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431132.19 Bill’s Chief of Cowboys! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wednes‘hy' 93 WILLIAM STREET. NEW YORK. “'00 3 Yea"

 

 

 

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THE LASSU BANEEHS' LEAGUE. ‘

A Boman of Border Home of Tc-dny.

 

. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM,

AUTHOR OF “ BUFFALO BILL‘S BONANZA ”
u BUprALO BILL's GRIP,” “ wxw BILL, '
Tu: PISTOL mun 9801*,"
210., 210., no.

 

 

CHAPTER 1. .1 “zygqy‘w
mu norm OF TEXAS. ‘ m/V'  .I.\ 
' “THIRI'S opt-ice on m bend, pards, dead or // H , ‘IALIP  L j .

alive, and I hnin’t ntmi tor name the sum:
Five thousand dollars! Who wants ther money ?”

The speaker IhoWed the despendo from head
to foot, and the scene was a gambling saloon in
a frontier Texas town, up toward the line of
New Mexico.

It was s settlement on the northward and Rio
Grande trails, and I Worn element of humanity
than were themflthered could not have been

found in the W1] West. TIGER Ion WAS DRAG  ~ V
mm non m
The one who boldly asserted thet there was a 1mm :vignrlg‘: :xlcTrgzfimmnc man "a “DD”

 

 

 

 

’ at the crowd,
gig; young stranger outed of nearest neigh-
r: , .
,“Wboisho?” I , , i '

“ The worst man in‘TcxaI, part1.” .
“ What his name?" ’ l , ‘
" Tiger Tom, the)! calls him." .
“lathe A , a oaonhiiheadi'f  _,
“'I go " ,fiw whomn’t be £091 
:tosay it. ,, " dono‘onough hero “they a
‘d " magma" 0" iii‘n '” 
, rea a v0 ,
‘id‘liérwickedesg in thodrgck.” ,  ‘ i“; .
“ Why do not some of yourgbi'flb toward?”
“Rot for me. thank’oo, pa , , I has can it, ~
t ' on half adozen times .” .‘
‘, IAnd nobquyhlzas ot it .
‘ ary, u t . sudden loans.
Lofhealth,andTigeerom  “‘

~—

a

price on his head, and defied any one to win it,
was a. man of giant stature, massively built, and
with a face coarse, cunning and savage.

His hair was worn long, as was also his beard,
and he was dressed in blue hunting-Shir, leather
leggings, high boots and sombrero, \\ hile in his
belt was a bowie-knife in front, and upon either
hip a. couple of revolvers.

He called himself a cattle-man, had a small
ranch a day’s journey from the settlement, and
four times a year regularly had come in to have
a spree.

Upon such occasions his deeperate nature be-
trayed itself, and, inflamed by drink, he was a
terror to even those who called themselves
“ bad men.”

Whenever he drank deeply he Would proclaim
himself an outlaw and fling his defiance into the
faces of the crowd, no matter h0w large a num-
ber were present.

Time and again his rivals had tempted some
one to endeavor to win the price upon his head,
and though they were “ good men and true,"
the death of the bold adventurer was certain to
follow, for Tiger Tom, as the rancher was called,
was lightning on the draw and deadly in his
aim.

Then, too, men avowed that it was useless to
shoot at the “ Tiger of Texas,” as he liked to be
known, as he bore a charmed life.

He had been gambling all the evening, had
won heavily, drank deeply, and was in one of
his “ killing moods,” as he called them, thirstng
for a fight.

“ I say parrls. I am an outlaw, a hunted man.
Came to Texas to escape the gallows, and I am
Worth Just five thousand dollars to the man that
takes me in. The offer’s squar’, and Tiger Tom
says so. Come! who’ll make the bid for the re-
ward? Don’t all speak at once, but chip in, them
as wants ther dust!”

As he spoke he drew a revolver in his right
hand and held it above his head, while his eyes
roamed over the crowd, taking in every mOVe-
ment, and waiting for some one to attempt to
draw a weapon. ’

His eyes were ablaze, his nerves strung to
their utmost tension, and truly be was a grand
sight to thus fling a defiance in the teeth of two
hundred men. 

Just before he had risen from the gambling
table a stranger had entered the large saloon
and dropped into a seat near the door.

He was, in person, over six feet in height by
several inches, with a slender form, but athletic,
broad shoulders and the very beau ideal of a
Texas cowboy.

He was dressed in somewhat gaudy attire,
wore a wat :h and chain, diamond pin in his
black scarf, representing a miniature spur, and
u on the small finger of his right hand wasa

ng, the design being a horseshoe of rubies.

About his broad-brimmd, dove-colored som-
brero was coiled a miniature lariat, so that the
spur, horseshoe and lasso designated his calling. '

In his belt were a handsome pair of revolvers
and a bowie-knife, while u n a hook on one side
hung a luriat of the very nest in uufacture.

H s face was one to remember w ien once seen
beurdless, youthful, yet full of character, and
{unleash-em amounting to reckless daring.

His hair, worn long and wall cared for, hung
below his shoulders in waving masses, giving

: him a look that one who was not a close observer

might call edeminato.
When he had slipped into the seat at the table,
as thou h" to two attracting attention, those
:boha seen him showed no sign of recogni-
lOl'l. ,
lie was evidentl a stra ‘ TrailCro‘so-
law the settlomsgt val  in

 en the Tiger'ofTens arms in his might.‘
~ and flung his desperate

  
  
   

View. be ‘c
or at the’r funeral, for he hurles his ,

l

handsome.” '

ii That}. some consolation 3) know,  ,_ 3

me out.”

n What does er mean, stratum w "I
'0'.

“Only that intend for got
was the cool reply. The strong“ rota to his

feet as he spoke, to the evident omstomation of ‘

the man to Wham he was talking. ’v

 

CHAPTER lI.
ran: Lamar-rations.
man stood the Tiger of Texas, after utter»

Ta
ing his last defiance, his right hand elevated

 

' l

“ » “Séeh rd" hain‘t barman 
‘a stran  p inwihai‘iu like this when I

l straight above his head, his revolver in it and
, pointing upward, ready to drop on the man who
dared attempt to draw a weapon, and he seemed
to see them all.

And, forty feet away, over by the door, the
handsome young stranger had risen to his feet
and seemed to be measuring the distance be-
tween him and Tiger Tom.

He also appeared to note the rovings of the
desperndo’s eyes, and when they had flashed
upon him, and then across the Mom, quicker
than a flash he acted, for his hand whirled
around his head and in it was his coiled lasso.

A light an ing-like jerk of the stranger’s hand,
and the lariat shot forth in a coil, the neose set-
tling over the upraised arm of the Tiger of
l Texas,‘ and being

dragged the desperado to the floor in a stunning

in . '

 

abound like a panther upon its prey,
the handsome stranger was upon the fallen des-
perado, a quick mm of his lariat had secured
the rufllun's arms behind his back, and a slash
of his knife cut the belt of arms, leaving the
Tiger wholly at his mercy.

And all this was done in such a few seconds of
time, that even the victim of the stranger’s
wonderful skill in lasso-throwing could hardly
realize what had happened.

A moment of silence fell upon all; then, as the
croivd realized what had happened, one shouted:

“ The Tiger’s claws are cli ped at last!”

There followed a burst of wild applause that
nearly raised the roof of the shanty, and a
perfect circle of humanity closed in around the
young stranger.

The latter was in no way excited by his
achievement, but with his foot holding the des-
‘perado down, and his lasso securing his arms he
shied gazung at him with asmiie upon his on
face that wore an expression of amusement
rather than triumph.

At last order was called for among the ex-
cited crowd, and a voice asked:

LSay, stranger pard, what might your name

“My name is Buck Taylor,” was the lasso-
throxver’s modest reply.

" Ha! Buck Taylor! The Saddle King of
Texas!

" we has heer 0' Yer, Wdi” cried one of the
crowd, and a cheer followed the words:

“ The Saddle King who clipped the Tigeris
clawsi’?

Then came a {owl from the giant desperado,
as he lay upon t 9 floor. .

“ Did yer say yer name were Buck Taylor?”
N es. ,

“ Thor Saddle Ki 0g?"

" That is a name my comrades give me.”

“ I knows yer.”

“ And I know you.”

The man’s face whitened mu more .3 he
heard this response uttered with significant
om basis. .

at he gave a light laugh, and said;

“ Waal, Buck Taylor, I allows I is floored and
you is tber king bee o’ ther hive. ‘

“Jist undo yer lariat'and loam up, and I’ll
stand drinks or tber crowd,tor I_ ought to;-
bein’ as I has been roped in inc-clover.” ’

“ I shall not loosen my lasso until ; I have
these on you. for, as I said,I_ know you," “a
quickly drawin a pair of steel mahacles from
his pocket, 'Buc Taylor slipped them with a‘
sudden snap upon the wrist! of the d o,
admirin his hands thus behind his back.

he unloooenod his lasso, coiled it and hung
n the hook in his‘helt. .
“ y, pard, this hain’t C  deal, for I 
owned upI was heat and rammi- ior but
my hero in Tenn.” 111mm arsed.

‘ You have ad more my!!!th on de-
ugv andasy ha midthsroisarowardon
youflaaddsad or we, _I want it I” I
* “I were pkin', for or don’t think Pilghe tool
‘  efit were ”

to lie a
’ Tiger 0mg.”

be a sa  yon‘

and‘"‘ishwlliing to stand

    
 
  
   

a,“ «Mo 
mu“ mu“ ‘fnwirfhrcibl for adriiik
’   5 Ms " disbanded the

- an

. y tonsilookoraonlkuown as Emil

. é ,  ,,  l.

a a good has th.

3’ , ,hat pain Beat
. . 41h “*9 .Vdofiir- .

a tile tome-thing

' im, and it was

ey could play a

  
     

~T . ,W, 
_  for rescuin
‘ . pgiio far atlas»
ii game open the stranger. _
0' was too dangerous, from.his appearance,
gin- oue man to bully, but a cr0wd made it

Dead Beat Dick felt that he had made a hit,
and wishing to keep the ball rolling, he turned to
those who had chimed in with him, when quick as
a flash Buck Taylor’s lariat fell over him and he
was arm of of his feet and fell . upon .t a form
piti'l‘ gar Tom still lyingat the feet or the Saddle

 

 

hauled taut with a force that

 

Buck "Taylor, the,  King.

4..
1

Then for the first time Burk Taylor dropped
his hands upon his revolvers.

He did not draw them, but facing the crowd
cried sternly:

“See here, men, Iclaim Tiger Tom as my
game, and the reward upon his head as mine,
and I do not intend to be bullied by any set of
cut-throats into letting him go!”

There was something so utterly fearless in the
mien cf the Saddle King, as he stood facing the
score of men who had followed the lead of Dead
Beat Dick, that he won a cheer from the well
disposed of the crowd, and a cheer was given
him, while a gambler known as Monte Joe
called out:

“ You have won the ame, paid, and, [in
see that you rake in the go d, and there are men
hereto back up what I say—eh, boys?”

The yell that went up at this was answer
enough in the affirmative, and the followers of
Dead Beat Dick, who still lay upon the floor under
the foot of Buck Taylor and upon Tiger Tom,
slouched back out of the way, no longer anxious
to have attention drawn to them.

 

CHAPTER III.
A FUGITIVE raon JUSTICE. ‘

“ NOW you I don‘t want,” said Buck Tailor,
as he removed his foot from Dead Beat Dick,
and loosening his lasso from about him set him
on his feet and sent him flying into the midst
of the crowd, who shouted With laughter {it the
SUI'I'y figure out by the would-be champion of
Tiaer Tom.

Then turring to the latter be bent over, mid,
heavy Weight though he was, raised him t0 his
feet while he said: '

“ hut you I do want, and you go with me.”

“ What?”

“ To Fort Davis.”

“ What fer?”

“ I said that I knew youl”

“ Yes, but you don’t!”

“ You are a gambler, I believe!”

“ I gambles some.”

“ I’ll bet you a hundred to fifty I can call the
turn on you." .

“ Done! jist let my hand free so I kin git my
mom) out o’ my pocket.” ” ,

“ 0, I’ll trust you for the money.

“ Waal, who be I?”

“You said there was a reward of five thou.
sand on your head.”

“I was joking.”

“You were not.” '

“ Waal, I knows.”

“There is a price on your head, and I shall
get it; but. independent of that, 1 would have
an ink” you are too dangerous a man to
run at r e. -

“ You is talkin’ nonsense, Buck Taylor.”

“ Am 1, Tom Trescott, deserter from the
Fifth Cavalry United States Army 1” was the
quiet responBO. .

All saw the llVld hue that swept over the face

_of Tiger Tom, and heard a sound like a moan

come from between his shut teeth.

“ You lie! I am not Tom Tresoom
neVer in the army.”

“Indeed! Then what does that India ink
mark on your wrist mean, ‘T. T., Fifth On.

I was

Isaw it  you hold your revolver over
{dour head andknow you were the man I want-

“I lay it is, a lie! A pard o’mino at his
mm? 0“ I Was! put in home»: his.
His conga whoa Tom ”
arm ; ut oisdead‘now- .- -

“ I’ll take mechanics. in initial: you." in
Tresoott, delta-Ger robber M in
we leave for Fort Davis to-morrow.

" Bach all of you! I know this man, and I
shall kill him if you press me. and than fight it
out with youl”.cried Buck Taylor, in a tone
that every man in his presence well realized was
in deadly earnest.

The crOWd, who had been hacki Dead Best
Diet, had again shown a dis 'n to inter-
fere, and they were pressing toward - the-prison-

aaTom
,! and

or as though to attem t a rescue a hen the words -'

of Back Taylor brong t then to a sudden halt. ,
“Say, gents, are it lawful fer a stranger t9?
come inter Trail Croui and cut and) 9 high
flggeri” called out one o the crowd. Illa "' g
appeared to have moregrit in  D“
Beat Dick had shown. ‘ ' ’ ' V ' .
“I came here as i. «now M I ‘3" “"8
man fling a defiance at It O“: 'm' "0 one to

' 1 and having hugged
garni'gp‘i'ggnfihifi “you'ahail take it from
me,” and’Buok. Taylor we?“ "Prev in front

of the menacl €02 .
" Y°° “"353 ‘ “karma .

hand. yo‘un

iffimerihip or the

pi" .
umlfh;mbw. lime”. that is dig-was the
cool reply.  ’ t

n ‘lauood back at his followers those
it mynragmdy to back him i whdt Io did,
mmmuaWb’wm  punter he
said quick ‘ ' ‘ " i

l 2'  - ~ ' ”
“you”, {at Tiger   t0?

ml'n an instant he was’oovmid‘bffluck Taylor’s 

.i'

,a ho whithe-

twmflt-flyvla“ «en m afial‘VVAh- . _

 

g


 

 

 

 

  

 

 

__._-w__ W

in ..

 

 

 

tugboat atween
‘ ‘feller that calls himself 

 

 

 

revolver, quicker than he thought a man could
draw a weapon, and sharply came the words:

“ And you answer to me! Do you wilt, or
Shall I touch trigger?

“ Quick! for life is too short to parleyi”

“ I knows jist when I has got enough, pard.

“ I wilt!"

But the man made a signal as he spoke, for
the crowd pressed closer and revolvers were
drawn, and by the quickest of movements Buck
Taylor whirled Tiger Tom in front of him, and
with a revolver now in each hand, held on
either side of his prisoner, said in a derisive
tone:

“ Now, gentlemen, to find my heart you must
shoot through your pard’s body.

“ Sa when, for I am ready 1” and Buck Tay-
lor smiled serenely.

“ Say, pardsl don’t shoot! for the love 0'
Heaven, don’t shoot!” lustin shouted the Tiger
of Texas, who had been thus suddenly made a
bneastw'ork of to his own terror.

What the result would have been it is hard
to say, had not Monte Joe the gambler just then
come to the rescue with:

“Gentlemen, fair play say I, and the Saddle
King shall have it, for he won his game square-
ly and shall have the stakes.

l“ 'Iéexans, who of you are with me in my little

a
p onte Joe was well known all along the bor-
der as a man of iron nerve, liberal to a fault and
One who hit what he aimed at.

He stepped to the side of Buck Taylor as he
uttered the words, and faced the angry ele-
ment that pressing the Saddle King to set Tiger
Tom free.

His eyes met those of Mustang Dan, the man
who had assumed the leadership of the rescuers
and the latter said, as he saw that the crowd
was with the gambler:

“you hain’t no right‘ur chip in here, Monte

as.

“It is a right I take upon myself, for no

lucky stranger like that one shall be set upon

y a pack of cowardly coyotes who would not
dare to meet him sing e-handed,” was the quick
retort.

“Waal, as yer has chipped in, and insulted
me as well, we’ll 'ist settle it as to whether that
stranger walks 0 with Tiger Tom or not."

“ Is that a challenge for me to fight you?”

“ Ef yer c’u’d understand English yer'dlknow
it were.” ‘

“ I am willin and ready, Mustang Dan, so
genie, your par , and I’ll name mine for the

us .

“ Dead Beat Dick’s my nun, Monte Joe.”
“glad I shall ask the Saddle King to serve
me.

a“ Pardon me, but this quarrel cannot be taken
out of m hands, sir, though I thank you for
your  in ' ing to my aid.

“ My lsoner rode a l" itlve from
and if at man considers h m worth ghtln
for he must, meet me—no one else ” and Buc
Taylor smiled as blandlyaa though he had made
a' very pleasing preposition.

CHAPTER IV.
A r n x a s D U ll: L .

“ Dons yer mean you is ter meet me, stran-
ger?” asked Mustang Dan. with a show of relief,
for he knew what Monte Joe was with a revol-
var, and he did not know how well the saddle
King could shoot.

“ have no desire to meet you or any one else.

I “This man is my prisoner, and I intend to
take him with me, and as that cutleman was so
kind as to come to my aid, do not intend he
shall risk his life to help me out while I look idly
on. so if you wish to settle whether I lose or
hold my man by a duel, all right.”

A chorus of voices shouted out their approba-
tion of this arrangement, and Monte Joe said:

“ You hava the call. pard, so I throw up in
hand; but I’llsee that you have a square dea ,
and no marked cards run in on you.

“ How shall it be!” \

“Let that man decide to cult himself and I
am satisfied,” was Book To ylcr’a ecol response.

“ Well, as I stand for you. and I’ve had some
experience in these little aifairs, you being the
challengcdegarty, I shall decide how the game is

is .
torixiaptth square, partial” and Monte. Joe ap-

i peeled to the now intense interested crowd.

A venom. of yells in t e afllrmative assured
mm and uugmng Dan and his followers needed
no man this to see that they were greatly

in the minorit .
Up to thlaymoment Tiger Tom had beena

 

seemingly interested locker-on only; but now he

he up, and tom! nt:
"’3 Gents, all!” N I
An instant silence followed this appeal. for
"OI-y man present congratulated himself in
having been called a “grant,” whatever t
ht mean. ‘
miglt strikes me thetthh lsatle matter c‘u‘d be
Iaettled more advan ther youn

“gr
yours 1: ly, I beln’ most interested. I
“ Thai no!" shouted a number of volcec, and
thus discouraged, Tiger Tom continued:
“ Now, I’m obliged tor Dead Beat Dick and

 

l Mustang Dan, and ther others fer chippin’ in

ter help me out; but I wants no man ter fight
my fights as long as I are able ter do it, so I
says that cf ther Saddle King kin settle whether
I goes with him, or stays, by fightin’ with Mus-
tang Dan, let ther scrimmage be atweeu me and
him, with knives or revolvers, ashe may please.”

A roar of applause greeted this suggestion of
Tiger Tom, and put him at once again in favor
with the crowd.

But Buck Taylor said:

“ No, I shall not cheat the hangman of his due
by killing you, for to Fort Davis you go with
me, unless Mustang Dan there calls in my
checks.” 1 ,

Tiger Tom looked disappointed, and Mustang
Dan did not beam with smiles at the Saddle
King’s decision, while some one suggested to
leave it to a vote of the crowd.

“ I leave it to no one, if that man backs down
from his challenge, for I seek no trouble,” was
the determined response of Buck Taylor.

“ Gentlemen, the duel must decide it, and my
friend is ready,” called out Monte Joe.

Mustang Dan said something to Dead Beat
Dick, in a low tone, and the latter came over to
where the ambler stood, and said:

“ fur-d, am ready ter arrange ther biz with
er.

“ Back to back, step of! at the word march,
and wheel and fire at the word halt,” was
Monte Joe’s business-like arrangement of the
duel.

“ Does that suit you, Dan?” Dead Beat Dick
asked, with a glance at Buck Taylor, whom he
did not care to be too near.

“It does,” Mustang Dan replied, and some-
thing in the expression on his face caused Monte
Joe to add:

“ And I shall shoot the man dead who wheels
or fires before the word halt!”

An a planse followed this decision, and Monte
Joe cal ed out:

“ And you are satisfied Saddle King?”

“ I could not be more pleased,” was the reply,
and he added: '

“ But I’ll see that you‘ don’t skip while I am
not watching on,” and he sat Tiger Toni down
on a bench w th a force that made his‘tecth
rattle, and with a few dextrous turns of his
lasso. secured him there beyond escape.

" Now, sir, I am at your service,” and he
bowed polite] to Monte Joe, who at once led
him to a posi on in the center of the Ian room.

On either side now the crowd uickly ormed,
leaving the ends Open for the bu lets, should the
shots miss, and a moment after Mustang Dan
walked down to position.

“ Don’t shut of! Tiger Tom’s view, lease,”
called out Buck Taylor, as he noticed that the
followers of Mustang Dan were crowding around
the benchon which he had tied the prisoner.

Many laughed at this, for they saw that the
Saddle Kin ’s desire to give Tiger Tom a chance
to witnesst e duel was that e should not be
gift loose by his friends, and given a chance to

Si) the bench was pulled up in front of the
crowd, while Buck Taylor said pleaflntly:

“ It would be a shame to have the man most
interested shut out from the fun.”

The off-hand manner of the Saddle King some-
what dampened the spirits of Murtang Dan, who
would have liked to have him show some trepi-
dation, and not such utter indifference to {dan-

ger.

“ Back to back, entlemon,” ordered Monte
Joe, and the Saddle ing took position prompt-
ly and Mustang Dan then stepped up and stood
w th his back to him.

“ You know the terms, and you are not to
draw until the word halt!

“The man who plays false I trump with a
bullet in his heart.

“ 'Are you ready!” .

Bpth responded in the afiirmative, and then,
amid the stillness of death that followed, came
the command of Monte Jae, the gambler:

much i”

y stepped ofl promptly together. no one
knowin or t Monte Joe w
“#hcogun  ho manysteps were
on each man had counted
out the i I seven, loud rung
‘i‘Haltl” D.
ustang n was noted an ligh
drawing and firing, and, therein lay hope:
pon had not numb-ts (when the
crack oi the Saddle involve!- was heard,
and his bullet shattered the hand of his adver-
sary,whoheardthecalmlyuttered word-of
Buck Taylor:

“I did not wish to kill you; but

that you wear my brand.”

had in

don’t target

 

. CHAPTER 
a mun in “In.

Tru'r Buck Taylor could shoot as well as he
threw a and rode a horse his shot that
shattered the hand of Mustang Dan gave thor-
ough evidence.

The man was completely cowod i it, and was
silent under the cutting words 0 the Saddle
Kingfivhich gave him h 5 life but left his brand
upon m.

\

   

,331ie15'17a710n the Sasiéle Kiss

 

3

"—fi

 

The act of Buck Taylor in sparing the life of
the man showed that he was merciful, and he
had Wounded him simply to save himself, for all
knew that there was no mercy in Mustang Dan’s
make-up.

“ You are lightning with a. revolver, Pard Toy.
lor, and I congratulate you upon the best shot I
ever saw under the circumstances.

“I am glad to know you, and n hen MonteJoe
offers his hand in friendship, he means all that
he says," and the gambler held forth his hand,
which Buck Taylor shook warmly, while he
said:

“I have to thank you, sir, for my life per-
haps, for those fellows intended to corner me
and rescue Tiger Tom. ,

“You have, indeed, stood my friend, and I
appreciate it."

" What will you do n0w l”

“ Get my prisoner to a room in the hotel, and
then leave for the fort.”

“ You really believe him to be the deserter
you spoke of?”

“I know it, sir,” and Buck Taylor glanced
1(guickly around to see that no one overheard

ill]. 0

“ I have been on his track for three months.”

“ A h! then he is as good as hanged.”

“About that, sir; but now let me thank you
again, and say good-night, with the hope that
We may meet again.”

“ I ess We will; but I will accompany you to
the hotel, for it is better.”

“I thank you,” and going up to Tiger Tom,
Who was still bound by the lariat to the bench,
and sat with morese mien and savage count-
nance, the Saddle King said:

“Now, Trescott, we will seek rest, for we
start early in the morning."

“ I told you that my name is not Trescott.”

“Never mind, you remind me so much of
Trescott that I can not help calling you by that
name.

“ I am ready now.”

“ You near y killed my pard, Mustang Dan,
for he’ll lose his arm.”

“He is in great lui‘k not to lose his life,” was
the quiet res use, and having unbound his pris-
oner,’Bnck aylor turned to the crowd, who
were watching him, many of them with admira—
tion and a liking for his nerve and skill, and
raising his sombrero, he said. leasantly:

“ I bid you good—night, gen emen.”

“Good-night, Saddle King,” came in a roar
of voices, while one said:

“ Luck to you.”

Then a voice called out:

“Come in. when you want more of the
same kind, or there are lots of Tiger Tom’s
style floating around Trail Crossing."

Out of the door went Buck Taylor and his
prisoner, Monte Joe having previously slipped
out to await his coming.

As he did so Dead Beat Dick and his followers
crowded toward the door. .

It was proof that they meant mischief, to try
conclusions outside, and secure the prisoner, as
there were full a score of them.

But the better element present at once saw
thriir intention, the landlord of the place shouting
on :
“lions of that dirt shall be played on that

man.

Then the crowd surged toward the door and
Dead Beat Dick and his followers fell back
sullenly, and soon after dropped out .of the
saloon one by one. for Mustang Dan accompa-
nied by two pards had already departed in
search of the doctor, for the‘bullet from the
Saddle King‘s revolver had done ugly work,

wreaking the bone below the wrist.

The hotel was a shanty, only deserving the
name through the fact that “lodgings and
meals" were to he had there, such as they were.

Buck Taylor alreadyde tat up there upon
his arrival. his horse in; n in theat- le
and receiving a room with two cots in it hewent
there with his prisoner, accompanied by Monte

or. , ,
Having seen his new—found friend to his nar-
ters the gambler tin-nod toga, when Tiger om

growled: ,
.“I‘ll remember you for this night's work,
late Joe."
:Allrlght. Torn, dentist t  ‘
You  s strangers hand tr»

Ila» Is’ln .

‘ It g to about me at cards, lying in wait
toklllandrobmeis ip,thenyonarenry
(fiend, for I had always you,

Tom, but now I am sure that mymspiciou ‘5:

a correct one.

- “TheSaddla King has got you now, and if
‘do man to escape the gallows and cos-o ~
k here. I will warn you now that it is to "be

war between us.

“ And, Pard Taylor, let me warn on that
you had better be on your guard nnll you it"
well out of Trail Crossing with our prim. for
Dead Beat Dick has a bad fol owing, and they
era getthfafherou's assuakes.” in: n t J

n you or your w . on e 09,
and shall be cautious.” - "I.

With this the two parted with a shake of the
hand, and then Buck Taylor bound his prisoner
tothecothe wastosleep in, thonghnotsoasto

.. w. - --__ .. .M- mm...“ -7 . “Mam-~Wwwuysm“ Liv)». . .

 

  
   
    
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
   
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
        
    
    
  

 

   
  
 

. 4 ‘

god, that quic

*' the side of Ti

~ slippery

'li, -

Buck mm; the “son.  

 

 

Y

make him uncomfortable, and also turned in
himself for the night.

It was just dawn when he awoke roused his
prisoner, who was either sleeping, or pretending
to be asleep. and then went to the hotel office.

The traps of Tiger Tom were secured, for he
was stopping there, and his horse was in the
stable so thither Buck Taylor went with his
man when he had settled the score of each.

He had noted some ugly-faced men hanging
about, and they too had gone toward the stable,
and as the Saddle King approached, out stepped
Monte Joe and greeted him. ,

“ You see, Pard Taylor, a few of my friends
concluded to set up and see you off, as we dis-
covered others Were goin to do as much for
you,” and with a laugh onte Joe motioned to
the ugly looking gang whom Buck Taylor had
seen hanging about.

“ You are indeed a friend in need, Monte Joe,
and I will not forget you."

“ Well. be careful on your trail, for it’s a long
one you have to travel,” and with this the
gambler and his half~dozen pards waved a fare«
well as the Saddle King rode off with his
prisoner, while those who had intended a rescue
walked sulleuly away.

CHAPTER VI.
TRUSTING A TRAITOR.

THE Saddle King had been content with iron-
ing the prisoner’s hands when he had him at
Trail Crossin , but being of a merciful nature,
as soon as t ey were of! on the trail he had
shown his utter fearlessness of the man and
trust in himself, by taking the handcuif oi! of
one wrist.

He had his weapons and so felt no dread of an
escape.

Onca, when the trail Was a little rough, the
horse of Tiger Tom had lagged back.

He see ed to be a well-trained animaluBuck
Taylor n ticed, minding every word and Sign of
his rider.

“ I shall have to kee a
man,” muttered the Sn dle
without appearing to. . . p

The trail led over a ridge, which when crossed
brought the leader into a narrow chasm where a
horse could not‘ readily turn for full sixty feet.

This chasm, or split in the ridge uck Taylor
had entered, and just as Tiger Tom’s horse
neared it, the knees of his rider ave a pressure
and like a pivot the splendid animal wheeled on
his hind legs and darted away.

Over the ridge Buck Taylor was just in sight,
and following down the winding trail he would
have had to get within fifty feet to secure a shot
at his man.

Then too he would have had to ride out of the
split in the rocks, turn his horse and by the time
be came back to where, the prisoner had started
from, the latter would have all of a hundred
and fifty feet the start, and the winding trail
preventing a shot for a mile or more, it would
all depend upon the speed of the horses whether
the fugitives could come out in the valley out of
range of fire. 'i

All this Tiger Tom had studied as he want
“if

 

lose watch on that
log, and he did so

alo .
Ho knewthe place well, for it was upon his
trail to his ranch, and he determined to make a

, bold dash for freedom.

He had an idea that Buck Ta lor did not wish
to kill him, but cari- him in a ve, so Would not
fire on him if be con (1.

So his horse made the wheel for the liberty of
his rider.

But the Saddle‘ Kin was not caught on lug,
and as quickly as the arse of Tiger Tom 93m

ly had his lariat, taken alny in
hand. been sent flying backward and tho noose
caught the stood at thovory start around the
neck, brinfing him to a halt and choking him to
a standstil .

At the same instant Buck Taylor had leaped
from his saddle and sprung upon the ledge, and
leaving his faithful and well-trained horse to hold
the other animal, behind, with a bound, reached
r Tom who, feeling that his horse
'¥§°°i“i’3’ni“ “$22.th {llmtrig l”

a t a d u , or ' pu ger
cried the Saddle iig. » ‘

Tiger Tom glanced back at his on for and
promptlyoboyod on he had run bill I no
 “%ou’re a quick one with a loriat, Buck 'lhy-
lor, and haln’t slow with a weapon. author,” was

-,  is. ‘ ilooopbicnl remark of the prisoner.

g impatiencan dealingmwith or:
rates as on 1 am
tagg’ht mo what I knzw " w: this”, ‘
QI‘
y'in
:: I aorta oly am.”
inol‘
15338,}; it with ‘ s r 1 ion"
' y ' in turn nck ay
“ savory dog has lil- doy'fiandtbairoos
open the wrists, Iona taken
cumu- way a
silent. when he cubs
qné‘tiw ’

l

Toni
boon

w

 
 

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h’ts 'tsnputthor bracelet

, yer so 

Weber“: fidmmfr'

l

I here a halt was made for rest and dinner, and
I beyond their way led over a ridge to prairie-
land, dotted here and there with clumps of tim-
ber and croSSod by an occasional stream.

Buck Taylor had purposely left the the regular
trail, not curingr to risk an ninbUsh from any of
Tiger Tom’s friends who had gone on ahead to
be in wait for them, starting the night before.

He had seen ii trail he did not like, and so
branched off by a longer way.

As they got well out upon the prairie Buck

. Tn 101‘ came to a sudden hall. ,
is keen eyes had deti-cted some moving object
; in a timber matte to the right.
“ l say, Tiger Tom, we are well up toward the
I Comanche Country and may have to run for it;
' but then you are mounted well and so am I, so
if it comes to a rave we need have no fear.’ .

“if ye see Injuns, Pnrd Taylor, does yer in-
tend ter let me be ironed so as I canlt help my—
self?” '

“ No, if it comes to a close call, Tiger Tom, I
shall set you free and give you your weapons to
help defend yourself.”

“ Waal. you is generous hearted, and I thank

on; but I does feel so awful skittish with them

’ runs on me, I wish yer’d take ‘,em ofl.”

“ Wait a moment," and Buck Taylor’s eyes
were searching the timber mottes ahead.

At last he halted and said:

“ There are Indians in the timber to the right
and left of us and we must dash through.”

“ Why not go back, lard?”

“15;:9081186 there are ndians following on our
trai .

“ Ther mischief there be! then we is done fer?”

“ 0 no not yet; but I will take your irons off,
and i it comes to fight I will give you your
weapons." _
B“Ni,)‘w yer is a gent from ’Wayback, Pard

uck.
The Saddle King at once took the irons off of
his prisoner, and then said:

“Now come, we must ride for our lives, and
run the gantlet between the bands in the timber
yonder.’

Away the two horses bounded, Buck Taylor
leading, the prisoner close behind.

As hey did so a band of half-a-dozan iod-skins
dartei out from each clump of timber to head
them 011’. ands glance behind him shewed the
Saddle King that there was another party of
braves pressing on in pursuit.

Instantly the Saddle King unclung his rifle
and opened fire, as he ran, first on one side, then
the other, his 'soner, as he thought, behind,
follOwing; but iger Tom had turned to the right-
about and was flying back with allspeed directly
toward the pursuing Indians.

CHAPTER YVII.
THE SADDLE KING’S DISCOVERY.

BUCK TAYLOR. had a repeating-rifle, and he
knew Well how to use it.

His splendid horsemanship had won for him
the title of the Saddle King of Texas, a State
which has the best riders in the world, for they
ride with grace as well as skill, when many
riders who can stick on well. and ride hard and
roughly, look awkward in the saddle, the Eng-
lish, German and French, for instance.

But Buck Taylor had won l‘llP. after prize for
his horsemanshi , and was arin to reckless-
ness, as well as skillful in the add 9.

Feeling assured that Tiger Tom, knowin that
he need expect no mercy from the Comanc es if
captured, would know that his presentrafety
lay in sticking claso to him and running the
gantlet between tho bands coining from the
clumps of timber, the Saddle King momentarily
dismissed the prisoner. from his mind, and de-
voted his attention to the redakins.

Ho fired as well from the saddle as from on
foot, was not the man to throw awayashot,‘ and
soudtellberawly and with deadly aim opened upon
h oes.

One shot to the band on the,“ "WWW
one on the rl h then a coup“ ‘0 "’0 1°“ and

 

one on the ’ t weren first; thfil: coolneu and
Neill ,six tsina.an a mgnnge.
p Thenmtlho Saddlc King brought his ride down

i fire.
enact 0' h lalto horse on the loft and
tin down and trip others

to note the
He had spotted a w
b“ tr“ “3.31:3
in as e ,
“fig been successful, for the white horse
had gone down with his rider, and two man close
upon his heels bad taken-a tumble over him.
On. thorigbt two shots had not been thrown
away, long al'lnl the run .for shone had
fallen and. rider had been acted out of his

die. . '
“lino: no boil, thht, Tiger Tom; but at closer
I will do better.
“ hon we getfnst between the bands, ride up
to my side and will give you ysur weapon to
takocarooftbo _ontholeft. ‘

80 said the die King.

But no answer came, and then hi:de
no fall of hoof-close behind him.

Quickly lie wheeled in his saddle to behold
bio prisoner two hundred yards ".0? flying like
the wind Ml“ 90 “10 hand 1mm",I in
pursuit. and waving glib sombrero

 

 
 

vo. . _ Fr
milled (lop into availey beyoth ind ,

“no, .. l

, o 3"“; m... proved traitor.

 

wildlyuhor

“ I was a fool to trust him. '

“ It is taking big chances on my own escape,
but I will risk a shot at him.”

So saying the Saddle‘King wheeled, brought.
gis horse to a belt and quickly leveling his rifle

red.

A shout of triumph broke from his lips as he
saw the horse of the prisoner go down, and his
rider in” heavily.

But at once he said:

“ Poor horse! 1 hit you instead of your rider.

“ Now to see if it is not poor Buck Taylor.”

Again he wheolui in his flight, throwing cart-
ridges into his rifle as he went along at terrific
speed, for his splendid TaCl'I‘ vies now urged by
the spurs to do his very best. ,

Buck Taylor realized that he had a desperate
gantlet to run, rendered more so by his stopping
for his shot at Ti or Tom.

But he nerved imself to his task and went
along With his eyes roving from side to side, as
he counted his 0 ances of escape. ,

Then, as he got within closer range his rifle
slowly went up to his right shoulder, for he
meant to be deliberate.

A scattering of the band was at onc0 seen, but
he pumped out several shots, and again his
wild cry rung out over the prairies.

Then up to his left shoulder went his rifle, for
he fired from either shoulder, a feat few men
can accomplish, and once again his warocry was
heard.

Another moment as to his amazement the
two ban Blackened their pace, he shot through
the gant et. ‘ .

A volley of firearms greeted him, one shot
cutting through his sombrero, another striking
his saddle—horn and a third wounding his horse
slightly in the neck.

‘ ut he was merciful, and as the Indians did
not follow he did not fire again.

He was not a man to take life wantonly.

So he sWe t on out of their range and halted.

Dismount ng, to give his horse a breathin
spell at the stream, he took his handkerchle ,
bathed the slight wound in the animal’s neck
and bound it up.

Then he looked back over the prairie with the
ex ression of one who was surprised.

here were the three hand of lndians, gathered
near the spot where he had last fired, and they
were all in a group and in their midst was Tiger
Tom, on foot.

Four horses lay dead upon the prairie, and
two red-skins, while a third was lying near the
group with several bending over him as though .

e was badly wounded. . ‘ r

This si ht seemedIto interest the Saddle Kin
immense y, and tak ng from his‘u‘addle a cum
field glass be adjusted thoi focus‘ and turned
it upon the red-skins, who were about a score in
number.

“ Indians! Comanchesl” he said in a decided

way. -

At last, after another long look he, continued
in ii tone of derismn: .

“ Indians! Comanches! and mounted upon
American horses, not lndian ponies,

“Indians with no bows and arrows, Comanches
without lnnces, and With no rifles only revol» -
vers.

“A strange lot of Indians they are, for
the face of. may one of, them would wash
white.

“But they served their purpose, which was to
rescue Ti er Tom.

“ Yes, and Boat Dick and yo&r Fords. out
have accomplished yourpurpooo, , a, lace _ in
—-ahi binding Tiger Tom to a bonnie still carry
out our cheat, are you. and fuchsia! .  '

“ ell, I smnotm easily fooled no you think;
but I shall allow on to think no," and with a
light laugh Buck aylor mounted his horse and
rode awn , from the shelter of the wilIOWS on the”
banks of little stream. ‘

“I only wish I had known you were not Co-
munches sooner,.and that you had no rifles for
I would have thinned out the population of 'I‘mil
Crossing all in my power, but I was too busy, 
to take particular notice until after its 06“
through; old pard." and hepatted Mahatma; f‘

Then he broke out into a laugh  

tinned: g n ‘
2: NM” W88 I not cleverly trickedof‘torallf ,
What will Monte Joe have.” “and the ,
men at Trail Crouing, whenggonto Joe goes

back there? .  
“ He’ll tell them “stiflm‘grgen that he '
this trail of Toni;
n

we‘lfin’otnthle‘man I t m. “g
e RV. so ‘
Treasott,'and I M ' 0 0‘ it' ‘
“ Now to I {affix- g‘éiriiiiillanch and see
boar {3:122 gang; groi- held on until he was
, band upon thematic.
M where had  l 1'

night‘s"
‘ " 'bo drew rel nd  
uB“”Ww-'r’ut“.sw ibis at...»  r
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Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. 5

 

 

He had evidently changed his mind about
going to Tiger Tom’s ranch and was bent upon
some other mission.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
THE PROOF.

WHEN he had had his breakfast and started
. upon the back trail, Buck Taylor rode with
caution.

He had been reared upon the plains and had
learned to trail from earliest boyhood, and to
shoot, ride and throw a lasso also.

For months a ho captiVe among the Coman-
Chcs he had learner much from them, so much
in fact that he had managed to make his escape
from them and bring with him a little girl of
seven who was also their prisoner.

Thus by the rou hest experience he had learn-
ed frontier wild ii 9 as he grew to manhood.

And when he towered above six feet by several
inches, possessed the strength of a giant, and
was as active as a panther he became a man to
hold his Own against odds which few would
dare to risk.

So, as he rode along he was cautious not to
run upon any ambush that might be set for
him.

He was sure that the party who had rescued
Tiger Tom from him were convinced that he be
lieved them Indians, yet they might lie in wait
for him in case he should return, and he avoided
every clum of timber, and rise that he could,
dreadinga urking foe there.

But he found none and went on his way back
to where he had last seen the rescuers.

“ As I thought,” he muttered as he drew near
the 3 0t and beheld the numerous tracks.

“ es, shod hoofs tell the story alone that they
were not Indians."

Coming to where the three bands had met, he
saw red stains upon the ground, and then the
tracks all led in one direction, of! toward the
range of hills far away to the right.

He followed the trail slowly, for he did not
wish to be too close upon the party.

“They are a dozen or so t0) many for me,”
he said, with a significant laugh.

At last the hills loomed up ahead, and he
made a circuitous move not to follow the trail
directly into them, for he did not know what he
might find there.

He preferred to cross the trail up among the
hills. ‘

But he found no trail to cross, and therefore
went down the range again until he could ,dis-
cover it.

It had evidently not crossed the range, but
branched off to the right.

The Saddle King appeared to understand just
why, for he went along quietly and soon saw
where the trail turned, and from his ition he
could see that it again went over t ‘e prairie,
but diverged from the one by which the party
had come to the hills.

Right where the trail turned the party .had
halted and camped for the night.

And right there Buck Taylor dismounted,
staked out his horse, and began work.

Over under a pine on_ the hillside, and upon
the wavy bank of a rivulet, he beheld three
graves.

They had been freshly made, and across them
had been piled timber to keep the wolves from
digging up the dead.

” One will tell the story, though I hardly need
any better proof,” he said aloud.

“It is a bad business this, opening a grave,
but then I suppose I should do so to make a cer-
tainty doubly sure.”

With this he removed the logs from one of
the graves and began to threw out the loose
earth with his large stirrup, which he took from
the saddle for the purpose.

It was a tedious tas , and not a pleasant one,
when he recalled that his own hand had taken
the life of the man in the grave.

Those who had buried him there had not
slighted their work, for the grave was a deep
one, and the others slain had been placed in
se arate resting-pines.

. 0 Buck Taylor dug on until at last he felt his
hand touch a body.

It was enveloped in a blanket, bound around
with a lariat. .

Whatever those who had placed him there
might be, they had at least shown respect to the
dead, be his life ever so criminal.

Unwrapping the lariat and unfolding the
blanket, Buck Taylor beheld the body before
ill".

The hands had been respectfully crossed, and
the face washed of its red paint, for it was a

white man.

“I remember him—he Was one of Dead Beat
Dick’s band at the saloon the night before

lust.

“ He played Injun once too often, and if Tiger
Tom got free, it cost three lives to rescue him.

“Well, I have nothing against him now, poor
fellow, so I will bury him again as I found im,
though I doubt if he would do as much for
mu.

“ How quickly death changes one’s enmity
t0ward a man.

“Now, hilYP, I would kill this poor felloiv, as

 

he would me; but dead! well, that alters ,the
case, and I—respect him.”

So moralizing, the Saddle King began to en—
fold the body in the blanket again, when he
sto ped suddenly.

is eyes became riveted upon the palm of the
left hand of the corpse.

There, pricked in most skillfully, was a star of
five points, the Texas star, in blue India ink,
while in the center was a tiger, stripes and all,
done by a master hand.

Nor was this all, for in the five points of the
star were the letters:

T. I. G. E. R.

Around the base of the points near the letter-
ing, in a Circle, the words:
“ Texas.”

“Well!” and the word broke very forcibly
from the lips of the Saddle King.

“ The five point star of Texas; then the tiger,
and the lettering! All reads as plain as the
nose on a Jew’s face!

“ ‘Tiger of Texas,’ and more' it means that
this man is one of a band, orI am mistaken.
But, I am in no hurry, so I’ll see if the others
are branded as this one is. If so, the live ones
who wear the brand are my cattle, for it implies
a rent deal.”

e did not then bury the body he had ex-
humed, but went to work throwing the timber
off the other graves.

The two occupants were enveloped in a
blanket each, and wrapped by a lanat, as the
other had been.

They were white men, also, giving proof posi-
tive to the Saddle King that the whole rescuing
party were pale-faces, and not Comanches, as
they had wished him to believe.

 

CHAPTER IX.
nu: sauna!) HANDS.

THE Saddle King worked with a will, like one
who expected big results when his task was ac-
complished.

But, it was no easy work to dig the earth from
the three graves, as he had to do, for the men
who buried the dead had put it in solidly.

His task was completed at last, and he had
the other two bodies unwra ped before him.

Then he took up the right {and of one.

An attempt had been made to wash it, as a
preparation for burial; but it was unsuccessful
in eradicating the marks, if that was the object,
for the dirt was of long standing and the man
had been a stranger to soap for many a long
week, if appearances spoke for an thing.

Then Buck Taylor took up the eft hand, and
then, through the vista of dirt, was seen the
blue star, the tiger and the lettering.

The face, too, the Saddle King remembered to
have seen at the saloon two night before. and

among those had been Mustang Dan’s backers.

“Now for number three,” mused Buck Tay-
lor, as he turned the dead body.

One touch of the hand, which was small, deli-
cate and clean, the nails being neatly cared for,
and the face of the Saddle King blanched white,
while from his lips broke the startling words:

“ Great God! he lives! This man has been
buried alive!”

Instantly he dropped his head upon the breast
of the man and listened with his ear pressed
close to his heart.

“ It beats faintly! The man is alive!

“ Now to see where he is wounded i”

There was a wound in the head, the bullet
having entered at one side.

Downto the brook sprung the Saddle King,
filling his sombrero with water, and quickly he
bathed the wound and the face.

Then he rubbed the pulseleSs hands and limbs,
and Poured from a small flask he carried, and
from which no drink had been taken, some
liquor into the mouth, and bathed his face with
it as well.

It was a long task, but at last respiration be-
gan, at first _iii gasps, then 510le, and with
more regularity, until the warm blood began to
course through the Veins and life came swing-
ing back into the body which had been, some
hours before, placed in the grave as dead.

Raising in is arms the form, as tenderlv as
though he had been an infant, the Saddle King
bore it away from the sight of the other bodies
and placed it upon his own blanket.

He was all tenderness, now, this strong, nervy
man who held no fear and would kill a foe with-

out nieisiy.

He h a big heart and it was in the right
place!

He was revealing now that human nature gov-
erned him by his treatment of this enemy who
had sought his life in his strength, and now in
his weaknem appealed to his mercy.
aulsteharrangltid the; ]blankets for himhgave him

er swa ow o uor and sat 'l ' '
hands for full an houg. ’ c “plug hm

At last the eyes opened slowly and looked
squarely up into the skies.

{suck Taylor spoke in a low, gentle voice:

f ‘Y’on are all right now, pard, so have no
ear. '

The eyesclosed again, and it seemed an age
before they were reopened: but at last the lids

 

parted and the eyes were fixed upon the face of
the Saddle King.

“ ,Well, pard, you are better, I am glad to
see.’

There was no start of surprise, no recognition,
no reply, but the eyes looked steadily into those
of the Saddle King, who again spoke:

“ YOu got a Wound in your head, but I have
not examined it closely. May I dose now?"

Still no reply, and taking silence as consent
Buck Taylor turned the head upon one side an
critically examined the wound.

The bullet had torn along the side of the skull,
just over and beyond the left ear, fracturing the
bone, but not penetrating to the brain.

“ I don’t think it isso bad as I first believed.
I will do all I can for on, pard, and then take
you to where you will cared for,” and, as the
Saddle King spoke, he went to his saddle and
took from the pocket several handkerchiefs
along With a bottle of witch hazel, and saturat-
ing the cloths, bound them firmly upon the
wound.

“We cowboys have to be our own doctors
you know, pard, so I go prepared for shots and
bruises.

“Now take a nap while I get ready for the
trail, for it’s forty ong miles to where I shall
take you: but there you’ll find a doctor, and
good quarters, so cheer up.”

Still no reply, no sign of recognition; so the
Saddle King went back up the hill to the graves,
bound u the remaining ody in its blanket, as
he had t e others, and placed each in its grave.

Then he worked hard and rapidly, filled in
the graves, replaced the timbers upon them,
over the empty one as over the others that held
bodies, and going to his horse, saddled and
bridled him.

The blanket taken from about the man who
had been buried alive, he took, as also the lariat,
and adjusting his stirrups, once more he led the
horse up to where the wounded man lay.

His eyes were open, and roving about in a list-
less way. '

“ Come, pard, we will take the trail now.
Let me help you.”

He aided the man to rise, and yet no word
came from him.

Then seeing how weak he was, Ta lor raised
him bodily and placed him in his sa dle, wrap-
ping his blankets about him asa support, and
fastening them with the lariat.

“ New we are xeady, pard,” he said in his
kindly way, taking his hand to place the rein in

It.

As he did so, a quick glance at the palm of his
left hand showed him that the hand of the Star
and Tiger Was there also!

CHAPTER X.
THE COWBOY SAMABITAN.

DOWN the trail went the Saddle King on foot,
his horse following with the wounded man,
silentas a Sphinx, and seeming yet not to be in
suffering.

Reaching the valley at the base of the foot-
hills, Buck Tavlor skirted the-range, keeping up
his steady walk for a couple of hours, his horse
following patiently.

SeVei-a! times had Buck Taylor spoken to the
“blinded man, but each time he had received no
re i y.

t did not anger him, for something told him
that the blow he had received was a severe one,
and that it might have dazed him utterly.

Still he was determined to keep his eye upon
him, for the man might be playing a part, and
only watching a chance to escape.

urning to look at him from time to time he
met that same stony stare which looked at him
yet appeared not to see him.

At length be halted for rest and food, and
again spread his blankets for his wounded
prisoner, if he could regard him in that light.

He placed the form upon them, bathed his
head and saturated the cloth once more with
witch hazel after which he bound the wound
up as before.

Then he built a fire and cooked dinner.

The wounded man was given the best the cow-
boy had, but cared for nothing except a cup of
coffee which he drank ravenously.

Once more then the Saddle King started upon
his journey, for he was anxious to get the man
under the care of a skilled physician as soon as
was possible to do so, and having to walk the
distance himself he knew that it would take him
all ni ht to make the journey.

He ad regarded the wounded man attentively
as he lay upon the blankets.

What he saw was a young man, scarcely over
twenty he seemed, with a face cast in a refined
and handsome mold.

His hair was black and hungin curls below his
shoulders about his neck.

His form was slender, graceful and wiry, and
clad in a suit of corduroy, sack coat, and the
pants stuck in boots the tops of which came
above the knees.

His eyes were large. but now almost expres-
sionless, and under different circumstances the
Saddle King would have called him a very
handsome young man.

It seemed that he had met him before, but
though he had recalled the two behind with him

 

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as having been seen by him at the gambling
saloon at Trail Crossing, he did not remember

the face of the one who was now so utterly help-
lesza in his hands. '

The feet and hands of the young man were
small and 'shapely, and he wore about his neck
a. silk handkerchief, and his coat buttoned closcl y
u .

pHis weapons were gone, and he had evidently
been hastily Wrapped in his blanket and buried,
his comrades taking only his mum.

Such was the individual now thrown upon the
mercy of the Saddle King in so strange a. man-
ner, and the one who was now as gentle to him
as he would have been to a woman, muttered as
he trudged along:

“ It was a sad day for you, my young pard,
when you, left the shelter of your home and came
West.

“ \Veii, I only liOpo you will get well, and
maybe I can convince you that you and i ought
to be pards, not you and those cut-throats that
folloiv Tiger Tom’s lead.

“ And’ that reminds me that I am fully con
Kincaid that Tiger Tom is the leader of an outlaw

and.

“ Veil, it will be pleasant duty to find out, for
as I hch set out on Tiger Tom’s trailz I’ll see the
end of it.”

Just at dark another halt was made, and the
wounded man was given an hour’s rest, while

’ his wound was again dressed most tenderly.

Still not a word did he utter, no reply would
in make to any question, only the deathli’ke
stare which he-had had since the Saddle King
had first seen him open his eyes.

“ I only hope you are not playing a part, pard,
for] would hate to have to wing you, as per‘
haps you may reform from your evil ways.

“ But I warn you that I will stand no monkey-
business if you go to skip away frein me in the
darkness.”

But if the man heard and understood, he
played his part to perfection, for not an expres-
aion on his face revealed the fact that he was
conscious of the threat made by the Saddle

in .

Thus on through the night, with several halts,

the Saddle King made his way.

At each halting-place he had moistened the
wound, given the man a rest of some little time,
anili done all in his power to make him comfort-
ab 9. '

Twice he had made coffee for him, and each
time it had been swallowed with the greatest
relish, though food he would not take.

The last part of the way lay over prairie lands,
and as the dawn drew near, afar of! was visible
a twinkling light.

, “ Yonder is where we halt, pard, where you

lee that light,” said Buck Taylor.

But still no reply from the wounded man.

The dawn came and revealed a beautiful roll-
V lug prairie fer miles around, which was broken
a couple of miles ahead by a slight ridge, heavily
timbered, and along the base of which ran One
of those crystal streams which so often break
the landscape of Texas scenery.

Upon the ridge some daring other had pitched
his tent, or in other words had established his
home.

It wasa commodious structure of logs, con-
taining half a score of rooms and completely sur-
rounded bv a. shed, which served as a piazz i.

It was enced in, with a garden in the rear,
extensive outbuildings, some cornfield: over on
the slope, and prairie pasture lands for miles
around and whereou many cattle WH‘O grazing,

with alsoalarge herd of ponies anilafleck of '

sheep.

It was a perfect border home, luxurious for
that far land, and its owner had dared settle
, down where at any moment a band of Coman-

ches might make a dash upon him, or what was
equally to be dreaded, lawless raiders from

' . across the Rio Grande might be tempted to loot

his hacienda.

" There you will be welcome, pard, I will
reach for it,” said the Sad Is King as he waved
his hat to a party of cow 1 who were coming
to meet him. -

 

CHAPSER XI.
somnnas RETREAT amen.

SOLDIERS Rnranu RANCH was one of the
finest iind most hospitable homes‘on the Texas
frontier.

“ Captain ” Ned Hassan, as he was more vener-
nl called, had been asurgeou in the United
8t Army, stationed at a fort on the Rio
Grande, and had been with his troop cf cavalry
, ‘when they had rescued from an outlaw band a
beautiful Mexican girl captured and held for

ransom. , -

It was Sur eon Hannah’s pleasin duty to es.
oort Marion nglls toher father’s, cine across
the Rio Grande, and the friendship thus begun
ended in her becoming Mrs. Hassan in less than
‘n year after. ‘

As her father had left her a oodly number of
cattle, and Bur 8011 Hanson diri‘ not care tomnke

‘ a Mexican of b mself, then h be had been most
willilin to havgdat fol;- Dtlhex can tug; Amgll'iicngi,
,r be a resign ron sunny 3
' for himself a home in Texas. 6“ .P

\.

 

It was upon the very spot where the rescue of
Marion Inglis had taken place, and he had at
that time remarked if ever he had a much, that
would be where he would pitch his tent.

A number of cavalry whose term of'eniist-
meiit had expired, were easil persuaded to turn
from the blue to the buckskin, the sword to the
lariut, and become cowboys at “Soldier’s Ite-
trcat," as the doctor had named his ranch.

And new Lad Ned Hassan made his home with
his beautiful Wile, ball a dozen peon servants
who had followed their loved young mistress
from the Mexican hacienda toTexas, and a score
of gallant ex-cavalrymen metamorphosed into
Tcxan Cowboys.

Thc dnngnr of the site of Soldier’s Retreat
ruined the surgeon to organize his men into ran-
gers, for protection, and the cowboys of several
other ranches, distant far from Soldier’s Re-
treat, joined the band, winch at once became
known as (,‘aptain Hassan’s Minutemen.

A gallant lot they were, 1900, as they had
shown in a 'number of hot tights Wit CO-
nmnches and lawless invaders of Texan soil
from Mexico.

A perfect soldier, a genial gentleman and hos-
pitable host. Captain Hassan was knowu and
rrspected far and wide, and never did he fail to
ansWer a call for his Services as a physician, no
matter what the hardship of his going would be.

A child, a little daughter, had been born to
them after the captain and his wife moved to
Soldier’s Retreat.

l

The little Belle was at once taken in charge by _

her father, to make a “ prairie girl” out of her,
as he expre~sed it.

His training outdoors, with her mother’s train-
ing within, promised to make an accomplished
lady as Well as a heroine out of the little daugh-
ter

But a chance for her to become a heroine came
sooner than her devoted parents could wish, for
one lllziit, in the absence of Captain hassan,
with his “Minute-men in Buckskin,” after Co-
manches, a struggling band on the retreat swept
by Soldier’s Retreat, and wholesale destruction
and death would have been the result, but for a
dash of gallant settlers who charged in upon the
Indians, and put them to flight.

While some of the party pressed the Coman-
ches the others remained to put out the burning
house and care for Mrs. Hassan who had been
pro~trated by the shock, for several of the ser-
vants had been slain before her eyes.

When at last Marion Hassan returned to con‘
sciousness her first call was for her child, her
beautiful daughter then in her eighth year.

No one had seen her, and soon the terrible
truth was forced upon the mother that little
Belle had been either killed or captured by the
red-skins.

The fire had been put out, the house had
been saved, and it was follin that the ludians
had been driven off before much damage had
been done, other than the death of several of the
servmts and the capture of little Belle.

But what was the loss of .wealth in compari-
son to the loss of her child, said the poor mother,
and she urged the band of settlers to push on
in hot pursuit, and couriers to be sent in search
of her husband. ,

The gallant men dashed away in the dark-
ness, and when dawn came they were seen rs-
turning, slowly and laden down with their dead
and wounded comrades.

The Comanclies had met another band, and
ambushlng their rlsnners had made them pay
dearly for their to lowing them.

Nor was this all, for they had discovered that
little Belle was a captivo, a prisoner left for dead
by the'i red-skins had told them this, and more,
the one boy in their party, Buck Taylor the
Emmi] Rider,” had also been captured, perhaps

“IV

Then in his fifteenth year, Buck Ta lot was
also known as a Boy Ran er, and ne er could
a band go off on a wild c use or Indian hunt,
that he was not along, so it was a bitter blow
to the settler band to feel that they had lost
their young pard. ‘ ,

Back to his desolate home came Captain Has-
son and his rangers, and at once started upon
the trail of the retreating Comaiiches.

He was reinforCed by a number or settlers and
oowlibys from other ranches, and they pressed
on ciur into the Indian country in their pursuit,
but wore beaten back by an overwhelming force
of Co ‘ ches, while a wounde warrior whom
they tx prisoner told the father that all the
captives-find been drowned while crow-ting the
river, ’ h was swollen bv a freshct, and
among ti!“ little Belle and Wild Rider Buck.

"it is better so,” moaned Captain Hassan,
and the retreat was begun to the ranch, nnce‘so
happy a home, but over which now a deep
shadow had fallen.

And mourning their daughter as dead. what
was the jug of the parents to we ride up one
day a out on horseback, accompanied by lit.
lie Bel e Human, the two dressed in lndian fogs.

Thegouth whs Buck aylor, and the daring
lad he not only made b escape from the Co-
manches, but brought Belle with him.

Was it a wonder that ever after Buck Taylor
walla welcome guest at Soldier‘s Retreat, and
that though long-years had passed since then he

.  '

 

 

knew that the wounded man, outlaw though he
was, whom he carried there, would be most ten-
derly cared for by Captain Hassan and his
family?

 

CHAPTER Xil.
BUCK TAYLOR'S mssxos.

Tm: cowboys greeted Buck Taylor. as he
came acros< the prairie with a cheer of welcome,
for all knew what his Courage was, and ac-
knowledge d his superior skill as a. prairicman.

“ What have you there, Saddle King?” asked
one, as he saw his greeting to the woundgd‘uian
was not returned.

“ A poor fellow who has been wounded, and I
am hastening on to havo the captain try his
surgical skill upon him, so paidon me if I push
ahead,” responded Buck.

So on he Went while the cowboys rcturned to
their duties, discussing the coming of the Saddle
King and convinced that he ctiulil tell them
much more about the silent stranger if he had
cared to do so.

Upon his piazza sat Captain Hassun, awaiting
the coming of his Wife and daughter to go in to
breakfast.

He was a handsome man of soldierly form,
bearded face and with a bright cye that looked
straight into your 0“ ii, as only an honest man’s
can do.

He spied Buck Taylor afar ofl', took a. glass
from a bracket and turning it upon him said in a
tone of pleasure.

“ It is tit- Saddle King and on foot! And he
has a comrade with him who rides his horse.

“ They come slowly for men whom a good
breakfast awaits, but his friend must be wound-
ed i'rom the way they come.”

Tilt!) seeing the cowboys gallop toward him -
he said With more impatience:

“The boys will detain him I fear, for they
must know all that he can tcii.

“ No, he comes on with only a short delay.”

Stepping inside of the hall he called out:

“Marion! Belle! there is an old friend com-
ing aCl’Ot-S the prairie, so be ready to welcome

im.

" And, he has a Bard with him too,” be added
as he returned to t e piazza.

Across the stream came Buck and his wound-
ed companion, up the rise to the gate, which a
peon‘ threw oien for him, and subs reached
the rack where horses were hitched, Captain
Hassan met him.

" Buck, I am most glad to see you, for
have given us the gc-l-y for several months,’

“ And I am glad to get here Captain Hassan,
for l have‘hoofcd it since nOon ycsterda , COlII‘
ing from up in the Blue Range country. ‘

“ You look haggard and tired, but I’ll soon
freshen you llp—(hl your comrade appears to
be wounded.”

“He is, air, and I brought him here to you,
thinking you would care for him.”

“ With all my heart, Buck!

“ Come, my friend, you are welcome here, and
I will soon bring you round all right.”

The captain caught Buck's significant look, as
the latter said: .

“ I thought you would give him the little
room off your little office there in the yard, and
hem'ill need son 9 one to care for him, sirI’

“ Old Lulu, my wife's old peon’s nurse, is the
best one in the w orld.

“ Come, we will go to the cabin at once.”

Tendei'ly Buck took the wounded man from
his saddle and half~carried him to the little
cabin of two rooms, which stood apart from the
niuinlhouoe. and was knew n as the " (“.pce.” ‘

Captain Human at once sent for Luln‘the peon
nurse, and the stranger wasooon laced upon a
bed and a dose of medicine admin sit-red.

l “ I will look at our wound present] , sir,” he
said, as he left b m in the care of ulu, who
seemed to know just what to do.

But the stranger vouchsafed no reply, and as:
the captain and Buck left the cabin together the
latter said:

“ What do you think of him, sir?”

“ Mad as a March hare.”

“You think so, sir?"

” Did you not notice his eyes?” _ - ~.

“ Yes. captain, but might be not be playing
possum i”

“ Not be, that man is mad.”

“ \l’cil, sir, so 1 fcavcd; but I
have your epinio without hav
anything about bi .” '

“The wound has made him '0; Tflyk‘l‘. and
when i look at itlcan tell just what his i-liancia.
are,

“ He has fever coming on, and the wound may
befatal." ' ‘ 3 ,

“The bullet did not enter his head, sir, huh
gluncmi on the skull. fracturi. g 1t,” '

“ Well, I shall soon _ knOW, tor I gave "mm
something tbut pm mm to sleep, and after
breakfast M ill sec in him. i

“ But whr, ybi t him?"

” I did, «ti-3’

“ You, Buck?” I

" Yes, sir." ’ ' ,

“ The mystery deepens: out come, I will show
you to your room, and while on freshen up I
will hear what you have to i, if you care to
have me know.”

0i]

ctwlsbed to
lug told you

 

       

 

m. >

. of no mean pretensionsl

~',.A,, , 1‘;
,f '

z

" Oh, yes, sir, I wish you to know all, and I '

need your advice, for if that man was conscious
of where I took him from I do not wonder that

., he is mad.”

“ You interest me, Back; but here is your
room, and you can freshen up with cold water,
for I know that I cannot tempt you with a mint
jule as you never drink.”

“. 0, thank you, prairie air and water are
tonic enough for me, though I do feel a little
fagged, and you will not wonder at it when I tell
my story.”

“ I am a good listener, Buck.”

“'ith this hint the Saddle King made known
to Captain Hassan in confidence all that he had
passed through.

“ You see, Captain Haasan,” he said, after the
ranchero had listened attentively to all he had
to tell; “ I volunteered up at the fort to capture
that man Tiger Tom.

“ A wagon train was robbed some time ago
by a man answering his description, though his
followers were Comailches.

“ Then the Saute Fe stage was held up‘ by one
man and its passengers robbed.

“I went to his ranch and found that he was
absent from it at the time of the two robberies
and so I told Colonel Miles that I would see if i
could not capture Tiger Tom and prove the rob-
beries upon him.”

“ A bold undertaking to capture that man
from all I have heard of him, Buck, but have
you given up being cowboy?”

“No, sir, I am chief of cowboys for the Gov-
ernment herd of cattle, only I concluded to do a
little extra work, you see?”

“ Yes, and you have done it; but come to
breakfast now, and afterward we will talk the
matter all over, for your story is indeed a
strange one.”

 

CHAPTER XIII.
HE musr LIVE.

STILL a very lovely woman in form and face
was Mrs. Bassan, and s skins: English with an
accent that was very ascinating, she met the
Saddle King in a way that showed how welcome
he was at Soldier‘s Retreat.

Both her little hands she clasped over his hon-
est one and said:

“It is kind of you to come to as sometimes,
Senor Taylor, to show that we are not forgot-

n.

" Don’t you think you should make your com-
ing here like an 613’ visits?” and as the mother
spoke her eyes immed for she never saw the
brave young Texan that her heart was not

 

touched her memory going back to the rescue of ,
‘ cleansed the wound thoroughly and then said:

the idol of their home, little Belle. as she was
then, by the dari youth who had ventured so
much to save her rorn the Comancbes.

And “ Little Belle?” ’

In the that had passed since shelled
escaped with ck Taylor from themountain
villtfe of the Comanches, she had grown into
mai enhood, and of a. strange weird beauty.

There were her mother's grand eyes, shaded
by longest of lashes, that gave them at times a
dreamy look, and with stronglynnarked brows,
forming a perfect arch.

Her complexion was dark shelving the Mexi-
can bl‘oOdin her veins, but clear and n.th in
hue, while her nese was straight, slender and

an expressive feature of her lovely face.

The mouth was the same as her father’s, a].
m0st reckless in expression, with resolution and
indomitable will power, which would have been
too prominent if not softened by her 101-10“.
eyes, and yet they at times were away by the
look that sometimes rested upon her mouth.

{fer ruby lips, arched as they. were in some
humors, and parted to show her milk-white even
teeth would wear an expression such as an
a lmight envy, and yet there would come a

u ck change. and a close observer could see that

ere was an expression like a. ” danger signal"
sweeping over the month,'and at such times the

oy came into sympathy with it. 1
or form was fanltlem, willowy',  built for
stren th and endurance, and in per t keeping

with or faco'and nature. v

Fearless as an Indian, and riding like one, a
deadly shot with rifle, revolver. bow and arrow,
and t rowing a lasso linerringly, Belle. Hassan
was the admiratio of all the bold spirits who
knew her, and fit under her accomplished
mother’s tuition. I had buyome a . student,
a devoted reader. 8 fair artist. O a musician

‘ her voice being strange-
ly' “ratio and soft in. tstone.

rwomfin to trust with cash honor, one’s life,
was Belle Hassan, true as steel. and yet not one
to drive or attem t to crush or deceive.

Such was the ovely girl of sixteen who went
up to the Saddle King, and grasping his band,
said in her f sweet way:

. “I am so g to .39 you, Brother Buck, and
knowing :how welcome you are at Soldier’s Re-
treat. why do you come so seldom?”

Since they had been “pave. together amen
the Comanches, Belle had always called Buc

‘  brother, while he invariably addressed hem
' . "'GirlPai'd.”

:Bcldier’s Retreat was noted for its beautiful
tablmand in spite of his fatigue, Buck Taylor

, WON his breakfast immensely.

 

But soon after be excused himself to the
ladies and’ accompanied the captain out to the
office, where the wounded man lay as motionless
as they had left him.

“ You fenced Well, Buck, against the thrusts
of my wife and daughter, as to who was your
friend,” said the captain with a laugh.

“I had not studied up a story to tell, for it
never struck me that they would ask, sil', so I
had to reply as best I could.”

“ You Were wise for a prepared story is often
forgotten at the last minute, and one’s Wit had
always best be depended upon to help them out
of scrapes.” ' i

“ it“ «me has wit, sir.”

“ Well, y0u have.”

“ I? Oh, no, mine is horse sense only, sir.”

“Well, your horse sense as you call it, has
saved your life a hundred times.”

“ Aided by my horse,” laughed Buck, but
then he said, seriously:

"And now to that poor fellow, captain.”

“ Do you remember when you shot him 2”

“ Yes, sir. I think he rode a spotted horse, now
I recall his dress, and I aimed at his head,
thou h the range was long.”

“ as he not the wounded one you saw the
outlaws grouped around i”

“I think not, sir, for being wounded in the
head and lying motionless, they supposed him
to be dead and threw him across a horse to carry
off to where they buried him.”

“ But why should such men take such pains to
bury their dead i”

“Superstition alone, sir, for, being criminals,
they are superstitious."

” I believe you are right; but when do you
think he was buried?”

“ Before dawn, sir, and the men hastened
ayva .7,

“ go he was how long in the grave?"

“ About five hours, perhaps not so long.”

All this time the captain was getting out the
surgical instruments he would need, sending for
warm Water and preparing for what might
have to be done in t e way of an operation.

Being ready, he went into the adjoining room,
and the two sat down by the patient.

Takin his pulse and tem rature, the captain
then an ndaged' the bee , cut away the mass
of ourlin hair close to the scalp, so as to expose
the woun fully to view, and then began to probe
tosee 'hist what damage the bullet had done.

Tina‘saddle King watched him with the deep-
est attention, for somehow he had become
strangely interested in this unknown young out-

? law.

. Taking away pieces of the bone the captain

“I believe he will live, Buck, yes, he must
not die, for in him rests the solving of this mysp
tery of the Branded Hand.’ ' - ‘

‘ Ah'i you think as will-”

4‘ He will betray his Comanches to you,” was
the nlflcaut
it not he Saddle

ing to thin ing.

 

CHAPTER XIV. i
as an nsoom'.

Fon several days did Buck Taylor remain at
Soldier’s Retreat on a visit.

he was not only anxious to see what turn
would come inlthe condition of the wounded out-
law, but then he enjoyed greatly the kind hos-
gtality of the host. and h was delighted

be with Belle, either for a dash over the

rairies, practicing at a target or lasso-throw
lighor indoors listening to her sing in her sweet,
pa etlo way. _ ,

But the words of Captain Hamil had set the
Saddle King to thinking.

All he had done far the wounded prisoner,
had been from the oodness of his heart.

He had not thong _ of the future, or what use
the man might be to him.

a y rescued in such a fate as would
have been his, but or the Saddle King, the
young man would the claim of his pre-
server upon- him above all other claims.

He would be willing, Buck thought, to tell all
he knew aboutthe band of which the brand in
his handyas the Texan called it, showed that he
was_a member of.

Tiger ,Tom had been considered a ranchero
upon a small scale, wild and reckless to despera-

tion when on a spreeg yet not one who had been '

guilty of any lawless acts beyond his shooting
Dora under the influence of drink.

0 his antecedents nothing was known, other
than his boast that there waea price on his head
when he got maddened by liquor.

Those who had taken him» at his word, with
one exception,‘had regretted it, and the reader
knows that Buck Taylor was the exception.

He hadsuspected the man of. being a fugitive

in co, and know that a man answer-
ing b a description had ki ed and robbed a pay-
master and deserted from the army, a man by
the name‘cf Tom Troscott, he had jumped at the
conclusion that he had his man when he saw the
“ T. T., Fifth pavalry, U. 8. A.,” in indie. ink
on the ri ht wrist as he held his .revolver above
hlsflieaid efyiugadthe crowd.
v ug start n this trail. Buck To lor
meant to stick tollt.  i ' y

nseof Captain Hanan, and,

,  "Book as... the soon.» King.

 

. g 7

\Vhethel' Tiger Tom had the star and tiger
brand on his hand or not he had not observed.

That he had been most cleverly rescued from
him he did know, and he was sure. thuttllere
must be an organized band, of which Tiger Toill
“as chief, to have so Well planned and executed
the rescue.

The hand, if such existed, was for a purpose
certainly 14m less, and to run them to earth the
Saddle King made up his mind should be his
work.

Holding the position of chief of eclvboys of the
herds of Government cattle, he had a daring,
able lot of men to call to his aid if need he, and
after a long talk with Captain Hassan he said:

“Now my duty is plain, sir, for I shall go to

' the fort, get an indefinite leave from Colonel

Miles. and post my cmrhoys as to what I “ish
them to no.”

“They will he better than soldiers, Buck, in
an affair of this kind,” said Captain Hassan.

“ Yes, so 1 think, sir, and I shall use th in lo
the best advantage; but now I shall go to the
fort. then return by Tiger Tom’s ranch and see
if I can catch him there—”

“ Be carefl l, for if he has a hand, as you sus-
pect,’s0me of them he evidently keeps within
call.’

“ Yes, sir, doubtless; but I shall go prepared
against any treachery.

“If he is not there I shall return to Trail
Crossing and see if he has returned to that
place.”

“ And there, too, you must be careful, for if
he had so many rescuers at short notice, they
will be there, too.”

“ Yes, sir, but I have a friend there in Monte
Joe, the gambler, of whom I spoke, and there is
a. better element at Trail Crossing that held
the lawless ones in check, or I would never have
been nable to have gotten away with my pris-

r. .

“IVell, Buck, I have confidence in you, and
you know just what you are about.

“ If you need an aid that I orniv men can
give you, do not hesitate to ask for it.”

“I thank you, sir; but now, lease, tell me
just what on think of this woun ed man?”

“Well. e has fever, though no inflammation
hail set in. l ,

“IVhen lbreak his fever I will know if his
reason has come back to him, or been destroyed
by the shock.”

“ If his reason is gone, Captain Hassan l"

“ Well, I believe that I can by a surgical
operation, restore him to reason.”

“ I sincerely hope so.” 3

“ The wound is not a. fatal one, unlem inflam- ‘
mation follows.

“ He is young, in good health, and has astron
constitution, and may pull through to rfeig
restoration, while again, though physi
stored, mentally he may be a wreck.

“So I at present diagnose his case; but he
shall have every attention, and old Lulu seems
devoted to him in a wonderful degree, from
some strange reason I cannot understand;
she acts as though she knew him.”

“ This is strange, and it would be well, sir, to‘
keep a watch on er and find out.” \

“ Yes, I shall do so.”

“Especially when he, is recovering, for he ,
might pretend to be worse than be really was, '
an some night ve us the slip.”

“ I’ll see t at e does not do that; but you con-

ider him a prisoner, then!"
b_“ Well, sir, I hardly know

im.
“ To all intents and purposes he sufl'ered death
for his crime, and was buried. .

“ Now I dug him out of the v6, and though i
I believe I would set him free f be asked it, still
I hope to discover from him, as you suggested,
some clew tothe lawless band of which hesurely_ V
is a member.” . ‘

" Well, Buck, I’ll see that he recovers, if re-
covery is possible, and that he does not escape
from us, so rig-st easy on lllIat 133m.”

"I will, i ,an now in say good.b “-
and when half an hour after the Saddle Kingg’ee
parted from Soldier’s Retreat, Belle, menuted .
upon a superb black horse, went as hisesoort
for a few miles on his way over the prairie. ' i.

I Bonn m. ,

“ Wm, Girl Pard, I reckon had better
not go any further than this,” said Back To lor,
drawing rein some slx miles awa from So er’c
Retreat, at the bottom of a mi he had to cross
on his way to the fort.  4

“ Ah! so you do not wish my company theui'f
Belle said with an air of reproach. ‘

“Through life,” was the' llant re ly of the,
cOwboy chief, and his face ushed as e attend»
the words. ‘ ‘,

“ I think you will have to go alone.” Belle de-A
murelv rejoined. allowing him to put, what con-r,
struction be pleased upon the words. '

“ At least a part of the way; but Joking
aside, Girl Paul, on are further away from
home now than I ll e to have you in these peril-
ous times." '

" What perilous times?" ‘ ‘

“ Well, vou know Comanches Ind Mexicans
will prowl around.” , 'i _

 

  

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8

Buck Taylor, the Saddle King.

 

“ See here, Brother Buck, you are keeping a
secret from me, for I know it.
“ There is that wounded stranger you brought

in on your horsii, while you walked, and whom i

you would not allow mother or myself to know
anything about.”

“ I thought I told you that I found him
wounded as he is.”

“ You male 6. very lame ex lanation, or at
least it seemed so to me; but believe there is
trouble brewing and you know just what it is.”

“ There are some lawless fellows drifting
about, Girl Pard, whom I would like to get hold
of, that is all.”

“ Well, I am not afraid of any one, or a
dozen men, mounted upon Black Wing as I am,
for he is the fleetest animal I ever saw, sure
footed as a deer, and as gentle as a kitten in my
hands, but vicious as a wolf with others.”

“ I don’t wonder, for you could tame the devil,
Girl Pard—pardon me.”

“I have never tamed you yet.”

“ Thank you; but I was born wild; but you
must get home before nightfall, so I will say
good-by.”

“ No, I’ll ride to the top of the range, and see
the view from there, for it is grand, with the
prairie lighted up with the setting sun and the
valley on the other side in deepest shadow.

“It reminds me of our lives, Brother Buck,
sunshine and shadows, and from some lives the
shadows never lift,” and Belle seemed to be
speaking to herself as though thinking aloud,
rather than to her companion.

So on to the top of the ridge she weift, and
the beauty of the View was indeed well worth
the further ride.

“ Now go on, Brother Buck, and leave me here
to think awhile, for when the shadows be in to
deepen I will start for home and go with lack
Wing at full speed.

“Good-by, and come again soon, if only to
look after the mysterious wounded stranger.”

She held out her gauntlet gloved hand, and as
he clasped it he raised his sombrero and turned
:way with a simple word of farewell upon his
i s.

pS )ll’lehOW the “ King ” among men seemed like
a slave in the presence of this Girl Pard of his.

‘But then is it to be wondered at, for what
power is there in a woman’s hand, her lips, her
00k; what magnetism in her touch, and it is
Well that many of them do not kn0w the power
they posaess over the genus homo, or there would
be more sin, sorrow and suffering in this world
than there now is by far.

Down the sloping trail into the shadows of the
valley rode the Saddle King.

Ever and anon he would turn in his saddle and
lance back at the ridge, to see Belle still there,
or horse and herself looking like a statue of

black marble relieved against the sky, for she
wore a black velvet riding habit, embroidered
with gold thread and buttons, and a sombrero
looped n upon one side, encircled by a golden
cord an shadowed with a heavy sable plume.

He waved his hand as he was disappearing
deeper into the shadows of the valley; but no
response came, for she seemed to be regarding
with rapt attention the beauty of the scene before
her, upon her left all shadow in the valley, and
upon her right all sunshine on the hillside and
prairie, while far away in the distance the white
walls of Soldier’s Retreat were visible, with the
stream winding half around it like a sheltering

arnL

And so the Saddle King passed out of sight in
the deepening gloom of the valley, while bathed
in sunlight Belle Hassan still sat upon her horse,
beast and rider as motionless as statues.

“ Oh! how beautiful!" suddenly exclaimed the
young girl.

“ I could remain here and watch the night

come on with so much pleasure; but the trail'

down the hill is a narrow and steep one, and is
very dangerous in the darkness, whileI promised
papa I would not remain out after nightfall.

“ So, Black Wing, you have got to show your
best pace to have me keep my word."

“ Yer don’t git home this night, my beaut’.”

Though taken completely by surprise, caught
off her guard, other than a light start at the
Voice breaking upon her- ears, Belle Hassan
showed no emotion.

She had turned her horse to descend the trail,
and there, behind a large rock, his rifla leaning
across the top and aimed at her horse, was a
man.

“ Don’t travel, or I’ll drop your horse, for you
is wu’th considerable ter me! ’

Belle realized the situation fully, and her dan-

“I'.

But her presence of mind did not dessert her,
and she said:

“ Am I? Well, I suppose I must submit.”

“ l ciilkerlates yer hed better, my beauty, for
I want-i dust, and yer pa has got ter pay big
money for get yer back.”

“ Suppose he refuses?”

“ Waal, then I’ll sell yer ter ther Comanches,”
was the startling response, and in spite of her
nerVe Belle felt the color leave her face.

“ Come, I wants thet belt 0’ arms yer wears,
fer claws is dangersome when a woman has ’em,
and I has hecrd yer is lightnin' on ther shoot an
death on ther aim.”

“I

 

“I would like to show you a sample of my
aim,” was the cool response.

“ See here! I’d kill yer, gal though yer be, as
quick as I w’u’d a snake, ef yer attempts ter lay
yer hand on a weepin.

“ I is a man without a conscience, 0 don’t go
ter bluff me.

“ 1 has roped yer in, and [intends for sell yer
ter ther highest bidder,” and the man leaped
over the rock to the side of the horsm grasping
the rein as he did so, and COVering Belle with his
revolver, which his evil look showed he would
use even on her.

CHAPTER XVI.
CAUGHT IN THE COIL.

BELLE HASSAN’s indomitable will came well
to her aid, in the trying ordeal through which
she had to pass, as the prisoner of the rufiian
who had come upon her.

Buck Taylm was far beyond hearing of her
call, for he must have one over a mile, even
with his horse in a walk, in the time she had sat

upon her horse enraptured with the view before.

her.

A pistol—shot might reach his ears, and she
thought of it; but then if she dared put her
hand upon the revolver in her belttoflre an
alarm, she could just as readily aim at the man
before her.

There was something in the face of the man
that told her that her life was no more to him
than that of his foe. _

So her pluck did not desert her, and With a
manner that seemed indifferent she was the
while on the alert constantly for some chance to

act.

The man unbuckled the belt about her slender
waist, and removed thus her “claws,” as he
called the two pretty revolvers she carried.

“Now, si-i, yer goes with me,” he said.

“ Where?”

“W'aal, I hain’t a-followin’ on ther trail 0’
Buck Taylor, yer may sw’ar ter.

“ He are too notionate ter suit me, and like
as not he’d ride back up here ter see ef yer got
safe home, which yer hain’t a-goin’ ter do.

“ So I goes d0wn to ther trail at ther base 0’
ther ridge, and follers it Over toward ther Rio
Grande, for then I know I is safe.”

“ Oh, I donZt care, go anwwhere you wish.”

“ Ye’r’ cool about it.”

“ Why should I fret over what cannot be
helped?”

“ Now yer is game, sis, and I has got ter look
for yer. for wimmens bears watchin’ same as
Injuns.”

“ And how about men ?”

“ Waal, yer jist keep yer eyes on me.

“NOW ter biz or thet cowboy may come back
this way, and lid rather fight a Comanche vil-
lage than tackle thet pilgrim."

“ You are afraid of him then?"

“ I be fer a fact, for he hain’t like. ther ordi-
nary run 0’ men, for he can’t be kilt; but now
we goes.”

He led her horse along as he spoke behind the
rock, and there Belle saw an animal saddled and
bridled awaiting his rider.

Taking his luriat from his saddle-bow be tied
one end of it about the neck of Black Wing.

The other end he made secure about his sad—
dle-bow, and mounting rode down the steep
trail, thus leading Belle’s horse.

A smile came Over the face of the brave girl
as she saw him ride thus ahead of her, and she
muttered to herself:

“ Yes, wimmem boars watchin’ same as In-
juns,” repeating his own words.

By holding up her hand to her horse, helagged
back until the lead rope was taut, and the man
said:

“ I’ll hev ter make thet beast o’ yourn come
alongside when we reaches ther prairie trail, for
he hangs back hard.”

“ Yes, he does not appear to lead well,” was
the answer, and as she spoke Belle dropped her
hand gently upon her Own lasso. .

She carefully arranged the home and cod to
suit herself, an'i then urged her horse to slack-en
up upon the lead rope. _

Then, with a sudden whirl she. cast her lariat
with unerriiig skill, her well trained horse threw
himself back upon his hannches, and the animal
of the kidnapper seeing her act sprung forward
to avoid the noose.

The lariat came taut with a twang, the noose
about the arms and body of the man, who was
jerked quickly from his saddle and fell heavily
to the ground with a shock that bruised and
hurt him.

Hardly had the lasso left her hand when she
slipped from her saddle and Will] a bound was
by the side of the prostrate man, who was power.,
loss in the lariat’s coil and from the shock of his
fall.

Seizlng one of his own revolvers from his
belt, she said in imitition of his tone and words:

“ ‘Wimmins bears watchin’ same as Injuns,
and yer jist keep yer eye on me.’

“ Now, sir, you are my prisoner,” and her
voice now was stern and determined, while she
slipped his weapons from his belt, and calling to
her horse to approach, wound the slack of the
lariat around and around the prisoner, thus
pinioning his arms to his side.

 

“Oh Lordy! my arm is broke, and yer hurt
it,” groaned the man.

“ Your neck will hurt I fear when I give you
over to the cowboys on the ranch,” was the
reply.

“ Lor' gal, I was jist a—jokin’, fer I meant yer
no harm.”

“ Well, I cannot see the 'oke, so you will have
to explain it to my father. ’

“ He’ll hang me.”

“ I_ would not be surprised if he did."

The man roaned again, and having made the
lariat fast, Selle went to where his horse had
Stopped, got her own belt of arms, hung his on
the horn of her saddle and led the animal back
to a rock.

“Now mountl”

“ I won’t do it.”

“ See here, if you would kill me, a young girl,
how much more cause have I to kill you, a dis—
grace to the name Of man.

“ Mount, or I will tie you here to a tree and
leave you for the wolves.”

The man was terrified at this threat and
stepped upon the rock and got into his saddle.

Taking a piece of his lasso she tied his feet to-
gether under his horse, while he moaned:

. “ I am hurted, gal, badly hurted, for my arm '
is broke and some 0’ my ribs, too.”

“I do not believe you; but my father is a
surgeon and can set your bones for you.”

‘3 He can’t set my neck of them cowboys git
hold of me.”

“No, I don’t think he can do that,” and as
Belle spoke she made the lariat fast about the
neck of the kidnapper’s horse, and also around
Black Wing.

Then she sprung into her saddle, for it was
twilight now, the sun having disappeared be-
yond the prairie horizon.

“ Now, we will ride for Soldier’s Retreat.”

“ Say, little gal, show some mercy for me and
let me go.”

“ No, there is no mercy in my heart for you,"
was the stern response, and the horses started at
a rapid gallop across the prairie for Soldier’s Re-
treat. __

CHAPTER XVII.
HER PRISONER.

Haunann with her prisoner, whose horse
was by no means a match for Black Wing in
speed, Belle Hassan could not ride ~asvrapidly as
she wished.

But she ke t the horse of the outlaw up to a
sweeping gal op, for night settled down before
she had gotten one-third the way back to So]-
dier’s Retreat.

There, however, were the lights gleaming
from the windows of the house, like beacons to
guide one to shelter and food, for Captain Has—
saii loved a cheerful home and in the little cu-
pola upon the top of his cabin a lamp was kept
burning all night, and could be seen for miles in
all directions

Then, as soon as it was dark, the house was
lighted up as though there was an entertainment
going on.

This lighting of his home had given it a name
by which it was well kn0wn far and wide, that
of “ Beacon Ranch,” though the captain stuck to
his name Of Soldier’s Retreat.

On the ride the kidnapper tried to be enter-
gii‘iiing, but he received no enc0uragement from

Bi 9.

She was not, however, indifferent to his suffer-
lugs, for his fall had bruised him up considera-
bly: and she intended that he should have every
attention once she reached home with him.

And more, she knew that if she did not pro-
tect him, once the cowboys of the ranch got their
clutches upon him, they woull hang: him. '

This she would not allow under any circumo
stances.

That he had threatened to kill her rather than
she should escape, she knew he meant, as also
that if her father did not pay the exorbitant
ransom he would demand, he would be revenge-
ful enough to give her up to the Comanches.

These thoughts made her litter and stem,
when, had he not made them, once she had
mastered him, she would have been tempted to
let him go his way.

But now she would take him to the ranch, and
her father should decide what was best tOPG
done with him, so long as he did not turn .hlm
over to the cowboys to try his case asjudge, Jury
and‘executioners. .

“ Leetle gal, of yer lets me 0 I,“ "We" ferglt
yer,” urged the prisoner. P “dingy! '13 the

ights grew nearer and nearer-

“And if I do not, you'll never forget me.”

“ Say, yer dOn’t want ml hf" "1 Yer putty
head, does, yer?” 8h 1

“ No, I do not, but you 0“ d have thought
of the punishment before 3’ 011 committed the
crime.” .

The man was “lent: and Soon after Belle
dashed into the yard Wlth 1101' prisoner, just as
a party or cowboys, summoned to the house,
were about tow"?t ‘“ Starch of her, for Captain
Hassan W85 “muons “pm What uck Taylor
had told him. WWW" ordinarily be had regarded
the country as 83f". WOW-Eh. considering the ex-
po.“ position of his ranch.

n An, Buck: 3’0“ have come back again,” cried

 

 

 

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l the ca tain, seeing in the darkness aman riding
’ by Be le’s side.
“ It is not Brother Buck, father.”
“Ah! a stranger?
“ He is welcome,” was the hospitable reply.
“I'm durned glad ter know it, cap’n,” said
the prisoner, just as a chorus came from the
cowboys.
“ Why, Miss Belle, you’ve got him a pris—
; onerl"
5 “ A prisoner?”
i “ Yrs, father.” ’
“ And sent back by the Saddle King for safe
keeping?” I
i, v “No, papa, the Saddle King had nothing to
i do with the capture of this man, or sending him
back. '
“ Brother Buck had left me on the ridge,
watchiu the scenery, and when I turned to go
this-«th s gentleman, had the drop on me from
behind a rock.”
“ Hang himl" shouted the cowboys.
But Belle said, quickly:
“ Please hear my stor n” r -
: “That- menns I’m hanged,” said the prisoner,
with an uneasy look toward the cowboys.
Belle had not dismounted, but still sat in her
i saddle, the prisoner on his horse by ‘her side
Sh had ridden more into the light of the
lamp on the piazza, and all could see distinctly
I the evil, hang-dog face of her prisoner.

" Tell us your story, my child,” said the cap-
tain, with some nervousness, while Mrs. Hassan
stood silent and pale listenin to all, and her
eyes upon the face of her beautiful daughter.

“ As he had me covered, papa, I could only sub-
mit, so he took of! my belt of arms, put his
lariat around Black Wing’s neck, and mounting

. his own her-sheet all? own the trail to the
V - prairie.”
\ ‘ “A kidnapper, ehl” ' ' . ,
' “ It were only a joke tor sfoeerher, mp‘n.”

“ Han him! roared the who ‘ -' ,

“0h, rdl I’ll be lifted sart’iu,” cams with
a moan from the now thoroughly frightened
man.

" And then, Belle?”

“As I had my lariat, I did not feel hopeless,
papa, so jutt caught him with it, Black Wing
dropped back while his horse "bounded forward,
and yanked him out of the saddle.

“ He fell heavily, and says that his arm, col-
lar-bone, and half a dozen ribs are broken, but I

' guess it is not as bad as—”

Belle was checked by a perfect yell of delight

from the cowboys, now incre to a dozen in

I number, as they heard ,wbat she had done.
9 . One of the cowbo 's, by means of a feeler, just
* gave his lariat a w irl over the prisoner’s head.
But Belle quickly threw it 03 with the re-

. merk’: n = ,
,“Thl: is, my prisoner, not yours, Cowboy
“ til: you is’

. 03...... menswear m

i

/

’ “No, my atheristodedde whatistobedone ,

with him.
“I lassoed him, and brought him in, so,
father, I turn him over to you. i
” And I give him into your hands, men,” was
; the stern reply of Captain Hassan, 'as Belle
4 L slipped from her saddle and ran up the steps to
’ greet her mother.

CHAPTER XVIII.
TO SAVE A LIFE.
THE cowboys of Soldier’s Betreat fairly idol-
ized Belle, the “Girl Captain,” and “Captain
Belle " as they Were wont topall her.
A number of them had been with Captain
Ha san when he had rescued her mother,
' x .  and afterward had one with
/ f i l , hi to his'rauch, so they had known the maiden
' “ herbame

_ I , u
, ’ hen therefore she brought in herprisoner,
- a man who had covered her with a rifle, dis-
:1 ‘ armed herandmadehoracapolve,the were

‘ ‘ wild with rage, though the su ' their

feelings as much as they .

 The moment t Ibo hadsaid she left the

f . prisoner to her fa beeping. she had slip-

? ' from her horse andrauupto ther

mother, who at once'drsw her into e house,

her arms about her.

And then came for. the prisoner the fateful
words of Captain Hanan, incensed beyond en-
' durance at the sooundrcl for his not.

1 us And I give him into your hands, men.”

, , firm: was enough for the cowboys, and half
a dozen lariats drapped over the bound form of
the pdmr hi. horse was wheeled to the right-

. ' about and they dashed away like the Wind 101‘

7"“, their‘camps, a mile distant.

J . Th'e prisoner knew what that meant.

y.

3 ’ He was in the hands of men who would kill

4; him for his act ‘as they would a snake that

$1 , barred their we 3, ,

" l « So from his  brake one long. loud oregan-

 izin shriek of despair, followed by the w s:

; :‘j “ilelp, leetle gal, holp! Save me! for the

 ,love of God save me!” 1

 hfipmin gasses furl-d that wild artyh and classed

’05 "w 9 "P‘l'ingappea as ecow ys
‘dasllgd away wlth their victim,

 . But it reached the can of Bole Hansen too,
ma shouted quickly: ,

  

 
   
  
   

 

 

“My God, mother! they must not hang that
man, or he will haunt me through my life!

With a bound she had reached the door and
loud rung her voice:

“ Hold! come back!

“ You shall not ban him 1”

But they were two undred yards away now
and the trampling of the flying hoofs drowned
her voice.

“ Quick, father! call to them, for he shall not
die!” she said, almost fiercely.

Then Ca tain Hassan relented, and in stento-
rian tones e called after the men.

But they heard him not, or if hearing did not

eed

" Drawinga revolver from her belt Belle hastily
fired it several times to attract attention.

But it bad no effect if they heard it.

The poem stableman had led her horse away:
but gathering up her riding habit she fairly
leaped down the steps and ran after the man.

‘ Belle! Belle! what would you do?” cried her
father.

But she did not heed now, and flying around
the house she soon Came to the stables just as
the n was ,unsaddling her horse.

“ stop, Tonto! I wish my horse.

“Strap the saddle tighter!” she ordered per-
emptorily.

The man hastily obeyed and with a hand on
the horn she leaped into the saddle and was off
like an arrow from a bow.

Her father called to her, but back came her

answer:

“ They shall not hang him i”

The c0wboys had now gotten a start of an
eighth of a mile, and were going at the full
speed of their horses.

At their camps were trees where they could
swing up the man they had unanimously doomed
to death, and they would lose no time in the ex-
ecution of their will. Some had heard the call
of Belle, others the cry of Captain Hassan, and
all knew that the revolver-shots were to call
them back. ' , ‘

But they were not going tobe cheated out of
their prey. v

They would express regrets and swear they
had heard nothing.

But the had not counted upon the deter-
mined wil of the young girl. ‘

She was not one to be turned aside from her
thl sweet way, and she was hot upon their
es s.

For the first time in his knowledge Black
Wing felt the sting of the whip which Belle al-
wa 8 carried swung to her saddle-horn.

e was running well, and gave a-snort of in-
dignation at this treatment, shaking his head in

an r.
Erna dumb brute must suffer for the human
being. Black Wing—it is Nature’s law,” said
Bella'andmln and again the keen lash de-
scended u the now frightened horse fairly
fle‘wYoverthe pmilgie. th d] ,

‘ ouaro pc ng emuprai . Black
Wing,” cried Belle, enjoying the otychase by
hi ht ovathe prairie. , -

t last she heard the plunge of the horses into
the creek, on which the camp of the cowboys
was located, and then loud rung the order:

“New, men, bring him : up to Deadmau’s
Tree!” referring to a lightning-'riven tree on
which several arse-thieves already had been

nged. .

The panting horse of the outlaw was placed
beneath the tree and a lariat soon was adjusted
about the neck of the victim.

Then the other end of the lasso was thrown
over a big lower limb, and half a demo cow-
boys, still mounted, were about to haul on the
other end, when, with a bound, Black Wing
reached the s t, was thrown back upon his
haunches by h a fair rider, while, as she leveled
a rayolver at the u of cowboys, she cried:

“ hat man she] no hang!

“ The man who draws on that lasso dies!”

 

CfidfPTER  ,
nor 'ro .rnl rnsr.
THE 00wa were foiled. ‘ .
'Iihey had n headed off, and by a young

I' .

Their intention waste punish the wretch who
had attempted to harm her and her good heart
had thwarted them in their’desigu.

So they were quick to make the best of it, and '

“- miglnaziiin ufiedetpnez’d” .
r, ap n e we a th ht
didn’t want him haug’ed, we w’u’d nigger 

done It." 1 . '
.“ Barry, there it a Bible about Ana-
mas and dapphira you should ,” was Bella‘s

rejoinder, but she could not help smilin at the
cowboy’s read lie. and her words ch ed the
protestations t at were on the lips of all, to the;
effectthat Barry had spoken the 1 truth.

" You heard the recall, to s . you were
bent on hanging the podr d
time to (prevent it, for you Were not giving him

 

,dnd stsjustiut,

 

  
  

asecon fora yer.” _ i
“,A whole Ill: {0’ rayin’ rw’u’dn’t' help him
none,Cap’u Bella’fss..-mofthem¢n -‘ 

" Well, I captured him, and , I won’t have his
life on my hands.

“ I shall take him back with me to the ranch,
so give me the end of the lariat, Barry.”

Barry obeyed, and with her own hands Belle
loosened the noose about the prisoner’s neck and
tossed it upon the ground.

“ Good-night, boys, I’ll forgive you as you
meant ,well t0ward me,” and kissing her finger-
tips to the now subdued band of cowboys, Belle ,
turned to ride away with her prisoner, when half v 
of them spurred forward as one said:  ;,;

“ We’ll see you safe home, Cap’n Belle.” r i;

“ No need of it, thank you, for there comes a " 3
para,” and the light of a large camp-fire burning ‘“ '5
in front of one of the cabins revealed Captain
Hassen as he rode up mounted upon a bare-
backed horse, for he had not stopped to out the , .
saddle on.

“ I saved him, papa.”

“ I hope you will not live to regret it, my
child,” was the res use, and with a word to the
Cowboys Captain assau wheeled his horse along.
side of his daughter and they started back for
the ranch, the prisoner following, and trembling
at the loud cheer 'ven “ For Cap’n Belle, a
Dandy in Petticoats! ’

“ You are a brave little woman, Belle, and this
man should hide his head in shame that he ever
meant harm toward you,” said Captain Hassan
as they rode home together.

“ I does, I does! I is almost dead with shame,
ca 'n,” came from the shiverin wretch.

‘ With fright, rather; but w o are you?”

“I is a man in hard luck, cap?n, havin’ been
un fortinit in the New Mexico mines. '

“ I confesses I thought as how I might raise a
leetle ransom money off ther young gal, but I
didn‘t take inter consideration she war wuss nor
a catamount ter handle.”

“ You are a stranger here?"

“ Yas, cap’n, a perfect stranger, no friends,
no food, no nothin’.” ‘ ‘ h

“ Then how was it that you knew Buck Tailor, ' '
and more, that my father was rich-enou to
pa 9. large ransom for me!” quickly asked lie.

The man was silent, and Captain Hassan
said ~

 

   
   
   
  
  
  
   
    
 
  
   
   
  
  
   
     
 
    
   
    
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
   
  
     
   
    
      
  
   
 
 
    
   
 
    
  
 
     

" Well, you have made a mistake coming into

this part of the country, and I shall hold you a
risoner for a few days until I decide what'is .
to be done with you.”

“J ist let me go, cap’n, and I’ll never come this
way ag’in.” , ' ,
‘ I will take time to think it our,” wasvthe
rep] ; but had Belle told her father and the
cow ya the threats the man had made, I doubt
if she could have Saved him from their fury, for
if they could not have banged him they would

have shot him.

This the man knew, and be was in terrible
fear that she mi t yet tell all.

Arriving at t e ranch, Captain Bassan gave
the prisoner into the charge of two of the trmt-i
ed us, with orders to ve him some
an place him in a cabin used as ,a loo n V
where one of them was to remainas a
ever him until the morning. , . = .

Then he went in and joined his wife and
daughter ‘at supper, and the manner in which he
spoke to the mother of their brave girl made;
Belle’s cheeks ti is with pride and pleasure.

“ l was riding or a life, mamma. for I could if
not let them hang one whom I had captured, as 
I would feel guilty myself,” said Belle. ‘1‘

That night she retired to her bed confident 
having accomplished a good deed, and it ism
pleasanttho ht to carry to one! couch-
one, kind er, as you may know. ,

,The next morning Captain Bassan wentout
to see t2: prisoner, before Belle and her mothtll
a ar . = ,,

e found him scchre under the guard of
Tonto the peon, and looking haggard and
anxious.

“ at is your name. UM" ‘ v-
“ngle theboys callsme.‘ , ~ '
“ I so you are ashamedof your other.”
“ I doesn’t use it, cg'p’n, nowadays.”  *

 

 

   
 
    
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
  

mane“ “who
V I. m i.
hepladedhis nigger-s:ng

Your pulse is quick and feverish.
Comawith me tom; 031cc, and

o
I ‘t p‘inen, be it, cap’nl"  .

“1am not one teatime man who’ow,
behauged,andwill 

n nder.
pping a
the way to his ofllce. to also
9 entered the once door; and

    
 
 
  

  

    
 
 
  
 
  

   
 
   
  
  
    
      
 
   
   
     
   
 
 
   
   
   
  
    
  
   
   
  
    
   
  
   
    
  
    
 
   
     
    
     
  
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  

 

- and coming to a crossing of the trails be halted

V cape in the rear: crowded in front.

, hospitable enoog
- beast,” he said as he re urned to his horse.

. the way on foot, and

.hehnsawa

IO

' '

Buck Taylor, the Saddle King.

 

 

I
ward toward the door, and dropping into a chair
while beads of sweat rolled from his forehead,
cried: .

“ My God! it is Lady Jiml or his ghost.”

“ And who is Lady Jim?” asked the captain,
his eyes fixed searchingly upon the man’s face,
watching eVery movement and expression. I

“ A pard o’ mine, cap’n, whom the Comanche-5
kilt, and whom we buried decent only a few
niuhts ago.

7‘Oh Lord! it can’t be Lady Jiml no, folks
don’t prowl arter they is dead, does they on 9n?”

The face of Captain HaSsan were a smile, a
strange one, but he made no immediate reply to
the question of his prisoner.

‘—

CHAPTER XX.

 

THE LONE CABIN.

WHOLLY unconscious of the danger of the
fair girl whom he had left upon the ridge, Buck
Taylor wended his wa into the valley, to take
the trail which would end him on to Fort D—.

He rode like one ever on the alert for danger,
from an instinct and long habit of watchful-
ness, rather than as though he was looking for
an particular peril to bar his way.

ot a leaf rustled by the wind, the spring of
a rabbit in the brush, or a squirrel in the trees
but caught his keen eyes. and his horse seemed
to have the same watchfulness about him, for
his ears were constantly pricked for some dis-
cover .

Hal the Saddle King suspected that the dan-
ger lay back upon his trail, how rapidly he would
have flown back to the rescue.

But this he could not know, and when he had
waved a farewell upon entering the timber, a
wave of the hand that Belle did not see, he
quickened his pace and went alon at a fox-trot
which would rapidly thr0w the m ls behind him
and yet not distress his horse.

He knew of a camping-place of! the trails.
short distance, some miles ahead, and so he held
on his way until he reached it.

A fire was soon burnin in acanyon, sheltered
from view, his horse had . n watered and was
feeding upon the tender grass, and the cowbo
chief soon broiled a. tender steak brought with
him from Soldier’s Retreat, and ate his sup r
with the relish of a good appetite and pergct
digestion.

Then be wrapped himself in his blankets and
went to sleep like a man with a consciousness of
having wro no man intentionally.

Bright an early he was on his way lgain.

like one in a quandsr .

At lasuhe mused s end:

“ He would hardly return so soon to Trail
Crossing, and so must have gone to his ranch.

“Yes. I will go by and make a call, for he
only has a coup e of cowboys with him, I have

rd.

So the Saddle King branched off on the trail
that led him toward the Rio Grande.

It was late in the evening when he dismount-
ed upon a hill, and creeping up to the top looked
over.

There, a mile away, rose a hill like a sugar-
loaf yet connected with the range upon which
Buck Ta lor stood with a low but rugged ridge
that con d not be crossed by a horseman.

“ Ahl now I discover a secret of that ridge I
did not know before,” he said, as he turned his
glass upon it.

f' Although one cannot cross it, between those
bills and yonder sentinel-like mound, from there
here is a trail along it that an be followed.

“This giveaT r Tom a good chance of se-

“ Well, he bass snug cabin there, strong as a
fort. and mighty few cattle.

“ lguess I’ll take the ridge trail to the cabin,
if I can find the end of it while daylight lasts.”

He at once set about his search and where
many would have man who were less skillful
prairie men he was successful, justasnight came

on.
‘6 Wen, Friend we will see if yonder cabin is
h to he shelter to man and

f led
entered upon the rid
gang. leading to the sngar-loaf-like bill a mile dis!f
11
along be

Bidding him follow him the cowboy chle

' It was night now, and as he wont
heard the loud haying of a dog.

“AM that won t do,
V. "I must not let him know that I have found

‘ C :1!“ retreat.

1' ome, ri we will chuck it a roach
the cabin by the regular triil.” M W

With the patience of an Indian and takin l
everything that barred his way as a matter 0
course, he retraoed his steps to the hill and flank-
ing it wound of! toward the solita cabin of
Tiger Tom, for from the nearest set at apd
so utterly alone.
He approached the hill from the regular trail
am heard the loud bark of a d
As a drew nearer another (1 10
f‘ Big dogs from their bark,” muttered Buck

b,
“it

 

all! aitbird chips in the chorus.
ell, Tiger'I-‘om is determined to know

  
  
 

  
 
 

when he has visitors coming, be they friends or
foes.

“ It is too dark for him to recognize me, if he
is here, so I’ll ride up and be ready for him. .

“ Some one is at home, for there is a light In
the cabin.

“ I’ll bet ten to one it was not put there to wel-
come me," and he laughed at his own Conceit. I

He watched the cabin closely as he approached !
and beheld a flush of light, which show ed that a. I
door had been quickly opened and clOscd.

“ Ah! somebody came out the!) and has posi-
tion on me: but I must go on now.”

To show that he was not making a quiet ap-
proach upon the cabin he called out to the dogs:

‘ Oh, stop your barking, dogs, for you have
roused everybody if they are not deaf or dead.”

It was a disappointment to the Saddle King to
find the place guarded by dogs, for bad it not
been he could have reconnoitered most thor-
oughly on foot. ‘

As he drew nearer, althou h be was well
Aware that some one was luring in the shad-
ows, doubtless covering him With a rifle, he
called out:

“ Ho, there! can a wayfarer get .shelter and
food?”

“ Who are you?” asked a voice nearer to him
than he had supposed him to be. .

“A scout, purd, and used up by a hard ride.

“ I saw your light and came here.”

“Are you alone?”

“ M horse and myself are all.”

“ here are you from l"

“ The lower settlements, and bound northward
to the fort.”

“All right, I guess you can get shelter here.”

“ Thank you, pard: but whose ranch is this?”

“ Thomas Tracey.”

“Well, you are a bold man to settle this far
from hzlp in time of need.”

“ I am not Tom Tracey, but his border.”

“ Ah! ad is the boss at home?”

“ No, at We are expecting him soon.”

“ All right, rd; now show me where I can
put my horse, or he’s the first to care for.”

The man led the we to the rear of the cabin,
where there was a she ter of logs, and some hay-
stacks near.

“You’ll find hay in plant ,and can put him
in there, for our horses are own in the corral.”

Having seen to the comfort of his horse,
Buck Taylor followed the man into the new,
and what he beheld there took him comple y
by surprise.

 

CHAPTER XXI.
'rnn rxonn’s Lam. -

As Buck Ta lor approached the cabin he saw
that it was of ogs, with an open space betwaen,
and two rooms on either side, whilein the rear
wasa small but, evidently used as kitchen and
eating-room.

The cabin was stoutly built, and looked as
though it might stand a siege of an enemy for

do .
it was upon the to of the hill, with steep,
rug ed ground on eit or side, but’sleping of!
catty toward the rear, and in front was n
ma trail coming' straight up to a stookade
wall that surrounded the acre of land that com-
prised the summit. ‘ '

The light he had seen came from the kitchen
in, the rear. and he had not observed any Sign of
the large cabin bein occupied until his guide
throw 0 n a door an said:

“ Wa k in, stranger and feel at home.”

Then it was that Suck Taylor met with a.
surprise, for there before him was a large room,
wit a rag carpet upon the floor and consider-
able furniture. ' ‘

There were in the room three persons, a young
woman, a ne ress and a man.

It was the rst named that riveted the gene
of the cowboy chief, for she was scarcely over,
twenty and ver beautiful in face, wbio her
form, clad in a c oth, close-fitting suit was per-
fecmd molded. .

In her hands she held aSpanisli guitar. as
though she had at been playing n n it when
interrupted by t a comb: or the vis tor.

As Buck Taylor beheldfiier ho defied his som-
brem quickly and bowed, while be 38m in 3
courteous way: ’

“I did not expect to intrude upou s lady’s
presence when I came here,a.nd I hope you
will pardon me.” '

The woman gave a slight start, but rosequick-

1y‘PnYd “id: 31 and in the shoe
0“ Me W come sir . nee of
my husband you mn’mée to submit to a hog.
0988» for I am Mrs. Tracey.”

Suck was almost overwhelmed by What she
sa « .

This besutlf l ture W “"8 0f Ti or Tom
the Willkl‘flnchlgl'gm he was called? 8 '

He could hardly believe he had heard night.
yet he dared not exhibit sufgflse. it not'being
Supposed that he knew Tutor 0m. n
be ‘ l ithank you, miss-I hes Pardon, madam.

sa

“Yoii have not'slIOWOd me the pleasure of
knowing your nous-{0ft

 
  

l
Aunt Venus had just called us to supper when

the dog annOunced your arrival,” and “Aunt
Venus" was the old negress before referred to.

Then in the same easy, refined way, she con-
tinued:

“ You will find confreres here in these two
gentlemen who care for my husband’s herds,
cowboys, Doc Barney and Si Dunn.”

The two cowboys greeted the stran er with a.
nod at this ,introduction, and Mrs. racey 1: d
Buck cut to supper, whither Aunt Venus had
gone to set another plate, she said.

The two cowboys followed, and the Saddle
King distinctly overheard one whisper to the
other:

“ It’s Buck Taylor.”

The visitor made himself very agreeable at the
supper, and asked Mrs. Tracey if she was not
afraid to live so far away from all help.

“ Oh, no, our house is a stout one and be In-
dians would get only lead instead of gold f they
came, for we are not rich, Mr. Taylor.m

“And do the Mex1cans never make a dash
upon you here?”

"‘ No, we are not troubled by them.

“The truth is, my husband has a reputation
that keeps Mexican raiders and Comanches

aw .

“sz'ou may have heard of him, Mr. Taylor.”

“ Mr. Thomas Tracey I believe is his nafnel”

“Well, he is better known as Tiger Tom, or
the Tiger of Texas.”

“ Ah, yes, I have heard of him,” innocently
said the Saddle King. ,

“Yes, he has a reputation that is prett well
known in this part of Texas asave dead y foe,
and desperate character, and yet I ave always
found poor Tom as gentle as a woman in his
nature. ’ ’

“ I wish you could have seen him at Trail
Crossing,” thought Buck, but he simply bowed
and concluded it was a case of “ Beauty and the
Beast.” ‘

After sup , and the Saddle King greatly en-
joyed Aunt much: good cooking, they adjourn-
ed to the sitting-room a ain, an oil? which was
the sleepingoroom of t a strange woman, as
Buck regarded her, for, certainly, it was a mys-
tery to see this beautiful creature dWelling
there: and, more still, the wife of a man who
was a very demon in his nature, as he knew him
to be, and an outlaw and desperado.

“ Will. you sing something for me please?”
asked the Saddle King. glancing around the
room and noticing that there were a number of
books upon some rustic shelves, sketches and
matings in oil and water colors upon the walls.

re was a refinement resting u all in the
room, the home-made curtains over he windows,
and in various little things scattered about.

“ I will sing with pleasure for ggu, Mr. Tay-
lor, for I often do so to amuse the ys here and
Aunt Venus,” and the “he s” were the two
cowboys with dark, unha some faces that
Buck was not at all drawn to, for he had already
diagramod them as follows:

their faces ve their natures the lie.”
Running or fingers lightly over the strings of
the altar she asked:
10“,” but style of music do you like, Mr. Tay-
r
“ I like any music that is mod,” be answered.
And then there came a burst of melody from
her lips, and the Saddle King wondered the more
that a woman such someone before him should
dwell in the lair of a human tiger, he allied to
such a man as was theone who had been his
prisoner, and speak of him as though shaloved

lino ‘ -

A number of songs she sang, and when at last
Buck Talylor went across the Open hall to the
room Si unn led him to. he found himself lik—
ing the question over and over again :' '

‘Gan that woman bow! ed? I
“ Can her angel’s hen hide a devil’s heart?”
pt...—

CBAPI‘ER XXII.
A small: APPEMOI.

BUCK mm "38 given a room to himself,
and it had the some air of comfort which was
to be found in the rest of this frontier house
showing the bud Of a refined woman and good

housekeepef- , , .
He ‘ that the room nutto him was
that of COWhOys, and though lie felt no fear

of an' attack, or nuderhsnd work. with that
beautiful Woman in the room,” 1 ed well to
the chances of defense and m

He know well his danger. for after all Tiger
ram might be about on cabin. perhap- in it.
and if so a plot “amoebic life was sure to fol-

k". I —
If the demdo had not returned home, or
sent word of the snuff It Trail Croesus, then he

had nothing to _‘
But he had been let into a secret which he had
not suspected. the PM of that beautifu n
woman in ’he some of the desperate ranchero.
_80 Buck Taylor lay down upon the cot witl ,_
his hand conveniently n...- m. revolver.
Hardly but he left the sitting-room, however,
when there who 8 0113039 in the manner of those

 

“My name is To , magi. and I am chief
of the cowboys at , D-—-.
“$ng 3;; filler, you are welcoum, and

.rm

 

Present. ,
The man who had shown Back to in. mm
returned and said? ' ,

 

 

“ If Si Dunn and Doc Barney are not rascals ' .

 

' ‘

   
   

., ,
. .
1...;

l

r ,

11,4

   
  

    

 
 

l

Buckgraylor, the Saddle long.

 

 

:2 “ A.l right, cap’n."
Then a wide plank in the ceiling was removed,
'n, a rope ladder fell to the floor and a man de—
scended into the. room.
m A man of giant stature, long haired and heard-
IS ell; dressed as u. borderman and armed thor-
’ oughly, a man whom the reader has seen before.
a  “ Weli,i nearly smothered in that rathole,
, d ( waiting for that fellow to go to bed,” he said
1d roughly.
< Then turning to Aunt Venus who was present
18 he continued: .
he ' “ Bring my supper in here, Black Venus.” .
l “And why WllS it neccssary for you to hide
‘ from one man, Tom?” calmly asked the woman.
,8 “ DH he not tell you his name?”
at “ Yes, Taylor.”

“ It is Buck Taylor.” ,

“ So I heard Si Dunn whisper to Doc Barney,
and he heard it too.”
y “ You know now then, Valerie, why I hid from
{b him?”

“No, Icannot guess why.

“ He is but one man, though I admit one who

looks every inch a man and who could be a dan-

: gerous f or g friend.
' “ I rather liked his appearance.”

“ Well, I don’t, and as I arrived only ten min-
utes ahead of him I had no time to tell you what
happened at the settlements, and which that

’1' man, Buck Taylor, was the main mover in.

“When I tell you he is also known as the

y Saddle King, Wild Rider and the Lasso Demon,

u you may understand why he istobe feared, Val-
erie.’

:5 “ Ah, yes, I know him under his border soub-

L: riquet better than by his own name.

“ So tuft is the Saddle King, is be?"
H
3 “Well, he looks it: but here is your supper,
and when you have eaten it tell us all about
9 your trip.”
The man lau bed bitterly, but ate his supper

" 3 and then turn 'to his wife and said:

“  “I never came so near death before in my
8 L life, as I did at Trail Crossing."

3 “ I have feared trouble for you at your every
" 5 visit there, Tom.”

3 _ “ Still I have togo; but I cannot Curb my
0 love for drink, it maddens me, and for once I
‘1 met my match,”

“ Ah! can that be true?
“ I was oval-matched in fact.”

9 “ And the man!”
f “ Left this room half an hour ago.”
3 “ Taylor?"
H Ya.”
“ I am interested, so tell me all about it,” and
i the woman showed a staggs interest to know
/ what had happened, while Dunn asked:

i “, Does yer mean cap’n, that Buck Taylor was
too many for on!"
’ “ I can’t/be ieve it,” Doc Barney responded.
5 “ Maybe yer wasn’t feelin’ jist well, honey,”
’ Black Venus said in a scowling tone.
“ I was never feeling better in my life, for I
was drunk.
“ I had just won considerable money, and l
I threw out a defiance I am given to when liquor
makes a fool of me.

“ But before. when I have done so, it was the
man who took‘it up that led the funeral roceso
sion. while this time I very earl did so. '

l “ But on were not woun ed, om?”

’ “ No, alerie.”

: “ Pray relieve my suspense," the woman said,
I

impatiently.
‘ Well. had my revolver raised. ready to
drop on the man I saw attempt to draw, when
, all of a sudden that Lasso Demon dropped his
‘ lariat over my arm and I was dragg to the
’ floor and ironed in an instant, before I under-
‘ stood what happened.”
:: 'Ii‘his is mmalgahlapz‘rcsm.”m M i l
tistrue,an my so u to be
me out, but it was no use, for h: battered Deng
Beat Dick and put a bullet into Mustang Dan’s
a: wrist, and took me of! a prisoner for Monte Joe
;. and others backed him up, and our few dared
not be, too brash. ‘

“They would have rescued me that night had
it not been for Monte Joe; but the tried it on
the next day on the hall, and here am.”

' :. gillth Tom?“ Comanche, Med on
. ‘ e l y ‘ u
and showed up fl three bands, ahead and in our
rear.
“ ylor took m ironsofl, andnid we would
dash through, whl e, ifitcametoahotnght, he
would give me my weapons.”

“ That was manly in him.”

“Bah! don’t say anything in his favor, Vale-

ie, for I hate him worse than I do a snake, but
it is mz‘inning now,”

“ W t do you mean?”
~ “ I m “mill you how I escaped.”

“ v’fi. Md I Mn anxious to know.”

f‘ e madeadashthmugh, the Lasso Demon
ung his rifle, and doing it well, too, when I
lrned and ran back to the party behind.

“ When he saw mobs ,close pressedas
he was, and sent 8 Ihot at me that killed my

horse.
, “Then he at through, l‘t had my men had
3 ,  be con never have run the gantlet he

   
   
   
  
 
 
   
 

 

l

‘ coming on here by slow trips, and here I find the

 

“ We put for the hills, planted our dead, and
the men disbanded after leaving the range, I

Saddle King on my trail, coming in not ten min-
utes behind me.

“ Now, do you believe he is alone; that is the
question?”

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE PLOT.

IN response to the question of Tiger Tom, if
Buck Taylor was alone, Si Dunn responded:

“ He surely is, cap‘n, for them dogs never
barked when you come, as they know’d yer,
and when they just got a scent of a stranger
afar off, they at once let us know.

“ Then he came to ther house, seein’ ther
light and they gave cry ag’in.

“ ow, of be bed any pards with him, then
they would let us know.”

“ That looks reasonable, Si.”

“ Did you not say he was alone, after you left
him, Tomi”

“ Yes, Valerie.”

“ Well, he has just come by here to see' if you
had returned, giving you good time to reach
home, and wishing to see where and how you
lived.”

“ But has he not trailed me, for he is one of
the best trailers in Texas?”

“ It may be.”

“ And he knows I am here.”

“ Perhaps he does.”

“ Then he has come here to attempt my cap-
tare?”

“ It would look so, Tom.”

“Then that settles it with him.”

“ What do you mean?"

“ I mean to kill him, that is all.”

is No.”

it I M yes.”

“ See here, Tom, that man is in Government
service, and if he disa rs, mind you, I say
disappears, then he will looked up, his quar-
rel thh you found out, and you will no longer
be able to live in your home, and just when
affairs seem bri htening in our life.”

“ I shall kill im, Valerie.”

“Of all the mistakes of your life, Tom, this
will be the greatest one.”

“ Oh! I shall let it be thought the Comanches
killed him.” '

“ You cannot deceive the men who will be set
to find out what his fate has been."

“ If I do not kill him, he will kill me.”

" No, why should hehnow f”

“ has an idea I at I am—well, you know
who mean, Valerie.”
m'gbe woman’s face paled at his words, and she

“ Well, wait until he comes to kill, or arrest
yo‘uhthengct.” ' that n
‘ e is erenow or purpose.

“ I think not,”

“ Then why is be here?" a
Eihe woman was silent, and again Tiger Tom
on :

“No one knows he has come here, [if he is
alone, find we could finish him in safety.”

In an instant the woman was upon her feet,
her eyes flashing, while she said, in a voice that
was full of meaning:

“ Dare to play that game and I will befriend
him myself.

“ No, if you are afraid to meet a man saro-
ly, face to face, you shall not amassinatehlm in
m‘presencei” '

. he ranchero was silent.

He did not show the tiger in his nature then.
and the two cowboys seemed to stand in awe
also of the fearless woman who had been so sud-
denl amused to resentment.

“ ell, Valerie, if you decide against me. I
must yield,” tamer said Tiger Tom, and his
bear! carried out the assertion of the woman
to Buc Taylor, that the rannhero “ was as
gentle as a woman toward her." ' ,

" Now on are ,cting as you should, Tom for
the Sadd 43 King not a man to he killed rom
an ambush, for then the Government would
avenge him, mark my words. -

“ you think he has comrades with him, let
Si and Doc make a complete circuit of the place,
each carrying a dog with him, and returning
before dawn.

“ After breakfast he will go on his we , mark
my words, and there will be no reason dread
him more.” , _ r

The ranchero gave a quick glance at the two
cowboys, and replied:

"Then you two can
ranch, and see if there

is anything suspicions
about. ., »
“ I will go and see you

, and that return to
rest, for I am worn out.” ’ ’ ’

He went out with the two men, and once
awe. from the house, he said:

“ bat man must diel”

“ Yes, cap’n," was the reply of each.

“ But not here.”

“ No, cap’n.” '

“ I will leave th house before dawn, and will
take position at Rock Spring, for he must

that way.” .

!

‘ea scout around the

 

“ He’s sure to,” said Si. ‘
“You, in case he should go by the Cave

". .g

11

‘j

 

Trail, strike for there as soon as he leaves the
ranch, but he must see you here when he
leaves.”

“ Yes, cap’n.”

“ If he passes Red Rock Spring in safety,
then you look out for him at the Cave."

“ I’llbe there, ca ’n,” said Si.

“ Me, too, cap’n,’ Doc answered.

“ He must neVer pass those two points.”

“ No, indeed.”

“ But what shall we tell ther madam, cap’n!”

“That the cattle have strayed, and you are
going after them.”

“All right, cap’n, we‘ll git ther.”

And back into the cabin went Tiger Tom,
while the two cowboys each book a dog with
him, and on foot made a scout around the ranch,
to meet at the ridge near where it joined the
range, and to come in together before dawn and
amuse the ranchero, so that he could deprt,
unless the presence of comrades of the Saddle
Kin bein about was discovered.

“ I will feave the place just before dawn, Va-
lerie.” said Ti er Tom.

“ But why

“ Well, I wish tobe away when Buck Taylor
gets up and starts.”

“You can keep in your room there, and he
would not know it.” .

“True, if he made no search; but I believe
firme that he has comrades near, for braveas
he is he would not dare come here alone.”

“ Well, where will you go?”

“ To one of my retreats, and one of the boys
can come and tell me if he starts away all
right.

“ Well, you know best. Tom; but 1 cannot un-
derstand why you should fear that one man as

on do, when you have been wont tooften terror.
as a whole crowd and never count odds.”

“ Have you forgotten that I told you he
charged me with being Tom Trescott, and he saw
this brand upon my wrist.

“If I am taken, I .hang, for there will no

mambown the man whom they arrest as
Tom tt.”
The woman was silent a moment and then

aid in a low tone;
“ I can understand our dread now, Tom.

Kf‘ Y’ou must indeed keep clear of the Saddle
mg.

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
'rna DEPARTURE.

Bncx Tarpon slept well in spite of is sur-
roundings, and when he awoke found 0 sun
was up.

Homade histo‘ andstepping onto the
piazza that surronn ed the cabin on uncles,

ound there Mrs. Tracey, seated in an easy-chair

and reading

She maid him pleasantly arid looked even
more tlful than she had the 11 hi: before,
for she wore a jaunty dress of bucks in, with a
beaded cap that was very becoming.

“ I hope you nailed well, Mr. Taylor?” she mid
sweetly, and then as she saw the cowboy chief
gazin at the scenery, she asked:

“ ave we not a fine view from here!"

“ You have indeed, madam.

“And what a fine 'tion for a fort.”

“ Yes, and I thin it was once an Indian
stronghold, as there are traces about that lead to
the belief, as well as its having once been a
Spanish mimics), for our cabin s built on the
‘wbzus‘o’f what appeared to have been once a
c pe . t

“ Doubtlem it was, for there are a number of
ruins about of the old Spanish missions. and
this was surely a most secure place for one.”

“There is a beautifu spring here too, a nat-
ural corral in the rear, r cattle, and the land is
fertilsso that we have an excellent garden.

“ I never tire of the place, Mr. Taylor, and
sit here for hours enjogg the fl‘vnelfi'

“ Still you must be , as Mr. cey is so
much away from home.” .

“Oh, no, you are in error for he is seldom
away from home, and left y ten days ago for
a run to the settlements, where I never care to
have him go. for be has many enemies and is
sure to make more: but these people do not
know him as he is in his home life, and W'
him by what he is when under the influenced
wine. for I am sorry to say he. will go upon
hisporiodical sprees.” '

Buck Taylor was silent Could he have mis-
understood the meal

Washe really theone he hsdchargedhim
with being?

Or, was he unknown in his real life to ht
beautiful wife! _

His home was a pleasant
been iedto bdievs it a more be

He found there a beautiful woman, a
ofnflnedtasteand pitahle,wberoh0.
not deemed such a thing possible. ‘

/

Two unobtrusive, though villainous long  H
' cowboys alone seemed to have charge of.th ‘ 
tie. and an old negress presided over the kimben. .

There were half a dosen savage-looking dogs
lyx‘yi about, but they showed no fierceness to-
“ him, as their mistress accepted

was pu ed, that he did not understand

 

egawhsnhohad"

himasa.‘ ‘

so has Taylor oonfemed to himself that“: -

 

 
 

  

I

12

 

,. g, .‘ My. . ,1 v. . ,, ,_ I, .
, A, I,“ g, ( .iv,t .'.- -- . .VI' ,
., , . , . .

V i

-1

Buck Taylor, the Saddle King.

1

,2 f “11:”.

 

 

  

had told him the place was called.

Seeing the two cowboys coming from the
corral, Mrs. Tracey said:

“Your horse has been well cared for, Mr. |
Taylor, and now we will go in tobreakfast. l
' “But if you are in no hurry to be on your
‘3‘ . way, pray remain as long as it suits your pleas- ,
V ure.” 1
This did not look like an anxiety to get rid of 1
him, Buck thought; but he was not one who 1
took all by appearances.

The breakfast was a good one, well cooked
.,.\‘ and Served, and the cowboy chief enjoyed it im—

‘ ‘ mens«-ly.

’~ He felt a little ashamed of himself for accept-
;L' , ing hospitality in the house of a man Whom he
" ’ was wiling to send to the gallows, and whose
, death would bring grief to the lovely woman
who seemed so much wrapped up in her desper-
ate husband.

But he had not expected such kind treatment
and could only put up with it.

After breakfast Si brought his horse to the
door, as he said he must go, and the Saddle
King would have departed with many thanks
and a formal farewell; but Mrs. Tracey stepped
forward and oifiered her band, while she said:

“I am glad to have known you, Mr. Taylor,
and you must always stop when you come near
us for I wish you to meet my husband and be
It ends with him.”

Buck felt his face flush and muttered some—
thing, he did not remember afterward what,
and then had to take 805 extended hand.

“ Luck to yer, pard," said Si pleasantly.

“ Says I ther sums, perd, Doc Barney added

‘ as he came forward." ~

And springing, lightly into the saddle he was
about to ride away when Valerie led out:

“ May I ask if on know a man in Govern-
ment service Mr. aylor, who is known as the

Saddle King ' .
“ I am on led the Saddle King, Mrs. Tracv.”
“ Indeed! and the Lasso Demon, and Wild
Rider too?” '
“ Yes, I have had a number of names given
me bv my comrades.”
“ Then you are Buck Taylor?"
“Yes, madam.”
“ How lad I am to know (you, sir. \
“Si sci you must be, an seeing you mount,
as you did {ust now reminded me to ask you.
‘ We wil see you again, Mr. Tnylor?’
' ,“Yes. madam, thank you,” and raising his
sombrero, Buck rode away. '
“Well! so that is the home of the Tiger of

I
l

    
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
    
  
     
  
 
 
   
  
 
  
  
   
 
 
   
 
   
  
 
  
     
  
 
 

Texas is it? -
“ And that his wife?
“ If I had u soon what I did, and know just

what that Tige Tom is, I would never have be-
lieved it.

“ Now he is deceiving that pretty wife of his,
. I am sure. .

, ‘f But what a surprise it will be to him when
haiaomes home and finds I have paid him a
v

“I wonderii' she would wish to so. me again

if she knew how I had r her husband in?

“ By the Lone Star of 'exasl but I have half
 a‘mind to lie in wait for Tiger Tom and never
let him reach his home.

“ No, he may not return for weeks, and I
‘ must get the Lasso League ready for the trail
to break up the hand of outlaws of the Branded
, , , Hand, for f Ti or Tom is not one of them, per-
, ‘ ' be. their chie , I am nWay oi! the trail.

" ‘Now for the fort,” and he rode on at a

swifter pace, his horse having had a good rest.

, ' CH’API’ER XXV.
I ,' ran DOUBLI ansusn.
‘ Tim innate caution of the cowboy chief had
.,» , 3 , saved his life on man an occasion, when, but
;   for it, he would have don into a trap.

': , I It was not fear, but self-protection, and where

he would have sought big odds if it some to the
scratch, he did not take chances where he would
have to contend list an ans-in. .

So as he rode , Buck Taylor grew suspi-

clone.
He had not soon the rancher-o ethic home,

reason to believe that he had not. '
his escape from him whyhsd he not ,
‘ unturned at onosi ’
If he had not, he might even then be watch-4
about to see if hc,Buok ,l‘ylor, wasnot
trap to catch him if sdid return

‘ the watch he had seen him go
and would see him depart, and what more
ralthau that rigor Tom would lie inani-

for him, for known the 'coun as he
bottom readily head h m on somow on
- Badman-lug knew thatpartofthscoun-

h .
' wbawldjustwhm‘l‘i

was ’

5%

e“

5

       

Tom’s

finch was and over two .

he had moon-“there, drifing s herd of cat-
boen smhuhod at Red 8

 
  

‘  milsl‘ from  Beach, by some ‘

i".

  
  
 
  
 
 

 

 

 

‘

thcrswnsnoiudioation that hehadbanthsrs,»

answsrofths
scar taboo-nil 
mm " ’d"

situation at “Mission Hill Ranch,” as Valerie l 80 Buck Taylor remembered the Red Rock

Spring, as his cattle too had been run off, and
he and the balance of his comrades had barely
escaped with their lives. _

Three things the Saddle King pondered over
as he rode along.

He would pass the Red Rock Spring he knew,
following the trail to the fort, so he grew more
and more cautious.

“Now I think of it, that was a night attack,
and I wonder if they were really Comanches, or
white men?” mused Burk.

“I am inclined to think that they were out-
laws disguised as Indians.

“ Well, I’ll take a leok at Red Rock Spring
before I ride by it, for it isn place where many
a mor fellow has lost his life.’

No as he drew near the locality, the Saddle
'Klng turucd oil‘ of the trail and soon found a
hiding-plnco for his horse.

Tth he went on foot, rule in hand, by a flank
movement to approach the spring.

Reaching a point of observation be peepcd
over into the valley, where the spring was
located. ~

There was a pile of rocks, a few scattering
trees and the spring wound down the hillside in-
to a stream in the valley.

Putting his glasses to his eyes Buck Taylor ut-
tered a whistle the moment he looked through
them. I

“ Well, Holy Smoke!” he said in a way of ex-
clamation.

“ What good angel prompted me to turn
from the straight path and take the crooked one?

“There he is, as large as life, and twice as
natural, just waiting for me to come along so
that he can add to my weight by several ounces
of lead.

“Now he knew I was at his house and must
take this trail.

“I wonder if his wife and the cowboys, yes
and the Black Venus and the dogs were in the
secret! ‘

“ ell, now to get the drop on Tiger Tom, for
it has come to it, guess.”

He reconnoitered the position carefullythrough
his glass, and at last discovered a ravine by
which he could reach the rocks in the rear of the
man lying in ambush.

“ If I can reach that rock in his rear, then I
have a case of drop on him.’

So he made a circuit around to the ravine,
crept up it to where it ended and then, peering
through a bush, watched the spring. ‘

Tiger Tom was hidden by the lat 130k and
was as carefully watching in thee er irsbtion
for his victim to come alon

Across the open stretch
rifle in hand, and gained the shelter of the rock.

Up this he crept, and there rested tocollect
his strength and nerve, for his trip had been a
hard one, part of the t1 me upon his knees.

r Fgeling sure of himself, he peered over the
rm 0 r T
at Tiger Tom, not twenty.flve feet

There
from him. . “.41:
He stood b a crevice'in the rocks, peepin

through a hoewhich he had cut and p

there. . .
He had a rifle by his side, leaning against the
rock, which came up to his chin, thus giving

him a safe amnion and perfect view of the
gringtheot rside of the rocks that shielded
m

The trail wound over a bill a hundred yards
away, and run straight to the spring, so that no
man could escape a fee thus prepared for him.

But the place where he stood was shaped like
a V and behind him there was no rot tion.

The rock in his rear shielded Bnc Ta lor pen
f , and he could command the man who
song it to st the drop on him.

In foot. :- Too: had not intended to daily
with his man, but to kill him thenand there.

He must never go back tothe fort withthe
story he had to tell.

I Thus was a double ambush formed, and the
trap was to be soon sprung. V

CHAPTER XXVI.
ran riur srsuna.
Tron Ton was nerved to the work before

him. -,
With a men of his kind’a life was nothing 

him .

32. would kill the. cow chief, and that
would end the feud between

He would arrange so that the cowboy would
never be found near his. ranch, but far awn ,
sndbewould risli the idea that it would
found out that Indians did not kill him.
t"kit‘s, he know his [work too well to make a mis-

e. I i

' The cowl)? chief must die, and Indians would

be accused having slain him.‘ '
, “ I’lghgfnit if I give”? killi'sisveral India1y ns and
heel near to s so sav c .
1)‘Ksspiug his eyes 'on the hill oavfir which the
trail wound, he said, an the time passed:
“ Guns him! whydon’t become!”
r “I am here. r Tom,” was the unexpected
' lo Kin in his rear.
ytdbmks‘flomthtlfinof Tiger Tom as he
  he

 

       

  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
  

    

Alto

 
 

'I'Euck Taylor went, his ,

 

'< “f” rarer.

you”

DomOn was thrown, encircled his body, and he
was dragged to the ground just as his captor,
with a mighty leap, reached his side.

“ I’ve ot you again, Tiger Tom i”

“The ‘addle King 1” gasped the prisoner, his
arms held tight to his side by the lasso coil, and
lying upon his side as he had been dragged with
the terrific jerk which Buck Taylor had given.

“The Lasso Demon this time, Tiger Tom, for
I’ve got you without a shot.”

“ Curse you i”

“ I heard you sayso before, and wonder at my
not coming.

“ But I am here now."

As the Ti‘Xfll, spoke he was winding his lariat ,.

closer, until he could disarm his prisoner.

This done he slipped upon his wrists the band—
cufl‘s which he took from his pocket, and which
Tiger Tom had before made the acquaintance

o ,

Then he allowed his prisoner to rise, and said:

“ Now come with me and show me where your
horse is.”

“ I am on foot.”

“Well, you shall walk whileI ride; and I will
keep a lively pace." 0

“ My horse is yonder in the mesquite thicket.”
was the reply, as Tiger Tom did not like walk~

mg.

“ All right,” and Buck Taylor 'went in the di»
rection spoken of, and there was the horse,
hitched to a tree and muzzled.

“ New mountl”

The prisoner obeyed.

The feet of Tiger Tom were not bound, but '
once in his saddle Buck Taylor made his hand-
cuffed wrists fast to the large saddle-horn.

Then he took the stake-rope and led the horse
to Where he had left his own animal.

“ Where are you going?”

“ To get my horse.”

“ Ah 1” and the prisoner seemed relieved.

“ You must be very cowardly to watch all the-
Elaess on s where a man could be am-

ushed, sueered the prisoner.

" I am, and it is Well that I flanked the Red.
Rock Spring, or I would be dead now.”

“ I was not waiting for you.”

“Who, then?” ~

“ Comenches.” '

“ Ah, yes, some of the kind who rescued you
from me.” ‘ i

“ They did not rescue me, for I run to them,
and, pretending tojoin them, they did not keep
“guard over me after a day or so, and I es—
ca '

t t .

white

“ What do you mean!” i

“ Does a Comanche become a  after
he has passed in his cheeks?” “

“ I don’t understand you.”

“Well, my idea is that those were not In-
dians.” , ‘

:‘IYimltbmktwr’ f it, f they did t h

‘ eepretysnreo or . no ave
ho s and arrows, lance- or rifles, only re-
v vers.” -

“ That is no sign.” . .

" Well, I‘ lieve they were men from the set-
tlement whom lyou paid to rescue you.”

And Buck aylor cared not to say more, to
give his prisnner an idea of all he know, or that
lie suspected the men to belong to a. band of out-

awe.

“ You are all wrong, for they were Coman-
cbes, and I was on my way home, when I raw '
signs of red~skins about, so I lay inn ambush to

wait and see if they Mathis

gear Tom, does death mm on Indian

way.
“ Why not go to your house toaid in the pro- ,

tectlon of it!”
“ I was on my way there.”
“ The other night you spoke in border dialect,
appearing like an uneducated man, and now
you have forgotten to talk as on did then, so I
am more than ever convinced at'you are Tom
Trescott.” ‘
“See here, Back Taylor,- I am not Trescott,
thou h be was my friend. .
“ have a hspp home, and though I am dos-
to under the cones of liquor, I am not a
ad man at'hcsrt. ' V.
“I will say more, that there is a very strong
resemblance between the man Trescottand m -
self, and if I are taken to the ‘fort, I will
strun up “the man you accuse ms of being."
“ i on will indeed.” .
“ Now you are not a. rich man, Ts lori”
31%0, This: lnconvenientiy r, TLsr Tom.”
on ve , r y
than...” t

“ That is all,

“ Well, I’ll vs you in gold five thousand
lars if you wil drop this ides. that Lam ,
cott and let me go free.” ‘ ‘

“ You could not bribe me to dothst which
deemed wrong, Tiger Tom“ for any sum

might name,” was the stern rejoinder. . i .
‘ The: my life  upon your hesdif In

hanged. ,
“80 bit, form life come devilish nul-
lug On your hood now.

‘ No, I’ve
inkeyou to t fort. , ‘ , I
’ “ I shall tell Colonel Miles just what I
and leave, him to decide what hewill

l

       
  
 
  

   
     

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“ He will hang me.”

‘.‘ If he does not, I shall be very much sur-
prised."

In a few minutes more they came to Buck
«Taylor’s horse, and the latter mounted and start-
i ed back upon the trail. _

A,“ Red Rock Spring the trail branched into
t‘YO, find Tiger Tom on erly scanned the face of
1‘13 Captor to see which e intended to take.

In fact, in his anxiety he said:

“ The Cave Trail is the best one.”

lBuck Taylor gave him a sharp glance and re-
p lei : ,
“ That is the one We shall take.”

CHAPTER XXV IL V
0N TH]: CAVE TRAIL.

HAVING failed in his attempt to bribe the
Saddle King, Tiger Tom tried another plan.

“ Say, Buck Taylor 1”

“ Weill" ,

“ I have been away from home some two weeks
and on that spree in the settlements, so I don’t
feel just right, and it won’t make but half a
day’s difference if you’ll take me by home and
let me get a clean outfit.”

“ I had the hospitality of your home last night,
Tiger Tom, and would not have the heart to
go back there and have you as my prisoner.

“ I could not look your good wife in the
face.”

“ Oh, I’ll explain to her that you are doing
what you deem to be your duty.”

“ No, I’ll not go.”

“ Wish you would.”

“ I’ll rig you up in some of my togs when we
get to the fort, for though you are a little larger
man than I am, I guess you can wear them."

The prisoner loo ed disappointed.

He had planned a trap for the cowboy chief if
he ct him to his home. .

ow the only chance he had Issue in his own
'two men, whom he had told to ambush the Cave
Trail for the Saddle King, should he escape
death at the Red Rock Sprig?
1) Would they be upon the art as they should
6?

And would they effect his rescue?

Could they see that he was a prisoner, or would
they not, seeing him riding along by the side of
.‘the cowboy ch of, think their trouble had been
,amicably arranged?

' Such were the thoughts that worried Tiger
Tom as he went along with Buck Taylor.

Having bound his handcuffed hands to the
saddle-horn the cowboy chief seemed to feel that
he had his prisoner secure.

H e did not even have his lariat fast to the
bores ridden by the i‘anchero.

If Ti er Tom had spurred forward to escape,
Buck aylor knew that hisown horse could over-
take him, and if not, a bullet could.

Theidea of. his risou s escaping him never
bored the Siddle§lnfifmind ‘

on

. But behad‘ noted the col: upon Tiger Tom’s
“ face, when the diflerent trails came into ques-
tion, so, for fearof trouble, hewsnt along slowly

i " and with the utmost caution.

The trail he was on get its name from passing
through a can on iii which there were a number
of caves, per ups at some time the home of
dwellers in caverns.

The trail would pass along the sides of the can-

on in places where the stream flowing through
t filled the space.

Such deviations from the bedof the canyon
was alon ledges in the steep sides of the chfls,
and here u were the cams. '

To have gone by the other trail would have
been to go fifty miles out of his way, and this
Buck Taylor wished to avoid, having his pris-
oner along, especially as it would have taken
, him in dangerous proximity to the Comanches.
.: ,. A; halt fm' dinner and rest was made before
" i lemming the Cave Canyon, and this fretted Tiger
,  tosnch an extent that he could opt eat the
-’ lthe cowboy chief gave him. , ,

f'Thosefocls will get. tired and leave the am-
bush," said the prisoner to himself.

But Buck 'l‘a lor‘ seemed in no very great
11 , ate his. (1 user serenely, and tten waited

awlii e- afterward to give the horses is longer
rest and time to crop a better supply of grass.
At last he said:
“ You seem anxious to get on the way, Tiger
ll
 am naturally anxious toknow what will be
'  with me.”
‘ , “  nie quiet '

Worn“ you, by telling
proves1'you to be the
bellhl‘tniM'” ‘ h H '

‘ i P. Me n t en.
“Yes, and thugs are men enough who have
served vvithvygeu' to know whether you are the

.1 , .- i ' a’
shim, u I said; but the man
udead.” _ " _
u now do you know'l", ,
,“Ho was my friend, and after leavin the
arm came to my bouts, though I did not now
j “ .afterwards that he had km the paymaster

'Mbbed him. .
‘ 3.9m 3” I” m  trouble with an
Wild ecu-pa punishment, and
90, and one of my cow-

your suspense, if that is what
ou that if Colonel lilies
eserter Trescot you will

 

to
‘ 1intovldexi

 

   

- bounding to cayer, while

 

boys fiaw him killed there at a fandango, one
ni ht.

‘3‘ And that is your reason for saying he is

sad?”

‘t Y n

“ Well, I have better reasons for believing
him to be alive.

“ Hold up your left band please, and let me
see that india ink brand upon it." '

“ My left hand?” quickly asked the ranchero,
and his faced cl anged color.

“ Oh, yes it is the right one, I remember now,
for I saw it when you held your pistol raised,
thus giving me a chance to lasso you,” and Buck
Taylor spoke as though he had not meant the
left hand to note the effect 11 on the prisoner.

Buthe had failed to see t e palm of his left
hand, and Tiger Tom appeared to be very deter-
mined that he should not, though he held up the
under part of his wrist for inspection whereon
had been pricked in india ink the lettering before
referred to: 1

“ T. T. FIFTH Gav. U. S. A.”

“ Yes, that is the same brand the man known
as Tom Trescott had on his left wrist—”

“ His right wrist.”

“ Ah! how do you know that?”

“ Well, I have seen it, and he-—-” .

" You told me that it was your name on his
wrist.”

“ No, thesame initals T. T. and the rest, for I
was once in the Fifth Cavalry; but discharged
at the end of my term of enlistment.”

“ I fear, Tiger Tom, you are getting deeper in-
to the mire by your explanations.

“ But come, we will go on our way now."

He aided his prisoner to mount, again bound
his hands to the horn of the saddle, and leapin
upon the back of his own horse once more set 0
on the trail.

 

CHAPTER,_XXVIII. '
TWO ‘30”.

Tnn Cave yon Was reached and having
passed through tonce before, Buck Taylor re-
membered the we

As they enter
Tom grew paler.

He new that there was no hope for him did
not his two men, Si Dunn and Doc ey res-
cue him. ,

Had they, after all, taken the other trail, then
he saw no avenue of escasz

He cast furtive glance behind him, before
him, and on either side.

For once the iron-nerved man had no control
over himself.

It was a ride of terror to him, amounting to
horror. , ,

His manner and look at last caused Buck
Taylor to say:

‘ One would thiuk‘you ex ted to ride into
an ambush, from your ks, gI‘eicger Tom.”

“ I am going to my oath, as I know.”

“ If you cannot ve hat you are not the
man wanted, yes; ut don’t get nervous ‘until
you know what your fate is to be.”

“ I am not nervOus, I am simply—4’

He did not finish his sentence. for out of a
cave up on the ledge rung two rifleasbots, and
witha bound into the air the Saddle King‘s
gorse fell backward, crushing his rider beneath

im. '

At the first crack of the rifles the horse of
Tiger Tom wheeled about in fright,.snd deep
into his sides sunk the‘spurs, urging him on.

Back down‘ the ledge he run, while the two
men who had fired the shots, believing their
work well done, Prong out of the cavern where
they had been ly ng in ambush, to be greeted by
a couple of shots, one cutting open the check of
SI. Dunn, the other tearing through the fleshy

part of Dec Barmg"! arm. . .
“ Lordyi I’m it hard,” elled Doc Barney,
i Dunn, with his

cheek torn open, followed w ith the remark:

“ Yes, he’s not dead, but after us.

“Quick, pard, up the hill to our horses, for
ther csp’u hev escaped.” r .

And away they fled like hunted foxes, leaping
up the steep hillside until they came to a ledge
where their horses were. ‘

Mounting in hot haste they spurred on down
the canyon after their leader, only too led to
Escape from the man of whom they stood such

£56 canyon the face of Tiger

. , t ,

Tney dashed outiof theICsve Can on into the
valley, along this at thelfull speed 0 their horses
and at last came to Red Rock Spring.

A short halt was made here to water their
horses and moisten-their parched throats, and
than they continued their way. '

Si "The capn went-along hens licky-ity split,

i‘ §es, tginéilwe hain’t goiu’ ’slpw.” '

‘ o- u guess the on n 8 horse will
clean Home with him.” . p , . n.“
hi; I, guesses so; but we kin see when we rise the

They soon came to the summit of, the 11%?
. i ‘

overlookin the prairie and With the Mission
far in the d stance. r' ~ .

And there, mm scudding across the prairie,'

they saw the horse and rider.

    

His horse still ran on, and the rider was by no
means sorry, as he was headed for home.

He had seen Buck Taylor go down, apparently
killed or wounded, and a glance backward, ere
he had turned a bend in the canyon, shewed that
he had fallen beneath his horse.

” Of course Si and Doc will finish him if he is
not dead,” he muttered, and then he heard two
shots. '

“ That settles him, and they meant to be sure.

“ But bound as I am I cannot stop this beast,
so he will have to run all the way home.”

And seated upon the piazza of her home, read-
ing, Valerie beheld the horseman coming.

Quickly she sprung for the.ng always kept
hanging in loops upon the piazza, and a glance
shewed her that it was her husband.

“It is Tom, and how he rides!

“ He is not pursued that I can see.

“ Yes, and his horse seems tohave been pressed
hard.

“ I do not understand it.

t “ But why should he come from that direc-
ion?

“ It is that trail the Saddle King took and—”

She paused, and an angry flash came into her
eyes.

“ Has he laid in ambush for the Saddle King
and killed him?

“ If so, there will be more trouble for him than
he dreams of.

“ I will soon know,” and the face of the woman
was now flushed with anger, a dangerous light
shining in her eyes.

On came the horse, slackening his ce as be
neared home, and as he drew nearer alerie saw
that he had been ridden desperately hard.

Up to the stockade gate he came and halted.

“ Come, Valerie, you will have to let me in,”
called out the ranchero.

The woman walked quickly to the gate and
threw it open, while she asked:

“ And why could you not open it as usual!”

v“ Do you see my hands?”
’ “My God! you are in irons!” she cried, her
face white now.

“ Yes, and tied to the horn of my saddle.”

“ What has happened?"

“ Untie my hands so that I can dismount
from this tired horse—see how he pants."

“ Yes, he is run down." and the woman I
to untie the bonds that held the irons to the sad- ,
dle—horn.

“ Gently, Valerie, for my rough ride has rub-
bed the skin off of my wrists.”

She soon had him free, sided him to dismount
and led him upon the plane where she gave him
a seat, calling to Black Venus to bring some
warm water and bandages.

“ Lordy, Massa Tom, what all yer?” asked
Black Venus. , v' ~

“ I’ve been capture? and put in irons, Venus,
by the,1 gentleman yo were all so good to last
night.

“ Ah! the Saddle King?” cried Valerie, while
Venus remarked:

“ I kpow’d dere was de debble in dat gemman
soon as I seen him, and Fee afeerd ter spend.
ther silber doller he gi'n me.”

“ The Saddle King did this?” steme demand.
ed Valerie. *

“ Yes, and yonder come Si and Doc and
they can tell you how I am avenged for that
irons,” was the fierce response. .

CHAPTER XXIX.
ran cowsor naasn.

Till eyes of the ranchero, kept on the trail he
had come, had discovered the cowboys coming
at a gallop across the prairie. .

He at once pointed them out to his wife, who
mid quickly: \ ~

“Ah! it was a three-handed game against
one man. and an ambush as well?

“Do you feel proud of your victory, Tom ‘ 

Tracey! '
“ I feel safe at last.” .
“ ell, how is it that ytu return in irons?"

“ shall have to explain it to the two men, 1)  ,

will tell you when they arrive.”
“ Then they were not with you?” - ~
“ Not when these were put on,” and he hen .
up his manacled hands. - " ,
“ When were they with you?”  ‘
“ They were in at the death.” ' ‘
“ Ylien Buck Taylor has been killed?” ,
“ es, and the boys killed him to rescue ma ’
“8on you have it." '  x ;
“i cannot understand how one man can  “
you as that man hasdone.” ‘ ; ' ~
“ You will see when I explain.” ,, ‘ j
“ Well, I will  the story that. these men
tell, and then decide what is to he done, for the

killing of the Saddle King is the worst the“!
your ifs, Tom.”  ,  :
"ldidnotkillhim." l, « w,

“ it was done by your cider.” ~ --  '

« Pray wait and hear all, Valerieyhefon 
W8 “:6 that I d'd kill tin.  

, y i not .. i 
men rescued me from him. and when the 

 

_ powerlesl to step him."

my horse wheeled and ran‘homeijfiol'.‘ "If":

 

   
  
 
  
   
   
 
 
  
     
 
       
    
  

  

     
 
  

        

A .

  

14:

Buck  Taylor, '  Saddle King. ;' .

. .-,,  r, -_,1U.,,_ ,4: ;,; -, u. .

 

 

The woman said no more then, and the ran-
chero soon after asked: .

“ Can you not free me from these irons?”

“ I have no key to unlock them.”

“ Then try to pick them with a. hairpin, or in
, some way, for my wrists are swelling and I am
.' i ‘ suffering.”
 “ I will do all I can, Tom,” and she Went off
to find something that would do. '

But every effort to pick the spring clasp fail-
ed, and the ranchero said:

“ A file alone will do it, and that will take
nearly all night.

“ But here come the men.”

“ Yes, and from up arances both bear the
brand of the cowboy 0 let as Well as you.”

“ How do you mean f”
. “ They are wounded.”
 v ' “ Wounded? So they are; but I am not.”

 

 /' “No, but you wear the iron bonds of the
 ' Saddle King, so his brand is upon the three of
, r you.

 , . Tifier Tom winced at this, but muttered:

 a V “ ow on earth did they get wounded?”

of, . They had now dismounted and came toward

the piazza, one holding his hand to his check,
the other supporting his arm as best he could.

, “ S y, what does it mean that you are wound-

ed?" ste-rnly asked the ranchero.

‘ The Saddle King did it, cap’u.”

“ Yes, tore my cheek open.”

“ And sent a bullet through my arm.”

“ I thought you killed him,” cried Tiger Tom,
in alarm.

“ We thought so, too, on m, but he don’t die
easy, and when we showe ourselves out of the
cave, here’s what we got, and if the good lady
will only help us we'll be thankful.”

“ Did you leave that man alive?” roared Tiger
Torn, springing to his feet ind fury.

“ We followed you away, cap a, only you
went faster than we did,” ventured Si Dunn.

“ Look at these-irons on me!

“ I was bound to my saddle and my horse ran
03 With me, while you, after killing 'his horse,
and severely wounding him, fled frOm him like
tum cowar iv coyotes that your are l”

“ Say, cap’n, look what we got, and as we had
rescued you, we didn’t want ter stay no longer.”

‘,‘ [ wish to understand this, and then I will
see what I can do to help you all,” said, the

. woman firmly.

“ Well, V erie, I will confess frankly that I
wished to put that man out of the way, and I
lent Si and Doc to ambush him at the Cave Can-
yen, while I went on to Red Rock Spring.

“Well, he flanked the sprin , came up in my
rear and the first I knew of is presence was
whsn I impatiently said, ‘ Why don’t be come?’
he nswerd from behind me: '

“ ‘ I am here.’

‘“ At the some moment he threw that larlat of
his, which he aims in as deadly a way as he
shoots, and so I was caught.

“ He refused all bribed, and would not let me
come home first, saying he had accepted my hos-
pitality last night and would not have the heart
to come back and make on wretched.” ,

x “ He was considerate, no.”
., “ Yes, and than he took me on with him, and
I prayed that Si and Doc might be in position.”

" And for once your prayer was answered,”
sneered the woman.

~“ It seems so,” was the reply, the man never
showing anger toward the woman.

“ then?"

“ We we 9 riding along sl 9 by side, when the
boys fired rom a cavern we just passed, and
a little above us on the hillside. , ’

“Taylor‘s horse reared and fell backward
u him, and I am confident that his rider was

wounded. .
“ My horse wheeled and ran for home.
." Then I heard two shots and so the
“roadways here had finished the Sag is King,
' whenéol I find they were fired by him and they

m o I

“ That is all, Valerie.”

“No. that is but the beginning, for that man
will never rest now unti he has tracked you
down Tom, mark my word on that.”

“ If. may be mortally wounded, Valerie.”

“ I think he is, ma’m,”,said Si.

" I think he got, it where he lives, ma’m,” Doc

2 .

"“Well', I shall find out.”

‘f You!”

«I n

“ Whatdo you mean!”
 “ I shall go and See, as soon as I have looked
hotness men’s wounds, for Aunt Venus can file
1 1 your iron: 01!, Tom, while I am gone.”

“ But, Valerie, you must—-” I
:: §am gsoin to only no more. b l
ow i in at melee how ad on are

marked for lifc."n’ ’ y
, She dressed the torn check as well as she

could, then looked. to the wound of Doc Barney.
: '_ the bullet havmg cut through his arm, butnot

‘ touching the bone. 1

Then she showed Black Venus how to use a
file upon the handcuffs, and mounting her horse
3. rodeaway at a gallop upon her missiOn, and u.
, gadolookin creature she looked tee, superbly
 %' hated as s e was, d in a buckskin rid.

 

   
 
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
    
   
   
 
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
 
   
    
  
    
 
   
   
  
 
   
    
    
  
    
   
   
  
    
  
  
   
    
   
 
  

with a belt of arms strapped about her slender
waist, a rifle slung at her back.

She was a woman to dare much, one to ad-
mire, one to fear as well.

 

CHAPTER XXX.
A CLOSE CALL.

BUCK TAYLOR had been suspicious of some
trap ever since his capture of the ranchero.

Knowing that he had been supported by a.
score of men in the rescue from him, he could
not believe that he was actually alone there
upon the prairie, and that so near his home.

If there were others, he knew he would have
to take his chances, and so he continued on his
wa with his prisoner.

'Rhe manner of his prisoner also caused him to
be the more doubtful of him.

Still he had only to keep on his way and trust
to luck and his own caution.

He was watchful ahead of him, when enter-
ing the Cave Canyon, and his eyes had fallen
upon the very cavern in which the two cow-
boys were ambushed.

The runchero, however, was riding on the side
next to them, and they dared not fire from the
front, and so waited until the two had ridden
past.

. Then they quickly stepped out, Si Dunn say-
ing gruickly:

‘ on take aim at his head, Doe, and I’ll hunt
for his heart.”

“ All right, parcl.”

“ Is you ready?”

IL ,7

“ Let go!” .

The shots followed in quick succession, but
with a different result from what they had
looked for and hoped would be the case.

Whether their nerves were unstrung. or they
were fearful of hitting the rancher-o I do not
know; but the bullet of D00 hit the horse ridden
by Buck in the head, and Si’s shot, only, told
upon the rider.

Buck Taylor felt a stinging sensation in his
shoulder, and his arm dropped to his side us:-
less, while his horse reared and fell backward,
pinning him to the ground. ”

Wounded as he was, and with such a sudden
full of his horse, quickly too though he tried to
save himself, he fell heavily and saw his prisoner
dash away without the power to check him.

But as quickl , as lie could get his haul upon
a revolver he t id so and turning beheld his in-
tended assassins show themselves.

His position was a cramped one, and he
had to lean over and fire upward with his re-
volver upside down, but his aim was by no
means bad, as has been seen, and had not the
two assassins otten out of range as soon as they
did, they won d have found his firing improve
with practice.

That they had. run of! utterly, Buck Taylor
could not believe, and he hastenen to free him-
self and seek a. shelter from whence he could
stand them off. .

, His horse was dead, and lyin upon his left
leg, n hile he was bruised by his all as well, and
wounded. ' .

How seriously he was hurt he did not know,
but he was lad to feel that his arm was only
temporarily numbed by the shot, for he could

g raise it now.

With great exertion be freed himself them the
weight of the horse, and seizing his rifle limped
to shelter in a cavern near.

He waited a long time, and no enemy appear-
ing he began to look to his injuries.

' Can my shot have hurt them both seriously,
or have they run of?!” he asked himself.
h " any rate, 1 must see just how, I am

nr . .

He drew off his hunting-cost, and slitting his
sleeve with his knife, looked atthe wound.

It was in his shoulder, and he was glad to see

that the bullet had cut on through the flesh and '

was not led ed in the arm. \

“ It struc the bone and glanced. _

“ It was the shock that paralyzed my arm for
a few minutes.

“ I guess it is not serious and I’ll bind it up as
soon as I can get to my saddle-pockets.

“ My leg is all right, except for being bruised
and the bark knocked off in places, and my arm
is skinned.

“’ Why, I’m not much the worse for the rack-
et, though my horse, poor fellow, my good
lFriend; you have gone on your trail to the great

)0 on .

x New to see if .I can reach my horse without
being killed bynn unseen foe.”

He made the attempt and no shot came.

80 be stripped his horse of his saddle and bridle
and returned to the cavern. ,

He had his haven-sack of previsions and roll of
blankets, and in the saddle-pocket was his little
leather roll in which he kept somelint, liniment,
emvract of witch hazel and a few medicines.

These came in Well now, and be bound up his
wound as well he he could, and then looked to
what he called his “ barked " leg and arm.

 

f,i,.hghsbit,a sombrero sheltering her head,‘and fro

His next move was to go at on a scout.
He made his way to w e the shots had come

    

     

    

l

 

There, he saw where the two men had been,.
and there were red stains upon the rocks.

These he trailed to where the two horses had
been hitched, while waiting for their riders to»
do their murderous work. v

Tile trails of the horses led down the canyon.
toward the valley. .

“They went on the jump, too,” he muttered,
with a grim smile.

“Now I am on foot and a long way from
home.

“ I could go back to Tiger Tom’s and get a

rse from his corral to—night—no, I forgot
t ose noisy dogs, for they would betray me.

“ I guess I’ll have to hoof it to the fort. and I
am not in the best condition for walking, either.

“ My poor horse, I am sorry to part company
with him, for we were dear pnrds, were we not,
old fellow?” and he stooped and patted the
glossy neck of the dead horse, affectionately.

“ We have gone on many a trail together, old
pard, but they got you at last, as they will some
day get me, I reckon.

“ But I’ll avenge you, Friend, and if there was
earth enough in this rocky canyon to bury you,
the wolves should never make a meal off you.

“ But I can do nothing, old fellow, and right-
here we part forever.”

His voice quivered as he uttered the words,
and again placing his hand careesingly upon the
head of the dead animal, he swung the bridle
and saddle over his back and went limping-
slowly along on the long trail before him.

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
ran SADDLE KING moor.

OUT of the Cave Canyon the Cowboy chief
made his way slowly, for he walked with consid»
erable pain. '

He found a good camping place, near a brook
and just off the trail.

There was plenty of wood near, and so be de-
cided to go into damp though the sun was yet.
some distance above the horizon.

So he arranged his camp to suit his ideas of
comfort, gathered some wood and built a fire,
and then prepared to cook supper, when he~stop~
ped suddenly, seized his rifle and sought cover
among the rocks.

“ Maybe that gentleman will lend me his
horse if I ask mm in the right way,” he said,
grimly, as the clatter of boots reached his ears,
and coming through the canyon.

He was not over a hundred yards from the-
trail, up the side of the hill just under alcliif’
which was heavily wooded.

’

His position was a. good one to’ defend against. '

half a dozen foes, and as there was a tiny brook
coming out from under the clifi, and his haver-
sack was well supplied with provisions, he said
to himself that he could stand a few days’ siege.
Louder sounded the clatter of hoofs, sending
many an echo am0ng the r ks, which to an in--
experienced ear would have sounded like a large
cavalcade approaching. ) '

But the cowboy chief knew that there was
but one horse a d he smiled to himself as he
thought that he u had an opportunity to get
a mount.

He’s one of Ti er Tom’s pards of course, may—

be the Satan h mself, so of count! that is my.

horse.” ,
Another moment and there came out of 'the'
canyon the horse and rider. _
Then Buck Taylor gave a low whistle of sur-

prise. .

" lt’s Tiger Tom’s beautiful wife, a I live!

“ Now where is she going!” ‘

The woman 33:13:51! :t%uetsltiolii\by draw;
in "mum "owns e ,ai...

There Was firth there and the tracks of the
cowboy chief were discernible to one who could
‘f0110wv a trail.

"She is trailing me, that is certain,” said the
saddle King. - g ‘

Then the woman stopped, glanced up‘the hill-
side and saw the smoke curling upward above
the racks. \ x _ '

Instantly she turned off the trail up toward
the camp.

“Now, what dues she want, I wonder?

“ Is she mad, and after me to avenge her hus
band? . ._

“ I hope not, for I would not know just how
to meet a woman on the war-path.”

Before he could say more the woman came to
a halt and cried out: v

“ Ho the cum l” _ "

“Yes. Mrs. racey,can I be of any service
to you?” and Buck Ta 'lor stepped into when

She rode on then an Buck watched her close.
ly to see if she had drawn a weapon.

Riding up close to whei‘e he stood she said:

“ So we meet again, Mr. Taylor ”

“ Yes, Mrs. Tracey, and soon r than
pected we would.” \

“ I told you we would meet again some day.” v

“Yes, I remem r.” '
your horse back upon the trail in Cave

I ex-

I‘ I 
Canvo . ‘ .
“ Pear fallow he is dead.”
“ yo know who shot him?” ~ ’
_“ The glance I got at the men who tried to
murder me was only long enough for a quick

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

< uteri-“Taylor;

 

a.  . ,

  

  

.. a. a. .1  «3.1.421-Awhh‘flmaw.midflfiafiku'mv’wmmmfl 

15'

 

 

4
- aim, and I would hardly know them again; ex- cracked, and he walked over and picked up his Still he was able to get along at a rate of
’r ’ cept I left my brand on them.” game. _ ’ twenty-five to thirty miles a day, and very
" Why did they seek to murder you?” “ Shot through the head, so my nerve stands quickly realized that had he been on foot he
(I “Wanted me out of the way, I suppose, Mrs. me well yet," he said. would have had to lay by until he got able to
‘0 , Tracey.” “ Now I am previsioned well for n siege,” he trawl. .
“Were you alone?" added a moment after, as he began to pick the “It was a Close call, but I am in luck that
n “ Well no, I was not, for I had a prisoner with feathers from the turkey. it is no worse,” was . his philosophical way of
me. His blankets were then opened, his oilclwths looking at his Situation. ‘
I» “Have you seen him?” stretched over them for shelter, wood “‘us piled But the more he pondered upon the strange
"Yes, he came home, wearing your brace- on lhe fire, as night was Coming on, and he woman of Old Mission Ranch, the less be under-
“ ” swung his turkey up to roast, while he ate his stmd her.
“Ahl then you now know there is war be- sn ,iper. When he had naturally supposed she would
a tween us?” ‘ l/Vhen the turkey was well roasted, he put it have been his enemy, after knowing of the quar-
’t "I do, and I regret that upon his part it was aside, Covered the fire with ushefl, and having rel between himself and her husband, she had
not carried on open] .” taken a lonwk down toward the trail, turned in. instead llH n his ii'iend. -
I “ You are aware then that I was ambushed?” For Several hours he slept, and then awoke That she had dared come by night on the long
" “Yes, and I congratulate you upon not having with a start. ride from the ram-h, and bring her horse to him,
V been killed or wounded.” With that instinct, which l)€(‘()nlf'S almOst as going back alwne, tor he had noticed that there
"I: “Wen, fescaped with my life, but Idid get a keen as a dog‘s in men who sleep with their was but one track back again, after leaving
8' shot in my arm, anda bruised leg, for I find it lives in their hands, he felt that there was some the animal hitched to the tree, showed that
. hard to walk.” one near. she was a Woman of nerve and will above me
i i “ Poor fellow! allow me to see how seriously He crept to his position of defense, rifle in average.
5* on are hurt, for I am a good nurse, and have hand, and waited. “Now it’s just what my Girl Purd Belle
lyiad considerable experience with wounds." No sound came to him, yet still he knew that would have done, but I didn’t think another of
She did not await his anSWer, but leaped from some one, or something, was not far away. her rare pluck could be l’oand in the same State,”
7 ’ her horse and approached him. “ It may be a hear,” he muttered, to add a said the Saddle King.
“ You are indeed hurt, and I will dress your moment after: ~ So on he went, camping for rest when he end-
t' wound for you. ’ “ And it may be Tiger Tom. ed it, and caring for his hurts all he could, until
“ I am glad it is no more serious.” “Well, I can be as patient as he is." at last Fort D—— came in sight.
7- “ So am I, thank you.” And there he sat, awaiting for some sign of a The fort was well situated upon the banks of
“And you had started to tramp to the fort too. a stream, that ran into palisades at its location,
’ lame as on are?” Soon he heard the breaking of a twig, yet he and beyond were prairie lands with the richest
3 “Wel , as 1 could not ride I concluded to did not start, for he expected it. verdure for cattle.

i walk,” said Buck with a smile.

“ No, you muSt take my horse.”

“Your horse?”

is Yes.” I
“I Would not think of such a thing.”

“But you must.”

‘ ; “ And you?”

“It is only "about fifteen miles back to my
home and I can walk, so you must obey me.”

“Mrs. y, when 1 flrat‘aaw you I won-
dered how it was that you were—spardon me if I
say iii—allied to such a man at Tiger Tom, for I
looked upon you as a true woman. ‘ '

“ Your kindness to me proves I was not mis-
taken, and, for your sake I regret that it is war
between your husband and myself.

“ All that he is I feel sure that you do not
know; but though I tell you that there will be
war to the knife between us, I promise you it
shall be open and square on my part, and I
warn you now, if he is as dear to you as he
seems, that our way to save his life is to at
him out of czas, for I never let up on a trai I
havenvowed to follow to the end until I keep my
vow.

He spoke in an earnest tone, that impressed
the woman, for she said:

' “I know you will do what you deem your

duty, and I can ask no more; bu you will take

my horse!”
3N0,,undor no circumstances.”

‘ n -by ” and she held out her hand.

He took t and led her to énor horse, lifted her
to her saddle, and withou another word she
rode away. ' '

“ Well, she’s a strong? one, and I pity her,”
mused Buck, as he saw er enter the canyon at

a gallop.

“HAIR.
I

 

\ CHAPTER xxxu.
IN THE SADDLE.

, Buox TAYLOR pondered long over the strange
visit of the mysterious woman.
Why had the come?
What purpoae had she gained? Y
Had she come as her husband’s envoy!
She had seen Tiger Toni, of course, after his
fli ht from'the canyon. ‘
ad aha seen those who had ambushed him?
~ And who were they? . _
I The broln of the cowboy chief war has in
;  j mug over these questions, which he con not
-. DY I 01'.
' At last he came to the‘ conclusion that tho
wbman had come frcmTlgerTom,toneo if he
was dead. \ ,
'1 Yet her manner had been friendly toward
r him, though that of course could be assumed.
“ Well, she has been here, and thou b aha
:  found mea trifle used\up, she knows tha I can
yet defend myself. - \
i “Now the next thing will be a visit from
  Tiger Tom and his finds, to wi me out.
i I Well, Iamtoo, me topua on, and ifIdid
'. they would overtake me.
9,801 ness I had better go into siege right
r~ here as could find no better place.
“fortunately now I have no horse to look
after for there is no lace here for one; but
then if I had a horse could be far away by
. s; \ morninf. ..
 3 , “ 'As t is it is a fight or foot-race, and as I am
i, not in ood running condition, and there is still
, some 1 ttle 11th left i; me, I guem I’ll stay right

here.

“Still I’ll strengthen the works,” and with this
resolve he began to fortify the position beheld
V  . t I by bringing what rocks, wood and dirt he could
 , -- .. collect. an piling It bp in a way to protect him
1' ‘ in his little fort. ,

A wild turkey just then came sailing over and
ghtad near him, and instantly his revolver

 

A as: .5, H

 

 

o

 

 

He simply strained his eyes the harder to
pierce the darkness.
Then he heard heavy steps, yet he made no

ign.
If Tiger Tom and his men had come to kill
billlfl, they would find him ready to defend him-

His wounded arm felt sore, and his leg was
stiff and painful, yet he did not heed either.

He was a man used to too hard knocks to care
for anythin that he considered so slight as his
injuries w on many other men would have
been half-dead under them.

So the hours parsed, and every new and then
a hfalyy tread told him that he must keep on the
we 0 . »

Att lastithe gray of dawn was visible in the
eas .

It brightened very slowly the horizon, but his
vision extended now as far as the trail. -

Then he beheld the outline of a form.

It was not human, but equine in shape.

“ Yes, it is a horse; but now for the rider,” he
muttered.

But no rider was visible, and as the skies
brightened, and the sun peering over the range
sent its rays down among the shadows of the
valley, Buck Taylor saw that the horse was tied
by his stake rope to a tree just off the trail and
up toward his camp a dozenpacas.

“ Where is his rider?”

That question could not be answered.

Iliad? the rider camped there and was still
as eep ‘

It seemed so, and the cowboy chief was about
to'go out and reconnoiter When he happened to
think that it might be a trick of his foes to lead
him out of his lair.

Glancing at the animal more closely he saw

that it was a handsome black, with long body,.

clean limbs and some sixteen hands high.

“ I do believe that it is the horse that Tiger
Tom’s wife rode here last nigh t.

“kYes, there is something white tied about his

use .

“ I’ll take chances to find out.”

With this he limped down the hill, his rifle
ready to fire at an instant’s notice.

The horse greeted him with a neigh of delight
and as he reached his side he broke a string tied
around his neck and to which was attached at

P8893 , .
pon the paper, written in a feminine hand
was the following:

” on refused. to take in horse last night. I
brlnglh m back and leave him or you, assurl you
Elsa; pm well mounted still for my ride back my

8. ’ -

There was no name, but the cmvboy chief did‘

not need one, and from his lips the words came
mth fervent utterance:

“ Heaven bless that woman, and have mercy
upon the soul of her guilty husband if ever I lay
hands upon him again i” ‘
3a'{éhen as he patted the horse in a kindly way be

“And on too are my frie old rd. .
Ki“ Yie'a, I can oncamore claingi to bepthe Saddle

us

He then staked the horse out where he would
find  gross, returned to his camp and cooked
brea fast, and an hour after was mounted and
on his way to the fort, entering still yet cheer-
ful at being once more in the saddle. .

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.,

ran sannm xmo’s mssmu. ',
THOUGH his horse was as linen cases he
could wish for, Back Taylor rode slowly, as he
nudged considerable pain from every in t he re-
ceiv . ' . '

 

:

   
   
   
  
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
   
  
  
    
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
    
     
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
     
   
   
   
    
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
 
    
  
  
    
  
  
       
   
   
   
  
  
    
   
    
  
     
     
  
 
 
   
   
 
    
   

In the rear were lowland meadows and hills
heavily wooded, so that the situation was well
chosen for a Government post and ranch as well,
for there were kept thousands of cattle. -

Two guns of a light battery, a battalion of in-
fantry and two comp nice of cavalry comprised
the military force at the fort.

Then there were a dozen scouts and hunters,
guides. and some sixty odd cowboys, the last un-
der the leadership of the Saddle King.

Many of the officers had their families with
them, and as there was a post store at the fort,
it brought thither settlers and traders from
many miles around. '

The commandant, Colonel Miles, was a dash
ing ofllcer, who had won his 8 urs as an Indian-
fl titer, and who inspired con deuce in all.

uck Taylor had asked permission to form his

cowboys into two companies, each under its re-
spective captain, and these had been well drilled
in certain maneuvers by a cavalry omcer at the

ort. .
They could fire their rifles from horseback on . 4
a charge, e a rush with reins loose and a re- I
volver in each hand dud ther wield their
almost as deadly larlats, not the “ Cowboys’
League,” and “ lasso League,” as they were
called, were known as a very daring ‘ and dan-
gerous foe to put upon the. trail.

They had their private signals, their calls,
their battlecry and countersigns, and Were W-~
erned by laws as binding as death. A

A red flag with a old star embroidered in it
a gift from Belle assan, Buck Taylor’s Girl
Pard, was their colors, and the same was our , -
broidered upon the sombrero of each of the _
sixt ~flve men that made up the Lasso League. I

ith rfect confidence in his two captains,
the Bad le King, after a talk with Colonel Miles. r
had ventured awa on a lone scouting expedi- _
tlon for an indefln to time. ' ‘ -

There was known to be a band of secret raid-
ers, either coming from Mexico or having thEir
haunts on Texan soil, who always managed to ‘ I
steal horses, cut out a small herd of cattle.  '
a we n-train or dash in upon a comment just
at a time when the Comanches were ping the
troops very busy watching them. , I,

All efforts to get at the truth of just who the» "
raiders were had been unavailing. for the best:
scouts had failed to locate t retreats; or to
discover who they were. ‘ ’ . 7:

Their movements were silent until they struck, 
and their going as mysterious as their coming. , '

The cattle or hot-seethey captured would no,
scattered into a scars of separate bands, and
soon after the same herd would be resold in tho
lower grazing country, and driven up to where.
they had been stolen from. I ~

it was that Back To lor madaup his ml,
to f rat out this outlaw ad, for he began to
dream a raid upon the tempting ranch of Cap— -
tain Ned Hanson, where thousands of cattle wen
to be had, and the house was full of rich boot ’
for the outlaws. ‘ .,

Then, too, the capture of either Belleor hu‘
mother by ,the raiders would bring from Captain»
Hanan a most generous ransom fortbeir restoro
atton. ,

It was true that the captain kept a most 
ing band of cowboys, acme thirty in number-

et the raiders ha often shown u in , ,

orce, and by a rapid night dash con «i 
ranch and return to safety before the ,. _ ,

/

 

could be assembled to beat them 08, and a an!»
prise would take the cowboys of Soldier-pom
at a disadvantage. , a; V s 3.

“ These outlaws must be' found 
hunted dawn.” was the decision that Buck Ty“

 

lor arrived at in his own mind. »\ .. s. -
And 11%!) this be sought a private interv
wi'h Col cl Miles. '

        
   
 

The colonel to}: o pride if: no can: ct we»

 
     
   

X.

  

   

a5: ‘

I:

\L "

  

2.‘ ‘

:is's though you had

1' on. that jump, and here 1 stays.

i

 

 I  Taylor,-

 

   ’ "

‘_,_."- ':‘.‘ .-..~,-'r: ' 'V rv
or, i} ' _ H J. ‘L‘A’gifi‘ix‘gn; J, ,5,..

 

and his gallant men, for they were held under
the discipline of soldiers, and though wild, ter-
rible fellows in the saddle, were easy to control
in camp.

He was aware also that both the Indians and
Outlaws stood in more terror of the Lasso League
than of all his soldiers, for the cowboys when
they caught a man in mischief were wont to
bang him first and try him afterward.

They Were wont to show no partiality, and
their lassoes were alwavs ready to use as a
h'angman’s rope, while i seemed even on the

rairies a tree always grew conveniently near

or their work. .

“ Well, my gallant cowboy captain, what can
I do for you?” was Colonel Miles’s reception of
Buck Taylor when he visited him by special ap-
pointment asked for.

“ Colonel, i have come to ask you to let me go
on a lone scout of an indefinite time, and my
purpose is to ferret out the head and front of
this outlaw band of raiders," and the cowboy
chief placed his lan before the commandant.

Colonel Miles istened with deep attention and
then said:

“Taylor, it is just what I was going to ask
you to do, and I have here a plan of action for
you to can out.”

And so it was that the Saddle King disap-
peared from the fort one night and turned up a
week after at Trail Crossiing to take up Tiger
Tom’s defiance.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
ruin RETURN FROM THE MISSION.

.BECK’TAYLOR had wished to reach the fort at
m t.

e was not anxious to be seen “ stove up
worse than an old cowboy horse,” as be ex-
pressed it to himself.

,, But a storm was threatening, and as he could
' reach the fort before night by pressing on he de-
cided to do so.

His wound was not so sore now, and his leg
was improving, for he had tenderly nursed both
in the few days he had been on the trail to the
, ort. ’ A

= He was recognized by the sentinel and ad-
mitted, while others who had heard of his com-
ing gathered to meet him.as considerable anxiet
- had been felt at the fort by his friends, eepecia ‘
ly his cowboys, about his absence.
, 80 he was greeted with a cheer by the sol-
‘* diers, with all of whom he was popular, and
-. with a yell by his lasso-throwers.
' That he did look “ a leetle tough
he admitted; but he added with a laugh:
' “I am still on deck he s.”
“ Yes, but on the dec of a different craft
‘ "from the one yer went away on, Cap’n Buck,”
.‘and the man pointed to his horse.
\ “Yes, I have changed horses; but how do
you like this one?”

 

” as one said,

. . '“ Looks prime, but ther proof 0’ ther puddln’

are ther eatln’.”
V" Well, he’s a good one, and Ibrise him the
more highly because he was given to me by a

lad .”
*‘y A leddyblesee here, Cap’n Buck, petticoats is
' ter ther ruin 0’ you yet.
1_ ‘1 werea fool onst myself about a girl crit-
*tur', and lariated her fer life as I thoughted;
but Lord bless my honerar old hide, she show-
. ed that eleven hoof afore c’u’d corral her and
Atom with another as big fool as I was; in
fact s were such a durnedignoramus it hurt
jhim ter live, as I know’d, so I put him out 0' his
« mis’ry, and that left me free ter come for Texas

 “ Give me a buffalo bull, a Texas steer, or a
mustang ter break in, but nary woman, forI
knows ’em, I does. ,

‘ “ n’t be a fool, ‘cap’n, about no woman.”

. A urst of laughter greeted this homiiv upon'

,woma from a cOWboy, and Buck made h way
lifl‘he colonel saw him enter, as arm in a- sling

"his marine much the worse for hard use 9, and
with: h decided limp, but with a smiling ace. in
shite of his haggard look from suffering and loss

,ofsleep ,
‘ “ I am glad to see‘ycou, Taylor, but you lookl
en through a thrashing

gothing serious, I'hopei” \« ‘
*"Oh, no, sir, only a flea: wound in my arm.
:16 a bruised leg r
.  0t."

'2'- ' 280 had as that?” i
. “alt came near being much worse, colonel.”
fl“ Well, I am glad that it is'not; but you have
fluttered, es 1 can see now I get a closer look at
g ‘ 'u and the surgeon must take you in charge at
I once. v

“'1 am on the mend, sir, thank you, but will

.l‘

 

 

’, é'lm’fillt surgeon up after I have made my re-‘

- . .97
‘20:}. 

on have'met the anoiny; I take it?"

\ ensued from me, recaptured him, and he was
_m rescued, and I was left all broke up,” said
- l , withn smile. \

‘e’ “I am interested

, c
in the

we

men iyuu“gavemethe
l: ‘  .1 (J  i “

surfers to report to lone! Miles. .

om my horse falling upon '

'i‘llYes,‘ sir. I met him, captured him, had .him'

‘ Mthl‘owh '1" lap." -  know .ulyoll lid” been.
L 1 will mm" mm b! Wins you that

description of, Tom Trescott, and if I am not
very much mistaken, I found him.”

“ I am glad of that.”

“ f the man I took for him is not the deeerter,
then he is his double, as far as I could make it
out, and a terror as well.

“ I found my man in Trail Cressing.”

“ That is a place that should be wiped out.”

“ There are some good men there, sir, and
true; but it is a little hades in itself, take it al-
together.

“I found a man there who tops me by two
inches in height, and some twenty pounds in
weight.”

“And your fighting height and weight is, I
believe, six feet four in moccasins, and two hun-
dred and twenty pounds without your weapons?”
said the colonel, with a smile. ‘

“ Yes, sir; but that man runs up into the
air six feet six, and weighs fully two hundred
and forty, and a finer specimen of physical mun-
hood I never saw.

“He is as quick as a wild cat in his move-
ments, and I guess as ugly.

" He has a handsome face, wears a full board
and long hair, but there is more distilled deviltry
in his countenance than in a whole family of
Comanches.

“ He is a walking arsenal with a young sword
for a bowie knife and two revolvers upon each
hip, not to speak of a rifle he carries when
mounted.

“ Then he rides like a cowboy, has a splendid
horse. and adds to a graveyard he has in Trail
Crossing whenever the opportunity presents it—
self for him to turn a man’s toes up toward the
prairie flowers."

“A vivid description, Taylor, of a. very re-
markable man, who in size and nature at least,
resembles Trescott."

“ Yes, air, and concluding that two of such a
kind were not common, and learning of his
record I decided to rope him in.”

“ A bold undertaking alone.”

“ Well, sir, he gets wild With drink, gambles,
and had just won a large pile of money, which
made him over-estimate himself, and as usual,
he jumps upon a bench, on such occasions holds
a revolver above his head, and declares that he
is a man with a price upon his head, dead or
alive, and defies any one to take him,”

“ Ahi that is his style, is it?”

_ “Yes, sir, and there are men who havs felt
interest enough in the amount named to attempt
to earn it.” .

“But they failedi",

“ There is a row of them lying in the Trail
Crossing burying-ground, colonel, and over
them he has ad the kindness to place a sign-
boaird”on which is painted in red letters—here it
- is s r: I

“SACRED TO THE MEMORY
OF

“ Tnosn wno 80mm in Esau 'rnn Rnwaan on
“Trans Tom’s ’ Hun.
“ Called unexpectedly from earth, may they
strike the right trail to the Hunting-Grounds.
“ his tribute is erected to t misplaced zeal by
“Tan Tram or TEXAS.” ,

The colonel had taken the card handed him
by the cowboy chief and read it with an interest
which his face revealed very decidedly.

 

CHAPTER xxirv.
rm: SADDLE KING’S ansonvn.

“AND this you copied, Taylor, from the board
over this Tiger Tom’s victimsl" said the colonel
sternly. '
“ I did, sir.”

“ How many meuwere buried there?” :

" Seven, sir.”

“ And he runs at large in Trail Crossing?”

“ He ownes a ranch, sir, far to the southward,
and in the most expelled of positions, where the
Comaiiches could make an attack on him at any
time.

“ Is he in league with them!” '

“ That is what I am going to find out, sir.”

2‘ But is he a raucheroi”

“Yeb, air, he has as comfortable a home as
there is on the border, and hip wife lives there
with him.” ‘ ‘ x ,

" His wife?” askedCoionel Miles in surprise.

" Yes, air, but I am telling you of my dis-
‘ coveries in confidence, colonel, as I have just
benun in work.” ,

“ 1 she lso consider all on say. T8. lOI'.”

“Thank you, sir; but a wife of t is man is
young, scarcely over twenty, and as beautiful
a woman as I ever lair.”

I “”You are a good Judge, [have heard, Tay-
or. . . .

Buck’s face flushed, for he knew that it was

:aid that he had an eye always open to a pretty
ace. \ '

“ Well, colonel, this woman is beautiful in

that! kno . 4 .

“ The ranch is built on the ruin of an old mis-
sion, and two coil/boys and a n ’ by the
name Black Venus, are all that I could dis-

l,  placate upona ' e’ hill, surrounded. by

  

 

face and form, and you shallrhear all about her,
in

 

a rocky ridge a mile long, with a rugged range
in the rear.

“ There is a fine spring there, and but one up»
proach up the hill, and that could be held by
half a dozen men a ainst fifty.

“The cabin is ike a. fort, but comfortable
and well furnished, as I said.

“The woman has a flown-garden there, she
plays the guitar, sings splendidly and paints and
sketches well, if I maybe considered a judge,
:md I do know a steer from a buffalo in a paint-

0g.
“Then there is a vegetable garden, some
prairie land fenced in for hey, a corral in the
rear of the housn, chickens and cows to give it a
home look, and they really live there, colonel,
as I know, for I sampled the Cooking of Black
Venus.

“The man has several hundred head of cattle,
too, and about half a hundred horses, not a mean
hoof among them.”

“ With such a home and wife, the man ought
to behave himself.” ‘

“Yes. sir, but he loves a spree, and turns up
in Trail Crossing and other places ever three
months on a grand picnic of his own getting up.

“I caught him on one of these, and having
read his record in the graveyard, I concluded to

rope him.

‘I corraled him at the saloon, just as he got
up for his little speech of defiance, and telling
about the reward u )0 his head.

“ I saw, as he he d up his right arm, in india
ilrjikéin wrist, the letters “ T. T., Filth Cavalry,

‘5 Aha! Tom Tascott, as I live!” ‘

“ I decided that it was, sir and while he was
looking for ‘some man to draw a revolver, I
droliped my lariat over his upraised arm, hauled
him off the bench with a tumble, and got my
foot on his neck and revolver into his face before
he realized that he had been roped in.”

“ A bold capture, indeed, Taylor, and you de-

serve credit for it.”
hand, just then, and

“ No, sir, I held the best
played to win. ‘

“He had pards there, too, who took up for
him at once, but I used my lariat on one“ . nt
known as Dead Beat Dick, and was back up
by a square fellow they called Monte Joe ihe
Gambler, and who took up my fight for me with
another fellow Who chlpfid in as Mustau Dan.

“The last challenged onte Joe to 6 t for
the prisoner, but as it was my game I took the
fight upon myself. .

“ I didn’t wish to kill Mustang Dan, so s lit
his band open with a bullet and he went 0 in
search of a doctor. . '

“ Then Monte Joe helped me to at my man to
the hotel, and when I came out at awnto IEBVe,

other pards, for the men of Tiger Tom’s kind
meant to rescue him.”

“A good fellow indeed, this Monte Joe.”

“ Yes, sir, I can count on him every time.

“But I started with my man, and you shall.
hear just how cleverly I was taken infitnd
Buck told the story of the rescue by the two
sup sed Indians, how he had gone back on their
trai , reopend the three raves. and fludin one
man alivo had carried h m to Soldier’s Re rest
Ranch and left him in the care of Captain Has-

san. .
“ I knew Surgeon Hassan well, Ta lor, and
you could not have a truer friend than a. “
“ I remember when he was married nd what

‘ a beautiful woman his Mexican wife was.-

“ Is her daughter like barf? l

“ Yes, sir, onl more so.” ~

“ More how, aylorl" x '

“ well, sir, more beautiful." ' I ‘

. “ I understand. but to your "on, please.”

Then Buck told of his going to the ranch of

or Tom. ’
You

ate venture as that, Taylor.

“ You are too reckless."

" Well, sir, I counted upon a 6
race, if I found the Tiger in den' but in—
stead I was welcomed b that lovely wife of his,
and I was treated must ludly. ‘ ’

glad I was of it afterward.

The story of the ambush at Red Rock
and en tare of Tiger Tom, and all that
,Buck aylor also made known to tha‘ colonel,

stran narrative, and said:

“ on have had a remarkable series of adven-
tures, Taylor, and I confess Iain at a loss to.
solve the problem, the wife of Tiger Tom. ,

" That she was your friend her actions proved
decisively, while her husband is certainly agar
worst foe, and a man of hll Men to be drea

“The woman must be in ignorance of what
her husband res.in is, and yet she may love
him knowing all and cling to him n spitb of

 

his evil life, forI hare known of an cased '
a “What catch me about this sign _-which
‘ ou refer ,asi‘s brand in the palm‘ it his left

and, certainly indicates a secret segue for

some
66

men’s’asndr‘ '

are a bold man to make such a deeper-

who became more and more futon-epth in his:

I‘found he had nobly stood guard for me with i

my be versack loaded .with‘ ’provlsions, and veryi ,

ragga; 7

r

i
u

. ' \, a a _ .
t, or'a'fcot?

“ 'When I left the next morning she just had, ’

- I

 . w ' . ' l .
Yam could not discover-if it was‘in the, wo- _ ,

 

 

i

 

 

 

 

  
 
 

“No sir, nor in the hands oft-lib cowboysay' 7' ,. 'I '

i - \

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 :~ . “But there
, ' ,Tom does nbt intend ton): on, not he.

  

 

Buc ,

w

grayior. 

   

www.mm nUmW‘I-“J‘uwmfiv‘bfifiI‘h

 : e , ,

    

 

 

17 

 

the ranch of Tiger Tom, while he kept his palm l
well shielded from my view.”

“ It would be well to mark
such a brand, and find out just what their ante-
cedents are.”

“That is what I wish to do, sir, and I am re- 1
solved to track this Branded Band down, and I ‘
look for aid in the man now lying wounded at ‘
Captain Hassun’s ranch. r

“If he will betray his comrades then I can
work to goml effect, sir.”

“ Yes, but first get thoroughly _Well, and
start out again upon your work.” said the col-
onel, and telling Back to visit him in aday or
two again he sent him at once to report to the
pOst su rgeon. /

CHAPTER XXXVI.
.THE LASSO LEAGUE RANGERS.

Wmm Buck Taylor reported to .Surgeon
Dent, that officer gave him a very critical ex-
amiuatiou.

“Well. Taylor,I can only sav that you are
about the only man who could have gone through ‘
what you have and lived.

“ This bullet glanced on the bone, which was
hard enough to turn it, and the wound is healing
well. ~

“Your leg is badly bruised and lacerated, as
is also your arm, and why both were not broken
you have to thank yourself for having the
strongest bones I ever saw.

“You are generally bruised up, and yet are
doing splendidly in spite of your long ride and
exertions.

“ But you must be kept quiet for a week or
more, and be put regularly under treatment,
and you will come out ready foranother bout
with a foe. _

“I suppose there is nothing left of your

v.

i'

“13%, yes. Bu , 0 Dent, he is all left, for I

got the worst of " \
' “ Did one man use you up this way, Buck i"

“ Well, sir, a couple of bullets, the fall of my
dead horse upon me, an the tumble in about a
second of time was what rounded me up in this
shape, Surgeon Dent,” was the laughing reply of
the cowboy chief.

As he had to keep to his quarters, under per-
hmptory orders of the surgeon. who threatened
v him with Colonel Miles it‘ he did not, Buck was 1

determined not to be idle.

So he planned his future movements the while.

_‘,‘ I must make no mistake this time, but be

sure," he mused, as he lay upon his cot wrapped
up in bandages wet with arnicu, just one week
after his injuries were received.

“ I will go first to Soldier’s Retreat and see
how that resurrected ilgrim is, and if I may
depend upon him to tel me what he knows.

‘ If. he does, then I will have little more to do

~ than ‘ the out

. ,‘Jf hedoee'
"who", and start, at Trail Crossing, (or that is
the hotbed of the ug. ' - . _

“ 1 know their rand; and I shall quietly rope
in every man Ellipse lefahand shows a Texas

tarandati er teeen r. ,

s “ But I mth not, be in a hurry, and though
Monte J Oe will help me, I must have outside aid.
“Well, I’ve got it in plenty in my Lasso

all men who wear I

 

 

Ran rs. V

“Elwin pick my men, and see how many I
will need.”

He was silent for a few minntes,and then

mused on:

“ I will have the Soldier’s Retreat outfit to
fall back upon, Monte Joe and several 0 his
pards, so I reckon about a dozen of my men
will be soon h. - , _

“The wi make thirteen with me, and it is
said to‘ “an unlucky number; but I’ll risk it.

“r I’ll ck my champion lariat-tnrowers, and
,, "they a 'my best shots and riders as well. while
': they’ll stand up and die it they get the call to do

so. , i i
“ They will have to play cattle-hunters, and

drifttawar-i Trail Crossing in twos and threes, ,

while a couple of an mat in faced oues'
must give a call at Old Mission Ranch and see
' what they can discover there, for it would be!
hardly healthy in that locality for me, I take it.
"I will strike for S ildier’s Retreat, see the
wounded man, pest Captain Hassan as to what
trail I am on, and have him hold me a dozen
men fol quick use, if ne_eded._, ‘
.- " Then to Trail Crossing I go as a missionary,
 ' tobunt up sinners who wear a brand.
, H y Jove, but I’ll do it!" he cried, asa sud
den ght flashed through his mind. ‘
“Y I’ll turn her horse to her myself on
m way. to soldier's Retmt, turning the animal
i aim Stockade gate at night ” and the cowboy
c ei seemed pleased with the daring of the un-
dertaking ' .
” Yes. lag] of!th her bringing the horse to
m 03!!! , r added.
‘y‘Nowlzthe first thing is to st well, and it
will take me abonttwo weeks fore I some
good as new in.
no immediate hurry. £0? Tiger

 I The days passed slowly along to the Saddle

so. . . , ,
not. I must» ferret outthe riddle »

Over a week after his arrival, was dismissed as

| no longer on the sick-list.

But he wished a few days to brace up,

J strengthen himself and get back the cunning of
‘ his hand in firing and lasso-throwing.

He put the horse he intended to ride. through a
course of training, too, and a magnificent ani-
mal he was, a roan that had not his equal for
speed and endurance in the fort’s equine outfit.

He had had several interviews with Colonel

, Miles, and placed before that oficer the plan of

his fer-reting campaign. though he did not speak
of going himself to Tiger Tom’s ranch, to carry
back the horse loaned him by the wife of the
ranchero.

Upon this the colonel would have placed a de-
cided negative. '

The dozen chhmpion lasso-throwers and dead
shots were picked put and given their orders, so
they departed in couples and trios. ‘

And at last the Saddle King himself left the

‘ fort one night mounted upon the black horse
‘ given him by

rs. Trace , and leading his own
.animal, to spare him all 9 could for what was
ahead of them.

“ 1 have confidence in your success, Taylor,”
the colonel had said in parting with the daring
'cowboy chief. v

And so the Lasso Rangers were off upon their
perilous duty.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
vsmam’s was.

THE strange woman who was the wife of the
desperate man Tiger Tom, realized full the
situation of the Saddle King, when she le t him
in the camp under the clifi’.

He had refused to take her horse, which to
have him do she would have walked back alone
herself to her home.

She knew that he was more seriously hurt
than be supposed or would admit, and she was
aware that he could nevox‘ reach the forton

tout. .

So back to Old Mission Ranch she went at a
center. i Y ,

The night had no terrors for her, mounted as
she Was, and she was a woman who knew how to
take care of herself.

It was some time after nightfall when she
reached the ranch, and she dismounted at the
piazza, while Si Dunn took her horse.

“ I, shall need him again, though you can
change my saddle and bridle :to my gray horse,
and hitch both at the rack for me,” she said.

Si wondered, yet sajd nothing, and entering
the house, she found Doc Barney filing away at
T1 er Tom’s manacles, while Black Venus was
go tin supper. , .

. “ ell, aleriel” quickly said Tiger Tom, in
anuigguiijng and anxious way.

“ Did you find him?”
. rtainly.”

 

"‘ Ce V

‘ Dead?” '

‘9 No more than you are, Tom.”

“ Maledlctions upon him i”

The woman laughed and said: ~

“You, Doc, and Si, must practice more with
your rifles, for you killed the horse instead of
the grief. —- ”

‘ er naps you were nervous. , i '

“ We was, ma‘in' yer see ther cap’n was
alongside of him, and we feared we would hit
him.” .

' “ Always hit what you shoot at, Doc."
‘ “Did you speak to him, Valerie?”

“Yes, Tom, and (tiered him my horse to go
on with.” ’ ’

“ Your horse?" \

“Yes.” i

“ And oul”

“ Wuu d have walkedziome.”

" Valerie, I will not— . . ,

“' Doc, stop filing on these menacles, for if the
captain in going to get into an ugly humor, I
wleh ‘him to remain as he is.”

Doc promptly obeved the woman,
Tom said in a conciliatory tune:

“ You know I spoke for your good, Valerie.”

“ I know best u but I should do, Tom.

“ But as he would not take in horse, I am go-
ing to take it‘back to his camp, hitch him there
quietly, and ride home again.‘

“ But, Valerie-3’ . V x ,

“I shall do it, for that man must be placated
by me. or he will bring his whole band of Lasso
Rangers upon us and destroy us utterly.

“ I know what I am about, Tom, and he is no

man wtrifie with, , '

. “Knowi 3 that I bring. him the horse, and aid

him, he m not harm the ranch, but go on the

war-path for-you, as he told me to tell on that

it is warto the knife betWeeuyou now, at only“
for he would do no any

t

\

and Tiger‘

in a square, manly we .
derhand work against ,i’ou.” . .

“ I will be hardto find, Valerie.”

“- Certainly, and not finding-you he will 'not.
harm me, or mine-deer” ' '

" I believe on are right.” . '  >

“i know am, Tom,'and we have too much
at stake right lliters to have trouble with Buck

  

  

 

 

J b the ot Well even more rapidly than
3:211:60!) had deemed pomiblenand in little

 

I

Taylp'r’sbasao Hraga“. :  V .
emnetno et, in eetrwy ‘s, w he «
workahudofnsto ‘4 on} :ii‘knowfi I"

  
 
 
   
    

' to serve fresh meat at a house.
' Mission Ranch to-ni

   
   
  
   
  
   
    
  
 
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
    
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
   
 
    
   
  
    
    
   
 
    
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
       
     
   
  
    
      
    
   
  
   
    

“Yes, and you are right; but let me take the
horse to his camp.”

“ Tom, since u hen did you change your opin-
ion of me so as to regard me in the light of a
fool i”

“ My dear Valerie, you are not even the photo-
graph of one; but let Doc, or Si go, for I do not
wish you to have this night ride.”

“ 1 am no sensitive plant, Tom, but a rough
and hardy prairie flower.

“I shall write him a note, giving him the horse,
tie it to the stake rope, and make the animal fast
to a tree near his camp. ,

“ But I wish my supper first, for I am as hun-
gry as an Indian,” and taking a seat at her desk
she wrote the note which Buck Taylor received.

Then they had supper and afterward, leaving
Doc to continue the work, with Si and Black
Venus, of filing oil" the manacles from the wrists
of Tiger Tom, she mounted her gray and with
her black in lead, started for the cowboy chief’s
cam ..

Tth she successfully accomplished her errand, .
and kept poor Buck up all night expecting an
attack, has been seen.

Then at a run she started for the ranch and
arrived after midnight to find the filers still at
work.

“ I am nearly free, Valerie.”

“ I will give a helping band now, Tom."

1‘ You were not gone long.”

“ I did not tarry there or going and coming."

“ You left your gra ?" .

.“ No, my black, for e was the better horse for
the cowboy'chief.

“ Now let me have the file, Aunt Venus."

. She had thrown off her sombrero and belt of
arms, and taking the file began work in a way 1
that told well upon the hard steel.

In half an hour .she had the manacles in twain, v
and springing to his feet Tiger Tom drew her_:. ;=
toward him while he said:

“ God bless you, Valerie.” _

“ Don’t ask blessings, Tom, for the Almighty .
sounds harsh from your lips,” she said.

He seemed to wince under the words, but made" ‘
no bitter reply, for in her presence the man .
sefimed but as potter’s clay to be molded by her
wi i

.chgi .. s . ' ‘L.

W‘.‘-‘- r

“Now, Tom, what are you to do in the fu-
ture!" she asked, when Black Venus, Si and "
Barney had left them alone, but not until she‘
ggd tenderly dressed the wounds of the two cow- .

ys. , ,

“ I am going to kill that Texan Saddle King,” ",
he said, savagely. , n i

“ And I say he is not to’die.” '

“Lot to diei’ ' I,

“No, and now‘I shall give no reason, but!
say that the Saddle King is not to die by your‘
'hand, or the hands of others, and do you so let.
it be known.” ‘

“ Valerie l” e
“ It is my will. i '
> “Am I to be obeyed?” she said, imperiously.

“ Yes,” was his low response.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
In]: RETURN OF a LOAN.
_ TH: Saddle King went on his long trail, hack
into the dangers he knew were before him, with
a ggft heart and hi h hopes of success. ~ ‘
“,Pi’cked Twe ve ” had
the}; were to be depended qun.

is own horse trotted be ind, bearin

load, while he rode the black given

Valerie Tracey, but which he took as a lean.

He took the same trail back that he had come,
and stopped at the camp under the cliff, at‘tha
end of the Cave Canyon.

He remained there all day, as he was‘anxiodh
to reconnoiter the canyon and its vicinity thor-
o hly on foot.

e could not but draw a comparison betwefi
his feelings on his first and sec ~nd visits to  v.
cam and muttered in agrim way: r . 3'
“ ow if I could meet Tiger Tom or his car

if

ardly pards we would be evenly matched:
guess.” ' ' ‘ “

 

gone, and he knew," 5;

- H:- vrent on foot, giving his horses a , , ‘
took in all the advantages and disadvantageh.” ‘
the Cave‘ Canyon, so that he could use the;
in the future if need be.

, e left the camp before sunset and 
to ed Rock Spring. . i ‘ :‘ V
“ This trail has been an unlucky  j
two occasions. ‘.' ‘ 
' “ Whahwiii it been this, the third!” he
himself. ‘-.

Fillin his canteen with fresh springzw
he lay ck out of sight to get a' shot
deer, or he had a little plan of his oivn to.‘
out. "

“I have heard it said a... the
dog never barks at or bites a butcher, who

v“ Well. 1’11 play visiting butch in the.
t and see i file 
holds good with five 0 the ingliest, largest.

  
   
   
  
   
   

    

savage-lookinglirutes in the way of; ‘
ever been my misfortune to See.  "
“ Like master like dog it is In thi‘? ,

  
   
  
   
 
 
 

 

' ' came toward the spring. ‘

I’ll-serewhat effect a laugh of full! _
have." » .  
if“

   
 
   
 

He m not king-to wait hetero

  
 
 

v.2 ’ \vi> /
‘ . I‘ .
‘ ‘18 - /

.mr. ,.

'     ' 7'

l

 

  

they came up as though it was their custom to
get water there without interference from any
one.

Singling out a big fat buck, the cowboy chief
dropped him with a shot from his revolver while
the startled herd bounded away.

He cut off for himself some juicy steaks,
broiled them for his supper, and then with
some choxce bits for the dogs at Tiger Tom’s
ranch, wrapped in a corn sack, started upon his

wa .

guiding Within a mile of the ranch be halted
and changed the saddle from the black to his
  , ‘
 Then be pinned ta the stake rope what he had
written, and’which was as follows:

 
    
   
  
 
  
    
  
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
  
  
     
  
   
    
     
    
   
    
  
   
    
  
     
   
      
   
    
   
  
     
   
  
  
  
      
  
     
    
     
   
   
     
    
  
    

, “i return Mrs. TmCey‘s horse with many, many
/ thanks for her kindness. and which 1 may say saved
me untold suffering, perhaps my life.
‘ BUCK TAYLOR,
" T116 dadule King."

‘ Having adjusted this note securely to the rope
about the neck of the black horse, he said as he
held up his hand:

“ Now which way is the wind?” .
He soon discovered that the gentle breeze

, blowing was directly toward the ranch.

“That’s fortunate for me, for the dogs will
scent the fresh meat and not bark at mehat
least that is what] am playing big stakes on—-
yes steaks is geod,” and he laughed at his own
pun. while he added

“Not so bad'that, and Buck steaks too—for
the dogs.

“ If i had a little poison to season them with
--no, no, that would be mean.

“It is not the dogs 1 wish to harm but Tiger
Tom.” “ '

He uurolled his fresh and juicy steaks, laid
them on the bag across the horn of the saddle,
and rode slow] on toward the ranch.

When near t e hill be halted again, staked the
horses out and went ahead on foot to recon-
noiter.

As though satisfied, he left his own horse on the

rairie, put mufflers he had made upon the
 our boots of the fine black, and springing light-

~ 1y upon his back rode on, carrying his fresh

. meat.

As he reached the stockade gate hastarted and
half raised his revolver.

He thou ht he heard a voice.

He did, at it was a whine from a dog.

They were all there nervously watching for
the return of the hunter.

That the hunter was on e trail of human
p game did not bother them t en—he had fresh

- meat.

’ Then Buck Taylor showed his t nerve, for

,, he at once dismounted, open the stockade
‘ gate and gave to each dog a large chunk of
men

'1

t.
. ' And each dog, vicious as Satan, went off td

saggy it.
 I . hey kney him as havin been a guest at the
‘ , ,ranch, and hey knew the b ack horse well. I

-’ 80 into the stockade gate he went, leadiu the
black, and carrying his extra supply of me 1: in
..  the dogs should bolt their cod and desire

more.
, “ If the want more they must have it, and
.,.quick too‘, be muttered.

” He led the horse to the hitchingcrack near the
door and tied hiin securely.

' Then his bold nature again asserted itself, for
 ,1). took the mufflers of! the boots, and taking the
note from about the rope, walked to the plum.
' I There was a bright light within, and he heard

5 '_ Oneooming cut of the room would haVe dis-
, covered him; but he stooped at the door and
 pinned the paper upon it. ‘ '

A Then he turned and glided away to be headed
fofl bythe dogs, Who had eaten the rtions giv-
 them and were in the same con ition as Oli-
var Twist, crying for more!

CHAPTER XXXIX.
g ‘ AN ENEMY INCAMP.
\ 9'03 ' ou shall bye in

“An it’s lucky for me I’ve got the beef,”
said Buck Taylor as the dogs crowded around

, ‘v .1 have always avoided a snake bite, and
Mr would visit a girl whose father keptjadog,
"I'll,shell out the venison and then bid you

might! . .
mere, Ti er, you‘are to be hel first,” and
. hathrew apiece of meat to the rgest of the

- hen naming them to suit himself, he con-

. tinned: - ‘

'~ "“ Here Tom, take this! .

“ And Si, here’s your share. ‘

, “Not so uneasy, Doc, for this is' yours, and

on Black Venus shall have the balance.

7 “New guard on that until I get well out of

the way. and if I conic in recall me to your

Mermbrance and don’t go back on me.”

_ Wit this no walks? t0ward the stookadegate,
acted it, and was soon going at a trot for his

      
 
   
   

  

There was nothing timid about them, and:

through the canyon where lay the bones of his
peor horse, picked 010se by wolves, and dis-
mountng as he reached the and beyond, he put
the muiiiers upon the hoofs of his horse and
turned squarely to the right along the ridge.

“ Now they’ll see that I just brought the horse

me to find out,” he said.

night!

In the meanwhile the dog that finished his por-
tion first derided to share with one that still had
something left and this resulted in a row.

The others, like human beings, chipped in
though it was no business- of theirs and the re-
sult was a free fight and no mercy for the under

do .

6f course such a pow-wow brought reinforce-
ments in ‘the shape of Si Dunn and Doc Barney,
who saw that it was a bonaflde dogfight. and
not a stranger prowling around that the cam.» 3
had treed, and they let into them w1th sticks,
but without avail.

But Black Venus knew just what to do, and
did it promptly, for he appeared upon the scene
with a kettle of hot water, and that ended the
scrimmage then and there, turning the angry
growls and snarls into kiyis that Were dolei’ul in
the extreme.

As the men turned toward the barn again
they started, for their eyes fell upon the black
horse hitched to the rack.

“ Si, see there!”

“Yes Doe.”

“ It’s the madam’s black.”

H Yes.”

“ The same she took to the Saddle King.”

" The same. ’ '

“ What do it mean?”

“ Let us tell there cap‘n.”

The hastened after the victorious Black Ve-
nus w 0 had just reached the piazza.

The light of the open door fell across the
piazza floor and Black Venus beheld something
white lying there.

She stooped to pick it up and found it fast.

“ Lord y, Miss Val’rie, come here, chile!”

Mrs. Tracey quickly obeyed, coming out upon
the iazza.

“ scattered dem dogs, missy, but I seen dis
paper lyin’ here and it stuck to de flo’.” .

Valerie steeped, took hold of the paper and
noticed that it was firmly pinned there, justas
Si Dunn called out:

“glue black horse isshere, ma’m, tied to the
rac . ‘

With a bound Valerie was at the piazza, and
hastil ran to where the horse stood.

“ es, it is my horse! it is Blackbird.

“ What does it mean?

',“Ahl this will explain, and those dogs were
net fighting, but after some one.” ‘

She hastened to the cabin and entered the
room, the others following.

a Tiger Tom was there, seated in an easy-chair,
and smoking. \

“ Tom, my black herse has en sent back,
and this letter was pinned to c floor of the

piazza.” ,

u   I” .

“Do not be alarmed, for there appears to be’
no one around now.

“ Listen to this.”_

She read the lines that Buck Taylor had
written, and then all gased at each other.

The woman was the first to speak, and said:

“vWell, \it seems that the Saddle King can
come when he will.” -
T“ He has been here?” excitedly ‘said Tiger
om.

“Is not this note pinned to the floor of the
pii‘a‘zlz? isufficient proof i”

S

/

“kit, more is wanted, my horsé is yonder att‘ne
rac . ‘
H And those dogs?" ’ .

“Seemed to have fought each other rather
than the Saddle King.” ‘

“ And we have placed such dependence on
them.”

“ I think I understand it, Tom.”

“ Weill”

" They knew my horse, and were aware that
the Saddle King stayed here all night and so
they did not give voice at his ap roach. ’

“ Then they are not safe gun a.”

“ Yes, I think so with any one else.”

i “ But what set them to fighting?”

“ Perhaps he threw them something to eat.”

“ Well, wehnust go out and recnnnoiter.

“ You come with me, Barney, and Si, put the
black horse in the corral.

“At dawn we «must take his trail and know
which way he came, and where he went.

“ Also we must know if hewas alone.

“ If it comes to this, that a man can come to
the ranch at ni ht,‘then one of us must stand
guard at ni bt, t at is certain.”

“ Wait, um, and see what the morrow will
reveal,” said the woman. ,

A short scout was ma is, but nothing more
was discovered, and the dogs looked ashamed of

 

Haunting the animal he rode sway,'back on
,‘trail helhaficome. , , ‘

 
    

 

  

\By the Red Rock Spring he want, then

 

 

themselvn, for they readin saw that something
was wrong. a . .

  

 
 

‘1

W hen bade go take' the trail, they ran arc and
from the stockade-gate up to the horserack,
then to the piazza, and back to the stockade
gate.

“Rope one. of them and let us see Where he
will go,” added Tiger Tom.

This was done and he led them to the spot on

back and returned to the fort, and they’ll trail l-the prairie “here Buck Taylor had left his
horse.
Until nearly dawn he held on his way and I
then went into camp for the balance of the 1 “Here’s where he left his horse, and as the dog
I is on his trail he don't take any other.”

Here the trail was lost, and Doc Barney said.

“Well, 'to-morrow we will know just where
he went, and if that cowboy Satan was alone
or not,” said Tiger Tom, savagely.

And at dawn the three took up the trail and
followed it to where it entered Cave Canyon.

“ No need to go further, and there may be an
ambush there.

“He has gone back to the fort.” and to the re—
lief of the two con boys Tiger Tun turned the
head of his horse back todurd home, and Valerie
was told the result of the trailing, and re-
marked:

T “A man without fear is that Saddle King,
om.

“ Look out when you meet him again.”

And Tiger Tom made no reply, but his
thoughts were busy.

CHAPTER XL.
‘ A CAMP IN A CANYON.

BUCK TAYLon seemed in no hurry to break
camp in the morning, for the sun was far above
the horizon before he turned out of his blankets.

His horse had cropped all the grass within the
radius of his stake-rope, and was glad to be
placed in a fresh pasture.

Then the cowboy chief leisurely got his break-
fast, and afterward mounted and rode on his

was .

I'Ye knew that the trail he had taken to Sol-
dier’s Retreat was a longer one, but if he had
thrown Tiger Tom and his men off his track,
believing he had gone back to the fort, he was
satisfied.

Hews: well pleased with havin returned the
horse to Valerie Track . and chuc led’over the
surprise and fury of iger Tom when he knew
he had been so close to him.

He halted again before sunset, this time camp-
ing upon a ridge that overhung a deep and wild
can on.

e was careful not to ligciit any fire now for

he was in a place where inanches might be

rowling, and he had no desire to run upon a
untin party. '

His orse awakened him in the night by a
low whinny.

It was a warnin of dan er be well knew,
and he watched an waited, r fie in hand.

He was near a trail that would'lead him down
the ridge to the prairie and it stretched away
for miles, almost unbrolrsn'toward the ranch of
Soldier’s Retreat.

Soon to his acute hearing came a mumed
sound, and as it grew louder he muttered:

“ ludians on the march.

“Now, where are they going?"

He waited, and soon the lall of hoofs became
distinct] audible, and the sound wound into the
can on low him several hundred feet.

T en the sound ceased, and he knew that a
halt had been made.

“ They are going into camp, and if they build
fires I’ll have a chance to see their force.

“But fires or no fires 1. must know, for this
looks like a raid u So dier's Retreat.”

1) came the sh of a light, then aglimmer
and a red flame ap ared down the canyon.

T s was folinw'e by another, and another, un-
til il e fires were visihls,some fifty feet apart.

And around each fire gathered a number of
warriors.

“ I must get better acquainted,” said the cow-
boy chief, and gliding to his horse he envelo
his head in a blanket so that he would neit er
move or nei h. .

Then he slipped down the canyon sides as far
as he dared, and got a good look into the camp.

“ Five camp-fires, and a dozen braves around
each fire. l

“Then there are pickets at either and of the,
canyon sure.

" That means seventywarriors at least.

 

“And they have staked their horses out to '

stay, and are preparing for more than a tem-
porar camp.

“ es, this canyon is never used now,,so they
feel safe, and being here proves that they will
wait until to-morrow afternoon,»theu move to-
ward Soldier's Retreat, arrivin a couple of
hours after dark, when they will n she a dash. do
their devnlish ork,and soon alter sunrise be
back here to t e she ter of the hills with their
booty, and perhaps be e a reserve to heat back

pursuit.
“ Oh, you cunnin red-skins, how glad I/am

'that Tiger Tom’s w is gave me that horse, for

through returning him I came this way just in
ti me to hit upon your little game.

“Now I’ll ride for Soldier’s Retreat and as
these fellows will cross the river at the Ern-
igrants’ Ford, 1 will be there with afew Manda
to welcome them.”

He gilded‘ back tohis horse, muzzled his nose

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with his scarf as best he could, mumed his hoofs
and led him down the trail croming the ridge.

Reaching the prairie be mounted, and made a
detour to the right, until he had left the range a
mile behind him, when he urged his horse Into a
galloprwith the remark:

“ You must do your level best 110‘", old fel—
10“..”

The good roan did do his level best, for he did
not slacken his speed for several hours.

Then the cowboy chief came to the banks of a
deep and swiftly-flowing stream. _

Following the right bank for several miles he
came to the only ford on the run for a long dis-
tance. ,

n; was known as Emigrants’ Ford, and here he
knew the Comanches would cross, but not wish
to reach there until after nightfall.

From there to Soldier’s Retreat Ranch was
about twenty miles.

A halt was made for rest, and then again
Buck aylor pressml on.

He Wished to reach the camps of the ranch
cowboys before dawn.

This he did an hour before daybreak, and his
call soon aroused the gallant band that Captain
Ned Hassan was so proud of.

“ It’s Buck Taylor, the cowboy captain i”
cried one.

“ Yes, pards, and I want every man of you
thatkcan be spared, and:you are needed for hot
wor .

“Leave some one to go to the ranch about
breakfast and tell Captain Hassan I came after
you, and to be on guard with all his remaining
fill‘t‘t‘ against a dash in of Comanches, should we
miss them.

“ Do you understand, boys? It is Comanche
this time.”

“ We are with you, Cap’n Buck,” said the one
in charge.

“ How many can you muster, Charlie?”

“Twenty-four of us, and you are a. good as
five more.

“I must leave half a dozen men behind, at
least.” ~

“ 11 right, Charlie, we will be enough for
there are not over sixty or seventy red-skins,
and we’ll get in a surprise on them.

“ But we must get away at once.”

“ In three minutes, Cap’n Buck,” was the an-
swer.

And within a quarter of an hour twenty-four
brave cowboys Were following Buck Taylor’s
lead across the prairie.

T-hey rode rapidly to get well out of sight be-
fore dawn should reveal them to any one at the
ranch, and just an hour after sunrise they came
to Emigrants‘ Ford.

“ What a place for an ambush, Ca ’n Buck,”
said Cowboy Charlie with admirat on, as he
gazed upon theravines along the river-bank,
and in which a hundred ornamen could lie hid-
den, while it command the ford. ,

" “ The water is breast deep, boys, and we’ll let
the leaders of them get to this shore before we

fire. '

“ Then Injun feathers will fly, and when the
turn for their village, our horses will be free
and we can .Ipush them to death,” said Buck
Taylor.

. i a I    Taylor, the Saddle 

- The cowboys’ horses were now brought into the
ravine saddled and bridled, supper was disposed
of and just at dark all were in position to meet
the foe.

There was a new moon, only a few nights old.
and it gave just light enough to see to use their
rifles well.

Half an hour after nightfall the sound of hoofs
was heard, coming through the prairie grass
across the river, and just as the Saddle King
had begun ttrfear that the Indians had gone to
one of the other fords.

Then a dark mass came in sight, moving slow-
ly on and halting near the ford.

The moon revealed then two dark forms ap-

, pear upon theother bank of the river, and the

call of a night bird was heard.
f They had signaled that all was well at the
'0rd.

Instantly the dark mass came on and soon
there were four-score Comanche horsemen in the
river. ‘

“More than I supposed," muttered the Saddle
King, and he passed the whisper down the line:

“ All ready !”

A score of red-skin horsemen came out of the
river together, and pressing close in the rear
were others. -

Then the leaders moved along the trail be-
tween the ravines, the warriors dropping back
to single file.

“ Fire!” uame in a loud voice from the cowboy
captain, and twenty-eight rifles flashed together.

And loud rung the wild yell of Buck Taylor
and his Lasso League, and the cowboys of the
Hassan Ranch echoed it with their battle-cry.

The effect of the fire was appalling, the yells
demoralizing, and the Comanches unhurt,
wheeled their ponies in flight.

“ Mount, Minute-men, and after them!” com-

manded Buck Taylor, and with terrific yells the

cowboys went in hot chase at once.

The Comanches gave a few yells of fury and

defiance, but the knew the war-cr of the
us, an supposed the Bad eKing’s
whole ban was upon them.

Others fell beneath the rattle of the revolvers,
some Were wounded and drawned, some lost
their horses, and sought to seek a hiding- place,
while the mass retreated at a run, closely hud-
dled together.

Then it became a running fight, blow. for blow,
but the firearms of the cowboys dealt death moat
liberally in the red-’skiu ranks, and braves fled
for their lives alone.

At last the panting horses were called to a
bait, and the Saddle King said in his grim way:

“The Conianches will remember this night for
many along day.”

Then came the order to throw the dead and
wounded across’the captured ponies, and return
to the ford. ?

It was done and the tired cowboys went into
camp, and did all the could for their wounded
comrades, for not an ndian had been found that

, was not dead.

The dead red-skins were buried on the river-
bank, while the two cowboys that were slain
were carried with the half-dozen wounded back
to Soldier’s Retreat.

Ere they reached the ranch the sun was, and

 

“ I camped for the night on Crow’s Nest. and
my horse awoke me as the Comanches came
near.

“ They camped in the Echo Canyon, and I
knew it could only mean an attack to-night on
your ranch, so I rode for your men, got them in
position, sent you word to be on the lookout for
an attack, and dispatched two boys to the other
i'ords to run up for us, if the red-skins changed
their crossing of the river.

“ They came just where we wanted them and.
walked into our trap.

“ That is all there is to tell.”

“ In actual fact, yes; but what has the service,
not been that you rendered?

“ I got the few men left together, arranged for
a fight, and then came on to find you, asI thought
all danger over, torI supposed you were on a.
scout with the men.

“ There will be no danger of a raid now for a
long time, as they will feel that we are n atchiug
them.” ,

“ Yes, captain, but you have men enough to
keep twu of them scouting all the time, and I
would do so if I were in your place.” "

“ A good idea, Buck, and I will act upo it; . .
but \\ here were you going when you four: the
Comanches in Echo Canyon ?”

“ On my way to Soldier’s Retreat, sir.”

“I am glad of that; but why were you on
that trail?"

“ I’ll give you the story, sir, that took mead ’ '

far out of my way,” and Buck Taylor made
known his adventures in full since leaving Sol-
dier’s Retreat, with Belle Hassan his fair escort» *
to the Sunset Range, as the young girl had calie ‘
ed the ridge where she had often enjoyed seeing.

the glorious sunset swnes.

“Well, Back, I congratulate you upon your
escape from death, for you had indeed a close
call.

“But you amaze me in what you say about»
this mysterious women at Tiger Tom‘s ranch,
and~I will say nothing about her of urse,as ~
no one seems to know of her presence there, and
you think it had best be kept a secret.”

“ I think I can act better, sir, with no one
knowing that a woman is there, and, as I said, I ‘
am on the war-path after Tiger Torn to run him.
down or go under myself.” ‘ y

“ He is a remarkable man and his master
Satan seems to hold him in his keeping.” ’

“ It would seem, sir, that he wears a charmed

life; but our third meeting may be less pleasant? _

for him.” ,»

“ I hope so at least; butnow I have a storyto
tell on, Buchi” ' '
“ Veil, sir, am ready tolisten.” ,
“ Did you see any signs of an enemy lurking‘
near where you parted with Belle upon the Sum,
set Ridge?”

“ No indeed, sir, not trace. .

" Has harm befallen er?” anxiously asked the
cowboy chief.”

“ If there had you would have been the first;
man 1 sent for, Buck”.

“ Thank you, sir.”

“She was captured, I
hour after you left her.”

“ Captured, sir?"

It Yes.”

admit, and not half an:

' 1
i
3
i

:s ~‘W‘ -'nle-ar-IL.O~A~‘—lm --<«-;,-.~..;‘. -

3', «gum. Perv-'3 mac-M we we

 

. «AK.

And having placed his men, all waited they saw Captain Huston coming across the “ But by whom?”

  
  
    
 
    
   
   
   
    
 
  
   
  
  
    
  
      
   
  
   
    
  
 
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
 
  
     
   
  
 
   
   
 

i tientl for the coming of night and the 8:- prairie atagallop. “A rough-looking individual calling himsllth “l
mane es. __ The cowboys rested him with a cheer, and Tauglefoot, and not anunsppropriate name I

one of them ca out:

“ We Wiped out half their band, captain.”
“And you are the one that has saved us,
Buck? ’
" Well, you pile up more obligafions than I
on}: ever repay. her ca tor so cleverly. .
But ‘God bless you, Back Taylor-2' will be a Buc laughed hmrtily, but there was adu‘
prayer that, will ever go up from our hearth. gerous light in his eyes as he said: - '
stops for you.” “I must know that man better.” , v .
Oh, I just happened on 'them by chance, “ The question is finding him tokeep up”

Bassan, w en I was on my way here, acquaintance, Buck.” ~‘~'

asked . at,

him by any means.” _
“ Pray let me know all the, particulars, Cup-
tain Hasaan.”
The captain told the whole story, of W
capture and then ha- tuming the tables upon-

CHAPTER XLL
AT ran rmonms’ roan.
TH: horses of the cowboys were allowed to
' feed until late in the afternoon, for there was
plenty of grass along the river-hanks, and the
thick growth of timber protected them from
s V 8W-
iThe ford had not been used for years, and for
the Comanchos to cross by any 0 her would give
. them a ride of 'twenty miles f rther to make
I their dash, while they could retreat by way of an I can tell you that I want no better fighters " Has he escaped, sir?" quickly
the Emigrants, FON- » thfi“ you.“ boyfi” cowboy, and with considerable annety.
But Buck Taylor had taken two men from his A good commander makes good soldiers, u Ye“. he has.» . 
force, sending one tomb otthe other foals. to Captain Buck." acowboy said. " Better had it been to have the co 
l : ride luck to them with all speed and re rt if “ Well. boys, you know how I feel toward you hang him, as you said they came near doing. '
i the Comanche: should appear at ellher 0 “hem- ‘ 8n. and I d _ ly regret to see th0 poor fellows =“ True. but that Belle would not listen ' i
5 Then the cowboys would have a ride "file line been kil ed, and others wounded. an instant, as! toldaou, and so saved him. ,
' short of what the Indians would have ‘0 milked “ Who are the dead, Cassidayi” “ And you kept him a prisoner bowlong'
to reach Soldier’s Retreat, and bcsnies Woul “Our camp captain, .“Thnt is what lavish to tell you, B ‘ V

. _ sir '  .
the open prairie: but In and Teddy Moore.” 'poor Chm” SW!" Buck Taylor mien really distr inks

bare to meet them in

D / ‘  V. .

- case the cam" {mm elm" 0‘ the other toms POOP fellows! but I wish to 1;“ th about the ease of the man who had made ,

‘ i . n » they obuyld “0 “1° "Mb “‘1 m came they home as soon as possible, so in $332?- . bold attach $01. Belle Hanan. and nim'
‘ " fi felt sure. them- hear all there was to thssto'ry of his escape.

,9; ‘ " The fact that the Comanches had gone into “Meanwhile, Buck, we will ride on ahead, for 80 the captain told the 500W-

onmp in the canyon, where he had seen them, I have somethingof importance

to make known “ I took the man home. and put him   ‘

,. . ded mak- " Md) ' '
. vlnced Buck Taylor that they inten, , to you and Captain Hesse 0‘18 0‘ "w 0’ my firm" ‘ '
.f is ‘ h by the Emigrants Ford, and in this all King went on ahead at a WEE“ the e Hg” ironed. and the 39“ dge 1‘ i
o , the warm” agreed mm mm, 4 ‘ him over to the office where I had w I
{3 ' ‘ Law in the a“gamma the mantlon £3311 re- ——-- man whom 70;! brtougbttiéimto st 
m h 000mm up 0 . u had ' ' at n a 0!! I

k / P0A1] Was“; :gflewsne ofzactivity until the CHAPTER XLH.‘ w 19”?" re“ V org 1 .

re rt came that they were white men. BUCK HEARS. NEWS. “ on shall know. presently. :

“I wished to see if the prisoner Balk ».
tured knew aught or the other one.” '

“ A good idea.” i

“ You know that the one be ing hem ,
posedtobekilled, and buried a: othsrmui, .

m akin a look at them, to his great delight,
’r ‘ the Saddle Ki recognised his own men.

There were vs of them, a party of three and
another of two having met that morning on the
as ‘ prairie, on their way to rail Crossing,

“WELL Buck Iam lal t ’ deed'
but tell me how’it was gyon  hi)!“ this Go:
manche raid upon my home, and which would
have been more disastrous than words can ex-
g-gss, for we were hardly repared fora visit

 

n. ‘ \ “Th” '9' “8 “'“ty'eigbt me” an tom ” m "w Comanches "said ' ' with the rt would aural betra h ‘
ds \ cried Beef, gleefully, and be greeted his pain and Buck Taylor rode along tg’g‘ggegsssapas be when theypgeg'gace w rm." y l" ( j,
88 as they crossed the ford and quickly explained “Yes. sir, mm” ,

 

‘_‘ I’ll only be able to,“
‘ a“ “mafia” captain. that 'it was an acciIithlmt I did baffle?

\

 

“ I led Buck’s prisoner into the room it

   

' I

  

  

‘

r        

 

 

  
   
  
  
  
    
   
 
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
    
  
   
 
    
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
    
    
    
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
    
  
     
  
    
  
  
    
 
   
   
  
  
    
 
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
        
  

in word, and the fellow staggered back ap-
palled.” .
“ He knew him, then?”

- _ “ Yes, and what was more, I made an excuse
,, to feel the man’s pulse, and upon the palm of
I ’ his left hand was your Star and Tiger brand,
Buck.” ,

r “That meant that he belonged to the same

and.”
“ It could mean nothing else.”

 

CHAPTER XLI II.
“ LADY JIM. "

.Foa some minutes the ca taiu and the cowbo
chief rode on in silence, th busy with the r
then hts, and the former was the first to speak.
“ am sorry the man escaped, Buck, but I’ll
3"explain the whole matter and you will see just
‘I-how I was taken in.”

_ y “I do not blame you, Captain Hassan, but I
"Seam only sorry that the fellow got away, as he
-. :will have to be run down again.”

i: - “When I took him into the room of the
:.-.'wounded man, and he showed such horror at be-
‘diolding him, I knew that they were friends, or
«at least belonged to the same band, be it proved
[101' what it may.

 “ His brand in the hand had told this much,
, nd his terror at beholding the wounded man
i there proved conclusively that he had been with

 rty who buried him.

v, V, “ t was conclusive evidence; but healso
fadmitted as much.”

‘ _. “Indeed, sir?”

.r  “Yes, he said that the man was a
"who had been killed a short while
vfight with the Indians.”

’ ‘ 0‘  I" >

“ And had been buried at night by his com-
rades with several others also slain by the Co-

rd of his,
fore in a

“I am a Comanche then’, and yet I thought I
was; fighting Comanches, said Buck, with a
.2 e.
» “That was his story, and then I asked him
 more about the man.”
f; ‘5 Would he tell you anything?”
'f‘ Yes. he said his name was Lady Jim.”
“ Lady Jim I” . . >
L .‘e Ya.”
3‘ Iheard of him in Trail Crossing.”
 “ What did you hear?” ‘
f " That he was a young man, very effemiuate—
king and dangerous to amuse.”
-“‘ You did not see him?”

_. fThen the man is Lady Jim.”
3 .,“Ee must be, as Tanglefoot the Ton h, as he
~  leasedtocall himself, told me he as.” '

“ here can be no doubt of it. sir."
“I asked the follow to tell me about the
ouad'ed man, and his answer was that he had
come to Trail Crossing 8 year before, was a
diet sort of fellow, but when set upon once by
e’ desperalloes had shown himself a very dan-
W man, for he had killed two of them and
, e, the third leave the settlement.” '
id he say what his business was, if he had

He said he was a cowboy-gambler.”

‘ That is what I heard, sir, of him.”

.A Then he told me that his pleasant manners,
gentle ways, had caused the boys to give

‘ the name of Lady Jim.”

lfiow did he explain that he was shot by In-

 captain?"
difle said that a rty of them had gone after
tiles-d were tacked, by Comanches, three

 having been killed and buried on

Dear ange Hills; but the way they had
W» the Comanches, he informed me, was
Whing to be proud of.”

\
r Newt?) the escape, Buck.”
Yes sir.”
A left him under the charge of Tonto and his
.: “in item, and the us, though not watch-
him constantly, to top in now and then and
. that all was ri ht. _
*3 At nightOne 0 them Was as
the prisoner while Lulu had
with Lady im.” \
, .- d has he‘improved?” " .~
 showed. improvement hysically, but not
, _ I did he uttera word, or w a sign that he
§onscioasipf anvthlng around him.”
brain was affected, then, by the shot?
" I am really sorry. very sorry, sir, for I feel
interest in \im that is most sincere.” ,
believed him to be of unsound

or cot in the

    

.3.

 ‘ from the shook, and I must say I think he'

  

been so when you brought him to the

 Vt you chan your mind, sirl” .

d, and now know that he was

 

 
 

E
as

. 38'!!- Wt.
.1 o'plaved welL-sir.”
 d not his role

to perfection and list
 r odine com etely, old Luluand Tonto?”
h  I gave you no much trouble,

  

, ’en oysd.‘for itwas anintaestiugong’apd

 
 
 
   

,.

 

.. ,“I so so, sir ” and Buck lau bed while‘
 "lama continued: z '

in the office .

 

y no. ineansyglven in) my study, or

I, '
W,"

Evekof surgery because I have turned ranchero,
uc

‘ “ The only thing is, I hate to 'confess to you,

that bpitl’r: Lady Jim and Tanglefoot the Tough
esca .

“ scapedl so Tanglefoot took Lady J 1m
with him, sir,” and the cowboy chief laughed,
for he really enjoyed the look upon the face of
Captain Hassan.

‘ My dear Buck, it was the other way.”

“ How so, sir?”

h.“ Igady Jim took Tanglefoot the ‘ Tough with
im.

“ Ahl he recovered suddenly then?"

“I’ll tell you how it was.

“I dressed Lady Jim’s wound about sunset,
and found it in splendid Condition.

“ Old Lulu carried his supper to him, and he
ate it with a relish, but did not speak, or even
look at her, she said. and he never had done so.

“ Tonto went on duty, or rather to his bed in
the office, about nine o’clock and Tanglefoot was
lyln upon his cot and sleeping soundly, he said.

“ hat is all that either Tonto or Lulu knew,
or could state, and the rest is surmise on my
part, and I believe about as correct as to what
occurred.

“ I had, when operating 11 n Lady Jim,
given him chloroform, and the ottle was in my

0 Ce.
“This he knew, though he had shown us no
si of possessing any reason.

‘ So he slipped noiselesst out of bed, got the}

bottle of chloroform, and saturating two towels
with it, managed to get both Lulu and Tonto un-
der its influence. '

“ Tonto had the key of Tanglefoot’s irons in
his pocket, and so this was found, the man was
freed and the two departed together, taking the
two best horses in my stables.” -

“ Well, that pair are dandies,” was Buck Tay-
lor’s comment upon the captain's story.

——

CHAPTER fXLIV. ,
CAPTAIN aassau‘s msoovnnv.

THE captain was very glad to see that Buck
Taylor took the seen of the prisoners so light
ly, for he had fret much over the affair, and
had done all he could to recapture them.

“Please tell me the whole of the story, cap-
tain,” said the cowboy chief in his p easant

way,

“ Well, Buck, I Went to the omce in the morn-
ing. just as I saw Tonto’s son come in a jump
out the of office. ‘

“ He was so terrified he could only say that his
father and Lulu were dead. '

“ I ran into the office and there lay Tonto
sleeping soundly, and Lulu was in the same con-
dition in the other romn.

“ The two prisoners were gone, and the odor
of chloroform about the )lace told the story.

“ 1 at once went to loo upon the two as,
having them placed outdoors, and was 3 d to
see that they were not dead.

“ At last they came round all right, but could
tell me nothing1 more than that as usual they
had rpone to s esp with the prisoners safe and
soun '

“ The chloroform bottle was nearly empty
and a towel had been saturated with n, and
placed over the faces of the penns. ‘ ‘

" Upon my desk lay the irons which I had put
on Tanglefoot, and beneath them were two
notes. .

“ One was addressed to me in a feminine hand,
but a hold one and it was well written.

“ The other re vour name. ‘

“ Here they are.’

Buck took the two notes while Captain Hassan
continued: '

“ I at once signaled for the cowboys, and find.

ing t at two of the best horses had been taken,

sent t em‘upon the trail.
~" A dozen men started, and they were gone
two days. having tracked them to the emigrant
trail down toward Trail Crossing, and there the
travel had been so great as to destroy all trees,
and so came back. - l,
“‘ Read my note first, Buck.” ‘
The cowboy chief did so and it was as follows:

“ Seaman‘s Rmsu Rama.
' _ “Midnight.

“ Mr Dina CAPTAIN Hassmu— , 4 ,

“ Words 0 :nnot express to you the deep gratitude
I feel f r' all your kindness to me, and also the re-
gret I have at having to depart llke a, thief in ,the
nlg 1; from ur hospitable home and kind care .

'But hav ng been found in bad company. Ifear
I might suffer for the sins of othem .90 I take
Fre h leave. as the opportunity offers. and know-
ing lat Tan lefmt the Touch, not my f-iend. as
he said Won be banned, as he deservedly should
be. I release him too. hoping to ake a useful tool
of him by so doing, to serve m

. s.
. “Ileave a nnle for Buck Taylir, the Saddle King, "

which kindly- hand t) him upon» his next visit to
your home. , . .

“ I take the liberty of armln myself from your

Iegglégctlon of weapons in the 0 cc, and takings. few.

.ssary supplies, along with a; horse, all of which

I shall return; but What Tangl ' oot steals from you,

“ Again thanking you for your dlslntereated and
kind meofiine, ‘ ems. ,, \ f
, .. . . 8 . “unanimous Island.-
 ', , . $914013“.

_ g s V I . I {Inm not responsible for.
first at= all, fer he was no trouble, and his

‘t

   

   
 

 

 

“P. S. Please say to poor Lulu that I shall not
forget her kind care of me, and will rove my ap-
preciation some day in more than we s.

“ LADY J III. ”

“ Well!” and Buck Taylor drew a long breath.

“ What do you think of it, Buck ?”

“I admire that man, sir, immensely.”

“ So do I; but now see what your note says,
for you see that it is sealed.”

“ He took his time in writing, borrowing your
pen, ink, paper and envelopes, along with your
horse, sir.”

“ Yes, and a couple of blankets, a belt of re-
volvers and a rifle.”

“ Nothing to eat?” I

“ Oh yes, they broke into the kitchen and got
a supply,” said the captain, with a laugh.

“That was Tanzlcfoot’s work, sir, for Lady
Jim would never steal."

“ No, l guess 'l‘anglefoot did the stealing and
Lady Jim the borrowing ; but nowlto your letter,
Buck, for I am anxious to know its contents.”

Buck Taylor tore open the envelope and read:

“ Somisn’s Rmasa'r,

“ Midnight.
“ MY DEAR Rsscnsnz— '

“ What; can 1 say to you for thus making mv es-
cape from the charge of the kind man into whose
skillful and hospitable hands you placed me?

“ But necess iy urges me to go, as i bavealife
work inst begun, a work unfulfilled.

“ hat can Isay to you, my noble rescuer, for tak-
ing me from a grave where I had been placed as
dead, and bl inging me back to lifr?

“What care I If your hand laid me low, yours
the shot that sent me to my grave; did you not fire
in defense of your own hfe, and was I not your fee,
in an rance at least?

" You saved me from death in the grave; and it
far more than atones for for the wound you gave
me.
" Your care brought me to life, you sacrificed
yourself to serve me, a foe, and on placed me
who}? I clould receive [eve canre an live. d t m

“ ow repay ou pp g away. an urn
loose a human tfger who would be only too happy
to take your life.

“ But it is my destiny, and I follow if blindly.

“Were it not intended that I should escape, the

means would not now be placed at my hand as they ' '

are. ' . .
“ I go. but we will meet again, for I am not one to
forgive a foe, or for et a friend.

“If ever you rece ve a communication bearing the
brand on saw in my left hand, do not hesitate to
obey w at it tells you.

“ mean what Isay.

“Ever gratefully,
. “ Lao! Jns.

“ A remarkable letter that, Buck.”
“ Yes, air, a v remarkable letter indeed,"
was the thoughtfu reply of the Saddle King.

CHAPTER XLV .
run atrium.

UPON the arrival of the captain and the cow. .

boy, in sight of the ranch, they beheld Mrs.
Hassan and Belle upon the piazza Waving them
a welcome.
“ I have anpther secret to tell you, Buck, but
not now, not now.” I
“ It will keep until we have another talk over
thi matter,” said Captain Hassan. ,
hen they erred their horses forward and
mm soon not a house, when Buck some tram
his saddle. and met a welcome from Mrs. assan
and her dau bell r that made his heart glad.
The on ta n u ckly related the events "of the
fight wit the omanches, and continued:
“ And we have the Saddle King to thank
again, Marion.” 5
“ Yes, he is ever our kind preserver. and what
he has done is far beyond thanks,” was the ear-
nest reply? . " v ‘
“Now must go and prepare the poor boys
who are wounded, and order coffins made for
the dead. v '
u I am glad, Buck, that thouirh you and your
men were in the thickest of the tight, not one of
on were wounded even."

.y if It‘s hard to kill a Lariat Ranger, captain“ :

but we were indeed fortunate, yet what was our
fortune was the sorrow ’of your man, for they
suffered heavily, and a gallant set the are.”

“ It might have been far worse, uck,-and
that is the way the men look at it' but I must

be ofl’, so will leave you with the ladies, and you, g 
.i *

know where our quarters are.”
“ I’ll soon ‘ 1
men arrive,” and turning to Belle, the obivholy '
chief continued: g V r 
“ So, girl pard you have been makingéaghero-
ine of yourself, fhearr’ . I  , ‘
“No: I got Into : scraps and extflcated 21;.
semcgnat is all; bu I’m glad motille “cap .”
H 3 ~ . .  ,
“ Yes, indeed.” _ "1' '
“And Why, ma I ask?" .

5
“ Well, if he'hid remained. I just knew he  ‘

would have been hanged, and then his life would '

have been on my hands, and I never  ,

felt the same a in. ‘ \ .‘ .- .
“But as he gs escaped I don’t care now if he
is recs wronged-mused. for that will not bo'
in fan t—see  - , ,’, ‘_ *
‘Y‘ Yes, I see, Girl Pard, and under theclrcnmo'
stances, I, too, amiglarl he escaped; but why did
you not call me back that day?" , - ~

 " I had no bugle to call you with.” _

V: ,l .l a

over to help you, sir, when 

 

   

,.

'r .x 2
ii?
g.
l’e‘
..



    
      
    
       
       
        
       
   
  
    

 

Buck Taylor, the Saddle King.

21]

 

“ It was a plucky thing in you to do,'and just
like you, to turn the tab es on him as you did.”

“ What else was to be done, and I am not one
to submit tamely, Brother Buck, when I can get
a chance to show my claws when needed."

“You are right; but what did you think of
Lad ' Jim?” _

“ only saw him a few times, taking old
Lulu’s place as nurse new and then.”

“ Yet you had an opinion of course.”

“ A woman without an opinion of a. man
is a noneutity, Brother Buck.”

“ And yours of Lady 31m?"

“ Well, he had just the face to do what he did.

“ He was a very remarkable young man and
I admired his face immensely, while now am
lost in admiration of his wonderful nerve.”

“ Did your father sh0w you the letter he left
for him?"

“ Yes, and it was a good one.”

“ Read mine and see what you think, Girl
Pard,” and the Saddle King handed over the let-
ter.

“ I cannot believe that man is wicked."

“ Well, he was caught in bad company.”

“True, but circumstances we know not of may
have driven him to be there.”

“ Yes, but he stole your father’s blankets,
arms and horse.”

“ No, he borrowed them, and I believe will
return them, and I believe you have the same
opinion, Brother Buck.”

“ Yes, I have, I admit it.”

“ Now see what nerve he had, for I do not
believe he was once unconscious after you
brou rht him to at the grave.

“ 6 must have seen and known all, and
et he did not wince, you said, when you dressed
is wound, nor did he show his horror at the

awful fate he had escaped.

“He played his part most perfectly through
all, and not a word did even Lulu hear him
utter, not a moan came from his lips, or any
sign of his feeling, seeing or understanding.

“Yet he was quick to save himself and the
man I captured, when the opportunity offered.”

“Yes, viewed as you regard him, Lady Jim
was a remarkable man.”

“ I studied his face too, and every feature was
perfect, and certainly be was a very handsome
fellow.

“ If he was really a good man I believe he had

'itin him to become a great one.

“ But his talents, or his destiny, directed him
toward ev1] rather than good.”

“ I should like to meet him again, and I hope
to do so.”

“ Would you raise hand against him, Brother
Buck?” uickl asked Belle.

“ Not , Gir Pard! no, indeed. I could never
fire on him, after having taken him as I did
from the grave

“ My heart, my superstition, call it, would
never allow me to harm that man. nor would I
allow him to be harmed, if I could help it.

“ No, I should protect him with my life from
those who sou ht to kill him, I feel very sure.

“ Yet I won (1 like to meet him again.”

“ He says in his letter that you will do so.”

"I hope it; but now the boys are coming in
with the wounded and dead, and I must go over
and lend what aid I can to your father.”

“ And I am to be called on if I can be of ser-
vice, too, remember,” called out Belle as be de-
SCended the steps.

“ Yes, your father told me that you were con-
siderable of a surgeon,” was the answer of the
Saddle King as he walked off toward the cap-
tain’s office, whither the wounded cowboys were

taken.

 

CHAPTER XLVI.

AT REST. \

ONE of the 00wboys of the Solditrs’ Retreat
Band was found to be so seriously wounded that
he died soon after the arrival at the office.

The Indians, though surprised completely, had
hit back herd, and, greatly outnumbering the
cowboys, had shown what they would have done
had they gotten into a fight in the open (prairie,
or been attacked while at their work of estruc-

tion.

The dead were buried that afternoon, Captain
Hassan reading over them the burial service of
the Episcopal Church and making a few appro-

riate remarks as to the value of the brave fel-
Ibws who were gone from their midst.

All the force of the ranch were gathered there
and at the rave, eXCept the wounded men and
old Lulu, w 0 had resumed her duties as nurse.

And then came, in the plaintive voice of Belle
Hansen, the singin of the hymn “ Nearer my
God to Thee,” in w ich her mother’s alto soon
'oined and her father’s fine tenor was heard,

uck Taylor singing base, and thus forming a
fine quartette. ° , .

As the services ended the cowboy! still linger-
ed about the grave until suddenly a veice arose
singing a well-known prairie song, “The Cow—
boy’s FareWell.”

The whole band joined in the chorus, and thus
the dead heroes were laid to rest just as the sun
sunk from sight beyond the prairies they had
loved so well.

5 Mounting their horses the cowboy band rode

 

slowly away, one of Buck’s men remaining to
ask his chief:

“ Any new orders, Cap’n Buck?”

“ No, Fred, go on as ordered, starting to-mor-
row morning, and I will soon be in Trail Cross-

ng.

“ Of course none of you are to know me if you
see me there, unless you et the signal.”

“ I understand, Cap’n uck.”

“ Good-night all,” and Fancy Fred, one of
Buck Taylor's most daring men, raised his som-
brcro and rode on after the others, for his party
were to be the guests of the Soldier’s Retreat
cowboys for‘the night.

“ They are a brave lot of fellows, Buck, and
because a little Wild, the cowboys are terribly
maligned by those who do not know them.

“ As for myself I wish no truer, better friends,
and I don’t say so because you are present,”
said Captain Hassan as the party turned awn
from the little burying ground upon the ban
of the stream and wended their way back to the
ranch.

“Yes, Captain Hassan, I know well that a
great ‘many wicked men have crept into the
ranks of our cowboy bands; but there are plenty
of them who are true as steel and honest as they
can be.

“ We lead a wild life, get hard knocks, rough
usage and our lives are in constant peril, and
the settling of a difficulty is an appeal to revolver
or knife; but after all we are not as black as we
are painted.”

“So they say of a certain noted personage
from regions infernal, brother Buck,” said Belle,
with a wicked smile.

“ And I believe it is true, Girl Pard, that Old
Nick is not so black as he is painted, for let a
person do a wrong, they lay it upon the devil,
and make him accountable for all our sins, in-
stead of ourselves.

“For my part I am a res nsible being, re-
spousible to myself and my fe low beings, and if
I gotvvrong I know well enough who is to blame

on .

“ The devil of course,” arcth said Belle.

“No indeed; Buck Taylor, cowboy at large
and no one else,” was the energetic response.

A shadow seemed to have fallen upon the
household of Soldier’s Retreat, usually so gay,
and that night there was no laughter and music
in the sitting room as there was wont to be
when Buck Taylor was there.

All seemed impressed by the narrow escape
Soldier’s Retreat and its inmates had made,
there was a g100m in their hearts too for the
dead cowboys and sympathy for the wounded
fines, and all felt the shadow without and within

oors.

Then too, the fact that Buck Taylor was go-
ing upon a mission of desperate peril, or one
that seemed to be so, had its influence. .

“ When are you coming back, Brother Buck?"
asked Belle.

‘f I am not certain when, Girl Pard, for I have
quitea little work cut out to do before I can
return.”

“You are anxious to capture Tiger Tom, I
believe?” ’

“ Well, I would like to get my grip upon that
gentleman, I confess.”

“ Is he at Trail Crossing?”

“I ho so.”

“ He has a ranch though?”

“ Oh, yes.”

“ Is he not more readily found there?”

“ Well, I do not care to go and look for him
there.”

Belle looked curious, but said no more, and
soon after she and her mother retired, leaving
the captain and the Saddle King together.

f‘ Buck, I don‘t half like this work you are in,”
said Captain Hassan.

“ Now I think, sir, it is just what I should be
engaged in.” _

“This man Tiger Tom is a deserter a mur-
derer and robber, for such are his offenses in
the army, and he has to die if taken.

“Since then be up as a rancheno, des-
perado and murderer in the settlements, land
naturally feeling that you are after him he will
do all in his power tokill you, or put you out of
the way throu h others.”

“Yes, sir, _ do not doubt that; but I am
gomg. in to win this game in bucking against
the Tiger,” said the cowboy with a light laugh.

“Buck-mg ag inst the Tiger is good, very

ood for a pun, uck, and I believe on wodld

aye _our ittle joke if you were trying; but
this iger Tom, from the discoveries you have
made, we have reason to believe is the head
of a band of cut-throats, or a member of the
band at least.” .

“I feel sure of it, sir, and yet I had no
chance to see if he wore the brand of the Star
and the Tiger although I tried hard to do so.”

“ I’ll wager high that he does; but that re-
mipds me to ask you about those at his ranch?”

‘ There I was foiled too, sir, in both the wo-
man and the cowboys.” ' '

“ Well,.I believe they wear the brand, and if
all who aided in the rescue of Tiger Tom from
you, .when dis ' as Comanches, wear it,
then it shows how large the band is."
de‘e‘dY’es, sir, there are a goodly number in-

 

“And what have you to meet them with,
should you come to a point of capturing Tiger
Tom in Trail Cressing. if yi'u find him there?”

“ That is just what I wish to make known to-
you, sir, and I will tell you now,” and Buck
drew his chair close to that of the ranchero.

CHAPTER XLVU.
OFF ON THE TIGER’S TRAIL.

NOTWITHSTANDING the fact of the signal de-
feat and flight of the Comaiiches, Captain Has-
8'”) had not neglected to keep on the watch, and
two cowboys had been sent to scout up toward
the Indian country, to see if other bands were
prowling about upon the war-path. L

Then too one cowboy had been left at the Emi--
grants’ Ford, u here the fight took place, and the-
other two cressings being guarded by the men
whom Buck Taylor had sent there, it was very
certain no advance could be made without being
seen, and notice given of it in full time to meet
it.
The cowboys were Indian-fighters and trailers-
as well as cattle-men, and no better scouts could.
be found than the “'ild Boys in Buckskin.

Thus guarded Captain Hassan felt no fear,
and he was glad to have a talk with the cowboy“
chief, and learn just what his views were about
the trail after the Tigers, as the Star and Tiger

'- .

branded band men were now referred to by the

ranchero.

“ I know your nerve, Buck, your skill, clever;
ness and fighting qualities: but a knife-thrust,
or a little bullet, properly placed, will bring to.
earth a giant, and I wish you to go with caus-
tion.

“ So tell me if those boys with you are your
only dependence in Trail Crossing?”

Buck smiled and said:

“ They are just one-third the outfit. captain.”

“ Goodl then you have twelve men ?”

“ Thirteen, with myself, Captain Hassan."

“ It is said to he an unlucky number, Buck."

“ I am taking all chances on superstition, cap-

tain.

“But I have twelve of the best men in Texas,
and I picked them out of my whole band.

“ They can throw the lasso as straight as a:
bullet, outride, outshoot and outflght any other
twelve men in the Lone Star State.

“ Each of them is said to bear a charmed life,. -.

and you should have seen them to-day, for they
were in the thickest of it.”

“My men told me that they kept together as»
one man, threw their lariats and yanked red-
skins out ‘of the saddle, and once swept right
through a bodyr of twenty red-skins, wheeled
and came back. ’

“ So they did, sir, for I saw them do it.”

“ See here, Buck Taylor, why don’t you say
that you led them into it?"

“Did I, sir?”

“ Yes, you did, for the men told me so.

“ My boys tried the same, but admitted that
they were outridden by your men, and they
spoke of it as really grand to see you fight to-
gather as one man.”

“ I’ve got twelve of them who can do the
same.”

“ Well, they are not enough, for you do not
know who may set upon you in Trail Cross-
in .
“I’ve gota friend there in Monte J 0e.”

“He may be dead by this time.”
“ I don‘t think so, sir; but he has several good
pards who would chip in for me.”

“ Still you want more backing if you had to.
call upon them.

“This must be no failure, Buck.”

“Ifo, air, and it was what I wished to ask

1

u.

“ I was just coming to that, to say that I
would go With a dozen of my men.”

“ I won’t take a man, sir, if you go.

“You are here at your happyhome, with a
loving wife and daughter, and here you must
remain.

“ No. sir, I do not care for any aid from Sol-
dier’s Retreat.”

“Well, Buck, .I’ll stay, so command me for
what men you wish.”

u I wish on] nine, sir, and I would be glad if
you would pic them out.

“You know.the must not go with me for
that would 3pm] 31 ; but you have sent to Trail
Crossmg for stores, and you might send your
wagons there with these men as a guard.

. ‘ wish men who will not get on a spree, and
it might be that you can d find cattle there for

them to buy, as I know y u are always making '

purchases of boots.”

“Yes, and as I need no stores just now. it
would be better for them to go to ,look up
cattle to buy, and not be hampered with w one.

“ If they find cattle, well and good, nndi not,
they Will serve their purpose to aid you.”

‘ Yes, 811‘, that they will.”

“ But take more.” \

“N0, Bil" Our place must not be left unpro-
tected, for t 9 Star and Tiger men may make a
dash in on you, so keep on your guard constant-
ly, and you migt have your men keep the cat-

0 .close, and ready should they be needed,
while I may also give a call on you.”

“ I will take the field myself, Buck, and see
that there is the greatest caution shown, watch-

6

 

‘ l

22

Buck Taylor, the Saddle King.

 

fullness and readiness to act at a moment’s
:notice.

H “I note what you say about the Star and
 Tiger hand making a dash on me, should they
not be at Trail Crossing, and I am glad you
suggested it, for it is just what they might do.

'  a " Our rnnch shall he like a military camp be-
." tore to-morrow night.”

a “ That is well, sir, and I will feel satisfied.”

“ When do you wish your men?”

“Send them oi! to-morrow, sir, please, and
'simply tell them to be on band should they get a
call from me.

“ I know them all, so would recognize them
when I see them there, though 1 do not wish
them to take an notice of me.

_. “ understan .”

' ’1 I , “I must be supposed to be alone in Trail

-' ‘ Crossing,and just there willbemy strongest hold,
for when I need them there will be your nine
cowboys, my twelve lasso-throwers, and Monte
Joe and any of his pards who may follow his

 

iqf‘

"have 5-54.24“ . .

J73“

  
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
     
    
      
       
  
    
   
    
  
  
    
     
      
  
  

“  wigh to make a clean sweep of it, Captain

n.

.“ And you will; but when do you start?"
“ {It dawn, sir; so bid good-by to the ladies for
e.
“They will be disappointed not to see yen at
, Buck.”
I “,I had better go on, sir, and I will return
“this way I hope.”

And the next morning at dawn the Saddle
, , f-King mounted and rode away upon the Tiger’s
 {Mi-

Kids
5

 

CHAPTER XLVIII.
MONTE JOE.
i. MONT: Jon, the gambler, who had so be-
i triended Buck Taylor in need, was a popular
3 man in Trail Crossmg.

His hand was ever ready to help those in dis-
.hese, he would never play cards with a man
who was poor, and he never took the last stake
' of one who layed with him and lost.

He dread well, more like a clergyman than
a bier for he wore black broadcloth, a
- wh to silk tle, a black slouch hat and glovos.
Now and then his belt of arms appeared on the
 outside of his frock-coat, and his pants were
stuck in the tops of his boots, but only when
,he was fioin on a ride. ”

" ‘ At a at or times the weapons were out of
align and his pants over his boot

» e was a serious-faced man, though not
gloomy, never drank, never was‘heard to utter
54a deliberate oath, and was often called by the
annoys, on account of his clerical look, Parson

, ‘ Monte Joe had been quite anxious about Buck
“Ta Ins-after hisd rture from Trail Crossing
' his prisoner, iger Tom, for he knew that
«.he had a long and dangerous road to travel,
while the desperado was no easy man to handle,
'with his great size and strength.

, _ ‘He had taken a rest fancy to the cowboy
gchiel‘, and for days ad asked all coming into
[the settlement it they had met him and his pris-

om.
’ “I only hope that he got throu h all right
7, with Tiger Tom, and that the is w‘ will be
hanged: for it not I shall have to kill him some
fly, or he will kill me," said Monte Joe to his
mediate pards, though he had no intimate
friends that were known of, at least to others.
He was polite toward all, friendly with a few,
 but was not been comrade with any one in par~

or.
,x, All! Monte Joe had any other name than theone
its answered to, no one knew it. ‘
* He had registered on the hotel books as Monte
-: as, when he first came ,to Trail Crossing, and
,. NI real name was neither knewn, wanted, or
" moght of, for among all present in the settle-
Vsnent, be cognomens were at a discount
‘ “d nets the style, or nick-names, and
V ny dared not refer to who they really were
10! reasons best kept to themselves. ‘
A month had passed away since. the arrest of
‘TigerTom by Buck Taylor and yet no one had
heard either of the 8: le king or the ranchero
, . do orclaimednottohsvedonsso.
 oats oehadgoneoninthe unororhis
 winning three times out of veinallgames
applaud, and thus :33: went-ahead or the
wards and giving his k the proper food
to latter! on, mouthing, as he was wont to say,
a

d

   
    
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
   
    
  
  
      
     
  
  
  
 
   
    
  
  
 
   
 

I

,‘To lay by fora cold y when I get left.”
‘ if. was ng with a n r who had come
ntothe m eday- ore,sndhadwon

Mil .greatiyso eworryo! his adverse .

m med, however, to be well supplied wl's’h
y. r .

,vadas a man gigs {scatter-frog)

gang, a pores: we 0 spea n

*5 veal times most rudelyyspoken to

, n‘tbs gama

" Monte Joe was as serene as smili-

Md.,never get excited, and paid no attention

,to'the amyand overbearing manner of the

and had
cute Joe

at be raked over a snug sum, the
man rssidtersslyr
scardsharp,orthedevills

    
  
 
  
 
 

“ on are either ,
Mr tron saint Monte Joe.”
A ell. which do you think a m"

, » “av-mg...“ .»,,...,.,,,.«..-. . ., r ' .w . . L. ,,

 

 

5,;

  
 

“ Take it as yen please.”

“ No, you express yourself, for you must have
an o inion.”

“ V ell, I should say you were a card sharp to
win as you do,” was the response of the stranger.

The hands of the gambler were both upon the
table, counting his money, and as the stranger
spoke he had dropped his right upon a revolver,
though he did not draw it. ‘

Not a muscle of the gambler’s face moved,
his eyes did not even flash, nor did be change
color in the slightest degree, and thus the
stranger felt that he would not resent his insult.

“ So that is your opinion, eh i” asked Monte Joe
in an ofi.’~hand way.

u  is.”

“r'l‘hen you do not care to play any more with
me

“ No, not to be cheated."

The money was counted now, and in a roll,
and then u went the right hand, a derringer
sudden] slipping into it from the sleeve, and
Monte oe’s weapon looked squarely in the face
of the stranger, while he said in a tone that
meant all he uttered:

“Stranger, you will eat your words, and eat
them quick.

“ Retract, and ask my pardon, or I send my
bullet between your eyes!’

The little derringer, with its large muzzle,
looked unfilnchingly into the eyes of the stran-
ger, and not a foot distant from them.

The hand of the gambler was as firm as a rock,
and the pistol was cooked, his finger upon the

to touch the trigger with more pressure.

then, with a nervous laugh, he said:

“ Wi ll, I am not hungry, Monte Joe, but see-
ing as you say I must eat my words, I do.”

“ You retract?"

II I do.”

“ Then ask my pardon for the insult, and if
there isa man here who says that you have not
lied in making the char e you ha‘ve against me,
I will never touch anot er ca'rd in Trail Cross-

in ."

E You have unanimously lied stranger,” cried
a voice, and in a full chorus followed:

“ That’s sol"

“ Ask my pardon for the insult.”

to I do.”

“ Now do you see that doorl”

It Yet”

“Well, go out of it, and if ever you come in
here again I will kill you.

H ml” \

The man slunk away, and as he/ reached the
and frightened him, for he bounded out of sight.

But the voices had not been on his account,
for net as he reached the doors tall form en-
ter

“ Tiger Tom l” was the name upon a hundred

"I
,And Tiger Tom it was who entered the saloon.

 

CHAPTER XLIX.
THE TIGER UNCHMNED.

NOTHING could have given the crowd in
the saloon at Trail Crossing, more thorough
surprise than the reappearance of the Tiger
of axes.

There he was, his giant ferm just inside
the doorway, which he had stooped to enter,
and his eyes glancing over the crowd as
t'hough he expected to have to fight then and
t ere.

The rear of greeting had been misunder-
stoOd b the'stranger, who had evidently
turned or a shot at‘Monte Joe, and he had
sprun through the door with alacrity.

An then iger Tom stepped further into
the large saloon. while a voice cried:

“ Three rousin’ cheers pards, for ther un-
chained Tiger o"Texssi”

Three cheers were given, but they were
very weak in the lungs. Perhaps a score of
men cheered among the two hundred who
were in the saloon.

Ii Tiger Tom had asked for an expression
of his unpopularity he could not but have
felt that he had few friends there.

But he had dared to come back and he
was the man to play a bold game of bluff.

80 dropping into his border dialect way of
speaking, e raised his sombrero and said:

“ I thanks yer, pards, for this generous
greetin'. ' .

“It brings tears from my heart ter feel I
are so welcome among ei‘ all.

“Come and j'ine ,me in adrlnk all round.”

The cheer that greeted this invitation was
rather more unanimous than theothers.

 were ammo _" rousin,” for they

   

 

 
 
  

They
muck annular ihi land. it three-score

trigger. , v
All held their breath, for a movement of the ‘
stranger’s hand to draw would cause Monte Joe ,

The threatened man turned deadly white, and E

door hall-turned; but a roar of voices went up i

of those present agreed “ tcr lake whisky in
the’rn.”
l Tiger Tom moved toward the long bar,
and the crowd of men athirst did likewise.

“llow d'ye, Knuckles, lad tor scc yer—-
‘put it that!" and Tiger om hcld out his

hand to Bartender Knuckles, who thrust his

’ into a glass pan of water and returned the
rip.

' g “ Cuss it, Knuckles! ycr hand are all wet.”

“And you is all dry, so I has no time ter
wipe ’cm, Tiger Tom.

“Glad tcr sec yer ag’in, and only hopes
yer won‘t shoot me afére yer leaves."

The drinks were “ set 11 ," and then
“tossed down," and Tiger om paid the
score.

Turning toward the crowd who had not
accepted his invitation he seemed a trifle
nervous, as he glanced over the room.

Then his eyes fell upon Monte Joe, and
the latter called out. from his seat at the
table in the corner, where he had played his
games with the stranger:

“Hello, Tiger Tom, how did you escape
the gallows?"

“ i don't understand vcr, Monte Joe.”

“ Well, the last time I saw you, Buck Tay-
lor, the Saddle King, had you in irons, intend—
ing to take you to the fort to be hanged.”

“Ah yes, I bed forgotten it, Monte Joe;
but yer sec i didn’t hang.”

" How did you escape?” ‘

""1 didn’t escape; I wasn’t the man went-
"‘ Is that so? We7l, you Were in luck.

“ Do you wish to try a game?”

" Yes, I’ll play yer,” and Tiger Tom
seemed glad to get a chance to sit down
‘ own from the general gaze u on him

i “ y the way, w etc is _ uck Taylor,
‘ Tiger Tom?" asked i e gambler, as the man
took his seat, a crowd pressing around them.

"I haven't seen him since we parted at
ther fort.”

“ Good friends, of course?” \

 

e

fit in my case.”

“ Then you are not for sale?”

“How does yer mean, Monte Joe?"

“I thou ht that you were oifered at five
thousand ollars, dead or alive 7"

“ That were my drunken foolishness,
Monte J 0e.”

" It came pretty near being very serious.”

“ Yes, too near ter suit me, but what does
yer play fer?” I

“ ame your sum.” .

“ Let's begin on twenty dollars and raise
as we pleases." .

" I am willing, Tiger Tom, if you are so
afraid to name a large sum, and wish to play
for chicken feed.” a

“Who said I was afcerd?”

“I did.” ’

“ Waal, call it fifty.”

“ What is fifty to you or I?

“ Make it a game of interest for both of
us, and profit for the one who wins.”

“ Name yer own stake, then, Monte Joe,”
was the savage rejoinder of Tiger Tom.

“Well. say one thousand a game."

“ I don’t mind, fer I hain’t ter beblufied.”

“ No, Buck Taylor is not here."

" What, does er mean, Monte Joel”

“ He’s he on y man I ever saw blufl you."

"He can’t do it ag’in, and I has money
ter bet on it.” . -
l “ I’ll take a side better on that.
| “ Here, Corkscrew, hold the stakes; here’s

m thousand that Buck Taylor, the Saddle
King, bluffs Tiger Tom the next time they.
I‘meet, bet of in three months if they do not
‘ meet, and money to go to charit f Tiger

Tom and myself get in led mesnw lie."

Tiger Tom did not relish the gamblers
, manner or words.

.He could not back out from the bet after

what he had said, so he took from his pocket
’ a well-filled wallet and couan opt ten one
hundred-dollar bills. ‘

“ They are genuine, are they. Tiger Tom?"

“ Does yer thi I’d - pass counterfeit
. 'iil‘ioney,’ Monte Joe ’ firmly demanded Tiger

0 .

 

l
l
l

m. ,
‘ “ On that question I am an agnostic, Tiger
Tom, for I can simply answer-,1 don’t know-
“ I merely asked you if they are genuine.”
“ They is."
“ I’ll take your word on it. '_
“ Now, Corkscrew, you know the bet, so
keep the stakes until won.” ‘ .

 

“ Waal, he were sorry he had made a mis-'

  
      

  

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23

 

 

Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. ‘

 

"I ll do it, Monte Joe," and the man in
charge of the bar counted the money and
put it away for safekeeping.

“Now to our game, Tiger Tom.”

The stakes were put up, the game was
played through carefully h each man and
Tiger Tom lost, and his lac of success was
expressed by a bitter oath.

Just then Dead Beat Dick entered the room
and whispered something to Tiger Tom.

lie rese quickly and said:

“ Monte Joe, my horse has got hurt, so I
must look to him.

“ You is winner tor-night.”

With this he hastened from the saan by
the nearest door, one seldom used, while
Monte Joe said dryly:

“-,What a secret to be whispered to him by
Dead Beat Dick, that his horse was hurt,"
and the gambler laughed as though it was a
good joke.

 

CHAPTER L.
AN ASSASBIN FOILED.

THE men in the saloon had wondered not
a little at Monte Joe.

He was never known to seek a quarrel.
but always to argue for peacc, and yet he had
seemed almost anxious to force Tiger Tom
into a ditiiculty.

When Tiger Tom had left the saloon
Monte Joe li hted a cigar and leaned back in
his chair in t e corner of the room.

It was a well known fact that the gambler
would , never play except he had his seat in
the corner9and he never allowed a 'man
get‘behind him. ‘ I ,
He wanted his adversaries, friends and
foes, all in front of him.

He twice turned his head and appeared to
listen, but went on again with his smoking
as though he had enjoyed it.

Having just won some hundreds from the
stranger, and followed with a thousand from
Tiger Tom he could afford to take it easy for
the rest of the evening.

The ames went on at the other table, the
mental ed, laughed, drank and swore, and
the clink of glasses kept a merry accompani-
ment to the other sounds.

Still Monte Joe leaned back in his chair
and pulled away at his cigar, an uninter~
ested spectator it seemed of all that was
going on.

But suddenly a shot run out, an instant-
ly a second one, and outsi e of the loan.

It came from out of doors, just back of
where Monte Joe sat.

The shots were followed by a bowl of pain
and rage commingled, and the stern com-
mand:

“ Hold, or I’ll aim at your head next
time!” I

The men near the door moved not, but in-
stant] came loud cries as they fell back
into the room. and following them was the
tall form of the Saddle King.

As he stepped into the room Buck, Ta lor
had his hand on the shoulder of a man W cm
he half forced, half dragged With him.

‘ “The Saddle King!”

“ The Lasso Demon !"

“ Buck Taylor!"

“The Cowboy Chief l" were the yells that

eeted him, as the crowd called him by the

iflerent names that had been given him.

“ Good-evening, pardsl" he said pleasant-
ly, and a rousing welcome greeted him.

“ Who is this fellow?" he asked, whirling
his prisoner around to face the crowd, while
all saw that the man’s ri ht arm hung use-

. less by his side and the b 00d was dropping
t.

from . .
" The stranger!” came in many voices.

“He’s your man, Monte Joet' Corkscrew
called out.

Monte Joe had forced his way forward as
he saw! who had entered, and grasping the
hand of Buck Taylor, said in hispleasant

I

we :

‘yAwful glad to see you, Saddle Kin .

“ But that’s the manI ran out of t e sa-
loon awhile a o.

" Where di you catch him?”

"I found him with his revolver pointed
through a hole he had just bored with alarge

' auger, and he was aiming at some one seated

in the corner. '

“ As he was an assassin I broke his arm for
him .with a shot, and it tired his revolver ofl
400.7

 

“ Saddle King, I owe you my life, for that
man was going to killme.

“ heard the sound of the anger, but
thought it the branches of a\ tree outside,
which the wind was swaying.

“I told you, stranger, that I would kill
you if you came in here again; but the Sad-
dle King has branded you, so I’ll let that be
your punishment.”

“ We won’t!”

The words fell ominously upon the ears
of all.

It came from one of the men of the settle-
ment who was well off and had considerable
influence.

All eyes were turned upon him at once,
and he continued:

“ A stand-up fight I can admire, but there
has been too much underhand work in this
settlement of late, and the lawless men are
getting too strong a hold, so as this man was
caught in'an attempt to assassinate our hon-
ore citizen, I say he must take the conse-
quences.

“ Men, who are with me?"

A perfect roar greeted his words, and at
once the better clement saw a chance to de-
clare themselves and make an example of the

desperadoes.
"Seize himl” cried the man who was
takin the lead, and a dozen hands at once

seize the frightened, wounded wretch.

“Gentlemen, you know your business
best, but allow me to suggest that as the
man is wounded on have his wound looked
to and then ive im an hour to make him-
self scarce orever in the settlement,” said
Buck Taylor. ,

But the crowd was against him, and Monte
Joe said:

“ Men, I’ll forgive him as the Saddle King
has put his mark on him, so let the poor
devil go!"

“ Not" -

“Is he worth a stru glc, Monte Joe?"
asked Buck Taylor quiet '. ,

“No, we have done all we can, unless we
fight for him. and that we must not do."

“No,” and Buck Taylor turned to the
poor wretch and said:

“I am sorry for you, but you brought it
upon yourself. ’

The man fairly shrieked for mercy, but

the men who were going to regulate matters
were aroused and the loan of the Saddle
King’s lariat was requested for the hangman's
rope. ,
"Pardon me if I refuse, gentlemen; I
never lend m weapons,” was the reply, and
many recalle what a dangerous weapon in-
deed was the lariat in the hand of the Lasso
Demon.

And so the stranger was‘draggevi off to
his doom, four-fifths of the crowd leaving
the saloon to see him hanged.

CHAPTER LI.
'1‘ w o s r o n I E s .

Tnn-maddened crowd did not have to go
far to find a gallows. -

A tree that had served its a prenticeship
most thoroughly for just :qu work, was
conveniently near the saloon, and it was a
moonlight night.

. They did temperfjustice with mercy by go-
ing by the corner 0 the saan to take a look
at the hole bored in the planking, and they
dizcdovered there a gimlet and the auger
us . t

The gimlet had made an eye-hole to direct
future operations through.

Then there-was on the ground also the re-
volver of the assassin, one chamber empty.
thvtt’hat better proof did they need than

a .

That settled the case completely in the
mind of any doubting Thomas, as to whether
the man was or was not My. ’

There were - a few I odor-hearted men
among the crowd who suggested that they
shoul wait until the man recovered from his
wound, and a man who had given up preach-
in for horse-stealing, but was known to be
to lowing his last-named profession, made
hold to remark that the delay for the wound-
ed arm to heal would ive him, the guilty
man, a chance to wrest e in prayer for for-t
giveness for his manifold sins and wicked-
ness.

The sug star was told so energetically
and promp 1y to go to Torrid Zone, that he
was convinced that'he had ct-least best keep

, I ' v . 'l . 5 *5- I n " .

Al

 

  

l.

 

quiet, even if he did not start on the journey
to which he had been consigned.

Then a few argued that if he was hanged
it would put him Out of suffering from his
wound, which seemed to many quite a sym-
pathetic way of looking at it.

A lasso was not long in being found, and
as the crowd had reached the tree, the poor
wretch was told to:

“ o‘hout his pray tulk‘lively!"

This he proceeded to do, and as is usual
with great scoundrels, died praying for
mercy to himself, which he had never shown
to others.

Monte Joe meanwhile had taken Buck '
Taylor over to his table, and the two sat -._,

u... ".9. .,‘ -.,.

down together, while those ,who had not i

gone to the hanging, gathered around to hear ;,

whfat the cowboy chief had to say for him- ._

se . -
“When did you arrive, Saddle, King?” ;

asked Monte Joe. . _
“ Half an hour ago.” ' V
“ Come alone?" ’ L
“ Yes.”

“ Didn’t see the Tiger of Texas?”

“ N 0, but I saw his pard, Dead Beat Dick,
in the stable when I rode up, and he shot out
as though I had come to kill him, and he 
was'not armed.”

“ What is that you said, Saddle King?”
and Corkscrew came over from the bar.

Buck Taylor repeated what he had said,
and Corkscrew asked: .

“ Did you see which way he went?”

“ Yes, he kept up his running until he,
came to the saloon door.”

“He did, did he?"

“ Yes."

“Seen him since?"

“ No," and Buck Ta lor seemed surprised
at the questioning, so orkscrew said:

" Wait a minute and I’ll explain.”

He went behind the bar, but returned in a
minute and said: ’

“Before you came, Saddle King, Monte.
Joe here bet Tiger Tom a thousand dollars .
that the next time he met you, you would
blufi him. 

“ Now I am stake-holder, and I saw Dead 
Beat Dick run in here‘and whisper something _ ‘ ‘
to Ti er Tom. _

“ e latter changed color as Isaw, got up
hurriedly from his game with Monte Joe.
and with something about Dick’s saying his ,_
horse was hurt in the stable, the both went -‘ ‘
out, not by the main door, but y the side
one. ‘ I
“Now, I wish three of you gentlemen to i.
go to the hotel and see if Tiger Tom is regis-lf‘

tered-there, and then to the stable to pee if ‘ -'
' his horse is there. 5 .
‘ “If he has gone, then you scared him ofl.’_‘j_,'
Saddle King, thus blufling him, and I hand '
over the stakes to Monte Joe. _  ‘

“ Is that fair, pards?" ‘

The crowd thus appealed to assented
the aflirmative most vigorously, and _
three men were selected to go on the ’ ‘
specified, and they departed at once. '  1 ,

Monte Joe had said nothing, seemingl'yivt
wholly uninterested in the afiair.

But now he asked: ' ,

“ Did the trial show that Tiger Tom was ,
not the man you thought him ,; Saddle - t.
Kin t” . “  -.

“ ere was no trial." ‘ '

“ No trial?" ,

“ No, for the man escaped from me,
hence I never got him to the fort." \ ‘ ‘ ‘ 

A laughgreeted 'these words, and t.
Joe to what Tiger Tom had reported.  ~‘

“ 1 can only say that he told you a Halibut,
ate lie. " "

“The fellow escaped from me, when.”
were attacked by—-by Indiana. ' ‘

u I was wounded and laid up, and 1M ,
was able I concluded to come back to;
Crossin and settle u some unfinished 
ness tha brou ht me ere before. '

“ That is al there is about it.” .

Again the crowd lau hed “Tiger
expense. while Monte oe said (1333: _ __

" I guess ou’ve finished the “all. -
my opinion is that Tiger Tom has ppcd

‘ CHAPTER LII.
HANDED ovnn.‘
TEE crowd‘that had gone out to do I , _
to an out community, by hangi the It

  
   
   
  
 
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
     
      
  
  
  
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
    
   

 

  
   
 
  
  
   
    
  
  
           
    
 
     
     
      
   
       

 

  

»

  

 

  

 

     

 ‘93., 1‘. .. 't‘ - a. ' 3’  1...: “(3‘

man who ha attempted to assassinate ‘ 0
Joe, soon began to reassemble in the salami.

   

mm.

 

 
 

Buck Taylor,    

 

 

 
 
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
     
  
  
   
    
  
  
 
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
      
      
 

They came in singly, in couples and by
squads, and they were surprised to know
that Monte Joe, Buck Taylor and some fifty
others had not rone out to see the misery of
the poor doomet wreteh.

“It is done, Monte Joe, and you is aveng-
ed," cried one.

, “ My friend, the Saddle King, aVenged me,

. and I asked no more.

“ You wanted ao hanging, so it was your
picnic not mine,” was the answer.

“The judge and jury decided he should
hang until tomorrow,” cried another who
had been a locker-on at the hanging.

“ Thcjmlge and the jury?" contemptuously
said Monte Joe.

“The only judge I acknowledge in this
lawless place is myself, and here are the
twelve jurymen, stanch and true,” and he
whipped out his two six-shooters 9

There were many in the crowd who did
not like thejury/nw/z, and so shrunk back;
but with a bitter laugh Monte Joe re ilaced
his weapons, while a man who stoo near
him said: \

“Well, Iam one to keep up the; good
work of thinning out the desperadoes here,
for there are a number of strangers coming
'into the settlement the past week, and the
hanging to-night will do a world of geod,
I’m thinking.” ,

“Then organize a regular court and try
men, and have officers to carry out your laws
when made,” Monte Joe said.

This seemed to chime in with the humor of
. the crowd, but no more was said upbn the
 subject, as the. three men sent to the hotel
 and stables, to ask about Tiger Tom, came
back to make their report.

, “ Well, pards, what is your report?" asked

' Corkscrew.

1 f and at up there. _

. “ e.had first been to the stable and put
up his horse, and he left Dead Beat Dick
 there to attend to something for him, no one
knows what. A
 “ en the Saddle King arrived and Dead
Beat ick skipped.

‘,‘ When the Saddle King left the stable
~E‘aiger Tom came in and ordered his horse
died at once, and Dead Beat Dick came
out of the hotel with his traps which had
been taken there. .
W ‘f,Then 'I‘i or Tom had a few words in a
low tone, to d the stableman that he had to
leave finexpectedly, and rode away.” .
; Sue was the report made by the. three
4 men throu h the one the chose as spokes-
“ man and orkscrew asked:

" l’ards, is not that a perfect bluff?”

The affirmative answer was very decisive,
,and Corkscrew continued: '

 " onte Joe, I consider that on won the
bet, that the coming of the addle King
alone ran Tiger Tom out of the settlement of
a’l‘rail Crossing, so 1 turn over to you the
stakes." 1

1, With this Corkscrew handed over the
,money to. Monte Joe, his act being greeted
jwith a ringing cheer‘ of approval, and the
gambler said:

" Gentlemen, all of you, order your drinks,
and excuse me, as I never touch liquor.”

The'drinks were ured down withorelish,
«and the health of onto Joe was drank with
w‘will. , I
" Then Monte Joe and‘the Saddle King left
hesfloon together and went to the stables
 by and in the rear oLthe hotel and sa~

n l r u .

' - ' l . ' .
a " eter, has Ti or T m left town?" the
1 .egmbler asked of t sta leman. ,
‘w ‘ “ Well, ssh, he rode array from here widj
his traps, sah, as though he were goin’ on

3.7 ,
‘_r“IBe had not long been in l”
f ‘T‘No, ssh;- nn’d he done tole me when he
gnome dnt he were .gwine ter open" more time

  

 
 
  

     

  

  

  

  

  

/

      

  
  
 

“horse fer him.” , j
“ I see; but he left suddenly.”
‘r ssh.”

,f'He gave no reason 1” . /
rtz'flomore, sob, den (int he had news‘dat
5: rather sudden." ‘ ‘

1. , ler slipped a lace of gold into
ha of. the negro, an so :
“Laotian amalgam,
Wu . as once
' fifth”;  ‘9'

 
 
  

 

  
   
    
  
 

  

   

WWW-W .

(4.

run
. t,

“ Tiger Tom went to the hotel an hour ago ,

in Trail Crossin', an’ ter take .good keer 0"

id ,. t .
fplease, Pete, for

\

gave them nothing.

 

“ Surt’inly, boss, and t’ankee, sah, fer de
recommembrance.” ,

Monte Joe took the lantern, and with Buck
Taylor walked toward the tree where the
crowd had hanged the man who had attempt—
ed his life.

He took hold of his left hand, which was
bound to the wounded right behind his back,
and, laying his fingers upon the pulse,
said:

“ lie is dead; yes.

“ Those executioncrs never make any mis~
take in their W01 k.”

“ Hold the lantern close to the hand,
please,” said Bunk Taylor.

The gambler did so, and opening the stiff-
ening hand, the Saddle King glanced closely
at it.

“ Yes, he, too, is one,” he muttered.

“ One what?” 9

“ Look at the palm of his left hand.”

“ Yes."

“ \Vhat do you see?”

“ A star pricked in india ink, and-eyes, a
tiger in the center.” ’

' “That is it.”

“What?” ‘

“When we reach 'your room I will tell
you," was Buck Taylor’s rep

Returning the lantern to
asked:

“Is be dead, boss?”

“‘ Yes, Peter.” .

“Lord ! an’ I slee 9 out here 0’ nights.

“I tel yer, I dont like dis killin folks
round me, oss.”

“ It isn’t pleasant, Peter; but I guess the
ghosts won’t trouble you.”

"I won’t stay here, boss, ter give ’em a
chance, for I is too near dat tree yonder,”
and Peter hastil locked his stable and
made for the hote .

CHAPTER LIII.
MONTE Jon‘s ROMANCE.

THE two friends. for such bad now be.
come Monte Joe and Buck Taylor, went to
the latter’s room in the hotel, after leaving
the stables. ’ .

l .
Igetc, the latter

 

The moment thev had crossed the thresh- .

old of the room oor, Monte Joe turned
and held out his hand to the Saddle King,
while he said with a voice full of feeling:

” Taylor, let me thank y0u for the services
you rendered me to-night, for but for you

would now have been a dead man.”

“ Do not s eak of it, for I simply saw the
fellow planning to assassinate some one, and ,
judged it must be you, as’ I heard you say
that 1you always stuck to that corner.

~ “ ortunately I fired in time." ,

“But I must tell you that you have my
unbounded gratitude. 5. _ r’

“I am not a man to love life for its joys,
to dread death either. \

“ But I do not care to die yet,
certain duty to erform.

“To be fran with you, I was always a
wayward fellow and gave m parents a great
many heartaches,‘ I fear, 'wh lc= my two bro-
there and sister. were their joy.

“M father was a very rich man, and I
muse. him to spend a great deal of money to
help me out of scrapes. A . -‘

“ At last I went to sea, for I supposed it
would be a good riddance, and when, ten
years after, l'visited my home, I found that
my two good brothers had swamped my
father’s fortune in" his old age, leavmg him a
beggar; r  1‘ j v

f‘ One of them had married rich and gave
mry parents a, mere pittance to live upon out
o h a wife‘s wealth. . \

“ The other, though with a large salary,

for Ihave a

i ‘2 l '
"A scoandrel had run on with my sister,
invel ling her into whatproved a mock
ma age and then deserted her. ;
“She a peeled to her brothers and they
drove her gram their death; so that she went
to her roots who?» gave her shelter, she and
her ch (1, althOughthey hardly had food for

 
 
 

2 themselves. ; ,

“ThusI found them,‘ and though I came'
back with little I gave it for their comfort. *
“And it made a man of me, for I had
squandered their money, thrown away my

~siisterfinamzl I.
n. it. im-
teem

  

  

” He fell into my trap and I had there at:
my hotel my sister and a clergyman with
two witnesses. '

“ Need I sa
my sister, an
room?

“ Two days after he attacked me on the
street and I killed him.

“ I was arrested, and the rich family of his
wife, and the influence of his own people
sent me to prison for along term of years. ‘

“I could not remain in prison, with loved ’
ones depending upon me, so I made my cs» l
cape and came here. \

“ l was always lucky with cards, and put l
my last dollar in a game one night, the first ‘
I had ever played for money. . l

“I left the saloon a winner of thousands. 

“ I wrote home that I had struck it rich in 3
the mines, bought a comfortable cottage for :
my parents and sister. and place to their
credit every month one half my winnings.

“ Onefourth I give to charity, helping
those who need, and the other fourth 1 claim
as my own. i

“ This is a‘ wild life, a perilous one, and
thpse I love know nothing of what I really
am. i

" Here I am known only as Monte Joe,-
but I will tell you that my real name is
Joseph Hawthorn. .

“ When I have laid by for my parents and
sister enough to support them through life,
I will give up gambling and settle down to a.
quiet life, if am not snuffed out like a
candle before I carry out try good intention.

“Now you know me as 1 am, Taylor, and
in saving my life you have helped those de-
pending upon me, so you have done good
service. ” , i . 

Buck Taylor had listened to the gambler’s 2
2story of his life with considerable interest. '

He appreciated his telling himhis story,
and had always felt that he was a man with
a history, one whom it vmuld be safe to
trust. '

Now he said: I,

“I thank you, Monte Joe, for your confi~
dence, and it is safe with me.”

‘5 Well I know that, 'i'aylorx’ .

“.And now I wish to tell you something
that will surprise you I think." , »

“I uess that you are on the war-trail
after iger Tom.”

“ You guess aright, for I am.” . r f
“ It does not, surprise me, for this world ii
not laiige enough for you two big men to'live
in, I can see. , i "

“ I had an idea thatyou could never get\to
the fort with ,Tiger’xTom, and felt sorry after-
ward that 1 had not gone with you, taking
some of my pards here, with whom I am on
good terms, having served them in little ways
at different times. .

\. “Now tell me just how it was that Tiger
Tom escaped, for I saw that on did not let ,V .
the whole secret out ’to-night in the saloonfl? Q

" No, and I will tell ,you nowhow it was,
for Lavish you to know.” a .

, CHAPTER LIV. ‘

‘ ' m “sun AND 'rns risen." v
IN his frank, lucid way, Buck Taylor told, I j
the story of his starting to take Tiger Ten: to is, 
the fort, and the rescue of him,by the men:

pretending to be Comanche; _ ‘ xi

“ See here, Back. I recall that Dead Beat
Dick, and others I knew well, Were not to be '
seen around the day after your'departure,
and one who was constant y With them 
have never seen since.”  j ,l 5,-

“Mustan Dan?” I, 'f 

“ Oh, no; 8 is clerk here in the hotel now,
only no is not on duty tonight, .,,,.{ ‘

I ‘ He still wears his arm. in‘ a sling, ‘
thou ."  , ,f‘ ' . ' .

“' ho was the mtg-whom you re-' 
ferred?’ '   .»  r

“ A' man whose fine appgaraince and quiet .
wars, aion .with a very an some‘yet we;
mahlyi’acegcau‘ red, him tobe known as Lady
Jim.’ ’ s F ' e ‘

“Lady Jim?" ‘ *

“Yemyop'know

u .p  ‘ v I

“ I often .wondered why he went with that
rough mg, for he was not of their ilk at all; .

ut he: as not been in Trail Crossing for a

' ' or r it _i

that there and then he married
then I threw him out of the g ‘

 

 

 

    
 

 

        
 
      
       
      
        
   

 

     
 
    

o

     
   

     
      
       
  
 

  
      
     
       
    
      
  
      
 

V:

   

as, then?"

     
   
  
 

 
 
  
   
    

I'll tellyou wh  and then'nnck manor  ”

 

 

 
  
  
 

 

‘ ,gv [told the story'of his going  ‘on ~

 
 

mew

  
 

    

  

 

 

 

 

 

  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
    
  

~ _- g. ‘ u

[as]. an...  Saddle ‘m‘  ‘ ‘.;.

3.,”

 

of the pretended Comanches, and what he
had discovered.

Also the finding of Lady Jim, still alive,
and what he had done with him.

“ And you say he escaped?"

“Yes, with the rutlian Miss IIassan cap-
tured, and who called himself Tanglefoot,
the Tough.”

“What! that follow f?"

“ Yes, do you know him?”

“Why, he was in the saloon to-night, and
I am surprised you (lid not recognize him.”

“ You forget that I never saw him, for he
was Miss Ilassan’s prisoner."

“ True! but I’ll find out if he is there
now.”

“ And if so, bring him here with you,
please, for he wears the brand of the Star and
the Tiger in his left palm also.”

” Indeed: but I Won’t be long.”

“Fetch him with you, please, for I wish
to learn from him all about Lady Jim.”

“If he will tell you.”

“ He shall!" was the decided response.

Monte Joe left the room, and Buck Taylor ;

amused himself glancing about him

The room was a pleasant one, and the
best furnished of any in the hotel.

That the gambler loved his ease was shown
by dark blinds to close the daylight out in
the mornings, so he could sleep.

There were his slippers, of ’ersian manu-
facture, a dressing gown and a Turkish
fez for a smoking cap. picked up in his sea
service in foreign lands. ‘ -

,A handsome meerschaum ipe was upon
timetable, a lot of books, a me, and other
evidencesn of a refined and intelligent occu¢
pant of the room. .

A repeating rifle hung upon a bracket, a
:silver-bespangled Mexican saddle and bridle,
wi'h a pair of massive spurs hung near the
door, with a lasso and belt of arms.

In his room there was not the slightest evi-
‘dence of the gambler.

In just fifteen minutes Monte Joe was back
again. -

"Tanglefoot is notthere, and I could not
find a single one among his regular pards.

“Dead Beat Dick has also gone, and an-
other just took his last trail.”

“ I heard a couple of shots.”

“ Yes, one of them ushered his soul into

eternity.” ' . _ n I
“ They were not fired in the saloon.
arch, no.” I! I 
“ They sounded as though toward the-

stable, and I thought it might be Peter prac-
ticin on ghosts."

“ o, Imade a ghost.”-

. " You?” ‘ ' ,

“ Yes, the first shot was mine.”

“Indeed! and what twas the’matter, pray ?”
said Buck Taylor, gazing at the gambler,

. who was not in the least flurried.

“I took the liberty of finishing up your
work')’ I .

“ Ah! what had I left unfinished?”

“ You simply shot Mustang Dan through

‘  the hand. instead of through the heart."

“ I see, and you have just killed him?"

” I have.”

. ,“ May ‘I inquire the cause of the quarrel?”
‘  :“(Jh certainly. .

“ lyie is clerkrhere, you know I told you?"
5" es." ' ‘
_ "Well, he came on duty it seems in bad
. humor. '

” Some one had just broughtsa note for

‘ \

‘9

“ For’me?" ‘

“ Yes, and Mustang Dan took it‘ and said
he would hand it to you.
 ‘7 I had just met the landlord who told me
’that Mustang Dan had told him he was
~it"flin‘g' to leave Trail Crossmg to-nigm, as he
hadlua‘better offer elsewhere, and so gave up

»

’ ' his pesition.

“Theiandiord wanted me to urge him to

1 stay, for he ts alfgood bookkeeper and writes

a good hand. ,'
“I was going {0.60 as he asked; when I

U i heard what passed'between the man who

brought the note for you and Mustang Dan.
 “He had at once torn open the enrelope,
V 'When I toldvhim that the note was for you,
[not him, and to give it to me as you were in
  r" _ I
" His answer was to draw on me, sol kill-
edh'im. ' '
I “Herein the note, and excuse the red stain

l

/

 

sat .
“Well.Bucki_" ‘ .

on it, as he fell with it in- his hand and I
had some trouble getting it from his clinched
fingers.”

Buck Taylor took the note, brushed off the
red stain and glanced at the writing.

“ It is from Lady Jim!" he cried.

“Indeed! that is strangel.

“ I recognized the handwriting at a glance,
for I have the letter he wrote me, when he
made his escape!”

Then Buck Taylor ran hastily over the let-
ter and said:

“ I will read it aloud, Monte Joe.”

“ If you please, Taylor!”

“I do please,” and he went on to read the
letter whlch was as follows:

“TRAIL Caossmo,
“ Manda Night.

“ I told you to heed the warning sign 0 the Star
and Tiger, and you will see that it is at the head of
this letter.

“ Tiger Tom has gone to his ranch, and those who
wear the sign are ordered to follow him With all dis-
patch, and there are many of them.

“ Your presence here drove Tiger Tom awa . and
he wishes his Tigers about him, hence orderet them
to follow. and I go too. ‘

“ You know the ranch, and you command the
Lasso Ranger-3’ League.

“ Need I say more?

“ Again I declare myself

" Your friend.
“ 1! Jul.

 

. CHAPTER LV.
LADY JIM wm'rns AGAIN.

“ WELL, Monte Joe, what do on think
of this letter?" asked the Saddle ing when
he had finished reading the letter.

“{ ghin’k I should believe it.”

“‘ He admits that he is one of the Star and
Tiger band.” * =

“ Yes, just what I believed existed.”

“ With Tiger Tom for its chief?”

” Yes; but I have an idea.”

“Well?”

" Why should Mustang Dan wish to read
this letter sent to me?”

“ Curiosity.”

“ Yes, but he was Tiger Tom’s friend, and
I believe. he is also one of the band."

“ Ahl I had not thought of that.”

“I believe it.”

“ I will soon know.”

“ Where is his body?”

“ In the wash-room I suppose.

“ I will‘go and see.” I

“ No, Iwill net ask you to do that; but
I will 0 and take a look at his hand to see
if the tar and Tiger brand isthere."

"Veg well, I will wait here.”
The addle King arose and left the room.
lie found quite a crowd in the hotel ofIice
discussing the shooting, for the news spread
rapidly that Monte Joe had killedMustang
i

an. » »
The landlord hadexplained the situation,

and no one blamed the gambler.

The body of the dead clerk had been taken
into a vacant room and was there for in-
spection it seemed, for the crowd were filing
in and out, and many Comments were being
made. "

Most of them were in admiration of the
gambler's shot, for it was in the center of the
forehead, for some had ‘even taken measure-
ments to show that» it did not vary ahair’s
breadth from either 9 'ebrow. . _

Buck Taylor j:)in'(‘( in with the crowd and
came in for his share of admiration and com-
ment. ’ » '

He seemed to think the dead man’s hands
had not been properly; crossed, so performed
that office, to his own satisfaction, and
one man remarked, upon his kind act and
Sittid he was as “tender-hearted as a Texas
8 oer.” -

lf meant as a compliment those who had
been most intimately associated with Texas
steers did not see just where the compliment
came in. ‘

Another remarked that he was getting a

closer view of the wound he had given him ,

in the hand to learn just

the extent of dam—
age his bullet had done. -

At any rate Buck Taylor crossed the hands, '

the.crushed one underneath, and then" left;

the room to the curious who seem fascinated

by a look at adead body, ,
Entering the gambler‘si room the latter

toast: 

M

“The so; and

and Buck Taylor satta'iking together,

 

“That settles it, and he intended to go
with the others.”

‘f Yes, and that is why he wished to read
that letter of mine.”

“ Ile suspected treachery.”

“ Without doubt."

Then Monte Joe said:

“Don‘t think me chicken-hearted, Buck.
because I (lid not seem anxious to go down
and look for the brand on Mustang Dan’s
hand; but the truth is the man I killed on
my sister's account Was my best pard once.

“Whatever he did to wrong her, I cannot '
but remember him in boyhood, when we
were always together.

" And more, I never see a man shot, I
have never seen a duel on the stage, or go
witness a funeral, that it does not bring to
my mind that death scene of his at my hand.

” Strange as’ it may seem to you, though I
have killed a number of men, every time I
draw tri rger I see that man’s face as it looked
the day shot him.

“ When I killed Mustang Dan to-night, it.
was not his face I saw but that of Bart Brad-
ford’s, and it haunts me.

“ So it was that I cared not to go down
and touch his hand. for I well knew the face
of Bart Bradford would appear before me.”

“ I can understand, Monte Joe, just your
feelings, for no matter under what circum-
stances a man may take a life, he cannot but
feel it afterwards and wish to heaven that
his had not been the :hand to slay it.

“ Look at the faces of those men who have
been duelists, who have been, for various
reasons forced to take life, and I can see there
the indelible stamp that marks them."

" Yes, they may not show it to the casual
eye, but the feeling is in the heart and brain.

“ Ah! who can that be?” and with his re~
volver in hand Monte Joe said, in answer to ‘
a knock at the door:

“ Come in. please.”

The door 0 ned, and a man with gray
hair and slightl); bent entered.

“ Ah! you are the man who gave the note
to Mustang Dan that cost him his life?” said
Monte Joe. ~ \,

“ Yes. captain, and I have another for the
same gentlerran.

“ Is he here?”

“ Do you seekme?"

“ Are you the Saddle King?”

“1am, sir.” '

“ Then this is for you.”

“Where did you get it?” _

“ A young man gave it to me, and paidmo 
to give it to you alone.” ' i

“. Who gave you the other?" ’ 

“The same 'oung man.”

‘_‘ Where is e?” I 

“ He told me there was no answer and rode
away upon his horse.

" Goodnight.” v . ~ .

“Stay, you seem in want, so take this,”_
and Buck Taylor held out a five-dollar bill. ,.

“ He paid me, sir, I thank you.” -  1

“ Well, take this, old gentleman." '

“I thank you, sir, I shall treasure it." , ’

He left the room as he spoke, and the
Saddle King tore open the envelope.

“It is from Lady Jim.” ‘

.g“ So I thought.” » y .

4; v9 " ’
emigram  {rigged-s offing“
geminfrmll Crossin andh ce their ingidm

“They have gone 0 the ch oszgcr
ifyoufoiiowbepre red tofwoemmy,  

‘Ilow ma 1w ttyandlet know. i j g

“ Heaven is Home Joe for is wrought. it:
waved/themed ,_ I _, 

“Ah! had-Mustang Dan seen the  "t
then Lad‘y Jim would have been doomed,’fx 
saidMonthoe. .,, ,»   ,_
 “Yes, so your shot was just 'in time); we ,
how did this “secret get out or my men being”
here?" 1 I I ' j" 

“Who can tell? But if you go to Tiger
Tom's ranch, I go with ydu.”,' - 

shallbe glad;qu

   
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
    
 
  
 
 

“I start tomorrow, and I
have you accompany me,” was the
of the Saddle King. _

‘ .

l ‘ ----— >  j ‘

, ' CHAPTER LVI. » y . - 
on THE TIGER'S‘ mummy _ V Y

' UNTIL a late hour Monte Joe, ah; Gum - VI A 1‘

);
It

5.

planning for the following of Tiger Tom-fig:

his lair. . . ~
Zion‘an .Lady‘Jim had told the truth 

 

 

' Batman; the s’édcllé king; 

 

 

 

   
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
    
    
  
 
 
    
 
     
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
  
    
   
   
    
  
  
   
   
     
   
  

was no doubt, the ranchero, or whatever he
. might be called, had certainly departed in
reat haste from the settlement, and that
uck Taylor’s coming had been the cause,
there was not the slightest doubt.

Then too
men who were in league for some lawless
purpose.

Some one perhaps had turned traitor, and
told that the strangers coming into town were
the Lasso Demons of Buck Taylor, the Sad-
dle King, a heroic band of cowboys whose
deeds Were too well known not to have them
feared along the whole frontier.

That these men had been droppin into
Trail Crossing for a week past, an that
Buck Taylor had at last appeared, was proof,
enough to the lawbreakers that they were the
ob'ect of their coming.

0 Tiger Tom had taken flight promptly,
and his men, under some secret law that gov-
erned them, had followed as quickly as they
could get away, alone, in pairs, or larger
numbers, as the case might be.

Mustang Dan‘s sudden giving up of his
' clerkship, and his attempt to read a note in-
‘ tended for the Saddle King, showed that he
‘ too was one of the hand, even had not the

brand of the Star and Tiger in his hand have
betrayed him after death.

Buck Taylor was very glad of the aid of
Monte Joe, for he could not act openly him-
self, and so gave him the names of the
leaders of his men, and those from Soldier's
Retreat, asking him to go and see them, and
tell them all to drop out of Trail Crossing
the next day, and to meet at the Emigrants’
Ford, the scene of the fight with the Co-
manches a short while before.

By going by that trail it would appear that
they were on their we to the Fort Si coun-
try, and they could fo low along the ridge to
Cave Canyon, pass through it, and thus get
between Tiger Tom's Ranch and the trails

~ for Mexico, a thing which the Saddle King
Was most anxrous to do. '

While Monte Joe was gone on his errand,
Buck Taylor paced to and fro, as was his
wont when in deep thought, and mused half
aloud over his plans: .

\ ‘f With Monte Joe to aid me, I can accom-

plish much, for he is as square a man as I

now, and just the one I need for advice
and help. . i

“ With my ovtn men, Monte Joe and the
Soldier’s Retreat cowboys, 1 will have

'twenty-two splendid fellows to follow my
lead, and I do not care if the outlaws are
double that tome. for our cause is a just one,
and then I have a band that will never say

te.
_ . “ The,boys will watch the trails going out
- of Trail Crossing, and get at an idea of the
number of men who go to aid Tiger Tom, so
we will be posted as to how many we are to
'meet.

“Then, too, that strange fellow, Lady
Jim, said in his letter that he would give. me
more particular? -

“It is true hat they ma outnumber us,

ad more, that they have t to position upon
us; but I happen to know the secret trail
 from the ran e. along that rocky ridge that
looks like an a ligator's back, into the retreat
of Ti r Tom. -
" . ‘,‘ nce we at near. and can make a dash

/ at ni ht, all 0 the can never check us.
 , " hate to return to the; ranch to fight, on
account of that really good and beautiful
V , woman; but it must be done, for she is in
» -‘ very bad cordpany with Tiger Tom and his

' “ ow, why have they'gone to the ranch,

:_ i unless it is ’to come out openly as a band of
 outlaws, when they have been secretly doing
; lawless acts?” ‘  r
, “That‘s just it, for believing they are
known, they are going to show their true

\

ors.

“ Well, if I find they are too many for me,
I can call u n Captain Hassan for a dozen
more of, his brave fellows— Ah! you are
back again?” and he turned,to Monte IJoe,
» .whogust then entered the room.
“ 5’ es, and I saw your men.” ‘
I. I ll  r"
5  "They are on the alert, and have noticed
the diflerenttmen on horseback, slipping out
of Trail Crossing.

" Some. the say, went with tick-animals,
> and others ha their horses w’el ladonwith

‘ license"

  

 
  

.‘I,-

 

i

there was certainly a band of i

“ So they leave you to stay.”

“ So it seems.”

“ And my men leave to-morrow.”

“ Yes, and will make for Emigrants’ Ford,
as you ordered."

“ Well. we will be hot on the track of
those fellows, and I do not believe they sus-
pect it.” -

“No, they evidently think they are givmg

' you the slip.

 

. L

  

“But I have something to tell you.”

n X’cs.”

“I saw Lady Jim.”

“ Ah! .to speak to?”

“ Yes, I called to him and asked where he
had been of late.

“ He said he had been laid up for repairs,
and was going out of town on a hunt then,
for he was mounted.”

“ Well?”

“ IIe bade me good-by and rode away,
and putting this and that together, I believe
that it was Lady Jim himself that brou ht
that note, disguised by a false, beard an a
wig of 'gray hair, and that old rig he had
on.”

“ I believe you are right.

“Now, how long before you can get

awa ?”

“in just fifteen minutes.”

“ hen we go together.”

Half an hour after the Saddle King and
Monte Joe rode ofl? together upon the track
of Tiger Trim, the gambler carryinga pack-
horse alon with his traps, for he was fond
of his com ort even when on a deadly trail.

 

CHAPTER LVII.
0120:1110 THE TRAILS.

WITH his en headed for Emigrants’
Ford, Buck Taylor was satisfied, and he and
Monte Joe left by a trail that would carry
them om Soldier’s Retreat, which would not
be ore than a score of miles out of their
wa .

It was the desire of the Saddle King to
cam out on the trail to the south, and then,
leavmg his halting place after dawn to ride
across all the trails leading out of Trail
Crossing toward the Old Mission Ranch.

He would, he knew. cross some trails not
known, perhaps, by Tiger Tom’s men, but
yet he could draw a pretty close estimate of
the number of men who left the settlement
during the night, and went by the various
trails toward the northwest. having the Old
Mission Ranch as their destination.

“ You are a cunning one, Buck, on a
trail,” said Monte Joe admiringly. when the
two had gone to the southward and camped
for the balance of the night.

“ You see we can git an idea by crossing
the trails," explained Buck.

So they turned in for the night, ,and at
sunrise were up, had breakfast and were
soon in the saddle.

Monte.Joe was well mounted, and his
pack'horse wasjust as fine an animal as the
one herodc.

He had his handsome Mexican saddle and
bridle, had donned a corduroy riding-suit,
top boots spurs and sombrero, and his rifle
hung at his back.

lie was thorough] equipped for the road,
a long trail or a fig t, and meant to be com-
fortable withal. for he said laughingly:

“I wish to enjoy life as long as it lasts
Buck, and I love luxury, if I have knocked
about the world and roughed it in its worst
phases. '

“ I can put up with less sleep. less to eat
and greater hardships thanmost men I have
come in contact with; but at the same time
iIlove luxury and get out of life all there )8 in
t.’ .
"I believe you are right, Monte Joe, and
I am .a good deal like you, only it has not
been my good fortune to see the gilded side
of life yeti but see, there go four tracks.”
and he pointed to a fresh trail which they
were creasing. . ’v

"Yes, 1311 book ‘em," and the gambler
wrote down the number in a note-book.

“They crossed after the dew fell,” said
Buck.

A ride of a couple of miles further and One
fresh trail was seen. and it showed that the
horse was being ridden hard.

J. “ I’ll bet that was Tiger Tom," said Monte

0e. . . i
{file waste} hurry, whoeveryhe was.”

ll‘ _ ,4

  
 

Monte Joe “hooked ” that trail too, and
they came upon two trails further on.

Then followed a batch of six, another of
four, another of three, and scattering ones,
until in a ride of twenty miles they had
crossed just thirty-three trails, all headed in
a way that would lead to Old Mission Ranch,
and each one freshly made, not any of them
being over twelve hours old.

“ Your plan to cross the trails is an excel-
lent one, Buck.”

“I think we may say that at least twenty
five of them [are Tiger Tom’s men; but wr-
must take into consideration that some of
them were made by pack-horses, and so do
not count for a man in the saddle.”

“True, but call his force twenty-five
men.”

“Then he has a couple I know of at the
ranch, and five of the most vicious-looking
dogs I ever met with.”

“ Dogs?"

u X'CSIH

“ Five?"

“ Yes."

“ They will require five bullets.”

“,I think I can manage them in another
way, if all goes well,” and Buck laughed at
the remembrance of his last visit to Old Mis-
sion Ranch, and told his companion about it,
who also enjoyed it. ‘

“ But about this woman, Buck?”

“ There is just the trouble.”

“ How so?’

“ Well, she treated me so well, came to aid
the when she thought I was hurt, brought
me her horse, and is really such a beautiful
woman that I hate to go and drag her hus-
band out to hang him.”

" You are too easily won over by a pretty
face, Buck.

“ I tell you that there is more Old Nick to
the square inch hidden under some sweet
faces, than can be found in a whole outfit of
Texas cowboys.”

“ You seem to have had a bad experience,
Monte Joe.”

“ I have had a bitter experience, and yet I
love ’em all.

“ I tell you, Saddle King, that a woman’s
composition consists of angel and devil
mixed. . > ‘

“J list start right with her, and you find
only the an el, the brimstone never igniting
even in a li etime.

“She is as true as steel as mother. sister,
wife, sweetheart, and friend; but just let
there be cause to have her show. the satanic
nature first, and she can be on that tack just
as bad, as on the other she was an elic.

“They are not like men, for t ere is no
half-way with a woman.

“She is either good or
or Hades with her.”

Buck laughed, while he said:

“Well, 1 have not had the experience you

bad;’it is Heaven

great deal of truth in what you say. , ‘
“ Now here we branch of! toward Soldier s
Retreat, and I will show you two women of
the angelic order.” , - ’ .'
“ 1 hope so. for those are the kind I love
to meet, ’while a bad woman I shun as I
would a pestilence,” said Monte Joe, feel-

insly- _ ’ .

CHAPTER LVIII.
THE RENDEZVOUS..

SEATED upon his phtzza, enjoying as he
always did, the scene around him, as he,
lazily smoked a cigar, aptain Ned Ilassan
was surprised to see in one of two horsemen
coming toward his home, none other than
Buck Taylor. I

“ Who has he with him, for he iota Bll‘mh

er? .

“And his men, and mine, ,where are they ‘2"
he mused. ‘ x ‘

Then he called to his wife that Buck Tay-

 

the cowboy'camps. . _
“ There comes Miss Ilassan now,” said
Buck, as he saw Belle dash out of the shelter
of the timber- growing along the stream. and
come toward them, her horse on a full run.

Joe. 4 .

And as'she drew nearer he added 2”
“What a figure, and what a farce;

Buck had told the gambler of his escape

 

have, Monte Joe, but I believe thereis a,

lor and a friend were coming. just 88 he saw ',
Belle dashing toward them‘from over toward;

“Ilow superbly she rides,” said Monte '

 

'3 :‘w,

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l

 

 

 

    
 

«.w

    
    

    
     
   
       
     
     
       
   
          
         
      
      
     
   

‘fromlthe Comanches with ,Belle,’when she,   

   
   

 

 

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, w

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“ 4
M

‘avt.
n V 

   

  
  

  
 
 

  

  

o

 with a lea , an
‘ together 3 a said:

girl," sai

 ‘3".

was a little girl, and that he always regarded
Soldier’s Retreat as home.

Reining up suddenly Belle wheeled her
horse alongside of the cowboy chief‘s and
said in her frank, hearty way, as she ex.
tended her small, gloved hand:

“Glad to see you, Brother Buck, and will
escort you and your friend to the house.”

“My friend, Monte Joe, Miss I’Iassan,”
said Buck. introducing the gambler by the
name he had said he only Wished to have
known.

“You are welcome also to Soldier’s Re-
treat, Mr. Monte Joe, and Brother Buck is
at home there.

“ Where are you from?"

“Trail CrOSsing last, Girl Pard.”

“ That horrid place?"

“It is a horrid place, Miss llassan, and its
citizens are even worse, as I know by expe-
rience, beingr one of them,” said Monte Joe,
with a smile that lighted up his handsome
face as Buck Taylor had never seen it beam
before.

“ Yes. I have heard of you, for you were
kind to Brother Buck. ’

" You are a gambler, I believe?”

“ Yes, as my name indicates, Miss IIassan,
I am Monte Joe the gambler," was the serene
response. .

“ I never judge a man, Mister Monte Joe.
by his calling, but by his acts, and from
what I have heard of you, I think we will
be good friends," said this sage young
maiden of sixteen. ’

“ I" hope so, Miss Hassan, for I have also

v heard .much of you from the Saddle King

here, and as he has said that ‘I rescued him
once, permit me to tell you that he has more
than canceled the debt, as he saved me from
deliberate assassination two nights ago.”

“ That’s just like him, and congratulate
you and him; but Brother Buck, where are
our cowboys you kidnapped from us—not
all dead, I hope?"

“ Oh, no, they are rendering good service,
Girl Pard; but how are the wounded men?”

“ Improving, all of them."

“ Well, I wish to kidnap your father and
half a dozen more of his gallant cowboys.”

“If you wish father, then there is going to
be a. fight, and you need him as surgeon, so
'ou must take me along as nurse, Brother

uck.”

« “Well, on are a pretty far-si hted little
Buck, and the gamber laughed
and said: -

“Miss Hassan has had a good teacher in
prairie-craft, to hit the truth so well.” i

“ Then there is going to be a fight?”

1‘ We be c 90, Girl Pard.”

“Then 0."

“ No, yogi stay at home to be Captain
Belle, of the cow oy band, in the absence of
your father. A .

“ You are worth half a dozen scouts, Girl
Pard. and will have to guard the pass,"

“I obey orders,” was the res case, and
'ust then they rode up to the .  of the
house and ,CaptainnHassan and his Wife stood
upon the piazza to Welcome them.

Monte Joe courteously aided Belle to
alight, which she submitted to, he being a
stranger, "thou n she usually came down
as they ascended the steps

“Papa, this is Brother Buck’s stench

. friend, Monte Joe. '

"My mother, Mr. Monte Joe.”

The welcome that the gambler received
to] him that there was no nonsense in that
ho schold, and he was made to feel at once

at home. '
After dinner the captain heard from Buck

i the‘exact situation. and the latter said:

. ' uNow, Captain Hassan, to go to the fort

,lfor, aid would take days of time which we

dare not risk, and I'wish to ask you if you
will not go with us as surgeon, carryin
along also half a dozen of your men, an
leaving Captain Belle to cummand here in
'our stead?” I

“ With pleasure, Buck, and I was going to

er. ' ‘
“But I can spare even more men if you

wish.”

“ No, sir, for we will have a force of thirty
men, and if we can not whip them w1t

:those, we can at last hold them in check

‘untll I send for the balance of my Lasso
eat th fort."
, e cowboys needed were sent for, the

C

~D

captain meanwhile getting together plenty
of provisions, his surgical case, lint bandages
and all needed for wounded men,.and well
men as well, he added as he pointed to the
provisions.

Horses were packed with what was to be
carried, farewells were said and the party
started for Emigrants’ Ford. '

It was nightfall when they arrived. and
there they found in camp theother two bands
of cowboys, for all had reached the rendez-
vous

“ We will make a night. ride of it to Cave
Canyon, and lo-morrow we will rest, for at
night our work begins,“ said the Saddle
King, and after a shirt halt the party start-
ed on their way, the cowboy chief ending
by the trail he had come upon the other
side of the ridge, after his return of
Valerie’s horse to her.

CHAPTER LIX.
THE TIGEns' DEN.

IT was true that the unexpected coming of
Buck Taylor into Trail Crossing had caused
the hasty flight of Tiger Tom.

He had arrived at the settlement to find
Dead Bent Dick awaiting him, and to his
amazement learned that there were a num-
ber of strange horsemen appearing in Trail
Crossing the past few days, all of whom ap-
peared to be cattle-buyers.

“Now, it may be all right, cap’n, but I
recognizes two of them fellers as belonging
ter Buck Taylor’s outfit.

“They can’t fool me, and yet they per-
tends not ter know each other, havin’ come

 

v in seperate.

“But my idea is thet t ey is huntin’
humans, and Igives it ter er fer what it
are worth.”

“ All right, Dick, you keep your eyes
open while I o in and win some money and
see how ther ellers receives me.

“ Yer better let Mustang Dan post ther
outfit thet we may hev ter light out soon,
maybe tor-night, so as tier be ready.”

“ Whar wilt yer go, cap’n?"

“ Ter my ranch,” and Tiger Tom entered
the saloon with a result alread known.

When Buck Taylor arrive , the hair of
Dead Beat Dick nearly raised his sombrero,
and be skipped in and posted his chief.

The ranchero lost no time in getting out of
the saloon, leaving a heavy loser instead of a
winner, and he at once sent Dead Beat
Dick to give the password to his men, and
tell them to (cave that night for Old Mission
Ranch.

Tiger Tom went on ahead, and he ,rode

‘ hard.

lIorseflesh was nothing to him, sotthat he
reached his ranch in time to prepare for a
foe, should the Saddle King follow.

It was in the afternoon of the next day
when he arrived, and Valerie saw hi com-
ing from her favorite seat upon the piazza.

“ What hrin 9 him back so soon I won-
der.” she said a oud. and when he dismount-
ed and turned his tired horse loose to go
alone to the stables, she met him with a
pleasant resting. ,

” Anyt ing gone wrong, Tom?"

“ Yes. Va one, everything.” -

“ Ab! and ma I ask what it it is?”

“I went to rail Crossing, and saw at
once when I entered the saloon that I was
not welcome. '

“I invited the crowd to drink, and but
afew responded even to that call.

“ Monte Joe was there and bantered me to
play, and he wou althousand from me in one

game.

“ He told me that Buck Taylor could bluff
me; I bet a thousand on it, not thinkin the
cowboy was near, and in came Dead eat
Dick to say, the Saddle King had just at
rived. 
" Then, too, there were dozens of strangers
coming into the settlement a week before in
arrival: and these proved t be Buck Tay-
lor’s Lasso Demons. (l

“ So I had to leave and: gave the word for
all the men to depart that night as best they
could. and come ‘ here."

“This looks bad, Tom.”

“ it is bad." ' I

“The Saddle King will follow you here.”

“ You believe so?” ‘

” I am sure of it.” a “ '

 

“I hope not. but if he does then I may as
well meet the alternatiired’ . r, . 1 . ,

   

 Taylor," the 'S‘addle King."

 

2'7

3

“ A fight?”

“ Yes.”

“There is a great deal at stake, and If you
lose there is no chance to retrieve your for-
tunes.”

“I know it; but if I can crush that Sad-
die King, then I can still maneuver my men
successfully, as in the past.”

“ \Vhat number will be here?"

" Cowboys?” .

“I meant Tigers; but what force will the
Saddle King have?"

“Anywhere from a dozen to three dozen
men."

“ And the Tigers all told, now?"

“Thirty-sewn wilh Si and Doc, counting
myself, if all come in.”

“ Well, this is your ranch, you have a
large force of cowboys to herd your cattle.
and havingr done no wrong. if attacked. of
course you must defend your home, Tom."

“That is the only way to look at it; but
there comes in this deserter charge, with
murder and robbery.”

“ You must prove that you are not the
man.”

“ If I can, but I do not believe. if the Sad-
dle King was out of the way, others know of
the charge, or would press it.”

 lie is but a man, Tom.”

“ Yes. and I wonder if he would meet me
in a duel, and thus settle it?”

" Try him, for you never have met your
equal. until he crossed your path, and fore~
warned is forearmed, Tom.”

“ True, and I‘ll try it, for he cannot con-
qucr 1/46.

“ See, there come some of the men,” and a
party of horsean Were visible coming over
the prairie.

They soon arrived, and from that on they
began to come in, from one to five at a time,
until by midnight Tiger Tom said grimly:

“ I have thirty-six men here now, Valerie,
and can defend m ' home.”

“ Try the duel rst, for if two men can do-
cide it, is it not better?"

“ You think so?”

“Having perfect confidence in on, yes,
Tom, for before you were taken at isadvan-

tage, and this time it will be man to man on. v a

equal terms.”

“I will meet him with any weapons he
will select—yes, I shall challenge him to face
me with lariat against lariat, forI fear no
man,” was the fierce reply of Tiger Tom.

CHAPTER LX. ,
A STRANGE COURIER. -

 

THE night ride was made to Cave Canyon,- '

and there the cowboy cavalry went into catnip
at dawn, throwing out sentinels in each. 3

rection, and ambushing them to capture any 

one who should happen to come by that;

w .

1211 day the cowboys and their horses,
rested, enjoying good food and preparing for
the night. .

Just at sunset they were ordered to “ sad-

dle up," and arriving within a mile of‘the- '?

hill upon which stood the home of Tiger
Tom, the party halted.
Then Buck Taylor

attempted to p ay the same game with the:

dogs: but the brutes barked so furiouslgth /‘
y .

he knew men were with them andthey
loudly to warn him not to give them away
for their last racket. ' ‘

SO he desisted from~the attempt, the horses, 
were staked out. sentinels placed and the “ 

men spread their scrapes upon the prairie
and lay down to sleep until datvn. .

All night long the dogs barked fierce
until by dawn they were as hoarse as

church choir after a donation party'toiflifii

person, and could not find further It 
ance, so left the men to do their share. , ~
Men in the stocksde had heard ’theb'atk,
ing, and wondered, yet. though. they were,
on the watch. camped ready
attack, they had orders not to rapture forth
and did not. 3 »

\

When the day daWned they. saw that they?
were surrounded, besieged in fact, andth’ey"

knew the number too of their foes. .

The cowboys on the prairie took it coollv, 

cooked their breakfast with wood brou‘gh

    

.for the purpose, rode their horses to water!-

i
divided his forces into  
three companies, one on either sideof the ridge ' ' ,
that ran back to the range, but a mile distant  ‘
from it, and the other infront of the ranch. - '

He had brou ht fresh meat along, and had,

to meet 

   
  
   
 
    
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
    
   
  
   
  
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
 
   
     
 
   
   
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
   
      
         
      
      
    
      
    
 
    
  
     
    
     
       
        
        

     
 

x.
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.

""311

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I",

 

 

 

    
    
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
   
  
  
  
     
   
 

at the stream a. mile away, and seemed utter-
ly oblivious of the near presence of the
ranch of Tiger Tom.
From her piazza Valerie gazed at the cow-
bo 5 through her glass and counted them.
he saw the Saddle King and tWU others
apart from the rest. at a fire where a peon
brought from Soldier’s Retreat was cooking
breakfast, and she said to her husband:
" Tom, there is the Saddle King; but who
are the two with him?”
The ranchcro had his glass to his eye and
. as be turned it upon the little group, said
sava ely:
)ne is Monte Joe the gambler.”
" And the other?"
“ I do not know him, Valerie.”
““ Well, what is to be done?”
“ I shall first send a messenger to them’, to
ask what they wish.”
‘-‘ Yes?"
“And upon their answer I shall act.”
“ Send your challenge to the cowboy?"
“ Yes, if it is to be a demand for my sur-
render, I shall tell him that if I am the man

Jae seeks. he must fight to get me; but that
'my cowboys rest under no charge, and that
.' .rthe duello must settle all that is betWeen us.”-

r “Who will you send?"

“ Dead Beat Dick. I guess.”

But Dead Beat Dick heingsent for, be god
013?, and Tanglefoot the Tough was calle for
_”the position of courier.

But he was equally as urgent in his appeal
. not to go.

“ Send that handsome, sad-faced young
.5 inan'glhu call Lady J im,” said Valerie.

' ‘f e very man, for he is intelligent and
jean understand what he sees.”

‘ So Lady Jim was called, and when told to
‘ get his horse and go as a courier to the cow-
. ' 'oy besiegers of the ranch, he obeyed with-

‘ out a whrd.

,5“ Your orders, captain?” he said, when
read to depart.

' “ Say that Ranchero Tracev wishes to
know why his home is surroun ed in a hos-
ile manner, and who and what are those env
«.03de in threatening forca-upon his lands,”
staid-Valerie, gliving Lady Jim his orders, and
,f‘which Tiger om merely acquie ed in.

‘ Lady Jim saluted, sprung into his saddle,
and rode out of the stockade gate down the
rates .trail to the prairie.

‘A 1 eyes in the ranch were upon him, and
" Outhpon the prairie the cowboys at once as-

-":sumed a osition of attention.

' ” He ro e forward at a cantor when he
reached the prairie, taking from his pocket at
,1 handkerchief and waving it as a truce.

, v instantly. the Saddle King waved his white
"silk handkerchief in response, and the couri-
Ier moved on at a more rapid pace.

. . rvReaehing a spot a hundred yards from the

,cowboy line, he halted and raised ‘his somf-
M0. -

.“ Come on! you are safe i" cried Buck
Tavlor. '

‘ "But Lad Jim remained as stationary as 3.
~ flame, an the Saddle King strode forward
1:. foot to meet him. .r

5 “ You are Lady Jim?"he said, gazing with
nterest upon the fnce'of the courier. .

. .,:‘.t"‘»Yes, that is what I am called.” I,

” , "‘ You have recovered your voice Iam glad
once.” and Buck smiled. '

‘r ‘J' Yes. and from my wound, also; your
hand, for you gave it me."

~ 3‘ I am sorry the necessity demanded it.”
‘23‘Yes, the necessity demanded victims,
and I Was one.” I

“’1 ‘ But you saved me from a horrible fate,

you know that I cannot be your foe.”

l,“ You have proven that, and I thank you,
or Ire‘c'eiv'cdv your letters, in fact you gave
W'the’last one." I ,

 nThen you penetrated my disguise?”
.r's?"‘A,notlier’ did; but why are you here to
meet me?" ' , '

. “.I'nm here on my own account to say
that a regiment could not take yonder fort.
, it is nothing more. against the force of
ly’a’torty defenders that Tiger Tom has
9 ,

 

  

  

  

 
  

  

    

 

  

‘«

  

  

  

  

  
 

  

 
 

  

    
 

  
 
 

 
 

  

    

 
 

  

  

2“ How about the ridgetraii?” v
“You would meet certain and sudden
it there, {or it is a pitfall." '

. otters not at heart one of the. hand.” I
(Vatican, no; but 1 have n mission to
 form-and [have remained with the band,
_, ,nncomphshitlt- , , . r. f -.
‘ ,Have you acnemplisheditr” 1 . .»

   
   
  
   
  
 
 
   
 

 

. believe?”

 
  
 

   

“Yes.”

“ Then now you can leave the outlaws?” ,

“ I shall not leave the wife of ,Tiger Tom
under any circumstances."

“ Ahl then on will accept the fate of
Tiger Tom am his men ‘2"

“ Yes; but now let me tell you that he has
sent me to know your mission here?”

“ To capture and hang him.

“ Tell him that ” was the stern rejoinder.

“I will do so," and Lady Jim Wllt’t'lt'tl
his horse and rode away, unheeding linck
Taylor’s call for him to return.

“ Well, that is the strangest follow I ever
saw,” said the Saddle King, as he returned
to the captain and M0nte Joe.

 

CHAPTER LXI.
Tun: CHALLENGE.

BUCK TAYLOR joined his two friénds, who
had anxiously watched his meeting with the
(inuricr, whom both had recognized as Lady
. im.

“Well, Tiger Tom sent to know whyI
was here on his land, and I sent back as an-
nwcr that it was to capture and ban 7r him.”
J “ That’s flatfooted enough,” sui Monte

oe.

” Yes, he can have no doubt now of your
intention, Buck,” the captainremarked.

“ Then Lady Jim volunteered information
which is about correct,’ for he said a regi-
ment of soldiers could not take the place
against the force of nearly forty men that
Tiger Tom had there.”

“ He is right, Buck.”

“ Yes. sir.”

“He certainly is, and strategy must do it
now ”

wouldldo, and his reply was that he would
never leave the wife of Tiger Tom, and ac-
cept the fate of all.

" Then he bore my message back, and we
must await the result.”

The courier was seen to re-enter the stock-
adc and to dismount at the piazza.

Then half an hour passed, when Buck Tay-
lor said: , ‘

“ He is coming back.”

“ But not alone." ,
I“ 0, Monte Joe, Tiger Tom‘s wife is with
him." ‘

Down the steer: trail rode the woman,
mounted upon the very black which Buck
Ta lor had returned to her.

he rode thirty feet in advance of Led

Jim the cowboy, and as she drew nearer it
was seen that she was superbly attired, her
black velvet habit being/embroidered in gold,
as was also her sable sombrero with its heavy
black plume. ' '

“Af magnificent woman indeed!" said the
capta n.
“I never saw a. handsomer one,” Monte
Joe rejoined. ’“ "

She bore a lance in her right hand, and as
she came nearer she uni-oiled not a white, but
a red flag from the point.

" Well she comes for blood," muttered
the Saddle King. '

Lady Jim shows the white flag," said

'Monte Joe, as the cowboy was seen to un-

roll a white flag from the lance which he
now carried. _ ’

"What is it to be now?” said Buck Tay-
lor, and he continued:

“ Let her come here, for I wish you both
to hear what she has to say.” ~

The woman came on at a cantor, and never
drew rein until she was within twenty feet
of where the Saddle King stood.
. Then she reined her horse back suddenly,
lowered her lance point in salute, and said in
her full, melodious voico: '

“ We meet again,. Sir Saddle King.”

“I am happy to feel that we do, Mrs.
Tracey," was the gallant reply. T , . .

“I desire to thank you .or the return of
my horse, though he was intended, as a pres-
ent to you.” v ' .f

" And. Ithqu you for the loanot him,
madam.” _ - _ ' -

" My husband received your message
through In cowboy attendant, snr.” -

“Andhsreply?” a. _

“' You have come here to capture him, I

I v .

'( .

  

“ 
(vg‘ll  i  ‘
. i. 

  
 
 
 

“Then I asked him, Lady Jim, what he\

“confidence”. ,. . 

 

the army, and who killed and robbed the
paymaster.”

“ A severe charge, sir.”

“A true one, and more, I accuse him of
being the chief of a band of outlaws.”

“Mr. Taylor, accusations are not proofs,
and though, from a striking resemblance to
Tom Trescott, robber, murderer and (le-
serter, you might hangr him as the man he is
charged with being. you cannot bring an
atom of evidence to show that he is an out-
law or in alliance with them.

“ He has a number of men whom he has
aided, who are'his friends, and some are un-
der his pay as cowboys, and all are here to
defend him, as he felt himself in danger.

“ lie is my husband; this is our ranch; we
have a right to defend our own and shall do
so. But, as it is Tiger ’l‘om you seek, I now
come from the man you accuse of being
known as Trescott, to say from him that
there is hotneed of pitting your men against
his, to bring others into the quarrel, and that
as you come for him. you must be willing to
face him as man to man, in a duel.” ,

The woman spoke earnestly, and the truth
of her words not only Buck Taylor, but
captain IIassan and Monte Joe felt, for thére
was not the slightest proof against the men.

They had rescued their captain- es,
disg ised as Indians; but the hadlnot red
until he, the Saddle King ha opened upon
them. '

He had no actual evidence that the men
who ambushed him at Cave Canyon were
from Tiger Tom‘s band.

As a ranchero, he had a right to keep what
force of cowimys he wished, and to look to
them to defend his home.

So it resolved itself‘iuto the capture, or'

surrender, of .Tiger Tom alone.’

That was what the Saddle King sought, of
all things. \

Twice had Tiger Tom escaped him, and
now they were face to face for the third
time. 5 , 

(‘ould he refuse such a challenge, and from
Trim Trescott the Deserter, upon whose head
there was a price?

No!’ He was not the man to do it, and so
he said:

" I agree with what you say, Mrs. Tracey, '

about, the men, and if I understand that
your husband sends me a challenge to aduel,
1 will accept upon one condition.’

“ Name it."
try, a/nd disbands his men.” I

“ Well, and should he fall?” , ,

“ That I claim his body. to‘take it to the
fort as roof of his death,and that his men also
disbang, except such force as you may wish
to keep, should you desire to remain on your
ranch. ’ ‘ . r
' "‘I shall remain. sir. under all circumo
stances, and I accept your conditions.

“Now to tell you that the duel is to he

[ran .

m'lh tar-fats.

She looked straight intothe face of thesa‘dz; 99* ‘

die King “3 8h" “POM. but withodtmecmfige
of an expression he. said: I ,

“I accept the terms, madame.  name ’

time and pines.”

“Midway between Lhere and the base of ,V

the hill, and with the two forces drawn up

face td face to witness the duel with lean  ";

8085. I v l = ~ 9 .1,” 
The Saddle King bowed and raised his "I “

sombrero, and the woman; with a wave ' of
her hand, wheeled and rode, away, followed
by Lady J im. the cowboy. I

. CHAPTER LXlI. .

’ “ms DUEL wrrn mssons. ,_ ..
THE Saddle King turned to Captai: 
sun with a smile, as the Woman rode away;
but ,the smile was not reflected upon the

 

faces of either of his comrades, and. the cap»
,tain said in a blunt way: .  . 
“Buck. that was a very “T1003 mistake." i

“ Why so, captaini’? «4 ' r

‘ “That man soughtto Use the weapon he,

knows best how to handle.”
“Yes, of course.”

" You are, an ‘expert‘with the, lasso, I am ‘ » ‘

well ‘nware. and bear the name of the Lasso
Demon, which thgt man Tiger Tom hue
and. yet the fact t at he dares to select 1}, ,

I shows that he has perfect gongd¢3m~m»_'.is

‘ own skill."‘~ a  ,, . I ,
“ Yes. ,six‘. and I accepted, feeling the same I 

" hat if I fall, he at once leaves this coun-x

 

    

 

 

        
      
      
 

 

     
     
        
   
        
        
       
       
    
   
     
      
     
     
   
      
        
   

 

 
          
    
     
     
     
 
 
   
       
        
  
     
 
      
         
         
   
         
 
  
   
 
   
  

    

 

 

 

 

i;  take them.
 that): troops

: I hundred

L Pi

"and horses were brought in,

.ly for the duel, but wore his

29'

 

.‘

 

r.

‘- wdu, I have confidence in you,_and yet
I would rather have seen revolvers used!”
“So would I, Buck," addedMonte, “for

I’ happen to have seen Tiger Tom use a

lariat. and that was what cut him so, when
you caught him with his own weapon, for he
has been called the King of the Lasso, as you
have of the Saddle.‘y

“ Well, the one who survives the duel will

be the real King of the Rape,” was Buck’s
reply.

Then the conversation turned upon the ar-
gnments used 'by the woman, and all felt
that, it Tiger TOm could be taken without a
light, and that his cowboys would (lisband
and depart, it was the best way to settle it,
as there was a woman in the case.

“ Well, Buck, no terms were made with
me, and if ypur life goes out at the end of a
rope. I shall turn manhuntcr, and Tiger Tom

‘ will one day answer to me.”

“ Not until he crosses the river.”

“ You mean the Rio Grande, Buck?"

“Yes, Joe.”

“Well, then, he’ll have one more river to
cross,” was the gambler’s answer.

They all now watched the proceedings
upon the hill, the woman and Lady Jim hav-

rethrned to the cabin.

in
' She had not been long there when Lady

Jim Was seen to ride into view, and placing
a bugle to his lips he blew the assembly.

Instantly the men on the hill were seen to
mount, and Buck Taylor at once placed asil-
ver whistle to his lips and blew adozen shrill
notes.

The call reached the ears of ev r cowboy.
died and
mounted. and the two further bands began
to come toward where the Saddle King and
his party were.

a they came up. down the hill were seen
riding the cowboys from the ranch. v

At their head rode Tiger Tom, and in his
hand he carried the lance, with the red flag
flutterin at the end.

Behin him the men rode by twos, and just
thirt were counted.

“ he woman has not come, and there are
a group of half a dozen mounted men near
the cabin,” remarked Buck, using his glass
for a good view.

“ Yes. and Lady Jim is one of them,"
Monte Joe added.

I: [Then the Saddle King sprung .into his
 saddle, rind moved to the front. ‘ .. -
7 Close behind himvfbllowed Captain Hassan

and Monte Joe. and behind these, by twos,‘

rode the Lasso Legion and the cowboys from?

Soldier's Retreat, with the peon servant lead-

, L g ingvthe pack-horses in the rear.

0rd had one down the line what the

duel was to , and many looked disap-

7 pointed that there was not to be a general
I _ fight.

‘ But there were 'anxious faces behind the

Saddle King, though his was placid and un-

moved.

He had saddled his splendid roan most
carefully, had taken of! his saddle-pockets
and blankets, and had thrown aside his coat
and belt of arms. '

He had stripped for the fray, et had one
revolver concealed under the en of his silk

sash in mop! treachery by Tiger Tom, for

he knew not what ,to expect
ruman. '

Tiger Tom had also preps «1' most careful-
lt of arms.

He was mounted upon a splendid snow-
white horse, and certain} esented a very.
grand ap rance, thong is face was livid
and vicious on Satan’s.

The two men halted at a distance of titty
yards apart, and then Tiger Tom unbuckled

mm the big

is belt of subs and called to one of his men

looked each other squarely in
thei‘ace, though they had halted about two
_ yards apart.

Not; award was spoken, but with a wave
of thebandBuck Taylor rode back toward

his men, '1‘! r Tom doin the name. ‘
“=From* center flle ght and left!” or»
dared the cowboychief.

Captain Hus-n had one tile, Monte Joe the
other. and [the long line was formed.

a My men, I expect only fair dealing, and:

in my me tWWW)“;Tiger Tom. a If trench-

‘ is shown. you one man .to man, so wipe

tuneup-and  " . a

* V‘Mlittle spoon fell. distinctly fiom the
J.” ‘ ‘ _

l

 

    

lips of the Saddle King, and he waved his
hand as a farewell to his men. -
Then he wheeled his horse, drOpped his
right hand upon his lasso, and faced his foe.
» Tiger Tom had also ridden back to his
men, and what he said they alone heard.
Then he also faced about, lasso in hand.
Each eyed the other as though to meas-
ure his strength, and both antagonists were
cool and collected.
The Saddle King was the first to move.
He rode away to the left and in a circle.
Tiger Tom rode as slowly to his left, and
thus they began to make a circle that was to
become narrower and narrower.

Buck Taylor passed close to the line of ,

Tiger Tom’s men, and though he kept his
eye on his foe, he yet seemed to glanco into
the face of each horseman as he went by,
and they could not but note his uttcrl fear-
less expression on the eve of a den ly en-
counter.

The cowboys eyed Tiger Tom ashe rode
by, and all saw that his face waslivzd, de-
termined and devilish in expression.

Not a word was spoken, but such a glance
as Tiger Tom gave Monte Joe he long re-
membered.

Having ridden around in front of his own
men again, Buck Taylor smiled, waved his
lasso quickly around his head; wheeled and
sharpl spurred his noble roan and shot off
towar his adversary like an arrow.

Ashe did so his cowboys broke out into
one of their wild, terrible yells, as a cheer
and a defiance. , '

This sudden move of the Saddle King took
Tiger Tom by. surprise, for it Was several
seconds before he had wheeled/his white
steed and got started toward his foe, while
that cowboy yell had made his men move
uneasilg, and the yell was not responded to.

But, lger Tom uttered a war-cry so full

of hate and fury. that it revealed how thor- ‘

oughly his whole life, hopes and all were
cast upon that one meeting.

As they neared each other the Saddle Kin
suddenly rose in his stirru s, his lasso whirfi
ing, an at that instant iger Tom cast his
coil, for he had expected the Saddle King's
lariat to leave his hand.

But, the spurs sunk deep into the flanks of
the roan; then a wrench on the bit, and the
animal as on a ivot was wheeled to one side,
while, lying at on his saddle the noose
struck} and slid harmless] over all. Yet

nicker than a word cou d be spoken the

{3830 Demon, upright in saddle, with one
Eighty! whirl sent his deadly coil through

c a -

As though sure of his aim, the spurs sunk
deep again into the obedient roan’s flanks;
another wheel, like lightning, and he bound-
ed away; while there came a loud twang,”
the lasso became taut, and Tiger Tom was
dragged from his saddle with terrific force.

The Saddle King was the victor.

it half dozen bounds only had the roan.

made. when he was reined sha ly back upon
his haunches, and amid the wi d yells of the

Cowboy Lea no, the Lasso Demon sprung t0“

the side of h a fallen foe.
Then, up rose his hand—a
silence—and loud run his voice:
“ Silence all! He teased!”

CHAPTER LX111.
. AT nu.

Wrrn one accordthemoment that they
saw their leader fall. the men from Old Mis-
sion Ranch wheeled their horses and rode
like the wind back toward the hill. I

signal for

.

The Cowboy Leaguewouid hare , followed
them, but Buck‘ aylor calh'ad them to a

halt. ‘ , .

r“ Wait, want if they break their terms, no

mere shalibe own them. _ 
" ide your time!” ‘ 2 M _.
There Was no extiltation in “IMO and

he checked the cheers of this then, while he

silentl received the congratulations pf Capf aid

tain assan and Monte Joe:  .v _ -
Then captain Hassan walked up to the
giant form of Tiger Tom. ‘,  '
The well-trained roan still, held his -*
non, one end of the larlat around the die-
l'i‘orn, the other about the neck of Tigcr‘

om. ‘ .
mooring by

   

,, box

  

hast” {Cam 
,bi'h‘iniiumh    ' 

  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
      
  
   
   
   
   
  
    
   
  
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
    
  
    
    
      
   
    
   
    

t It had ceased to beat.
Then he placed his ear flat to the broad
‘ breast over his heart.
[ It, too, was stilled.
‘ Next he raised the head.
i “ Loosen the lariat, for he is stone-dead.
‘[ “ Iiis neck was broken,” he said.
i The order was obeyed, and taking from
his pocket {1 leather wallet, he handed it to
: Buck Taylor, who requested the captain to
i open it.
“There is but this slip of paper in it,” and
unfolding it, he read aloud:

“I am Thomas Trescott. robber, murderer and
deserter from the United State 5 Army.

“I (198 rve my fate, to die at the end of a rope:
but 8 are my wife, for she is innocent, and those '
who befriended me. my men, are only guilty of :v '7
being true in their friendship, their vows to a Secret A
League, but not a lawless one, for it was formed for
self-protection. TIGER Ton.”

Such Was the communication from the
dead.

His confession and condemnation after '
death. ‘

“ Captain Hassan ‘1"

“ Yes, Buck.”

“ There is a reward of five thousand dollars‘ , r '
on the head of this man, dead or alive.”

“ Yes.”

" You can swear to his death?!

“ Yes, Buck.”

“ And you Monte Joe?”

“ I certainly can." r
“Then, Captain Hassan, I leave it to you
to collect the reward and distribute it equally 
among the brave boys now here with me, -.

f for not one cent of it can I, would I, take.
“But the body I do claim, and now that -'
he is dead my enmity is gone, and be he '
t what he was, all that his confession makes 1“-:
him, his wife loved him, and shall have the
satisfaction at least of placing him in his 
grave. ‘
“ Monte Joe?” ,
“ Yes, Buck.” ~ ' ‘
_ “Will you take the horse there that has: .
not deserted him, and have half a dozen
men bear the body of Tiger Tom to his.
widow?” ' . -
“Indeed I will, Buck, and yon-are the:
manlicst of men to do as you do new,” was
the earnest reply. ' ‘
The horse was led forward, and eight down
boys formed a litter with their rifles andi
straps, and the body was placed upon it,
Captain Hassan folding the hands over the
massive breast. ,
“ See here, Buck,” and he held up his lent
hand.
“ Yes, the Star and Tiger brand, captain”?
Then the lance was placed beside him, the:
red flag covering the face, and taking ti
their load the cowboys here it on after“
Monte Joe who led the dead giant’s horse. »
The little party had not gone far he'wa
the saw that there was trouble at the ranch,
'lyhere at the stbckade gate stood the wif
of Giant Tom, and in each hand she hel it,
revolver. ’
By her side was Lady Jim, and beh'
himwere Si Dunn, Doc Barney and 
othsr cowboys, and they held their rifleo
m . .
Tli; woman had seen the duel from 
piazza of her home, had seen herhusbandtt
all, and then had turned awn .  " i"
But instantly she was recglled by a. 
from Lady Jim. ‘ _,
i“,The men are stampcding for the ranch
"They shall not do it! A 
" They shall stick to the conditions!
u come!" U .
Amishe ran toward the stochade gate
lowed b those she had chosen to rein
the mac , should her husband fall,
At the stockado gate she stood 
closing it as they came up the steep path
“Back, then, all of you'l v
,‘ “You shall not enter here. for g
the conditions, and they sh’ali he 4
7 “ or Iwill open fitnnnd. 1'
will cal; yonder Saddle King‘and hi0 
me ‘ v

 

, ‘

     
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
   
  
   
 
  
 
 
  
 

».

     
      
       
      

  

Thcyihaddrawn up at the m V  f  ,
‘ sought to paricy, one cldimin 

League would  ’ ‘ 
Yen are men, and equal 

hers. , ., , ,
“No, you must go your W V811
are ever in want I - If“

"It
hol mandiflneod oulwill
1 3 «Jet: must

 
 
  
      
    
  
  
  

 
   

  
   
 
  

 

 

 

so u  " .

—.__.._._~

. . r
made with the Saddle King shall not be
broken.

4 t  !‘li

The men saw that she was in earnest, and
glancing back over the prairie they beheld
the little carter/e coming, and that the Lasso
League were not pursuing them.

So they bade farewell to the woman and
rode back down the hill, turning right and
left as they reached the prairie and going 01f
in couples, tries and several in squads of
four and five.

 

CHAPTER LXIV.
CONCLUSION.

UP the steep trail went Monte Joe, leading
Tiger Tom’s horse. and followed by the
c0wboy bearers of the body. '
The woman saw their approach, and m-
, stinctively she knew what the Saddle King
f had done.
,5"; r She waited and met the men, and taking
 of! his hat, Monte Joe told her why he had
come.
Her lips quivered, her glorious eyes filled
, with tears for the first time, and she said in
a low tone:
f “ Tell ium that I say God bless my noble
re
, " It is all I can say.
 “And you. sir, I thank, and you,” and she
. ' bowed low before Monte Joe and the cowboy
bearers of the body.
They placed it upon a cot in the cabin and

. then turfled away. Lady Jim escorting them

and wal ing by Monte Joe’s side.

‘ “ Do you not see that you could not have

ken this place?” he asked.
7 v " Yes, it is as strong as a fortress.”
 " It/was better so.”

“ Far better; but what will you do?”

- “Shall I tell you in confidence?"
, “ Yes. I will so receive it.” '

“Long ago 1 ran ofi to sea. and I came
back to a one man had ruined my hOme.

. ,'“That man was the one who lies dead in
, , yonder cabin.

“Valerie, his wife. is my sister, and she
Was fascinated by him, never knowing how
he had destroyed all we loved to get their
., ~fortune, through her.

“ I turned avenger; but I could never find
try sister, for no one knew that she dwelt

are. ,

, “ Tiger Tom I found, allied myself to him,
and when I found where he had hidden Va-

lerie. I intendedto kill him.

. I “ The Saddle King saved mé from taking

' his life, and only when he rode out to meet
that brave young Texan did I tell Valerie
who I was.

_ “To the Saddle King, and to Captain
. Hassan. to whom I owe more than any
atitude can ever repay, tell my story, but
, no one else.
 “Good-by.”
Monte Joe lgrasped his hand and Lady Jim
‘wheeled quic ly and returned to the ranch.

When the little party joined their corr-
rades upon the prairie, the order was to
mount and away; and while the cowboys
from Soldier’s etreat returned to their
-r home. Captain Nassau and Monte Joe went
on with the Saddle King and his gallant
wel’ve to For: D —-—-.

-. Arrivin there Colonel Miles, an old com-
rade of a tain Hassan, heard the story 'of
Widenerter s death, and an‘order was given
the payment of the reward, which was
divided among ,the twelve lasso-throwers
"find the men from Soldi ‘s Retreat, the ran-
xiliero taking their share to his men, and
floats Joe accompanyin him..
,4. :As for the gambler a returned to Trail
"groping, and still played cards for the for-
tnn'e‘ he eventually accumulated. though it
was not through gambling, i may say. as he
' _ a ranchero alter realizing that he was
towigg his life awa .
,Tha waiters in Soldier’s Retreat went on
in tho even tenor of their way, Belle Hassan
refusing many a good after, 'as she said she
, g _ id only marry one who came up to her
idea of a perfect man.
, And from the day of his duel with Tiger
om, Buck Taylor became known as the
Lasso Demon, while the adventures in the
ears that followed. term the theme of other
nuances winch go to rove how much more

 

 

 

 
  
  
   
    
    
    
    
  
   
  
    
    
  
   
 
     
 
  
      

    
  
   
    
   
   
   
 
  
   
    

    
    
 
  
  
  
      
  

Buck   Saddle Kingyl

Beadie’s Half-Dime library.

DY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS.

546 (‘uptaln Cat-tun, the Chaparral Cock.
Milli The Dandy of Dodge.
576 The Hllvcr Sport.
588 Huil'ron Hol. lllt‘ Man With A Shadow
5!}! Tom-(‘nt um] I’m-(I; or. The iii-ml Set at Silver City.
601 Happy llunn, tlu- Iluich \‘iiinm.
till lliidml llurnnclc, the Detectivel erculi‘s.
’l'cxun 'l‘om-(‘nt'n "I‘rloti
till] ’I‘om (‘ut'n 'I‘crrlblc Tusk.
till” 'l‘om-(‘nt‘u Triumph; or, li|m~k lvan'n Great Combino.
016 (‘owhov (“do the Cattle-Ilium» Detective.
657 Wurbl n: “'lllinm. the Mountain Mountebank.
665 Jolly Jcrcmlnh, thu Plains Detective.
616 fliflnul Hum, tln- Lookout Scout.
689 B I]. the Gypsy Spy.

 

DY CDL. A. I". IIDLT.

899 Black Buck-kl“: or, The MhlkOd Men of Dooth Canyon.
4|“ Kenneth, the Knife-Kink.

485 thtle Lizlltfoot. the Hint of the Woods.

on 'l‘hc Dandy sport; onThI Kim: l'in Conspirntur.

“Til Ralph Ital-wood, the Lightning Expn-n Detective.
691 llcudllg-lot llurrfn Iluul.

BY FRANK DUMDNT.

1.0 The Brnndcd llnndx or. The Man of Myotory.

1'7 WIld-rlre, the lions oi the Rood.
40 Blue llgzen; or, Tho Brook 0’ Day Boys of Kathy Bus.
71 Elton "an; or 'i‘h» Rile Leagues.

[85 Evil you or, Ti... Vultureo ui’tba mo Grnndo.

BY JDBEI’II, E. BADGER. JR.

I Yellow-tone Jack; or,Tha Tr: r.
48 Black John the Ronni-Aunt; or. no Ouilnw’o fiotront.
“5 Hurricane. llllt or. Mustang Soul and His Ford.
119 Must-In Sor- or,Tho King ortho Ploim.
188 Nl t-l nwk it: or, The Daughter of the Ranch.
144 Du n by Lance the Boy Sport.
lfil l’n-thor Paul: or, Dainty Lana to the Rescue.
160 The llnck Gluntt or, Daintv lninroiu Jeopardy.
ltlill Deadly Dos-hi uv, Fighting Firs with Fire.
18-1 The Boy The lent ur, Dainty Lnnco on tho War-Path.
The Do Pnrdn; or. Dainty Lanco Unmuh.
ll Crooko Cale, in... (inlilmu oi'ColoItlnl City.
he llnmnco “'oll’; or, The Beautiful Docoy.
19 The lllnck lllilert or,The ilnroo-Thievoo' W0.
85 Did onhlo Pint. or. ‘l'ho Sir-mu Guido
iii" 'l'lIc 'Imr at tho W noun: or ilulliui noono’. Lu! Trail.
5
7

If

 

'-
:3
II!

Kit Fox. tho Bordor Bo Dotoetivo
(Vhlncnpln Dan, the 0y Trailer.
(ihincnpin Dun‘n Second Troll.
88 Chine-pin Dan's llolne Stretch.

CSQDCUGHUU

BY BUCKSKIN SA! (Molor Doll. 8. Hold.)

I84 Old Rocky! “ Bo eon or. Bonito tho RonoBrookor
.46 Giant George; or, o Ang’iottlio no.

3" Arlnonn Jock Lot Giant Goorgo’l Paul.

.97 The Torontnlo o Tomi or, Ginutfloorgo’o Rovongo.
.01 The Btrnngo l’lrtl or, lttlo Bon'o Dooth Hunt.

I18 Kor-whoo or-w oo or, Tho Tomtnlo of’l‘noo.

red or, Tho Toninwoy’o Trust.
3 Trio: or. Rattlesnake, tho Tonhwoy.
I all “gnaw-loot Wane; gruan
. C” “v C 0" Aw,-
lfld Intpuot. tho Boy or“ ,
oto, tho Crook or ’I' o'l'hroo Thad-bolts.
ISI nor-don Bill; or. rio l'ronh to tho Front.
89. llonoo and the use" or. Tho Dolmond Ranch.
‘04 Little Lorin" or «In Poto’o Bi; pogo.
d! The Doioy hon- nvor.
The Three Trn lens or, Old Rocky on tho Romp-go.
¥lnl Bill: or, o Cynx of tho Mono.
5‘ olttle Lone lit-r: or. Tho Bollo of tho Ciholo.
l4 (3.th Curl. the Chico Giant

BY CAPT. J. l". C. ADAMS.

84 Dragon Sol; or Nick Whitiln'o Boy Sp .

Mi Gin-ally tho ('iroot shut of tho West.

54 Ned "one tho linv Tmppcr.

as Nick Winder- l‘et: or, n: 71.. “my ofDooth.

00 Tim White lmllnn: m,Tlio Scontoit o Yollowntono.
70 old Zi 'n Cnhin; or, The Ilroouhorn In tho W
81 high"! It Jo. tho Torn-r at tho Prnirio.
N5 lluolr ltuokrnun i or. Hm. tho I'omoioT .
.4? “Id Grizzly nod "In Peta-l or. Tho Wil Into...
ISI Lll‘tllrhounc Ll‘ot or. Olooolo, tho Fir-broad.

’57 T o .o-t lluntcroi or Tho Undormund Comp.
038 Tho Deni, Klimt or. The Human Thundorooit.

oodl.

IY PHILIP I. WARNE.

 

 
 

6' Potent-Minor Joe; or, Old Rottioonoho tho Charm.
175 {Dope-nu Ari-on“ or. room-[minor Joo'o '31: Gym.
1”! "uphill Moll” or Patent-Loam" Joo’l Dofont.
ow Ito-pom. tho Moll-n u. The Mountain Vmpim.
3." 4| '1 on Boy; or, ’l'ho Dwuri'l Rovon‘o.

.68 Lidtlo ornotlo f or. Tho Outoooto of tho (lion.
'7‘ hmie lingo; or. tho Quoor Ford.
88!! M o Olsonyl’ or, Caught in His Own Trap.
401 Little tlboo- ly or, A Roco (or a Ranch.
4 8 “Jul. Leather- rooohoot or, 0id Jumbo’oCuoo.

1 Little Ah Sin: or, Tho Cum of Blood.

1 Colorndo Rota. A Tnio oltho Jinn.

0 Tim Jolly Pnrdo.
Slfrj In Gloddon'o Do at .
our The Jolly Pordo ll. tile Ilene-o.
541 l nndy A y] or A Good Mon Down.
.56 Lori-t Lil; or. The Coot torn Lilo.
I”: Qld Weasel-top. the Man with tho Dogs.
59 keen Clem. the Ranch hop.
3:: in "at"  

y n- or o o ton’l .
coo Old-Iona eIii, ii. [lino-Cont seal?”
“48 "app! 11 "1'0 Elf Find. *
«M Chock, C on”. t o Spool-I.
BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKII.
ii The flood}.- or. Tho 
I. ' 10 or 0’. hior.
iok lDorling. o Ton'y prfooo Ruhr." _

M loo and Lnooo 5 or. Tho Childron of tho Chow.

' Hum". or Tho land oitho ll Ridon.

W o nan!“ or. sigh"... 1...». Zoo:- .1

o on or o Blot t Pin-d out.
:14 w. ’ . a. martinis. an... ""

4 k on? the Animal ling: onto-ad tho World.

r “on or nominatth
3% tho «Nan.
C or Troll.

BY WI. 9. PATTEN.

d9. Tho Illa-old. rt or Tho bio 'acoolnod Rock.
510 gator- Alyoto tonl'ivo’in 0.9.”
O: i "on "In port Mm Donut.

d boldlytho Room D-toctlv .
m h n on tho Mun oi lit“. Th m“ a I w

0 Po- Dutoo vo or. o o 1 Moon

0: Violet {Io-o, it: Volvot s l ’
0 1 Dial-ll Dove‘s D ndy nrd. '
.61 g'ou'nd #0 hard.” o You». Amateur Dohctlvo

fl

 

an‘ge Truth is than 'etion.
, 'rnn ’END.
- i

  
  

Pew

   
  

3'
o 'o lei
on mm‘ &:fizfimm§7:u§okflmwm

     
   

  

 

It. the Cod o; or, Tho Rod and Whito Pordo.

l t
“O in???» Contortlonlofl «.11-

I .
61 The Boy it Boot or, Tho Und

at lilo-Ry Donrrollo '1‘

I 1
~I:C KI In the #-

 

rn' ROGER STARBCCK.

25 The Boy Captain: or, The Pirate‘s Daughter.
114 The lllack Schooner; or. Jib Junk. the old Tar.
$59 The Golden llur oon: or, Lost Among the Hoes.
348 Fire-"cell: 0?. U A Skinflii-t. the Death-Shadow.
854 Ill: llorn lkc. the Hill Trnmp; or, Tho Odd Pardo.
It“ The Phantom lolxlll-llullne,
370 Breaker hen. the Rut-Runner.

BY J. “I DSBON.

469 The Rival (Hunt:- ofNowhnr’.

4 K (factu- Ilurr, the .\lan irorn Hard Look.

53? “id Buckcyc. [in- Sierra Shadow.

564 Powder PM], the liny Miner.

609 Ilolly Dorrit. the \kil‘l’llli Detective.

620 Little Ll htning’u l.cuguc: 0r, The Mystery oitne island.
088 l’lucky ’nul, l e Buy Prooporior.

BY JD PIERCE.

897 Rob 0’ the Bowery: or, The Prince of Mulberry Strut.
415 The \‘ngnbond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boon.
462 Ilotnpnr llob, tho Street-lioy Detective.

460 The .owyer'n fill-don’t ur, Luke’s Legacy.

4TB Junnty Joe, the Young Horne-King.

494 Hurly Mm. the Young Forryman Deioctivo.

1504 Five I’olntn Pin“.

509 Jack Jn gel-o, tlu- Butcher Boy Detective.

5|“ Tin-tar Inn or. liiw i'olnu Phil’s Menuorlo.

52“ North lllvcr Not. the l'irl’ Detective.

538 “'rcniling Ilcx, thr Pridrolthc Sixth Word.

54l Jcil' Flickcr. lhr Stnhlr 80v Detectivo.

55l Nlcl.’ Nettlc, the Hey Shadow.

559 llnrlcln Jlll'lio Uw (tiller boy Detective.

569 Brooklyn llcn. tin- Orpilis-Own-Hook Dotootivo
577 I’nvclncni l’ctc the Sw‘wt Sifter.

58" .lncl.‘-0‘-l.untcrn, Ihv l'uilcr-Scn l'rnopocior.

amt Wide-Awake llcrt. tho'Stri-rt-Stei-ror.

6H “’hl-tllux .lncol), the Drier-tier Aid.
“23 "Ilvk Ilumhlcbcc. ‘lll' Harlem llumlncr.
089 illnan-w Hun! the ExprrsrTmin Ferret.
«49 nan-in llobdhel

“5" Sky-Rocket ROD. the Life-Savor.

6R8 flultpeter Sol, Iln- New York Navigator.
69-1 8|)le Jim, the Only Ono of His Kind.

lowery liniiger; or, Scoot)an I Slippery Set.

BY ALBERT W. A13”.

11 The Two Detective-x or,'i'ho Forionoo on Downy am.
76 Abe (.‘oli. the Crnw-Klller.
79 Sol Ginger, the Giant ’lrsspcr.
88 Joe Buck ofAngcln an "In Boy Ford.

7 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Both“.
58 New England Nick; or. The l-‘ortunos oi'o Fondling.

34 Nllnblc . ck, tin- Cll'l‘llI Prince.

493 'l‘no- To me Arimnn S iort.
5H.) (‘00! Color-lilo, the Hal -llrved Detective.
518 Cool Colorado in New York.

BY GEDRGE C. JENKS.

485 Git. Thor owney the Unknown.

498 Glt Thor Dwucy’n Pledge.

518 The Demon Doctor. .
581 Double-Curve Dan. the Pitcher Detective. I
598 Flute. the Singer Detective.

608 The Pitcher Detective’n Foil; or, Dnn’l Double Play.
016 The Ocean Detective: or. The lthmiuoi‘the Black Door.
681 The Pitcher Dotoctive’o Toughest Tuuol.

BY EDWARD WILLETT.

lion E100“. tho Stoomhoot Boy.
Pontoon-weight tho Boy Champion oi tho Montana.
I

 

 

.8 Door It All or, Inthorwol‘ht Among Ibo Outlowo.
3 Inc 'l‘m  2r, Woml, tho Boy Tramp.
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BY DARBY ST. GEORGE.

80 Roaring Roi h Rukwood, tho Ran or.
44 Ilnttlin Ru 0: or.1'ho lehihowho Kontucky. ‘
59 old llic oryt or, Pnndv Eilio’o Sui

l . ,
108 Inn-In. Davy : or, The Trail of tho gird" We". ‘
160 llickory “or
If. Thunderbolt

; nr Tho Trn FBVIMI'IS .
on t. or, tho oil-Hard“. P,

BY W. J. nsnln'ron.
08 The lied Brothrhoodt on?" Twolvo Avongoro.

66 Sin lo "and: or. A Lilo turn Li 0
W ester-n, tho Toxnn Bangor.

M on
.8? Del Bird. tho Covo King; or, Big You’- Scoop.

IISCELLAN EDD! AUTHORS.

4 The WIId-lloroo Ila-ton. .lly Cont. Kano m and
Frsdorick Whittohor.

antnrcl of Doro- luncholool.

I! (lullivor’s Travels. ll Donswin.

14 Aladdin; or,1‘ho Wondor lump.

1t! Ilolounoon Crusoe. (H lilo-notions.)

1 Blndbnd the Sailor.

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80 The Boy Cyl’wnt or Tho Arc-noun” . lyf lflnn.
“Wild tb Boy t WTmoJ .
and Comp. By A.C.lrono.

05 Too Bivol oven] or, Tho ’mbooton oi tho Mississippi.
” “'“i‘i3.°'a".t”ii‘.ili'... Iovl n u u {Groo-
' I z u. C O. D '
’8 1.53.31!" a ProlJlildonluvo. my

10‘ "m n. e, tho Hunt": or, Tho Crow Contlvo. Dy Captain

darnilton Hoimoo.

'J Ind "Inert or. "boCovo olDooth. I, M
9 "'° 1%....

“gr”. the 'l'oxnnr on'l‘ho Young can”...

1.8  l’rlvomn on“. Haw. Stronghold. ’7

Harry Gov

148 an”, 3%.; or, Tho Adv-alum do bloodh- loy. By J.
A otton.

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no 11“ amflé. “llhor 'Iovo'rt «JI- W. o.-
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805 Baltimore Don tho noothloei W"- D! P

I QGQMJ) t .- or Boo’oboohklotcfi. B I], u...

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The Bloc 9.61:.
Conn-o o DI
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a: no cows?“ng I! am. Moi-lul-

Arlol the At lots. David Dvoid.

:9: Will Wotorn. tlo Bov Iomt.

Bv H. lot-I. '
Tho Dood'Dodoqtlvo’n Double. By Gornld Carlto-
A flow loo-o Every Tnoodny.
Tho Rolf-Dino “iron to hr solo o, on anon-slain."

“hummus-thins“ nroootpi of'otxoootnoooh.

: own no Ammo. Pout-how.
oswmio- “tool. ,low look.

is His sm- v .f f‘
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Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

BY \VILLIAIYI ll. EYS’I‘ER.

115 Pistol Pards; or, 'l‘lu-niientslmrt (r0111 Ci'lebar-
14.0 Soft Hand. Show: or, Th Man With the. Sand.

1.»: The Lightning S .» rrt. ‘
2‘11 The Two Cool Siiorts; or. Gertie oi the Gulch.
2-1:! Captain (‘ntsleevez or. The_L1ttlc bpol‘t.
was Magic Mike. the Man of Frills ‘
5M) A Sport in Spectacles; ornliad Time at Bunoo. .
3:53 Derringer Dick. the Man With the Drop. 3
311 Double Shot Dave 01' the Left Hand; .
336 gm e Handsoxttlile $90M; 05," :11? (zomblnation. ‘
375 o ai Geo e e nree. 1n _. -
film; The, Piper lDetectiws; or. The Gilt Ed e Gang.
4”: Snapshot Sam; or. The Angels‘ Flat cket.
4:39 Hair Trigger Tom 01' Red llend.
43‘.) Major Sunshine. the Man of Three Lives.
4J8 Pinnacle Pete; or. The Fool from Way Back.
503 The Dude from Denver. .
5525 Fresh Frank. the Derringer Daisy.
51:5 Oregon. the Sport With a Scar.
519 llels-uazzur Brick. the Bailit‘ll of Blue Blazes.
53% Hurrah Harry. the High Horse from Halcyon.
568 The Dude Detective.

78 Seven Shot Steve. the Sport with a Smile.
590 iientle Jae-4. the High R0 ler from Humbug.
60% Loser ill'. the Man With the Cougar.
6'22 The All Around Sports.

HY CAPT. FIRED. \VIII'I‘TAKER.

' 39 The Russmn Spy; or. The Starry Cross Brothers.

' 6.5 The Red Rajah; or, The Scourge of the indies.
69 The Irish Captain. A Tale of Fontenoy.

:96 Double Death; or. The Spv of Wg'otning.

198 The Rock Rider; or. The Spirit 0 the Sierra.

108 The Duke of Diamonds.

115 The Severed Head; or. The Castle Coucy Secret. =
132 Nemo, King of the Tramps.

159 Red Rudiger. the Archer.

174 The Phantom Knights. ‘

187 The Death’s Head Cuirassiers ' t

198 The Man in Red; or,TheGhmtofthsOldGunrd.

m6 One Eye. the Cannoneer.

211 Colonel Plunger; or The :fiown Sport.

{N2 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyou- I
|
l

 

g 519 Old

 

2 ‘ arson Jim. King of the yg.

2%; The Mad Hussars; or. The 0’s and the Mac's.
280 The Flvim: Dutchman of 1 .

942 The For: Devil; or, The Skipper of the Flash.

247 Alligator Ike: or. The Secret of the Eve lads.
251 la. Yankee Cossack: or.'l‘he Queen ottne mum
2&3 Old Double-Sword; or. Pilots and Pirates.

2‘72 89th Slocum. Railroad Surveyor.

2?? Tue Saucy Jane, Privateer. ’

$1 The Three Frigates; or. Old Ironsidos Revenge.
2% The Lost Corvette: or, Biakelwy’s Last Cruise.
2135 01.1 Cross-E e. the Maverick-Hunter.

303 Top-Notch om the Cowboy Outlaw.

The Marshal of Satanstown; or, The League.
The Whitest Man in the Mines.

878 John Armstrong. Mechanic.

406 Old Po Hicks. Showman.

(12 Larry ke. the Man of Iron.

445 :Rur'i‘ieyma'g John. the  

609 o exas ramp; or.

614 The Showman Detective; or. The Mad mu. -

, 13:01.1. commits.

7 Death Notch. the Destroyer

43 Dakota Dan. the Reckless Ranger.

44 Old Dan Rackhack the (areal. lanai-mm;th

43 Bowie-ofinii'e Ben the N0r‘vnst Hunter.

48 ldaho Tom. the Tounz Outlaw oi’ Silveriand.

51’ Red Rob. the Boy Road-A‘gent. .

99 The Giant Riflenian: or. lid Camp Lite.
187 Long Beard. the Giant Spy.
148 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter. I
619 Kit Bandy & Co . the Border Detectives,

:BY PHILIP S. WARNE.

Crowd; or. Gentleman Sam's 8m".
i Thgkrginapper; or The Northwest. shagging, I
29'Tlger Dick. Euro King; orL‘Tm- Cashier's Crime. ;
54 Always on Hand; or. The root-HHS Sport,
80 A Man of Nerve; or. Caliban the Dwarf.
114 Thu Gentleman from Pike.

‘ ~ . th Man or the Iron Heart
5,);  wanna": or. Whirlwind and his Mare.

251 Tiger  [mantlesxard

I

g T‘goreotaxind; or.Dfok.Dcsnni-dand thoSport.

ass Jack Sands. the Bossottho Town.

859 Yellow Jack. the Mo »

an Titer Dick‘s  or. TM’Goiden Serpent.

101 Silver Bid; or, A ‘ Daisy Bind. .

681 Cdlfornia Kit. the. Always an Read.

° , The Man to “ Tie To."
:3  $1: the Centaur otthePlains.
5919 Them:

“*3. 1: Paula

( r' .

it? Stitching t... u... .10....
583 Captain Adair. t e CattloKinz.

BY ANTHONY P. 3103318.

' ' i ds; 0!. Hercules. Hunchback.

I 1% mmfifetgeenmw: 01'. Palace Secrets.
100 The mach Spy' 0;. The s of .
167 The of Steel. aloof Love and .
186 Man . - .

an The Rough! of Richmond.

“‘3 Whirl???“ new“?

. ' O A if ‘ v ,

" it): The Head Hunter: on Mark Magic in the line.
357 Jack Simona. Detective.

my mom. .1. n. monsusn.

' : 0f. The Freebooterl.
H '  Tint: giamslgggptain; or. The Fallen Star

“The
15611»

 

- r The Pirate of the Gulf.
 fltgzsaeuwnant; or. Child of the Sea.

BY J. r. (‘0\1'l)llll‘K.

390 The Giant Cunid: or t ihum John‘s Jubilee.

422 Blue Grass Burt. the Gold Star Detective.

436 Kentucky Jean. the S uort t‘r in Yellow Pl .6.

45?. Rainbow Rob, the T1 ip from Texas,

473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective.

499 Twill ht. Charlie, the Rvuti Sport. .
iddies. the Rocky Ranger

557 The Mountain Graybeards; or. Riddles’ Riddle.

565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective.

I 580 Shadowing a Shadow. -

591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective.

598 The Dominie Detective.

612 Sheriff Si iiiwood, the Regulator of Raspberry.
6% Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective.

BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON.

176 Lady Jaguar. the Robber Queen.

194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent.
202 Cactus Jack. the Giant Guide.

219 The $00 ion Brothers; or. Mad Tom’s Mission.
223 Can on ave, the Man of the Mountain.

227 Buc 'shot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho.
£37 Long~Haired Max; or, The Black League.
245 llarranca Bill, the Revolver Champion

258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo.

2&3 iron-Armed Abe. the Hunchback Destroyer.
266 Leopard Luke the King of Horse-Thieves.
271 Siouetlst, of Big Nugget Ben".

‘ 276 Texa ' Chick. the Southwest Detective.

25 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

291 HorseshOe Hank, the Man of Big Lurk.
305 Silver-Plated So], the Montana Rover.

811 Heavy Hand: or, The Marked Men.

323 Hotspur Hugh; or. The Banded Brothers.

BY SAM S. “A l.l!.— “ Buckskin Sam.”

3 Kit (largon. Jr.. the- Crsck Shot,
90 Wild Will. the Mud Ranchero.
178 Dark DashWood. the Desperate.
186 The Black Bravo- or, The Tonhway’s Triumph.
191 The Terrible To w ; or, Old has Pards.
1 he Lone/Star Gain : implants] 's Maid.

thoh'oln‘Don
rig tthe

ver.
Lariat.

Date; the“ had. .
239 Th “hfin‘i’r‘l A“ hind"? {theARange-
- eerro o;or. e orerm.
214 Mei-cites. X the Man Tiger of Missouri. y
2.30 The Rough Bi ors; or, Sharp E e. the Scourge.
256 Double Dan. the Bastard; or, T e Pirates.
2134 The Crooked Three.
269 The Bayou Bravo; or, The Terrible Trail.
273 Mountain Mose. the Gorge Outlaw.
232 The Merciless Marauders; or Carl’s Revenge.
28‘? Dandy Dave and his Horse. White Stocking
 Stam do Steve: or, The Doom of the Double.
30] Bow or Bill; or. The Man from Two.
809 Rayboid. the Battling Bangor.
32% The Crimson C otes; or Nita. the Nemesis
3 Kim: Koala; ail-,9 M Sandi; ot thlslBason.
us an oqsrc .
Elia...’ “I'mgg': We rds
; or, a
on Paint Pete. Prairie 93ml.

nr mason name.anan nunn.

93 Buflaio Bill. the Buckskin Kins.
117 Dashing Dandy; or, The Hotspnr of the Hills.
142 Cs aln Crimson, the Man of he Iron Face.
15!! Ve vet Face; the Border Bravo.
175 Wild Bill’s ’i rump Card: or. The lndisn Heiress.
use The Phantom Maze pa: or. The Hyena. '
448 Hark Kenton. the aitor. I

BY COL. THOMAS H. monmnr.
82 iron Wrist. the Swordmsster.

1% The Demon Duelist: or. The Les not Steel.
143 The Czar‘a Spy; or, The Nihilist agile
150 El Rublo Bravo. King of the Swordsmen.

157 Mourad, the Mameiuke; or. The Three Sword

m cm“°°i“c h Us 011"
orpors annon. t e n on D 1
$6 Chain ion Sam; or, The Monarchsyof “81: Show,
me Fight in Tom. the Terror of the To‘uahs.
on Spring- eel Jack; or. The Masked Mystery.

I“! “not. ‘a. K. slurs.

528 Buckle . the Foot-Hills Dot cti .
552 Prince bglitz-gross. the Flow» ofpthevg'iock.
618 Kansas Karl, the Detective King.

BY‘MAJOB DANIEL "(DONE DUMON'I'.

33'.  it? 31° QEMir'om 3....
one u e- e. t e l '
an, :29 gal?! Crogk; lEar. oraAufitf'a Fonrggfrd'
a V0? 9011; 01‘.
m Salamander Sam. n 0‘ Honor'
m The Night Raider.
{64 Sandvcraw the his or Grit. ,
NB Topnotch Tom. the d. Parson. .
m The Witch 0: Shasta; or. The usual Cheek.

» BY COLONEL DELL! SARA.
58 SilverSam; or. The Mystery of Do°dwood City
87 The Scarlet Ca in; or. Prisone of t , '
1m Shams o'Bner‘iihe Bould Boy 3: oufidowfl'
nv LEON Lawns. ‘
Flying Glim; or, The Island Lure.
,. .

mgim‘étm‘n 'rn Bogus
on also ve: or. e N .
ggmn Boady.~the Red Ransomer. who"

Submarine Detective: or. The WWII.

BY CHARLES .MO'BRI'.

Co Colt. the Quaker Cltv

481
484
at
am Detective.
an ace Hal, the Battling Detective.

 

 

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BY NED BUNTLINE.

14 Thavmdunewadhe Scourgemr. ’i‘he War-Eng“.
16 The White, Wizard; or. The Seminole Prophet:t
18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the l~ in.
$5 The Red Warrior; or. 'I‘l e Comanche Lover.
61 Captain Semvuit‘, the l'riuzt t 1'. (
ill The Sinuzgler t‘uptain; or, Tie Skipper-’5 Crime.
l‘fl Saul Sabberdav. thi- idiot rp .
270 Andros the Rover; or, The ira'e‘s Daughter.
861 Tombstone Lick. the Train Pilot.
517 Buffalo Bill‘s li'irst Trail.
584 're Feather. the lluccmeer King.
621 e Red Privateer; or, ’l he Midshipman m.

BY DR. NOEL DUNBAB.

500 The True Heart Poi-(ls.
604 The Detective in Hugs. or. The Grim Shadow.

BY NE‘W'I‘OV M. CUBTISS.

120 The Texan Spy; or. The Prairie Guide.
254 Giant Jake. the Patrol of the Mountain.

BY C. BURNING CLARK.

164 The Kin ’3 F001. , - ,
1153 Gilbert l. e Guide. 

BY ISAAC IIA‘WKS. Ex-Dctectlvo.

2‘32 Orson Oxx; or, Tire Rim-r Mystery.
240 A Cool Head: or. 0115011 Oxx in Peril.

BY E. H ST. MHX.

471 The Heart of Oak Detective.
491 Zigzag and Cutt. the Invincible Detectives.

BY EDWARD \"l LLETT.

129 Mississippi l'Iose: or. a Stro Man's Saarinen.
1309 Buck Farley. the Bonanza rice. ’ '
2‘32 Bill the Blizzard; or. Red Jack’s Crime.

248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp.
274 Flush Fred, the Mississippi Sport.

239 Flush Fred‘s Full Band.

298 Logger Lem; or. Lit in the Pine Woods.

nos Hemlortk Hank. Tough and True.

815 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters' has“
827 'Derrtpin Dick. the Wiitlwood Detective.

837 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp.

348 Dan Dillon. King of Crosscut.

868 The Canyon King: or. a Price on his field.

488 Flush Fred. the River Sharp. :- . 1,.

BY GEORGE C. JENKS.

398 Sleepless Eée. the Pacific Detective.
439 The Giant orseman

507 The Drummer Detective.

526 Death-Grip, the Tender-toot Detective.
539 Rube Rocket. the Tent Detective.

55-1 Mad Sharp. the Rustler.

572 Jaunty Joe, the Jet-key Detective. . A

BY PERCY B. 81‘. JOHN. I

57 The Silent Hunter.
86 The big Hunter: or. The Queen of the Woo“

BY “'1'! G. PATTEN.

515 Bustier Harry. the Ccmhov Sport.
671 Old Dismal. the Rang" Detectivr. ; . ,‘
002 Captain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. . 2‘ '

BY GEORGE ST. 630303.

$6 Duncan. the Sea Diver.
417 Tucson Tom; or. The Fire Trailers.

’ . «‘W.W. .«5:

MISCELLANEOUS.

6 Wildcat Bob. By Edvard L. Wheeler.
9 Handy Andv llv .‘ muel ver.
10 Vidor. the French olice Spy. By himself.
11 Midshipman Easy. B Captain Marryatt. .
82 B‘hoys of Yale: or. T e Scrapes of Coiled-up
60 Wine Awake. the Robber King. By I". m
68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adana:
76 The ’s Musketeers. By Geog-lire A . w 
78 The ysterious Spy. Br Arthur . G . ‘
102 The Masked Ban . By George L. Aiken.
110 The Silent. Rifleman. H. W. Hem
125 The Blacksmith Outlaw By E. Ainsworth.
133 RM the Borer.  \. iilirm Cs etnn. .
140The reeSpania s. BfiGeo. alter. 
144 The HunciihackofNou-e sine. By Victor-Hm...
1:8 The Doctor Detective. 13,090? Lemuel. --
15% Captain lrounerve. the Counts otter Chit-t.
153 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank. Powell.
193 Dwigh'thgekobber  S. R. Urban. ~ ,
4 (’0‘: t 003'“ .  *
i 53) Alexander Dana
under-bolt. D:
Jo Yards. - '
311': Smnzxier Cutter.

9" The Three Guardsmen.
261 Black Sam, the Prairie
The. B J. D. . r 
Kinkfoot Karl. the louan Scourge. In.

 

g mm silicon. Sociotv  By w. Leah.
BOI‘! man; or. IhoKingo 
M’TthTelegI-smn “315%. n

- e 1 78.
no Sarah Brow: Detective. Bny. r. i.
.518 08 Richard. the

534 013:1: Iianyngln Jo‘s;z or. The 1
ve. arms: u e Dev. 
542 The Ocean Drift: or. The fight for  

By A. F. Holt.
566 The Donn

     
 
 

King.
- A new issue fiery Wednesday.
Beadle‘s Dime Library is for sale

Henrietta-n. scents roovorsenth
mm a gen. paint 1.1: s’

BEADLE’S*DIME*BBRARY.

Published Every chdnesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Umform Price of Ten Cents. '0 Double Numbers. 

 

 

 

 

Col. Prentiss Ingiaham’s Novels.

640 The Rov P’s Ret ibution.

635 The Ex Buccaneer; or, The Stigma of Sin.

6.50 The Sea Thief

695 Red Wings; or. The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas.
615 The Three. . llL’CallCt‘l'S.

610 The Red Flag.’ Rover; or, White Wings of the Deep.
605 The Shadow Silver Ship.

69’.) 'l he Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scniits of ‘76.

59:5 The Sea Rebel; or. Red R .Vei's of the Revolution.
5'7 Conrad. the Sailor Spy; or. True Ilcatts of’ ‘76.
581 The OiitlaWed Skipper; or, The Gaiitlct Runner.
560 The Man from Mexico.

5.33 Mark Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig.
516 The Doomed \Vhalel‘; or. The Life Wreck.

540 The Fleet Scourge; or. The Sea Wings of Salem.
536 The Savages of the Sea.

524 The Sea Chaser; or. The Pirate Noble.

516 Chutaru, the Dl'tld-Slml Duelist.

510 El Moro, tli- Coisair Commodore.

493 The Scouts of the Sen.

469 The Pirate Hunter; or. The OCean Rivals.

482 Ocean Tramps; or, The Desperudoes 01’ the Deep.
476 Bob Brent,the Buccaneer; or. the Rt (1 Sea Raider.
469 The Lieutenant Detective: or. the Fugitive Sailor.
457 The Sea Insurgent: or. The Conspirator Son.

446 Ocean Ogre. the Outcast ('orsair.

46.") The One-Armed Buccaneer.

430 The Fatal Frigate; or. Rivals in Love and War.
425 The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals.

418 The Sea Siren: or. The Fugitive Privateer.

399 The New Monte Cristo.
393 The Convict Captian.

388 The Giant Buccaneer: or. The Wrecker Witch.
377 Afloat and Ashore: or. The Corsair Conspirntor.
373 Sailor of Fortune; or, The Burnegat Buccaneer.
369 The Coast Corsair; or. The Siren of the Sea.
The Sea Fugitive; or. The Queen of the Coast.
Ocean Guerrillas; or, Phantom Midshipman.
The Sea Des rado,

The Magic S ip' or. Sandy Hook Freebaoters.
The Gentleman Pirate; or. The Casco Hermite.
The Indian Buccaneer; or. The Red Rovers.
The Phantom Pirate; or. The Water Wolves.
The Sea Owl; or. The Lady Captain of the Gulf.
Cutlass and Cross; or, the Ghouls of the Sea.
The Pirate Priest; or. The Gambler’s Dau hter.
Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Overlan .

Red Lightning the Man of Chance.

The Kid Glove Miner; or, The Magic Doctor.
Black Beard. the Buccaneer.
220 The Spect-r Yacht; or, A Brother’s Crime.
216 The Corsair Planter; or. Driven to Doom.
Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea.
The Gamblr Pirate; or. Lady of the Lagoon.
198 The Skeleton Schooner; or The Skimmer.

l‘he Ocean Vampire; or, The Castle Heiress.
The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis.
Don Diablo. the Planter-Corsair.
' Black Pirate: or. The Golden Fetters M story.
16': The Mad Mariner: or. Dishonorcd and isowned
155 The CorsairQucen; or, The Gypsies of the Sea.
Gold Spur. the Gentleman from Texas.
Fire Eye; or, The Bride of a Buccaneer.

Darkey Dan, the Colored Detective.

Buckskin Sam. the Texas Trailer.

The Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage.

The Sea Cadet; or, The Rover of the Rigoletts.
‘ Black Plume; or. The Sorceress of Hell Gate.
109 Captain Kyd. the King of the Black Flag.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless.
103 Merle, the Mntineer; or. The Red Anchor Brand.
94 Freelance. the Buccaneer.

89 The Pirate Prince; or, The Queen of the Isle.

Capt. Howard Holmes’ Novels.

608 Silent Sam the Shadow Sphinx.

592 03. tain Sid, the Shasta Ferret.

579 01 Cormorant. the Bowery Shadow.
569 Captain Cobra, the flooded Mystery.
559 Danton. the Shadow Sharp.

550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret.

543 The Magnnte Detective.

532 Jack Javert. the Independent Detective.

523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective.
512 Captain Velvet's Big Stake.

505 Phil Fox. the Genteel Spotter.

496 Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds‘ Detective.

48? Sunshine Sam, 6. Chip of the Old Block.

480 Huwkspear, the Man with a. Secret.

468 Coldgrip in Deadwood.

460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective.

458 Captain Coldgrip's Long Trail.

447 Volcano. the Frisco Spy. '

441 The California Sharp.

434 Lucifer Lynx. the Wonder Detective.

421 Father Ferret. the Frisco Shmow.

418 Captain Coldgrip in New York.

40? Captain Coldgrip‘s Nerve; or. Injun Nick.

400 Captain Coldgrip: or. The New York Spotter.
892 The Lost Bonanza: or. The Boot of Silent Hound.
$2 The Bonanza Band: or. Dread Don of Cool Clan.
8" Major Blister. the Sport of Two Cities.

865 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow.

852 The Desperate Dozen.

847 Denver Duke. the Man with “ Sand."

840 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective.

886 Flash Dan. the Nabob; or. Blades of Bowie Bu.
821 California Claude. the Lone Bandit.

294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.

278 Hercules Goldspur, the Man of the Velvet Hand.

§§§§§§§§§§§§§

 

 

Builolo Bill Novols

Beadle’s Dime Library.

649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King; or, The
LRSM) Rangers7 League. A Romance of
Bull'an Bill’s Chief of Cowboys. By Col.
Prentiss Ingrahnni.

644 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza: or. The Knights of
the Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingrahani.

639 The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Mag-
nificent. By Buffalo Bill.

629 Daredeath Dick. King of the Cowboys; or.
Bull‘an Bill’s During R019. By Leon Lewis.

599 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the
Plains. By Buffalo Bill.

517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, “'ill Cody, the
Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline.

414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The
Gold Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo
Bill.

401 The One-Arm Pard; or, Red Retribution in
Borderland. By Buffalo Bill.

397 The Wizard Brothers; or, White Benver’s
Trail. By Buffalo Bill.

 

 

BUFFALO BILL.

394 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte' or,

fifi’l’rongad Man’s Red Trnil. By Buifalo
l O

862 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or, Oath~bound to Cus-

' ter. A tale of the Great Scout’s Challenge
to Sitting Bull. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

329 The League of Three; or, Buffalo Bill’s
Pledge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West.
Buffalo Bill.

304 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The
Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill.

243 The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier’s Sweet-
heart. A True Story of the Overland Trail.
By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout and
Guide.

189 Wild Bill‘s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate
Dozen. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

175 Wild Bill's Trum Card; or, The Indian
Heiress. By Col. rentiss Ingrahun.

168 Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead—Shot. A Ro-
mance of Buffalo Bill’s Old Pard. By Col.
Prentiss Ingraham.

92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King; or, The
Amazon of the West. By Major Danger—
field Burr.

88 Gold Bullet Sport; or The Kni hts of the
Overland. By Bumio'nin. g

52 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; or. Life
3113 Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buihlo

By

 

 

Albert W. Aiken’s Novels.

6.20 Joe Phcnix's Silent Six.

613 Keen liilly, the Sport.

667' 01d llenzine, the “ Hard Case ” Detective.

601 Ji.e Phcnix‘s Shadow.

5m l-ire Face. the Silver King's Foe.

58'; Tin-Silver Sharp Detective.

1"” Tom 01’ Califi mm.

570 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Band.
562 Lone Hand. the Shadow.

1'56 Fresh, the Sport-Clievu ier.

‘ " Blake, the Mountain Lion.

529 Tue li‘resli in New York.

520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo.

497 The Fresh in Trxas.

490 The Lone Hand in Texas.

422') Chin Chin. the Chinese Detective.

‘V The Actor Detective.

461 The Fresh on the Rio (lrande.

The High Her e of the Pacific.

424 The Lone Hand; or, The lied River Recreants:
419 The Bat of the Battery ; or. Joe l’henix. Detective,
408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta oi" Den: h.

391 Kate Scott. the Decoy Dt‘li‘CllVC.

381 Injun Dick. Detective: or. Tracked to New York.
381 The U)‘ )sy Gentleman; or, Nick Fox. Detective.
376 Black ‘ cards: 01. The Rio (irande High Horse,
370 The Dusky Detective: or. Pnrsucd to the EEO.
363 Crowningslneld. tli : Detective

354 Red Richard; 0i l’iie Crimson Cross Brand.

319 Iron-Hearted Di! 1:. the Gentleman Road-Agent-
320 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y Night Hawk.
2": The Wall Street i‘lood; or. The Telogrni h Girl-
206 The Double Detective; cr.The Midnight lllystery..
196 La Marmosot. the Le tCCiive Queen.

173 California John. the Pacific Thoroughbred.

161 The Wolves of New York: or. J0e Phenix’s Hunt,
130 Captain Volcano or. The Man of Red Revolvers.
112 Joe Phenix. Private Detective.

107 Richard Talbot. of Cinnabar.

101 The Man from New York.

97 Bronze Jack. the California Thoroughbred.

93 Captain Dick Talbot. King of the Road.

91 The Winning Oar: or. The Innkeeper’s Daughter;
84 Hunted Down: or. The League of Three.

81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heait of Fire.

79 Joe Phenix. the Police Spy:

77 The Fresh of Frisco; or. he Heiress.

75 Gentleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street.
7:! The i iiiintom Hand ; or, The 5th Avenue Hei ess.
63 The Winged Whale: or. The Red Rupert of Gulf.
59 The Man from Texas; or. T] e Arkansas Outlaw.
56 The lndian Mazeppa; or. Mndnnm ot‘ the Plains-
49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha Queen

42 The California Detective; or. The Witches of N.Y.
41 Gold Dan: or, The White Savage of Salt. Lake.
38 Velvet. Hand; or. lnjun Dick’s Iron Grip.

36 Injun Dick; or. The Der-tli Shot of Shasta.

35 Kentuck the Sport: or. Dick Talbot of the Mines.
34 Rocky Mountain Rob. the California Outlaw.

33 OVerland Kit; or, The idyl of Wlii e Pine,

31 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash ( t" Lightning.
27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls 0t New York.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

630 The Sea Thief; or, The Veiled Voyager's Mys-
terious Mission. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp: or. The Lucky-
Pards oi' Goodenough. By Wm. G. Patten.

632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search: or, The Casket of
Ill Omen. By Albert W. Aiken.

633 The Sea Spy: or, Mortimer Monk. the Hunch-
back Millionaire. By Ned Buntline.

634 Old Handcart‘s Big Dump: or. The Rakestraw
Ructionist. By William R. Eyster.

635 The Ex-Buccaneer' or. The Stigma of Sin. By’
Col. Prentiss Ingraliam.

636 Dandy Darling, Detective: or. The Boomer of
Big Buffalo. By Joseph E. Badger. Jr.

637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp: or. The Grr‘at Dev
tective's Long Chase. By Albert W. Aiken.

688 Murdock. the Dread Detective: or Northlano‘.
Nick‘s Guardianship By Wm. H annin .

639 The Gold King; or, Montebello. the Magni cent.
B Buffalo Bill.

640 The Rover’s Retribution; or. The Evil Spirit of ’
the Deep. B Col. Prentiss lngraham.

641 Aztec Jack, t e Desert Nomad; or, The Vulture’o
Swoo . By Wm. G. Patten.

642 Red ard and Yellow; or. The Nabobs of Centi-
pede. By Captain Howard Holmes.

643 Custlemaine. the Silent Sifter; or. The Great.
Detective's Wonderful Revelation. By Jackson

Knox.

644 Buffalo Bill‘s Bonanu- or. The Knights of the
Silver Circle. B Col. P. Ingraham.

645 Gopher Gabe, t e Unseen Detective; or The
Uncanny Ranch. B Joseph E. Bad er r.

646 Dark John, the Gi Guard‘ or, ailstorm's:
North Plain’l Braves. By William H. Manning.

647 The Fresh of Frisco at Santa Fe; or, The
Strong? Shoal. By Albert W. Aiken.

648 Gold love (1. the Man of Grit: or. Desperate
Du ’3 Desperate Scheme. By Wm. G. Patten.

649 Buc Taylor. the Saddle King; or. The Lasso
Rnugers’ League. B Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

650 Lucky Lester‘s Lone nd: or. Uncle Bed Rock‘s
Queer Game at Ginger Fist. By Wm. R. Eyster.

651 Silvertip Steve. the SliV Scraper from Sislliyou.
By Joseph E. Bad 1‘. Jr. Ready April 15.

652 Jackson Blake, t Bouncer Detective. By A.
w. Aiken Ready April??-

653 The Lasso King a lie-agile. A companion Story'
to “ Buck Taylor. the Saddle Kinfi.’ By Colonel
Prentiss Ingrahnm. Ready Apr 29. '

A mw issue every Wednesday.
Beadle" Dime Library is for sale by cl)

Newsdenlers, ten cents per copy. or sent by mail on

receipt of twelve cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pomona.
98 William Street, New York

 

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