
around the bodies.

Just then a bedlam of vengeful yells
sounded from up the street to the north, and
the score of “citz " who had gone in piir~
suit of the horse-thief appeared in View,
all rushing madly into the burg, and all evi-
dently greatly infuriated.

At once, the mass of the denizens of Last
Lay-out, who had remained in the town, saw
that the man they sought had not been cap-
tured; nor had the beautiful young lady been
rescued from the stampede, as they confident-
ly believed would have been accomplished.

When it thus flashed upon them, that they
had been deprived of the “fun” connected
with the lynching, which all had believed
fully woul be upon the night’s programme;
also, that the first woman—and she young
and lovely—who had “ struck” the town,
had evident] been spirited away by the ap-
parently law ess stranger; then, a terrific
yell of vengeful fury shot simultaneously
from every throat.

All rushed madly up the street, to meet
their comrades, and ascertain the particulars
connected with their having been defeated in
the objects for which they had left the town.

Such was the fury of the demoralized
“ citz," that they lost all thoughts for the
time of the little personal difficulty that had
occurred among their number, and which
had resulted in two untimely takings OE; and
the corpses of the pair of ill-starred miners
were left, lying stark and stiffening in the
dust of the street.

And, it so happened, that, at the very mo-

ment that the main portion of the residents 5

of Last Lay-out discovered the return of
those who had been in pursuit of Blanco Bill
and Katie, and their yells of disappointment
at the defeat of their object burst forth—at
this very moment. a piercing shriek shot
from amid the pines, in the rear of the line of
shanties, which was unheard, or at least un-
noticed by the howling mob.

The cry came' from the lips of Katie Jor-
dan ; 'and our next chapter will explain fully

I

after the Mustang Monarch left the maiden
in the motte, with none but Black Hawk and
Calico to bear her company.

 

CHAPTER XX.
A CAPTURE AND A RESCUE.

AFTER leaving Katie Jordan in the pine
matte, the young Texan made his way steal-
tliily toward the rear of the next shanty, up
the street. from Benzine Bazaar; following
directly after Teddy McCarthy, although he
was ignorant of that fact.

Ilad Blanco Bill and the maiden arrived at
,the matte five minutes sooner, the former
3' would undoubtedly have discovered Teddy,
the three would have been re-united,
and much anguish and suffering have been
avoided. In that case, there would have
‘ been no further occasion for them to linger
;in the vicinity of Last Lay-out, and they

could have departed up the range in safety.

But the Fates decreed otherwise.

; lVlien McCarthy peered through the crack,
l near the front of the establishment of Alamo
' Abe, Blanco Bill, who was near the rear, and

had also heard the deep groan that had at-
1 tracted the lrishman’s attention, also looked
. through a convenient knot-hole, and although
I not near the bar, was enabled to see the same
l ghastly sight that had appalled Teddy.

The young man had a very narrow escape

from being discovered by the crouching ban-
. dits of Capitan Christebal, although he was
i not aware of the fact.
Had. he known that the man he had ex-
EDOSCd as a fraud, at the bull arena in El
, Paso, was lurking in the pines, with nearly
3 a score of desperate followers—the same who
i had attempted his assassination, and after-
| ward very nearly captured him—he would,
4 have been astounded, and forced to admit
tillat the thirst for revenge on the part of
Ronaldino Christobal knew no bounds.
Most certainly, he would not have left his
new-found idol, alone and unprotected, in the
pine matte. '

On account of the north side of Benzine
Bazaar being shade, and from the fact that
a clump of cacti grew near the wall of the

 

neither of them was aware of the presence of
the other.

And, when the report of the revolver
sounded, the bullet from which dropped
poor McCarthy to the earth, senseless and
apparently dead, then Bill quickly gazed
toward the street, and there witnessed the
desperate shooting aflray, which ended the
lives of the two miners. He feared, at first,
that the old Irishman was in some way con-
nected with the shooting.

Of one thing he became convinced, if he
had not ample occasion to be so previously;
and that was that the denizens of Last Lay-
out were in a fearfully demoralized state,
through drink; which had, as he believed,
already been the occasion of three deaths
among their own number.

under their suspicion, or create their anger;
and the Mustang Monarch was now doubly
concerned on account of old Teddy.

He saw that the citizens and miners were

cants; and, from the fact that they had not

been successful in capturing himself. Their
yells. previous to the shooting, proved this.

riated men of the burg would lynch him

 

him in connection with the stolen horses,
which he had from force of circumstances
ridden with into the town. Yet. for all this
he was determined to rescue Teddy, if pos-
siblc.

Btit every moment that he was forced to

:absent himself from the side of Katie was ‘ '

torture to him.

When the yells of the returning “citz"
sounded from up the street, and the main
; body of the wild mob sped to meet them
l then Blanco Bill was about to rush into and

E down the street in search of the old Irish- '
iman, when, like a red-hot shaft of steel, " r, ,

through his brain shot the terrified, despair-
ing shriek of Katie Jordan, which sounded
above the yells of the mob far up the street.
I With bounds like those of a panther. his

This did not promise any mercy or justice?
for outsiders, or strangers, who might come .

in a state of frenzy, originating from intoxi- ‘

Did he now show himself, Blanco Bill felt ‘
that there would be no lime-that the infu- ‘

without listening to any explanation from‘

t

building, between Blanco Bill and Teddy,‘L

‘/

the occurrences that followed almost directly teeth set, and his eyes flashing, the young ‘

.3,

I“ .

    

 

   

\
i
i

:16

 

 

man sped toward the erotic, within which
he had left the one he so much loved.

\Vith senses strained, and an agonizing ap-
prehension that tortured him to the very
soul, and with his muscles nerved to double
their usual strength—thus on, terrible in his
anger and agony of mind, dashed the Mus

' tang Monarch—on over clumps of cacti, and
crashing through thickets. unconscious of
the thorns that tore his clothing and flesh——
thus, like an avenging god did he speed
toward the maths, where he had left his dar-
ling Katie, his more than life!

Like a projectile from a catapult the
young Texan shot into the dark shades, to be

rooted by the welcoming neiin of Black
Iawk, the horse standing at the north side
of the matte, but not visible to his master.

The light spots upon Calico, however,
were discovered even in that gloom.

Coming from the bright moonlight, Blanco
Bill could not distinguish the outlines of the
shaded scene before him.

He knew, however, that he stood upon
the very spot where he had left his darling.

Punting for breath, his hands clinched
about bowie and revolver, his muscles stand-
ing out in great knots, and his eyes staring
in an agony of longing to behold her whom
he so loved—thus for a moment stood the
young Texan. But not a sound, except his
own labored breathing, the whisking of the
tails of the two horses, and the weird whis-
pering of the pines, that seemed to him like
the suppresse< respiration of fiends who had

-, torn his love from him, and were now enjoy-

, g ing his torture of soul.

* . t Then out from the lips of Blanco Bill, in

 ' deepest anguish, shot the words:

" “Katie! Oh, Katie Jordan! For the love

if _ of Heaven, answer me!"

 v‘ , It seemed as though the words, so appeal-

‘ ingly shouted, reached the ears of her he so

longed to find, for a gurgling outcry, half-

v ' ‘ smothered, came in faint response.

’ This sound came from the south, but a few
. , ards distant, and indicated that Katie was
 in the ower of ruffians, who prevented her

‘ . detrugg ing and roughly clapped their hands

over her lips when she strove to call for as
sistance in her dire extremity.

V This was terrible to the oung man, and

't ' he tore through the screen 0 pines, and then

' in far-reaching bounds toward the point in-

,,' dicated by the faint cries.

‘ But afew moments had he gone at this

 ,, , speed, when, straight before him. he discov-

 ered Katie Jordan being rudely dragged
along between two most brutal- loolcing
Greasers, she being forced to walk. each
clutching her by an arm, while a third pushA
ed her from behind.

With a furious bound, Blanco Bill reached
the rear of the last-mentioned niiscreant.

L He then saw that the maiden had a red ker-

chief fast bound about her head and over her

“r I , ' " mouth to prevent her giving an alarm.

The Mexicans. who were members of

' ' Christobal’s band, knew not of the approach

of the Mustang Monarch until too late to

' defend themselves against such a frantic
 enem ; in fact, the furious young Texan
woul have, just then, laid low a half-score

of men unprepared for his headlong rush

upon them. But, infuriated though he was,

.1. . he thought of the probable danger that mi ht
. .' ‘be brought down upon him and his darling

' by the report of his revolver; and instantly,
as he darted ahead, he thrust the weapon into

, '5/ ' its scabbard, and then, with a tremendous

 " -;:’ ' "a blow, felled the nelrest Greaser to the earth.
The next instant, while yet his arm was

drawn back to deal in like manner with the
second, both Mexicans quickly whirled about

With ejaculations of amazement and fury,

not unmixed, with fear, as the young Texan

, confronted them.

’ ' . But before they could use their long

knives, which they had jerked at the mo-
ment, the fist of Blanco Bill, with terrific
force, smashed full in the face of the mtllan

‘ .  nearest him. who fell as though a bullet had

, ‘ pierced his brain.

‘\ ' With a loud cry of joy and thankfulness

' Katie Jordan sprung upon the breast of her

lover, she having succeeded in slipping the
‘ bandage from her mouth.

Z; "l . The remaining Greaser, with a beast-like

snarl, drew his revolverhbnt too late; for
. that very instant was the weapon of the

 ‘ Mustang Monarch draivn and leveled, as he

, q'tickly clasped his left arm about the waist

‘,.

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Blanco Bill. the Mustang Monarch. '

 

 

 

 

I
of Katie. The sharp crack of the revolver 1' of coming in contact with the people of Last

sounded on the night air. followed by a hor-
rible ell from the outlaw, whose weapon
cxplo ed as he fell to the ground, his swar-
tli and villainous face contorted in death.

The death-cry of the Mexican, and the
revolver-shot, seemed to have aroused a mul-
titude, for rallying whoops now sounded,
and the crashing of bush and branch proved
the approach of enemies—sounds which were
not unheedcd by Blanco Bill.

“ Courage, my darling!" he cried out. “ I
fear we are encompassed by merciless enc-
mies; but I will save you, or die in the
attempt!“

Lifting Katie in his arms, the poor girl ’

shuddering with horror as she caught a sight
of the repulsive facc of the (lead bandit, the
young man ran as fast as was possible back
to the matte ,' his senses strained, to detect
danger at any point.

Wild and fearful whoops and yells still
sounded from the street of Last Lay-out.

In their rear, no vocal sounds reached
them; but the whisking of branches, and

hast footsteps upon the rocky soil, betrayed .

the act that their fees were in hot pursuit.
That the pistol-shot had been heard in the
burg, Blanco Bill well knew; and conscious
was he, that he and his darling were in dead-
ly peril; although he was by no means hope-
less of escape.

No sooner had be seen and recognized the
abductors of Katie as Mexicans, than he
knew that the bandit band which had chased
him from the gorge had. in place of return-
ing as he had supposed, remained near the
town; evidently—when he considered the
manner of the miscreants when in pursuit
of him, that is, in not shooting him when
they might easily have done so—having
Waited among the pines and bowlders for an
opportunity to capture him, and that for
some reason or purpose, which was to him a
mystery.

At once, upon reaching the matte, the
youn man placed his lovely charge upon
her eet, and then hastily equipped both
Calico and Black Hawk.

Then, again clasping his darling to his
manly breast, and pressing a kiss upon her
brow-at the same time seeking to cheer her
with words of hope, the Mustang Monarch
placed her in her saddle, and sprung into his
owu, exclaiming:

“Keep closely by my side, Katie; for we
ride for liberty. perhaps for life—most as-
suredly for the last, in my case!

“But, I‘ll fight to the death, if necessary.
I’ll not be taken, and banged by the mad-
men of Last Lay-out, or the bandits of the
Rockies!”

“May Heaven protect and help us!" was

the prayerful,pleading cry of Kathleen Jor- ‘

dan, as she cast an upward glance; which,
with the expression of 'her lovely face, was
in keeping with her words.

 

? next slianriy
l

 

i 3

i
l
!


Then, with the reins tightly gripped in his ‘

left hand, and his revolver in his right,
Blanco Bill, ready to drive spurs and dash

forward from the matte of pines, azed a mo-
ent out from the fringe of oliage, and

l stened again to the mad yells that seemed
to come from every/ side.

 

CHAPTER XXI.
PURSUIT AND CAPTURE.

“ SPUR, Katie! Keep close by me. Straight
on into the town is our only opening for ear
ca e!"

i uch was the cry of Blanco Bill.

But a very shOrt distance was it from the
matte to the street of Last Lay-out, but the
way was ditlicult and winding. The young
Texan, with keen gaze, swept the View
ahead, and upon both sides. Here and there
could be seen stragglers from the mob flitting
from thicket to thicket, and from behind the
bowlders. in their eager search for the parties
who had fired the pistol.

The practiced ears of the Mustang Mon-
arch, in the brief moment that he listened.
detected some facts of which he decided to
take advantage. At first. he had made up
his mind to strike at once up the range, leav-
ing the citizons and the bandits in his rear;
but he found out directly, that escape in that
way was cut off. He felt, howover, that the
outlaws, warned by the yells of the search
ing “ citz," had given up the pursuit, and
were now crouched in the thickets, for tear

 

Lay-out.

Consequently, as it appeared, there was no
safer way of escape than by speeding direct-
ly into the town.

Not half the distance had our two friends

I passed between their starting-point and Ben-
;zine Bazaar, before they were discovered.
Blanco Bill knew, from the sounds, that the
fmob were rushing headlong back to the
i street.
I the “citz" had remained in the town; and
‘his suspicions, in this respect, were soon
i proven true.

Not only this, but he feared that many of

“ Press on, Katie,” he said; “ we are sur-

rounded, and must ridethose in front of us

down!”

Poor Katie was too terrified to utter a
word.

Straight between Benzine Bazaar and the
north of it, dashed our two
friends. iere seemed no avenue 0an to
them, without being confronted by the
liquor-maddened miners, who were infuriated
at their failure to capture the supposed horse-
thief.

The Mustang Monarch fully realized the
position he was in, and, what was more, that
in which Katie Jordan would be placed,
were he to be killed; and more especially,
should he be taken, and banged like a dog.

Woe be to any who oppose him in his en-
deavor to escape, with the maiden he had so
recently met, but whom he so deeply adored!

Thoughts flashed like wildfire through
the minds of both, as their steeds dashed at
terrific speed, between the shunt alluded to,
and the hotel of Alamo Abe. he shadow
of the latter building did not reach far from
the base of its wall; and, ahead of the fugi-
tives, directly across from the front corner of
the shanty, stood a line of madly exultant
miners, revolvers in hand, and barring the
way of escape; their yells filling the air, and

; their liquor-inflamed faces stamped with a
L thirst for blood.

W'liile behind Blanco Bill
and Katie, from amid the pines, rushed an-
other party of the frantic “ citz.”

Completely hemmed in between the two
buildings were the unfortunate pair.

Up went the arms of the young Texan, a
dcilldl Colt's “six ” in each hand, as be
'e e :

“Clear the way there, or die in our
tracks! . I am white, and no horse-t ief.
Cowards! would you bar the way of a we-
man? Clear the way, I say, or die!”

A vengeful whoop of derision sounded in
response. This seemed to be the signal for
an instantaneous and startling change of
scene; for at that moment Texas, the burro,
galloped down the street, unobserved by the
“ citz." and bounded toward its mistress. In
so doing, it plunged against the line of
miners, overturning three or four; and, as
they had fin ers upon triggers, their revol.
vers explode at, luckily, an angle of forty-
five degrees, striking the earth just in front
of Calico and Black Hawk.

Searcer had these stunnin reports sound-
ed, when up from the groun sprung Teddy
McCarthy and stood sta gering, strivin to
maintain his footing by c inging to the s abs
of Benzinc Bazaar. The Irishman had re-
gained consciousness, the bullet having mere~
1y glanced along his skull.

Instantly Katie Jordan caught sight of her
old and faithful protector, whose face was
covered with blood, and with a loud cry she
turned (‘alico toward him.

While Blanco Bill was in the ver act of
turning Black Hawk up by the Side 0 Calico.
there to make a stand with Katie and Teddy,
and battle in the fearfully une ual fi ht,
the crack of revolvers again soon ed, an he
sunk senseless over the horn of his saddle, r
his steed coming to an instant~ halt.

What followed battles description.

The young girl was as if paralyzed. She
sat her home, as if turned to stone; her eye:
fixed in a horrified stare upon the senseless
form of her lover.

At once Black Hawk was surrounded by
the mob. who tore the form of his rider from
the saddle.

“ String ther condemned cuss up!"

“ Hang ther liess-snatcherP '

“ Fotch a haunt t" I

“Corral ther leetle gall" I

" Thar's another gnloot. Mebbe so he’s a
pard o’ ther bossthief! ’

i .

 

l

t
c
7
;

 

.J.- _ _ ..,.l V J i. 1 '

    MuStang Monarch.



 

“ Drag ther tendcrfoot outl"

Such were the cries that rung from the de-
LmOI‘flIIZCd mob.

The little burro trotted up to the side of
Calico. Teddy staggered up also, shot-gun
in hand, and called out to his young mis-
tress:

“Surc Teddy McCarthy ‘11 die afore the
divils ’ll harrum yet-s!

mane? Musha, but it’s been the divil's own
night entoirely. \Vhat‘ll come of us, I don‘t
know?"

Katie still sat, dazed; evidently not hear-
ing- a word. She was, indeed, incapable of
either voice or motion.

But, as the drunken crowd dragged her
lover toward the street, and just as Tedd
had ceased speaking, she suddenly reeovere ;
uttering a piercing shriek as she drove spurs,
and bounded toward the wrangling mob. At
the same instant the old Irishman raised his
gun and pulled trigger. A tremendous re-
port followed, and Teddy, for the third time
that night, fell senseless.

The discharge of the old man's gun, al-
though the shot flew over the heads of the
mob, causing them to pause suddenly, and
Calico to spring frantically through them,
had its own effect.

The sight of Blanco Bill being dragged
along, while streams of blood ran down his
brow and checks, was to Katie truly ter-
riblel

She gave no thought now to Tedd , but
with pistol leveled in firm grasp, she ashed
u , forcing her horse directly into the midst
of) the surging, and fearfull cursing human
tern est. lIer black eyes fairly flashed.

any of the miners, who were rushing on
toward the street, their backs to the fast-gal-
loping Calico, were hurled to the earth and
trampled by the spur-maddencd steed. A
moment after Katie sprung from her saddle,
directly into the crowd of would-be lynch-
ers, and blazing right and left among those
who clutched Blanco Bill, she cried out, in
tones that caused them all tolialt and become
still on the instant:

‘Cowards! dastardsl You dare not face
this man when he has his natural senscsl
Unloose him, and face a woman!"

Several were wounded by the daring and
desperate maiden, and for a montent or two
a hush fell upon that rou h crowd; but the
next, strong arms encircle her, and her lov-
er, still senseless, was dragged onward.

At that juncture, from down the street,
sounded the clatter of a rapid] advancing
horse, and all saw a buckskin-el'ad form in
the saddle. Up directly to the scene of con-
fusion and excitement rode the strange horse-
man, until he gaincd a view of the face of
their victim. Then he sprung from his sad-
dle, jerked his revolvers and started forward,
yelling, as he forced shOSe who were drag-
ging Blanco Bill along the street to unloose
him, and stand back before his deadly
tubes!

“Back, men of Last Lay-out! Are you
all drunk or crazy? This man is as true as
steel. It is Blanco Bill, the Mustang Mon-
arch—and I‘m his pard!

“You know me, I sup ose"—poking off
his sombrero with one of is pistols-“ I‘m
Grande George, an’ I mean biz from the
word jump. Yer hes got ter lay me out
cold afore you h’ists this hyer pilgrim up a
limb.”

Teddy McCarthy, as it luckily chanced,
had not quite such a heavy charge in his gun
as on the previous occasion, and quickly re-
vivcd.

Seeing Katie held by two of the mob, she
having lfainted dead away, the old Irishman
rushed forward and caught her in ins arms,
his tears mingling with the blood upon his
face, and his appearance 'so truly frightful
and threatening that the miners shrunk away
from him in wonder and dread.

Ilardly had the words, that we have re-
corded, as having been
George, passed the lips o the scout, when
out from Benzinc Bazaar rushed Alamo Abe;
his hair tangled, his eyes glaring Wildly, and
his face still bleeding.

In each hand, he held a presented revolver,
while he called out, as he took in the strange
and startling scene before him:

“ Hold on, thar! This hyer thing hes
gone es fur cs hit‘s goin’ ter. Yer thought
yer’d lay me out cold, an’ then run this burg
jist es hit suited yer; but, dog-gone my

yelled by Grande .

What does it all1

 

Texan heart, ef I ain't on deck, an’ready fer i
biz, on ther jump! Run me eaten this cir~
cus, would yer? \Vaal, I should cackle! ‘

“ Yer ’lected me sheriff 0’ this locate, an’ :
sheriff I bees, an‘ ’tends ter stick hyer. 

“Pilgrims 0' Last Lay-out, I‘m runnin'
this burg myself ’bont now, an’ don't yer let i
hit 'scape yer mem’ries. Ye're a livelylot o'
constiterents, or I‘m ther boss liarl

“ \Vhat in thunderations bin goin' on?
llev ther hull 0‘ New Mex’ bu'sted? .Iist
gi‘n me ther p'ints, an’ I‘ll play ther game
through, es long es I kin stand in my cow-

hides. Thet's me, Alermo Abe, ther Sheriff
0’ Last Lay-out! Ker-whoop! Ker-whoo-
ooi \Va-whoop!"

 

CHAPTER XXII.
THE RAID OF THE OUTLAWS.

“ KER-WHOOP! Wa-hoot” repeated Alamo s
Abe, circling his revolvers around his head,
his huge arms moving rapidly.

The moment the giant Texan ceased speak~
ing, the voice of Grande George again rung
out, clear and commanding:

“ Come hyer, Alermo Abe. Dang my
peopers cf I knowed erl Reckon ye recom-
members an' ole par , an’ll listen ter Grande
George, an’ stan‘ up squar’ fer my lingo.
J ist meander this-a-way, an' ef ye’re sheriff
0' this hyer burg, straighten things up a
bit!"

The Texan strode quickly to the side of
the scout, and shook his hand warmly, as he i
returned:

“ B‘ile me down for Piute soup, ef I ain‘t
ormighty full 0’ glad ter meet yer, George;
’spesh’ly on sich a ’casion! But, cuss my
cats, ef I knows jist ’zac‘lv what’s up! I
knows durn well I’ve been down flat on my .
back, then, h. ‘

“Whar’ er drap from, an’ what’s ther ;
racket hyer that yc’re chippin’ inter?"

The startling events had happened so ra- .
pidly in succession, that even the demoralized g
mob all stood i their tracks.

Few there were, in the far Southwest, who i
had not heard of the Mustang Monarch. as
the Texans were in the habit of calling Wil-

 

l wi’ nary a idee in my mashed eabase.

one pilgrim wilt, an‘ skecr a party lectle {:3
half ter death? (‘an't none 0' yer ’splain
matters?”

Teddy McCarthy had borne Katie into the
establishment of Alamo Abe, without being

hindeer by any of the “ citz;" indeed some '

of the miners volunteered to assist him, but

i the old man repulsed them angrily.

Teddy had about come to the conclusion
that the world was liable to explode at any
moment—that the “ould divil himself "
ruled that particular night—and, as there
seemed a favorable opening, be resolved to
find some secure spot in which he could
place his precious charge, and if possible
prevent her from witnessing any more
“divilment!” Besides this, the old Irishman
made up his mind that he would again load
up his gun; and, if it was the last act of his
life, blaze away at the next man who molest~
ed Katie.

As for Blanco Bill, McCarthy believed,
from the few words he can ht after the ar-
rival of the scout, that the ormcr was safe
from further harm; yet, for all that Teddy
knew to the contrary, the young man might
be already dead.

But, to return to the street.

There were now fully sixty men in the
crowd, although it was somewhat scattered;
but none were far removed from the spot
where stood Grande George and Alamo Abe;
the former, when be last Spoke, being en-
gaged in examining the wound of his pard.

“ IIe ain’t hurted.”

“ Jist stunned.”

“ Ther lead skipped off his cabase."

These assertions came from those who had
picked Blanco Bill from the ground.

“ I‘m ormighty glad o’ thet, boyees,” said
Grande George.

“ An' so ’m I!" put in Abe. “Jist b’ar in
mind thet I‘m sheriff, an’ hit w‘u’d ha’ bin a
nasty ole kittle 0' fish, ef ther boyees hcd
hung him up ter dry, while I war laid out
Hev
thar bin a cyclone, er War I struck by light-
nin’?”

This question of Alamo Abe, addressed to

! liam Williamson; for his reputation had E the nearest miner, was destined not to be an-

: spread far and wide.

t
I

 

And Alamo Abe, al- 1
though hehad never seen the young man,
had frequently spoken of him, since Last
La -out had been “slapped up.”

‘onsequently all were astonished at the
assertion of Grande George, who also had
an extended reputation in Texas, New
Mexico, and Arizona, as a successful scout
and trailer.

They had, in their half-crazed state, been
about to hang the man, who undoubtedly
was far from beinga horse-thief ; indeed, one
with his reputation would not need to steal
animals, thus jeopardizing his life.

These thoughts flashed through the minds
of the “citz ’of Last Lay-out; for it had
been some time since they had taken a drink
of Abe's whisky, and meanwhile they had
exerted themselves greatly. All this went
far toward sobering them.

But the great event of the night was yet to ,
come. This was one that was strange and '
unaccountable, one that would cause them
all to feel the deepest humiliation and anger;
besides implanting in them an almost insane
desire to prove by their acts how deeply they
regretted having so wronged the “ Boss Buc-
caro," and terrified the beautiful young girl
who had entered their town in so strange a
manner. ‘

Some of the miners, nearest to the sense-
less form of the young Texan, as soon as
they recovered from their amazement, gently
lifted and supported him; Grande George, as
he relinquished the hand of Alamo Abe,

roceeding to answer the questions of the

atter, as“ he examined Blanco Bill to ascer-
tain the nature of his wounds.

“ I'm from the Grande, ole pard, an’ hit
’pearsl ’roved jist in time; cr your folkses
wu'd ha' strung 11 one o' ther whitest. hu-
mans I ever par ed with. Who shooted
him? An' dog-gone hit, what in ther name
0’ Crockett hev yeou boyees got ag’in‘ ther
Mustang Monarch?

"An" thet ain‘t all I wants ter know. I
jist seed a mashed up ole pilgrim tote a pur-
ty piece 0’ caliker inter - Benzine Bazaar.
Who air he. an' who air she, an’ what air
ther difficult wi’ her? Ilit ’pears es though

swered, for, almost instantly was the scene
transformed, the assembla ebeing the most
dumfounded, demoralizetf and broken-up
crowd in the territorv. For, hardly had the
last word passed the lips of the Texan, when
a piercing and peculiar yell rungthrough the
ni ht air from the vicinity of the crowd.
efore this had ceased to echo amid the
cliffs, out from behind the shanties that
stood just north of the assemblage, shot
nearly a score of mounted men; all immedi-
ately galloping in a lon line, at terrific
speed, down the street, an uttering the wild-
est yells. Before the crowd, in the front of
Benzine Bazaar. could recover from their
astonishment, spurts of fire shot from the
deadly tubes of the strange horsemen, and a
hail of lead hurled through the ranks of the
“ citz ” of Last Layout.
Ilad a party of mounted men fallen from
the sky upon them, the citizens would not
have been more amazed. So dazrd were

they, that, for a moment, none of them were-

ca able of exerting themselves in any way.

his. the effect upon them of the liquor
they had drank, had been anticipated by the
invaders of the burg, who had been waitin
for the present opportunity, and thus insn
the accomplishment of their object.

Not one in the crowd had any knowledge '

of the new-comers. wflh the exception of

Grande George; and he had not the remote“
est idea that they would dare enter Last Lay- ,

out. The scout knew they were the band of
Capitan Christohal, and that the latter must
have followed the Mustang Monarch from
Franklin, for the purpose of murdering him.

George had followed the trail, and had.

discovered the corpses of the Greasers who
had been slain by Blanco Bill, and then
trampled upon by the stampede. He was
now so amazed, as was also Alamo Abe. that
not an order was given to favor defense.

Down, like an avalanche, came the ban-U 
dits, with fierce yells in both Spanish and  

English. \ _

Miners fell to the earth, and writhed in the
agonies of death; some being maimed by the-
hoofs of the outlaws' horses.

Powder, smoke, sulphurous smell, and tho.

 

ther hall 0’ yer hed gone plum lunyfled.
“Does hit take ther hull burg ter make

taint of blood filled the air; Grande George 

recovering, as did Abe, and both blazing

\
5 .
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F—‘mwn-‘ow-n w...“ mun—“-1... mun- m .- .._.Mu..wm.m”..mw .m“.
w . .

Blanco 93111, the Mustang Mon‘arehf‘, 1- 

r . . » .. 1"

 

 

 

away lively. But this was of little avail.

  

, The next moment, the Mexicans wore in the
‘3 midst of the congregated citizens their steeds
! snorting wildly in their fright.
r‘ In an instant Blanco Bill was torn from
 the arms of those who were supporting him
7‘”. and thrown across the saddle—bow of Ronal-
{tz dino Christobal; who, with a fiend-like cry
:,; of exultation, (lashed on at the front of his
 followers and down the street.
its-3" ., Only four or five of the bandits fell before

the bullets of Alamo Abe, Grande George,
and a number of the “ citz,” who had recov-
ered themselves in time to draw weapons,
and blaze into the outlaw band.

Then the batlled and demoralized men of
Last Lay-out, with frantic rage and a thirst
for revenge ruling them, saw Christobal and
his Greaser gang dart from the town, and

»‘ N among the pines and bowlders. disappearing
’  " from view down the range toward the great
‘ A , gorge and the Mexican frontier.
 “ . With them, the bore away to torture and
‘ death. William V illiamson, or Blaneo Bill,
the Mustang Monarch.

The reVenge of the South American seemed

.'< .7 V -

fie;
‘w'

‘33
“‘7

 

 

 ' likely to be accomplished.
  CHAPTER XXIII.
V IN BENZINE BAZAAR.

., I THE excitement in Last Lay-out after the
5‘ 1 charge and retreat of the bandits, taking with
' them the Mustang Monarch, was most in-

‘1 tense.

y Alamo Abe was at first at a loss what was

s” ' . to be done; but he at length, while raging
" about among the “ citz,” flourishing his pis-
, tols, hit upon a plan to bring the miners
. ’ around to “ biz.” This he immediately put
l," .‘ ‘ 'in operation, by running, with whoops, di-
rectly toward his establishment, halting at
the front entrance. He knew that some time
had elapsed since the denizens of the burg
had “irrigated.”

! “ Come up, you dry pilgrims!" he shouted;
1,, a “an’ pour down some bug-juice. Alermo

“ " Abe air treatin’ ther hull crowd!”

“ Hurrah fer ther sheriff!”

Thus yelled Grande George, who at once
understood the Texan‘s object.

All new ran pell-mell toward Benzine Ba-

zaar. Abe sprun over the bar, and set out
. all the bottles an glasses in the establish-
amen‘t.

The crowd rushed inside almost as wildly
and frantically as when they had rushed out
at the sound of the stampeding herd.

Grande George sprung upon the bar as
soon as the “ citz ” had drank, and cried out:

‘.‘ Pards o’ the plains an’ mountains! I hez
a few lingo tersling et yer. .[ warin El Paso
with Blanco Bill when he showed up ther

, Greaser Champion 0’ South ’Merica a few
. ,. suns ago. I foun’ out, arter my pard hed
” ; struck out North thet ther cuss Christobal,
 , . hed gut acrowd 0' Greasers. an‘ hcd levanted
,, inter New Mex’ on ther trail 0’ my pard.
’3  ' ‘ f‘ I lunged out an’ follered ther cut-throats,
; an’ foun’ out thet they hed struck a small
,5   party 0’ ’Paches, wiped them out. all ’ceptin’
' ’one, an‘ tuck ther nags what ther reds llOd
stoled down—country. They driv ther ani-
,,  miles up ther range ter a gorge below hyer,

 I whar ther Mustang Monarch hcd camped.

‘  “I foun' out my pard had got away with
two 0n ’em, but somehow er ’nother got in
" v ’mong ther nags, which levanted up-range
toward this bet bug—ther hull pack 0’

_, ,Ureasers arter im. ,

 ‘ “Ther yaller cusses hev bin layin’ low in
ther pines. Now yer knows ther hull story.
, .What’s bin oin’ on hyer,I doesn’t know,
if 4' ' but I’m inc ernated ter s’pose that‘s bin a

1‘ bit 0’ calikervmixed in wi’ ther crooked
x - doin's; an’ yeou pilgrims hev ’bout skeered
 , aher ter death, ’sides bein’ ’bout ter jark my
I pard upa limb.

.5. ‘ “NOW, I calls on yer ter go wi’ Grande

a» , . George an’ Alermo Abe, an’ jist everlastin'ly
" ” ~wallop ther Greasers. cf we hes ter foller
them clean ter Ole Mex’. That's what I‘m
warblin‘l '
“Whoop up for ter resky Blanco Bill,
, ther bestest sort 0' a dpilgrim. an' what
 Grande George air rou ter call his ard!
-  Bot ’em up ag‘in, A e, an‘ chalk ’em own
V , ter me. ther Chap'rell Cock o’ther Upper
‘\ ' Bravo!”
, ,, Deafening whoops resoundcd through Ben-

 

ww_

 

 

zine Bazaar, and the building shook from
the stamping of cowhide boots, and huge fists
pounding upon the bar.

 

We will here branch on a “ side trail,” to
explain matters pertaining to Katie Jordan
and Teddy McCarthy. The latter had car-
ried the young lady into the hotel, she being
still limp and senseless.

And no wonder was it that the poor girl
had lost all consciousness, considering all
that she had witnessed and the scenes in
which she had taken a part.

Surrounded by those rourrh and liquor-
maddened men, who thirstetf for the blood
of the man to whom she had given her young
heart‘s affections—surrounded, as it seemed,
by death, and expecting it at every moment;
then beholding Teddy tottering by the shanty,
wounded and bleeding, and the next instant
seeing her lover sink, apparently dead, upon
the neck of his horse, while men with brutal
passions stamped upon their faces rushed,
weapons in hand, to make sure of their cow-
ardly work—was it strange that she strove
first to defend Blanco Bill, and that then all
sense should vanish in despair?

The devoted Teddy well knew that his
lovely charge would soon revive, as he seated
her upon a chair which he kicked against the
inside rear slabs of Benzine Bazaar, and then
supported her head as tenderly as a mother
would that of a child.

Then it was that Texas, the burro, walked

slowly into Benzine Bazaar, gave one rather
indifferent glance ahead as if to convince
himself that he was on the right trail, then
half-closed his eyes and advanced, with his
huge cars flopping loosely; the animal's
whole appearance, manner and gait seeming
to speak plainly to the effect that he consid-
ered the “ circusing ” of the night had gone
on loner enough—that such doings were
“ glayc out," and stale even to disgust.
. here were no manifestations in connection
with “Texas” which indicated that even a
“lvneh picnic ” or a cut-an‘tI-slash general
fight, would have the slightest interest .in his
eyes; and as he came nearer to his mistress,
he gave what seemed a contemptuous glance
at the battered head of the Irishman, which
seemed to imply that the beast considered
the latter an old fool for having allowed his
gun to get the best of him.

Teddy was delighted at the appearance of
the burro, which he considered had “a dale
more sinse than many a Christian.”

When the animal came in, the old man
blew out the candle at the corner where he
had decided to make his stand. To the din
in the street he had not given a sec-.-nd
thought—indeed, he only wished that the
“ haythcn divils ” would continue thus to
amuse themselves until Katie revived, and he
could escape from the town with her.

So affected had the poor old fellow been by
all the excitement through which he had
gone, that until the advent of “ Texas” he
had not realized that he was in a bar-room;
and when he (lid he at once led the burro up
close beside the chair upon which he had
placed Katie, and reclined the maiden against
the animal, well knowmg that the animal
would not stir a peg.

lndeed, the beast, for the first time since
dashing against the line of “ citz," mani~
fested some little life, interest and energy;
appearing to be affected by the strange ap-

earance of his mistress, who was usually so
ind to him.

The burro pricked his ears and turned his
head around, opening his eyes wide. He
then gently rubbed his muzzle over the head
of Katie, the pair presenting a very impress-
ive icture.

It cCarthy stopped a moment to listen, as
it happened just at the time the bandits
charged down into the crowd of citizens,
shooting rapidly.

“ Thunder an’ turf! What in the divil ’s
goin’ an now?" muttered the old man. in

‘fresh astonishment, as he stared toward the

front of the large apartment.

“ Faix, an’ I war afther thinkin’, begcbs,
that the haythens w‘u‘d squat an' rest a bit;
but be the hole in my coat—an’, be cripes,
there's many a. wan o' thim by this time!—
the ould boy is goin‘ on again out bcyant!

“ Upon me sowl,,l w’u‘dn’t care a cint if
the 'd put in big whacks an‘ strokes wid
their knives, an’ shoot away till they’re all
kllt entoirely! Sure, it they had guns like

 

me own, an’ fed thim as well, I’m afthsr
thinkin’ the foight w’u’dn’t last long.

“May the saints preserve Misther Blanco
Bill, an’ stan’ betune us an’all harum! Now,
Taxis, d’ye moind yer mistress for a minit;
for, be the powers 0’ Moll Kelly, I smell
whisky, an’ if ever Teddy McCarthy stud in
nade of the craythur, it’s jist now. Why
the divil didn’t I think of it afore?

“ Sure a drap w'u’d make Miss Katie her-
self all might; an’ it’s a could chill it gives
me to luck at her, the way she’s in.
nlioind, Taxis, I’m afther adrap o’ the cray-
t iur!”

Thus speaking, the Irishman tip—toed to
and behind the bar; clutching a bottle, which
be glued to his lips, and of which he drank
deeply, with most evident satisfaction. Res
placing it, he grasped another, which he
sinelle , satisfying himself, in that way, that
its contents were more suitable for the pur-
pose of resuscitating Katie.

He also secured some bread, from beneath
the bar, which he gave to Texas; the animal
masticating the same with the air of a con-
noisseur.

Teddy last no time in placin‘ the nozzle
of the brandy bottle to the lips 0 Katie; but,
at that very moment, Alamo Abe sprung to
the threshold of the front door, and elled
out to the crowd, as has been rccorde —the
Texan then bounding over the bar, and the
“ citz ” rushing in, furiously as ever.

“Bad 'cess till the haythens! Ilere they
are, an’ be cripes I bel’ave there‘s not one
missin’! To the divil wid the whole clutch!
Sure, they’ll frighten Miss Katie again, but
be this an‘ be that, if they do, Teddy Mc-
Carthy’s the b’y that‘ll give them a taste of a
rule ould Irish foightl

. “Upon me sowl, I’ll be after fadin’ me
gun again when Katie recovers, for it lucks
like I’ll need it, be gobs!”

So saying. the old man ourcd some of
the brandy between the maiden's lips. He
then bathed her head gently with the liquor.

“ Texas,” at the entrance of the “citz,” ‘

attracted b ' the noise, turned about, facing
the bar; still chewing the bread, and evi-
dently indignant at the revival of the obnox-
ious “circus.”

As Grandc George began his speech, Katie
opened her eyes. She was, at first, unable
to recall the near past, and gazed wildly at
the crowd.

“Don’t moind thim,” said Teddy, in a
low and assuring tone. “Sure the ’re a
batch o’ haythens entoirely, but ould eddy
’11 stand betune ye an' all harrum, an’ Taxrs
kin kick like the divil! Kape still now, an’
be gobs they‘ll not see us at all. at all, I’m
thinkin’. It‘s lucky I blew out the can-
dle. IIould an a bit, till I fade me gun, if it
does be afther smashin’ me hid like it done
the last time.”

“ Hus-ssh!” came softly from the 'young
girl’s lips, as she grasped Teddy by the
shoulder, and arose to her feet; staring at.
Grande George, and listening intently.

Almost instantly, she had taken in her
position, and recal ed the near past; recalled,
with it, the fact that Blaneo Bill, or William
Williamson, as she last saw him, was wound-
ed, or dead, she knew not which, and being
dragged by the drunken and desperate mob,
to be hanged!

As this scene came up before her, she
would have cried aloud in her anguish, had
she not caught the words of the scout. ’

Teddy listened also, as he “fed his gun.”
and muttered:

“Thank the Lord, thin, Misther Blanco
Bill wasn't kilt entoirelv! But, be gobs, if
he's bin tuck be worse haythens than thim
blgyatnt, I w’u‘dn’t give a ha'p’orth for his
5 in .

The Irishman having extinguished the
candle, he and his fair companion were in a
dim light, which revented the "citz” from
noticing them; 3 though they would have
been distinctly seen, had the miner recalled
the fact. that the strange old man had con-
veyed the maiden into Benzine Bazaar, and
looked around in search of them.

They were not long to remain unobserved,
however; for, when the “citz” yelled in
chorus. stamping the floor, pounding the
bar. and'crcating a fiendish din, “Texas”
seemed maddcned beyond control, at ha’ving
his (uiet thus disturbed, and opening his
mout , gave utterance. to one of his eculiar
long-drawn and piercmg squeals. his, in

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that low-studded apartment sounded truly
terrific; and, coming at the moment that
the “ citz ” ceased their yells, sounded like
an echo. .~

The result was, that the eyes of the whole
crowd became at once fixed upon the burro,
in amazement—Teddy McCarthy, who had
“fed "his gun, standing with the weapon pre-
sented, a threatening and defiant expression
upon his battered and bloody face; he, form-
ing with the pale and startled Katie Jordan,
a strange and impressive tableau.

CHAPTER XXIV.
(‘URISTOBAL AND Iris CAPTIvE.

WELL knew the outlaw chief, when he
made the charge upon the “citz” of Last
Lay-out, that, before they could recover from
their astonishment, and organize in pursuit
of his band, he could place a long distance
betiveen himself and them. But, he knew
it would be madness to strike out from the
range on the open plain, until the earl part
of the following night; for, they won be,
not only in danger of meeting parties of
miners on the stage road, or soldiers from the
forts, but because the pursuers could see
them for many miles.

Consequently, the only course open, was
to speed down the range, and encamp in
some gulch that would be casyto defend
against numbers; and there await the favor‘
able time to make a start toward Mexico, the
following night.

To this conclusion had come the bandit
leader, while impatiently awaiting with his
band, in the pines, near the rear of the shan-
ties, for an opportunity to dash into the
street, and capture the man whom he so
hated.

Even should he lose three-fourths of his
men in the attempt, Christobal resolved upon
a desperate dash for revenge, and to possess
himself of the longed-for secret of the 'oung
Texan; a secret which, oncc his, he felt as-
sured would enable him to gain untold gold,
as well as great renown, in Mexico and South
America.

When the three Greasers, who were at the
northern extremity of his line of men, had
captured Katie J ordan, they were so elated
that they gave no signal of their success.
They had reCeived no orders to that effect—-
indeed, they knew nothin of the presence of
the maiden—but they loo ed for a rich re-
ward from their chief nevertheless. '

However, one of them had been slain out-
right, and the other two rendered insanely
furious for revenge.

Upon the main portion of the band having
reached the pot where their comrades lay,
they at once rushed forward, and Captain
Christobal got a sight of his hated rival and
Katie, as the two rode toward the street.
But he was forced to order his men to “ lay
low," as the “citz ” were then searching the
pines, and he knew that he and his gang

 

- would be doomed were they discovered.

But no sooner had the “ citz” rushed to-
ward the street, and he saw that his enemy
was about to fall into their hands, than he
ordered his men to make ready at once for
a charge.

Christobal and his followers had not the re-
motest idea why the denizens of Last Lay-
out held enmity toward Blaneo Bill; in any
event, however. they were determined not
to lose their long-sought game.

Several of their number had been slain by
this Texan, and others were still suffering
from wounds received at his hands. In con-
sequence the most intense hatred toward the
Mustang Monarch ruled the breasts of all the
band of Ronaldino Christobal.

Their chief knew this, and felt anxious on
that account; for he feared Ilie would not
have sufficient control over his vengeful fol-
lowers to prevent them from killing his ene-
my before he had wrung lus secret from him,

At once, therefore, upon securing the
young Texan, Christobal ordered three of his
men to allop around the town and head the
stampe ing animals, the loss of which he
knew had increased the rage and discontent
of the band.

The outlaw leader was filled with a devil«
ish and insane joy at having slain a number
of the miners, for this circumstance would
cause his followers to be less furious for re-
ven e upon the Mustang Monarch, and more
rea y to obey him in all things, as their very
lives depended upon him. Without an in-

telligent leader, they could not hope to es-
ea e to Mexico.
laving shot down so many Americans, the
bandits would know that pursuit would be
immediate and that, by a most desperate and
merciless body of men. All things consider-
ed, Capitan Christobal felt little doubt in re-
gard to the complete accomplishment of his
ob'ect.
lie resolved to speed down the range to the
great gorge, pass up the same, and select a
point easy to defend; to remain there until
the following night, and during this neces-
sary delay at the gorge, to torture the secret
from his enemy, and then deliver him over to
the tender mercies of his men.

Upon reaching the first cover of pines,
Blanco Bill was taken from the arms of the
exultant Christobal 1) two Greasers, and
bound fast, hand an foot, besides being
gagged. By this time the young man had
revived, and he was placed astride of a horse,
whose owner had been shot by the “citz,”
his ankles being secured beneath the belly of
\ the animal. This was quickly accomplished
and then all mounted, spurring from the
foot-hills and mottcs until on the border of
the plain; when, awa down the range sped
the outlaw band, Christobal himself clutch-
ing the neck-rope of the mustang upon which
Blanco Bill was bound—the face of the South
American tilled withthe triumph of a demon,
his black eyes glaring hatred the most intense
and deadly, his teeth set, and his thin and al-
most bloodless lips curling upward and down-
ward.

Hatred and a thirst for blood shot from
the snake-like eyes of all the outlaw gang,
upon the Mustang Monarch, who realized
full that he was as helpless as an infant;
liel captive by men who knew no mercy,
and who were as treacherous as the Apaches
of the Pecos!

For, no longer was it a mystery to the
young man, wh he had been thus sought
for and capturedy at the risk of life, and pro-
bably at the cost of lives; as he had at once,
upon recovery, recognized the “Champion
Ilorse Educator of South America,” and
knew that this man must have secured the
services of a band of desperate outlaws, and
thus had followed his trail through New
Mexico.

But Blanco Bill had no idea that Christo-
bal had any other object than revenge—
knew not that it was their intention to tor-
ture him until he made knowu the secret of
his power over the equine family.

In fact, our young friend gave little
thought to his own dangerous position; for
his very soul was agonized. when the image
of Katie Jordan rose up before him.

Where was she?

Could it be possible that the mad mob in
Last Lay-out had slain her, in their frantic
fury, born of intoxication?

If not, was she, that angelic maiden, at
the mercy of such men ?—men, who, without
cause or occasion, had condemned him to an
ignominious death by the rope?

Blanco Bill rccollected that he and Katie
had been hemmed in between the two shantics,
and that she, just at the time that he had had
good grounds to hope for escape, had per—
ceived poor Tedd , in his forlorn condition.

He rememhcre also, that he had spurred
Black Hawk to one side, to defend Katie
and Teddy; having refrained from shooting
at the miners, for he knew there would be no
hope for them, if he killed one of the “citz.”

Never was a. man more deeply anguished,
than was the young Texan, by the uncer-
tainty of the maiden's safety, and the terri-
ble possibilities con'urcd up by his excited
imagination. Not or a moment, did he en-
tertain the slightest hope that he himself
would be rescued by the citizens of Last Lay
out. indeed, he felt relief. upon recovering
his senses, that he had escaped from that in-
sane mob—escapcd death by the rope—al-
though he found himself in the power of
Ronaldino Christobal, whose presence in
New Mexico, and whose ob'ect, were un-
doubtedly his capture, and eath. He had
escaped death by the rope, only to meet it
from the cachdlos of the murderous maraud—
ers of Mexicol

But, as the horde dashed on through the
moonlight, parallel with the towering, rocky
range, and the young Texan pondered upon
his probable fate, he became most desperate.

 

vowing that he would not die thus, by the

a

 

hands of these yellowsskinned miscreants——
that he would again gaze into the limpid eyes
of Katie Jordan, if she yet lived!

And on, down the range, sped the gallop-
ing horde of outlaws, exultant in the
thoughts that they had slain some of the de-'
tested Americans, and had recklessly charg—
ed through Last Lay-out, a deed of which
they would often boast in the days to come.

Still on they dashed, even the stiong and
sinewy frame of Blanco Bill becoming week
from fatigue, deprivation of food and sleep,
and continuous action and excitement. I‘iis
brain was seething at times, as if molten lead
filled his skull, when dread thoughts in re-
gard to his darling Katie, whose fate was a
mystery, came up as they constantly did,
before him. A mystery, too, sunitd his
own escape from the mad lynehers. and his
presence as a captive in the band command-
ed by Ronaldino Christobal.

Weakened physically and dcmoralized
mentally, by the torture born of his
thoughts, yet, for all that, the Mustang
Monarch did not despair of escape, although
there seemed no possible way of escape
open. I
He was thankful that he had been spared
from the rope, and he prayed earnestly that.
he might again be permitted to see his dar-
ling and clasp her to his heart.

Under no circumstances, considering all
the startling and tragic events that had been
crowded into that single night—considering
that all his hopes and aims, that his very
life had been changed completely and entire-
ly through his meeting with Kathleen Jer—
dan, and all ending thus, in a prospect, in-
deed a probability, of near death by the
knives of the miscreant Mexicans— it was a
wonder that the young man retained his
senses, and that he was capable of planning
or acting in the attempted escape, which he
vowed to accomplish.

And this although he had not the rem‘ot-
cst idea in what manner it was to behrought
about. in fact he dared not dwell in thought
upon the subject, lest he should give up in
hopeless despair.

Anxioust and impatiently he awaited the
end of that terrible, torturing gallop which

he prayed would place him in a position .

more favorable to effect his escape from the
fiends who held him.
CHAPTER XXV.
woman’s COURAGE AND DEVO'I‘ION.

KATIE JORDAN had been in a half-dazed ,
state upon beholding the rough crowd at the-
opposite end of the long apartment. But at
once, upon hearing the name of her lover
spoken by Grande George, all the dread
scenes through which she had so recently
passed, returned in all their vividness. She
stood spellbound, listening with a painful
intensity to each and every word of the
scout, and soon became convinced that the
rough men, who were but just now insane!

~

bent on lynching her lover, were now frien 2

ly to him.

But when she listened further, and lea ned ‘.

that while she had been in an uncons . 0113
state a band of outlaws had charged through
the town and borne her lover away captive,
the poor girl was plunged back into the
depths of despair. She recalled the explana-
tion of Blanco Bill of his having been in the‘
midst of the stampeding herd of horses, of
his attempted assassination, and his escape.
That the gang who had chased him up the
range were the same who now held him in
their power, the maiden had no doubt.

Katie also felt sure that the Mexicans who
had abducted her from the pine matte were
also of the same band.

From these conclusions she decided that‘ 1.

not only had the bandits some strong enmity

against the young Texan, but that they were '
now doubly infuriated from the fact that. he , ~

had slain one of their number and injured
two others while the gang were prowling
near the town. ,l
It appeared, indeed there seemed {lo doub ,
that in spite of all this vengeful feelin on

the part of the outlaws, they refrained! rom ( 

shooting the young man when they might.
easily have done so, but had risked much to
ca ture  \'
id not this indicate that they intended to‘
condemn Blanco Bill to a lingering death? . ‘
So it seemed to Katie Jordan. ;
Even though pursuit were made immedi‘

 

r. 3‘

I ~ it.

  

   
 
 

 

 

 

 

D

20(

Blanco ‘Bi11."th|e Mustang Monarch: ‘ ’ ,

 

ately, and the bandits in time overtaken,
would not then the merciless wretches, hav-
ing her lover in their power, murder him
before the very eyes of his would-be res-
cuers?

In so strange a state of mind was our
heroine, that some of the explanations of
Grande George were not, when spoken, un-
derstood; but they returned to her mind
later on, and she saw the reason of Christo-
bal’s hatred for Blanco Bill. The South
American had followed him from Mexico,
and would not be foiled in his revenge.

The young girl stood as if paralysed by
'her emotions, clutching the tattered sleeve of
Teddy McCarthy when “Texas” gave his
unearthly shriek, and the old Irishman lev-
eled his gun toward the dumfounded crowd
of “citz.”

This was the impressive tableau that was

resented to the view of the men of Last

ay-out, who had in a measure recovered

. their natural senses through the effects of the

recent startling and tragic occurrences. ()nlv
fora moment did the crowd remain silent.

I Then every sombrero was snatched from

\

head and whirled in the air, while Alamo
Abe called out:

“Three rippin’ ole he cheers an’ a ker-
whoop fer ther fu’stest leetle female ’oman
what hev struck Last Lay-out, an’ ther pur-
tiest piece 0‘ caliker in New Mex’l”

And Benzine Bazaar fairly trembled to its
foundation, when the cheers were given.

But before they were half-yelled, Grande
George sprung from the bar. and sombrero
in hand, strede toward Katie and Teddy.
By this time the latter had gotten through his
pate that there was no harm intended to eith-
er of them; indeed, he was forced to con-
clude, although it amazed him, that this re-
centl crazed mob were not onl well dis-
posed, toward them, but actually riendly.

Consequently McCarthy lowered his gun,
and leaned on the same as the scout ap-
proached.

“’Scuse me, miss," said Grande George,
in the softest tone he could command; “ but
I reckon yer won‘t be set back by a stranger
spokin' ter yer when yer 'pears ter be ueediu‘
frien's, bein’ in strange parts.

“ I hev bin tole thet yer war wi‘ my pard,
ther Mustang Monarch, an’ I s‘pose yer air
feelin’ sorter bad arter l'arnin’ thet he hev

, bin tuck by a pack 0' Greasers, led by Cap

Christobal, what crtends ter be ther boss
hess-fly 0‘ South ’ erica.
“My pard didn‘t whisper a word ter me

"bout ’spectin’ ter strike a lady hyeraways;

an’ of he hed, I’d tole him hit warn‘t ’zactly
squar’ fer him ter hev yer meet him in this
wrle oncivilized locate. IIe’s bin tuck an’
totcd off down-range; but don’t yer worri-
‘tate yerself, fer Grande George hev follercd
his trail clean from Franklin, an’ he don’t
’low ter be bamboozled by nary Greaser lay-
out. Waal, I should perceed ter snicker!
“Reckon yer doesn’t know me, miss? I’m

' , Grande George, ther Chap’rell Cock 0’ ther

Bravo; an’ any pilgrim what I cotches gazin’
crease ed et yer party pictur’, I’ll salervate
himl ’m goin’ jist a-b’ilin' arter ther Mus-
't ng Monarch es soon es 1 kin git ther boyees
a I set an’ read . I ain’t eddicated much, an‘
can’t sling X X ’Nited States lingo; but I
means what I does manage ter say an’ I ain‘t
slow when slashers an’ shooters is trumps.

” I’m in this game es long es thar’s ha’r on

, my head, er I‘ve gut ther stren’th ter crook

a fin er ’roun’ a trigger. You hear me

‘ warb e?"

The scout was excited, and much concern-
ed in regard to Blanco Bill, as well as being
much embarrassed at being in the presence of
a lovely young girl. whose bright eyes were
fixed upon his honest face. The situation
was new and strange to him, but he had just

’so much to say, and he was bound to get

I ' through with it as quickly as possible, and

this could only be done by rattling of! his
words at once, without stopping to consider
'{ whether they were the roper ones to be used
in the presmce of a la y.
As for Katie, she was both relieved and re-

t

i _' jjloiced to meet one who had been a friend of

er lover; and she had heard the language of
the ma h men of the border so much since

A   she had eft Denverthat not onl did she un-

  
 

' y
‘.

dersttmd all that the brave frontiersman said,

i 'v " bht she did not manifest the least surprise at
this somewhat uncouth ways and speech.

. “May God bless you!" she exclaimed, as

 

she caught the scout’s hand in both her own.
“ You do not know, you cannot imagine,

E say, except to swear by the Holy Poker, he’d
, “stick till Miss Katie as long as he c‘u'd

how happy I am to meet a friend of Blanco 1 kape wan eyelid open the length of a hair!“

Bill, as you call Mr. Williamson.
not know I was to be in this section of the
country."

Katie Jordan hesitated here.

She did not wish any one to know that she
had met the young Texan that night for the
first time. She did not think it was neccs-
sary to do, and her wish now was, situated
as she found herself, to have these men be-
lieve that she had long been known to Wil-
liam Williamson. In such strange and per-

plexing circumstances, it appeared to her a ‘

real necessity to manifest a strong regard and
affection for Blanco Bill.

IIad not this been the case, she could not
have controlled her emotions, feeling that
her Very life depended upon him who was in
the power of those pitiless bandits.

gatie paused a moment, and then contin-
ue .

“Blanco Bill informed me that his life had
been attempted, some ten miles down the
range from this town.
some strange and startling adventures in this
vicinity, this terrible ni ht, I should have
been killed, or captured? by an Indian, 11
the range, had it not been for my brave ol
protector here, Teddy McCarthy.’

The latter made an awkward bow at this
point, considering himself to have been in-
troduced.

“ But,” continued the maiden, "we must
not waste time in explanations. Can we not
start at once? I fear they will kill himl

“ Teddy,”—to the old man—“ please lead
Calico to the door. I do hope he has not
been taken away.”

Grande George opened wide his eyes in
amazement, exclaiming, as the Irishman
clbowed his way through the crowd to the
door:

“ W'hat’s thet, Miss—“

“My name is Katie Jordan,” interrupted
the young girl.

“’Scuse me, but kin I call yer Katie? I
doesn‘t hev time, most allers, ter sling ther
hull biz.”

“ Certainly you ma ,” was the reply,
know you are a goo
would not have called you his friend. I
know you will protect me, and do all you
can for Mr. Williamson.”

“I’m ormighty proud ter be yer friend,
Katie," said the scout. “But, es I war
'bout ter ax. yer doesn‘t per ose ter glide
'lon on this hyer trail ycrself Yhopes?"

“ ndeed I dol"

“ Wa-al, ef thet doesn‘t just sot me back!
Great Crockettl Yer mought git shouted,
’sides I reckon yer needs ter rest, an' git
some sleep.

“I swan 'er‘d better sto hyer in Last
Lay-out, an’ et me an’ ther hoyees run this
racket on ther jump. Alermo Abe ’1] fix up
some sort 0" lay-out fer yer, an’ slap up some
grub. Do now, for I shell be worritated ef
yer ees 'long with we-‘unsi”

“ thank you, George. but my mind is
fully made up. I should he in torture if I
remained. Come, please, and escort me to
the door. I have a horse that is fleet and
strong. and I am well armed.”

“ Great J ehoss-i-phat i”

Grande George drew a long breath, and
then yelled:

“Cl'ar ther track, boyeesl Hyer‘s ther
Queen 0’ New Mex', an’ she's goin‘ on ther
trail wi’ we-’uns. Pards, this air Katie, ther
Queen 0’ ther Rockies; an’ any galoot what
doesn‘t tip his cabase-covcr w ien she gazes
et him ’11 git salerwated by Grande George,
ther Chap‘rcll (lock 0’ ther Bravo!”

Calico was now led to the door by Tedd ,
and a hearty round of cheers came from t to
miners.

The scout sprung into his saddle.

Katie, ever considerate, requested Mc-
Carthy to remove the ack from "Texas."

Alamo Abe engage a wounded man to
attend to Benzine Bazaar, and then appeared,
well mounted, among the “ citz.”

The old Irishman. refusing to listen to ad-
vice from any one, mounted his horse, and
stationed himself near his young mistress;
but as was evident to the latter more than to
the others. he was far from being in a tit
condition for the trail. In fact, Teddv Was
nearly broken down, from wounds, excite-
ment. and nrivation. He had nothing to

l .
i

We both have had i

u I ‘
man, or Blanco Bill =

He did ;

Some of the miners had collected all the
‘ horses and equipped them: and, at the order
1, of Alamo Abe, all who had beasts mounted,
v making up a party of twenty, exclusive of
l Abe, George, Tedd v, and Katie Jordan.

“All set?" asked the sheriff, in a loud,
hoarse voice.

“All hunk!" came the answer, along the
line.

“Job spurs! Gitl’,’ was the next order;
and away, down the range, led by Grande
George. gallopcd the pursuers; the miners
all armed to the teeth, and riding in pairs.

No trail was followed, the scout proceed-
ing by his judgment; and, as he know every
inch of that section of the country, there was
little doubt of his failing in “ spotting " tho
lurking-place of the bandits.

The same reasoning that governed Capi-
tan Christobal, led Grande George to decide
the marauders would avoid the plain, seek
some gulch or gorge easy to defend, and en-
camp. This, he felt, would be at no great
distance from Last Lay-out.

Indeed, the scout was almost positive that
Christobal would not pass south of the great
gorge, in which Blanco Bill had slain the two
assassins.

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
LET THEM D0 THEIR wons'r.

BLANCO BILL had hoped, all through that
headlong gallop down the range, that tho
bandits would turn out upon the open plain.

Had Capitan Christoba thus ordered his
rufiianly horde, the young Texan would
have had some grounds for hope in regard
to a rescue.

But no such change of course was made.

The Mustang Monarch also noticed that
(,‘hristobal had followed for some distance
the trampled trail that had been made by the
stam edmg horses. He took advantage of the
first alt to study, as well as he could in the
moonlight, the faces of his captors. Texans
and Mexicans were alike, the most brutal-
looking wretchcs he had ever seen. Chris-

 

r dent, and also that he meant to take his life. v

t that the brave was in

tobal himself had the appearance of a veri-
table fiend.

That the South American hated him to a
murderous degree, Blanco B1” was confi-

The collecting of such a band to follow him
into New Mexico, and their daring charge
through the street of Last La -out to capture
him, fullv proved this. T e young man
shuddercd when he thought of the narrow
escape of his darling from the clutches of
such a gang. Ile dared not even think of
what her fate would have been.

Had be but known that she was safe he
would have been comparatively happy, and
would have laughed to seem his vile cap-
tors.

But, as it was, he had much to live for.

Katie Jordan would, he felt assured, be
rendered most miserable should he meet
death at the hands of these outlaws.

While thus studying upon the position of
affairs, the young Texan cast sweeping
glances up the sides of the mountain, and
alon the same, and among the pines and
bowigders.

He had not the slightest expectation of
discovering ahnman form, or indeed any-
thing that would give him hope: yet, by
some influence his gaze seemed to be drawn
up the range.

Great was his surprise. at last, to perceive
full a hundred feet up the mountain-side,
and directly west from them, the form of
an Indian. For an instant only was he visi-
ble. He then vanished behind a mass of
rock.

Yet, in that hasty glance, Blaneo Bill saw
full war-paint and
feathers, and also carried a rifle in his hand.

The bandits had halted quite near the foot
of the range, there being at that. particular
point no elevations to break the View. Like
‘a flash of light the thought of the Indian
who had attempted Katie's capture shot
through the mind of the Mustang Monarch,
and he decided that there must be awar-
party in the vicinity. \

 

If this was really the case. then there was

' a probability that the bandits would be at-

tacked, and with disastrous results. This,
however, gave our young friend no Concern,

 

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Blanco Bill, ’the MustangMonarch.

21

 

 

 

for he knew that he would not be in a more
dangerops position as captive to the Apaches
than situated as he now was. Indeed, were
the outlaws attacked, there was a possi-
bility of something occurring to favor his
escape.

Blaneo Bill was positive that no eye ex-
cept his own had detected the presence of
the red brave on the mountain-side: and he
now refrained from gazing up the cliff, lest
the suspicious of the bandit leader might
be awakened. Little time, however, had he
to ponder on the situation; for the band again

proceeded forward, still following the track

of the stampede.

As the outlaws passed the mutilated re-
mains of their comrades, curses both loud
and deep burst from their lips, and their
glances at their captive were anything but
reassuring.

Capitan Christobal, noticing this, at once
ordered his men onward at a trot; and_up
the great gorge all went, in time encamping
within a cove-like space on the north side of
the vast ravine. Rough and broken was the
wall of rock at this place, and towering far
above the camp.

Blanco Bill was roughly jerked from the
horse, and bound to the stump of a cedar,
which had grown alone in the middle of a
clear space around which the camp-tires
were built; the branches and upper portion
of the tree having been at once clipped oil? by
the Mexicans, with their long knives.

Few words were spoken, for all were
anxious on account of their dangerous posi-
tion in the enemies’ country; besides being
greatly fatigued, and almost furnished.

Ilardly had the animals been divested of
their equipments. when a tremendous tramp-
iiig announced the arrival in the gorge of
the herd of horses that had been stampeded.
The outlaws Were delighted at having re-
gained their plunder, or at least a large part
of it.

Soon the animals swept past the'camp,
and up the gor e, where they would be safe
and secure. we of the band were dis-
patched, to act as guard and spies at the en-
trance, and the main portion of the gang be-
gan at once preparing food; Christobal him-
self being as eager to break his long fast as
were any of his followers.

The bandit chief had reco nized, when
charging upon the “citz” of ast Lay-out,
Grande George, as the Texan who had ac-
companied the Mustan Monarch to the bull-
arena at El Paso, and e had been informed
by some of his men that he was a noted scout
and trailer; but the South American felt
sure that no scout could detect “ sign” on
the trampled trail of the stampede, and since
the return of the herd he believed his band
to be still more secure from detection. All
depended upon the pursuers’ knowledge in
re ard to these animals.

f the “ citz ” believed that the horses’had
,galloped back to their starting point without
being driven thither. then the band would be
secure; for, even did the pursuers discover
that the herd had passed into and up the
gorge, they Would not lose time by follow-
ing the stampede, but would keep on down
the range, unless they passed the gorge by
daylight.

These reasonings caused the South Ameri-
can, who was far from being a fool, to feel
quite safe in his position; and his exultation
was doubled in regard to the capture of ,,the
young Texan, upon being informed by one
of his followers that the captive was none
other than the Mustang Monarch, who had
created quite an exc1tement by his knowl-
edge of, and power over the horseqtribe.
Christobal was jubilant. .

After all had satisfied their appetites, it
was in the small hours of the morning, and
the bandit chief determined at once to force
his prisoner to reveal his secret, for delays
Were dangerous.

He feared that some of the m0st desperate
and revengeful members of his band would
run a knife into the Texans heart before
da light. _

‘hrlstobal did not understand English,
add he had noticed that his captive seemed
ignorant of Spanish. Ile therefore instruct—
ed one of his men to make known to the
latter his determination to torture from him
the secret, and to interpret to him privately
ever word the young Texan spoke. lle

lld then slay the interpreter lie-fore he

t

 

would have time to reveal the secret to
others.

Everything being arranged in a manner
satisfactory to himself, the South American
explained to his men that their prisoner was
his professional rival, and that he had be-
sides publicly insulted him. 116 wished,
therefore, to glut his revenge by torturing
the youn man half to death, after which
the coul do with him as they wished.

I c then gave each of them a sum of gold,
and informed them that they might dispose
of the herd of horses as they pleased. This
unexpected liberality on the part of their
chief had the desired effect, and Capitan
Christobal made ready at once for the pro-
posed torture of Blanco Bill.

Then “Blink Eye,” the Texan outlaw sc-
lectcd as interpreter, and a most ruflianly-
looking miscreant, strode up to the captive.

“Say, yeou hoss-man,” he began, “yer
better squeak out, er pray, fer yer hain't gut
long ter linger on this hyer ball 0’ dirt ef
yer don’t spit out all yer knows ’bout this
hyer hess-edicatin’ biz. Our boss hyer wants
ther secret, aii’ he’s goin’ for tortur‘ yer on-
til yer squeals out ther hull thing. You
hear me 1”

Meanwhile, Christobal piled fagots around
him. Bill now saw why he had not been
shot down like a dog. But he felt that it
would make no difference in his fate whether
he spoke 0r kept silent. There was no
chance for escape.

“ Do your co ward work!" he said loudly,
in contempt and derision. “ A man can die
but once, and I will die as I have lived,
scorning all deceit and cowardice. I have
no secret to reveal!

“ I expect no mercy from this band of cut-
throats, any more than I would from a war-
party of Apaches!"

At the very moment that the voice of the
young man ceased, as if the mention of the
name of the tribe had conjured them up or
been a pre-arranged signal, wild, terrible and
blood-eurdling, echoing from crag and in
gorge and rift, rung the Apache war-cry
from many throats!

CHAPTER XXVII.
INTO THE JAWS OF DEATH.

To describe the amazement and terror of
the outlaws as the war-whoops of the Apa-
(bzllies broke upon their cars, would be impossi-

e.

For a moment not a man in the coward
crew was ca able of speech or motion. It
seemed as i a thousand yelling fiends had
taken possession of the cliffs. Not the slight
est suspicion had been entertained by an ,
except the captive, that an Indian was within
a hundred miles of them. Hence their dum-
founded astonishment.

As for Blanco Bill, although he could not
have explained why, he felt greatly relieved;
and was not devoid of hope, although seeing
no rounds for it.

he whoops of the savages came from the
pines and bowlders, and as the moon now lit
up the camp of the bandits, the. war~party
could pour down a galling tire upon them.

Christobal had selected an excellent camp,
and one easily defended against the only foes
whom he dreaded—namely, those who would
pursue him from Last Lay-out—but he now
realized, when too late, that he was "cor-
raled,” and at the mercy of thc skulking red
torturers, whose whoops chilled the very
marrow in his bones

His naturally ghastly face became more so.

He dropped the fagots that he held in his
hand.

The burly Texan renegade, who had de-
manded of Blanco Bill his secret, gave a
tremendous bound across the “open,” and
there crouched behind a bowlder, quivering
in its shadow. .

The Greasers, as soon as capable of move-
ment, darted to cover, the Texan outlaws
not far behind them; and almost immediate.
ly the scene was transformed.

The Mustang Monarch stood, bound to the
cedar, the only human bein in view, and
the only one who seemed to ave been un-
moved by the savage war-whoops.

A silence reigned, that seemed deathlike.
. Not a thought of their captive now dwelt
in the minds of any of the bandits; not even
in that of Christobal. All knew that they
had little chance. if any, to escape death—-
that they must fight like demons, or die slow-

 

i
’l

 

1y by the most fearful tortures their savage
foes could invent.

Blanco Bill wrenched madly at his bonds,
although the act gave him excruciating
agony. He felt that a desperate conflict was
at hand, and he must escape while it was
going on, or not escape at all.

~W ell he knew that he would be forced to
suffer an awful death at the hands of the vic—
tors. whether they were his outlaw captors
or the Apaches. Consequently, the thongs
that bound him were all that was between
him and that terrible doom.

Could he but free himself, life and love
were possible—yes, even probable.

No wonder, then, that he made herculean
efforts to burst his bonds, regardless of the
agony every movement gave him.

The silence lasted but a very short time;
yet, to the bandits, it seemed to be an age.

Then, here and there, soundul loud and
terrified snorts. from the mustangs; and it
was soon evident that the beasts were being
led away, up the gorge.

Not even a volley of bullets would have
caused half the terror and despair as these
sounds; for the outlaws now knew, beyond
doubt, that their red fees were near them,
and that they had lost their only means of
flight. Not until this occurred. did the mis-
creants realize how foolish they had been—
that they should, at the first alarm, have ran
to, and sprung upon their horses, and then
galloped at fiil! speed down the gorge. '

Capitan Christobal was not slow in takin
in the situation. He recalled the escape 0
one brave of the party he had attacked on
the lains, and from which he had taken the
her of horses; and he felt assured that that
one, who had then escaped, had guided his
fellow-warriors on the trail, for revenge, and
for the recovery of the herd.

The very desperate nature of the position,
he now found himself in, caused Christobal
to banish the terror that untitted him for a
leader; or, indeed, to defend his own 'ser-
able life. No sooner did he perceive hat
the horses had been taken away by lurkin
braves, who would doubtless return and
commence the work of blood, than be quick-
ly gave a rallying signal, and his men in a
few moments crawled to his side among the
pines and bowlders.

Quickly he explained to them the necessity
of forming themselves in positions for de-
fense. The Texan portion of the band had
by this time become cool, and clutched their
weapons with a desperate grip. determined
to sell their lives dearly; but the Greasers

were so terrified as to be almost pOWerless to 

use knife or revolver with any certainty of
effect.

Little time, however, did the Indians ' e
the bandits for deliberation; for, glidin Tike
so many snakes through the dark sha es, a,
half~scorc of them soon came within a few
Races of the objects of their vengeance.

hen, from the throat of one of the warriors,

came a piercing shriek. Hardly had the 

echoes of this died away, when, in response
to the si us], again rung the horrible war-
whoop ofzthe Apaches from the cliffs.

The instant the outlaws gazed up the side
of the gorge, through the screen of foliage,
spurts of fire shot from the dark seams in the
rocks, and a perfect hail of bullets tore“
through the houghs of the pines; some of
them piercing the vitals, and others wound—
in the crouching outlaws.

TVhile the shrieks of agony and death,
broken by the irregular reports of the rifles
and revolvers of the bandits. ruled the motto
and the pines—then, again, in awful intona-
tion, shot out that dread war-whoop; and
the half-score of crouching braves sprun ,l
with their long scalping-knives uplifted, i~
rectly upon the demoralized outlaws.

The scene was truly horrible! ‘-

Desperatc, short, and deadly, was the ter-

rific combat; and, at its close, but. seven of' 7  .

the bandits—and ever one of these wound-
ed—stood panting amid the dead and dying.
Then ten Apaches lay, gory, and silent for-
ever. Their last war-cry had sounded.

Yet no exultation was manifested by the v
They stood, silent and listening; _,.

survivors.
their gaze turned toward the cliff.

All knew that those they had slain oftheir‘ v ‘

foes had been but a small and detached

party. .
Capitan Christobal had a terrible gash “

acress his white cheek, and his black and

 

 

‘ag; .

‘ «iv. pair‘s-5 . ' 

 

H)‘

’ » could have heard the dread sounds an

i

 

b.

Blanco Bill, the Mustang Monarch.-~

‘ ,y l

 

 

piercing eyes were glaSsy and unnatural
with a tiger-like thirst for revenge.

The blood of the South American was up.

Soon the sounds told of warriors descend-
ing the cliff-side. Christobal thrust his rifle
through the screen of foliage, and hissed out
the order to fire. After their recent success,
the band had hopes of a final victory.

Full a dozen brouzed braves were now
making their hazardous way down the almost
perpendicular wall of the gorge at different
points. At the base of this wall grew a nar-
row fringe of pines, which hid the cliff for
some twcnt ' feet.

Blanco Bill, still fast bound to the decapi-
tated tree, was between the wall of the gorge
and the pines that concealed the bandits;
but the latter heeded him not, their eyes
being fixed far above him, upon the red foe.

At a shrill whistle from their captain,
every one. of the outlaws ullcd trigger.

A tremendous report ollowed the blind-
in flash, and then a fearful sight!

I’ainted and f eathercd braves fell down the
jagged rocks, and crashing into the pines, as
their death-howls shot through the gorge!

Then from the fringe of pines into which
the dead were falling, came the terrible
Apache war- whoops again, and this time
from many throats. Hot until then, did
the bandits realize that they were in the

, very jaws of death.

Like lightning it flashed through the minds
of all, that a large number of the Indians had
descended the cliff during the progress of the
fight, and were now awaiting the descent of
their comrades, when all would bound forth,
across the camp. to the scene of the conflict,

and annihilate the survivors; for they could\

not but know that the first party had been
defeated, and slain.

This last War-whoop and dash of the
Apaches was more than the wounded and
fatigued outlaws could bear, and stand their
ground.

They had no hope of maintaining their po-
sition against that phalanx of brouzed braves
now maddened to frenzy by the death of
their comrades.

Besides this, the bandits had not had time
to reload their weapons.

One thought now occupied their minds
and that was flight.

Christobal, however, knew he could not
hope to escape in that manner; and he also
knew that, if his men kept together, they
would be all doomed. To keep together,
at the beginning of the attack, had been their
only alternative; now, it would be their de-
struction—the death of the remnant of the
band, to the last man!

With this thought the bandit leader sprung

, 11 among the thick branches of a tree, while
I his men rushed through the pines toward the

If 'the Mustan

‘ clear bed of the gorge.

I, in been.
. 2 feet

V

.,(K
;

The next moment
the Apaches were in hot chase. Soon tne
dashed from among the ines, and were We -
corned by the Texan out aws with a fusilade
from their revolvers. which laid several of
the braves low. The Greasers, at sight of
this, also endeavored to make a stand.

It was but for an instant. Then the rem-
nant of the bandit gang became the center of
a. circling horde of savages, and the butcher-

ger had been the Indians, so madly
frantic for blood and revenge, that they
heard not the galloping of a horse up the
gor , a ma niflcent black steed, which upon
‘catc ing sig t of the outlaws, swerved from
its course and into the pines—thus guided
the Fates—and made halt directly in front

0 Blbnco Bill.

The animal had recognized the signal of
Monarch.

It Was his own Black Hawk, and fully
equipped, the same as when the youn 'l‘ex-
an had been dragged from his saddle y the
infuriated mob at Last Lay-out.

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE WINGS OF THE WIND.

N0 human being in the position of the
Mustang Monarch, bound and he] less,
wit-
nessed the terrible sights which he was
ggéged to hear and see, without being hor-

His back was turned toward the cliff, but
when he heard the noises made by the
Apaches climbing down, he was forced by

 

some horrid fascination to turn his head and
gaze behind him. The dread spectacle hc
beheld was not calculated to impress him
favorably; indeed, he believed that his time
had come.

Still, as the Indians were so murderoust
vengeful toward the bandits, Blanco Bill
hoped that when they saw he was a captive
and securely bound, they would not molest
him until after they had slain all the out-
laws. This he believed the red-men would
do, although he was confident that thus far
the followers of Christobal had been the vic-
tors.

By the fearful sounds that had come from
the pines, the young man had known that a
terrible fight had occurred—that a number
of Indians had attacked the outlaws, the
savages having advanced from up the gorge.

He kept his senses strained to catch the
slightest sound, in order to know everything
that transpired, for his very life might de-
pend upon the knowledge thus gained.

The consequence was that Blanco Bill was
aware that the Apaches had taken away the
mustangs of the bandits.

When the braves had fired their guns from
the cliff, the terrific discharge had greatly
startled our young friend; for he knew that
at least one of the warriors had taken aim at
himself. The bullet had struck the stump of
the tree to which he was bound.

Ere Ion he uttered a fervent thanksgiving,
for he fc t another bullet. strike near his
wrists; and the rope, by which he Was
bound, twitched at the same instant. This
convinced him that it had partly cut away
the bonds that held him.

Yet he dared not strive to break free, fear-
ing that the Indians would observe him, rush
upon him, and slay him.

He knew that the Apaches, as the reach
ed the pines, remained there seeretet , await-
ing the arrival of their slower comrades.

He felt sure that the friendly bullet had
not been intended; that the un had been
aimed downward, and to ki 1 him; or it
might, perhaps, have been a random, hasty
shot.

Soon he perceived the weapons of the ban-
dits projecting from the pines; and then
came the spurts of fire, and the loud and
deafening explosion.

A moment after, came the rush of the
vengeful red-men toward him, on their way
to the pines; and he now expected to be
pierced, bound and helpless as he was, to the
Vitals by the knives of the savages.

Blanco Bill closed his eyes.

Let the worst come, if come it must.

But, the next instant, he realized that the
Indians had rushed past him, with their hor-
rible whoops of war, and he opened his eyes
just in time to see the entire party dash into
the ines.

ords are inadequate to express the relief
that he felt.

It seemed to him that he had, literally, been
snatched from the grasp of death.

Yet, he was still bound; and, if he could
not wrench himself free, he would be slain
or tortured within the hour. And he still
feared to make the attempt to break his
bonds.

Were he to do so, and fail, he must as-
suredly meet the fate he so dreaded.

Then it flashed upon his mind, that Katie
Jordan, if indeed, she still lived, must be in
anguish in re ard to his fate; besides, being
left alone in ast Lay-out, with no protector
or friend—for the young man believed that
Teddy McCarthy had been stricken with
death, v. hen he had last seen him, clutching
at the slabs of the shanty.

The thoughts of Katie served to make the
young Texan straighten up, and he gathered
all his strengt in an effort to free himself;
but, at that mo ent, he heard the crashing
of a horse in the bushes, between‘ the pines
and the cliff to the east: and, to his intense
iffy, 111p discovered his own noble steed, Black

aw .

Giving a. signal, the animal at once gal-
loped, With every evidence of pleasure, up to
his master.

And, just at that moment, Blanco Bill be-
held a white face, upon which was a bloody
gash, up amid the pines. partly concealed by
the branches in front of him.

Instantly he recognized Senor Ronaldino
Christobal, his would-be assassin, and the
author of all his sufferings!

 

The face of the South American was
stamped with terror, however, and he did
not appear to have any evil intentions to-
ward his hated foe and rival, whom he had
trailed so far to slay. His ovm safety ap-
peared to be uppermost in his mind; for the
exultant whoops of the Apaches filled the
air, and by the yells and shrieks of the out-
laws who were being butchered, he must
have known that if he escaped at all it must
be at once.

The Mustang Monarch had now hopes, on
account of Black Hawk’s appearance.

1 It seemed a promise of success, of life and
ove.

With a tremendous effort, he 5 cut all his '

strength, and east himself forwart .

The bonds broke, and he fell to the earth!

In a moment he was upon his feet, but his
arms were bcniimbed!

IIe rubbed his laceratcd wrists, and then,
knowing that the Indians might, at any mo-
ment, ruin from the pines, sprung himself
into the same: and, securing a brace of re-
volvers from the dead outlaw, he quickly
loaded the weapons, and then bounded upon
his horse, urging Black Hawk through the
pines into the open bed of the gorge.

Just below his position, and betWCen him-
self and safety, or the way to the entrance of
the huge rent in the range, were the Apache
warriors. These were now engaged in muti-
lating and scalping the slain bandits.

Through the red-men he must dash ("his
escape could not be effected.

He knew that he had every favorable ad—
vantage that was possible, positioned as he
was.

The Indians were not aware of his pres-
ence at that point; and, as it up cared, they
had not heard in their excitemen , the gallop
of Black Hawk up the gorge, and through
the pines. They believed him to be still se-
curely bound to the stump of the cedar.

Upon beholding him upon his black steed,
with a leveled and presented revolver in
each hand, dashing upon them, the would
naturally be dumfounded; from the act that
they were positive no enemy was up the
gorge. "

Reasoning thus, Blanco Bill at once drove
spurs, and Black Hawk shot forward, at
tremendous bounds, directly toward the
Apaches, and, as the latter whirled in alarm,
from their savage work, two quick flashes
Lurst from the muzzles of his revolvers, and
again and again the leaden messengers of
death tore through the Vitals of many an
Apache brave.

Out, through and beyond the red horde,
shot the Mustang Monarch, Black Hawk
trampling to the earth those who stood in
his way; while the most fearful death-yells
filled the air, mingled with rallying cries and
whoops of war. .

Before the Apaches had recovered from
their amazement and _ overwhelming fury
sufficiently to load their rifles, Blanco Bill,
upon his black steed, dashed around a bend
of the gorge, and was free as the rairie air!

But, not far had he procee ed, when,
speeding toward him, dashed an Apache war-
rior upon a mustang—evidently one of those
who had been ordered to the mouth of the
gorge, to assassinate the outlaw sentinels,
and report any danger.

So truly imposing, dauntless, and desper-
ate, appeared the young Texan upon his
magnificent horse—which the brave had

doubtless observed galloping up the g0r8F=
r

ight, as Blanco

that the latter, in evident .
his mus-

Bill leveled his revolvers. lashing
tang to one side, and into the dar
the pines. _

Having witnessed a surfeit of horrible
butchery, and feeling devoutly thankful, for
his own almost miraculous deliverance, our
young friend continued his course; swerving
not to either side, and not caring to shoot the
fleeing Apache.

find not Black Hawk appeared at the
most critical time. and when most needed,
the brave Texan felt that escape would have
been impossible.

IIe owed his life once more to his noble,
handsome, and faithful steed; a fact which
would increase his love for everythin in
the shape of a horse, and strengthen his re.
solve to devote his life to the equine species,
as second only in his regard to Katie Jor-

an. .
But, did Katie yet live?

 

shades of-

 

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A

‘ Misthei Blanco Bill, it’s ould Teddy

. . yées alive (met more!

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Blanca Bill, the Mustang Monarch.

i

23

 

 

‘ As this thought again came into his mind,
he cried out:

“On, Black Hawk! On, to Katie!

It had been most providential, the coming
of his horse, most strange and unaccountable
—-indced, most wonderful.

Thus thought Blance Bill, the Mustang
Monarch.

But it was soon to be explained.

When he uttered that or to his horse, it
meant, in his way of thin ing, a long and
anxious ride to Last Lay-out; but the young
man was destined to be very agreeably dis-
appointed for, upon dashing through the pine
belt, he beheld a most welcome sight.

This was neither more nor less than the
“citz,” led b Grande George and Alamo
Abe; and, wit them, to his reat joy and
amazement, Katie Jordan, and Teddy Mc-
Carthy riding beside the scout.

CHAPTER XXIX.
THE EQUINE snucxron’s nxrr.

THE Mustang Monarch upon Black Hawk
presented an impressive appearance, as he
shot from the pines into plain view of the
“citz,” and our friends who were in ad
vance.

His sombrero had been lost when he had
been dragged from his horse in Last La -out,
his clothing was torn, and blood had owed
from the wound he had received on his
head. His long, light and curling hair flew
wild in‘ the wind of his speed, and he sat
proudly oised, with revolvers gripped, on
the alert or foes.

With a cry of glad 'o and intense relief,
Katie Jordan urged ‘a ico onward; Teddy
McCarthy crying out, as he also drove spurs:

“Thundher an’ turf! If there ain‘t Mis-
ther Blanco Bill, may I never see Ould Ire-
land again! Bcgorra, there’s wan dacint
gintleman left in this divil of acounthry,
but it‘s little there‘s left 0’ mesilf. For all
that, be cripes, I wasn't afther expictin’
there’d be a whole bone in me body.

“But it‘s right I was in wan thing—the
divil doubt me if Iwasn‘t—it’s Miss Katie
hersilf that thinks a dale o'Blanco Bill.”

Grandc George gave a loud yell, as did
also Alamo Abe, and the latter was about to
dash spurs and hasten on to meet the young
Texan, and apologize to him for the recep-
tion he had met With in Last Lay-out, when
the scout intercepted him. crying cut:

“ Hold on, Abel Reckon we-’uns better
keep on sorter slow-like, fer mebbe so ther
Mustang Monarch ’u‘d like ter sling a leetle
soft lingo et ther calico. Hit sorter' cars
es though ther two war ’tendin’ ter par ter-
gether fer ther rest 0’ thar nat’ral term 0’
existence.

“Dang me, ef hit warn't a_good thing
thet ther black nag tuck a notion ter stom-

ede on ther trail on his own ’count! An’

’m glad we-‘uns didn’t rope ther critter.
Thet hess air wo‘th a hull pocket 0’ ‘ yaller-
boyees. ’ "

“Ye’re mighty right, all ’roun’,” agreed
the sheriff; “ther nag bed a leetle rest an’
fee arter ther Monarch gut jarked ofi’n ther
crit er, an' arter we-‘uns all left ther burg.
I reckon ther hoss gut lonesome like, an’ hit
war lucky fer yer pard, hit ’pears.

“ Wonder what sort of a rumpus hev bin
goin‘ on? He skinned through anyways
though, an’ things hev panned out hunk.”

The “ citz " gave whoops of welcome, but
all became silent as Blanco Bill gave a warn-
in gesture. pointing toward the gorge.

atie Jordan soon reached the side of her
lover, and their hands met in a warm clasp;
their eyes speaking more plainl and with
deeper meaning than words cou d have ex-
pressed; But each was distressed at the worn
and haggard appearance of the other.

Privation from sleep, continual exertion,
terrible excitement, and intense agon of
heart, had told upon both; but the b cod.

 

'stained face of the young man caused him'to

appear almost frightful.
"Katie, my darling!
you once more!"
This was all Blancc Bill could utter.

Thank God, I meet

" 011. Will! 1 never expected to see you
alive a in!"
As atie said this, Teddy galloped up, my

ing out:
"Be the piper that played before MOSES,
c.
Carty's heart that‘s swelled wid joy. to see
Be cripes, I was

r. :4",

..»-,i*_‘ s,

afther thinkin’ the haythens had yees fer
oodl” .

“ Thank you, Teddy,” returned the young
Texan; “ it seems we all have had a rather
rough experience of it since we first met, but
1 hope the worst is now over. Had not
Black Hawk come just in the nick of time,
I should have been a captive to the Apaches,
without doubt.

“ That horse of mine is worth his weight
in diamonds. He has saved my life, upon
more than one occasion.

“Katie, 1 must insist upon our remain-
ing here with Teddy for a s ort time, as
those fiendish Apaches are in the gorge, and
at their brutal work, mutilatin the dead.
Senor Christohal’s men are all s ain, and he
himself will be a prisoner, I think, by the
time we can reach the scene of the recent
fight.” V

“ 0h, Will, do not return! It is not neces-
sary, for there are enough men here to drive
away all that war-party.”

At this moment, the “ citz,” with the scout
and the sheriff, rode up, and the pair were at
once surrounded by them.

The Mustang Monarch soon explained the
situation of affairs up the gorge: all being
rejoiced at the destruction of the outlaw
band, and from knowing that the much-
dreaded Apaches were now in their power.

Blanco Bill succeeded in prevailing upon
Katie to remain with Teddy in the pines, at
the entrance of the gorge; and then all dash-
ed headlong up the same, toward the heart
of the range, and the scene of the late con-
flict, Bill and Abe being in the lead. -

The former had little hope of finding the
Apaches, however, as he believed that the
Indian he had met when speeding down the
gorge, had discovered the “citz,” as they
came down the range, and was galloping to
warn the war-party.

No doubt this was the case, for not an In-
dian was to be seen in the gorge ahead. as
our friends arrived within sight of the battle
ground, the scene of the massacre of the out-
law band.

Recalling the fact that he had seen the
horribly disfigured face of Christobal within
the pine branches, Blanco Bill galloped
straight to the camp, all followin ; the
” citz ” infuriated at the escape of the pache
fiends.

Ejaculations of horror burst from the lips
of all, as they broke from the pines; for,
lashed to the same tree-stub, to which the
young Texan had been bound for the tor-
ture, was the fearfully-mutilated body of the
South American!

Capitan Christobal had been scalped, his
ears cut off, the clothing torn from his body,
and his whole frame lacerated.

It was a terrible sight!

The Mustang Monarch could not refrain
from uttering an expression of pity; for, al-
though Christobal had caused him so much
misery and suffering, and would have tor-
tured him, had not the A aches appeared
upon the scene when they id—for a! this,
the young man felt that the fate which had
overtaken the South American was too ter-
rible a one, even for the worst of criminals.

The reeking, mutilated corpse before them
was all that remained of Senor Ronaldino
Christobal or Capitan Christobal the bandit,
the self-styled Champion Horse Educator of
South America!

Yells, the most terrific, shot from all; for
the sight of the mutilated dead, especially
the Texans, althou h outlaws, had rendered
the “ citz ” frantic or revenge. Blanco Bill
was also ea er to wipe out from the face of
the earth a race or two more of the inhu-
man paintdaubed demous of the Pecos.

At that moment he recalled the fact that
there was no outlet to the gorge; and, urg-
ing Black Hawk toward and throu h the
pines, he yelled for all to follow, w ile he
galloped at once up the huge break.in the
range.

And, madly the citizens dashed on after
him, weapons in hand.

Soon. upon turning a bend of the gorge,
the young Texan ave a loud whoop, and
the party sp rred rantically forward.

The next nstant, the report of rifles rung
and echoed in the gorge, as well as, in every
cleft, and rift, and cavern, up the ' ks;
death-yells, most horrible to hear, to lOWed
after, as red braves, who were clamberin

 

the cliff-side, were pierced by leaden bal 5.

I'm,  '

up

 

The wounded Apaches swung from 'utting
rock and shelf for a few moments, with the
grip of death, and then shot downward, to

‘ be dashed into shapeless masses below!

Full half the survivors of the fight between
the bandits and the Apaches were slain; the
remainder succeeding in gaining the top of
the gorge wall, and then rushing to another
gulch that led out to the plain westward,
where they had left their mustangs, Thus
they escaped.

All the horses of the outlaw band fully
equipped, were captured by the “citz;” the
herd, which had been the means of saving
the life of the Mustang Monarch, was se—
cured also. Besides these, the arms of the
shin bandits and Indians were collected;
thus making up quite a valuable amount of
booty.

As may be supposed, Blanco Bill lost no
time in rejoining Katie and Teddy, after
the last living Indian had disappeared be-
yond the upper wall of the gorge; and the
trio proceeded slowly, on their return to
Last Lay-out, the scout, sheriff, and “ citz ”
bringing upthe rear, and drivipg the cap-
ture horses.
left to feed, being guarded by a number of
men, as soon as a favorable place was reach-
ed; for the animals were greatly fatigued,
from the fight and the stampede.

Upon arriving at Last Lay-out, one of the
best furnished shanties was allotted to Katie ‘
J ordan; and the poor maiden, utterly broken
in spirits and energy through all that she
had undergone, felt the utmost relief, when
enabled to cast her weary form upon a
couch.

Tedd McCarthy, as he threw himself
across t e entrance, outside the door of the
cabin in which reposed his young mistress,
exclaimed with extreme satisfaction and the
deepest sincerity, at the same time closing
his e 'es:

“ hanks be till goodness! Sure I’m at
rist at last, he cripes; an‘ be the hole in me
coat, I‘ll sleep for a week, I’m thinkin’l”

Blanco Bill was little less anxious for slee
and rest. Indeed, this was the condition 0
all the “ citz " of Last Lay-out.

Eventually all became silent in the burg,
over which was cast the dark shadows of the
towering pe ks, for, by this time, it was the
small hours f the night—“the divil’s own
night," as Teddy put it.

These last were, however, ,;

l 3,. ;

Texas, the little burro. after browsing . ‘

about for awhile between the shanties. at ‘,
times jerking up his head, and casting a lazy
look toward the range, and up and down the
street, as if he was not positive in his mind
that the strange “ circusing ” was at an end,
finally sought the cabin in which reposed his
fair youn mistress, and there lay dowu by
the side 0 the faithful old Irishman; soon,
like poor Katie’s human protector, indulging,
in a siesta.

 

CHAPTER XXX.
THE wasnanmn’s RETURN.

Nor a few of the “citz ” of Last La -out, J ’!
lamo/ ’

who had been with the party led by
Abe and Grande George up the gulch, were
well aware of the vengefu character of the
Apaches; but even these had not the sli ht-

would seek to avenge their dead. .
Yet, had any one of the whites remained .
behind, to secretly watch the movements of
the Indian—a precaution which should have
been taken—much misery might have been“

avoided. ‘ 
As has been said, Last Lay-out lay, calm " _
and peaceful, under the shadows of the rocky .

range.
Thus we leave it, while we ask the reader
to revisit with us a lately deserted scene. ‘
The terror and excitement of the fleeing"

Apaches partially vanished, as they became .

confident of safety. _Furious with pent-up
hate and re. e, the Witnessed the plundering. H
of the den

equi meats. and the departure of their sue-1;
cess u! foes. i

Red Deer, the chief of the Apaches. aminer "
ordered one of his most trusted and‘ x 
skille spies and trailers to hasten at once in.» 

diate!

the rear of the whites; and, upon the latter
reaching their town or camp, to return and 
report—ascertaining the strength of .the foe. 

and the advantages that might be taken in“ 5.;

an attack. ’ ,

a

est idea, that the survivors of the con ict ';

» ,u I y W,

ban its, the driving down the 
gulch of all the horses upon which were the , A

I v u i}:

 

 

 

     
  
 

V. ':

 
  

,\ . i
,.

 

 

. a , men, galloping over the plain.

24

,.1

b i ; I I . _ a". a,

I Blanco Bill, ’ the  Menarch.

 

 

After the departure of White Horse, Red great care avoiding the hard or stony ground,

Deer ordered his warriors to follow him,
and, then, passing along the gulch wall east-
ward, to a point easier of descent, all made
their way down to the bed of the vast ravine.

There, having buried their fallen fellow-
braves in a cavern, the entrance to which
thev walled up with stones, the , at a. signal
yell from their chief, bounde across, and
then up the side of the gulch, at the same
place at which they had descended. When
they gained the top, the chief halted not, but
sped along the side of the range south, his
warriors following in single file.

Suddenly Red Deer disappeared, as if sink-
ing into the rocks, as (lid one after another
of those who followed him; all proceeding
at dangerous haste down a branching cre-
vasse into a smaller gulch than the one that
had proved so disastrous to them and to the
outlaws.

The bed of this gulch was thickly inter-
spersed with dwarf pines and cedars. that
grew in clumps; and between these could be
seen many wild-eyed mustangs, that now
sprung back and forth, snorting with fright.

This was caused by the vengeful war-
whoop of Red Deer, as he reached a point
half-way down the scam in the rock wall.

As if by magic, half a score of war-paint-
ed savages sprung from the dark shades of
many a thicket into view.

These knew that their brother braves had
suffered defeat. and that their chief, lted
Deer, was madly eager for revenge—that
another desperate fight was to follow, and
that they were to participate in it.

N o sooner was this comprehended by them
than a simultaneous howl shot from the
threats of the Apache guard, followed by a
murderous whoop, that betrayed a tigcrish
longing for blood.

A second signal, as Red Deer neared the
junction of the steep seam with the ulch,
caused the guards to bound forwart and
equip the mustangs, the animals snorting,
and rearing upon their hind legs.

In less time than one would think possible,
Red Deer, at the head of over a score of war-
riors. rode at terrific speed down the gulch.
Soon they reached its mouth, when they
turned up the range, keeping well in the
shade of the towering peaks, and also pro-
ceeding near the base of the mountains, the
scattered bowlders and bushes screening them
from the view of any who might be on the

 open plain.

Then a low hiss came from the lips of the
chief, who rode in advance, he at the same
time checking his mustang gradually.

This signal soon passed along t e whole
length of the line, and all speedily halted,
sittin their steeds, while every eye was di-
recte to a point in their rear, which their
keen-(yed leader indicated by extending his

' arm and fore-finger.

For some distance in that direction there
were no trees to break the view.

The Indians could gaze over the rocks and
clumps of bushes without fear of discover .

They could with difficulty repress a ye l,

and many of them instinctively whirled their

mustangs half about, and clutched their
wea ens.

hat could those bloodthirsty Apaches
have seen to thus affect them, especially
when speeding on the trail for revenge?

Certainly it must have been a sight that

romised to lessen in a measure their thirst
or blood.

And such indeed it was.

It was a little party of half a dozen white
Almost im-
mediately these passed up the range, but
still in the rear of the war-party; the trees
now shutting them out from the view of the
red-men.

It was evident to Red Deer and his braves

,that these whites must have been some dis-

tance below when they rejoined their com-
rades. But it appeared strange to see such a
arty riding at that time of the night, for the
ndians were confident that they (lid not be—
long to thOse who had slain so many of their

I, number/at the big gulch.

They decided now that this little hand
must not be allowed to join the others and
strengthen them.

Then, by vigorous gestures and signs, the

a chief directed his braves as to their move-

ments and his plans. _
Guiding their animals slowly, and With

 

as well as every contact with bush or branch,
causing no sounds that could possibly be
heard by their~intended victims—thus the
red demons stole toward the outer line of
bowlders and thickets, soon reaching favor-
able positions. There they stationed them-
selves in a line, ready to bound forth and
overwhelm the little party of unsuspecting
whites. who rapidly approached the ambush,
evidently on their way to Last Lay-out.

Any mountain man would at once have
recognized these night-riders as miners, who
had evidently been on a prospecting tour;
for they wore woolen shirts and crumpled
sombreros, and had a pack-mule in lead, car-
rying their cooking-utensils, picks, spades
and shovels.

But a little time elapsed when these men
neared the deadly ambush.

The Indians glared out from their eoverts,
with apparent satisfaction, for they were con-
fident of their victims without loss to them-
selves, having discovered how fatigued and
utterly unsuspieious of danger they were.

In a minute more came the signals from
Red Deer, fOIIOch by the terrible Apache
war-whoop.

The scene that followed beggars descrip-
tion.

Before the miners had fairly recovered
from their amazement and horror, they were
surrounded bythe yelling horde of paint-
bedaubcd fiends, and cries of hopeless dc-
spair and agony came from the doomed men‘s
lips, as the steel-pointed shafts of their red
foes tore their way through clothing and
flesh at short range before they could draw
weaponsin their defense!

The unfortunate miners were the center of
a whirlpool of savage war.

Knives flashed before their eyes, and they
were dragged from their horses by their
arms, or the hair of their heads. Not a
horse ridden by them had escaped free from
the torturing arrows, and frantic with fright
and pain, these poor beasts had reared and
plunged amid the fiendish conflict.

It was a horrible scene, there upon that
moonlight plain, but it lasted only for a
brief space; and, as the victorious whoop
rung from the Apaches, and they collected
around their chief, the miners, one only ex.
cepted, lay scalped, hacked, and mutilated,
upon the plain.

This exception was a young man of fine
appearance, a picture of health and manly
beauty. He was strong of build, and per-
feet in form; and not a trace of fear did he
betray, although bound, and surrounded by
his captors.

Why had he been spared?"

We will explain.

As the war—cry first broke upon this young
man’s ears, he had jerked his revolvers, and
driving spurs home, had bounded forward
yelling for his comrades to follow; but he
had been too late, his escape being cut ofi.

Realizing this, he had at once turned his
horse, and met the charge of the Apaches;
blazing away with his deadly revolvers. the
reports that followed heralding each a death
amid the ranks of the red foe. But, he was
overwhelmed by the avalanche, and torn
from his saddle by the infuriated sava es,
who had seen three of their number all,
with the death-yell bursting from their soon-
to-be silent lips, before the steady aim of the
dauntlcss young. miner.

Instant death must have been his portion,
had not a signal cry from Red Deer prevent—
e it.

The Apache chief had witnessed the dar-
ing and cool bravery of this young man, in
the face of death, and had been impressed
with admiration, to the extent of resolving
that the dauntless fellow shoulddie the death
of a warrior, at the torture stake.

Calm and dauntless though the young
miner was, he ground his teeth, and his eyes
filled, as he looked upon his butchered com-
rades. ‘

Had Katie Jordan witnessed that scene,
an agony of soul would have been hers that
would have banished life; for the captive of
the demon Apaches was none other than
Patrick Jordan, 'the wandering brother,
whom Katie had braved dangers, privations,
and even death, to findl

But Katie now lay wrapped in profound
slumber—the slumber of fatigue—in Last
Lay-out; while the Fates, in a most mysteri-

 

ous manner, had guided Patsey toward her,
and nearly to his death.

Would the Fates prove good or evil in the
time to come?

Had Patsey fJordan been saved from in-
stant death, that he might be reunited to his
sister? Or, was a lin ering death‘ by torture,
and that near at hand, reserved for him, at
the hands of his demon captors?

We shall see.

CHAPTER XXXI.
TEXAS GIVES THE SIGNAL.

WHEN last Patsey Jordan had written to
his sister, he had stated that he was without
a dollar to his name; that he had wandered
from one “find” to another, staking claims
that had proved to be almost worthless, and
was resolved at last to strike for New
Mexico.

The poor girl’s anxiety had been such, in
the many months that had elapsed since
then, that she could remain at home no
longer, and made up her mind to seek her
brother at all hazards. Hence the strange
and tedious journey of the faithful and lov—
ing sister.

l’robabl there was not a happier man in
the L'nitet States than Patsey Jordan, dur-
ing the week previous to his capture by the
Apaches. And his companions had been no
less happy than he, for all had discovered,
while wandering down the range, what they
considered a rich bonanza.

This discovery 'as in the bed of a wild
gorge, the entrance to which was almost hid-
den from view by stunted trees and cacti.
The bed of this, they at once saw, was a rag—
ino' torrent during heavy rains, and as the
sides of the huge rent gave evidences of the
precious metal that rules the world, they be-
lieved the bed would prove rich in nuggets
and scales of gold.

investigation and careful search had proved
their surmises to have been correct, and but
a few days after the arrival of Patsey and
his pards, they all found themselves really
rich.

We can but faintly imagine their joy.

They were now at last in a condition to
return to civilized haunts and loved ones.

But well they knew the dangers that sur-
rounded them.

Their gold was liable to be taken from
them, an their lives as well, by mountain
robbers, who were ever on the alert. And
no less danger must the encounter through
the predatory bands of ndians.

Their only safety lay in gaining some
mining-town at once, and the dccrded to
travel by night and make for last Lay-out,
of which the had recently heard.

The fate o the unfortunate party, which
has been the fate of many under just the
same circumstances, has been already told,
So it was that youn Jordan was hurried,
amid the hellish hor e of Apaches, toward
Last Lay-out. .

So eager were the Indians for their re-
venge that they lingered not to capture the
afirlghted horses of their victims, but al-
lowed the animals to gallop out upon the
plain, intending upon their return to secure
the plunder they most desired. The arms
and ammunition of the slain, more precious
to the reds than the weight of the same in
gold, were secured with great satisfaction.

Then on up the range, keeping within the
shadows of the towering peaks, sped th
Deer and his braves, leaving the bodies of
three of their number, slain by Patsey Jor-
dan, at the entrance to the big gulch, intend-
ing to give them the customary rites of
sepulture upon their return from their raid
for vengeance.

Amid that demon horde. with pale set face
and eyes staring straight ahead, rode the
fast bound captive, knowing well that his
captors were proceeding direct to Last Lay-
out, which gave him some hope that a rescue
awaited him when he reached it.

It appeared strange to the youth, that the
Apaches, being weak In numbers, should
venture up the range. He began to think
that they must be ignorant of the fact that a
town was located so near. But he was soon
made aware that, not only did they know
that they were appronching Last Lay-out.
butthey intended to surprise and murder the
citizens.

Soon, at a signal from Red Deer, the war-
party came to a sudden stop.

 

 

 

 

 

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25

 

», Blanco Bil'ifrigi‘the Mustang Monarch.

 

Patse Jordan was now near the‘ point
where the chief and his spy met and halted;
and the youn miner gazed at the pair, with
an intensity t iat told of the life and death
importance of their every gesture and mo-
tion.

Frequent gestures up the range, with gut—
tural explanations, were made by the spy;
which left no doubt, especially after the
war-party continued onward, that the In-
dians intended to steal into the town.

I’atsc determined, if in his power, to give
a yell o alarm, even should his life pay the
forfeit.

It would be horrible thus to sit in his sad-
dle, and know that the red demons were
crawling upon sleeping men, to bury knives
in their hearts!

Ile knew that he could not bear this.

He would be compelled to give vent to his
horror.

But he soon saw that it would be impos-
sible for him to warn the intended victims of
the Apaches; for, upon reachin a point
something like a mile from Last ay-out, a
wad of buckskin was crammed into his
mouth, thus preventing any outcry. They
then moved slowly forward, taking precau-
tions, as they neared the town, to make no
noise that would give warning of their ap-
proach.

Patse Jordan was in an agony.

Red cer soon halted, and his braves
gathered around him for orders.

The chief gave his directions, and all dis-
mounted; the mustangs being taken in
charge by five of the Indians, a duty which
kept them on the alert, for the animals
were in a very excited state.

The horse, upon which young Jordan was
bound, was led into a long line of pine trees,
and secured by the neck—rope to a imb, by a
brave who was eager to participate in the
bloody harvest. .

Satisfied that the captive was secure. tlus
warrior hastened to rejoin his comrades;
and, upon hands and knees, the red pirates
of the plains proaceded on their mission of *

 

No sooner had the Apache left the side of
Patsey Jordan, than the horse of the young
miner ste ped toward the border of the

ines, as ar as the rope would admit; and
atsey found that he could gaze directly
into the town. As his eyes became accus-
tomed to the gloom, he readily made out the
forms of a number of men, outstretched up-
on the earth in front of thecabins, for the .
ni ht was close and sultry. '
earest to him, Patsey saw not only the
form of a man, before the door ofa shanty,
but a donkey as well; the head of the animal
resting upon the man‘s body. . '

This singular scene chained the captives
attention, but he little dreamed that the
sleeper was his old friend. Teddy McCarthy;
much less did he imagine that his Sister re-

sed within the cabin. .

As it was, his mental torture was terrible.

In vain he strove to free himself. .

But that dread suspense was destined to
be broken, in a manner entirely unsuspected 1
by either captive or captors.

The horse of the youn miner had been
ridden long and hard. he animal was
covered with foam and panting laboriously. ,

Being nearly frantic from thirst as well. it 
was natural for the poor beast to bear hard ;
on the rope; and. as it got the scent of water ;
in the town, to paw hard upon the earth. I

This caused the burro to raise its head, i
and gaze about: evidently somewhat aux-l
iouslv anticipating another series of circus- 1,
like events. The next instant, it would have :
appeared to one who was acquainted with i
the experiences of the donkey during the
dav and night previous. to his lying down
for repose, that everything through which
he had passed must have been. suddenly
brought to mind; for “Texas probabl
never moved more I e

 

rapidly before.

‘bounded to his feet in an instant.

Teddy turned over, gave an audible moan,
and again sunk into slumber. . .

‘For a moment, the burro stood. as if list-
euing; then, as it got scent of the strange
home. it sent out a most terrific and prolong-
ed squeal. that was most unearthly and start-

 

ling. This broke the awful silence, and
caused Patsey Jordan to take fresh courage.
That most piercing squeal seemed to

awaken ten thousand echoes amid the rough '

and broken sides of the rocky range; as if so
man fiends were shrieking to their fellows
the paches, to hasten on their hellish work.

But that strange note was destined to save
many from death, in that slumbering village,
and to seal the doom of not a few of the
savages. It was almost sufficient to awake
the dead. Indeed, had an earthquake riven
the adamantine range at that instant, the
sleeping denizens of Last Lay-out would not
have sprung to their feet more quickly—
Tedd McCarthy among the rest.

"I oly Mary stan’ betune us an' all har-
rum,” exclaimed the 01d Irishman. “Bad
’cess till the whole seed, breed, an’ genera-
tion 0’ New Mexico! But this is the divil‘s
own night entirely! Be gobs, thin, it seems
that Miss Katie‘s in danger again; but it's
ould Teddy that'll stan’ betune her an the
murthcrin’ haythen!”

It is doubtful whether McCarthy really
understood the character of the terrific sound
that had aroused, and so greatl startled
him; for “Texas ” had “shut o steam ”
before the old man had recovered from his
dazed condition.

Just then,the terrible war-whoo s of the
Apaches burst upon the night, an the citi-
zens were brought to a realization of the
nature of the peril that threatened them.

There had been sufficient interval of com-
parative silence between the s ueal of
“ Texas ” and the fearful din that ollowed
for Patsey Jordan to hear the greater portion
of the rapidly-uttered words of Teddy Mc-
Carthy, and the helpless captive was as much
astonished probably as it is possible for any
human being to be. For he not only recog-
nized the voice of the Irishman, but heard
him mention his name.

Of one thing the young man felt certain.

His sister was within that cabin!

Patsey beheld Teddy bound into the shanty
and shut the door.

It all seemed to him incredible.

Was be dreaming or had he gone insane?

Could mortal man be placed in a more tor-
turing position, even without takin into con-
sideration his own condition an
probable fate?

The young miner’s muscles gathered in
great knots, his strong form quivered like an
aspen leaf, his eyes started from their sockets

and his breath came and Went like that of a ,
man enduring partial strangulation, while he '

writhed and made lierculean efforts to free
himself from the torturing cords that bound
him.

 

CHAPTER XXXII.
THE RAID on Tim RED-MEN.

GRANDE GEORGE, Blaneo Bill, and Alamo
Abe had Spread their blankets near each other
on the award between Benzine Bazaar and
the next shanty, and all three sprung to their
feet the instant that the squeal of “Texas”
broke upon their cars.

As a matter of course, they, from being
thus awakened so abruptly from so deep a
slumber, were for a moment unable to com-
prehend the nature of the alarm; or, indeed,
for that matter, to know clearly whether they
were living or dead—whether in this world or
in the land of mystery.

This state of mind, however, lasted but a
short time. The crackling and flashing
flames that shot upward from a shanty which
was dry as tinder, revealed but too plainly

i the true condition of affairs, and the danger

that threatened the town. .

The first reasonable thought of Blanco Bill
after beholding the swarming Apaches, and
hearing their whoops of war, was of Katie
Jordan, and he shot a glance toward the cabin

‘ occupied by her, just as the faithful Tedd
alarted within the same,

n in hand, evr-
dently with the intention o barricadinghim-
self and his young mistress inside, where he
could easily defend her.

What he thus saw greatly relieved the
Mustang Monarch, he believmg Katie to be
safe, for a time at least. which gave him a
chance to assist in the defense of the town.

The “ citz," as soon asthey recovered from
their amazement, at once understOod the
nature of the attack, and knew that the sur-
vivors of the war-party had hastened up the
range. maddened even to reckless disre rd
of their own lives. Des rate and fur ous
indeed must the Apaches to thus attack
the town; but all could see that,had it not

but too ‘

 

 

been for the strange signal given by the
burro, the red fiends must have been suc-
cessful.

The revolvers of the “citz ” were soon
belching fire and lead, and amid the awful
din death-yells could be heard.

Only a very few Indians were visible,
these having broken from cover from the
east side of the street.

But the whites were fated soon to know,
and to their cost, that the Apaches were not
such fools as they had supposed them to be;
and besides, that there was a much larger
number of them than they had thought.

Ilardly had a dozen shots been fired by
our friends when, with terrific whoops of
war, there sprung from the rear of the west
line of the shanties, and between the same,
to the streets a dozen warriors, who dashed
upon the line of whites from their rear.
Several of the miners fell victims, the In-
dians sheathing their scalping-knivcs in the
backs of their hated victims, and tearing the
reeking sealps from their heads!

Yells and shrieks of agony almost drown-
ed the whoops of war, and the three brave
men, who stood side by side, were forced to
whirl and defend themselves from the furi-
ous onslaught of foes of whose presence they
had not dreamed but a moment before.

A furious volley from the revolvers of the
miners followed the discovery of the assault
from the rear; but the Apaches, bearing in
mind the terrible effect of the weapons of the
whites during their retreat up the wall of
the gulch, darted back to cover.

This had been the tactics of the Indians
who had made the assault from the east side
of the street, and consequently, notwith-
standing the superiority in arms, and skill
in the use of them, there had been no larger
number of savages slain than citizens.

Immediately after the rapid seeking of

cover by both parties of Apaches, they open- ,

ed fire with the rifles and revolvers they had
secured from their victims on the open
plain, and the few firearms they had been
able to retain in their hasty climb up the
wall of the gulch. ~

Their aim, however, was far from being
accurate; although some of the miners were
wounded by the fast-fl ing lead, which forc-
ed all to retreat for en ety into Benzine Ba-
zaar and other shanties.

Blanco Bill was tortured in mind almost

I beyond endurance, for he feared that the In-

dians would capture Katie and Teddy, or
else set fire to the shanty, their refuge, and
burn them alive. ,

The “eitz ” of Last Lay~out had means
of knowing the number of their red foes,
and as they were well aware that there
were many more than had scaled the
gulch wall in safety, it was natural for
them to believe that they were much stron-
ger in numbers than they real] were. Con-
sequently, they hesitated in e arging upon
concealed enemies, who might slay many of
their number before they could even cross
the street, and perfectly overwhelm them;
besides, they would be between two fires, as
the Apaches who had retreated to the dark
shades in the rear of Benzine Bazaar, toward
the range, were doubtless ready to take any
advantage favorable to them.

” Dog-gpne my Texas heart!” exclaimed
Alamo A e, as, pantin from exertion and
excitement, he, with fi3laneo Bill, Grands
George. and half a dozen more, rushed in
Benzine Bazaar. ' \

“This air ther wo‘stest fix I ever experi~ ‘
enccd! Who‘d ’a’ thought ther pesky red
heathun ’u‘d turned up ag'in, rampagin mad

)1: "»

\"" 
~ it .

fer bleed an’ ha‘r, arter ther drubbin’ we’uns ; -  

gi’n 'em down range? Hit ’pears thar war
a hefty lot more 0’ ther condemned coyotes.
hidin’ ’mong ther rocks. What’s ter be did
now, ards?" ~‘

“ ar must be somethin’ did ormighty
suddintslike,” put in Grande George; ’

0’ heads! I goes in fer a rush. chuck 'c‘ross “
ther street; some of our pards 1a ’in’ low,
tcr keep ther scum what scooted a int ther
shanties from buckin' ag’in' our backs, like 
ther hell uns did afore. What d’yer say, my
gentle ustang Monarch?” ‘ 
“ I agree with you, pard,” was the reply
of Blanco Bill. “I fear Miss Jordan and
the old Irishman will be in a bad fix soon,‘if

we do not succeed in driving the red devils .

from the town.

Cler’ : /
they'll burn ther hull burg, an' r-kin a heap 

 
    
    
  

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26

i

Blaneo Bill, the Mustang Monarch.

 

“Make up your charging-party quickly,
sheriff! I’m ready for biz now.”

All had been engaged reloading their re-
volvers, while they thus spoke; and, in a
moment. Alamo Abe had yelled to the “ citz ”
who were in the adjoining shanties, to bound
out into the shadows of Benziue Bazaar, and
hold the savages to the West in check; while
he and his pards charged across the street.

A loud cheer followed Abe's words, and
those addressed yelled their agreement to the
proposed plan.

Blanco Bill watched the shanty within
which Katie Jordan was sheltered. To all
appearances, the maiden was safe.

But a few minutes had passed since the
awful sights and scenes of blood had tran-
spired, and the “ citz ” had rushed to cover;
and the moment they had assed from view,
just after the red foe had disappeared, all be-
came silent except the roaring of the flames
from the burning cabin at the foot of the
street. These cast a lurid glow afar up the
rocky peaks, over and through the town, and
rendered the dark sides of the thickets,
bowlders, and shanties, much darker by con-
trust.

The silence of the Indians, after their un—
earthly yells and whoops, was. to those who
know the ways and methods of the red-men,
ominous of some new and incomprehensible
danger, and caused them to be more eager
to make their charge; in order, if possible,
to frustrate any plan that the savages might
be perfecting.

Giving a signal to those in the adjoining
shanties, which was answered by a low whis-
tle, Alamo Abe cried out:

“ All set, ardsl IIyer goes for red meat!
Feller ther exas screamer!"

As the sheriff thus spoke. he sprung out
into the street, Bill and George upon either
side. and the six miners boundin r into the
line, all with revolvers in hand. hen, with
a wild yell, they darted across the street, to-
ward the opposite line of shanties; each ready
to aim at the first Indian, or portion of one,
that might catch his view.

Even while thus rushing onward, for au ht
they knew into the jaws of death, the It us-
tang Monarch turned his anxious gaze to-
ward the cabin occupied by Katie and Teddy.
,5 A fearful sight met his view!

,' ' What the young man saw, was an Apache

chief, bounding toward the shanty.

This savage carried an armful of dry twigs
and leaves, and in his hand a blazing torch;
the red miscreant throwing the kindlings
against the side of the rude dwelling, and
then thrusting the torch into the same.

The instant Blanco Bill caught sight of

' this, be halted, and remained for a moment
.rigid and motionless—his comrades bounding
' onward without noticing his absence, for

each expected, every step that he took, to be
reeted by the dread war-whoop of the
ipaches. and a withering volley of arrows
and bullets.
By a powerful effort of will, the young
Texan recovered himself. and rushed in

frantic haste toward the cabin.

The Indian had darted into the dark shades

‘ of the pines, the moment he had thrust the
burnin torch into the dry brush and leaves.

The i ustang Monarch felt that the town
was doomed. He threw himself a ainst the
door of the burnin shanty, whic at once
flew open. At a g ance, he saw that it was
vacant!

Katie Jordan was gone!

He staggered into the open air.

The next moment. came the crack of a
rifle, and Blanco Bill fell, senseless!

That' instant two fierce Apaches sprung
from the pines, with exultant yells, brandish-
ing their long scalping-knives, and soon
reaching the prostrate form of their victim.
Then they both stooped, one to stab, and the
other to scalp him.

But, again fire spurted from the gloomy
shades—this time from two points-and the
‘ ainted fiends fell, limp and dead; their

orrible death-yells sounding. in a gurgling
manner, and given with their last strength!

Both fell across the form of the Mustang
Monarch.

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.)
REPULSE AND RETREAT.
, ALL was silent when Alamo Abe. Grande
' George, and their pards,~reached the thick-
cts.

“ Come on, boyecs!” shouted the sheriff;
“ther pesky cusses hev skuted ’roun’ ther
bur , ter j’ine t'others an’ rush in enter our
 S!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, all sprung
upon the back trail and into the street again.
It was then that they perceived the burning
cabin.

"Keep on, pards!" yelled Abe; “George
an’ me'll see what’s up yunder. Skute ’cross
ther street!”

Abe bounded into the pines, followed by
George. They reached the border just in
time to discover the prostrate form of
Blanco Bill, and the two Apaches rushing
toward him.

They knew that the young Texan must
have been in the cabin when they had first
entered the pines. It was evident that the
maiden had been captured, or he would have
had her in charge.

As these thoughts flashed through their
minds, both men took aim, and the sheriff
cried out:

“ I'll salcrwate ther right han‘ ha’r-t‘arer,
George! Put yer lead inter h’art or brain!" 4'

Both rifles belched fire, with the result al-
ready recorded. Then Alamo Abe and
Grandc George jerked their revolvers, and
rushed toward the Mustanrr Monarch and
their victims. llastily examining the youn
man, they ascertained that the bullet fired
by the Apache had not given a mortal
wound—merely grazing the skull, tearing
the scalp, and causing quite a flow of blood.

Twice during that night had Blanco Bill
escaped death in the same manner, by scarce-
ly more than a hair‘s breadth.

IIaving relieved their minds in regard to
him, the two men ran to the burning cabin.
They discovered it to be empty, and per-
ceived that a slab in the rear had been forced
outward.

That the old Irishman had succeeded in
conve'ing his fair charge to safety, Abe
and eorge felt positive; as. in the event of
the Indians having seized them, the usual
yells would have been heard from the reds.

Greatly relieved, they hastened back to the
front of the shanty.

To their consternation, their friend, whom
they had left there unconscious, was not to
be seen.

Blanco Bill and the two dead Apaches
were gone!

They halted, and gazed around them in
wonder.

No longer were any sounds of strife to be
heard down the street.

Ilere was a mystery indeed!

Where were the Apaches?

Our two friends at once decided that the
savages had given up the fight, and had
stolen around the town, aining the pines;
when, observing their fallen comrades and
the young white man, they had secured all
three and darted into the thickets. They
would doubtless be satisfied at having ob-
tained a captive for the torture, slain seme
half adozen of the miners. and fired the town.

The disap ointed “citz” now gathered
around Benzme Bazaar, but the scout and
the sherifl sprung into and through the
pines, catching a glimpse of the last of the
Indians as they hastened toward their mus-
tangs.

b Grandc George instantly drew bead and
blazed away.

A mounted brave, with a death-yell, threw
.his arms wildly in the air, and sunk back
over the hams of his horse.

This warned the Apaches that they had
been discovered, and were being pursued.

Then, as an echo to the death cry of the
savage, came a piercing shriek.

lt proceeded from female
Katie Jordan! '

With clinched teeth and determined faces,
the two men bounded forward, firing a per
feet fusilade ahead. This was for the pur-

se of frightenin the Indians. and preVent-
in them from ma ingasearch for the young
gir . They were satisfied that Katie was not
a captive, but that she had been concealed
somewhere b Teddy, and that the cry they
had heard had, been occasioned by her having
discovered Blanco Bill, as he was being
borne awa by his captors.

Soon A and George gained the point
whence the shriek had proceeded. when they
caught a view of the savages speeding south-
ward, with two white men as captives.

lips—from

 

 

One was evidently the Mustang Monarch.

But who was the other?

They were positive that he must be a
stranger; for, had the Apaches captured one
of the miners since they had parted from
them, Abe and George felt sure there would
have been a commotion and a fight. It was
not reasonable to suppose that one of the
“citz” had ventured away from the main
party alone.

Before reaching the thicket, in which our
friends felt certain they would find Katie
Jordan, wild yells sounded from the crowd
of miners, who had discovered the retreating
Indians. They had lost six of their men,
and the reds were now hearing away two
more as captives; one of these being Blanco
Bill, without doubt.

A hasty investigation proved that no other
man was missing, except those who lay
mangled and (lead.

This Was strange and mysterious, for they
could see, at a glancc, that the second cap-
tive was neither Grandc George nor Alamo
Abe.

They all made a rush for the retreating In-
dians. But this was folly, as the latter were
mounted. A signal yell from Abe, however,
caused them to cheer, and bound toward the
spot whence it had proceeded.

In a few moments, they had all met on the
border of the thicket.

The miners had heard the cry of Katie,
and the shots of the scout and sheriff, but
they had not hastened to the assistance of
their leaders, for the reason that they dis-
covered the Indians some distance from the
point whence the reports had proceeded.

At the moment the “citz,” scout, and
sheriff, reached the border of the pines,
Teddy McCarthy rushed out, bearing in his
arms the sense ess form of his young mis-
tress.

The old man gave no time for questions.
Indeed, every one was speechless at the
sight of the pale and unconscious maiden;
all bearing in mind the horror and sufferings
through which she had passed, that eventful
ni rht. '

{All were filled with the deepest sympathy
and pity, and with a desire to avenge her
great wrongs, and the outrages that had been
committed upon the town and its people, by
the pirates of the plains.

“ Thank the 00d Lord, ye’re here at last,
gintlemin!" exc aimed Teddy. “ But don’t

ees be afther frettin’ for Miss Katie. She’ll

e all right, afther a bit. She’s just fainted,
an’ no wonder, fer onder oes the red div-
ils wid Misther Banco ill and her own
brother, Patsey J ordanl Faith, an’ he was a
broth of a boy, that same!

“ Where in the divil did the red spal eens
be afther findin’ Patsey, whin mesil an'
Katie had hunted fer him high an’ low? It
hates the Ould Bo entirely!

"For the pure ove 9' God, _'ntlemin‘, try
an’ et Patsey and Misther ill from the
red ivilsl Sure, me ould heart’s afther be-
in’ ready till break, I‘m that grieved fer
Miss Katie!"

The old Irishman rattled these words of!
rapidly, still clasping the senseless young
girl in his arms.

The entire part were astonished at what
Teddy had toldt em.

“ Dog-gone my Texas heart, bo ees, but
this air s eedin’ hellishness onter t er an e1
0 Last ay-out a ormighty sight too thic l
Now hear me, Alermo Abe! I sw’ar that
ther Mustang Monarch hev gut ter be res-
kicd, an’ther leetle gal‘s brother, too, ef I
hes ter wade through bleed, an' foller them
ter the Pecos.

“I can't stan’ this racket no longer. I’m
sheriff 0’ this hyer burg. an’ I wants yer all
ter foller me, jest a-humpin‘l" ’

“ We’ll save ther festive Monarch an' Pat-
sey Jordan, too, boyees, er dlc n-tryin’," said
the scout. “Ef we-‘uns can't secop in thet
leetle party 0’ soul ers. I’ll eat snakes fer
grub fera month 9’ undaysl.

H Teddy, you jist lay low in a shanty till
we ’roves back. Thar won’t no more on ’em
catch fire, I reckon. Boyees, We’ll scoot-fer
ther herd o‘ nags we corraled at ther gulch,
an’ then everlastin‘ly hump ourselves on the
trail, fer we‘ve gut ter do it livel . Bloody
biz an’ cyclone speed air the wor s!”

A rousing cheer burst from the miners,
and all s e headlong after Abe and George.

“ IIow y Mary guard yeesl" cried old

 

‘mrr‘r‘ -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

” . BlancowBill; the Mustang Monarch.

2'7

 

 

Teddy, as he gazed after them. But sure,
I’m thankful we’re afther findin’ Patsey at
last, even if he is in the clutches o’ thim red
divils. I’m hoping that the boys will bring
him and Misther Blanco Bill back safe, an’
thin it’s mesilf that’ll be es happy as Blddy
Murphy’s pig!” _

Closing his soliloquy, the Irisnman pro-
ceeded toward the street, pointing for Ben-
zine Bazaar. He avoided the mangled
corpses on his way, and soon had procured
some brandy from Alamo Abe, and began
bathing Katie‘s head, having indulged in a
few swallows of the liquor on his own ac-
count.

At length the maiden came back to con-
sciousness. but when she fully recalled the
near past her fair face was too agonizing to
look upon. Teddy was so impressed that his
tongue refused utterance when he strove to
give the explanations, which he felt sure
would relieve in a measure her tortured
brain.

However, when he did find voice, and
Katie at length knew that what she had half-
believed a dream was actually true, the poor
girl was reatly excited. At last she became
composed. and indeed thankful, when Teddy
informed her that Blanco Bill had not been
killed, but only stunned by a glancing bullet.

We need not dWell upon the loner hours of
anguish, anxiety, and impatience, suffered by
both Teddy and Katie in Benzine Bazaar; as
they awaited some news from those for
whose safety they prayed. The hours of
watching and waiting extended into the fol-
lowing day, when the bright sun shone
down upon the hot cinders and embers; all
that remained of four of the cabins of Last

‘ Lay out—the absence of any breeze having

saved the town from total destruction.

The sun shone down also upon the muti-
lated dead in the street; a sight that Katie
avoided, she keeping in the gaming portion
of the "Bazaar," her hands clasped before
her, as she paced back and forth over the
plank floor.

Teddy McCarthy, utterly prostrated, slept
upon a table; “Texas,” the burro, standing
beside the same, its nose and its hanging ears
touching the floor. The poor little animal
was also sleeping off the effects of the night's
“ circusing.”

CHAPTER XXXIV.
COMPANIONS IN msEnY.

WE left Patsey Jordan, bound to his
horse, a torturing gag preventing him from
making the least sound except a hoarse gasp-
inrr.

310 torture more harrowing to the heart
and soul could be conceived.

The young man was confident that his sis-
ter was in the cabin near him, and that
Teddy had sprung in to defend the dwelling
against the attacks of the Indians. .

Patsey was scarcely surprised at . Katie’s
presence. He knew that she was .Just the
girl to undertake such an expedition. It
was 'ust like her, thus to brave danger and
deat for him. His feelings, therefore, may
be imagined. .

In fact, he was in an agony of mind, that
was terrible to endure. .

Yet, he was helpless, and must endure it.

At times. he could hear the stealthy move-
ments of human beings amid the pines, and
he would shoot keen glances all around the
shades, but he could see no one.

Time passed—oh, so heavily, so miserablyl
-—to Patsey Jordan.

His mind was in a most unnatural state,
his brain disordered, and no wonder.

Strange scenes and fancies flitted before
him, until he could hardly believe that he
had heard the voice of Teddy. much less had
beheld the well-known form of his old friend

Yet the words rung in his ears. and the
picture of the old man was stamped upon his
mind. _

He did not believe that it was possxble for
him to suffer more excruciating mental tor-
ture than was his at that moment, but he was
soon to be undeceived; for. ere long. he be-
held the Apache place the brush against the
cabin, and set fire. to it.

This was horrible!

The savage had sprun instantly to covert.
doubtless awaiting to 5100c down any who
mi ht emer e from the doomed shanty.

hen. a ittle later, Patsey perceived the
ydung Texan dart into the burning cabin,

 

. without avail,

 

l

 

only to return unsuccessful, his agony was
increased.

hands of the Apaches!
This was the inevitable conclusion of the

been compelled to maintain, hanging over

i the saddle when insensiblc.
Both Katie and Teddy must be in the‘
J and up at the dark towering peaks.

captive, and then he saw his\sister‘s would-be ‘

rescuer fall to the earth, apparently dead,
and two braves spring forward to scalp and
mutilate the prostrate man.

But again he was relieved.

It seemed that the Fates, good and bad,
were playing a close game, each winning al-
ternately; for two sharp reports sounded al-
most as one, and both the Indians fell to the
earth, uttering dismal death-howls.

Bill gazed wildly about, and around him,

The Indians hurried onward.

They had no time apparently to gag their
prisoner, or else they did not think it neces-
sary.

Many among them knew that he was the

1 same man that had been secured to the stake,

by the outlaws under Capitan Christobal, at
the gulch; and the, ' believed that he had
made his escape, an brought the citizens of
Last Lay-out down upon them, causing

: wholesale death among their number.

So intent had Patsey been upon the scene "

before the burning cabin, that he had not
heard the rustling of bush and branch, made

within a few feet of him by Alamo Abe and ‘

Grande George; but, as he realized that the
two Apaches were beyond all power of doing

harm, he turned his attention to the point .
? pression went, on he rcde.

whence the rifles had been fired.

Then he heard the movements and voices
of white men. He trembled from head to
foot, and exerted his powers to cry out, but

vance into the street, and saw them examine
the wounds of the prostrate young man.
The watcher knew, by the manner of the

He saw two white men ad- '

pair, that the young Texan was not seriously ‘

wounded. He next saw the scout and the
sheriff enter the blazing shanty, and emerge
from the rear. But at the same time, be per-

ceived several hideous braves dash from the .

pines, catch up their two slain comrades and
the insensible Texan, and bear them all into
the dense shades. The entire party then hur-
ried south.

Soon mustangs were reached, and all
mounted, the dead being bound across empty
saddles, as was also the limp form of the in-
sensible stranger.
and the mustangs were urged along in re-
treat. -

Patsey felt that he was doomed.

It was when this conviction was forced

A low signal followed, 1

upon him that he heard a shriek, which he ‘

knew must have proceeded from Katie. The
sound guided his eyes, and he saw, amid the
folia e. his sister in the arms of the faithful
old eddy.

How the young man thanked God that
the red fiends were forced to hurry onward,
and that they dared not halt!

He began also to have hope, for he knew
that the shots from the rear had been fired to

prevent the Apaches from halting. Had this

not been the case. the whites would have
aimed low and killed many.

It also indicated that those in the rear
were aware that the Indians had captives,
and were bent on rescuing them.

This hope was somewhat dissipated, h0w-
ever, as the red demons sped from the vicinity
of Last Lay-out, down the range, and Patsey
saw no signs of pursuit. But a hasty in-
spection 0 his captors and their mustan s
served to relieve his mind; for the anima s
were gaunt and hollow, and covered with dry
foam, being evidently unable to make a lon
run. The Apaches, themselves. seeme
greatly frightened, and several of them were
wounded. .

Upon second thoughts, Patsey Jordan felt
he had not much ground for hope of life;
for he knew the nature of these demons of

the Pecos well enough to be confident, that ‘

if a rescue was attempted, except by stealth
and strategy. he and the stranger would at
once be butchered.

Just then a heavy groan came from the
wounded man, and a moment after he strug—
gled, clutching the mane of the. mustan , and
drawing his head and shoulders upwar from
the painful position which he occupied

Instantly two braves rode up beside the
animal upon which Blanco Bill was bound,

one on each side, and grasping him roughly ‘

placed him in a natural position; after cut-
tin the lariat that had secured him when he
ha hung limp’ over the saddle. They then
tied a portion of the rope about his waist,
the ends being wound around the horn of
the saddle and made fast. His arms were
then secured behind him. .
. Blanco Bill was utterly dazed, his brain be-
ln still to a certain extent benumbed, by the
bu let having struck his skull.

Blood flowed freely through his hair, and

over his handsome face; the hemorrhage be- -

ing caused by the, unnatural position he had

I .

 

Those of the horse guard, who knew noth-

ing of the affairs which had occurred at the "

gulch, were informed of this; consequently,
the most deadly hatred flashed every black
eye into the face of Blanco Bill, but he heed-
ed them not.

Dauntless and unconcerned, aszfar as ex-

But soon he caught sight of his fellow—cap“,

tive.

The eyes of Bill and Patsey met.

Did the former see something in gaze or
faCe, that brought to mind his darling Katie?

So it seemed, for his glance was filled with ‘ A

brotherly regard and sympathy.

Besides this, it brought back to the mind
of the Mustang Monarch most vividly all
that recently occurred.

But, upon reflection, Bill felt relieved.

Katie and Teddy must have left the cabin
of their own accord, and secretly. They
must then be hidden in a thicket or among
the bowlders.

If they had been captured, they would have
been brought along by the reds.

Most certainly the iyounlg girl would not
have been slain: and, 13d eddy been killed
she would be included with this stranger and
himself as captives.

Blanco Bill was confident that the party
now surrounding him was all that remained
of the Apaches.

~M. -m...————y-_ .. _....

' 2“?)
7

From the fact that Alamo Abe and Grande 3 ‘

George, with the miners, had not encoun-
tered the Indians after he had left them to

hasten to Katie’srescue, the young Texan 

decided that the savages were weak in num-
bers.

He felt a “most extraordinary interest in
this fellow-captive of his, for which he could
not account.

Patsey, too, was filled with admiration for
his comrade in misfortune.

The oung men read each other like
book. The sun was now peeping above the

horizon, and the dread night. so full of hor- 

rible happenings, was gone at last.
What the consequences of those occur.
rences would be, as far as they were con-

cerned, neither Bill nor Patsey dared specus ~

late upon.

Yet both tried to feel hopeful.

Blanco Bill resolved to escape, but he was
also as firmly resolved that he would not es-
cag: until he had freed his fellow-captive.

e vowed, also, that the red fiends should,

many of them, “claw dirt ” in the death-

agony before he parted with them.

The decision of Patsey Jordan, as befored A

mentioned in connection with the worn and

broken condition of the mustangs of hiscap- v  A;
“"3, Proved “118, for the animals could not. ‘ >

be forced by quirt or knife further than five
miles down the range from Last Layout.

There, entering a wild and narrow gulch, 

the Apaches encamped, leaving at the en-
trance a guard of two braves.

The captives were roughly jerked from V  
The mus- . 

their horses and secured to trees.
tangs. after taking a roll, cropped the wi

grass with avidity. The Indians threw the - 
selves upon the round, and began devouring .v "

dried meat like amished wolves.

The gag was removed from the mouth bf  
Patsey. and then m low vorces the two young , k 

men began to converse.

The joy of Blanco Bill was great upOn 

learning from his fellow-captive that he was'

the brother of Katie Jordan—that the lost ..
was found, although a captive! , ‘ .,

 

CHAPTER XXXV. 3
THE RESCUE.

WHEN Alamo Abe Grande George and
the band of “ eitz ” rushed toward the bet-V
der of the thickets, it was with the'hope that  '

the miners who had been left to guard the

>:'
V

\ ,

la\ 3113;"-

 

I_.I.....,....r . ,. ,. , . , , v “I
II . .I_I, ,I.‘ I r I, . ‘I haw.“ I

Bill. the Mustang Monarch“  

W . '5'" r I..'v'
, .

1.; ‘

\ \ i

 

 

. J '_ I ' herd of captured horses, had allowed the ani-
= ‘ mals to graze up the range.

Their relief was great upon breaking free
from the rocks and trees to perceive the herd
within a few ards of them.

 I  The anima s that had formerly belonged
2' ,9;- " to the outlaw band of Capitan Christobal
' ‘had the saddles still upon them, although
the girths had been loosened and the bridles

" \ removed.
L A sufficient number of these were speedi-
ily hridled and our friends mounted, the
horse-guard being directed to drive the re-
maining beasts through the town, and into
.I the gu ch beyond, where there was good
3'  grazing.
:    ~ After these directions had been given by
. ' '- "' . Alamo Abe, the detachment hastened down
,_ I the range, keeping on the outside of all ob-
 ' structions, such as thickets, trees and bowl-

.., I _.

. ,. view of the Apaches, while the soft grass of
‘g' ,' ' the border of the plain caused it to be impos-
sible for the sounds of the horses’ hoofs to
I be heard by any one fifty yards distant, un-
. l ' less stationed specially to watch for, and ex-
' pectin their presence.
The right sun arose soon after our friends
started, and then Geor c and Abe s rung
,. ;I   , from their steeds, passe the bridle-reins to
‘ ‘ ,   , two of the miners, and ordering the caval-
i‘ ' 3.1" T‘ _ 'j' cade to proceed, the pair hastened in amid
r. E a ‘3 ,.' 4 the bow ders and thickets, until they found
 the trail of the red foe. Then, with senses
~strained, and on the alert, the went on in a
' dog-trot, keeping on the trai easily, as the
" é , same was plainly defined, by the night-dew
' being brushed from the grass by the hoofs of
the mustangs.
I , _~ At length the crawled, snake-like, as
I“ ,2 they discovered t e narrow entrance to the
5;}. I. I' lch, in which they felt sure the Indians
Ir -fld taken refuge. Soon they peeped from a
‘ , thicket and saw one of the Apaches placidly
-, I smoking, the scent of the burning tobacco
3",?“ ‘ having acted as guide, and warned them to
 ‘ ,be cautious.
W Pretty soon they heard guttural sounds,
' and knew there were at least two savages at
. ’the entrance of the break in the rocky range.
I Alamo Abe then made 1 is way to the bor-
' ' " der of the plain, and ordered the cavalcade
 V. ‘ to bait and await further developments.
When he rejoined the scout the two decided
that the sentinels must die.
~This,was a difficult undertaking, but it
was imperative, for they knew not how far
,inside the savages and their captives were,
 , but judged some little distance.
.. It was impossible to scale the mountain-
side at that point, and then pass along and
 'Idescend the gulch wall; consequently, the
 ‘. I‘onl chance or hope of rescue was to enter
~ 110 ly. This could not be done until the
' Isentiuels were slain.
“ Having thus decided, there was no delay.
Alamo Abe and Grande Geor e, with bow-
;Iy ies between their teeth. crawle toward the
 entrance of the gulch, having agreed upon
. f" . "a signal at the sound of which frbm George’s
k“; " _ 1i both were to bound upon and slay each
. . , it s sentinel. Should there prove to be more
‘I v “than two, they had agreed to cautiously re-
turn and arrange other plans.
I,“ Full five minutes had elapsed after the
my? “ "parting of the two men, before they made
  the discoveries they sought. A hasty glance
1 proved to both of them, that there were but
two reds to disgose of; and, not onlg this,
.' but that it won (1 be almost impossi le to
" . , pounce down upon them, owing to the ob-
" Attractions in their path.
, But the fertile brain of the scout had al-
ready devised a mode of action. He selected
a stone, some thirty pounds in weight, and
 held it up before Abe, with a suggestive
 a. {grimace an movement.
:15" . This was understood instantly, and the
 sheriff followed suit.
, , I The sentinels were facing the entrance to
.,, '., . the gulch and thought not of danger from
2,7. ,‘f'above, The two men, therefore, had the
‘ ame in their own hands. Holding the
, ' eavy ieces of rock above their heads, they
3 ' '.I-II,' lance significantly into each other’s eyes;
:32;  '31; -’ , re ainlng their aim, both at the same
H I  . [time bar ed the huge stones directly upon the
 :3»? heads of the unsuspecting Apaches.
 i‘ I" .   ’Abe and George then gazed, with intense
‘  I," \" anxiety, downward.
" , I ‘-, Both sentinels lay, quivering in the death-
-‘ agony, their skulls Crushed in like broken

‘5; 17’ *?-~ '

;I,”i~' 'y r ‘i

  

 

  
   
    
    
  
   
   
    
  
    

' Blanco

‘  "3r ' ders, which served to screen them from the.

 

 

T

egg-shells, and their brains spattered over the  of Apaches, had been annihilated, to the last

rocks; neither of them havin been able to

man; and brave and brilliant deeds had

utter a sound. No less anxrously did the ‘ crowned each hour, while the most beautiful

,two friends gaze up the gulch, and listen,
fearing the noise caused by the fall of the l with her angelic presence.

masses of rock, had been heard by the main
portion of the war-party. But there was no
indication of this.

“Quick, Abe! Run for the boyeesl"
ordered George, in a guarded voice, as he
jerked his revolvers, and sprung down he-
side the dead savages.

“ I’ll stan’ guard, ontil yer fotch ‘em. Tie
ther nags, an’ guide all hands hyer, lively!”

Alamo Abe hesitated not an instant, and
soon returned with the miners at his heels;
but all, as they neared the entrance of the
gulch. stole forward cautiously, with revol-
vers in hand.

Posting half-a-dozcn men to uard the en-
trance, George and Abe stole orward, and
soon saw that the gulch grew wider as they
went on. This decided them to keep close
together.

n a very short time, a view was gained of
the mustangs of the Indians, the animals
grazing in the middle of the gulch, at apoint
where the same was full fifty yards in width.
Here the scout flung his sombrero into the
chem bed of the ravine, and the pair proceed-
c .

As yet they had discovered none of the
war-party; but, not far had they gone, when
upon turnin a curve in the wall, a scene
was presente to their view, that. gave them
grounds for hope.

This was the two captives, bound to trees
at the base of the gulch wall, while nine
Apaches were stretched out in recumbent
positions, smoking “ shtick ” cigarettes, some
little distance from Blanco Bill and Patsey
Jordan.

The two men saw at once. that it would be
possible for them to gain a point sufficiently
near the captives, to enable them to rush be-
tween the latter and the Indians, and pre‘
vent the red fiends from butchering their
prisoners, while, as this was accomplished,
the miners, at a signal, could dash upon, and
annihilate the savages to a man.

This plan had to be carried out at once.

In great suspense Abe and George awaited
the coming of the miners.

It seemed to them an age before the expect-
ed aid arrived, and when the reckless man
from Last Lay-out did steal forward, not a
moment was lost. The scout and sheriff

made known to them the signal that would_

be given for instant assault. Then both stole
on.

Five minutes after the Indians sprung to
their feet, all gazing in alarm toward their
ca tives.

oth these latter, their bonds severed, sat
at the foot of the trees to which they had
been bound, while between them and their
red captors stood, with extended revolvers in
each hand, Grande George and Alamo Abe.

Then came the horrible war-cry of the
Apaches, as, clutchin their weapons, they
rushed u on the two aring rescuers. not im-
agining or a moment that other enemies
were within their stron hold.

A piercing whistle mm the brave pair
and then, out from the bushes at the base of
the gulch wall, bounded the miners.

It was no fight.

It was simply a massacre.

In a few moments every Apache lay dead!

Then the welcome news was imparted to
Bill and Patsey that Katie and Teddy were
safe and sound in Last Lay-out.

Most hearty were the thanks and congratu-
lations that followed.

As may be supposed, the rescuers lost no
time in hastening to relieve the maiden and
her faithful old protector, from the anguish
and anxiety caused by their uncertainty as to
the fate of Blanco Bill nndPatsey.

Who could find words to express the ex-
travagant jog and happiness that reigned in
the burg, w en those, so sadly separated,
met in Benzine Bazaar? The building fairly
quivered with the whoops and ells of the
“ citz,” who went fairly wild wit boisterous
{Inhibition over the marvelous luck, and the

onor that had come upon them and their
town, through the arrival of the Mustang
Monarch and Katie ‘Jordan, the previous
evening. ,

During that eventful night a band of out-

maiden of the range was honoring the burg
Alamo Abe de-

3 claring her to be “ ther Angel 0’ Last Lay‘-

l

 

; few hours.

out, an' ther hull Rockies.”

Abe had good cause to congratulate him-
self upon having been elected sheriif at the
most opportune moment—indeed, at the very
time of all times for his success and honor—
for the future was assured, through the
strange and startling occurrences of the past
And that, although he had set
out by bringing to an end, in so humiliating
a manner, his maiden speech.

But, notwithstanding the good cause for
such jubilation and celebration of victories
won and objects gained, each was eonsrder-
ate of the other, and all agreed that the re-
mainder of the day, and the night to come,
could not be so well improved as by rest and
sleep; for all needed to recover from the pri-
vations they had passed, and the herculean
exertions and continuous action they had
been forced to maintain.

Quarters were furnished for Katie Jordan
and her brother—the latter relating his wan-
dering history to his sister, Blanco Bill,
Teddy McCarthy and Grande George.

Katie also ave Patsey an account of their
home, and of her search for him, in which
Teddy had so faithfully accompanied her.

Food was provided, and Alamo Abe dis-
pensed free whisky at Benzine Bazaar to all,
not forgetting his own needs, and making up
for what he considered “ lost time.”

A few hours were passed in this way, and
then Last Lay-out became again silent, all
reposing in deathlike slumber and fearing
not that they would again be molested.

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
WELL woa'rn THE STRUGGLE.

WE have little more to relate, in connec-
tion with Last Lay-out, or the leading char~
acters whom we have introduced

The whole town seemed to share in the
emotions of the rescued ones; even “ Texas,”
the burro, went wildly up and down the
street, uealing in the most insane glee.
“ Calico. ’ Katie’s horse, was found near the
base of the range, and manifesttd much de-
light at being again petted by his young mis-
tress.

But, best of all the recoveries of. property,
were the horses of the ards of Patsey Jor-
dan who had been kil ed by the Apaches.
These animals, after stampeding over the
plain, eventually sought the town; drawn
there by instinct, to join their kind. A large
fortune in gold was found in the saddle-bags,
which had been securely bound to the cant es
by their owners.

Patsey had his gold all safe on his own\

horse, to which the Indians had bound him,
and be readily agreed to return home with
Katie.

Blance Bill was also induced to form one
of the part , although all three resolved that
they won] return to Last Lay-out at no dis-
tant day, as Bill felt persuaded that much
hidden riches lay in that vicinity.

The gold of the murdered miners was
given, part of it to those whose cabins had

been burned, and the remainder sent, by .

Patsey Jordan, to the nearest relatives of the
slain. I
But, to make a mere mention, as we would
fain avoid taxing the patience of the reader,
we will briefly state that our four friends went

back to the "States" together: having re- ,

ccivcd a rousmg “ send-011‘ ” from the “citz ”
of Last Lay-out, who were filled with re rot
and sorrow at losing them, but hopefu of
their return. I

The love that had sprung u in so short a
time in the hearts of Bill aIu Katie culmi-
nated in marriage, the wedding beings rand
affair, and takin place shortly aftert e ar-
rival at the old (liome in Scranton. Patsey
was welcomed, as one from the dead, and
many were the praises that were showered

upon Katie for her sisterly devotion, bravery I

and endurance.
Teddy McCarthy filled the ears of those
who listened to his marvelous tales with as-

tonishment. and no wonder, for he never for- '

got to relate how he had saved Katie from
death by having “t'id his gun " double ra-

law Greasers and Texans, and a war-party I tions of powder, which had caused the wea-

 

 

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now.‘ .. -t....,

 

 

 

 

 

a.
when - _
«H . .-.— -

AL--- ‘
MT-zwvm-MW. \

-:“i§ka

< . 1‘..W1;.

. -u~.~ .. Av. ..—....~...._.

~.. ~.._..... . ,

m._.: l: H, A.

1:.

 

 

 

 thy, as Bill insisted upon their receiving a
percentage of the increase in stock.

0 “'
, \ \
i . ‘ I .

lanco Bill, the Mustang Monarch.

. _ . r- ,.. 7._ .. ‘ ..._- L

23S)

 

 

pon to kill at one end and knock senseless at
the other.

From the fact that "Texas" had saved ,
Last Lay-out and all the “citz” from de- ‘
struction and death by his timely squeal,
Teddy and Katie, upon learning the desire of 1
the miners, formally presented the little 3
donkey to the town; Alamo Abe being con-
stituted its guardian.

Not long, however, were Blanco Bill and :
Patsev Jordan contented to remain in the I
“ States." With Katie and old Teddy. they I
returned, with the intention of establishing 1
an extensive ranch. And great was the re- i

l
l

 

joicing at Last Lay-out when they arrived,
the town having increased to four times its
former size and population since our friends
had left it, there having been some quite ex-
tensive and showy buildings erected.

Young Jordan and his brother-in-law, .
Williamson, entered into partnership in two
distinct lines of business, namely: a hotel in g
the town, and a large ranch on a creek some I.
ten miles from the range—the former to
“run” the hotel, and the latter the ranch,
where he could devote himself to the pet‘
theory and practice Of his life. .

The gulch where Patsey and his unfortu- I
Date pards had found the old was Visited .
by the two young men, an a large amount
in pure nuggets and pellets was found, ;
which, with what Patsey had first “ scooped
in,” placed him among the leading men of
wealth in New Mexico. And not only he,
but Blanco Bill, as well.

Grande Geor e became the superintendent .
Of the ranch O “ ther festive Mustang Mon-
arch,” as he always persisted in designating
Mr. Williamson; while Teddy McCarthy al-
ways took care that everything was ship-
shapc around the dwelling and corrals.

Blanco Bill, after his marria e, at the re-
quest of his wife, romised to ( eny himself
the pleasure of sub uing any wild. horses ex-
cept such as were his own—dropping, as far
as he could do so, the cognomcns which he
had borne, through his old vocation.

Ila p , indeed, were they all; George and
old e dy becoming eventually quite weal-

 

Patsey Jordan met his fate on the occasion
of a Visit to Denver, the year following his
return to New Mexico, and a good, as well
as beautiful wife he luckil secured. This
enabled him to dispense wit a hired house-
keeper at his hotel, in the management of
which establishment, he was remarkably suc-
cessful.

Thus we leave them all, prosperous and
happy, lad to close, in this way, our narra-
tive of atie J ordan‘s faithful, sisteer aflfec-
tion, of the disastrous expedition of Capitan
Christobal, in search of his_hated rival, and
of the equally disastrous raid of the Apache
war-part , led by Red Deer; of the “CM”
of Last ay-out, and of the successful, and
indeed providential. trip to New Mexrco and
the Rockies, of William Williamson, alias
Blanco Bill. the Boss Buccaro, or

MUsTANG MONARCH.

THE END.

 

BEADLE’S

Half-Dime Library.

woOD DICK. By Edward L. Wheeler. . . .. 5c
ggfigowmn JACK. 3J0” hE. Badger, Jr... 5c
8KANsAsKING. BfiB Rio . 
4 THE WILD-Hons: UNTERE. By Mayne Reid.... 5c
5 VAOADOND JOE. ByOllCoomps.    10C
6 BILL BIDDON TRAPPER. B Edward S. Ellis... 50
7 THE FLYING YANKEE. By 1. Ingraham ..... .. 5c
8 SETH JONEs. By Edward S. Ellis   50
9 THE ADVENTTREs or BARON MUNCHAUEKN...  5c
10 NAT TODD. By Edward S. Ellis .   . 50
11 THE Two DETECTIVEs. By Albert W. Aiken... 5c
' 's varLs. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
qu'mm ByOllComes..  ......... ..

18 THE DUNE SPY.

l ALADDIN.... . . . . .. ..  . . . . . . ..
15 THE SEA CAT. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.
IBROEINsONCRUEOE .. ...  .,
17 RALPH ROY. By Col Prentiss Instr-sham. 
188INDEADTHESAILOR.... .. .. . . . . . . . . . . ..
19 Ta: Puma spy. ByBuffalo Bill ..  
1!) THE Dounu DAGGERs. By Ed. L. eeler.. ..
21 FRONTIER ANGEL. B Edward S. Ellis.“ .
in THE SEA Sm‘l‘. v Col. Juan Lewrs.......
98 NICE 0‘ THE NIGHT. y T. C. Harbaugh.. 
94 DIANOND DIRK. By Col. Prentiss lngraham...
25 THE BOY CAPTAIN. By Roger Starnugk 
% CLOVEN HOOP, THE DHIION. By E. L. \V heele .
27 ANTELOPE ARE, THE BOY GUIDE. Oil Coomes .
as BUFFAID BEN. By Edward L. Wheeler . . . . . ..
29 THE DUNE PAGE. By Capt. F. Whittaker...“

. \

 

sesssxasssssssss

- 53 JIN BLUDsOE, JR. By Edward L. Wheeler.. . ..

, 56 NICK WHIP-PLEs‘s PET. By J. F. C. Adama....
1 57 DEADWOOD DICK‘s EAGLEs.

, 61 BI'CKHORN BILL. By Edward L. Wheeler .. . ..
‘ 62 THE SHADOW SHIP. By Col. P. I

I 64 DANDY JACK. By T. C. Har ugh: . . . . . . . . 
. 65 HURRICANE BILL. B

2 73 DEADWOOD DICK ON DECK.

. 152 BLACK BEss. By C erea

‘ 159 THE LOST CAPTAIN. By Fred. WI)

30 ROARING RALPH ROCKWOOD. By H. St. George. fi
1 .. . . . . . . . . ..

KEEN-KNIFE. By 011 Coomes
32 Bon WOOLr. By Edward L. Wheeler . . . . . . .. 5c
33 THE OCEAN BLOODHOUND. By S. W. Pierce..... 5c
34 OREGON SOL. B Capt. J. F. 0. Adams ...... ..

8'8'

35 WILD IVAN. By .dward L. Wheeler . . . . . . . . . ..
86 THE BOY CLOWN. By Franks.   5c
87 THE HIDDEN LODGE. By T. C. Harbaugh  be
38 NED WYLDE. By Texas Jack .  5c
39 DEATH-FACE. THE DETECTIVE BylE. L. Wheeler 5c
40 ROVINO BEN. By John J. Mars all . . . . . . . . . . ..
41 Law JACK. 13' Oil Coomes ..   5c
42 THE PHANTON INER. By Ed. LWheeler.  5c
43 DICK DARLING. Bficipt. Frederick Whittaker 5c
44 RAITLING RUDE. arry St.  5c
45 OLD AVALANCHE. y Edward L. eeler.... 5C
46 GLAss-EYE. B Capt. J. F. C. Adams . . . . . .. 5c
47 NIGHTINGALE AT. By T. C. Harbaugh....... 5c
48 BLACK JOHN, THE ROAD-AGENT. J. E. Badger, Jr 5c
49 ONAHA OLL. By Edward L. Wheeler........ . .. 5c

, 50 BURT BUNKER. By Charles E. Lssaile ........ .. be
I 51 THE BOY RIFLES.

By Archie C. Iron . . . . . . . . . . .
52 THE WHITE BUYEAIO. By Charles E. Lasalle...

54 NED HAZEL. B

Capt. J. F. C. Adams . . . . . . ..
55 DEADLY-EYE.

y Buffalo Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

By E. L.Wheeler..
58 THE BORDER KING. By 01] COOIIies . . . . . .  . . .
59 OLD HICKORY. By Barry St. Geo e . . . . . . ..
60 THE WHITE INDIAN. By J. F. C. A ams ..... ..

88'8'8'8'8‘8'8'88'8‘8'

63 THE RED BROTHERHOOD. B W.

Jos. E. Badger, Jr 
66 SINGLE HAND. By . J. Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . ..
67 PATENT-LEATHER JOE. By Philip S. Warne...
68 THE BORDER ROBIN HOOD. B uflalo BilL... 5c

8'8'88’8'

69 GOLD RIFLE. By Edward L. heeler . . . . . . . .. 5c
70 OLD ZIP’s CARIN. By J. F. C. Adams...  5c
71 DELAWARE DICK. By Oil Coomes . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50
I 72 MAD TON WEsTERN. By W. J. Hamilton....... 50

By E. L. Wheeler..
74 HAWK-EYE HARRY. By 01] Coomes . . . . . . . . . . ..
75 THE BOY DI‘ELIST. By Col. P. Ingraham . . . . ..
76 ARE COLT, THE CROW KILLER. B A. W. Aiken.
77 CORDUROY CHARLIE. By Edwarr L. Wheeler.
78 BLUE DICK. By Captain Mayne Reid. . .
79 SOL GINGER. THE GIANT TRAPPER. A.W. Aiken.
80 RosEDUD ROE. B Edward L. Wheeler  .
81 LIGHTNING JOE. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. ..
82 KIT HAREEOOT. y T. C. Harbaugh . . . . . . . . . ..
83 ROLLO, THE BOY RANGER. B Oil Coomes....
84 IDYL. THE GIRL MINER. By . L. Wheeler ..
85 BUCK BUCKRAN. B Ca tain J. F. C. Adams...
86 DANDY ROCK. By . aido Browne 
87 THE LAND PIRATEs. By Capt. Mayne Reid... ..
88 PHUrOGRAPH PHIL. B Edward L. Wheeler....
89 ISLAND JIN. By Brace ridgerflemgng . . . . . . . ..
90 THE DREAD RIDER. By G. aldo rowne. 
91 THE CAPTAIN OF THE CLUB. By Bracebridge

Hemyn€ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
92 CANADA HET. By Edward L. Wheeler ...... ..
93 THE BOY MINERH. B Edward S. Ellis . . . . . . ..
94 MIDNIGHT JACK. By .C. Harba h ..  .
95 THE RIVAL ROVERs. By Lieut. CO . Hueltine.
96 WATCH-EYE. By Edward L. Wheeler. 
97 THE OUTLAW BROTHERs. By J. J. Marshall...
98 ROBIN HOOD. By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve...
99 THE TIGER or TAos. By George W. Browne...
100 DEADWOOD DICK IN LEADVILLE. Wheeler.
101 JACK HARKAWAY IN NEW YORK. y Brace

bridgeHemfing . . . . . . ...  . . . . . . . . . . ..
102 DICK DEAD- YE. B Col. Prentiss In m..
103 THE LION or THE EA. By Col. De e 
104 DEADWOOD DICK‘s DEVICE. B Ed. L. Wheeler.
105 OLD RUDE, THE HUNTER. B apt. H. Holmes .

Buth

106 OLD FBOI'I'Y, THE GUmE. y T. C.

107 ONE-Em SIN. By J. L. Bowen . . . . . . . . . . . ..
108 DARING DAVY. By Harry St. Geo . . . . . . . ..
109 DEADWOOD DICK As DETECTIVE. Wheeler
110 THE BLACK STEED or THE PRAIRIEs.

y Bowen
111 THE SEA-DEvn. By Col. Prentiss I ..
112 THE MAD HUNTER. By Burton Saxe . . . . . . . . ..
118 JACK HOYLE. By Edward L. Wheeler.. .. . .
[14 THE BLACK SCHOONER. B er Starbuck. ..
115 THE MAD MINER. By G. El 0 Browne . . . . ..
116 THE HussAR CAPTAIN. B Col. P. In am.
117 GILT-EDGED DICK. By ward L. eeler...
118 WILL SONERs, THE BOY Dflm. Morris"
119 MUETANG SAN. By JOE. E. Badger. r ....... ..
120 THE BRANDED HAND. By Frank Dumont.....
121 CINNANON CHYP. By Edward L. Wheeler.... ..
122 PHIL HARDY. THE Boss BOY. By Chas. Morris. 5c
123 KIOWA CHARLEY. BfiT. C. Harbaugh.........
124 TIPPY, THE TEXAN. y George GleGsom. 
125 BONANzA BILL. MINER. By E. L.Wheeier.. 
1% PICAYUNE PETE. By Charles Morris.... . . . . . . ..
127 WILD-FIRE. By Frank Dumont . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
128 THE YOUNG PRIVATEER. By Her Cavendish. 5c

8'888'8'8'8’8‘8'8'8‘88’8’38’8‘8‘8‘8‘8‘ 8'8'8'8‘S'S'S'S'S'8838888388888’8’88‘8‘8‘8‘8‘

8888'

8'

129 DEADWOOD DICK‘s DOUBLE. By . L. Wheeler. 5c
11!) DETECTIVE DICK. By Charles Morris.  . 50
181 THE GOLDEN HAND. By Geo e W. Browne.. 5c
132 THE HUNTED HUNTER. By ward 8. Ellis... 5c
188 Boss Boa. By Edward L. Wheeler . . . . . . . .. 5c
134 SURE-SHOT SETH. B on Coomes. .......... .. 5c
135 CAPTAIN PAUL. By .D.Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5c
136 NIGHT-HAWK KIT. By Joe. E. B r, Jr.  5c
137 THE HELPLEss HAND." By Capt. De Reid. 5c
138 BLONDE BILL. By Edward L. Whee er . . . . . .. 5c
139 JUDGE LYNCH, JR. By T. C. Harbaugh ..... .. 50
140 BLUE BLAzEs. By Frank Dumont . . . . . . . . .. 5c
141 SOLID SAN. By Edward L. Wheeler . . . . . . .. 5c
142 HANDsONE HARRY. By Charles Morris . . . . . .. 50
143 SCAR-FACE SAUL. By Oll Coomes. ..   5c
144 DAINTY LANCE, THE BOY SPORT. B Badger. 5c
145 CAPTAIN FERRET. B Edward L. eeier.... be
146 SILVER STAR. By Ol Coomes ........  . . . . .. 5c
147 WILL WILDEIRE. By Charles Morris ......... .. 5c

148 SHARP SAN. By J. Alexander Patten... .. . 5c
149 A GANE or GOLD. Bv Edward L. Wheeler... be
150 LANCE AND LAsso. By Capt. F. Whittaker.... 5c
151 PANTHER PAUL. B one hlEaBadger, Jr.... 5‘:
o s . . . . . . . . . . . ..
153 EAGLE KIT, THE BOY DENON. By Oil Coornes. 5c
154 THE SWORD-HUNTERE. By Capt. [Whittaker 5c
155 GOLD TRIGGER. By T. . Harbaugh.... .. 5c
156 DEADWOOD DICK or DEADWOOD. By Wheeler. 5c
157 MIKE MERRY. By Charles Morris .. . 

156 FANCY FRANK or COLORADO. BV Bpn'ail‘o Bill.. 5:)
tta er. . . ..
160 THE BLACK GIANT. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr...
161 NEW YORK NELL. By Edward L. Wheeler. 5c

88'

 

162 WILL WILDF'IRE IN THE WOODs. By C. Morris. 5c
163 LITTLE TEXAS. By OllCoomes . . .. . .. 5c
164 DANDY ROCK‘s PLEPGE. By Geo. W. Browne.. 5c
165 BILLY BAGGAGE, THE RAILROAD BOY. Morris.. 5c
166 HICKORY HARRY. By Ha I St. George....... 5c
167 ASA SCOTT. By Edward illett
168 DEADLY DANE. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. ..
169 TORNADO TON. BfiT. C. Harbaug . .. .. 
170 A TRUNP CARD. y Charles Morris ......... ..
171 EBONY DAN. B Frank Dumont... . . . . . . ..
172 THUNDERIIOLT ON. By Harry St. George. . ..
173 DANDY ROCK’s RIVAL. By Geo. W. Browne.
174 Ron ROCKET-r. By Charles Morris   
175 CAPTAIN ARIZONA. By Philip S. Warne . . . . . .
176 THE BOY RUNAWAY. By Lieut. H. D. PERRY..
177 NOERY NICK OP NEVADA. By E. L. Wheeler..
178 OLD SOLITARY. By 011 Coomes. . .. 
179 Boa ROCKm, THE BANK RUNNER. By Morris.
180 THE SEA TRAILER. Lieut. H. D. Perry U. S. N.
181 Wm, Prim or Mos-mu. B E. L. Wheeler.
182 LITTLE HURRICANE. By 011 Domes . . . . . . . . ..
183 TIIE HIDDEN HAND. By Chas. Morris . . . . . . ..
184 THE BOY TRAILERs. B Joe. E. Badger, Jr...
185 EVIL EYE. By Frank umont . . . . . . . . . . ..
1w COOL DESMOND. By Col. Dele Sara . . . . . . . . ..
187 FREDHALYARD. B Chas. Morris . . . . . . . .. .
168 NED TENPLE. By .C. Harbaugh . 
189 Bos ROCKE'IT, THE CRACKENAN. By C. Morris
190DANDYDARHE. B Wm.R.Ester.... 
191 BI'FFALO BILLY. y Capt. A. . Taylor,U.S.A.
192 CAPTAIN . By Lieut. H. D. Perry USN.
198 THE LADY ROADAGENT. By Phili S. Warne.
194 BUFFALO BILL’s BET. Capt. A. B. aylor.U.S.A
195 DEADwOOD DICK’s DREAN. By E. L. Wheeler.
196 SHADOWED. By Charles Morris . . . . . . . . . . ..
197 LITTLE GRIT. By Col. Prentiss Ingraharn. 
196 ARKANSAW. By T. C. Harbau h . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
199 FEATHERWEIGHT. By Edw Willett . . . . . ..
200 THE BOY BEDorrNs. By Capt. F. Whittaker .
201 THE BLACK 11er JEZEEEL. E. L. Wheeler.
202 PROSPECT PETE. ByOllCOomes.... . 
203 THE BOY PARDs. Jos. E. Badger, Jr . . . . . . . . .
204 GOLD PLUNE. B Col. Prentiss Ingraham 
205 DEADWOOD DICK s DOON. By E. L. Wheeler.
206 DARK PAUL, THE TIGER KING. B C. Morris. 5c
207 NAVAJO NICK. By T. C. Harbaug . . . . . . . . ..
208 THE BOY HERCULEN. Bv Oil Coomes . . . . . . ..
269 Fans THE BOUND-BOY DETrcrrVE. Wheeler.
210 FARO FRANK or HIGH PIN B W. R. E ster...
211 CROOKED CALE. By JOE. E. Edger, r ..... ..
212 DAEHING DAVE. By Charles Morris .. . ..
213 FRITZ To THE FRONT. By E. L. Wheeler.....
214 WOLFGANG. By Ca t. Frederick Whittaker. .
215 CAPTAIN BULLET. y T. C. Harbaugh
216 BIsON BILL. By Col. Prentiss In ham . . . . ..
217 CAPTAIN CRACK-SHOT. By E. L. heeler.. .
218 TIGER TON. B Oil Coonies . . . . . . . . ..
219 DEsPARD, THE LIET. Philip S. Warns.
220 TON TANNER. By Charles orris . . . . . . . . . . ..
221 SI'GAR-COATED SAN. By Edward L. Wheeler.
222 GRIT, THE BRAVO SPORT. B Col. Ingraham.
223 OzARK ALP. By EdwardWllett  ..
224 DAsHING DICK. By OllCoomes. ..  . ..  ; ;
225 SAN CHARCOAL, THE PRENIUN DARKY. By , i
Charles Mpg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . .. 56
226 SNoozER, BOY SHARP. By E. L. Wheeler.-
227 DnsKY By E.  '50

8'8'

,ss

8'8‘8'8'8'8‘8‘8'8‘8’8’8‘

8'8'8'8'8‘8‘518'8'8'8'8'8'8'8'8‘8'8'8'8‘8'8'8'

. . . . ..

8'8'8'8'8‘8'8'8'8'8‘8’8‘8‘8'8‘88’8‘

s

§

§

2
are

3’ 8 .  .
232 Gome DICK. By E. L. Wheeler.. .. .  50 .1“-
Zi‘i JOE BUCK or ANGELs. By Albert W. Aiken.

2&4 BrNrIO, THE YOUNG HOME-BREAKER. By 
Buckskin Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 'V '
2358HADOW SAN. THE MEssENGER BOY. By ‘- -

CharlesMorris..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
mAPOLIO BILL. ByEdwardLWheeler... .. .
237 LONE STAR, THE OOWDOY CAPTAIN. ByCol.

Prentiss ham

o ~ . . . . . . . . . .-

rs: s ‘8'

238 THE PARsON DETECTIVE. 5c .
239 THE GOLD-sEEKER GUIDE. .. ,
240 CYCLONE KIT. B Edward L. Wheeler.. .. .. 50 3,.
241 BILL BRAhVOAND II BEAR PARDs. ByT.C. as I ,'

242 Tn ngo ‘Eioéiia'fi' By'charie's' Nari-iéIZ'III

I 11

243THE DrsGUIsED GUIDE. By OllCoomes.  5c ‘f;
244 SIERRA SAN, THE R FERRET. By Ed- 53 Z 
M5§ardLWhe§ler .  . . . . “h lit-(LL
ERLE, THE IDDY. n Ingrahun. ‘. 

246 GIANT GEORGE. By Buc skin Sam . . . . . . . . . by .. 
247 OLD GRIuLY AND Hrs Pm ByCaptdn .‘ ‘35
“ Bniin “ Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 60 W‘.

948 SIERRA SAN‘s SECRET. ByE. L. Wheeler . Sc  :.
249 MILO RONER. By Captain Fred. Whittaker... \5‘: M

  

250 MIDsHIPNAN MUTINEER. By Col. P. be 7, ~ 2:;
251 LIGHT-Hons: LIGE. B J. F. C. Adams....... 50 . ;,'2'
252 DICK DAsHAWAY. By arias Morris.  . 
253 SIERRA SAN‘s PARD. B E. L. Wheeler.. 

.. 5c _
254 THE HALE BLOOD. By ward 8. Ellis.  be 
2550AP'rArN APOLLO. ByT.C.HErbaug   
256 YOUNG KENTUCK. By (‘apytalinCMir-k WiltOH.. lo -' ' '

$7 THE LosT HUNTERE. . . I. dams..... 3° . 
258 SIERRA SAN‘s SEVEN. y E. L. Wheeler. 50 I

259 THE GOLDEN HARPOON. Roger Starbuck. 50‘ ._ ‘
mo DARE-DEVIL DAN. By 011 area . . . . . . . . . .. 50 . I:

$1 FERGUs FEARNAUGHT. By George L. Aiken.. 50.; .;'
262 THE YOUNG SLEUTHs. By Che esMorris.... A ‘-
263 DEADWOOD DICK‘s DIVIDE. By E. L. Wheeler. he
m4 FEATHER. By COLIngr-ahun.

 

$8 DEADWOOD DICK’s DEATH Tun.
wardL.Wheeier . . . . . ..  .  
m9 THE GOLD SHIP. By 001. Prentiss In am.
270 BuzzAnn BEN. By Charmin Mark W tom...
271 THE HUGE HUNTER. yEdwar-d 8. Ellis ....
272 MINKsKIN MIKE. Iggy 0i Coomes . . . . . . . ..
mJUNDo JOE. By wardLWheeier . . . . . . ..
274 JOLLY JIN. By Charles Morris . . . . . . . . . . ..
275 ARIEONA JACK. Buckskin Sam . 
276 IMIBLI MONTE’s UIsE. By Col. Peso“. ‘
11 am..   .. ............. ~-
27? DENVER DOLL. By Edward L. Wheeler..
278 THETHREE

266 KILLE‘AR. THE GUIDE. By Bahia Charla
Dudley Warren (or the Deer rps.)... . .,
as? THE BUCKsKIN DETECTIVE Haw“
y -

        

TRAPPEns. By Maj. L. W. Cantu. ‘

A new issue our-y Tuesday. V ' ,N I.
The Half-Dime Library is for sale by an 
Newsdealers. five cents per copy, or sent by indLUY _,
on receipt of six cents each BEADLE a  ' 
Publishers, as William street, New York. I  , IL"

/
i‘

74-.» ~v. 7.3—3 2-7 n?‘.;.' "V‘s: .'1t':n'? —-v-r~.--—.~.—>.:> -~—- a -— v- «ur-

 

 

 

‘ BEADLE’S

HALF-DIME

 

LIBRARY.

 

 

. , ‘ l Deadwood Dick. the Prince of the Road. By E. L. Wheeler.
t 2 Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
. . 8 Banana Kin . By Bulbs 0 Bill. (ilnn. W. l", Cody.)
!’ ' 4 The Wild-l one llulllerl. By Captain Mayne Reid and
Captain Frederick Whittaker.
5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Oil Coomes.

' liaiilnle number, ll) rents.

“ 6 lllll lliddon, :i‘rnppor. By Edward S. Ellis.

a 7 'i he Flying \ nnkee. ny Colonel l’rrntiss lngrahnm.
‘ i'i Roth Jones; or. The Captives oi lllr i-‘rontier. By E. 5. Ellis.

9 Adventures of llaron Mum-hausen.
It) Nut Todd: or, The Fans at the Sioux (‘aptlt’ll. By E. 3. Ellis.
" ’ II The Two Detectives. By Albert. W. Aiken.
i E ‘- 12 Gulliver’s Travels. A “waits to LiiiPut, and s Voylro to
' I > lirnhdinguag. liy llenn Swift.
" J I. The Dumh Spy. fly Oil (:anmss.
. » ,‘ I4 Aladdin; or, ' 'he Wonderful Lamp.

. [is 'l he Bets-Cat. By Captain Frederick “'hittalrer.
-, i 18 Rollin-on Crusoe. (‘27 illustrations) By Dei'ne.
Rial h Ilo , the iiny liar-cancer. By Cnl. Prentiss Ingrnhsm.
_ | Sim had t se Sailor. From the Arabian Nights.
. ‘ l The Phantom pr. By liuti‘alo Bill.
a‘ , 20 The Double Daggers. By Edward L Wheeler.
. 4 ‘ j- 21 The Frontier Angel. By Edward 5, Ellis.
, ’ 1. 29 The Sea eer ent; ur,The llny Robinson Crusoe. Br J. Lewis.
. . 88 Nick 0' the i‘ ight; or, The Bo Spy of'ld. iiy 'i'. C. llarbnugh.
l t i 84 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel Bromine lngrshain.
- \I . 85 The lloy Captain. B Roger Starbm-k.
' '6 Clovcn loot, the Buti'a 0 Demon. Iiv Edward L. Wheeler.
97 Antelope Abe, the lioy Guide. ByOll Comma.

\
int-I
can

t ’ ii 88 Hull'an lien. the. l’rlnceol‘ the Pistol. By E. l.. Wheeler.
. ,  a” The Dumb Pin 1:. By Captain Frederick “Whittaker.
i _ .; 80 [touring Itulp I Rock wood. By liarr St. George.
,‘ . 1 ecu-knife, l'rini'e at the Prairies. ll 0 l Cooniea.
. : 82 Bob ‘Vooli’, the, Border ituliian. lly Ei ward L. Wheeler.

88 The Dceisu Bloodhound. By S. W. Pierce.
’ 84 Dregon Sol. liy Captain J. l". C. Adams.
3  35 \l’ild lvun, the Boy Claude lluvai. By E. L. Wheeler.
 N 86 'l he "03' Clown. By Frank S. Finn.
' L. 87 Tile Ill den Lodge. By T. C. llurbnuizlt.
i f 8 Ned \l' lde. the Bay Smut. By Tran Jack.
i; 89 Deuth- ‘nee, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler.
. 40 Roving lieu. ii ' Jnhn J. Marshall.
', i 41 Lasso nck, the ' din“ Mustanger. Bv Oll Coomes.
/_ g 432 The l'hnntom Miner. By Edward L. Whaler.
i 48 Dll'k Darling, the Pony Express lli-lrl’. By Capt. Whittaker.
' 44 llllttlill Rube. iiy llarr) St. George.
‘ ,1 I  45 Old Aves uncile, the Great Annihilator. By E. L. “'heeler.
' t L i. Q. 46 G'lass Eye, the Great Shot ut‘the West. By J. l“. C. Adams.
. . 47 Nightingale Nat: or. The Forest Captains. liy llsrbaugh.
. 48 Block John, the Rand-A out. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
. (insulin 0”. the Masked ' ‘error. By Edward L. Wheeler.
ck . 50 ilurt Iltsnke , the Trapper. liy C. E. l.nsaile.
-i , 51 The "0 liiiies or, 'i‘heUndergrnund Camp. By A. C. iron.
‘ t ,  59 The W Ite llu ulo. By C. E. Lsaaiie.
- n ’ 2: Jim liludsoe Jr., the Buy l’henix. Hy E.L. Vi'hroler.
r Red llazel, the iinv Trapper. By (,hipt. J. l". C. Adnuil.
‘ 55 "calla-Eye, the nknown Scout. By liuil'alu liill.
56 Nick hliiles’ I’et. liv Captain J. F. C. Adams.
5? Deadwood Dick’s Engles. ily Edward L. Wheeler.
58 The "order King; or, The Secret Foe. lly (ill Coomes.
59 Did Il'ekor‘x or, ilaadv Ellie‘s Scalp. By Harry St. George.
60 The thIte nilian. lii- Captain .1. I". C. Ada-~-s.
61 lidekharn Bill: Ur, The Rad Rifle Team. By E. L. Wheeler.
09 The Shadow Ship. liy Cninnei i‘rentias lngrahaui.
v.‘ . 68 The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton.
, yr 64 Dandy Jack. By T. (r. ilarbaugh.
I 65 Ilurr -ane Dill. Hv Joseph E. liadgrr. Jr.
*' i v 66 Single "and or. A Life for a Life. liv W. J. Hamilton.
\ i 67 Rattan-Lent cr Jon. B Philips. Wanna.
‘ ' 68 he Border liobin iloo . By Iiun‘aio iliil.
_ , y 69 Gold Rifle the Slinrnhoutar. By Edward L. Wheeler.
5- I ’ 70 “Id Zip’s Cabin. v Captain J. F. C. Adams.
' v I‘ 1 Delaware Dicksthe mm! Ranger Spy. By Oll Gnomes.
(3 r 9 Mad 'l‘oln Western, the I‘exnn Ranger. By W.J. Hamilton-
?“ Deadwood Dis-k on Deck. By Edward L. Wheeler.
74 IIuwk-eye Hurry. liy ()Il Comma.
75 The lioy Dneii-t. B Colonel i‘rcntiss Ing‘aham.
76 Abe Colt.‘ iiir Cr-vw-Kil er. By Albert W. Aiken.
7 Corduroy Charlie, the llny Bravo. By E. L. Wheeler.
78 Blue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid.
79 Sol Ginger the GiantTrapper. By Alhert W'. Aiken.
so Rosebud do». By Edward L. Wh...i.r.
81 Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F. C. Adams.
‘ 3 Kit llurei'oot the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbsn'h.
_ ‘pr 88 Rollo, the lloy Ranger. By Oli Counsel.

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84 Idyl, the Girl Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler.
85 lluek liackratn. By Captain J. F. C. Adams.
86 Band Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. “'aldo Brown.
87 The and Pirates. B Cs taiu Ma 'ne Reid.
Photo raph l’lall. ths oy Ienth. \' E. L. Wheeler.
am Jil . BV the author oi “Jack liarknway."
he Drens Ill er. George B aldo Browne.
kc Captain oi'the C uh. Bv Brut-vitriilrn lit-my":-
nnada Chet, the Cnnnterfeitsar Chlei'. By E. L. Wheeler.
he Ho Miners. B Edward S. Ellis.
ldni t .l ek, the l nail-Agent. By T. C. Harbaugh.
ival were. By Lieut. Col. ilazeltine.
atoll-Eye, the Shallow. By Edward L. “'llealof.
e Dutlaw Brothers. iiv John J. Marshall.
In Need, the Oatiswad Earl. Bv i’roi’. Gilderslasve.
0: Tiger oi'Tuos. By 090'“ Waldo Browne.
Deadwood Dick in Lgadville. By E; L. Wheeler.
Ja ck llarkaway In how York. Ilrscebrhige Hemyng.
0’ Diek Dead-Eye. By Colonel Prentiss lngruham.
(B The Lion ofthe Sea. By Colonel Dells Sara.
04 Deadwood Dick‘s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler.
0 Did Rube. the Hunter. 2y Captain ii. Holmes.
old Frosty, the Guide. y T. C. Harbsugh.
10'! {Me-Eyed Sins. B James 1.. Bowen.
08 nring Davy, the oung Bear-Killer. By H. St. George.
adwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler.
Black Steed oi’the Prairies. By J. L. Bowen.
1 The Sea-Devil. By Colonel Prentiss lngrshun.
The Mad lluater. By Burton Sans.
Hoyle the Young Speculator. By I“. L. Wheeler.
he Black flehooaer. By Roger Starbuck.
he Mad Miner. By George Waldo Browne.
he llnssar Ca tuin. By Cal. Prentiss lu'rahafll.
lipfldged Ilic . By Edward L. Wheeler.
Ill Burners, the Box I) tel-live. By Charles Morris.
uptgng Sam or. The King of the Plains. By J. E. Badger.
he Branded liand. liv Frank Duinont.
Cinnamon Ohio, the Girl Spun. Ily l-.. L. Wheeler.
Phil iiardy, the linss Buy. By Charles Mnrris.
Kiowa Charley. the White Mustanger. By T. C. Havwgh.
Tippi. the 'l‘exan. By (horiz- Glrasnn.
‘1 5 Bonanza llill. Minor. By Edward 1.. Wheeler.
126 Picayune l’rte. By Charles Morris.
1"! WIIdJflre, the Boss of the Road. B Frank burnout.
“128 The l'ounfil’rivateer. By H. svendish.
199 Dead wood ick’s Double. By Edward 1.. Wheeler.
180 Detective Didi. By Charles Morris.
Igl The Golden "and. By George Vi aido Browns.
1 B The ilunted llunter. By Edward 8. Ellis.
ll floss Help the King uiths Boothlstks. By ILLWheelsr.
M Sure Shot firth. By Oil Courses.
5 Captain P-ul. By C. Dunning Clark.
6 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
3 The llel less “and. 2y Gawain Msyne Reid.
Bill. By Edws L. healer.
4: JBI‘deHIi-ynoh Jar. 'By  Hazbangh.
I. Mel. y no umon .
Solid Bans, the Boy Roail»A at. By Ed. 1. Wheeler.
ilaadaersse “any. I! C arlss Morris.
as he'd"? “all: Iii: gcwmii' J s I. an Jr.
a t as t a port. my I
A . 4‘ Captain 1.33: the ew York stactivs. By heels!-
' y I“ Ill!" ltar, the Boy Knight. By Oil Gnomes.

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147 “'lll Wildfire, the Tiioroughbrril. By Charles Morris.
148 Sharp Sum iiv J. Alexander l’niiclt.
149 A Game of Gold. By Edward 1.. Wheeler.
I50 Lance and Lasso. By Captain lt‘rederirk Whittaker.
15I Panther Paul, the l’rnlrle i'irate. By Jna. E. Badger, J.
152 Black liens, Will Wililtire‘s Rncrr. liy Charles Morris.
53 Eagle Kit. the Boy lielnon. liy ()ll Gnomes.
)4 The Savor-d Hunters. liy Ca it. Frederick Whittaker.
s 5 Gold Trigger, lliu Spvi’t. liy  C. Harbauuh.
. ti Deadwood Dlek oi‘ Deadwood. li_\' E. I.. Wheeler.
5 7 Mike Merry, the liarlrur l’ullcu Boy. By Charles Morris.
8 Fancy Frank of Colorado. By Bullith iiili.
The lost, Cu tnin. liy Captain Frederick Whittaker.
$0 The Black G ant. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
I New York Nell. By Edward L. Wine. ier.
2 “'ill “'ildiire ill the “’oods. By Charles Morris.
Little Texas, the Young Mnstaager. 1in ()ll Canine],
4 Dandy Rock’s i’led c. By George Waldo Browns.
165 Billy Bis age, the tailroad Buy. By cam... Mon-h,
166 lllckory Ifiarry. By llarry St. George.
1 7 Asst h‘eott. the bteauiimnl Bov. By Edward Willett.
16" Deadly Dunh. By .lnsr-ph E. Badger, Jr.
169 Tornado Tom. li)’ 'l'. U. Hnriraugh.
[10 A Trump Curd. Bi- Charles )li-rrll.
l?! Ebony Dian. By Frank Dallwni.
Thunderbolt '1 om. By iinrry St. George.
Dnnd Rock‘s Rival. Hy (lruiue Waldo Browne.
llob ockett, the Bar Dmiuer. By Charles Morris.
Captain Arilona. By Philip S. Warne.
The ilov Runaway. By Lieutenant ii. D Perry, U.S.N.
Nobby Nick oi‘Ns-vudss. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Did Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. lly Oil Citillilfil.
llob Itockett the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris.
The “on Trailer. By Lieutenant ii. D. l’errv, USN.
\Vilil Frank ot‘Monlana. liy Eduard L. Vi'lieelrr.
Little Hurricane. th- iluy (‘a >tuin. By 0“ Coouies.
133 The Hidden "and. By Char rl Morris.
181. The Boy 'I‘railcrs. By Joseph E. lladgpr Jr.
1"?) Evil Eye, King 01' the Cattle Thieves. By l'rank Dumont.
186 Cool Desmond. By (‘alnnei Dells Sara.
1H7 Fred llstlyard the Life Bnat Buy. By Charlrs Morris.
138 Ned 'i‘elllple. tie Border Boy. By T. C. liarluaugh.
It'll) llob Ilockett, the Crack-man. By Charles Morris.
190 Dandy Darke. lly Vt'iliiain R. Eyster.
llli lluii'ta o
192 (‘nptssln Kit. the “'l I~n'-tlie-\Visp. By Lieut. Perry.
193 The Lad Road-Agent. By P illip S. Wurne.
194 lluifnlo ill’l ilet. lly Captain Taylor.
195 Deadwood Dick‘s Dream. By Edward L. Wheeler.
IiHi Hhadowed. By Charirn Morris.
19? Little Grit, the Wild Rider. llv Col. I‘rrniiss lngraham.
i0” Arknnsuw, the Man with the Kiliic. liy ’l‘. C. Harhaugh.
l0 Featherweight. By Edward “'iith.
200 The lloy llcdonlns. By Capt Vr «iv-rii k Whittaker.
201 The lllnok llllla Jt‘lcbl‘l. iiv Edward L. “'hecler.
202 I’ros oct Pete. vi the Buy iiriumi». li_\' ()ii Coomes.
208 The lov I’urds. By Jim-p) E. iiadgn-r Jr.
204 Gold l'lumo. the Bov Bandit. By (‘oL l'reniial lngrahnm.
205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler.
20“ Durk Paul. the Tiger King. By Charlrs Morris.
20? Nnv 0 Nick. the lloy (laid Hunter. By T. C. llarbaugh.
201% The l oy llereulcs. By Oil Cunam.
200 Frit the Bound-Buy Detective. liy Edward L. “'hr-oler.
210 Faro rank oi'lligh l'ine. liv William R. Eyster.
811 Crooked Cale. liv Josenh E. Badge', Jr.
12 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. Bv Charles Morris.
1 Fritz to the Front. Bv Edward L. “'ltee‘nr.
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“'oifgan , the llnbher of the Rhino. By Ca ti. “'hiltaker.
(‘aptaln Ilullet. the Raider King. By T. llariuingli.
ill-on lllll, the Prime oi the Reins. By Cal, P. [.muhmm
(‘upinln Crack-Fhot. By Edward L. Winerler.
. 'l'lger Tom the Texan Terror. Bv ()ll Cnnmes.
on) Despnrd. the Duelist. By Philip 5. Warns.

0 Tom Tanner. Si‘alnwng ant Si-npeynn-a. n - chm Mnm.
293i Sugar-Coated Ram. By Edward L. Wheeler
22” Grit. the iiravo flport. By Col l’rcntiaa ln sham.
288 Dani-k Ali‘. King niihv Mountain. By Edward \‘iiiett.
294 Dashing Dick. By Oil Co mus.
235 Sam Charcoal. the Premium itarky. Br Charles Morris.
226 Rnoozer. the B y Sharp. llv Edward L. Winchh
227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson.
32” Little “’Ildiirc. By 011 Canines.
229 (‘rilnson Kate. Bv Calnnrl Prentiss lngraham.
230 The Yankee it uh. By (3. ilaaniae Clark.
83‘ l’luckv I’isii. 0i 1 ie Mountain Trail. B - T. C. Hnrbm'h,
289 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler.
288 Joe lluck oi’An ols. llv Albert W. Aiken.
234 Did llocky's “I ovees.” iiv Buckskin Sam.
235 Shadow Hum, the hinsarnger Buy. By Charles Morris.
’36 Apollo llill. By Edward L. “'hrrier.
28? Lone Star. the (‘owboy (laptnln. By Col. Ingrahnrrt.
888 The Parson Detective. Bv Oil (lonmss.
289 The Gold-seeker Guide. liv Captain Mayne Reid.
240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wile» or.
241 Bill llravo and ills llcar Pards. By T. C. Harbsugh.
34’ The Two “ Bloods.” B ' Charles Morris.
248 The Dis ulsed Guide. 3' Oil Coonies.
844 Sierra am. By Edward L. Wheeler.-
245 Merle, the Midd . By Colnnel Prantiaa Ingrahsm
240 (Hunt George. v Buc akin Sam.
24’? Did Grizzly and Ills Pets. By Capt.“ Brain ” Adams.
94!! Sierra Sam's Secret. B Edward L. Wheeler.
B49 Milo llesner, the Animal Ing. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
850 The Midshipman Mutineer. y Col. P. lngrshsm.
251 Ll ht-honso ng3. By Captain J. F. C. Adams.
'6. D ck Dashawa . By Charles Morris.
BBB Sierra Sam's I nrd. Bv Edward L. Wheeler.
I54 The Half-Blood. By Edward 8. Ellis.
2155 (‘aptain Apoil... T. C. Hsrhanuh.
Dim Young Keatuck. y Ca tain Mark Wilton.
257 The Lost Hunters. Bv s t. J. P. C. Adams.
958 Sierra flam’s Seven. By dward L. Waeeisr.
859 The Golden llarpoon. By Roger Starbuck.
2 0 Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll (,anmes.
26] her ll Fearnau lit. By Gsorizs L. Aiken.

i‘ll oun fileu a. By Charles Morris.
268 Deadwood )lch’s Divide. B - Edward 1.. Wheeler.
864 The Floatln Feather. By ol. P. lnlrahsrn.
265 The Tiger 'I‘Fanscr. By Cs tain Fred. Whittaker.
Bi“! lllllb‘ar. the Guide. By nsign Warren.
26'? "he Iluekskin Detective. By T. C. llarhaugh.
amt Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. By E. L. Wheeler.
239 The Gold flhlp. By Col. Prentiss lngraharn.
270 lillnard Ben. By Cs taia Mark Wilton.
271 The llu o llunter. v Edward 5. Ellis.
.79 Minksk at like. By Oil Coornes.
27B Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler.
’14 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris.
2715 Arizona Jaek. By Buckskin Sam.
'76 Merle Monte’s Cruise. By Colonel Prentiss Ingrahalas
277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler.
’73 The Three Tray: era. By Maior Lewis W. Cornea.
.79 "Id Wins-h. the lie Kins. By T. C. Harhangh.
BBO Merle Monte's Fate. y Col. Prentiss ingraham.
881 Denver Doll's Victory. Bv Edward L. Wheeler.
BBB 'll‘hr Ty o Detective. Bv Edward Willett.
RB indian 300. By Major Lewis W. Carson.

:84 The Sea Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss [nu-shells.
ash ‘lenver Doll's Douay. iiy Edward In Whoa v-
.30 Josh. the lloy Ten erfoot. By Capt- “Mk Wilh-
‘fi‘: llilly Blue-Eyes. By (‘olonal l’ranliss llgrsham.
.88 The Scalp Kin . By Captain J. F. C. Adams.
.89 daily Jim's Jo Bv Charles Morris.
.90 l .ittle Foxfire. By Oil Gnomes.
It“ 'li‘urk the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler-
.9. bone 0 Pedro. By Ms'nr I. L. st. Vrsin.
.9. Red Claw. the Ole-Eye ‘l‘ra per. By Captain cm
.94 Dyna-it. Dan. By ‘1'. C. bangh.

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Billy, the Buy Buliwhacker. llv Capt. A. B. Taylor.

 

295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett.

396 Denver Doll‘s Drill. By Edward L. Wheeler.

29? The Tarantula ot' Tans. By Buckskin Sun.

2914 The \\ aster-Hound. By Charles Mi-rris.

299 A No. l, the Dashing Tull-Taker. By Edward L. “sold.

300 The Sky Demon. By ()II (women.

8111 Li advil e Nick. By Major E. L. St. Vraln.

802 The Mountain Detective. By '1'. C. iinrhaugh.

303 ‘lea Jane, the Girl Miner. By E. L. “'heeier.

804 The Dead Si at Dandy. By Colonel l’rn-ntiss Tum

805 Dashnwuy oi' Dakota. liy (‘Iiarhs Morris.

coo Neck-11¢ hen. avabanii.n.5mumai

nor The strange Psi-d. lly Buckskin Sam.

0 Keno Kit. the Buy.- Bugler’s i'urd. By Col. I’. Ingrshaln.

Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. By E. L. Wheeler.

The liarrnnca “'oli'. liv Julrpii E. Badger, Jr.

The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett.

lledtop Rube. the \‘iuilaute Prince. By Maj. E. L. St. anls

(‘imarron Jack. lly r'redevick Dewey.

The Mysterious Marauder. iiy Col. P. lngrshatn.

Ned. the Cabin lio . Bv Jack l'nrragut.

Dial Eclipse. 'i‘ruinp (.ard oi Arizona. B 'i‘. C. Harbaugh.

Peacock i’ete. By Lieutenant. Alired 1' am._

Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Buckskin Sam.

The llluck Rider. By Joseph E Badger,Jr.

The Hon Sorceress. Bi- Jack Farragut.

Deadwood Dick's Dozen. By Edward L. Wheeler.

Norno. the Detective. By Edward Willett.

Arkunsuw Jack. ll_\‘ ll'irry Hazard.

Iiul h Ready. the iii-tel Boy llrlw‘llvr. it) t a. Morris.

82:; Kcl ey. illekcy .l' Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphia.
liv Edward L. “'iireirr.

826 'l‘llse 'l'o‘n l’ardn; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. By T. C.

urhaug I.

827 (‘rccping Cat. the Cuddo. By Burhllin Sam.

828 The R Detcctlves. By Majur Mickey Free.

829 Rod-file n Tom. lly Harry llazard.

830 Little Quick-Shot. By Edward L. “'hrrler.

8!“ “incl: Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt. Fred. “'hittaker.

882 lt‘rlo Fred. Bv Buckskin Sam.

888 Brimstone Bob and Ills Lightning llorso Quar-
ictte. liy Mniur  L. St. Vrain.

884 Kan nroo Kit; or. The Mysterious Miner. By E. L. Wheeler.

885 Did Double Flt-t. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

886 Ilig Benson. By T. C. Harbaimh.

33? lien lilrd the Cave King. liy W. J. Hamilton.

88! A Tough By Philip S. \l'arne.

BB9 Kangaroo kit’s ilockot. By Edward L. “'heelsr.

8-10 Clip. tho Contortlonist. By Edward Willett.

Bil 'i‘ony 'i'hornc, Ihe Vagabond Detective. By Charles Morris.

8 12 The Mountain Devil. liy Harry Hazard.

343 Manhattan Mike. By Edward L. Wheeld.

8 i4 The Fighting Trio. By Buckskin Sam.

845 l’ltiless Matt. By T. C. Harimuirh.

B4“ Rapier Rn has-l. By Major “.13. Stoddard.

847 Deadwood ick’s Duents. By Edward 1.. Wheeler.

1545 Fire-“eels: or, Old Skiuillnt the Death-Shadow. By
lmgnr Starhnck.

849 “'ild “'oli'. the Waco. By Burkskln Sam.

850 lied Ralph the River Rover. By Ned Buntline.

351 Deadwood lliek Sentenced. By Edward L. Wheeler.

859 Tombstone Tom. By Maj, E. L. . 1. Yuri".

858 The lleportcr-Detective. By Charles Morris.

854 Big ilarn [he the lllli Tramp. By Roger Starbuek.

355 Tim i iu-z oi the “'ooda; or, Daniel iiuoue's Lust lrall.
liy J'ill‘ll‘ll F. liniii’ar. Jr.

356 ('msi \nm -""' "in-l. Bv T. C. llarbsneh.

857 The Ranch Raiders. By Buckskin Sent.

8158 First-Class Fred, -he Gent lrnni Gopher. By E. L. Wheeler.

1559 Duran-go lune, has; ti un‘ \\ reatisl onauu .. ll. By an". n,
|,, <i, \‘rsin.

360 Sliver-Mask. the Man of Mystery. By J. C. Cowdrlek.

Bill The Phantom Lighthouse. By Roger blarhuck.

86B Deadwood Dick’s Claim. liv Edward 1 . Wheeler.

863 Little. Tornado. By Philip S \Varar.

861 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. By Buckskin 51m.

865 Baltimore Ben. By A. l'. Morris.

868 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. By T. C.Harbsngh.

387 Wide-Awake Joe. By Charles Morris.

868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer. By E. L. Wheeler.

869 “ha-ta. the Gold King. By J. C. Cowdrlck.

870 llrcnkor Ilen. the liver-Runner. By Roger Starbuck.

871 ls'lnfholt Chris. the Young Hard-Shell Doteetivo.
By h aj. E. L. St. \'rain.

37” Yrcha Jim’s Prize. By Edward I... “'heeler.
373 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. By Philip S. Wang,
874 Gold-Dust Tom. By George H. Mom.
375 Chiota, the Creek. By Burk-kin Sum-
876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Capt. P. Whittaker.
877 Bonodel. the Boy Rover. By Col. Prentiss Ingrshsns.
828 N.Mb Ned. By Edward L. Wheeler.
879 Larry. the Leveler- 3! Chlrlu Mm'ils
880 Avalanche Alf. By Major E. L. St. Vrsln.
881 nandera Bill; or, Frio Frank to the Front. By Buckskh
Dill.
898 Cool Kit. “‘0 Ki“! 0' Kldl- By Edward L. Wheeler.
883 The Indian Pilot. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.
3B4 \VhlpJCing Joe, the Boy Ranchsro. By Oll Coomes.
335 Yuk. Jim's Joker. By Edward L. “'heelar,
.86 Captain Cutlass. the Ocean Spider. By T. C. Harbsngll.
887 “'arpatll Will, tho Boy Phantom. By Col. P.1ngrahssn.
888 Little oil-I’- By Philip S. “'nrne-
889 Bicycle Ben. By Edwari L. What",
890 Jaguar Joe. By Maj. E. L. st. vnin,
891 Kid-Glove Ki t. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Seont.
3” Romeo and the Reds. By Buckskin Sent.
89‘ Icawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahal‘n.
894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Darn. By B. L. Wheeler.
895 California Joe’s War Trail. Ry Civi- “Witt-hf-
396 Rough Rob, of Dyna-site. By 1'. C. Hasbsngh.
89‘? Bob 0’ the Bowery. By Jo Pierce.
898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pal-d. By Ms}. H. B. Stoddard.
899 Black Buckskin. By Col. A. F. Holt.
400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. By E. L. Wheeler.
401 Little Shoo-Fly. By Philip S. Warns.
409 Isodor. the Young Oollltlrltor. By Col. P. Ingraltun,
403 Firefly J ack. By Charles Morris.
‘04 Little Lariat. By Buckskin Sam.
405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. By Ed. L. Wheel".
400 The Mad Man-llanter. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-
Scout.
407 The Boy Insurgent. By Col. Prentiss Ingrshsm.
408 Little Leather-Breeches. By Philip 3. Warns.
A New issue. Every’l'nesday.

lf-Dlsae Library '- 10' “'0 hr Ill now-dost fl"
3:31;,” or sent by nail on receipt nist cents each. m

Emu AND ADAMS. Publishers.
98 Willie. Btrost, New Y“

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1 A Hard Crowd; or, Gentleman Sam’s Sister.
B Phili S. Warne.

2 'lzhe Dare-Devil; or. The Winged Witch of
the Sea. By CoL P. lngaham.

3 Kit Carson, Jr. 8 Crack Shot of the
West. Bv Buckskin m.

4 The Kidnap er ' or, The Great Shanghai of
the Northwest. y Philip S. Warne.

5 The Fire-Fiends; or, Hercules, the Hunch-
back. By A. P. Morris.

6 Wildcat Bob, the Bow Bruiser. By Ed-
ward L. Wheeler.

7 Death-Notch, the Destroyer. By 011 Coomes.

8 The Headless Horseman. By Captain
Mayne Reid.

9 Handy And . B

IO Vidocq, the renc
imself.

Samuel Lover. ‘
Police Spy. Written by

11 Midshipman Easy. By Captain Marryat.

12 The Death-Shot; or, Tracked To Death.
BY Captain Mayne Reid.

13 Puthaway° or. Nick Whifile the old Trap-
per oi' the Nor west. B Dr. J. . Robinson.

I l Thayendanegea, t eScourge ; or The War-
Eagle of the lilohawks. By Ned Buntl ne.

15 The Titrer-Slayer; or, Eagle-Head to the
Rescue. Gustave Aimard.

16 The Wh te Wizard ' or,The Great Prophet
of the Seminoles. B N Buntline.

1 7 Nightshade. the bber Prince of Hounslow
Heath. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.

18 The Sea Bandit; or. The Queen of the Isle.
By Ned Buntline.

19 Red Cedar, the Prairie Outlaw. By Gustave

Ama .

20 The Bandit at Bay; or The Pirates of the
Prairies. By Gustave Aima .

21 The Trap er’s Daughter; or, The Out.
law‘s Fate. v Gustave Aimard.

22 Whitelaw; or, Nattie of the Lake Shore.
lay r. J. H. Robinson.

23 he Red \Varrior; or, Stella Delorme's
Comanche Lover. By Ned Burtline.

24 Prairie Flower. ByG. Aimard.

25 The Gold Guide; or, Steel Arm. the Regu-
lator. By Francis Johnson.

26 The Death-Track ' or. The Outlaws of the
Mountain. By Francis Johnson.

27 The Spotter Detective; or, The Girls of
New York. By Albert W. Aiken.

28 Three-[fingered Jack, the Road-Agent of
the Rockies. By J rseph E. Badger. Jr.

29 Tiger Dick, the Faro King; or, The Cashier’s
Crime. By Philip S. Warne.

30 Gospel George; or. Fiery Fred. the Outlaw.
13; Joseph E. Bad er, Jr.

31 ' he New Yor Sharp; or, The Flash of
Lightning. Bv Albert W. Aiken.

32 B’ho s of Yale ° or. The Scrapes of a Hard
Set of olle ians. By John D. Vose. ,

33 Overlan Kit; or, The Idyi of White Pine.
13 Albert W. Aiken.

34 ocky Mountain Bob the California
Outlaw. By Albert W. Aiken.

35 Kentuck. the Sport' or, Dick Talbot at
the Mines. B Albert w. Aiken.

36 Injun Die ' or. The Death Shot of Shasta.
B Albert W. Aiken.

37 liirl, the Hunchback; or, The Sword-
maker of t e Santee. B Dr. J. H. Robinson.

38 Velvet Hand' or,'_I‘ e Iron Grip of Injun
Dick. By Albert  Aiken.

39 The Russian Spy; or. The Brothers of the
Starry Cross. By Captain Fred. Whittaker.

40 The Long Haired “ Pards ;” or, The
Tartars of the Plains. 81y; Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

41 Gold Dan; or TheW ite Savage oftheGreat
Salt Lake. By Albert W. Aiken.

42 The California Detectivr' or.TheWitches
of New York. By Albert W. Al en.

43 Dakota Dan the Reckless Ranger; or, The
BeeHunters’ Excursion. B 011 Coomes.

44 Old Dan Rackback.t e Great Extarmina-
tor; or The Triangle‘s Last Trail. 011 Coomes.

45 Old nmn. E e the Lightning Shot of the
Plains. B Jos.  ger, Jr.

46 Bowie- nife Ben, the Little Hunter of the
Nor‘-West. By 011 Coomes.

47 Pacific Pete, the Prince of the Revolver. By
Jose h E. Badger. Jr.

48 Ida no Tom, the Youn Outlaw of Silverland;
or. the Hunters of the Wil West. By 01] Coomes.

49 The \Volf Demon. B Albert W. Aiken.

50 Jack Rabbit, the P111. 0 Sport. By Joe.
E. Bangr. Jr- .

51 Red Bob, the Boy Road-Agent. By 011
‘oomes.

52 Death Trailer. the Chief of Scouts; or. Life
and Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buffalo Bill.

53 Silver Sam” 01'. The M
Cit . By Col. Delle Sara.

54 A We s On Hand; or. The Sportive Sport
of the oot-Hills. By Philip S. Wax-me,

55 The Scalp Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

56 The {Hand anBMXze Tat; or, The Madman
oftbe as. y . . 1 en.

57g‘he SilentPllugtgtr (fir. The Scowl Hall

.ste . B ercy . .on:

58 Sling Kynife; or, Wickhi'fe, The Rocky
Mountain Ran er. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.

59 The Man rom Texas; or, The Outlaws
of Arkansas. By A. W. Aiken. ”

60 Wide Awake the Robber lung; or, The
Idiot oi the Black Hills. By Frank Dumont.

61 Gawain Seawall, the Privateer. By Ned
Bun no

62 Loyal ’nm; or, The Trappemof Arkansas.
63 Tweailv'im A?“ 1 M g

n o In. ' , Rupert o
‘ ago-It. 35.1.5.2? °r

i:l_slslslnlxlnlzslelnl:

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64 Double-Sight, the Death Shot- or, Tue- Out-
law of the Chaparral. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
65 The Red Rajah éwor, The Scourge of the

Indies. By Capt. F. littaker.
66 The S ecter Barque. By Magus Reid.
67 The [ghy Jockey. By Jos. E. adger, Jr.

68 The Fighting Trapper' or. Kit Carson
to the Resoue. By Captain J.  C. Adams.
69 The Irish Captain. By Capt. F.Whittaker.
70 Hydrabad, the Strangler; or, Alethe, the
Child of the Cord. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
71 Ca tain Cool-Blade; or. The Man-Shark
of t e Mississippi. By Jos. E. Badger Jr.
72 Tile Phantonl Hand ' or, The
Fifth Avenue. By A. W. Ai en.
73 The Knights of the Red Cross; or, The
Magician of Granada. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
74 The Captain oi'thc Rifles; or, The Queen
of the Lakes. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
75 Gentleman George ° or, Parlor, Prison,
Stage and Street. By A.  Aiken.
76 The Queen’s Musketeers; or, Thisbe, the
Princess Palmist. By George Albany.
77 The Fresh of Frisco or. The Heiress of
Buenaventura. By Albert . Aiken.
78 The Mysterious Spy; or, Golden Feather,
the Buccaneer's Daughter. By A. M. Grainger.
79 Joe Phenix, thePolice Sty. B A.W. Aiken.
80 A Man of Nerve. By Ph lip .Wame.
81 The Human Tiger; or, A Heart of Fire.
By Albert W. Aiken.
82 Iron \Vrist. the Swordmaster.
Thomas Hoyvr Monstery.
83 Gold Bullet S tort ' or, The Knights of the
Overland. By Bu alo Bill.
84 Hunted Down; or, The League of Three.
By Albert W. Aiken.
85 The Cretan Rover; or. Zuleikah, the
Beautiful. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
86 The Big.r Hunter; or. The ueen of the
Woods. By the author of “ The Si ent Hunter."
87 The Scarlet Captain ' or, The Prisoner of
the Tower. By Col. Delle Sara.
88 Big Geor e, the Giant of the Gulch: or, The
Five Outlaw rotbers. By Jose ph E. Bad er. Jr.
89 The Pirate Prince; or, Utt¥ Ne y, the
Queen of the Isle. B Col. Prentiss ngraham.
90 \Vild \Vill, the ad Ranchero; or, The Ter-
rible Texans. ,By Buckskin Sam. _
91 The \Vinning Oar; or, The Inkeeper's
Daughter. By Albert W. Aiken.
92 Bvuil‘alo Bill, the Buckskin King; or. The
Amazon of the West. By Ma‘. Dangerfield Burr.
93 Ca tain Dick Talbot. ‘ng of the Road;
or, he Black-Hoods of Shasta. By A. W. Aiken.
94 Freelance, the Buccaneer; or. The War! of
the Wave. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
95 Azhort, the Axman; or, The Secrets of the
Ducal Palace. B Anthony P. Morris.
96 Double-Beat l; or. The Spy Queen of Wyo-
ming. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
97 Bronze Jack, the California Thoroughbred.
liy Albert W. Aiken.
98 ' he Rock Rider; or, The Spirit of the
Sierra. By Ca t. Frederick Whittaker.
99 The Giant iiieman: or, Wild Lifein the
Lumber Regions. By 011 Coomes.
100 The French Spy; or, The Bride of Paris.
By Anthony P. Mon-is.
101 The Man From New York; or. TheRo-
mance of a Rich Young Woman. 13 Aiken.
102 The Masked Band or. The an With-
out a Name. By George . Aiken.
103 Merle, the Mutineer; or. The Brand of
the Red Anchor. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham
104 Montezuma, the Mercilesr ,
Eagle and the Serpent. By Col. P. ngraham.
105 Dan Brown oi Denver the Rocky Moun-
tain Detective. By Joseph  Bad er. Jr.
106 Shamus 0’ Brien, the Bould y of Glin-
al. By 001. Delle Sara.
107 ichard Talbot 01' Cinnabar; or,The
Brothers of the Red Hand. By A. W. Aiken.
1 08 The Duke ofDiamonds; or. The Flower
of Calcutta. By Ca taln Frederick Whittaker.
109 Ca tain Kyd,t e King of the Black Flag.
ol. Prentiss Ingrabam.
110 he Silent Rifleman. By Henry W.

Herbert.
111 The Smuggler Ca tain; or, The Skip-
er’s Crime. By Ned untline.
112 00 Phi-nix;K Private Detective' or. The
113 The Sea Slip};

League of the s eleton Keys. B A. w. Aiken.
er fior. he mateur Free-

hooters. By Pro . J. .Ingraham.
114 The Gentleman From Pike° or. The

Ghost of the Canyon. By Phili S. ame.
115 The Severed Head; or. he Secret of
116 Black Pl

Castle Coucy. By Capt. red. Whittaker.
ume, the Devil of the Sea; or,

The Sorceress oi! Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss
Ingraham.

1 17 Dashin Dandy the Hotspur of the Hills.
By Ma orqhngerfle d Burr.

118 The urglar CaIptain; or. The Fallen
Star. By Prof. J. H. aham.

119 Alabama Joe; or. he Yazoo Man-Hun-
ters. By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.

120 The Texan 812'; or, The Prairie Guide.
Bv Newton M. Cu is.

By Colonel

'1 21 The Sea Cadet; or. The Rover of the Rigo-

1 :tts. By 001. Prentiss I ham.

122 Saul Sabberda thel otSpy;or,Luliona,
the Seminole. By Buntline.

123 Alapaha, the S uaw; or. The Renegades
of the Border. By rancis Johnson.

124 Assowaum, the Avenger; or. The
Doom of the Destroyers. By Francis Johnson.

125 The Blacksmith Outlaw ; or. Merry
England. By Harrison Ainsworth.

Heiress of ‘

 

126
127
128

The Demon Duelist; or. The Leaguoof

Steel. By CoL Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

90] Scott, the Masked Miner; or,

Brown‘s Double. ByJos. E. Badger. Jr.

The Chevalier Corsair; or, The Heri-

tage of Hatred. By the author of “ Merle the

Mutineer."

Mississillnapi Mose ' or, A Strong Man‘s

Sacrifice. y Edward Willett.

Captain Volcano ' or, The Man oftheRed

Revolvers. By A. W. iken.

1 31 Buckskin Sam, the Texas Trailer; or, The

Pandits of the Bravo. By (‘01. P. Ingraham.

132 Nemo, King oi'the Tramps. By Capt.
Frederick Whittaker.

133 Body the Rover the Ribbonman of Ire-
land. By William Carleton.

l 34 Durkie Dan, the Colored Detective; or, The
Mississippi Mystery. By Col. P. Ingraham.

135 The Bush Ranger' or, The Half~Breed
Brigade. By Francis J ohnson,

136 The Outlaw-Hunter; or, Red John, the
Bush Ranger. By Francis Johnson.

137 Long Beard, the Giant Say; or. Hapgfi

Harry, the Wild Boy of the oods. By

Coomes.
138 The Border Bandits' or. The Horse-
Thief’s Trail. By Francis Jo nson.

139 Fire-Eye. the Sea H ens; or. The Bride of
a Buccaneer. By Col. entiss In raham.
140 The Three Spaniards. Bv e0. Walker.
141 Equinox Tom, the Bully of Red Rock; or,
Dan Brown’s Masterstroke. By Joseph. E.

Badger. Jr.

(‘aptain Crimson, the Man of the Iron
Face. By Maj. Dangerfield Burr.

The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nihilist League.
By 001. T. H. Monstery.

Dan‘

129
130

142
143

144 The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
lily Victor Hugo.
145 istol Pards or, Soft Hand, the Silent

S ort from Cinna ar. By Wm. R. Eyster.

The Doctor Detective; or, The Mystery

of the Golden Coffin. By Geo e Lemue .

Gold Spur the Gentleman rom Texas. By

Col. Prentiss lngraham.

One-Armed All‘ the Giant Hunter of the

Great Lakes. By Oil Coomes.

The Border Rifles. By Gustave Aimard.

El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen.

By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

The Freebooters. By Gustave Aimard. .

Captain Ironnerve, the Counterfeiter

Chief. By Marmaduke Dev.

'I‘he “’hite Seal er. By Gustave Aimard.

Joaquin, the Sasdle King. By Joseph E.

Badger, Jr.

The (:orsair (Erleen; or. The Gipsies of

the Sea. By 001. entiss Ingraham.

156 Velvet Face, the Border Bravo; or. Muriel,
the Danite's Bride. By Dangerfield Burr.

157 Mourad, the Man-eluke; or. The Three
Swordmasters. By Col Thomas H. Monstery.

1 58 The Doomed Dozen; or. Dolores. the
Danite‘s Daughter. By Dr. Frank Powell.

159 Red Rudiger, the Archer' or. The Lady
Bertha’s Treachery. By Capt?) F Whittaker.

160 Soil Hand, Sharp“ or, e Man With the
Sand. B Wm. R. E r.

161 The oives of Ne\v York ° or, Joe

Phenix‘s Great Man Hunt. By A.  Aiken.

162 The Mad Mariner’ or. Disbonored and
Disowned. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.

163 Ben Brion, the TrapBer Cafiitain: or, Red-
gth. the Avenger. By r. J. . Robinson.

164 he King’s Fool ' or. The Knights of the
Clasped Hands and Red Branch. By C. D.Clark.

165 Joaquin, the Terrible. By J. E. Badger,Jr.

166 Owlet, the Robber Prince; or. The Unknown
Highwaymen. By S ~pu‘mus R. Urban.

167 The Man ofSteel ; or, The Masked Knight
of the White Plume. B A. P. Morris.

168 Wild Bill, the Pistol ead Shot; or. Dagger
Don‘s Double. By Col. Prentiss In ham.

1 69 Corporal Can non. the Man of gm Duels.

y 001. Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detectivo.

By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.

171 Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron Heart; or.
The Dumb Bandit. By Philip S. Warns. ,

172 The lllack Pirate; or. The Mystery at
the G01 en Fetters. By Col. P. Ingraham.

178 California John, the Pacific Thorough-
bred. By Albert W. Aiken. ‘

174 The Phantom Knights. By Capt. F.

Whittaker.
1 75 Wild Bill’s Trump Card or, TheIndian
.7. Br“. “Marabwqwr B c
a _v aguar e r . y a
tain Mark wuton’ p.
177 Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair; or, The
Rivals oi' the Sea. B Col. Prentiss Ingrahun.
178 Dark Dashwoo 9 the Desperate; or, The
Child of the Sun. By MajorSam S. Hall.
1 79 Conrad. the Convict; or. Was He Guilty!
By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve, LL. D.
180 0 div-19; or. The Amazon of Arizona. By

os. . r, Jr.
181 The Scar et Schooner: or, The Nemed.
o e Sea. By 001. Prentiss Ingram
182 Hands Up ‘ or. The Knights of the Canyon.
Bv Wm. R. Byster.
183 Gilbert, the Guide; or. Lost in the Wil.
denies. By C. Dunning Clark.
A new am every Wednesday.
Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale b a
bewsdealers, ten cents per copy or sent by m on.
reeei t of twelve centseach. BRADLEc ADAM
Pquher-s, 98 William Street, New York.

146
147
148

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184 The Ocean Vam ire; or, The Heiress of
Castle Curse. B Co . Prentiss Ingraham.

1 85 The Man Spi or or, The Beautiful Sphinx.
13y Anthony P. Morr s.

186 ' he Black Bravo; or, The Tonkaway’s
Triumgh. B Buckskin Sam.

187 The out His Head C uira ssiers; or,
Brave of all Braves. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

1 88 The Phantom lil‘achpa; or, The H one
of the Cha arrals. By Maj. Dangerfield urr.

189 Wild Bi l’s (-‘old Trail; or. The Desper-
ado Dozen. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

190 The Three Guardsmen. By Alexandre

Dumas.

191 The Terrible Tonkaway; or. Old Roeky
and His Pards. By Buckskin Sam.

192 The Lightning S )ort' or, The Bad Men
at Slaughter Bar. By in.  Eyster.

193 The Man In Red; or The Ghost of the
Old Guard. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.

194 Don Som hrero, the California Road Ge nt.

By Capt. Mark Wilton.

195 The Lone Star Gambler; or, The Maid
of the Magnolias. Bv Buckskin Sam.

196 La Marnloset t e Detective Queen' or,
The Lost Heir of ore]. By Albert w. Aiken.

197 Revolver Bob, the Red-Handed; or, The
B lie. of Nugget Camp. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.

198 The Skeleton Schooner; or. The Skim-
mer of the Sea. By‘Col Prentiss Ingrallam.

190 Diamond Die , the Dandy from Denver.
By Buckskin Sam.

200 The [title Bangers; or, Adventures in
South-Tn flexico. By Ca t. Mayne Reid

201 The Pirate of‘thc P acers; or. Joaquin‘s
Death Hunt. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. By Cap-
tain Mark Wilton.

203 The Double Detective; or, The Midnight
Mystery. By Albert W. Aiken.

204 Big Foot \Vallaee, the Kin of the Lariat;
or, Wild Wolf. the Waco. By uckskin Sam.

205 The Gambler Pirate; or. Bt‘SSlP, the
Lady of the Ln goon. By Co . 1’. Ingraham.

206 One Eye, the Cannoneer; or. Marshal Ney‘s
Lust Legacy. By Cn pt. Fred. Whittaker.

207 Old llard Head; or. Whirlwind and His
Milk-white Mare. By Philip S. Warne.

208 The \Vhite Chief. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

209 Buck Farley the Bonanza l’rincc' or. The
Romance of Death Gulch. By Edward Willett.

210 Buccaneer Bess, the Lioness of the Sea;
or, The Red Sea Trail. By Col. P. lngraham.

21 1 Colonel Plunger° or. The Unknown Sport.
Bv Capt Frederick l ittaker.

212 The Brazos Tigers; or, the Minute-Men
of Fort llelknap. By Buckskin Sam.

213 The \Var Trail ; or, The Hunt of the Wild

v Horse. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

21 4 The Two 0001 S orts. By Wm. R. Eyster.

I215 Parson Jim, K ng of the Cowboys. By
Ca tain Frederick Whittaker.

216 T e Corsair Planter; or, Driven to
Doom. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

217 The Serpent of El Paso; or, Frontier
Frank, the Scout of the Rio Grande. By Buck-
skin Sam.

218 The Wild Hulitress; or, The Big Squat-
ter's Vengeance. lB;y(3a t. MayneReid.

219 The Scorpion rot hers; or, Mad Tom’s
Mission. By Captain Mark Wilton.

220 The Specter Yacht. By Col. P. Ingrnham.

221 Desperate Duke the Guadeloupe “Ga-
loot. By Buckskin m.

222 Bill, the Blizzar or, Red Jack's Double

me. By Edward Wl lett.

223 Canyon Dave the Man of the Mountain.

Co tain Msrk’Wilton.

224 lac Beard, the Buccaneer: or, The
Curse of the Coast. By Col. P. lngra am.

225 Bock Mountain Al;or, Nu etNell,tho
Wolf 0 the Range. By Buckskin m.

226 The Mad Hussars; or, The 0‘s and the

sc's. By Ca t. Whittaker.

en, the Man-Hunter of Idaho.

Ce. t. Mark Wilton. -

228 The aroon. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

2‘29 Ca tain Cutsleeve or Touch-Me-Not, the

' Lit estport. By Wm. Eyster.

230 "T‘vhe l in Dutchman of 1880; or,

he was an erdecken. By Capt. Whittaker

‘281 The Kid clove Mincr;or, The Magic

Doctor of Golden Gulch. By Ingraham.

232 Orson Oxx, the Man of Iron; or. The River
Mystery. By Isaac Hawks.

233 e Old Boy of Tombstone; or,
Wagering a Life on a Card. BKIJ. E. Badger.

By a ne Reid.

235 Bed Lightnin , the Man of ancc. By
Col. Prentiss Ingra m.

236 Cham ion Sam; or. The Monarchs of the
Show. [I Col. T. H. Monstegl‘y.

237 Long- aired Max or. he Black League
of the Coast. By Ca t. . Wilton.

238 Bank Hound, t e Crescent City Detec-
tive. By Anthony P. Morris.

239 The Terrible Trio; or, The Angel of the

. Army. Buckskin Sam.

’240 A Cogl end; or, Orson On in Perl]. By

Issac awks.
241 Spitfire Saul King of the Bustiers. By
Jos. . ger. r.

. 242 The log Devil; or, The Skipper of the

Fish. B Capt. Fred. Vl hittaker.

243 The Pilgrim Shsr$; or, The Soldier's
Iweetheart. Bv Buffalo ii.

244 Hereiless Mart, the Man-Tiger of Mis-
souri. By Buckskin Sam.

’24! Barranca Bill, The Revolver Champion.
By animals Mark Wilton.

 

246 Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Over-

land. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
247 Alligator Ike or, The Secret of the Ever-
1 By Capt. red. Whittaker.

nde.

248 glontuna Nat, the Lion of Last Chance
Camp. By Edward Willett.

249 Elephant Tom of Duranrro; or, Your
Gold—Dust or Your Life. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

250 The Rough Riders; or, Sharp-Eye, the
Seminole Scourge. By Buckskin Sam.

251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Despard; or,
Every Man Has His Match. By P. S. Warne.

252 The IVall Street Blood; or, Tick Tickthe
Telegraph Girl. By Albert W. Aiken.

253 A Yankee Cossack ' or, The Queen of the
Nihilists. By Capt. Fre< erick Whittaker.

254 Giant Jake, the Patrol of the Mountain.
By Newton M. Curtis.

255 The Pirate Priest; or. The Planter Gam-
bler’s Daughter. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

256 Double Dan, the Dastard; or, The Pirates
of the Pecos. By Buckskin Sam.

257 Death-Trap Diggings; or. A Hard Man
from ‘Way Back. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

258 Bullet "end, the Colorado Bravo. By
Captain Mark Wilton.

259 Cutlass and (Yross' or, The Ghouls of the
Sea. By Col. Prentiss ngraham.

260 The Masked Mysterfi; or, The Black
Crescent. By Anthony P. orris.

261 Black Sam, the Prairie Thunderbolt; or,
The Bandit-Hunters. By Col. Jo Yards.

262 Fighting Tom, the Terror of the Toughs.
By Col. Thomas Hoyt-r Monstery.

263 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback De-
stroyer. Captain Mark Wilton.

264 The Crooked Three;3 or, The Black
Hearts of the Gaudalupe. y Buckskin Sam.

265 Old Double-Sword;1 or Pilots and Pi-
rates. By Capt. Fred. W ittaker.

266 Leopard Luke the King of Horse-Thieves.
By Captain Mark Wilton.

267 The “’hite Squaw. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

268 Magic Mike the Man of Frills; or. Bad
Ben‘s Bad Briga e. By William. R. Eyster.

269 The Ba on Bravo ; or, The Terrible Trail.
By Bucks in Sam.

270 A ndros, the Free Rover; or, The Pirate‘s
Daughter. By Ned Buntline.

271 Stoneflst. ofBig anfgct Bcnd‘ or Old
Ketchum‘s Tug of War. y Capt. Mark Wilton.

272 Seth Slocum Railroad Surveror' or. The
Secret of Sitting Bull. By Capt. F. Whittaker.

273 Mountain Mos? the Gorge Outlaw; or,

Light Horse Leon‘s ive Fights for Life. By
Buckskin Sam.
274 Flush Fred the Micsissi pi Sport: or,

Tough Times in .nnessee.. y Ed. Willett.
275 The Smuggler Cutter; or, The Cavern in
the Cliff. BY J. D. Conroy.
276 Texas Chick, the Southwest Detective.
By Captain Mark Wilton.
277 The Sauc Jane, Privateer. or The
Huntin of ld Ironsides. By Capt. Frederick
hitta er.
278 Hercules Golds ur the Man of the Velvet
Hand; or, The P0 or Queen's Drop Game.
By Captain Howard Holmes.
279 The Gold-Dragonf; or, the California-
Bloodhound. By V\ m. . Manning.
280 Black-Hons Ben or, Tiger Dick's Lone
Band. By Philip S. me.
281 The Sea Owl ; or. The Lady Captain of the
Gulf. By 00]. Prentiss lngrnham.
282 The Merciless Marauders; or, Chap-
arral Carl's Revenge. By Buckskin Sam.
283 Sleek Sam the Devil of the Mines; or, The
Sons of the F ery Cross. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
284 The Three Frigates ;‘ or, Old Ironsides'
Revenge. By Capt. Fred. 'hittaker.
285 Lightninfz Bolt the Can on Terror; or,
The Mounts n Cat's Grudge. y Mark Wilton.
286 Pistol Johnny: or. One Man in a Thou-
, sand. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
287 Dandy Dave and His Horse. White Stock-
g; or. Ducats or Death. By Buckskin Sam.
288 Electro Pete, the Man of Fire- or The
Wharf Rats of Locust Point. By A. P. M’orrls.
289 Flush Fred’s Full Handevor. Life and
Strife in Louisiana. By Edward lllett.
290 The Lost Corvette; or Blakeley‘s Last
Cruise. By Capt. Fred. 'hittaker.
291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck,
By Capt. Mark Wilton.
292 Moke Horncr, the Boss Roustabout. By
Joseph E. Badger. Jr.
293 Stampede Steve; or The Doom of the
Double Face. By Buckskin Sam. '
294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy; or,
The Thirty Psrds of Deadwood. By Captain
Howard Holmes.
295 Old Cross-Eye the Maverick-Hunter. By
Capt. Frederick ittaker.
296 Duncan, the Sea- Diver; or, The Coast
Vultures. By George St. George.

 

297 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hot-
spur City. By Wm. H. Manning.

298 Logger Lem ; or. Life and Peril in the
Pine Woods. By Edward Willett.

299 Three of a Kind. Tiger Dick, Iron Des-
pard, and the Sportive Sport. By 1’. S. Warne.

300 A Sport in Spectacles. By Wm. B. Eyster.

301 BOWIdcr Bill; or, The Man from Taos.
By Buckskin Sam.

302 Faro Saul, the Handsome Hercules; or, The
Grip of Steel. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

303 Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw; or,
The Satanstown Election. By Cant. Whittaker-

304 Texas Jack the Prairie Rattler; or, The
Queen of the wild Ridei s. By Buffalo Bill.

305 Silver-Plated 801, the Montana Rover. By
Capt. Mark Wilton.

306 The Ronghs of Bic-hmond' or, The
Mystery of the Golden Beetle. By A. Morris.

307 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water
Wolves of the Bahamas. By Col. Ingraham.

308 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True. By
Edward Willett.

309 Bay bold, the Battling Ranger; or,
Old Rocky's Tough Campaign. By Buck-
skin Sam.

310 'I he Marshal ofSatanstown ° or The
Lea e of the Cattle - Lifters. y Capt.
Fre «trick Whittaki r.

31 1 Heavy Hand, the Relentless. By Captain
Mark ilton.

312 Kinkloot Karl, The Mountain Scourge;
or, Wiping Out the Score. By Morris Re dwing.

3 l 3 Mark Magic, Detective. By Anthony P.

Morris.
314 Lniitte' or. The Pirate of the Gulf. By
Prof. J.  lngraham.

315 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squat-
ter's League of Six. By Edward Willctt.

31 6 Laiitte’s Lieutenant; or Theodore, the
Child of the Sea. By Prof. J. H. lngrahum.

317 Frank Lighti‘oot the Miner Detective;
or, Followinga Blind Lead. By J. E. Badger.

318 The Indian Buccaneer; or. Red Rovers
on Blue Waters. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West; or,
The Buckskin Bravos of the Black Hills. By
Buffalo Bill. -

320 The Genteel Spotter‘ or, The Night
Hawks of New York. By Albert W. Aiken.

321 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. By
Captain Howard Holmes.

322 The (‘rimson Coyotes. By Buckskin Sam.

323 Hotspur Hugh; or. The Banded Brothers
of the Giant‘s Arm. By Captain Mark Wilton.

324 Old Forked-Lightning, the Solitary;
or, Every Inch 9. Man. By Jos. E. Badger. r.

325 The Gentleman Pirate; or. The Her-
mit of Casco Pay. By Col. P. lngrsbam.

326 The Whitest Man in the Mines; or.
The Dog-Town Crowd. By Capt. F. Whittaker.

327 Terrapin Dick the Wild Woods Detec-
tive. By Edward Willett.

328 King Kent; or, The Bandits of the Basen.
By Buckskin Sam.

329 The League of Three; or, Buffalo Bill's
Pledge. By Col. Prentiss Ingrshsm.

330 Cop Colt, the Quaker City Detective. By
Chas. Morris.

331 Chis a Charley the Gold Nug t Sport; or
The Rgcky Mountaiil Masks. By 5°11; Badger:

332 Spring-Heel J aek. By Col. Monstery.
333 Dcrrin er Deck the Man with the Dro .
By Wm. B. Eyster. ’ p

34 The Cipher Detective or, Mark Ms C
a on s New Trail. By A. P. Mdrris. g!

5 Flash Dan the Nahob; or. The Blades of
33 Bowie Bar. B’y Capt. H. Holmes.

336 The Magic Ship; or, The Freehooters of
Sandy Book. By 01. Prentiss Ingrahsm.
337  t(tinlle, the Mountain Tramp. By Ed.

' e .

338 Jack Sands, igator-ts; or. The Fool of Fid~
dler's Folly. By ilip . Warns.

339 apread Eagle Sam the Hercules Hide-

unter. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

340 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective. By
Capt. H. Holmes.

341 The Sea Desperado. By Colonel Prentiss
Ingraham.

342 Blaneo Bill, the Mustang Monarch. By
Buckskin Sam.

343 The Head Hunter; or. Mark Magic in
the Mines. By A. P. Morris.

344 Double Shot Dave orthe Lea Hand.
By Wm. B Eyster.

A new issue every Wednesday.
Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by an
Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS.
Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.

 

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