\& \\\, ~ ‘ t K I. I \FJISIWWJRWJ) * ZEBRA ZACK; on. THE WILD TEXAN’S MISSION. BY \V. J. HAMILTON, AUTHOR 03' THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS: 13 THE FRENCH SPY. 180 THE PRAIRIE SCOURGE. 30 EAGLE-EYE. 181 RED LIGHTNING. 102 WILD RUBE. 186 THE RED OUTLAW. 110 NICK, TEE SCOUT. 187 THE SWAMP Scour. 112 THE CROSSED KNIVES. 188 THE SHAWNEEs’ FOE, : , 122 KIT BIRD. 189 MOHAWK NAT. I 124 GIANT PETE. 193 BIG FOOT, THE GUIDE. . n 138 MAID 0F TIIE MOUNTAIN. 194 THE RED BROTHERIIOOD_ ,. 144 THE RED SCALPEE. 202 THE INDIAN AVENGER. 7 . 165 WILD NAT. 207 THE TWIN Scou'rs. : 174 BORDER VENGEANCE. 212 THE SILENT SLAYER. 176 THE SONS OF LIBERTY. 213 THE PRAIRIE QUEEN 249 GRAY HAIR, THE CHIEF. NEW YORK. BELDLE AND ADAMS, PUBLILHERS, No.93WILIJAMSTREET. F hm according to Act of Congress. in the year 1.”!, a, BEADLE AND COMPANY. h ‘8 Clark’- Ofllce of the Dlutrict Court or the United sme- lot t” Button mum: 01 N" York wwwa . ‘,,. t - . ll \V F. 4 A M- Lama...“- ,_ ZEBRA ZACK. C H APTE R l. ZEBRA ZACK. A TEXAN prairie in spring time; the year 1846, before Palo Alto. The time night, the moon riding high in the heavens, and shedding a mellow luster upon the broad plain, dotted here and there by clumps of timber, along the beds of the streams. , What steed comes thundering over the plain, coming from the east? The hoof-beats are quick and sharp, and it. is evident that the rider is coming at racing Spt‘t‘d. A little “island,” or clump of trees, for the moment hides the rider from view, and then he comes out into the moonlight, and reins in his steed. A strange steed, and a stranger rider, stood outlined against the sky. It was a mustang of wonderful powsr, with broad chest, short neck, and sloping withers, marked in a peculiar man- ner. Piebuld mustangs are not rare, but this one was striped like a Zebra, in alternate bands of black and white. One of those freaks of nature so seldom seen, and the more valued on that account. He had been hard pressed, for the martin. gale and breast were flecked with foam, which, even as he stood at rest, dropped from his red muzzle. ‘ But, if therhorse was peculiar, the man was even more so. Sitting lightly in the saddle, his left hand, resting on the pon‘i'mel, holding the rein loosely, and his right resting on his hip, he was the picture of a centaur of the old days. His face was ashy pale, and the pallor was made more in. . tense by the heavy black heard, which dropped so low, that, as he sat in the saddle, the point of the beard almost teach- od the hand on the pommel. His hair, sufi'ered to grow 10 ZEBRA u.ch long, dropped upon his shoulders. dress of the ranger, and ovur his'herculean shoulders a scar- let mape was thrown, which contrasted strangely with the midnight. blackness of his hair. A black belt about his waist sustained two heavy revolvers, then just coming into use. The rifle, slung at his hack, was one of the kind fa- miliarly known as the “ pea" rifle, from the size of the [bullet which it carried, which was indeed little larger that: apea. He were heavy horsetnan’s boots, the heels armed with the terrible Mexican spurs, with long sharp rowels. But he wore thetn from habit, for the flanks of his mustang were not furrowed as are those of the horses of the Mexi- cans, the most cruel riders in the world. He were no hat, but a scarlet handkerchief, knotted at the two upper corners, and tied loosely under his chin, completed his attire. He eat like a statue, his hand clutching the haft of his knife, while his piercing black eyes searched the prairie to the West. “A year gone,” he muttered, “and nothing done yet. No wonder they haunt me; no wonder Isee them riding behind, a ghostly crew, urging me on. Six men live yet, whose bloody deeds call for vengeance, and I am as a little child, unable to do any thing for vengeance sake. Patience, Crockett, patience; give me time, spirits of my slaughtered friends, and you shall see the blood flow, which would de- , light you. Hal I hear horses 1” He reined back his mustang into the shelter of the island, and waited. As yet, the hoof-heats were scarcely percepti- ble, but they grew louder and louder. Soon, two shadowy horsemen were seen, coming up at a swinging trot, and as they came nearer, the moonheam showed that they were Mexicans, dressed in the gaudy attire so much affected by this peculiar people. A low, savage growl Came from tlte lips of the man in the shadow, and he hent forward in the saddle, trying to see their faces. Just in front of the island ' they halted, and one of them spoke: “ Wait, Carlos. Let us light our cigarettes, for I must smoke." ' / the brief moment that the match burned, the man in ambush He wore the buck-skin ‘ A match flashed, and the two faces came together. In _ 5.4... M.--» 11M) ,flf..-- A BASH anLLexon. I] saw their faces plainly, and a ferocious hiss, like that of n serpent, came from his livid lips, as he lullclttd his home with the spur, and bounded out of the cot‘er. The Mexicans recoiled, and each laid a hand upon his sword. “ Wail," said the intruder, hoursely. “Do you know me, you two 3'” ‘ “ Zebra Zack l" replied the Mexican, who had been called Carlos. “ What do you want with us ‘3" “ You were at the Alamo, CarlOs Mendoza ?"' replied Zo bra Zack. “ Si, senor; was I not a lieutenant in the army of the great Santa Anna '3” “And you, Raphael Gozo." “ And I, also; what of tltnt ?” “Only this, men,” was the stern reply. “ You two must file, or Zeln'n Zack goes under. Don't (late to wag a tinge! i until I give you leave.” : “Why should we fight, senor 2’” asked GUZH, who did not 1’ like the appearance of the long-bearded ranger. “ We are i at peace with the Texans, are we not ‘3” t “ 'l‘lte Texans may make peace if they will, but while one I of six men remain above the earth, tht-a Zack “ill make I War. Do I not know you,Gozo; and you, MentloZa‘r You, who dared not face the lion living, and yet dared insult him 3 as he lay deadl You shrunk before the strong arm of Crockett, while he had strength to lift it; you trampled on his face, while he lay dead. Enough talk; you must tight me, here and now.” “Have. your will, madman," hissed Gozo. “ How will you fight?" , “I know that one Texan is more than a match for any .wo Greaserfl who ever trod the earth," replied Zack, prom]- iy. “You have swm'tls, and I have a howie. We will dis- mount, and picket the horses upon the plain, leaving every - other weapon on them, with the exception of the swords and P3 bowie. Then I will fight you boat." I : “Demoniosl” cried Mendoza. “I do not fear to fight you alone.” - “ It'would he child‘s play," inmréred Zack, calmly. “ Picket your horses, and draw you'raulvo‘ffli, and if I do not give you 19 ZEBRA zscx work enough, then you may treat me as you did Bowie, Crockett, and their gallant men, as well as other martyrs.” The Mexicans, with bitter execrations, leaped lightly from their satflles, and drove the picket-pins into the earth, leav- ing their short muskets and pistols on their saddles. They knew that the Texan had offered them great odds, when he matched his bowie against their long swords, and they did not doubt their ability to bring him down. lle looked tin with a calm smile, as they prepared for action, each man throwing off his serapc, and appearing in a close-fitting hussar jacket. Both were muscular, dark-hrowcd men, and it may be truly said that few people can look more fil‘t'l‘o than the Spanish-Indian race of Mexico. But, Zebra Zack was used to Mexicans; and, when they were. prepared, he swung himself out of the saddle, took ofi‘ his scrape and belt, hung his rifle on the pummel, and drew his bowie, a Wea- pon nearly eighteen inches long, and advanced upon the pair. “ You will make a good strike it you put me on my back, my slippery sons,” he said, in a jocular tone. “I have a thousand dollars in gold in my saddle-bags, and my mustang is Worth three hundred.” “ We will take care of them," retorted Gozo, with a sar ,donic grin. “Mil demonios ! Do you know that. I am the first swordsman of Monterey ?" “ I have heard so,” replied the Texan, who was attaching his knife to his wrist by a sort. of hand. “ So I will take you first. Are you going to attack me, or must I begin 1*” The two Mexicans sprung at him sword in hand. They had scarcely taken a step, when something flashed through the air, and struck the exposed bosom of Gozo. It was the bowie of Zebra Zack, which had been hurled with all the {orce of his powerful arm, and with a precision only gained by long practice. The Mexican staggered back, and made a clutch at the knife, but the ranger gaVe a quick tug at the, short rawhide cord which was fastened to his wrist, and the knife tell at his feet. Mendoza had not much heart for the battle, and when he saw his cnmrade’s blood, he turned, with I yell of terror. and ran for his horse. Zack would have fol- )owod, but G010, bloody from his breast to his feet, sudde 1"-..— .1‘ .4 thrusting again. .- his name on my list. But, Mendoza first; he must not so cape." \ any on 13 assailed him with all the impetuous courage of despair. Ho knew that he was mortally wounded, and his only hope now was that he might slay the Texan, and so avenge his own destruction. He had told the truth when he vaunted his skill with the sword, and Zehrn Zack found his hands full. But. if Raphael Gozo was skillful with the sword, ho was not yet a match for the Texan. The heavy-bladed howie formed , a wall of steel about. him, which the Mexican could not break through. He tried every point of attack, and every trick of sword play, likely to give him an opening. But, if the bowie is not good for the attack, it. is magnificent for defense, and as long as Zack did not think of attack, he was safe. He - could see that the Mexican was growing weaker, and while he continued to attack with all the ardor of despair, his blood was dropping from his mortal wound. “ Mendoza, Mendoza l" he cried, in a dying voice. “ Como ’ to me, and give me help.” But the cowmd was intent upon other game. He had gained the saddle, and, rememhering what had been said about the money in the saddle-bags, he determined to possess him- self of it. For this purpose he was already approaching the striped mustang, and his hand was extended to reach the sad- dle-bags, when Gozo‘s cry for help came to his ears. Zebra Zack sprung back, and saw what his enemy was doing. “ At him, Zebra !" he yelled. The mustang uttered a fierce scream, and sprung at Men doze, open mouthed, while the Mexican‘s horse wheeled sud- denly, and darted across the prairie. Mendoza no longer thought of the gold, but how to escape from the med steed, darting after him, full of rage. Zack saw that his mustan was leaving him, and uttering a loud whistle to recall him, even while he parried a thrust from Gozo, he turned back to :nd the battle, which was nearly over, for Raphael was fail- ing fast. “ This {or Crockett 1" Zack Cried, turning aside the sword and darting in.plnnging the knife to the hilt in the bosom of the Mexican.- “ This for Bowie l” withdrawing the knife, and “Ha; he is rubbed out, and I can mark 14‘ mm zacx. Leaving Gozo rolling on the sod, in the agonies of death, he ran to meet his mustang, which was trotting hack slowly. A whistle quiekencd his pace, and Zack flung himself into the saddle. “ Away, Zebra t” he shouted. never showed it before." The form of Mendoza. was now a mere shadow in the gloom, as he rode for life. He had calculate-.1 upon some moments more, and in that time he could haVe lost sight of his pursner, hut; Zack had been too quick. t The mrstang seemed to share the feelings of his master, and stretched out. like a hunter upon the chase. Mendoza heard the sound of hoofs, and knew who followed, and with a. shriek of terror, he drove in his spurs, turned his horse's head for the Chaparral, and rode as he never rode before. The wind out by his ears with a whistling sound as he dashed “Show your speed, if you on. He knew the pitiless nature of the man behind him, for ' who had not heard the name of Zehra Zack in the country to the north of San Antonio? \Vho had not heard of the man, who, single handed, had ridden down into the midst of a band of seven Mexicali guerrillas, and put them to flight? or the man who was attacked by a jagtiur in the chapurral, and strangled the brute with his bare hands. He was a moody, discontented man, who lived alone upon the prairie, and loved no man who did not hate the Mexicali race. Ride hard, descendant of the Cid ! Drive in your spurs, degenerate son of Cortez and Alvarado, for a fiereer than Cortez rides behind. On, on, through the moonlight, the hares scattering as you fly, and the prairie wolf giving place. Stretch your limbs, strong son of Arabian sires, and hear your master on, for one of your own blood thunders in your rear. Mendoza looked over his shoulder, and saw that the dia- tance between him and the coming avenger was growing less as he rode. He could dimly see, in the moonlight, the giant form of the ranger, bending forward in the saddle, urging his horse on. The beat of the coming hoofs Sounded ominously in his ears. - “ Turn, coward,,turn I” screamed Zack. me shoot you in the back 1’” “ Would you ha" \ 15 A CLOSE SHOT. But MendOZw-did not pmtse, for he had not the heurt to ’00k into those burning eyes, and meet his doom. -He heard the click of the lock, and knew that his enemy was cooking a; pistol. “ Mercy 1 mercy l" he screamed. “ I did not kill Crockett." “ Din,r ! You could not kill him, hut you could lDSLlll. him i}. he lay dead. Turn, I say, or l will fire.” C H A P T E R I I . THE MAIDEN 03 Thin NA‘E. THE flying mun knew the fatal nim (7f ‘ho avenger, but knew as well thnt he must surely die hy n more terrible death than the bullet if he stayed his onward course. In- stead of halting, he flung himself suddenly out of the saddle, only the toe of his hoot visible ahove it, one hand writhml in the mane of his horse, while his body this concealed Im- ‘ hind that of the animal. ‘No one, except at Mexienn or no Indian, could huvo performed this font, hut Mendoza was :1 l ; peerless horseman, and if his horse lmd heen eqtml to the ,t Zebra, he might have escuped. Enraged at his ohstinncy. Zebra Zack sent a bullet through the exposed foot, with am accuracy of aim which was Wonderful, in the uncertain light *7 of the mean. Mendoza uttered u. yell of pain and t‘ttgzt‘, hut " still kept his position; in that lay his only snlvnlion. But this could not last long, for the Zehrn was gaining nt evrt'y '5 «tride, and he expected evtry moment to feel the dt'tl‘lly H"ll(3l. “ 'l‘nrn, you coward !” shouted Zeln'n, ng- i-u urging his Itorse forward. “'l‘urn,:md die like a man, .s Ruphnel (lozo did. Fool! You cannot; escnpc the vengeance ol Zebra Zack.“ - The only reply was a bullet, fired from beneath the neck of the horse, which plowed a deep furrow klong his‘neck, close to the jugular vein. An lnch to' the _rjght,m.d the ‘ career of the ranger would have been over. forevor. Drop- to 21mm ZACK. ping back a little, so as to be out 0! the range ef lhu pist ii, be aimed to “crease” the flying mustang, a erml method of capture, often employed by professional mnstungers. Sum in his aim, his bullet plowed through the neck of the mus‘tang, and brought him to his knees, throwing Mendiza out in front, where he alighttd in a heap, half-stunned hy the shock. Zebra Zack dashed up, weapon in hand, wlmt I loop of rawhide suddenly settled over his shonlders, m (l vpiniotted his arms to his side, plucking him out of the sadolu quickly, and, for the moment, leaving him helpless, and dilzy. He staggered to his feet in time to see a swift horse- man galloping about him, encircling,r his arms with half a damn coils of the rope. “ Be easy, senor,” said a clear voice. oner.” The horseman rode straight at him, with a gleaming pistol ready for use, and Zack called out that he surrendered. ’l‘hn horseman rode nearer, and bending forward, looped the brain ow-r his arms, much as a line is fastened to a hook. Zm k n tered a cry of surprise for he saw that his captnr was a “'UIIHIII! l “ The devil l " I have caught better men than you, senor, girl, coming nearer. “ Why were you trying man 2" “ Because he is my enemy," answered Zack. "Because he is a bloody villain, who has eumbered the earth too long." “ It may be as you say. senor, but I could not stand idly by and see my cousin shot down like a dog.” “Look here, senora,” cried Ztck. “Let me tell you that he had a fair chance for his life. I gave him and Raphael Gozo their swords, and fought them with only my bowie; and if he had stood up like a man, I don't know who would “ You are my pris- Caught by a girl, after all these years 2“ ” replied the to kill this have won. But he run before he was touched, and left-Chng to die by my ham.” “Then Raphael Gozo is dead? enemy of mine, and saved me from much trouble. What are you going to do, Carlos Mendoza 1‘" l The Mexican had gained his feet, and had a pilloi in his hand, With which be walked straight up to Zebra Zach. You have killed a bitter Ha ' t l i. {l ,5“. A man WILL. 11 “ I am going to shoot this scoundrel through the head. and rid the world of a demon," was Mendoza’s fierce re- ioinder. “ He was right to call you a coward," replied the girl, in an angry tone. “ Santa Maria! If you do not lower that weapon, I will put it bullet through you, though you were my cousin :1 thousand times. What i Kill a prisoner, a man who cannot lift his hand to prevent yon? I have half a mind to cut the lazo, and let him do his will with you." “ Demonios 1" hissed Mendoza. “Do you dare to come between me and vengeance ?” “It seems that. you do not know me after all, Carlos. Have you not seen enough of me already, to be certain that you cannot frighten me by blusler ‘3” “ You must let me kill him, or you make me your enemy." The girl urged her horse between him and the prisoner, and leveled her pistol at his head. “Drop your weapon 1” she cried. twice." “ Zada l“ he exposluhttrd. in an imploring tone. But the flash of her dark eyes owed hint.and the pistol dropped from his extended hand. “ That is well; now tnke your horse and ride away. Leave your cscopete and pistols, and I will carry them to tht hacienda, and leave them there for you." " Why should I give up my Weapons ‘2" he protested. “ Because I bid you do it, and you know better than to disobey tne." “ At least I shall take this horse,” he said, advancing to- ward the striped mustang. “I shull fire if you lay a finger on the girl. “Let him take Zebra if he can," suggested Zack, with n It ugh. “ Only try it, base-hearted dog, and he will tear you i fiihces, and trample you under his feet. Why don't you take him? You tried it once to-night." V “ Curse the beast!" growled Mendoza. "I don't want him." He walked toward his own horse, the girl following closea AI he took the etcopete from his saddle, he cocked it “I shall not bid you him," firmly declared lv_ 18 mm, more; suddenly, and whirled on his heel, but it was only to look in- to the muzzle of a pistol, six inches from hismose. “ Ml demonios /” “ I know you pretty Well, Carlos. throw down that pistol, and hegoue." “ What are you goingto do with that fellow ‘3" demanded the Mexican, as he obeyed her sullenly. “ I/wnrn you that he has killed Raphenl Gozo in cold blood." “ What; right have either of you on this side of the Rio Grande? You best know why you came lure. and what mercy you may expect from ’l‘exans. 1 Wurn you lllut you are suspected, and that the north Cltalml'l‘nl may conceal secrets which will one day he unvailed. Go your way, und when you have reclaimed your property, never eome near the Hacienda del Solida again, for you will not he welcome." “ This, to your cousin!” “1 claim no kinship with a coward. Raphael ano was a bad man, but he had what you will never possess, a brave heart." “I shall remember these words in the future. I ask you again what do you mean to do with your prisoner?” “ That is my business.” “ But I must. know. If you do not tell me, I will go to the alcnlde and inform him of this murder." “ It would please me mightily to see you face the alcnlde of San Antonio, nnd tell him thut Zelu'u Zuek is a murderer. Fool! A son of the nlcalde died in the Alamo, and he might remember that you were there. He shoots mighty close, does Old Pap Bliss.” “ Zada, will you let. this tiger live to follow me and tnke my life '3" “Keep on your own side of the Rio Grande, and you will be safe," replied Zudn. “Now go, for you only waste my time.” He mounted, with a look of deadly muliee, shook n men- * ucing finger in the face of the girl, and rode nwuy rapidly in “redirection of the north Chaparral, urging his woundeu’ steed with knife and spur. ' ‘ “I don’t see what you made by playing that game, my My,” said 210k. “ You have made two enemies instead of Lny down the weapon, _tocntic Mexicsn equestrlonno. A ecu-let Jacket, bound with unzme son DEATH. 10 one, and you ought to have let him plug me through the head.” " Do I look like 11 Woman likely to allow A murder to be done? Senor, do not be my enemy, I pray you. I saw a _ mun pursuing my cumin, seeking to take his life. The lnzo was in my hand; it single throw would save him, and I made the cast. I am ulmost sorry that I did it now, for he will hate me from this hour." “ Release me, and I give you the word of an honest marl that he shull trouble you no more." “Would you hove inc undo the work so well begun? He shall go free for this time, for I will not release you." “Then finish your work, and let the long grass Cover the bones of Zebra Zack; for I swunr to you, if I do get free, that I will take his trail and iii]! him.” “ You hate him very much.” “And I hnve :1 reason. Not even to you will I tell why I hate him, but he is murked for death. Girl, do you know what it is to title acrosr: the prairie, followed by uccming ghosts, the ghosts of slaughtered friends, who point their flu- gers at you, us at one who hos not done his duty? Throw off this 11M”, nud let me hegonc, or kill me where I slund." “Senor,” protested the girl, “your wrongs are doubtless great, and I pity you. I know my cousin Carlos, and that he has khe heart. of a hole, and the cruelly of a tiger. He has no loubt deserved death at your hands, but I can not let you go free unless you promise not to follow him to-uight." “ I. Can promise that," unsweer Zack, “ {or the moon is almost down. How is it that you are nlone on the prairie, so into at. night?" “ I have been on a visit to a friend, and returned late.” “ Do you not fear to ride alone '3" “ What should I fear, senor? I have my weapons, :1 good horse under me, and a brave heart. Trust me, there are few who ride these vast plains with less feur in their bosom: than I." He looked at her closely by the light of the moon. He saw a light, graceful figure, seated astridc in the saddle, dressed in the half military style so much affected by the aris- )0 mm ucx. gold braid, was fitted neatly to her form. Below this, she wore a. blue petticoat of rich material, Turkish trowsers, fast- ened at. the ancle, and natty little boots, with silver spurs. Over this was thrown a rebate of nearly the same color as the jacket, and on her head was a light sombrero, with a drooping feather. The belt about her waist. sustained a pair of elegant pistols, and a beautiful dagger with a golden hilt. Over her face for some reason she wore a light crepe mask. “ I think I know you, settora,” he said,“ although your face is covered. You are Senora Zada del Bolida, the daughter of the haciendado." “ You have me," she admitted, throwing of! her mask, and revealing a beautiful face, in keeping with her figure. “ You have doubtless heard of my vtild deeds, and despise me as I deserve.” “ I have heard of you as the bravest. girl in Texas, whr. clone, among the Mexican women, dared to upbraid Santa Anna for the butchery he winked at in his officers and men, at the Alamo. Throw ofi' the lariat, for you have nothing to fear from me." “ You forgive me for taking you, lhen .7” " I could not ask for a fairer captor," replied Z-tck, as she unrolled the lame from his arms. “ You dtd the trick beau- tifully, and it. was well for Mendoza that your hand was steady, and your aim true. But, yott have saved an ungrate- ful dog, who will one day make you trouble, unless I have forgotten how to read faces.” ‘ “ You are Zebra Zack? You have a terrible reputation along the Mexican border; even mothers hush their children to sleep by speaking your name.” 1 “ Yet I never harmed an innocent man or woman in all my time. Those who have fallen by my hand were demons, and deserved death. You look at my wild face and long beard, and think that solitude has changed me into a brute. You are wrong, senora, for 'no man on earth loves society bet- ter than I; but, until my work is done, I can not return to civilisation, or enter a human abode, except to do my work. You must get on, however, for the moon will be down in Jul! an hour, and it. is quite a ride to the hacienda.” “ I do not fear it." i. I. A ‘s‘usrrcros. fl " There are jaguars about." “ So I have heard; and yet I do-not fear." “ It you will accept my escort, I will see you to the river! “ I never made a mistake in a face in my life,” she an- swered. “Your rough beard and dress cannot hide your heart from me. You are a brave, true man, driven to des- peration by a great wrong.“ .“ You are right," he exclaimed, “ and I am proud to think that you know how to read me as I am. Again, I say, let I as move on.” He uttered a low whistle, and his horse bounded to his side. .He took up the escopete and pistols, which the Mexi- can had given up so unwillingly, thrust the pistols into his belt, and laid the escopete across his saddle. Zada had coll- ed her lasso, and hung it on the pommel, and they rode away together across the breezy prairie, neither holding a thought of evil at. heart. They trusted each other as all true hearts trust, although one was so beautiful and the other so rude in appearance. “ You spoke in a strange way of El Chaparral del Norte,” said Zack. “May I ask what you meant by it?" “ I think. that if that Chaparral were searched by those who know how, and have brave hearts, we'sltould find the authors of those crimes which have so shocked this border of late.” H Ha ll! “You have suspected it before ?” “ Yes; and I suspect something more. Your good cousin‘ Carlos has something to do with these hidden villains. What say you to that Y” “ I have more than suspected it, but if I were sure that he had anything to do with those hideous murders to the cast, I should curse myself for having saved his life." “ You robbed me of my revenge, but in that you only fol- lowed the impulses of your own good heart. There will come a day when you will not be near with your lasso, and I shall mark another name on my list of victims." “ What do you mean by that l" “Some day you shall know, but of this be assured: yo. V :3. was] yours are safe from‘ me. l” ' ~ 83 man man. They heard the rapid bent of hoofs, coming up from the rear. and very close upon them. A rattling volley was heard and the shots hurlled uhout lhetn without doing harm. “ Do you wont to kill the Indy 1’” shouted Zach, at the top of his voice. “ Ride for your life, senor“; trust me to keep these fellows hack." “1 will not leave you." i “ But you must; what can you be but an incumhrnnce to tie, for I should be thinking of your safety, and should fight like a coward. Ride us you never rode before, and reach ' 1 the river if you can.” ‘ Both horses were at full stretch. and the distance between ‘ ‘ them and the pursue-rs had not lessened. But some of them ' l Were loading as they rode, for they could hour the rattle of the ratnrods in the steel barrels. “It is cowardly to leave you alone," she cried. “ I am armed a well as you.” “ If not for your life, for your honor, girl. These demons know not the name of mercy.” She turned pale, and (lushed on nlone, while he whet-led his horse, to meet the advancing troop, Coming on at a gul- : l 'lop. The moon was then sinking, nttd utter darkness would I soon cover the prairie. “ Thank God for that,” he muttered. “ I may me myself as well as the girl.” He stood like a statue while the yelling troop advanced. who'd”! :1 CHAPTER III. THE BLOOD-MARKED SADDLE. HE waited,,until he could distinguish the moving figure! in the gloom, and then his fierce voice rung out like the blast of a trumpet. ’ “ Hurrah for the Lone Start Charge, boys, charge; give them hail Columbia 1" With his bridle in hid teeth, a revolving pistol in each‘ ’ no van, coop. 83 hand, this brave man rode down upon his unknown eat-mils. as recklessly as it they had been children. He lupt his 11:0 until within ten paces, when his revolvers—weapons new and strange to the Mexicans—began to speak. Amid this strange tusilade he came down upon them like the wind, and the shouts of a hundred men scented to foilow hitn. It Wlls too ' much for the midnight assailants, who broke and scattered ‘ it every direction as if Houston’s army had been at their .teels, while after them rode Zebra Zack, blazing away with his revolvers, and followed by the ghostly voices. “ So far, good,” exclaimed Zack, reining in the Zebra, after 'the last charge had left the barrel. “I rather think those fellows have got all they want, and something to spate. Now let us see whether I can find the little girll’ He turned back, and rode on at. a footpacc, loading his pistols us he went. When this wotk was done, he placed them in his belt, and urged his tirelees stetd on in the direc- tion taken by the flying girl. As he rode, there passed by u riderless steed, attd he looked after it itt surprise. “ It can’t. he tltnt anything has happened to the girl," he muttered. “ It tttrntd datk so suddenly that her hutse may haw. put. his foot in a hole, and thrown her.” The animal, after paselttg, had paused a little way off, and Zebra neighed loudly. A moment more, and the beast came trotting up, and Zack seized the bridle. “I s’pose it belongs to some of thtsc Gt‘easeta that laid down to rest,” he said, grimly. “ Bttt,l want to he sure, 'you know." He thrust his hand into a pneket of his hunting-shirt, and drew out a box of mulchts, wrapped in buck-skin, and struck one of them on his heel. The match hurnul only for a mo- ment, but long enough to show him the. animal which Zadu ltad ridden, with blood upon the saddle and the stirrup. Ile uttered a strange, half—howling:r cry, let go the. bridle, attd v 10th "apidly in the direction she had taken, while antt's house t'olloWed him whereVer he went. Now and then he I . ltopped and culled her name, but only the higltittg “ind re 3’ plied. “She is gone," he cried. “ Either she is dead, or cannot me. Oh, my God; haw shall 1 find her I" S4 . ZEBRA zscx. w He rode to and fro along the prairie, careless of danger ‘ t to himself, calling on her name. But the girl did not reply, I and at last he picketed his panting steed. flung himself on 1 the grass, careless of the centipedes and tarantulas, and slept until the gray light of morning appeared. As he started up 1 from the grass, and looked for his horse, he saw a body of i h men crossing the prairie a few furlungs distant, and recog- ; l nized the peculiar organization of Indian and guerrilla fight- C ers, the Texan Rangers. Flinging himself into the saddle, " l he rode down to them, and was greeted by uproarious shouts, 'V for they knew and loved him. The motley group surrounded him, shaking handsI yelling. l firing otf pistols, and in various rude ways testifying their joy at meeting him. The leader of the party, a stalwart, dark-haired, handsome youth of twenty-two, was shaking l; hands with Zack, when one of the party gave a warning whistle. “ Kimmanche, I hopes,” said one of the rude borderers. “ I L ain’t tuk a bountee in so long that it w’u’d be mighty refrwh- I: 8 in’ let see ha‘r. It is:-—no it ain't! Why; blame my cats, 1-“ kumrad‘s, ef they ain’t Grtasers l” o The supreme tone of contempt in which this last phrase 1' was uttered was simply unapproachable. The despised “ “ Greasers ” were crossing the last roll of the prairie, a noble ’1