s. Enter-2d at me Post. Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mn“ Mutter.

Fiv‘Z’éfi’um N0. 52.

 

02.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams
VOL IV' " “W’- No. 98 WILLIAM 81.. NEW You. ’

THE BURDER RUBIN H000;'or, The Prairie Rover.

-——————-¢o+————

BY BUFFALO BILL,
AUTHOR OF “THE PHANTOM SPY," “DEADLY EYE," mm, mm.

 

 

 

 

2‘ The Border Robin Hood.

 

 

The Border Robin Hood:

THE PRAIRIE ROVER.

BY BUFFALO BILL,

AUTHOR or “m PHANTOM SPY," “DEADLY
an,” mm, are.

CHAPTER I.
THE PBODIGALS RETURN.

THE lingering rays of the setting sun tinged
the western horizon with crimson glory. and
burnished up the gilt cross upon the steeple of
an ivy-clad church, situated upon the banks of
the lower Mississippi, until it looked like pure
- gold in the rosy light of day.

Into the rtals of the church was moving a
solemn, an melancholy procession. following
the cold form of some departed friend who had
gone from life to join the departed hosts in the
village of the dead, for around the humble
structure were sleeping many who had passed
away.

In the churchyard an own grave stood ready
toxembrace with n its c'r y arms the one whom
soon it was to forever hide from mortal view,
and ever and anon the deep notes of the telling
hell would burst mournfully forth trilling,
dirge-like, as it echoed along, over river, wood»
land and meadow, until the sound died away
upon the balmy evening air.

With melancholy cadence the sound of the
tolling bell fell upon the ears of aborseman,
who was slowly wending his way adown the
river road, which led by the little church, and
I a look of sorrow would sweep across his hand-

some tace, the next moment to give place to a
frown as some internal feeling of bitterness
brought a half-smothered curse to his lips.

Both horse and rider were travel-stained and
weary, as though they had journeyed far since
sunrise; still, the horseman sat erect in his sad-
dle, his elegant, agile form swaying gfiacefully
with the movements of his steed. is face,
thoughfatigued-looking, was one of strikingap—
pearance, but there res'ed in his handsome dark
eyes hnd upon the finely-molded month an ex—

ression of recklessness and bitterness, evident-
? brought thereby elite of wild dissipation
11 though he was scarcely more than of age and
his upper lip was barely shaded by the down of
manh . .

Asthe tolling notes of the bell again smote
upon his ears, the horseman, with an exclama-
tion of impatience, urged his horse forward at
a more rapid pace. and ere long, drew rein be-
fore the churchyard, where now stood the sex-
ton, leaning upon his spade. .

A glance of recognition passed between the
two, a look that changed 0 surprise upon the
lexton’l face, as be said, bluntly: I _ .

“ Well, Master Ernest, you a e Just in time to
be at the funeral; but who con (1 have believed
you would dare come home?"

“ I dare do an thing, Ben Baldwin; but who
is it at is dg ?” the young man asked, in an
indi erent tone.

 

“What! do you not know, then, that your

murder of your cousin Howard was the death of

your poor mother?”

'Like adrunken man the horseman reeled in
his saddle, and then springing to the ground,
advanced toward the sexton, his face blanched
white, his lips quivering, as he cried:

“Ben, do not deceive me, but tell me, is my
mother dead?”

fI‘be voice was deeply sad, and the sexton re-
plied, with some-feeling of pity:

I “ I tell the truth, Master Ernest; yonder bell
is tolling for her funeral.”

With a groan from his inmost heart the young
man heard the news, and then, with firm, rapid
step, he entered the door of the church and
strode down the aisle, toward the spot where
rested the coffin and its dead.

Every eye was upon him and several would
have barred his way, but they shrunk back be-
fore the gleaming eyes of the young man, who,
undisputed moved on, until, with a heart-rend-
ing moan, he sunk down upon his knees, and
rested his arms and head upon the casket, crying
in a deep and mournful voice:

“My poor, poor mother! It is I, your son,
your , wicked boy, that has brought you
here !'

In solemn voice the funeral servicns were con-
tinued by the minister, the conscience-upbraid-
ed man still kneeling beside the coffin, then the
pail-bearers advanced to carry the body to the
grave.

A touch upon the arm, and the young man
arose, and quietly took his place behind the
coffin, following it with slow trend and bar I
face up the aisle, and into the churchyard, and
to the side of the awning rave.

A short while onger an the services were
over, and those in attendance turned away. but
not without casting many strange glances back
upon the tall form. who, with bitter face, stood
beside the new-made tomb, gazin fixedly down
upon the enrthlhat hid forever rom his view
his mother.

Oie by one the crowd departed to their homes,
none of them speaking a word to the silent, sor-
rowing, lonely man, who seemed wholly un-
mindful of their presence and departure.

Slowly daylight died away, and twilight crept
upon the earth, to in turn give way to dark-
ness; 9. darkness of short duration for soon the
moon arose from her cloudlan couch and
spread a silvery luster over all._brightening up
once more the cross upo the spire. and causing
the white marble tom to look like grim spec—
ters of the departed dead.

At last the young man turned slowly away,
and approaching his patiently-waiting steed,
mounted ‘and slowly continued his way along
the river-bank. '

Suddenly thesound of rapidly-advancinghoofa
broke on his ear, and the next instant a. horse
and rider came in sight, the animal urged to his
greatest speed, and still lashed cruelly as with
mad bounds be rushed on. *

A few more bounds, and the steed uttered a
wild, frightened scream, which was echoed by
one less shrill, but more human, and instantly
the animal’s speed slackened.

A few savage yelps and angry growlsran- i

 

 

The Border Robin Hood. 3

 

other almost-human cry from the struggling
animal, and the moonlight revealed the cause
of the rapid flight of the steed, upon whose
hauuches now clung with savage tenacity half
a dozen dark forms—wild wolves of the forest
that had chased him to his doom.

Instinctiver the lonely horseman forgot his
sorrows, and spurring forward, dashed upon
the scene, while rapidly, with ringing crack af-
ter crack, his revolver flashed forth, startling
again the silenCeoi land and river.

Driven from their prey, the ravenous wolves
darted away to seek covert iu the forest, while
the horseman dismounting rushed forward to
receive in his arms the fainting form of a young
girl of scarcely eighteen.

The form was slight but graceful, the face
pale but beautiful, and with admiration undis—
guised the horseman gazed upon the lovely fea-
tures, and tenderly placed the maiden by the
roadside, while he hastened to the river and
filled his hat with water.

A short while, and the beautiful eyes were
opened, a sigh parted the ruby lips, and con-
sciousness returned.

“Ah! wheream I! I have had such a terri-
ble dream l”

“ Lad , it liked not to have been a dream, but
a fearfu reality; but you are safe now, and I
would see you home, if you will allow me,”
kindly said the horseman.

An instant the maiden gazed into the sad,
hal‘iidsome face of the man before her, and then
sai :

“ I remember now; I was returning home,
when I was chased by wolves, and you saved me
from a fearful death.”

“I was so fortunate; but it is late now. and
we had better hasten. Though I once lived
pear’here, I do not recognize in yours a. familiar

ace.

“ No, sir: my father has lately 1pgrchased the
Riverdale plantation; I am Miss ginald."

“Indeed! I have often heard your beauty
spoken of—pardou me—my mother has written
me of the purchaso of the Riverdale plantation,
and of your father, your brother and yourself,
Miss Reginald.”

“1 belieVed I had met all of the neighboring
gentry, sir, but in you I fail to recognize an ac-
quaintance, though, after this night, you shall
ever have a warm place in my heart as a friend;
can I ask your name, air?”

The face of the young horseman flushed crim-
son in the moouli ht, then turned deadly pale,
as he remarked, after a moment’s hesitation:

‘ Miss Reginald, my name will bring to you
no pleasant memories. for well I know that it is
bandied about with'crime and dishonor. Suffice
it, then. to kindly remember one who has saved
your life, no longer than the present moment,
for Q is unworthy of a longer remembrance.”

e maiden glanced with surprise into the
handsome face of the man before her, and as if
itying him unknowingly she drew nearer, and
ying her hand gently upon his arm, replied
tenderly:

“One who has saved my life, sir, shall ever
hold a dear place in my heart; but surely you
can never have been guilty of crime.”

“ Miss Reginald, I have grievoust sinned

 

against God and man; but tarry not longer here,
or your friends will be anxious regarding you.”

Instantly turning away, the horseman led the
animal ridden by the young girl forward, and
placed her in the saddle, soothiu the still
frightened, but slightly injured stee with his
deep and quiet voice. Mounting his own horse
then, the two rode off at a quick pace, until
they came to a large atewayuthe entrance to
the Riverdale plantation home.

Here they drew rein, and the horseman said,
sadly: “Miss Reginald, here I will bid you
adieu. For fear you will think kindly of one
who does not deserve it, I will tell you that I
am Ernest Maltravers.”

Without another word the horseman turned
away, leaving the surprised maiden still gazing
after him, while she murmured:

“Ernest Maltraversi can it be he whose wild
and reckless life has broken his mother’s heart,
and only a few short weeks ago took the life of
his cousin? Surely his face is not- the index toa
guilt soul.

“ ell, be he crimestained and Cain-accursed,
he has saved my life, and shall ever be remem-
bered with kindness.”

Thus saying, Ruth Reginald rode on, and a
few minutes more brought her to the door of
her lordly home, where she was welcomed by
her father and mother, who, in dismay, heard
the story of her narrow escape, and the name
of the man who had been her preserver.

CHAPTER II.
BRANDED WITH calms.

ERNEST Mamnavnas was the only child of a
widowed mother, who at the death of her hus-
band, had been left a plantation home upon the
banks of the Mississippi river, and sufficient
wealth to live in luxury.

Proud of her handsome boy, Mrs. Maltravers
had humored his every whim, until he grew up,
a wild and reckless youth, unrestrained by fear
of man or law.

0! a generous nature, Mrs. Maltravers had,
when Ernest was in his sixteenth year, adopted
her nephew, the son of a brother of her hus-
band, and at once between the two cousins,,Er~
nest and Howard, had sprung up a warm, broth—
erly attachment, for, in spite of his wild life,
the young planter had a noble heart, and had
urged his mother to send for his cousin as soon
as he heard he was left alone and penniless in
the world, by the loss of his parents at sea.

At the age of eighteen, Ernest Maltravers and
Howard were sent to college in a northern State,
and from their crossing the threshold of the
classic hall, the two youths became rivals in
their studies and in a l the athletic sports; still
their friendly relations continued, until across
their lives passed another and deeper shadow of
rivalry, for Howard loved a young girl, who in
turn did not love him. but bestowed her affec-
tions upon Ernest, for she was aselflsh woman
of the world, young as she was, and soon knew
the heir of the Maltravers estate from the dea
pendent upon an aunt’s bounty.

Whether Ernest returned the-love of the mai-
den, or delighted in her society merel for the ,
enjoyment of a flirtation, none of his fall we 1
students knew; but, at any rate, Howard

 

  

The Border Robin Hood.

l

 

.—

came jealous of his cousin for awhile; and then
changing his manner once more, was as friend-
ly as evar toward him.

Thus time went on until one pleasant after-
noon the two cousins went forth fora. walk in
the forest, rind from this walk only Ernest ever
returned alive to tell the horrible story of how
he and Howard commenced an altercation,
which grew more hitter until it ended in achal-
lenge from his cousin, which, in the heat of an-
ger he accepted.

Without seconds the two cousins fought, fac-
ing each other at twenty paces, and at a word
drawing and firing with their revolvers, which
they had with them.

Both were splendid marksmen, and when Ern-
est had received a severe wound in the arm, he
had in turn shot Howard through the heart.

Such was the story of Ernest Maltravers upon
returning, faint and bleeding, to the college,
and the finding of Howard’s body, the revolver
still clutched in his hand, the two empty cham—
bers, and the whole appearance of the scene,
corroborating the statement of the surviving
cousin.

Still he was looked upon by the public as a
murderer, and that night slept in n felon‘s cell.

Days passed away ere Ernest Maltravers was
brought to trial, and the end of it was that the
jury of his peers cleared him; for no other evi-
dence could be found against him than what he
had himself made known.

From the prison walls Erna-st Maltravers
came forth a changed man. Nol’mger did be
goin his gay companions in the midnight revel,

or he seemed like a stranger in a strange land,
as not one kind word had come to him from
hour, from his mother, whom he so fondly
loved, and whose teachings he had so disregards
ed; for Ernest had indeed led a. fast and willful
life at college. and only his attention to his
studies, and extreme politeness to his teachers,
had prevented him from being sent in disgrace
from the halls of the nniversity.

Turning his back upon his prison, after his re-
lease,Ernest slowly wended his way toward the
depot. and are long was flyingsouth ward toward
his boy hoqd’s home.

Arriving at New Orleans, he went to the hotel,
and met there. with a degree of pleasure he
could not dis uise, one who had known him
from boyhoo , and who had ever been his
friend, the overseer of his mother’s plantation.

“ Well, Ernest, I am really glad to see you:
and what a fine man you have grown to be,”
said the kind-heirted overseer, warmly grasping
the hand of the young man.

“Yes. Mr. Morton, I am no longer a boy;
would to God I was—hut what of my mother,
for since my—my—tho death of Howard, 1 have
not heard one line from home."

“And no wonder, Ernest. for its doors are
barred against you, for you see Howard Mil-
travers was continually writing home and to
the neigbors. telling them of your mad dissipa-
tions, until the whole community were down on

on, and it only needed the sad climax vh'ir, fol-

o,wed to make them believe you a perfect fl uni."

.“ What do you say, Mr. Morton, that Ho ward.
Melrt'mvers wrote unkind reports home about
me '

\

 

” Continually he was writing about your fast
company, gambling. and dissipations, in spite of
his professed urgent entreaties to you to leave
011' your evil life.”

“Strange, most strange. I now remember
the coldness that slowly crept into my mother’s
letters. and at how kindly she wrote to Hew-
ard. Still believed him my best friend. until
that {o’tal day. He was indeed a snake in the
grass 1'

“Just what he was, Ernest, I tell you. for.
you see, when his body and papers came home—”

“Was Howard Maltravers brought home?”
asked Ernest, in a tone of angry surprise.

“Certainly; your mother sent on for the body,
and it was me that got hold of his papers; and,
Loxdl how I cursed him when I read how he
bud been in secret plotting against you."

“ What could have been his object, Morton?”

“ The Maltravers estate is a rich one, my
boy. and—”

“Yes, I see all now—I see all; he lies in his
grave in honor, and I live in dishonor. But,
Mr. Morton, when did you leave the planta-
tionl"

“Some weeks ago, Ernest; for, you see, your
mother and myself had a few words about How-
nrd, who, I was sorry to see, had turned her
against you, and I gathered together my traps,
and here I am—a gentleman of leisure, and one
to at. ’

“Mr. Morton, you must not suffer for this.
and believe me, all will come right. Now I
must get me a horse, and at daylight in the
morning I will leave for home."

Thus the two friends parted, and with hitter-
ness in his heart Ernest Multravers set forth
the following morning tovisit once more the
home of his boyhood.

Tue reader has seen haw sadly he was disapc
pointed in his welcome, for, ere he reached his
plant ition, he came full upon the funeral cortegs
of his mother, borne to an untimely grave,
where, he felt, misrepresentation and calumny
ugninst her son had placed her.

True, he had been wild and wayward and
foolishly extravagant, but his conscience ac-
quitted him of the damning crimes laid at his
door by one whom he had loved as a brother,
whose home had been his home and whose purse
had been his purse.

“ Yes.” he cried. as he rode on homeward, af-
ter leaving Ruth Reginald at the gateway lead-
ing til the Riverdale mansion, “yes, be poisoned
the heart of my mother against me; yes, I see
all new; and when he fell by my hand, it was
looked upon as the crowning act of crime in my
wretched life. Oh, my poor, dead mother,

whose heart was broken by the reported infamy
of your son! It you but knew my heart was
true, you would look d0wn from your throne on
high and forgive and bless your boy!" ,

Crushing back a groan of mortal agony, the

lonely man rode on in silence for a. few mo- '

merits, and then continued half—aloud:

“Oh. how have I been deceived in one I loved
as a brother! Hal yonder looms up the church
before me, and its shadow falls upon my me-
ther’s grave, and his!” .

. Turning his horse info the river highway, for
in going to the Riverdale plantation, he had

  

 

   
  

l

in

i
‘U

‘

     

 

The Border Robin Hood. V 3

 

ridden back a mile into the country, Ernest
rode u tothe low fence surrounding the cuurch,
and, ismounting, advanced toward the spot
where slept the bones of the Maltraverses far
three generations.

Soon, with uncovered head. he knelt upon the
damp, fresh earth, beside his mother’s grave.
and the moonlight gleaming full upon him, shovs -
ed his face was white and stem.

Long he knelt there, with head bowed in si-
lence, and then, rising, glanced furtively npona
glittering marble shaft a few yards distant.

Slew] he approached it, as if with dread,
and wh le his face grew hard and bitter once
more, read the inscription: ~

“ Sacred to the Memory
OF
HOWARD MALTRAVERS,

Aged 22 yrars.
Died, May lst, 18—.
“ Erected by his Adopted Mother."

“ Great God! here lies beneath this marble
tomb one whose life was a. lie, and yet who is
remembered in honor; and I, by whose hand he
fell, am Cain-accursed and condemned in the
eyes of those who were my friends, for Morton
told me how I was hated by all, and even at my
mother’s grave I found not one hand to press
mine in kindly empathy. .--’

“ Yes, here lies the martyr, and I am the our-
cast. Ah, moi clouds surround me upon all
sides, and the sunshine of my life has gone from
me

Sadly Ernest Maltravers turned from the
aves of his mother and the one whose life be
ad taken, and, as if urged on by cruel memories,
be bounded into his saddle, drove the spurs deep
into his tired horse, and dashed adown the moon-
lit road at a rapid pace.

Aride of two miles brought him to a large
gateway leading into a dense forest, through
which glimmered a distant light, and toward
this he directed his way, and soon drew up be-
fore a rambling and spacious mansion.

.It was his boyhood’s home. the birthplace of
hundred generations before him; but no longer,
asof yore, did lights blaze from the windows
and doors, for the shadow of death was over
all, and desolation, quietude and gloom reigned
supreme.

A loud bail, and from the servants’ wing cf
the mansion came forth a. dark form and darker
face, which Ernest appeared to recognize, for
he called out:

“ Well, Toby, this is a. sad welcome to give the
lord and master of Woodlawr."

“By de providence of de Lord, if it hain’t
Marse Ernest! Bless your soul, chile, I knows
flat voice in de darkest night! How is you,
Marse Ernest? and l's so glad to see you home
onc’t more, kaae de ole place ain’t no place with-
out you. Here, ole woman. gals. boys, git out
of dat kitchen an' come welcome de boss!”

The kind welcome of the old negro-servant
brought tears to the eyes of Ernest. and touched
himeto the heart, and he felt less alone in the
world, as, in obedience to the call of old Toby,

 

half a dozen of the family servants came torth
and greeted him.

A half-hour more, and the lonely master of
Woodlawn had partaken of a light reput, and
in the solitude of his room was pacing to and
fro, his bosom filled with conflicting emotions.
and his brain a whirl of bitter thoughts, for
Woodlawn seemed no longer the home of “ auld
lang syne” to him, for the faces and forms he
had loved there, in years gone by, s'ept their
last sleep in the churchyard on the river’s bank.

CHAPTER lll.
ERNEST MALTRAVERS'S CONFESSION.

FOR days after his return home Ernest Mal-
travers never left the plantation limits, except
to visit each evening at sundown the grave of
his mother. ‘

Many of the neighbors were wont to see him
there as they passed by, but they set down his
visits to remorse of conscience, and stories of
his fast life at college heingthoroughl believed,
and his killing of his cousin, cause them to
turn the cold shoulder to him. and those who
had known him from boyhood were wont to
pass him by without a look of recognition.

But though their conduct toward him at first
cut Ernest to the heart, he soon became‘indifler-
cut, and then daily became more stern and hard
in his nature.

Twice hrd Judge Reginald and his son Ralph
called at Woodlnwn to see the lonely heir and
thank him for the service rendered in saving
Ruth from a terrible death, but each time Er—
nest had declined to see them, and thus he had
never met the father and brother of the maiden
whom he had never ceased to remember since
the eventful night of his return home.

As to his future course Ernest had not decided,
for old Toby had informed him that it was ru-

 

mored in the neighborhood that his mother had » ‘

disinherited her only child, and left her entire
property to charity; but of this Ernest was not
assured, us the family lawyer had been called to
a distant State to be absent several months, and
until his return nothing would be known re-
garding the will.

“ Surely, my good mother ceuld not have
been so imbittered against me, Tohy, as to take
from me my rightful inheritance,” said Ernest,

sadl .

“ fiunno, Marse Ernest; ole mistis mi hty set
ag’in’ you when Marse Howard write to eryou
have your fast horses. and live wid a lady who
wasn‘t your wife nohow; and he says, too, dat
you bah rounds, and was throwin’ money away
at cards.”

‘ Howard! Howard! how I was deceived in
you! Well, time makes all things even, and I
will face the worst with a bold front. Toby,
bring my Saddle-horse to the door.” ~

A few moments after, Ernest Main-avers was
dashing along the river road leading to the
churchyard when suddenly he came full upon a
stylish phaeron, which he was passing without
a look at its occupants. and a sweet voice cried:

“ Mr. Mulfravers—oh! Mr. Maltravers.”

The first thouzht of Ernest was to dash by
with; how. but checking his determination he
drew rein alongside of the carriage. which ad
come to a. bait, and raising his hat, bent low be-

\

 

 

 

i,
,.
i
:

 

 

6’ The Border Robin Hood.

 

fore Ruth Reginald, whose lovely face bore a
joyous smile at again meeting him.

“ Mr. Msltravers, I am delighted to again
meet you, to thank you for my life. and to pre-
sent to you my father and brother.”

As Ruth spoke, she extended her tiny gloved
hand, which Ernest grasped as he glanced down
into her lustrous eyes, and then turned his look

. upon Judge Reginald—a stately, fine-looking

gentleman of fifty—and Ralph, a handsome,
you? man of twen ty-five.

“ iss Re inald, the pleasantest memory in
my lonely ii 8 is that I was the humble instru-
ment to save you from harm,” replied Ernest,
and then turning toward the gentlemen he con-
tinued:

“Judge Reginald, I must ask you to pardon
my seeming rudeness in declining to see your—
sef and son, when you called at Woodlawn;
but, to speak plainly, I am' ostracised in this
neighborhood, and cared not to place you under
the embarrassment of meeting one Who was re-
garded with the aversion in which I am held in
the community.”

Ernest Maltravers spoke in a stern and bitter
tone, and his words brought tears to Ruth’s

‘ eyes, while both her father and brother were

touched by his utter loneliness, and gazing into
his handsome, noble face. felt that perha 5 he
had been condemned unjustly by the war] .

“ Mr. Maltravers, with your past life we have
nothing to do; but with the present everything,
for upon our happy home to—day would rest a
gloomy shadow never to pass away, had not
your courage saved my daughter from a death
too terrible to dwell upon. Riverdale p‘anta-
tion you know, and there you shall ever he a
Welcome guest, even though the world bar its
doors ainst you.

“ il you return with us to tea? Come,I
ask it in good faith."

Ernest hesitated an instant, and then caught
the eveof Ruth Reginald, who softly said:

“You will not refuse, Mr. Main-avers?”

It was a beacon of hope held forth to thelone—
ly man, and like a ray of sunshine breaking
through the clouds, he could not but turn his
gaze wistfullly toward it, struggle an instant
within himse f, and acce t.

From that day Ernest ultravers loved. with
an idolatrous worship, Ruth Reginald, and
though he knew she was the promised _wife of
another, he still clung to his affection With ten-
fold tenacity.

And Ruth?

Before the had met Ernest Maltravers, she had
believed she had loved a. young army ofl'lcer,
then stationed at Baton Rouge, for he was hand-
some, of fine form, fascinating manners, and a

. dashing cavalry captain, who turned the heads

and won the hearts of nearly all the girls he
met.

Besides, Ca tain Percy Le Boy was a man of
wealth, and t e descendant of one of the oldest
families in America, a boon companion of Ralph

Reginald, and a favorite with the judge, and V

his course ol‘ true love had glided smoothly
along until Ernest Mnltravers crossed the path
of his betrothed, Ruth Reginald.

Two month more, and the beautiful maiden.

would have been bound for lilo in the matrimo-

l .

«-

 

nial chains cast around her by Percy Le Roy:
but then a change came over Ruth’s dream of
love. for the dark and fascinating face of Ernest
Maltravers looked down upon her, and, coupled
with the fact of having saved her from an awful
doom, and the romance that surrounded his life,
not to speak of his bein an exile in his native
place, all together cans the girl to turn most
kindly toward him, and their every meeting but
served to weld more firmly the chains that were
encircling her.

Ere Ernest had visited the Riverdale planta-
tion three times Ruth well knew that he loved
her, and finding that her own heart was going
forth to him and forgetting its loyalty to the
man to whom she was engaged, she brought to
mind all that had been said against Ernest, of
his cruel affair with his cousin, of his wild life,
and between her and her awakening love arose
a strong barrier.

Whether Ruth, under ordinary circumstances,
would not have conquered ‘her growing attach,
ment, cannot be said; but an unlocked-for
meeting with Ernest brought toher mind only
that which was good in his nature, and almost
without an effort to do so, she felt she could not
resist loving him.

Unmindful of the lesson taught her by her
near escape from death, by remaining out late
without an escort, Ruth was returning one plea-
sant evening from visiting a neighboring planta-
tion, and her way led by the churchyard. '

It was just after dark, and a full moon loom-
ing up above the eastern horizon cast a flood of
silvery light around, and caused the monuments
of the (lead to look so weird-like in their solemn
silence that Ruth urged her horse forward with
the intention of dashing rapidly by the lonely
spot for a feeling of superstitious fear crept over

er.

Only a few boundshad her horse taken. when
she beheld, patiently awaiting his master, the
steed of Ernest Maltravers. ‘

One glance across the glimmering tombs, and
the tal form of the master was Visible, stand-
ing beside the grave of his mother, over which
his filial love had, a few days before, erected
a marble shaft that glittered snow—white in the
moonlight.

Acting upon the impulse of the moment, Ruth
checked her horse suddenly, sprung to the
ground, and hitching the anima , entered the
churchyard with a flrm'step.

As she advanced, however. her courage some-
what failed her, and nervously she glanced
around u on the earthly homes of those who
slumber in the city of the dead.

Timidlv she advanced toward the tall form of
Ernest Mnltravers, who stood with folded arms
and uncovered head, sadly and silently gazing
downward.

A light touch upon his arm caused him to
start suddenly, and his hund,to seek his bosom
as though for a weapon; but, taming uickly,
he with surprise beheld the maiden besi e him.

“ Miss Reginald! you here!"

“Yes, Mr. Maltravers, I was passing,saw on
standing here, and sought you: have I one
wrong to thus intrude upon your grief l”

“ Miss Reginald, in thought you are ever pre-
sent with me; but listen, now that you are here

 



 

w...“ _.,~c.—n‘...,. . «

..{—

 2k“. "—-“‘“'\‘ “V a“-

The Border Robin Hood. j, 7

 

standing beside the grave of my mother, and
facing the tomb of the man whom my hand
placed beneath the sod, let me tell you the true
story of the slander cast upon me by my ene-
nines.

“ Here in this sacred t I would not swaar
falsely, and here I woul tell you that I am not
as black as I am painted, though What others
may think I care not. Will you listen, Miss

inald?"

“ I will hear all you have to say,” quietly re-
sponded Ruth. ,

A silence of a moment followed, and then
Ernest Maltravers said:

"You are aware, Miss Reginald. that ears
ago In mother adopted my cousin Howar , and
broug t him to Woodiawn to live; but you do
not know it was at my wish, for I felt for the
lonely orphan boy, and longed to have him for
a brother.

“Through the years that followed I loved
Howard as though he were really my brother.
and I believed that he loved me.

“ Together we left for college, and then a plea-
sant rivalry sprung up in our games, studies
and the pastimes of youth, until between us
passed the first shadow, when a young girl he-
came the object of Howard's idolatry.

“Strange to say, she seemed to prefer me,
and often I would tease Howard by devoting
myself to her, although I cared little for her,
and was surprised that my cousin did not see
her selfish nature.

“Thus matters progressed until one day an
nnon mous letter came to me, giving me the
start ing news that a lot existed between
Howard Maltravers and t e woman in question,
to get possession of my property.

“ I laughed the idea to scorn, until, upon go-
ing to the city for a few days, I received a
letter, addressed in Howard‘s well—known
he . d

‘ n o sing it. ima 'nem error in is-
ooveri‘r’i; the; he had mag; a mistake in inclos—
ing the letters in the envelopes, sending me the
one intended for his lady-love, and doubtless for-
warding mine to her.

“ Honor forbade my reading it; but, startled
by the first line 1 continued on and discovered,
alas, that a deep plot indeed was laid to entrap
me, for the beautiful fiend who called herself a
woman, was to entice me into a marriage with
her, either by fair or foul means, and then, be-
tween the two guilty lovers, I was to be dis-
posed of, and my sinful wife was to marry my
cousin."

“This is terrible, Mr. Maltravers,” said the
surprised Ruth.

“ Well may you say so, Miss Reginald. for it
was a most diabolical lot entered into by two
who certainly loved eac other. but with a love
that was ilt itself, and which was to be con-

summated y dishonor and deadly crime.

“Words cannot portray to on, Miss Ragi-
nald, the agony I felt at this :1 soovery; I was
completely stunned for awhile. but at length
felt a longing for revenge; and I at once sou ht
the home of the maiden, who resided in the city
where I then was.

“She received me mad: kindly, but when I
abruptly handed her the letter, her face turned

 

deaddly pale, and her guilt was assured in my
min .

“ Without a word I left her, and, returning
to college, sought an interview with my cousin,
and together we walked into the forest, and I
hurled into his face his treachery.

“ Surprised at m discovery,driven todespera-
tion at hisshamefu position, and hating me )nhia
heart, he drew his revolver; but I struck it from
hishand and covered him with my own weapon,
while I told him I would not take his life with-
out giving him a chance, but let him meet me
upon even terms.

“Be accepted; we chose our positions, and I
turned to walk to my stand, when sudden] a
deafening report rung in my ears, and I fe I: a
stinging sensation in my arm.

“Quickly I turned. and again he fired upon
me in a cowardly manner, when I raised my re-
volver and shot him throu h the heart.

“You lmow of my tria , Miss Reginald, and
what foll0wed, and my return home the very
evening that my mother was buried. But you
do not know that it was Howard Maltravers
who poisoned my mother’s heart against rre,
her son, and who wrote many slandering letters
to the neighbors regarding my course at college.
The letters written to my mother i found in her
desk at home, and my servants and overseer-
have told me how the rumors of my fast life
went around the nei hhorhood. That i was
wild, nay, dissipated, do not deny, Miss Regi-
nald; but. that I have ever been dishonorable I
ever is utterly false, as it is also, that in the
sight of God I am the murderer of the man
who lies buried there.

“Miss Reginald, my story is ended, and to
you I have told it, that in your pure heart I
might not be considered the guilty wretch‘ that
men call me.”

Ernest Maltra vers paused. and folded his arms
across his broad breast, while he turned his
dark, searching eves upon the maiden, who
stood with bowed head before him.

Presently the haughty head was raised, the
wealth of golden curls shaken back, and the
beautiful free turned upon the man before her,
while tear-drops glistened in her eyes like dia-
monds in the moonlight. ~

Layingv her hand upon the arm of Ernest Mal-
travers, Ruth said in a voice tremulous with
feeling:

“My poor. poor friend! h0w you have suf-
fered. Would that I could take from you the
fearful weight of sorrow you bearso heavil ."

The eyes of the young man flashed fire, is
form trembled, as he replied:

" Ruth, you are the promised wife of another;
s'ill, I can but tell you that i love you with all
the strength of my inmost soul. and were it pos-
sible for me to claim you as my own, every oh-
stnrle and sorrow then, with you by my side,
would vanish forever.

” But no: you love another, and forever are”
yen lost to me."

“ No, no, no! do not say that, for I do not love
other than you, Ernest Maltravers. and this
night I will sever the bonds that bind me to
Captain Le Roy,” and the maiden spoke with
earnest determination and feeling.

“Bless you, my darling; may God forever

 

  

 

" s r The Border Robin Hood.

bless you; but do nothing rash. Wait yet awhile,
and all may be well. Come, the night air is
growing chill, and I must see you home."

A moment more and the two were mounted
and slowly wending their way toward River-
dale, when the sound of hoof—strokes was heard
behind them, and the next instant, with clashing
sword and ringing spurs, an officer in full uni-
form rode up, and was passing, when he sudden-
ly drew rein, saying:

“Ruth! why, this is an unexpected pleasure,
for I was on my way to visit you, having ob-
tained a few days’ leave.” -

Ruth somewhat coldly received the outstretch-
ed hand, and replied quietly:

“ Captain Le Roy, allow me to present my
friend, Mr. Maltravers, the gentleman who
saved my life some time since,”

“Mr. Mnltravers, I am glad to meet you, that
I may thank you for saving the life of one
whose death would take all the sunshine from
my heart,” and the handsome young soldier held
forth his hand, which Ernest grasped with the
courtesy of the well—bod gentleman.

“ Ca. tain Le Roy, 1 will now transfer my
duty 0 escort to you. Miss Reginald, I bid you
goodevoning.”

Raising his hat, Ernest Maltravers wheeled
his horse and dashed away. to he soon lost from
view to the eyes of the soldier and maiden. who

. slowly continued their way toward the River-

dale plantation, Ruth’s thoughts of a most pain-

ful character, and Percy Le Roy happy at again
Vaing in the presence of the woman he so fondly
oved.

 

CHAPTER 1V.
THROUGH DEATH TO LOVE.

READER, harm you not already wondered, as
you have kindly perused the foregoing chap-
ters, what connection there was in the scenes
and incidents therein related, amid the land of
refinement and civilization, and a story of wild,
western life, where the crack of the rifle. the
war-whoop of the Indian, and the yelp of the
coyote are the only sounds that break the silence
of majestic nature?

But have patience, kind friend, who thus far
hast followed me in my story of romantic real-
ities of life on the frontier. In the succeeding
cha ter the scene will change from the land of
col vation, amid flowering orange groves and
ripening fields of the cotton and the cane, to
the country toward the setting sun, where the
prairies stretch forth in boundless magnificence,
their downy Verdure pressed only by the hoofs
of the buffalo, the deer, the light paw of the
wolf, the moccasined foot of the red-man or
scout, or the iron-shod hoof of the trooper’s
steed, thrust between the border settlements and

, their savage foes.

Having given my explanation for thus long
lingering afar from the scenes of stirrin strife.
where the characters of this story are estined
to plays most active part, I will now once more
beg the reader to accompany me tothe home
of Ernest MaltraVers, at a time two weeks
after his meeting with Ruth in the country
churchyard. ,

In the spacious library of Woodlawn eat Ern-

est Maltravers, one pleasant evening just after

 

twilight. The candles were lighted, and their
presence discovered two other persons in the
room, a. stern—looking man of the law, and his
clerk, a young man of twenty.

A few moments before, the lawyer and his
clerk had arrived at the mansion and requested
an interview with the young planter.

“ Mr. Maltravers,” began the man of law,
abruptly, when Ernest entered the room, “I re-
gret that my continued absence from the State
has prevented me from making known to you
the disposition your late honored mother made
of her property in her will.”

“ There was no hurry, Mr. Weston, for I had
ample means of my own to keep the place run-
ning on smoothly; but now that you have re—
turned, it will give me pleasure to hear all you
have to tell."

“ Not so much pleasure as you may think, air,
for your share is a ver small one.”

“ What mean you, r. Weston?”

“ Simply that your mother disinherited you
for your base ingratitude to her—”

“ Hold, sir! dare to say that, in thought, word,
or act, I was error ungrateful to my mother, and
I’ll still your, false tongue forever!" and Erne=t
Maltravers sprung to his feet, his face pale with

nger.

“I will make no assertions of my own, Mr.
Maltravers, for we all know you care little for
human life: but I merely state the words of our
much-revercd mother, who, in her last wil and
testament, duly signed and witnessed, did de-
vote her entire property to charity, excepting
the slaves. who v. ere all to be set free, and given
a small allowance to start them in life.

“The plantation was to be sold, and the pro-
ceeds were to go toward building a new church
in the neighborhood—"

“ Are you aware, Mr. Weston, that this plan-
tation and its slaves had been the propert of
several generations of Maltraverses. descen ing
from father to son, according to English law,
and that my mother was a poor girl when my
father married her?” bitterly asked Ernest.

“I am aware, sir, as the lawyer of the estate,
of the fact you mention: but. I am also aware
that your mother was left full power by your
father, who could not, of course, expect the
career you would enter upon—”

“ Spare your facetious remarks, Mr. Weston.
but continue, sir, with your conversation re—
gardin the will of my late mother."

The awyer discovered in the face of Ernest
no mood for trifling, and resumed:

“Over a certain property in New Orleans. left
you by a distant relativo. your mother had, of
course, no control, together with afew thousand
dollars cash she held of yours, as rents of the
said property, and which amount of money I
have here to turn over to you.”

“ Other than this, you have no claim upon
Woodluwn, its slaves, and the remainder of
your respected mother’s property.”

“ Mr. Weston allow me to state, did I see
proper I would contest the will that disinherits
me, and I believe I could regain in property;
but the last will of my mother shal remain in~
violate, and not one enny of the 'wealth she
considered her own w l I take.

“ It is not the loss of wealth, sir, that I care

    
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
   

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i

The Border Robin Hood. 3

 

for, but the sad thought that my poor, misjudg-
ing mother went to her grave at enmity with
her only son. Yet I do not reproach her; I will
not cast one unkind word or look upon her mem-
ory, but accept the situation as it is, and pray

to forgive one whom I ever loved dearer
than my own life.

“ The sum due me, sir, I will trouble you to
count out at once, for that is my own, and then
I will forever leave this hated spot— Hold, sirl
handy no words with me, for I am in no mood
to beer you.”

“ I was merely going to say that if you would
intrust in my hands the management of your
New Orleans property, I would render a strict
account, and—”

“ I will see you cursed first, sirl and, bark ye,
both of you, until to-morrow morning I will be
master of this house, where first I saw the light
of day, and‘where the darkness of an eternal
night seems now to be settling down upon my
lilo; so I bid you leave me this instant!

“ Come to-morrow and pills. e, sell, and do as
you please; but by Heaven! his night tarry
not near me, or I‘ll not be responsible, hounds
of the law that you are, for my conduct.

“ Hence. lsayl at once!"

A ma iflcent impersonation of anger looked
Ernest altravers, as he stood roudly erect in
the library, his brow dark, his 1 ps stern, and his

"’ ri ht arm pointing toward the door, while his
w

theriog gaze fell fiercely upon the lawyer and
his clerk?

Both felt that theirlives were in danger if
they tarrled longer, and quickly depositing the
bags of gold upon the table, they beat a hasty
an nndignifled retreat, and the rattle of their
carriage-wheels was soon heard going down the
avenue on its way back to town.

Through the long hours of that lonely night,
Ernest altravers paced his weary heat to and
fro, until the gray glimmer of dawn aroused him
to exertion, and he set about his preparations
for his departure.

Shortly after sunrise he bade farewell tohis
servants. and bidding Toby bring his baggage
into the town and leave it at the hotel, he mount-
ed bis mare and rode away, taking the road
leading to Riverdale.

Dismounting lkfore the handsome residence
of Judge Reginald, he threw his bridle—rein to a
negro servant in waitin , and ascending the
broad stairway. was met y Ruth, who started
back on beholdin his cold, stern face. _

What passed tween the two lovers none
knew. but an hour after Ernest Maltravers rode
away from Riverdale, his face no longer cloud-

Arriving at the hotel in the town, distant ten
miles from Woodlawn, he met face to face with
Ca tain Le Rn .

ith a slig is how he would have avoided
him. when the young officer advanced and said:

“ Can I see you in private, Mr. Maltraversi”

“Certalnl ; come with me to my room.”

Leading t e way, the two were soon alone;
and in a voice trembling :witb emotion, Cap-
tain Le Roy said:

“Mr. Maltravers, I sought you to say that,
in your conduct with Miss Reginald, you have
fully sustained the character that all give you.”

 

“I do not understand you, Captain Le Roy;
be more explicit,” quietly responded Ernest.

“ I will, sir' you were so fortunate as to save
the life of Miss Re inald, and knowing how
kindly she felt tower you, although you knew
she was my promised wife, you sought her of
fections, won them, and this day she has cost
me OH.” _

’ ‘; From whom do you get this information,
sir ’

“ Mr. Maltravers, I beg you not to trifle with
me, for I am a desperate man, rendered so by
losing the idol of my life.

“ An hour ago I saw Ralph Reginald, and in
a. conversation with him last night, Ruth told
him that I was to be discarded, and that she
loved you.

“In fury at having his old companion thus
set adrift by his sister, and believing you had
taken advantage of your service rendered her
to win her from me, and determined she should
not marry a man whose name was Cain accurs~
ed, and whose evil deeds were upon every
tongue, Ralph Reginald left her to seek you at
your home, after he had visited afriend who
was lying ill at a plantation near b .

“ Determined that Ralph Regina d should not
fall a victim to your deadly aim, it was my in—
tention to at once find you, and dare on to
meet me in the duello, for without Ruth have
nothing to live for, and if I fail, it will but save
the life of her brother.”

At another time Ernest Maltravers might
have acted diflerently: but, smarting under his
misfortunes, and feeling that the whole world
was against him, be merged intoa. dangerous
mood, and replied, sueeringiy:

“ Captain Le Roy, I am at your service when-
ever you desire, and am willing to meet youlste
this afternoon at the point of land in front of
the Woodlawn estate. As I have no seconds,
sir, you had better come alone, and swords be-
ing inconvenient weapons to carry, perhaps our
pistols will serve us as well.” -

“As you please, sir; I will be there," and
Percy Le Roy turned and left the room.

Upon the some day, when the sun was low in
the western horizon, Ernest Maltravers drew
his horse up at the appointed rendezvous, and
{Pond Captain Le Roy already there awaiting

m.

The two men saluted each other coldly, and
having measured off thirl y paces, took their po—
sitions back to hack to walk, each one fifteen
steps, and wheel and advance firin .

Both were nerved to the etrugg e for life or
death, Ernest determired to‘ live for his new—
found love, and Percy Le Roy anxious, by tab
ing the life of his enemy, to save Ralph Regi—
nald. who he knew would challenge the young
planter, and also there was a lingering hope
that Ruth might then return to her first ove.

At a given word the young men ate
away, counting aloud each step, until toge r
they called out the number fifteen, and wheel~
ing, Captain Le Roy fired once, twice,
advancing with each shot.

But Ernest Maltravers stood still cool, de-
termined and unhurt, until his foe had, discharg~
ed his fifth shot and advanced half the distance
between them. I

 

 

10 The Border Robin Hood.

Then he quickly raised his weapon. a flash
and re ort followed, and, with a stifled cry,
Percy 9 Roy fell forward upon his face, the
blood Spurting from a. wound in his left side.

Ere Ernest Maltravers could reach the
wounded man, the rapid clatter of hoofs re—
aounded through the forest. and the nextinstant
up dashed Ralph Reginald, his face flushed and
manner excited.

At a glance he took in the situation—his friend
lying bleeding upon the ground, and his de-
strover standing near, pistol in hand.

With a cry of rage he spurred forward, at
the same time drawing a. revolver from his belt.

-“ Back, sir: back. I sayl Would you ride to
your death, Ralph Reginald i" cried Ernest Mal-
travers, in anger.

But, unheeding, Ralph spurred on, and then
came a sharp crack, and the steed ridden by the
young man fell dead in his tracks, hurling his
rider to the ground.

Instantly springing to his feet, Ralph again
rushed forward. firing as he came on, until
again Ernest Maltravers’s deep tones warned
him off.

But, nnheeding, Ralph still came on, and in
an earnest voice came the words:

“ Good God forgive me for this act!"

Instant] the sharp ring of a revolver was
heard, an Ralph Reginald fell dead, a bullet
through his brain.

“ Accnrsed indeed is my life now: but I must
not tarry here. and after going so far I will not
give her up; yet she must never know; no, no,
no. never!”

Springing into his saddle, Ernest Maltravers
rode away from the fatal spot with the speed of
the wind, and in half an hour dashed up to the
door of the Riverdule mansion.

An hour passed. and in the stilly night two
forms came forth from the house, and mounting
the one horse, rode swiftly away toward the
river-bank, where was a landing, toward which
a steamer wasthen approaching.

few moments more of anxious we use,
and Ernest Maltravers and Ruth Regina d had
left behind them the quiet plantation homes
upon the Mississippi. and were embarked, for
good or evil, upon the broad face of the earth,
never more together to wander again amid
the scenes where both had known so much of
pleasure and of pain.

' CHAPTER V.
THE PRAIRIE Bovnn's BRAVE DEED.

NIGHT u on the boundless prairie! its silence
and solitu e alone broken by a horse and rider,
slowly wending their way over the unbroken

lain.

p Darkness upon all around, but a darkness
slowly becoming of a grn ish hue before the
near approach of dawn, w ich already bright-
ens up the eastern skies.

Alone in the vast solitude and silence. alone
with nature and nature‘s God, the horseman. us
if impressed with the scene and its calm influ—
ence, slowly rides along, his gaze. fixed upon
the eastern skies. growing brighter and brighter
as the moments pass on.

As the rosy tint of morn brightened up the
expanleless plains, the face and for. of horse

 

;

 

and rider became visible: a, large black mustan

of great beauty. and with every indication 0
wonderful speed and endurance, while his rider
stood fully six feet in hight, with a yielding,
graceful form. denoting strength and activity,
and a handsome, daring face, that would Win
confidence, and was indicative of a determined
will, a bold spirit and a generous heart.

Searcer more than thirty years of age in
appearance, there were yet ines about the
firm mouth and around the corners of the e es,
with here and there silver threads in his ark
hair, which proved that he was either older
than he looked, or had seen much sorrow and
trouble.

He was attired in a full suit of dressed buck-
skin, ornamented with head and quill—work, and
wore a belt containing three silver-mounted
revolvers, and a long, keen knife, in a leather
sheath.

At his back was slung a short seven-shooting
rifle of late invention, and at his saddle-bow
hung a keen little ax and a horse-hair lariat.

Upon his head he wore a broad sombrero. en-
circled by a cord of gold, and his feet were in-
cased in cavalry boots, the heels being armed
with massive gold spurs.

He was one of those wandering men of the
Western plains, half hunter, half guide, a scout,
trapper, or Indian-fighter, according to circum-
stances; but one whose early life had been pass-
ed amid far different scenes. for his 1300 was
refined and bore the stamp of intellect, though
somewhat marred by the stern look resting up-
on the mouth, and which his brown mustache
failed to hide, while his hair, worn long and
iiowing, gave him, at first glance, an efleminate
oo .
As the daylight grew stronger, the horsemen
suddenly sprung to the ground. and a word to

his faithful steed caused him to sink quickly and,

quietly down in the tall prairie grass.

A glance across the prairie had occasioned
this sudden move on the part of the horseman,
and a closer glance discerned, some four miles
distant, a small cavalcade of half a dozen horse.
men, approaching at a sweepingvi'zallop.

Constant solitude causes the estern hunter
soon to learn to speak aloud when alone, as if
addressing his thoughts to himself, or his steed,
and thus it was with the horSeumn, who, after
a closer inspection of the approaching cavalcade
said aloud:

“ It is ’most too far to tell their color, but I do
not think they are Indians.”

Then as the eastern skies grew more rosy be- ,

fore the upward march of the sun, he cried:

“Bv heavens! they are Indians. and in full
pursuit of a fugitive—and the pursued is a
woman .’

" Be on the alert, old Comrade, for the enemy
is at band,” and the scout affectionately patted
the neck of his faithful steed. who. in turn, rub-
bed his nose against his master's shoulder.

Rapidly on came the pursued and pursuing,
hardly a hundred yards dividing them, and the
Indians riding close together, as though their
horses were of avera speed.

Glancinz attentive y at the bores in flight. the _

scout observed that it was a Iizht-limhed cr-iv.
evidently unused to prairie life, for steadil y the

., “its”, “an.  . _

.. Hwy”-.. .

i
<
i

 

vs

 

i
i
a

The Border Robin Hood. 11

 

linustangs of the Indians were gaining upon
rm.

The rider of the y was indeed a woman, or
rather a oung gir , scarcely more than seven-
teen, an even at that distance the scout beheld
that she had a yielding, graceful form, and a
mass of golden hair flying in the wind.

“ She has been taken from the settlements by
those red devils, and in some way has mana ed
to elude their watchfulness and to escape. ow
Comrade, it is time for us to act, for in a few
moments more they will be upon us. Up, old
fellow l”

With a bound Comrade was upon his feet. and
nimbly springing into his saddle, the scout gave
a wild and prolonged whoop, and dashed forth
to meet the flying girl.

The eflect of his sudden appearance was magi-
cal upon both the maiden and the Indians, for
the former, at once recognizing him as a pale-
face, urged her horse forward with redoubled
earnestness, while consternation seemed to seize
upon the red-skins, who immediately drew rein,
as if to hold a council of war.

The next instant the maiden dashed up to the
side of the scout, her face flushed, hair dishevel-
ed and tears glittering in her beautiful e es—
tears of joy at her escape, for, after one g ance
into the daring, handsome face of the man be-
fore her, she felt no fear.

“ Do not hesitate here, miss, but ride out of
range while I have a little skirmish with those
follows,” quietly said the scout, gazing with ad-
miration upon the {gang girl.

“ But you will in danger, sir,” she softly
returned.

“My life is always in den er, miss; but ride
on. please, for here come the evils.”

Quickly obeying, the maiden once more urged
her horse forward, and haltin at the distance
of a few hundred yards, behel the scout dash-
ing swiftly on to meet the Indian warriors,who,
five in number, seemed surprised at the daring
of the single horseman. ‘

But he gave them no time for surprise, for,
unslingiug his rifle, he suddenly drew Comrade
back upon his haunches, and once, twice, thrice,
rung forth the sho's, and two red—skins and one
mustang were the victims.

In dismay the three remaining warriors turn-
ed to fly, the dismounted one endeavoring to
catch one of the (ponies of his dead companions;
but like the win the scout bore down upon him,
and he was compelled to come to bay, at the
same time uttering a cry for aid to the two fly-
ing braves, and Venting his war-whoop of defl-
ance a inst his pale—face foe.

Quic ly the rifle of the warrior went to his
shoulder, a report followed, and throwing up his
arms, the scout reeled in his saddle, swayed

‘ violently from side to side, and then fell to the

ound, while the trusty Comrade circled around

im in a gallop. neighiug loudly as if in distress.

Instantly, ell after yell of triumph broke
from the Ind an warrior, as he dashed forward
to scalp his foe, while his yells were echoed from
his two companions. who wheeled to the right-
ahont as soon as the saw their enemy fall, and
came back with t eir onies at their speed.
With a groan of despair the maiden wheeled
her tired gray, and once more sped away in

 

wild flight, almost every hope of escape having
left her. ,

But, suddenly, she heard a shot behind her,
followed by another and another in quick suc-
cession, and wondering, she looked back to find
the scout upon his feet, and only one Indian
warrior visuble, and he clinging closely to his
swiftlyeflying pony.

Then she saw the scout bound upon the back
of Comrade, and away darted the black mustang
in pursuit, his mighty hounds quickly overhaul-
ing his smaller rival.

A few moments more and there was a circle
around the scout’s head, a dark mass was laurch-
ed quickly forward, and the steed of the Indian
tumbled violently to the ground, crushing his
rider beneath him, while over the still prairie
went forth the triumphant war-cry of the pale-

face.

“Noble old Comrade! We got away with the
whole of them, did we not?

“Five scalps in half an hour!” and so saying,
the scout dismounted. bent over, and the bleed-
ing‘scalp-lock was soon in his belt.

rom one to the other of the fallen braves he
went, and just as be attached his last war-
trophy to his string, where already hung two
score and more mementoes of desperate encoun-
ters, the maiden dashed up, her face radiant
with joy at her esrrape. ~

“ You thought 1 had gone under, miss, and so
decamped,” said the scout, politely raising his
broad sombrero.

“ Yes, sir; but are you not hurt?”

“ Not in the least; it was an old trick of mine
to catch that fellow’s companions, who were
flying like mad across the prairie.

“Now 1 am at your service to escort you
back to the settlements, for doubtless you live
there.”

“Yes, sir; I am Nina Vernon, the daughter
of the commandant of the fort.”

“ Indeed! It gives me pleasure to have served
Colonel Vernon, through his most beautiful
dau hter," and the scout again bent an admir-
ing ook upon the lovely young face. until tho
eyes of Nina Vernon lowered befere his Own,
for she read there, girl though she was. the
power her beauty had over the dashing, hand-
some man.

After a short rest and an humble meal, from
the scout’s haversack, the two set forth for the
fort, distant some forty miles, and the maiden
told her brave reserver that she lived in the
settlement with er aunt, a sister of her father,
and that it was while on her we to ihe'fort to
visit her parent, that she had so dely been met
by the Sioux warriors, who had made her a
prisioner and hurried her away.

At night they had camped, and the next
morning, just before day, when they were pre—
paring to start, she had suddenly bounded away
from them, with the determination to escape.
believin her gray horse could easily distance
their In ian ponies. _

For a while the gray had kept well ahead of
their ponies, but unaccustomed to a long run,
they soon began to overhaul him, and her re-
capture wonl have been certain, had she not
unexpectedly met the scout. ~

“ .[t was hold of the red-skins to venture thus -

 

 

12 The Border Robin Hood.

 

near the fort; but I think I understand their
motive."

“And can I ask what it was?"

“ Certainly; the";' knew you to be the daugh-
ter of the chief mi itary commander on the bor-
der, and imagined they could bring your father
to agree to their terms, ere they surrendered

on

“They would not have harmed me, then?”
“They would have slain you without mercy,
had Colonel Vernon refused their request.”
“Then to you I owe my life, for 1 know my
father too well to feel that he would allow even
his love for me to interfere with his duty; but I
am a soldier’s daughter, and would have died
without fear; though it is a horrible thought to
have to die so young. is it not. sir?”
i “ For years, Miss Vernon. I have been, I may
say. hand in hand With death, so I have not the
dread of it most persons feel. But what a joy
it will he to your father and aunt to meet you
once more.”

“ Indeed it will, for they love me dearly.”

“I do not wonder at it, for l—liut. yonder
come a party of horsemen, and until we know
whether they are friends or foes, it behooves us
to be cautious," and druWing rein, the smut
narrowly scanned a small cavalcade visible
across the prairie, some six miles distant.

After a close inspection. the scout continued

,slowl :

“ ey are some forty in number, and—hn!
they are soldiers, for the sun glitters upon their
arms.”

“ Yes. I see them now myself, and—”

“ And what, Miss Vernon?” quietly asked the

scout.

“ And I will undoubtedly have to trouble you
no longer, for they are doubtless my father’s
troopers.”

“ Would that I had never other trouble than
you can give,” said the scout, somewhat sadly;
and then he continued: “ Yes, they are n cav-
alry squadron, and ihey are following on the
Indian trail; now they see us; and listen, you
can bear the troopers cheer even at this disv

- tance." .

Rapidly riding forward. the scout and Nina
Vernon soon drew near to the soldiers, who
cheered lustily as they beheld the maiden no
longer in the power of the red-men.

At the head of the squadron rode a man of
about fifty years of age, but most youthful in
movement and appearance.

With a glad smile upon his soldierly face
Colonel Vernon pressed forward, and the next
moment affectionately saluted his daughter,
who, after bowing kindly to two young oflicers
at the head of the troou and waving her hand to
the soldiers, said quickly:

“ Father, this is the gentleman who has saved
rnv life; but I do not know his name.”

The colonel turned toward the scout, who
quietly sat on his horse, and said:

“My'friendfl owe you a debt I can never
repay, except by a lasting friendship; but you
are a stranger to me, for I cannot recall your
race."

“Yet we have met before, ColonolVernon,
but it matters not where or when; now our
path: lie in different directions, for I was on my

 

way further into the’Indiau country when I
met Miss Vernon.” ‘

The colonel gazed at the man before him with
surprise, for he saw in his face, bearing and
conversation that he was no ordinary rson,
and his reply that he was going still urther
into a hostile country, and alone. caused him
to. [Eel some suspicion regarding him; so he re—
p re :

“You certainly cannot intend pressing fur—
ther into the savage country, for 'it is even
unsafe for as small a body of troops as I have
to penetrate this far from the fort, with the
hostile tribes now going upon the war-path all
uround us."

The scout smiled slightlv and answered:

“ Those enemies, which I cannot defeat, Colo-
nel Vernon Comrade can show a clean pair of
heels to. i know this border, sir, from the
Black Hills down to the Rio Grande, and it is
to discover the intention of the red-skins that I
now enter their country.” '

“Are you a settler on the frontier, can I
ask?”

“No, sir; I am a free rover of the prairies,
With no country, no people, no home other than
the forest and the plains.” 1

“Pardon me: are you not he that is called the
Prairie Rover?” and one of the two young ofll—
cers rode forward. a handsome, dashin young
captain, who had turned the heads of alf the
border belles, and was in turn desperately in
love with Nina Vernon.

“'I am he that is called the Prairie Rover,
Calptain Raymond,” quietly relurued the scout,
an every eye was upon him, for, from the Misv
souri river to the Rocky Mountains the name
had become known, though who the scout in
reality was, whence he came, or his name, none
could tell.

But certain it was. far and wide he was
known as a deadly foe to the Indians, and
strange stories were told of how he lived alone
in a distant glen, and that his Wigwam was
fringed with the scalps of his red enemies, wh
dreaded the very mention of his name. '

“You are then the Prairie Rover?" obsently
said Colonel Vernon, looking fixedly into the
splendid face before him. while Nina, with re-
newed interest. gazed upon him.

Without replying directlyto the question, the
sc 1ut returned:

“ The Indians who stole your daughter, Colo-

nel Vernon. were picked warriors, under the r

renowned chief. Big Wolf—” ~

“ Say you sci I would give much in take
that red devil. for he has caused the whole fron—
tier a world of trouble.”

“ Here hangs his scalp, colonel, with those of
the four other braves Who kidnapped Miss Ver-
non.” modestly said the scout.

“ What! single—handed you attacked five war-
riors, cm1 of whom Wns Big Wolf, and defeated
them? You are a marvelous man, scout!"

“ Thank you, sir. Now let me urge that you
return to the fort, for hostile bands of red-skins
are about, and you do not wish an engagement
in your present company.” and the scout. glanc—
ed in the direction of Nine, and catching his
meaning, the colonel replied:

“ I will follow your advice. Again let me

,
l
i
if,
,
,

 

,mwm~_w-mq..vm« mm

The Border Robin Hood. [18

thank you for the service rendered me, and be
lieve me the fort shall ever be a home to you.
Good-h ."

Hold g out his hand as he spoke, the scout
gras ed it warmly and said:

“ he result of my discoveries you shall know,
colonel: but my word for it, the settlers should
be thoroughly on their guard, for a. stormecloud
oi Waris soon to break along the border, the
more terrible in its ferocity because renegades
will be the leaders of the red-skins.”

“Hal say you so? I had heard this hinted
before.”

“ It is true, colonel; but between the frontier
and danger there will be one protecting arm you
little dream of. Gentlemen, good-mornlng.
Miss Vernon, when next we meet, I trust you
will have recovered from the fatigues ot your
rough ride."

Without another word the scout raised his
sombrero, bent low in his saddle, and with a.
word to Comrade, sped like a bird over the
prairie, his course watched with interest by
those whom he had left behind.

 

CHAPTER VI.
run wancmun.

TEE fort, under the command of Colonel Ver-
non. was one of the most important on: nets on
the border, situated upon the northern ank of
the upper waters of the Arkansas.

The country around was most fertile, nod
adapted to cultivation and stock-raising. For
miles around the military post were scattered
the humble homes of. the bold pioneer settlers,
many of whom were from the higher walks of
life, and whom loss of fortune had driven to
seek the Far West.

As Colonel Vernon had been for long years
the commander of an outpost, he had establish-
ed for himself a cabin home, and surrounded it
with many comforts, it not luxuries, and here

, was wont to pass his leisure hours, when mi i-
, tary duty did not keep him at the fort, or fight-

ing Indians.

His sister, a maiden lady of about thirty-five,
was his housekeeper. and acted as nmother to
his Nina, for the colonel had lost his wife years
before; and it was a comfortable, cheerful
Western home, and both the aunt and niece
seemed perfectly happy especially the latter,
for she was a reigning belle upon the plaine,and
every young officer at the fort, and handsome
scout and hunter that trod the prairies, loved

her dearly, as young as she was, and longed to

have her cheer their homes with her bright
presence.

But Nina was considerable of a etiquette. and
even the handsome and dashing Captain Ram-
soy Raymond could not settle in his own mind
whether thelittle beauty really cared for him
or was playing with his affection.

Returning in safetyv to her home after her
capture by the red-:akins,Nine was welcomed

I with shouts of joy by all, and it was gratifying

for her to see that all the young settlers and
hunters WPre forming a hand to start to her
rescue, and the look of disappointment when
they saw her return in safety Without their aid,
Nina plainly detected.

 

w

Determined to be more guarded in the future,
and alarmed by the words of the Prairie
ver, Colonel Vernon at once called a council of
the settlers, and all arrangements were entered
upon for strongly guarding the settlement from
a surprise and an attack, and scouts were sent
out on duty for miles around. ‘

Slowly passed the days away until they num-
bered ten, since Nun’s rescue, and yet no sign
of hostile Indians was visible, and the settlers
began to hope that the war-cloud had blown
over, when, suddenly through the settlement
dashed a horSeman, his steed fairly flying over
the round as he sped toward the fort.

Si ently and erect he sat in his saddle, utter-
ing no word of warning, but passing on; and
from lip to lip went the words:

“That 11 an is the Prairie Rover.” .

Skimming along swiftly, the black mustang
soon drew rein at the portal of the fort, and
dashed within, when he was brought toe bait,
and his master said: -

“ I would see Colonel Vernon.”

qw_ut~“»_“,

“Enter the cabin to the right, sir," politely ‘

said the guard. And the knock upon the door
was answered by a stern:

“ Come in.” r

“ Hal my worthy friend, it is you? Welcome
back,” and the colonel warmly welcomed the
scout, whose eyes sought another portion of the

room, where sat Nina, arranging some wild\

flowers in a vase.
“Thank you, sir; I hava come as a bearer of

important tidings~Miss Vernon, mod-evening," .

and he rasped the hand which Nina extended
toward im, while a sweet smile of welcome
was upon her face.

H 
tribes n gainst us '5’”

Prairie Rover glanced tovr ard Nina, and read- -

ing his look, Colonel Vernon said:
“ Never mind Nina; she is a soldier’s dough

tor, and must listen unmoved to tales of war.“ -

“Well, sir, I will make my report at once,
for it is necessary to be on the alert. I pane»
ll‘uted, after parting with you, as far as the bills
without particular adventure, and meeting with
a friendly Indian, he led me, in disguise, into
the village of the Sioux, where a council of
fibliefs belonging to the hostile tribes was being

e d.

“ Believing me to be a renegade white, a sub-

rhiet’ of one or the lower southern tribes, I was

invited to the council-lodge, and hence had ‘

every opportunity to discover the plans of the
Indians.”
” it was a daring undertaking, scout, and one

I n m‘rejoiced to see you well out of; but, go on; i ~

you interest me greatly, and I declare, Nina
is really pale at the thought of the danger you
run.

The scout’s dark face flushed slightly, and he
continued:

“ In that council-lodge were the most famous
warriors of the hostile trites, and one mama
pale-f ace, who is the instigator and leader of the
whole move." *

“ Indeed! and he is~—"

“The men who has won the title of the Bot-1

der Robin Hood.” ,

you so. scout? is it e move’ot they

 

 

"‘ Ha! I halt suspected your answer.  It ,,

 

 

14 The Bord.- r Robin Herd.

 

would give my commission to take that man

alive,” cried Colonel Vernon. earnestly.

“And Iwould give my life if I could take
his,” stemly replied the scout, and in a tone so
bitter and deep that both Nina and her father
started, for they felt that it was no ordinar
hatred that caused Prairie Rover to spea

us.

After an instant’s hesitation the scout re-
sumed:

“It was not the first time that the Border
Robin Hood and myself had met, and it will
not be the last!

“ With my hands tied, as it were, I was com-
pelled to sit and listen to that man’s diabolical
harangues to the Indians, and hear him plot
and plan to lay the settlement in ashes, for he
seemed to be a perfect fiend in his hatred of his
own race.

“ Narrowly he watched and questioned me re—
garding the lower tribes, and though I could
see his suspicions were aroused, he had to be
satisfied, as the Indian chief who had presented
me at the council was high in authority, and
would not have his friend insulted.”

“ Strange that an Indian, knowing your true
charaflcter, should have betrayed his country-
men.

, “ Not so, sir, when I tell you that my friend
is a Comanche brave one whose life Isaved,
and who followed me from the burning prairies
of the far Southwest, and treated with kind-
ness by the Sioux, he warned them of the com-
ing attack of a hostile tribe, and for it was made
a chief. He is friendly to me. and hence to the

ale-faces, against whom he will raise no hand

n anger.

“But. to continue: the chiefs, headed by
Robin Hood. the renegade, agreed to raise the
tomahawk along the whole border, pressing for—
ward in large force toward the upper settle~
ments, and coming southward. continue their
work of ruin and bloodshed. This was the plan
of the white chief. who is to assemble his rene-
gade band at the head of the Indians, and thus
encourage them in their Work of deviltry.”

"The white hound! Oh! if Ican ever get him
in my power! But when is this move to be
made scout?"

“ Within the week, Colonel Vernon, and I
would advise that you at once throw your
heaviest force toward the upper settlements,
warn the whole line, draw in all your detached
posts. and then, if you Will trust me with a com-
mand, I will make a move toward the Indian
villages in the hills that will soon bring the red
devils back to rotect their homes.”

' “ You plan] ke a soldier, scout, and as numer-
ous as are our enemies, thus warned as we will
be along the whole line, they will find us more
than a match, even beaded as they will be by
that ,desperado, Robin Hood, and his band of
renegades; but how many men will you re-

uirel” '

“ I should like at least fifty troopers. and as
manymore of hunters, trappers, scouts and
friendly Indians, whom [can collect in the sets
tlement in half a day.”

“ This will give you a hundred men—a small
force to penetrate thus far into the Indian
country.”

 

 

 

“ We will make them think We are a thou.‘ .ml
before we are done with them,” said the scout,
in a voice that caused both Nina and her father
to lung .

“You shall hava the men, and pick them
yourself."

“ Thanks. colonel: then I will select first,
Captain Ramsey Raymond,” and the scout.
gazad furtively toward Nina to watch the effect
of his words: but that coy maiden did not even
show signs of having heard the name of the

dashing young oflicer.

“You coul not have a better man; hey,
Nina?"

“Captain Raymond is a gallant oflicer, I
grin]: have heard it said,” demurely replied

ma.

“And an ardent lover, too, is he not?" slyly
asked the colonel, with a wink at the scout.

“You should ask him. father, for I am no
judge. Shall I call the orderly?"

“ Yes—obi here is Raymond now,” and at that
instant the young captain entered, his face beam-
in with pleasure when he beheld Nina.

n a few moments Colonel Vernon had made
known to him all that the scout had said, and
with delight the young oflicer learned that he
was selected for the daring, nay, desperate duty
of penetrating the Indian country to draw of!
the attacking forces from the settlements by a
war on their own camps

“It is a mission I accept with thanks for the
honor bestowed in selecting me, Sir Scout.”

“I felt that you would be most willing. Now,
captain. I leave to you the selection of your men
and horses, for the former must be the bravest
of the brave, and the latter swift and with
powers of great endurance, and as to m portion
of the command, I will select onl t ose men
whom I know have been tried an are willing
to die, if need be.

“Remember, the undertaking is one of ter-
rible danger and hardship, for we will have to

enetrate the Indian country, many long miles
rom anv support. and our attacks will be made
against Indian villages not wholly unprotected,
and when we have succeeded in drawing the
red-skins back to defend their homes. we will
have to cut our way back through ten times our
number.”

“ I understand the risks, and accept them
with pleasure. When shall we startl' quietly
replied Ramsey Raymond.

“To-night i will start, and the fourth night
from this I will meet you and the command at
the old ruin =d outpost just at ibeedg‘e of the hill

country. You remember it, as it was there you '

fought Big Wolf and his warriors some two
years ago.”

“ I remember it well, and will meet you there
the fourth night from this. Shall I follow the
southern trail to get there, as the Indians will
doubtless be scouting on the northern one?”

“Yes, and travel only by night—from dark
to daybreak. making your trips so as to get a
motte to conceal you by day. If you see an In-
dian. let not one escape you to give warning,
and in an important mission of this kind let me
urge that the red-skins are treacherous, slippery
scamps. and you had befler take nopm'sorwrs,
as dead men tell no tales.”

’1

 

 

 

The Border Robin Hood.

1,5

 

The scout spoke sternly, and his three hearers
felt that he was in deadly earnest.

“I understand; but can I ask why you go on
ahead?”

“ I desire to see this Robin Hood and his men
start on their hellish expedition, count their
numbers, and disgieitch at once word to Colonel
Vernon, the num r of the enemy and the direc~
tion they take.”

“ Whom will you send, scouti” asked Colonel
Vernon, with surprise.

“One who has neverfieceived me, one who
has been my best friend and almost constant
mmwnion for years.

“ hen this ring is handed to you, on will
know my messenger,” and the scout he d up to
view a gold ring, fashioned after a snake, with
ruby eyes. .

Within the rig was engraven a. French motto,
which, translat , read-

“The day will come."

“Now I must go throu h the settlement, and
hunt up my men; and, lonel Vernon, as my
horse needs rest, can I claim an animal from
you for my ride?”

“My stables are at your service, scout," re—
nlied Colonel Vernon, and a short while after
Prairie Rover departed in search of his hand
for the dangerous expedition he had so darineg
determined upon.

CHAPTER VII.
ma cams nous IN ms: ms.

NIGHT had settled rudely down upon the
earth, for the heavens were black with storm-
clouds and the winds howled monrnfully
through the forests, driving great drops of rain
into the face of a horseman, as his noble steed
struggled bravely forward, ascending slowly
but surely a steep hill, heavily timbered by
giant trees.

“ On, an. my ood fellow.” said the rider. and
his, voice was t at of the Prairie Rover, while
Comrade, cheered by the voice of his master,
pressed on with renewed vigor.

“ A short mile further, old Comrade, and we
will be safe from the storm, and a dry shelter
and good feed await you,” and still further en-
ctouraged, the good steed struggled against the
s orm.

A few moments more, and beneath an over-
hanging cliif the scout suddenly turned into a.
narrow canyon. or gorge, down which a torrent
of water rushed nearly knee-deep.

Though the night was fenrfully dark, Com--
rode seemed to fully understand his course. and
after a tramp of a quarter of a mile. entered the
yawning mouth of a large cavern in the face of
the cliff on the right. .

Here the scout dismounted, and leading Com-
rade with one hand. while with the other he
felt the side of the cavern well, he walked slow-
ly forward until he came out into an open space
surrounded upon all sides by steep tree-clad
hills, in: sible of ascent.

A shr ll whistle, and slight suddenly glim-
mered before him, at the distance of fifty yards,
and the form of a man was Visible in the open
doorway of a small but strongly-built cabin.

“Come, Wild Wolf, down With the bridge,"

 

 

cried the scout, in a loud voice, and in a short
while the person addressed advanced toward
Prairie Rover, bearing upon his shoulders a
heavy log, which he soon stood on one end and
let fall across a deep chasm, some fifteen feet
wide, that yawned between the cabin and the
cave through the hill.

Two other similar pieces were then brought
and placed in position, and a flooring of rough-
ly-hewn boards laid across, so that a frail bridge
was manufactured across the chasm, and upon
which both the scout and Comrade crossed to
the other side without a tremor of fear, al-
though a misstep, or the breaking of the frail
support, would have hurled them hundreds of
feet below.

Leading his horse into one end of the cabin,
the scout soon rubbed him dry and gave him
a good feed of dried grass, after which he an—
tered the other apartment of the cabin, where
his companion was busily engaged in preparing
a substantial and tempting repast of buffalo-
meat. jerked, corn—cakes and strong coffee.

“Well, Wild Wolf, what news have you?"
said the scout, taking a wet blanket from
around him, and seating himself near the blaz-
ing fire, while he addressed the Indian in the
Comanche tongue.

The Indian was a tall, splendid] formed war-
rior, with a wild and daring ook upon his
strangely-marked face, while reaching to his
waist hung masses of raven—black hair, giving
him an untamed and ferocious appearance.

He was dressed in buckskin, the leggings,
hunting-shirt, and bead-wrought band around
his head being heavily fringed with scalp-locks,
while he wore in his belt a brace of revolvers,
long knife and tomahawk.

Around his neck hung a chain of human
bones, hear and wolf claws, and as a charm, de-
pendent, was the white, grinning skull of an in-
fant scarcely more than a few weeks old.

Such was Wild Wolf, once a Comarche chief,
who, for saving from torture the Prairie Rover,
who had once protected him, had been sen-
tenced to the stake by his on n tribe.

But the scout whom he had rescued would not
see him die, and together the two had fled from
the Indian village, and wandering together
northward the two had ever remained, firm
friends.

Though Wild Wolf had been made a chief
amon the Sioux for warning them of an ap-
proac ing attack of their enemies. he contented

imself only with the honor of the name, and
passed his days in the secret retreat in the hills
where Prairie Rover had established his home.
in the Very heart of a. hostile country; and
strange to say, the connection of the Comanche
warrior and the renowned Prairie Rover was '
never suspected, the Indians believing Wild
Wolf always on the hunt.

Yet, though Wild Wolf had Served the Sioux,
it was for no love for them, but at the request
of his white brothervthe scout. who thought
that the act would turn out to their future ad-
vantage, and many were the scelps that might
be seen at his belt that had once adorned the
head of a Sioux warrior.

The cabin in the‘hills, so well concealed from
discovery, and With its position naturally de-

 

 

16 The Border Robin Hood.

fended, was where the two comrades had
lived for several years prior to the presenta-
tion of the scoutto the reader; and in their
secluded retreat they felt perfectly secure, while
around them they had gathered as many com-
forts as could be expected in their isolated fron-
tier home.

The walls of the cabin were adorned with the
dressed skinsof bears, buffaloes, deer, wolves
and birds, while several rifles and pistols, with
fishing-tackle and equestrian accouterments,
adorned the space over the fireplace.

Next to the room occupied by the scout and
Wild Wolf, was a. second apartment, wherein
Comrade, and Fllying Horse, the steed of the
Indian, found she ter, and the back of the but
was against the cliff, wherein owned the
mouth of a large cave,which led entirel y through
the hills to the lowlands beyond, and which at-
forded a means of escape should an enemy ad-
vance in their front.

“ Did the Wild Wolf do as his white brother

nested?" said the scout, seating himself be-
fore the fire and vigorously attacking the savory

supply.

“ he Wild Wolf never forgets; he saw the
Sioux warriors depart for the settlements, and
at their head was a pale-face chief and his
braves,” quietly responded the Indian.

“ When did they depart?"

“ When the sun went to sleep."

“That was five hours ago; well, the storm
will delay them to—night, and it will be day after
tomorrow before they strike the settlement.

“Now, Wild Wolf, tell me how many there
were.”

“ There were a. thousand braves."

v “Then they have left a stronger force behind
than I expected they would; but this shall not
deter me,” said the scout, speaking more to him
self than to his companion.

“Now, Wild Wolf, we must seek a few hours’
rest and then be 011'. for I wish you to put Fly-
ing Horse to his speed, and seek the home of the
white warriors.

“Give the white chiefvthls ring. and tell him
all that he would know regarding the move—
ment of the renegades and their Sioux allies,
and then hasten toward the northern settle-
.ments, and find the Indian band and tell them
that hundreds of the pale-face braves are laying
waste their villages and slaying their squaws
and appooscs.”

/“ here are the white braves?”

“They are not far from here and I will lead
them; when you have told the Indians that
their homes are attacked, return here and await

e.

“ Wild Wolf do all; go at once.”

" No, let us take up our bridge first, then
seek a few hours’ rest, and then we will depart
together through the cave leading to the low-
lands."

" Wild Wolf understand,” quietly responded
the chief; and shortly after the two friends
were calmly sleeping away the midnight hours.

But long ere daybreak they awoke and when
the sun arose it fell upon them many miles from
the hills; the Indian mounted upon a brown
mustang pressing on in a long swinging gallop
toward the fort, and Prairie Rover directing his

 

com-5r- tuward tho ruined outpost, the appointed
rendezvous with Captain Ramsey Raymond and
his daring band.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE MYS'rmuous HORSEMAN.

THE sun was yet some distance from the
western horizon, when the scout arrived at the
motto, situated upon the banks of a small
stream, and where years before a small outpost
had been established, but which alas! had met
with a sad fate, as its occupants had all fallen
beneath the tomahawk and scalping‘knife of the
redtmen.

Cautiously advancing into the timber, with
his eyes searchiugly invading every covert, and
his nerves strung for action, should there be an
enemy ambushed within, he soon felt assured
that Captain Raymond and his band had not
yet arrived.

He was preparing to stake Comrade out to
feed n n the uxuriant grass, and had removed
his as dle to better rest him, when there was a
sound of something coming slewly through the
underwood, but whether a buffalo, deer, or an
enemy, he knew not.

Turning rapidly, he was about to replace his
saddle, when a horse and rider dashed suddenly
upon the scene, and at the same moment the
eyes of the scout and the stranger met, the for-
mer with a gaze of wondering surprise, the lat—
ter with a look of fear.

The scout had seized his rifle and stood ready
for action, but quickly the weapon was lowered,
for before him, mounted upon a clean-limbed
and thoroughbred-looking bay mare, was a
young girl, scarcely eighteen years of age.

Her hair was black as the raven’s plume, long,
silken, and hung in massive braids down her
back and rested upon her horse. .' ‘

Her eyes were exceedingly lsr e, lustrous,
and with long, drooping lashes, whi 0 every fea-
ture was perfect, and the ruby lips, slightly
parted, showed the teeth as white as earls.

The complexion was that of a bri liant bru-
nette, browned still deeper by the sun and wind,
and in her cheeks glowed the} hue of perfect
health.

S'ie was attired in a closely-fitting riding-
hahit of fashionable m'mufacture, of navy-blue,
trimmed with silver-buttons. wore on her hands
gauntlet—gloves, and a li ht slouch hat, encircled
by a silver cord, and s aded by a rich, black
ostrich feather, was upon her head, while her
steed was equipped with a horse-heir bridle, im‘
mense silver hit, and side—saddle covered with
buclzskin, ornamented with beads and quill-
wor .

Instinctiver the scout raised his sombrero.
and lit this movement the lips of the beautiful
maiden parted in a low order, her hand drew a
silversmounted pistol from a. saddle-pocket, and
away dashed the handsome mhre, almost riding
the scout down as she swept by.

“In Heaven’s name, who is that girl, and

where have I seen that face before?

“ What can she be doing here. alone on the
prairie, and in an Indian country? _

“ Douhtless she belongs to some wagon-train,
and in lost; but I remember of no emigrant-
train being expected here now. '

'5

:\N

,k

The Border Robin Hood. 1"

 

“ Who can she be? that’s the question.

“At any rate, I’ll never discover by remain-
ing here, and yonder she goes like mad across
the prairie, doubtless believing me an enemy.

“ Come, Comrade, we must give chase."

Bounding into his saddle, the next moment
the scout was flying in full pursuit across the
prairie, about three hundred yards behind the
swiftly-running steed ridden by the maiden.

“Come, Comrade, yonder light~heeled nag
shovvs you the road, a thing no other animal on
the frontier can do; by Raven, she is leaving
us, old fellow! Come l” and the scout urged on
his mustang, as glancing behind her, the maiden
IYes seen to suddenly cause her mare to quicken

er .
“' ell, well, well! Comrade, you are doing
your best, and the bay still creeps away from
you.” and with a look of disappointment at the
sinking sun, and remembering his appointment,
Prairie Rover applied the spurs to his horse,
who, smarting With pain and rage at the unex
pected treatment, bounded madly forward in
pursuit.

But useless his mighty efforts; the bay slowly
drew further and further ahead, until, after an
hour's race, the scout reluctantly relinquished
the attempt, and wheeling Comrade to the
right-about, once more headed for the motto,
ever and anon, glancing behind him, and ob-
serving that the maiden still continued her
rapid flight, until ere long the horse and rider
appeared a mere speck upon the prairie.

Surprised at meeting such a strange creature
in the motto, and wondering at her remarkable
appearance and conduct, Prairie Rover search-
ed every portion of the timber on foot for some
clew to guide him in clearing up the mystery;
but he at length gave up his task as fruitless,
and after looking to the comfort of Comrade,
threw himself down to rest, ere the coming of
the hand of troopers.

When he awoke, darkness was upon the prai-
rie, and a iongline of horsemen were visible,
coming t0ward the timber, whom the scout re.
coauized as the military squadron.

Ten minutes more he had warmly greeted
Captain Raymond and his men, and retiring
into the deeper recesses of the timber, the whole
party sought shelter within the ruined walls of
the Stockade, which concealed the light of their
camp-fires.

With but little adventure, Ramsey Raymond
and his men had reached the motto, capturing
and killing several Indians who had crossed
their path, and the young cmcer congratulated
the scout upon the success of the expedition
thus far.

Prairie Rover then made known his having
sent Wild Wolf to the fort, with news of the de—
parture of the Border Robin Hood and his red
allier, and then he told him of his mysterious
adventure with the lovely horsewoman in the
motte; but Ramsey could give him no informa-
tion regarding her. and they appealed to the
men for information.

All seemed in the dark on the subject. except
one old trapper, who declared to having himself
seen the maiden, a_year before, and his descrip—
tion of her roved to the scout that he was tell'
ing the trut .

 

“I’ve beam tell on the gal more than once.
Prairie Rover, kese the lnjune has told me that
they’d seen her, and they call her the Spirit of
the Hills, ’cause you must know it’s 03- yonder
to the westward some forty miles or more, was
where I see’d her, and they say she lives in
the hill country; but you kin jist bet your bot~
tom dollar she’s no human gal, she nor the horse
nuther.”

“Not as bad as that, Dave, I think' but I
would like to know more of her, and I’ll solve
the mystery yet,” replied the scout, with deter—
minatlon.

It was then decided between Prairie Rover
and Ca tain Raymond that the would encamp
in the imber until dark the ollowin night,
and‘that this would give the men a horse:
achance for perfect rest for the arduous and
dangerous duties before them, and accordingly
sentinels were soon set, and the camp we! soon
lost in deep reposo. '

The following day was spent by the men in
cleaning up their firearms, looking to their
horses, mending their equipments, and cooking
rations for a week, after which duties they ate
a substantial dinner, and belook themselves to
sleep away the remaining hours until the mo
ment for starting.

With the disappearance of the sun behind the
western bills, the clear notes of the bugle echoed
through the motto, blowing “boots and sad-
dles," and as twilight crept over the prairie,
the daring band flied slowl forth fromiheir
retreat, and with Prairie ver and Captain
Ramsey at their head, took up the trail for the
Indian villages.

 

CHAPTER lX.
Tm: RAID or DEATH.

OVER. the dark prairie, at an easy cantor. the
daring band pressed on, until at midnight they
reached the rising land, and under the guidance
of the scout they penetrated into the forest. and
after three hours longer ride drewrein at the
head of a small valley.

“Now we are within two miles of the large
Sioux village of Chota, and we will rest and
refresh ourselves and horses until daybreak,"
said the scout, dismounting and setting the ex-

ample.

“Captain Raymond, the village below as
numbers some two lhousand sou s, of whom
doubtless two hundred are men, able toflght '
us.
“ Thunmy plan is for me to lead the advance

.with about thirty men ri ht into the village,

while on follow after the apse of ten minutes
with t irty of your troopers. _

“ The remainder of the force can be divided
into two parties, one under the trapper Dave to
strike at once for the cattle corral to stampede
all the ponies, and the other under Lieutenant
Hardoastle to act as a reserve.

“ When Dave has stain ed the cattle, he
can then come up to our ai :and the lieutenant
following him will cause a panic among the in-
dian camp. and cause them to believe our force
much larger than it is.

“ Also, let it he understood that we war only
upon able-bodied men, and not upon women,
children or cripples."

 

 

.18 The Border

Robin Hood.

 

“ I agree with you. scout; I detest this whole-
sale slaughter urged against red-skins, even
though they are cruel savages.

“How long will you remain in the village,
scout?”

“ Not more than long enough to burn their
wlgwams, and spread complete consternation,
and then we will dash on to Cheo, seven miles
further up the valley, situated near a fall of the
river, which will drown the noise of our attack
here. and enable us to surprise them also.

“From Cheo we will take up position on the
hills, and after a rest will ride through the
10wer valley where there is an encampment
of Dog Soldier Sioux, and some Cheyennes,
who have joined the expedition against the set-
tlements!

“During the night we will encamp in the
hills, and the following day sweep around upon
the tribes whO‘are encam d upon the border
of the prairie and hill-lan , after which, under
cover of the following night, we must beat
a hasty retreat.”

“A well—organized plan, and one which our
daring and energy must carry out.

“Now we will acquaint Hardcastle, Dave
and the men with the movements to be car-
ried out, for already the eastern skies are get-
ting gra y.”

A half hour longer went by, and, divided into
four parties, thecommand moved slowly down
the valley, the detachment of the scout in ad-
vance. and consistin of the scouts, trappers,
hunters, and a few friendly Indians of the Paw—
nee tribe.

Unsuspecting evil, the village was lost in deep
repose, excepting where here and there a fire—
light gliminered, proving that some early hunt-
er was up preparing his humble breakfast before
starting on the hunt to provide food for his
dusky family.

' Silently and ominously the scout led his de-
tachment on until the first wigwams were near
at hand; and then, with a burst of prolonged
and terrific war-cries, the dashed into the vil-
lage, spreading terror an consternation around
them! '

Panic-stricken, the red protectors of the camp
rushed forth from their homes, to be shot down
instantly, while the cries of frightened squaws
andlpappooses rent the air with heart-reading
we 3.

Presently the torch was applied, and the
flames began to make sad havoc with the vil-
la e, while the shouts and shots of the party
1' 0 had attacked the cattle corral were heard
min led ‘with the war-whoops of the Indians
and attle-cries of the scout and his men.

In every direction then, scattered hundreds of
frightened mustan 5, flying throu h the village
an adding new rror to the ndians, while
dashing up with his force, Captain Raymond
joined a the carnival of battle.

Upon all sides the red warriors fell in defense
of their homes, many of them defenseless, for in
their confusion they could find no arms, and
believing the enemy ten times their real num-
her, they fled in afiri ht to the hillsides and
forests, leaving their vi lags in the possession of
the ale-faces. I

“ ow for one grand sweep of destruction,

and then, ere daylight is fairly upon us, we will
away for Coco,” cried the scout. who seemed to
the men to be the very personification of cour-
age, while, after seeing him in battle, the repu-
tation he had won did not surprise them.

Dashing through the village, the scout called
a halt, and discovered that. though the enemy
had lost scores of warriors killed, only half a.
dozen oi! his men were missing, and with a cheer
at their success, away the band dashed up the
valley to carry the war into the village of
Chen.

As Prairie Rover had said, the noise of a small
waterfall drowned the sound of the attack upon
Chota, and are the surprised Indians were aware
of the existence of a pale-face within a hundred
miles, the wild, ringing war-whoop of the scout
sent a thrill of horror and terror through many
a red-skin’s heart.

“Give them no time to arm or rally, meal At
them with a savage will!" cried Prairie Rover,
and a burst of war-cries answered his words,
and death held high carnival once more in the
home of the red-man.

In the twinkling of an eye, almost. the village
was in ruins, the ground strewn with dead war-
riors, and hundreds of news and pappooses
flyin for safety to the hil s.

“ e have no time to tarry now, as the Dog
Soldiers and Cheyénnes will be warned and be
ready to meet us, so let us press our horses hard,
and at once ride down the lower valley.”

“All right, scout; you lead, and we will fol-
low. We lost flve good men in Cheo; now to
avenge them and their comrades who fell at
Chota,” replied Captain Ramsey Raymond, and
with a loud cheer the destroying human whirl-
wind swept on, the horses dripping with foam
3nd flavored with dust, but urged on for life and

eat .

Notwithstanding an alarm given by some of
the fugitives from Cheo, the Dog Soldier Sioux
were not prepared to meet their foes, but took
safety in flight, leaving their village to fall into
the hands of the whites

A few brave warriors, however, determined
to sell their lives dearly, and the death of seve—
ral troopers was the result; but in compact mass
the band rushed on, and the Indian camp was a
scene of desolation and death.

A village of savage Cheyennns then fell bee
neath the anger of the pale—faces, the braves,
driven to despair, fighting bravely for their
homes, and dropping a number of white horse-
men from their saddles. '

But the march of the attacking band was ir-
resistihle, and their track was one of rain and
bloodshed.

Having captured the village, the scout order-
ed a' retreat to the bills near by. carryin with
them large quantities of Indian plunder, oaded
upon horses taken from the corral.

Once in the hills, the part halted to rest, and
those horses that were bro on down were ex-
changed for the best mustangs captured from
the Indians.

Night coming on. strong detachments of
guards were stationed against surprise, for that
the Indians would attack them. the scout felt
assured, it they could rally their diflerent war—

 

riors in time.

M- - u... ..a«............._.,..... no...” .1». mm -,-. a « .»~6W4—FIQ‘-'t€e’l.:‘v-K' .-—':-r mauve: awn—>7»- . ~

The Be rdcr

L‘ut, (>109 ting a few stray shots, fired by
some prowl ng brave. the night passed quietly
away, and with the first limmer of the light,
the band movad oi! to continue its work of ruin
against the prairie border villages of the red-
s me.

Then the foresight of the scout in ordering
the shooting of all the mustangs that were not
stampeded, was seen. for although the Indians
had assembled in large numbers to attack the
whites, very few of them were mounted. and
could not follow upon their trail with sumcient
speed to keep them in night.

By noon the prairie was reached, and the
hands of hunting Indians were attacked with
irresistible force, before there was a chance of
resistance. for they had never looked for danger
from pale-faces in that direction, and being
some thirty miles distant from the villages of
Chota and Cheo, they had not known of the ruin
that had fallen upon them.

Another long day of carnage, and satiated
with their bloody work, the band of whites
struck forth over the prairie, and with weary
steps headed for the motto, wherein was situat-
ed the ruined outpost.

As the last lingering rays of the setting sun
fell from the summit of the distant bills, the
scout glanced behind him, and what he discov-
ered prOVed that the greatest danger of the dar~
ing raid of death was yet to be met and over—
come.

 

CHAPTER X.

THE FOBLORN ROPE.

Tm: sight that the scout discovered behind
him, was one that was calculated to make the
atoutest heart quail, {or just setting forth from
the base of the hills was a confused mass of In-
dian warriors, some mounted, but mostly on
foot and directing their course upon the trail of
the pale-faces.

Fully outnumberin the hand, five to one, and
with his animalssoj ed that they could hardly
be urged faster than a walk, the scout felt that
they were comdpelled to bait for is nigh t’s rest in
the motto, an that by mornin the Indians
would have come up and surroun ed them, and
their only way of escape would be to cut brave-
ly through their lines.

“ We are in a hot place, Captain Raymond,”
laughed the scout, as he pomted toward the

1 .

“Yes; but it is no worse than I expected: in
fact, we have escaped well with the loss of only
twenty-five poor fellows; but it is owing to your
dash and courage, scout, for we were upon the
villages before the could resist. ’

“ But what wou d you advise?"

“To seek the ruined stockade, and prepare
ourselves for a fight, for the Indians may attack
us to—night.

“ If not, we will have had a good night’s rest.
and thus refreshed. the horses will carry us
bravely through their lines, and there are too
few of them mounted to cause us much trouble
when once we get clear of the motto.

“ Yet, infuriated as they are, they may storm
us to-night. so we must hasten 0n and set our
house in order for the coming of our guests.”

Robin flood. 19

The scout spoke lightly of the danger. but all
felt that it was Very great, and urging forward
their tired steeds the motto was soon reached,
and ere darkness came on, the band was strong-
l y fortified in the old stockade.

Contrary to their expectations, the night
passad quietly away, and the sun arose to dis-
cover no Indian visible.

But creeping from the stockade, the scout
bent his way toward the edge of the motto, and
after an absence of a half-hour returned, his
face showing 'no sign of discovery to their dis-
advanta e.

“ Wel , Prairie Rover, what have you seen?”
cried Captain Raymond, advancing toward
him.

“ That we have succeeded most thoroughly in
this expedition, captain.”

“I know it; and we’ll all be lions when we
get back.”

“ If we get back : but I must not delay telling

on.

y “ First, my messenger has informed the In-
dians who went against the settlements, that
their own homes have been visited by the torch
and sword, and out upon the prairies. some
three miles, is the entire force of Sioux and
their allies, who returning in haste were met by
the arty pursuing us.

“ lowly they are arranging their lens.
which are to surround us in our stron hol , and
for us to attempt to cut through air lines
would be certain death."

“ What is to be done, then, scout?” coolly ask-
ed the young captain.

.“I gee but one plan, and that is to stand a
are e.

‘ We have only a week’s provisions, and with
no chance of succor.

“ Horse-flesh is most palatable when one has
nothing else, captain. .

“ But you must stand a siege; the stockade is
strong, you have tried men and true. and plenty
of ammunition to heat back the entire force of
red-skins if they were to storm you. ‘

“ In four days, or less, I can return with re-
inforcements from the fort—”

“ You !—how will you leave the motte 1"

“ I’ll dash through their lines, which are not
formed fully yet, and Comrade can carry me
I.an from the fleetest horses."

“ True, he showed no sign of fatigue ester-
day, when all of the other horses were agged
out: but there are swift horses in Robin Hood’s
band.” ~

“Robin Hood and his men are not with the
Indians; they have gone 03 upon some other
devilment.

“Now I must he 01!; remember to he the
courage of the men up. and in four days will
return with troops suflicient to give onder rod-
skins battle on a field of their own (3 nice.”

“ I dislike to see you go. for it is a desperate
galrlitlet you have to run, and I fear evil may be-

a on.

“ K: cannot be helped: some one must go, for
it is a forlorn ho , and 1 am best suited or the
duty, knowing t e country as I do. and having
Comrade to sustain me in my trial, for his
powers of endurance will be put to the severe!

 

test.” . ,

 

 

 

 

, “or, V’w‘rrr—z-wiw— «— 

.0 , The Border Robin Hood.

“It is a terrible risk to run: but something
must be done," said Captain Raymond, as he
walked with the scout toward his horse.

Comrade was as fresh as a. lark, and as if an-

ticipating some desperate service was expected
of him, neighed wildly to he ofl'.
‘ A few moments more and the scout, with de«
termined and stern face. mounted Comrade, and
shaking the hand of Ramsey Raymond, rode
from the stockade, followed by the good wishes
of the band. ,

Following him to the edge of the motto, Cap-
tain Raymond, Lieutenant Hal-dcastle and a
few others, saw at once the desperate guntlet
the scout had to run, for the prairie was alive
with warriors, mounted and on foot, who were
rapidly spreading a human chain around the
piece of timber, including both sides of the
small river or stream.

To the eastward was a space of half a mile
wide, which was not protected, though there
were two columns moving toward this point.

To this open space was the distance of a good
half-mile, and the scout felt that he must ride
like the wind to run through are the two col-
umns closed up.

. Darting from the shelter of the motto, Com-
rade sped on like a bird, and had adVancnd for-
tunately one-third of the distance ere he was
discovered, and then a yell of fury went up
from a thousand red throats as the daring horse-
man was seen, and his obj =ct known.

. _Rapidly the two columns began to close up,

but one being dismounted, the other made bet-
ter progress.

Heading more toward the Indians on foot the
scout with his keen eye at once took in the
whole danger and chances of escape, and with a
word and gesture urged on Cum-ado, while he
unslung his trusty rifle and held it ready for ac
tion.

Becoming warmed to his work, Comrade
crouched low upon the prairie and fairly fl:w
along, his speed surprising the Indians, and
winning cheer after cheer from his friends in
the motto, who breathlessly watched the rapid
flight.

The whole scene was now one of wildest ex-
citement, the Indians pouring in hundreds to-
ward the point for which the scout was aiming,
and filling the air with their terrible yells of
hatred.

On, on, on bounded the noble Comrade, near-
er and nearer the line he drew, and then only a
few hundred yards divided him from the two
hostile lines.

Will he make it?

No, certain death stares him in the face.

The bad, too bedl Better to have_remained
and fought it out with us.

By Heavens! that horse fairly flies!

See! see! he will make it—he will he will!

Such were the cries from the men in the
motto, as they narrowly watched the progress
of the scout, and then a wild yell ol' jiy burst
from the timber as they saw Prairie Rover rush
in between the two columns, his rifle flushing
right and loft upon his enemies, who were still
two hundred yards distant.

Warrior after warrior fell as the leaden hall
was poured into the crowded ranks, but on they

 

pressed, pouring in a shower of rifle~bullets as
they came.

As though hearing a charmed life, the scout
and his noble steed remained nnhurt, dashing
ncross the line, and with a yell from Prairie
Rover that was heard at the motto, the flying
steed bounded away on the open prairie, follow-
ed by a hundred Indian horsemen.

But Comrade was no ordinary steed, and his
swift flight soon d istonced the smaller mustangs
of the warriors, and in an hour had left them
far behind, as, unhurt, horse and rider sped on,
having successfully escaped in the forlorn hope,
and with every chance of soon hringin aid
from the fort to rescue Captain Raymon and
his gallant band.

CHAPTER Xi.
THE BORDER ROBIN noon.

UPON the evening of the arrival of the Indian
fOI'CcS in front of the settlement, and when the
white renegade chief was planning his attack
against his own race, there suddenly darted into
the outlaw camp an Indian messenger, his horse
showing signs of hard riding, and even his red-
skin rider exhibiting in his stern face a look of
fatigue. '.

It was near the sunset hour, and the white
chief and his red allies were holding a council
of war beneath a. huge tree where Robin Hood
had halted and made his headquarters. .

The steed. a large, sorrel stallion, withabuild
denoting extraordinary strength and bottom,

was grazing near by, 100se,while his-bridle,

nccontcrments, and a silver-mounted Mexican
saddle, with its broad horn, lay at the base of
the tree.

Lsaning against the trunk of the tree, his
arms folded upon his brood breast, and his
whole attitude one of perfect ease and grace,
was the man who had won the name of the Bor-
der Robin Hood.

Six feet in hight, he was of magnificentphys-
ique, and beneath the closely~fltting prints of
dressed buckskin. and blue flannel shirt, his
form gave indication of great strength, agility,
and powers of endurance.

Cavalry boot-s incnsed his feet. the top reach-
ing to his knees, and the heels armed with silver
spurs, while upon his head he wore a soft, gray
felt hat, looped up upon the left side with a. gold
arrow. and with a black plume drooping over
the brim.

A broad belt encircled his small waist, and
upon either hip was a handsomely-mounted re-
volver, while n front. and ready for the clutch
of either hand. were a howie~knife and double-
barlrfled pistol of exceeding large bore and fine
51 .

anging to the belt, upon the left side. and
attached by a. red silk cord, was a small, gleam-
ing battle-ax, with a long handle, and a weapon
which the chief had been known to use with
terrible efiect in battle.

Having descrihed the general appearance of
the noted Robin Hood, is face certainly do-
serves mention, for it was one that once seen
could not be forgotten.

The eves were as changeable in expression as
on April day, being at times crueiy bitter.
again savage in their flerceness, and thontoucl»

";Q‘

'39..

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The Border

.. m.» _..ne~- ‘...... .M N»... _. -»
—... A“.-. ... fivwwwamficmaa .>

Robin Hood. 21

 

ingly sorrowful; but at all times they were rest-
less and searching in their look.

The forehead was high, bold. intellectual, and
the dark, iron-gray hair combed directly back,
tell to his shoulders in wavy masses, while his
beard. reaching to his belt almost. was also
tinged with silver threads, though the face ap-
peared to be that. of a man under forty.

The month was forbiddingly stern, sneering
and cruel. the whole ex ression that of a man
who feared neither Go nor human being. and
felt that he was an outcast upon the face of the
earth.

Years before the man had drifted upon the
frontier coming from the far Southwest, it was
said. and with a. reckless band of a dozen fol-
lowers at his heels, men like himself, dev01ing
themselves to crime.

At first the chief devoted himself to the life of
a bighwayman. living in some secret recess of
the forest, and demanding toll from all passers
through his dominions.

Ever polite to his victims, and most courteous
to women, whom he never robbed, and never
taking from man his every cent, he soon won
the name of. the Border Robin Hood.

But at last the military were on his path, the
country became aroused at some more daring
deed, and he was hunted down, and after a ter—
rible struggle, made prisoner by Colonel Ver-
non. but not until he had shot three soldiers
dead, and was himself severely Wounded.

He was tried at once by military court, and
sentenced to be hung, as soon as he recovered
from his wounds; but the night previous to the
day appointed for his eXPcution he escaped from
his log prison, and the next morninz the senti—
nel who guarded him was found dend before the
door, but without one mark of violence ,upon
him, while upon his face remained a look of
mortal terror, as though some unearthly visi—
tant had appeared before him.

A year passed awav after the escape of the
Robin Hood of the Prairies, and then he sud-
denly rea pears on the border, at the head of a.
formidab a band of renegades, and from that
day his cruelty t0ward his fellow~man seemed
to know no bounds, for the armed and the de-
fenseless everywhere fell beneath his deadly
hatred.

Such was the Prairie Robin Hood, and one
gazing into his face as he leaned with folded
arms against. the tree. listening to the war-talks
of the indian chiefs. Brave Shield, Big Whistle,
and Tall Bull, could not but feel that his dark
and handsome face hid beneath its cruel mask
some deep and damning mystery of crime and
lost honor. .

“ The chefs talk like women, and would pa-
laver for hours like a gang of old women at a
tea-drinkinz. _

“ Let them hold on to their rattling tongues,
lest the birds of the woods understand them,
and carry the tidimzs of our coming to the set-
tlers.” and Robin Hood spoke in a stern and
sneerlng Voice.

" What would our White brother have?" sulk-
ily returned Brave Shield.

~"I would have you get your red cut-throats
readv to march upon the settlement with the
coming of dark; let the whole band follow in

my lead, and I will redden the prairies with the
blood of the pale-faces,” savagely returned the
white chief.

“ The great chief speaks well, and his red
brothers shall fringe their belts with pale-face
scalps, and fill their wigwams with pale-face
squaws,” said Tall Bull, his eyes gloating in an-
ticipation of his evn designs.

“You lay your accursed and bloody claws
upon the head or form of a white woman, and
I’ll tour with my own hand your scalp from
you;i head,” cried the White chief, his eyes flash—
Ing re. '

Instantly the Indian warriors were upon their
feet. their hands upon their weapons, hut, un—
dismayed, Robin Hood stood before them, an
evil glitter in his eyes.

“What! has our white brother turned trai-
tor?" asked Big Whistle, after a pause.

“ I will never be a traitor to a woman, even
thoneh I practice hellish harbarities upon men.

“No. you red devils, I lead you against the
settlement to kill and make captive the men,
and to carry ( if what plunder you can: but. so
help he the Great Spirit, if one woman or child.
dies by the hand of a red-skin intentionally, I’ll
turn my renegade bloodhounds upon you, and
aid the white warriors in driving you to your
haunts.”

The Prairie Rot-in Hood spoke in a tone that
proved he was in deadly earnest and evil looks
were going the rounds of the Indians’ faces. and
a storm was threatening, when suddenly a
horseman dc shed swiftly into the midst of the

artv.

p “Hal what brings the Comanche Wild Wolf
here now, when he skulked to the prairie when
we took the war-paint?” tauntineg said the
white chief.

‘f The Wild Wolf is no skulliing dog: he has
been or. the war-path of the pale~face warriors,
and has come to tell his red brothers that the
braves from the fort are now laying in ashes
their happy villages in the hills.”

A yell of terror, of rage and despair, went up
from the assembled chiefs at this news: but the
stern voice of Robin Hood checked their cries.

“Who is it, my red brothers, that brings this
news? ,

“The stranger chief, a Comanche dog, a
friend to the pale-faces.

“ The Comanche liesl"

With a yell of fury the Wild Wolf threw
himself from the hack of his steed and rushed
upon the chief. his knife glittering in his hand.

But a drz°n strong hands seized and held
him hack. and powarless, he cried:

“ Rod brothers. the tongue of the Wild Wolf
is not crooked. He speaks straight; the pale-
faces are now in their happy homes.

“ If my red brothers doubt the Wild Wolf, let
them hear him back a prisoner, and then burn
him at the stake.”

The words and manner of the Comanche car-
ried conviction with them, and again almost in-
human yells filled the air, while in hot haste the
Indians began to mount. no longer thinking of
attacking the settlements while their own homes
and families were in danger.

In vain Robin Hood pleaded with them to

 

continue on and devastate the settlement; hi!

—: .:.. _&::s‘3.»:. =3. .

     
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
    
 
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
    
   
   
  
  
   
    
      
      
    
    

The Border Robin Hood.

 

words were unheeded, and in a short while the
whole band of warriors departed, leaving the
angry and disappointed Robin Hood alone with
his squadron of renegades.

But, undeunted by the desertion of his allies,
the daring chief determined to himself strike a
blow against the settlement. and with what
plunder he could secure dart back to his strong-

old in the hills, distant nearly three days‘
journey from the fort.

With this determination he called his men
around him, made kn0wn his intended plans,
and at nightfall the band was upon the move,
slowly approaching the happy homes of the
hardy pioneers of the frontier.

CHAPTER XII.
SAD TIDINGS.

AFTER having successfully, and unhurt, run
the gantlet of his toes, the rairie Rover con-
tinued on for several hours ere he drew rein to
give Comrade a rest, which he really needed
after his severe ride.

But the mustang was a wiry animal of re-
markable endurance, and a few hours served to
refresh him greatly, and with renewed vigor he
continued on at an easy gait through the long
hours of the hi ht, when the scout again made a
long halt for 00d and rest in a small motte

- where the grass grew luxuriantly, and where

there was a spring of clear, cold water.

Having looked to the wants of Comrade, rub-
bed him down thoroughly and staked him out
to feed upon the juicy grass, the scout broiled
some djerked buflalmneat upon the coals, and
spree ing his blanket, laid down to rest, and
hours passed ere he awoke.

Once more be mounted, and again Comrade’s
powers were put to the test, and with such good
result, that the walls of the fort came in sight
ere sunset, and just at twilight he dashed into
the Itockade citadel, and was welcomed by a
loud cheer from the soldiers.

But at a glance Prairie Rover discovered that
some important event had transpired, for all
was excitement and confusion, and he feared
that perhaps Colonel Vernon had lost his life in
battle with the Indians. for. whether Wild Wolf
had reached the band are they had attacked the
upper settlements. he was not aware.

But his fears upon that score quickly vanish-
ed. when an orderly came to conduct him to
Colonel Vernon.

The commandant sat in his priVafe room, his
face pale and terribly stern; but rising as the
scout entered, he said:

" Well, what of your expeditionl"

" It was a raid of death, sir. for we destroved
every Indian village in the hills, and more than
double our own number of warriors were sl xin,
and with only the loss of twenty-five men, sev-
enteen of whom are soldiers.”

“A good report; you have done nobly; but
where s Raymond!l

“Besieged in the ruined outpost, colonel, for
we were followed closely by the Indians, and
with our horses broken down were compelled to
rest for the night, and in the morning beheld,
not only our foes of the day before, but the

 

bands of Tall Bull, Big Whistle, Brave Shield
and other chiefs around us, they having return-
ed to defend their homes."

“Your Indian messenger did his duty well,
then; he came to me with your message and
then hastened on, and instantly the Indians re-
turned to defend their villages, and I greatly
feared for the safety of you all.

“ But you say Captain Raymond and seventy-
flve men are besieged in the old outpost?"

“Yes, sir; it was impossible to cut through
the fifteen hundred warriors around us, and I
advised the captain to remain and fight it out,
while I came on to the fort for aid.”

“ And you broke through a line which seventy-
flve men dare not risk?"

“ I ride a horse, colonel, that has few equals,
and broke the line almost before the Indians
knew of my intention,” modestly returned the
scout. and then he continued:

“ Captain Raymond has four day’s rations,
plenty of ammunition, and a band of brave
men. and can doubtless keep the Indians at bay
until aid reaches him, and it was for wccor that
I now have come.”

“You shall have it, my friend; three com-
panies shall start at once, and I would s are
more, but I have to head a squadron myse f to
start on a duty of the greatest im ortsnce, as
my daughter is now a prisoner in t e hands of
that renegade hound, Robin Hood," and the
strong voice of the strong man trembled with
emotion.

“Miss Vernon a captive to Robin Hood!

“This is indeed sad tidings; but how did it
happen. colonel?" said the scout, deeply moved
by the news. ‘

“ Well, your messenger. Wild Wolf. it seems,
succeeded in sending the Indians back to their
bills; but Robin Hood, the bloodthirsty monster
would not return without leaving his mark, an
finding out in some way that l was ready for
him in the settlements, he made a detour, and
by night dashed into our lines, and carried off
poor Nina, after which not he was off ere the
slightest resistance could be offered.”

‘ When did this happen, colonel?”

“ Last night, just before daybreak: I was up
in the settlement, and returned not one hour be-
fore you did." .

“ He has then at once gone to his stronghold
in the hills; two days’ hard riding will takehim
there, and he his now but a day’s start. Cheer
up, colonel; call out all your men that you in«
tended for your expedition after him, and with
those to go to aid Captain Raymond we will
at once start. for the outpost is almost on the
trail of the stronghold of the outlaws, and after
we have relieved the gallant captain we will de-
cide what is best to be done."

“ My friend, you give me hope, and it shall
be as you say; but once I sentenced Robin
Hood to death; and I have hunted him down
for years, so that I dread he will take a terrible
revenge upon me now that he has the power.
and were we to reach his stronghold I fear he
:ou’l’d slay poor Nina are I could recover

er.

“Then, colonel, leave it to me, and I pledge
you that I will rescue Miss Vernon; will you
trust me!”

 

I

,;;w‘ wan. . Z

- ~31 ‘4'.“ 1,.

'0.

 

fun“ a.” 

 

 

The Border Robin Hood. 23

 

“ Certainly, and if man can do it, you are the
one.

“But come, you need rest and food ere we
leave, so I will order supper, and throw your-
self upon my bed and take a nap."

“I am like my horse, colonel, a short rest

and a good meal causes us to feel as good as
new.
“ Comrade is now under the tender mercies of
your negro groom, and three hours will be all
the rest we need! it is now seven o’clock, so
please have the men ready by ten.”

So saying, the scout threw himself upon the
colonel’s couch and almost instantly was fast
asleep, to awake at the appointed hour, partake
of a hearty meal, and at the head of three hun-
dred troopers, under the leadership of Colonel
Vernon, ride forth to the aid of the besieged
band in the ruined outpost on the river.

CHAPTER XIII.
RAISING THE INDIAN BIEGE.

TRUE to his word to Captain Raymond, the
scout was but a few miles from the outpost on
the evening of the fourth day.

Having made charge after charge upon the
stockade, and with no successful result to them-
selves, the Indians had laid a regular siege to
the gallantly-defended Stockade, intending to
pick 03 with their arrows and rifles every man
they could catch sight of by day or night, so
that by thus reducing the defending force, they
could 1n the end make one grand charge and
carry the works.

Well knowing that the scout would bring re-
lief for the outpost, they still believed it would
be a week ere he could possibly return, and then
only with a comparatively small force, for thy
did not think, with the settlement threatened,
he could get many men to accompany him, and
their own large numbers rendered them exceed-
in 1y brave.

ut they had not counted on the power of en-
durance and speed of Comrade, or the dash and
determination of the troopers, and upon the
fourth day were little dreading an attack from
any quarter, when suddenly, with a round of
hearty cheers, the cavalry were upon them, for,
depending on their large numbers for protec~
iion, they had stationed no sentinels, as every
smaller force invariably; does.

Right and left rode t e gallant troopers. their
rifles and revolvers cracking, and sabers falling
with terrible execution, and a peering a far
larger force in the darkness, the ndian warriors
were seized with a panic and broke in wild con-
fusion, followed hither and thither in their
fight by the victorious troopers.

Then into the motto dashed the scout, Colo-
nel Vernon and his escort, and loud and long
were the cheers that went up from the stockade

 

. when they greeted their friends. and the defend-

ers of the little fort dragged Prairie Rover from
his horse and bore him around on their shoulders
in triumph.

"Well, captain, I kept my word, and thank
Godtl was able to do so,” modestly said the
soon .

“We certainly thank God that you were, my
friend, for I have lost forty men, killed and
wounded, and ere long the and would have been

 

a massacre; but how you must have ridden!”
and Ramsey Raymond warmly grasped the
Scout’s hand.

“Colonel Vernon,” said Prairie Rover, then
turning to that officer, “the Indians have fled
to their ruined villages to protect their fami
lies, for the evidently believe your force
double what it is, and think you are coming af-
ter them.

“ Now, men fight with desperation around
their hearthstones, and thus would the red
skins fight, were you to attack them; which to
do would be madness on your part.”

“ What would you suggest, scout?”

“That you return with your command at
once to the fort—”

“ Pardon me, but have you forgotten that my
daughter is a captive in the hands of that wick-
ed msn, Robin Hood?” reproachfully said Cap-
tain Vernon.

“No, sir; it is ever in my mind, and my ad-
vice is off‘ered after matured thought on my
part; return to the fort with your men, and
you will thereby gain a good start ere the ln-
dians know your intention, for if they were to
follow you on your retreat manya brave sol~
dier would lose his life.

“ Regarding the release of Miss Vernon, were

on to follow on to the stronghold of Robin
flood, certain defeat would be the result, for the
Indians would take your trail and you would be
between two fires, and it is impossnble for three
thousand men, even, to openly attack the out-
law retreat with success; what strategy can do
is another matter. .

“ Now, I have said that we have met before,
and we have, for in following a certain trail,
the whole aim of my life, I have worn many
disguises, and once you entertained me at the
fort in a garb you little believed covered an im-
postor; but of that we will not now speak.

” ln disguise, suffice it tossy, I have also vis~
ited the outlaw stronghold, and know ‘it as well
as does its chief, and therefore I am capable of
acting with my eyes open.

“ Leave all to me, return to the fort, and keep
a close watch against surprise, and allow me to
seek the robber stronghold, and I will rescue
from captivity your daughter. ' . _

“ Will you place full faith in me, Colonel Ver-
non? ,

“Scout, on are a marvelous man, and, I
believe, wil accomplish what you promise.

“Believe me, I trust you, and will do as on
wish; but, for God’s sake, save my poor, ma,
for a. father begs it of ’you to save his child.” _

“ l have promised,’ replied the scout, and s.
few moments after he was hard at work rub-
bing down his faithful steed ,and companion,
and feedin him upon the most luxuriant grass
that could e found.

A substantial supper, asleep of an hour, and
the Prairie Rover moved out from the, motto
with the returning troopers. but Once on the

rairle. he bade farewell to Colonel Vernon and
his companions, and set forth, alone, in a yest-
em direction to soon, disappear from sight in the
darkness, hound upon the hazardous mission of
rescuing from the outlaw stronghold the lovely
Nina Vernon, and, strange as it may seem, none
in that band were there who for' a moment '

 

 

 

sir. ‘

  

 

24 The Border

Robin Hood.

 

doubted but that his adventure would be crown-
ed with success, for the Scout had never been
kukown to fail in anything which he had under-
ta en.

Hence. with somewhat quieted minds, both
Colonel Vernon and Captain Ramsey Raymond
set forth upon their return to the fort.

 

CHAPTER xiv.
WITHIN THE STRONGHOLD.

WHEN the Border Robin Hooi had deter—
mined upon his course regarding the settlement,
he started at once to carry out his plan, but was
warned by the arrival of an Indian scout that
the upper settlements in the valley were pre-
pared to resist him. aided as they were by a
nnmberof troops under Colonel Vernon.

Instantly the face of the chief became radiant
with crue joy, and his orders to move rung out
quick and stern.

Making a iar e detour from the settlements he
suddenly darte at the speed of his horses in the
direction of the fort, and in the stillness and
darkness of night dashed within the line of set-
tlers’ homes and pounced open the home of Col-
onel Vernon.

Awakened from a sound sleep. Nina Vernon
and her aunt suddenly discovered the tall form
of the outlaw leader before them and heard his
stern order:

« “ Miss Vernon, you will dress with great haste _

and accompany me."

In vain were the offer of bribes and earnest
entreaties. Nina Vernon was compelled to
obey, and with trembling hands and blanched
face dressed herself in her riding—suit, and the
next moment was riding by the side of the chief,
as he rapidly rode awa , followed by his band
fully a bun red in num r.

it was a hard and cruel ride of three days,
and none but a sturdy frontier girl could have
borne the fatigue; but Nina kept up bravely,
and upon the evening of the third day following
her capture, the hill country was reached, an
in a deep recess of the highlands was found the
robber encampment.

Rude in construction, hidden away in a lovely
valley: defended on one side b lofty and im-

able highlands, and upon t e other by a
m ghty flowing stream, the robber retreat was
yet more picturesque, and the beauty of the
scenery could not but charm Nina, worn out
and sorrowful though she was.

Humble cabins. skin ‘wigwavus, and a few
tents scattered along the river-bank com need
the homes of the rene ade crew and the n most
as wicked women In children who followed
their fortunes: but. in a fairy-like dell. under
the shadow of the highlands, and with a lawn
sloping down to the banks of a tiny stream, was
a spacious and comfortable cabin, the home of
. the chief, and hither was poor Nina borne.

With surprise, as she entered the cabin home,
she noted the comforts around her, the humble
but any furniture, the clean flooring. neat Walls
adorned with crayon and water-color sketches,
and a guitar lying near the window, which
opened u on a wide piazza around which clung

nos. ev dently trained to grow there by some
one of refined taste.

 

   

Across the open hallway from the room into
which the chief had ushered Nina, was another
room. which appeared like a dining-hall, while
back of it were two bed-chambers, as the maiden
could see through the open doors, the linen in
which was white and clean.

Sn rised at all she saw around her, Nina
turne and glanced timidly into the face of the
man. who, with all his crimes, had certainly
treated her with marked respect, and seeing her
look. he said quietly:

" Miss Vernon, here shall be your home until I
decide regarding your future fate, and no one
shall intrude upon you; ves, one will be your
companion, whom you will not, I hope, object
to. and your wishes shall be attended to by my
servants.

“Make yourself at home, please, even though
you are beneath the roof of the outlaw chief,
called the Border Robin Hood.”

With a bow worthy of a man in polite society,
the chief departed, and Nina was left to brood
over her sorrows alone, and to worry her mind
with devising some means of escape from her
thrnlldom.

“ I must escape from here, or ruin will be my
fate.”

“ Have no fear of evil, for you are safe,” said
a sweet voice user at hand, and turningquickly
Nina beheld before her a young irl of wondrous
beauty, who had silently enters the room.

“Thank you—oh. thank you, for these words,
for you would not deceive a helpless glr ,” cried
Nina. and springing forward she buried her face
on the young girl’s shoulder, for at last her
strong will had broken down, and she was no
longer the proud, defiant woman she had been
in the presence of the robber chief.

CHAPTER XV.
THE MISSIONARY PRIEST.
UPON the afternoon folln'Ving the arrival of
Nin -, in the stronghold of Robin Hood and his

 

hand. and near the sunset hour, a horseman was,

slowly wending his way in the directidn of the
robber retreat.

His horse seemed tired out, and travel-stained I

and the rider wore a look of fatigue, as if he
had journeyed many long, weary miles.

The form of the horseman was tall and man-
ly, though the effect of his fine physique was de-
stroyed beneath the humble garb of a Roman
Catholic priest, and in spite of the heat of the
son he wore the cap of his order.

The face of the priest was clean-shaver», and
the hair cut short; but, nothwithstandinz. its
every feature was good. and in the expression
of the eyes and mouth there was a look of fear-
lessness and determination, which the sanctity
of his calling had not wholly destroyed.

Upon the front of his worn saddle was a re-
volver and knife, ready to protect life in case of
necessity, and behind the saddle was a blanket
and a leather roll containing the provisions for
food, and his book of prayers.

Following the plain trail leading to the hills.

the priest soon came upon a small stream,‘

where his horse halted for water, just as the
sound of hoofs was heard and the next instant
up dashed a steed and rider.

With surprise the priest behold a young girl,

   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Border Robin Hood. 25

well mounted, and apparently a thorough horse-
woman, for qun discovering him she wheeled
her steed quic ly to the right-about, as if to fly
from danger; but discovering at a glance his

acel'ul calling. she halted and advanced slow-
? toward him, saying, in strangely sweet
tones:

“ Holy father, at first your presence startled
me; but now I fear you not."

“ Thanks, my daughter; I would not willingly
cause one so pure and good as you look to fear
me.
“ I am an humble follower in the footsteps of
my Savior, and am seeking to convert the
heathen in this God-forsaken land; but what do
you here's" ,

“ I live further up the valley, and thither you
must accompany me, for, even in our rude
camp, there are thoso who Will be glad to see
you, and have you confess their sins, for they
are indeed sinful.”

“Daughter, it is my duty to go where I can
be of service to my fellow-Creatures.

“ I will accompany you.”

Side by side the two rode on together, and era
the sun sunk to rest behind the hills, they arriv-
ed in the robber camp.

Leading the way directly toward the cabin of
the chief. they won arrived in front of the door,
and the maiden called out to the Prairie Robin
Hood, who was Seated upon the piazza indolent-
ly smoking a huge meerschaum pipe.

“Father, I have brought a guest home with
me."

“ In God’s name, Maud. who have you there?"
somewhat angrily said the chief, rising and aid-
iug the maiden to alight.

“ I have one who will be a vision of comfort
to many poor souls in this camp who desire to
confess their evil deeds.”

“ Always doing some act to incur my disr
pleasure. child."

“ No. sir. I have done nothing to cause you to
speak thus; this worthy priest i found by the
brook and brought home with me.

“Father Foley, this is my father. the chief of
the outlaw band, and the man who is knewn as
the Robin Hood of the Prairie."

“I have heard of you, my son. and of your
wicked career; but as there was repentance for
the thief on the cross, so there may—"

“Hark ye, sir priest! you come here as my
daughter’s guest, and I will respect the pledge:
but I warn you to keep your preaching for ears
better attuned to it than are mine.

“Dismount. sir, and your wants shall be at-
tended to. and my word for it you will not re-
fuse ”a good glass of brandy that I can ofler

o

y u.
“ A little wine for the stomach’s sake, my son,

5

“ Yes, and for your stomach‘s sake, you men
of the cloth will go a great way: come, my man,
dismount, and tozether we will have many a
social chat, but, mind you none of your Chris-
tian doctrines for me, for I am outlawed by God
and man, and want none of them.

“ Here, Henderson, take the priest's horse, and
see that he is cared for, and let the men and
women know that we have a lamb in our flock
of wolves, should they wish to get absolution for

 

their sins, and thus, with the. record rubbed out,
commence anew to burn, pilla e and murder."

Speaking thus bitterly, the c ief strode awa .
While the maiden, whom Robin Hood bad cal ed
Maud, led the priest into the house and set be-
fore him a hearty supper, which the holy father
parka of with evident relish.

A week passed away, and still the worthy

riest lingered at the robber cam , and he had
ecome a great favorite with al ' who went to
him for comfort and absolution.

With the chief, Father Foley had little to do,
for having informed him that his church sent
him out among the heathen savages, and that,
unmolested. by any of them, he had roamed for
years among the tribes, he seemed to rather
avoivl Robin Hood.

“ You certainly have not run loose among the
tribes of m acquaintance, my worthy disciple,
or they’d ave raised the short hair on your
head, short as it is, if they would have had to
applv to the Indian agency for tweezers to tear
it ofl’ with.

“ Why, man, they would scalp our master,
the po , and think no more of it than your
:10!” o of mingling your prayers with whis-

y.

After this conversation Father Foley seemed
to shun the chief. who was really constantly en-
gaged in the duties of his command.

But what surprised the priest most was the
presence of the beautiful Maud in that robber
retreat, and her calling Robin Hood by that
sacred name of father.

That she was his daughter was evident for
there was a strong likeness between them, only
the maiden’s face wore none of the stern and
hard expression that flitted across her parent’s,
and her life seemed one of perfect purity. 1

True, she seemed sad at times, for she keenly
felt her father’s terrible life and the dangers he
ran daily. but then she was ever aflectionate
and cheerful before him, and seemed the silver
\lining upon his clouded existence, the single ray
of sunlight that entered his gloomy heart, for
he was wholly wrapped up in his beautiful
daughter, whom he had taught himselfiu vari-
ous branches of education, until Maud was a
refined. intelligent and accomplished young la—
dy. devoting her leisure hours to drawing, paint-
ing and music, for she was a fine performer up-
on the guitar. and possessed a voice of mane]-
ous richness and wer.

Was it I won or then that the priest felt a
deep interest in the maiden, and atil lingered at
the stronghold, anxious to win the fair young
girl from her cruel associations. and cause her
father to allow her to seek a home in a society
which she could adorn!

CHAPTER XVI.

TEE Rascals.

ONE pleasant afternoon, ten days after the or;
rival of the priest in the robber camp, three
persons were seated upon horseback upon the
side of a small hill, gazing out upon the prairie
spread out before them in an almost boundless
expanse. 4

Two of the parties were maidens, one of
them, Maud. the robber chief’s daughter, the
other Nina Vernon.

 

 

 

 

26 The Border Robin Hood.

 

The third person was the priest, Father Foley,
who was allowed every privilege in the cam ,
and had accompanied the young ladiesfora ri e

_ . upon the prairie.

After gazing a while in silence upon the level

landscape, the priest turned to Maud and said,

quietly:
“ Lady, I have to thank you for more kindness
than Ican ever repay, but you will have your

' own reward.

“Through your kindness I have been received
in the robber camp of your father, and thereby
enabled to accomplish the object for which I
came here.

“ Listen, while I tell you why I came and
make known to you that I have deceived you,
that I am not what I seem.”

Surprise was visible upon the beautiful face
of Maud, but she merely bowed for the priest to
continue, and said nothing.

A slight flush overspread the face of Father

‘ Foley, and he resumed in the same soft and

pleasant voice in which he had before spoken:

“ Many miles from here there lives a man who
is your father’s enemy; an enemy because in
the discharge of military duties. he once con-
demned your parent to die for his crimes: par-
don me, but I must 8 eak plainly.

“ That foe of your ather has a pleasant home,
almost within the shadow of the post, and there
dwelt his siswr and daughter in peace and hap-

iness, until the renowned Robin Hood of the

order sweeped down upon the dove-cote in re-
venge, and bore the maiden away, his intention
being to force the commandant of the fort to
feel his revenge by putting the maiden to
death.”
’ “ Could my father do so foul a deed! He
never wars against women,” indignantlyreplied
the maiden.

“ True, he has that redeeming trait; but he is
bitter in his love for revenge, and the life of

' Miss Vernon was to be sacrificed to own e him~

self upon the father for having once con emned
him to die upon the gallows, and from which
{aminominious doom you, his daughter, rescued

m.

“ Me! How know you this, Father Foley 1"

“I know that you played host and fright-
ened the poor superstitious rish sentinel, who
guarded your father, to death. and that you
bravely rescued your Robin Hood from his
doom, although in years you were then a mere
child; also, I know that last night our father
gave the order for the murder of iss Vernon,
and that her scalp was to be sent to the post.”

“ H irriblei This shall not be done, Sir Priest;
you have my word for it," replied Maud, her
face palin and her eyes flashing fire.

“Lady, know your influence is great, but I
prefer not to risk it.

“I said I was deceiving you, and in truth I
am, for I am no priest.”

“What! who then are you?” cried Maud, in

amazement.

“ 1 am one whom you have once met before,
one who gave chase to you some days since,

' when we met in the motto to the southward.”

,“ You are, then. that man! Well, I distanced
you. did I not, although our horse was a fleet
one? But how you are d sguisedi”

 

“ It would not be safe for the Prairie Rover
to visit this spot."

“ The Prairie Rover! You, then, are that
man? Oh! how I have longed to see you, for I
love to hear of your daring deeds.

“Prairie Rover, you are a brave man, and I
am so glad you are not a priest," and Maud’s
face flushed crimson, and her eyes drooped as
she made the remark.

Then she quickly continued:

" But what danger you are in here; quick!
fly! ere my father knows you in your true light.”

“ Lady. I pledged my word to Colonel Vernon.
to rescue his daughter, and I came hither for
that purpose, and Miss Vernon has known me
in my true light since the first night I arrived,
for her woman‘s eye penetrated a disguise which
none of the band have done; although they have
often met me.

“ When I asked you to ride hither this after—
noon, it was for the purpose of escaping with
Miss Vernon; but let me urge that you also
come with us, for sooner or later the end must
come, and you will be cast helpless upon the
world.”

“ Yes, Maud, let me beg you to come with us.
and be my sister, and my father will be a father
to you.

“ No one need know that you are the daugh-
ter of the noted Robin Hood, for my father will
willingly resign and return East, if I wish it;
and then he will have two daughters instead of
one.

“Come, Maud. Come with me,” and Nina
put her arms affectionately round her beautiful
companion, who trembled like an aspen leaf,
and great tears stood in her eyes.

“ No, I will not be tempted. I will remain.
I long dearl to see the great world beyond, to
meet my fe low-men and women whose brows
are not branded with crime, but I owe my first
duty to my father.

“ Whatever he may be to others, cold and
stem though is his nature, to me be has been
ever kind, and I know that I am all he has to
love in the world.

“I am glad that we have met, Nina, and on,
sir,I can never forget; but I must stay ere
with my father.

“ Quick! hasten! for you have no time to lose
would you keep ahead of the human blood-
hounds that ere long will be on your trail; so fly
at once; and, Nina, take my mare: chain the
fleetest on the prairie, and the scout rides one
that has few equals, so you can haven better
chance of escape; no, no, do not say me nay,
but change horses with me at once,” and the
noble girl sprunfito the ground.

“It is best, iss Vernon,” replied the dis-
guised scent, and be instantly set about chang-
ing the saddles and bridles u on the horses,
while the two maidens seem almost heart-
broken at Earting, Maud because her friend,
whom she ad learned to love so dearly, was
perhaps forever going from her, and Nina to
have to leave behind, amid a robber’s camp, the
beautiful girl whom she so longed to have go
with her.

“Miss Maud, and now we must part.”

It was the scout who spoke, and his voice was
sad and tremulous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Border Robin Hood. - 2’7

 

Maud said nothing. Her form trembled, and
tears chased each other down her cheek.

‘f Yes, we must part now, but only?7 for awhile,
for I will return if you say so; will again
come into the robber’s camp, in some disguise or
other, to see you; for never will I give you up
until you bid me go from you.”

The maiden raised her beautiful eyes, gave
one searching look into the face before her, and
replied softly:

“You must not risk your life, but I long so
much to see you again." ’

“Say I can come, and my desire to see you
will revent me from risking my life.”

“ on can come.”

As the maiden answered, and before the scout
could reply, she suddenly started back, her face
galing, and her lips parting, with “All is lost!

eel there comes my father!"

 

CHAPTER XVII.
a TERRIBLE CONFESSION.

Ir was too true! coming slowly around the
base of the hill, and some two hundred yards
distant, was the Robin Hood of the Border,
{glowing the trail leading to his retreat in the

l s.

As the eyes of all three fell upon the majestic
form of the robber chief, there suddenly came
the sharp crack of a rifle from some unseen foe,
a loud war-cry, and throwing his arms wildly
in the air, Robin Hood reeled in his saddle and
fell heavily to the ground.

The war-cry heard was echoed by a wild
scream from Maud, and together the three dash-
ed down the hill toward the fallen man.

But suddenly from a dark covert on the hill-
side darted a tall and wild—looking form, and
with the speed of an antelope rushed toward the
prostrate chief.

“ Great God! it is Wild Wolf,” cried the
scout and he drove the spurs into Comrade and
urged him on, at the same time calling out to
th§Indian. pea h t M b

ut wra u int ejoyo srevenge,t 9
Indian waryr'lor ngither saw nor heard—his vic-
tlm on) was before him.

.“G in heaven! he will scalp him before the
eyes of his daughter,” cried the scent, and he
half drew his revolver from its holster; but, as
if altering his determination, he urged Comrade
on, and the next instant bounding to the ground
seized Wild Wolf as he was bending over the
wounded man to take his scalp.

" Hold! Wild Wolf—I bid you hold!" steme
cried the scout, as the Indian seemed inclined to
still rush upon the wounded chief.

“ Wild Wolf has killed the bound of the prai-
rie: let him take his scalp.”

" No; yonder comes the daughter of this man,
and she shall see him die in peace, for you have
taken his life.

“ Will you yield this to me. or shall the knife
be drawn between us?” and the scout spoke with
deadlv firmness.

“ Wild Wolf has no knife for the heart of his
white brother.

“ The Praire Rover must not be angry with
his red brother."

" The Prairn‘e Rover! Are you the one whom
men call the Prairie Rover?"

 

It was the deep voice of the robber chief, and
quickly the scout turned toward him.

“Yes, chief; I came hither in the disguise of
a priest to take from your power the daugh—
ter of Colonel Vernon; but here.comes your
poor daughter, and she will explain all," replied
Ell-e scout, and on dashed Maud, folIOwed by

ma.

“My father! Oh, God! he is dying!" and
Maud threw herself beside him.

“Yes, Maud—I am dying; I feel that my
moments are numbered.”

“ And here stands your murderer—”

“Hold! Lady, yonder man has but avenged
himself for a wrong done him in years gone by;
nay, put up your pistol, for he is my friend, and
I will not see him harmed.”

The scent spoke firmly, ard glancing into his
face she rt-lir quished her hold upon the weapon
she had drawn from her belt, and again knelt
beside her ii ther.

“ Maud, daughter, I have been to you a cruel
father, for I have reared you here amid wild
scenes of came 9; but ] feel that you will for—
give me, and w an yru hear my confession you
will think kindly of me."

“ Father, ohl father, who else have I to love!

“Oh, God! must he be taken from me thus,
and I be left all alone in the world?”

“ We all have our time to die, Maud. and the
hand of death is upon me now; sooner or later
his icy touch will still your pulse.

“ But, as I stard upon the brink of the grave,
as I cast a bitter glance of retrospection over
the past, I‘d have you hear my history; nay,
turn not (your eyes in hatred upon yonder poor,
untutore child of the forest: for in years gone
by he was a. sufferer by my hand, all he loved
was torn from him by my ruthless followers, so
he only carried out the instinct of his nature,
and in revenge took my life.

“I would not have died thus; but vain are
human hopes and regrets row for me, and it
may be best; for strange as it may seem, I feel
now no enmity toward my fellow-men, and
thank God, I die ere my crime-stained soul ’
was stained with the blood of yonder innocent
maiden.

“ Thank you, scout: hold me thus, and I suffer
less pain from this wound through which my
life is fast ebbing sway.

“Maud, long years ago, ere you were born, I
was an innocent man, a wild youth perhaps, but
still not sinful.

“Then across my life there came acloud, a
damning cloud; for betrayed by one whom I
believed most true, one or kindred blood, we
fought, and he fell by my hand.

“But, there my sex-raws only began. for my
act cast me out from a mother’s love, nay,
from the aflection of every humongdng. save
ohne. and her [learned to love wit my whole

eart.

“That one, Maud, was your mother, whoI
when I first met her, was engaged to another, a
noble man, who would have made her life happy
had I not darkened her path,

“Finding I was disinhented by my mother
and with no one to speak a kind word to me, I
intended turning my‘back upon my home, when
I discovered I was loved by your mother, and I

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Border Robin Hood.

 

could not leave without her to guide my wan-
dering footsteps through life.

“ But, alas! more bloodshed fell to my lot, for
the man to whom she was engaged sought me
out, challenged me, and we met upon the fatal
field of honor.

“ He fell by my hand, and ere I could reach
the spot where he lay bleeding, :1 horseman
dashed up and furioust attacked me.

" It Was the brother of your mother, Maud.

“ In vein was it that I warned him off, and to
keep him at bay shot his horse; be rushed upon
me, firing as he came, and in self—defense I shot
him through the heart.”

“ Oh, God have mercy upon you.”

“His mercy will never fell upon me, Maud.
Yes. he fell by my hand, and then I fled the
hated home where I had passed my boyhood

years.

“But, with me went the woman of my love,
your mother, Maud.

“Hunted down for the crimes I had commit—
ted. I fled to Mexico, and became a wanderer,
to roam into this portion of the country, where
your mother, ever true to me, followed with
you. then a mere child.

“One night the military visited my house,
accompanied bya band of settlers. and in the
skirmish that followed. furl would not submit
tamely, your mother was killed.

“From that day. I became a very devil, and
well you know my career since.”

The chief paused, and the deep voice of the
scout asked:

“ Was the mother of this young girl your
wife?’

“She was: we were married in New Orleans."

“Thank God! Ernest Maltravers, I furgi «e
you all the sorrow that you have caused me.”

“ Who is it that calls the name of Ernest
Maltraversi" cried the chief, his face flushing, us
he raised himself upon his elh0w, and peered
searchineg into the face of the scout. I

“One whom you believed you had SLIM],
Ernest Maltravers.

“ I am. Percy Le Roy .'"

“G 1d. I thank thee; i am not bowed down by
that crime in my dying hour,” and the chief fell
back with n groan. ‘

" And you forgive me. Percy Le Roy?”

“Yes, I forgive you from my heart. Ernest
Msltravers, though since my recoVerv from the
fearful ~wound you guys me, I have been on

our track, seeking revenge. .

“I tracked you to Mexico, and I trailed you
hither, yet only a few davs since did I find that
you were he that was called the Rabin Hood of
the Border, for you were young then, and you
have o‘ianged greatly since last we met.

“ Who-my accident. I found that Robin Hood
was none other than Ernest Maltrnvers. it pain-
ed me most deeply, for I had a tie awakening
in my heart that destroyed my intended revenge
a ainst you, and bound me to you with a bond
111000 will not be severed."

“And that tie is?" sadly said thechief, his eyes
closing.

“ Your daughter! Ernest Msltravers, you are
dying: your sands of life are weanigh run out,
and this child will be alone in the world.

“ Leave ‘her to my charge, and in the family

 

of Colonel Vernon she will find a home until she
is willing to become my wife, for I 'love herds
dearl as I once loved her mother, end in her
face see the look of Ruth Reginald.” '

“Maud, my child, the man before you I once
did a great 'wrong; he for ives me all the sorrow
I have caused him, and, i in your heart there is
a bond of feeling that will awaken into love,
take him, and for mv sake be a noble wife to
him, for he is a. noble man."

“Father, your wish will be my law; but is
there no hope, no thought that you may recov—

er, and in the future lead adiiferent life, free  ’

from these wild scenes?" and Maud bent her lips
and ressed them to her father's brow.

“ hild, I have not half an hour to live; al-
ready clouds of death pass before my eyes, and
[feel—that—but you forgive me, do on not,
Le Roy—and you-my child, you forg vs your
erring father; but do not—do not forget him,
even though he was a cruel Robin Hood of the
Border—

“Here, child. take my band; and you, Le
Roy, take my other hand, and—oh, Godi bless
these two, even though my memory be forever
accursed!”

Tue lustrous eyes were closed from view, the
strong form trembled, a sigh parted the stern
lips, and Ernest Msltravers, the men whose life
had been one long scene of crime, ceased to
breathe.

CHAPTER XVIII.
CONCLUSION.

[N the commandsnt’s pleasant rooms at the
fort, one delightful afternoon, some ten days
after the death of Ernest Meltravere. the Robin
Hood of the Border, sat Colonel Vernon and
Percy Le Roy, earnestly di<cussiug the stirring
incidents of the past few weeks.

When the colonel had heard the whole story
of the scout’s adventure as a priest in the robber
camp, and his return to the fort. after the death
of the chief, accompanied by Maud and Nina,
he said, with feeling:

“Thank Godl all is over now, and, there is
some prospect that our lives may glide quietly
alon in the future.

"' 0 you, Le R >y, I owe more than I can ever
repay, for you have saved me my child, who is
far dearer to me than life itself.

“ You have been a great suflerer, my friend.
but, ‘let the dead past bury its dead,'and all
will be well.

“ Now I wish you to meet my sister, Miss
Vernon, whose early life was also clouded, caus-
ing her to leave gay society, and accompany me
to this far fronlier, where she has been a mother
to Nina—oh. here she comes now."

As the colonel spoke, a lady entered the room,
a lady of perhaps forty years of age, and with
a. and face that once had been beautiful.

“Lida, I sent for you on account of Joyous
news—but in God’s name what ails you!"

“ Brother, from Nina I have heard all. and
that the Robin Hood of the Border was Ernest
Maltravers, the man who killed hiscousln How-
ard, to whom I was en ged, ou remember?”

“ Yes, I recall vivi ly the sad affair; but,

 

Ԥ
"was 1,» _
mm M: ~74»w.-.msn

 



 

 

"T .

.15-

e4__

 

 

i

The Border Robin Hood.

 

Lida, this is my friend, Captain Le Roy, who
ins won such a wonderful reputation as the
Prairie Rover: and whose daring has restored
in us our lost Nina.”

 

Kind reader, a few more words and my ro-
mance of border life is ended, with the hope
that it has served to interest you in the lives of
ihose who have gone far beyond the maris of
civilization, to build up new homes and new as
sociations, in the midst of a savage land.

 

A few days' rest at the fort, and the scout and
Captain Raymond started upon another expe-
dition, accompanied by a large force of troop—
ers. '

It was against the stronghold of the robber
band, who in the continued absence of their
chief, for they knew not his fate, had been
thrown into disorder and strife.

Taking advantage of his thorough knowledge
of the surroundings, the scout led the column
slowly to a night attack, and the surprise and
defeat of the renegade robbers was thorough,
and their band was scattemd to the four winds
of the prairie.

Returning by the way of the Indian village,
the dashing command inflicted another severe
punishment upon the hostile tribes, who at once
became anxious to sue for peace with the
whites. a peace which was soon after entered
upon. but like all trea'ies between the red-men
and pale-faces, only kept until some trifling cir-
cumstances called them to unbury the toma-
hawlr once more.

Returning in triumph to the fort, Percy Le
Roy, as he is now known to be, received a
warm welcome from Maud, who closely ques
tioned him regarding every feature of the
stronghold, Which so long had been her home,
and With tears in her eyes, thanked him sincere-
ly when he said he had transfq'red her father’s
body to her favorite little dell near the cabin.
and had marked the grave with an engraved
head-board, containing her father‘s real name,
age, and date of death.

For his gallant service, Ramsey Raymond
was promoted to the rank of major, and further
made happy by discovering that he was really
loved by the sad little coquette, Nina Vernon,
who had given him so many heartaches.

A few months passed away in peace and con-
tentment at the fort, and then the cabin-home
of Colonel Vernon became the scene of a joyous
double wedding. for Nina had crmsented to
make Ramsev Raymond’s heart glad by be.-
coming his wife, and between Maud Main-av-
ers and Percy Le Roy there were

“ Two souls with but a single though t—
Two hearts that beat as one.”

It was a quiet, but joyous wedding, and
among the distinguished guests present, was,
most conspicuous in his gorgeous trappings and
war-paint, Wild Wolf, the Comanche chief, who
when the benediction was given, signified his
joy and congratulations by a war-whoop which
nearly raised the roof of the cabin, and started

.tbn echoes in the forest for miles around.

Tired Of the stirring scenes of wild western

 

life, the happy couples were anxious to find
homrs in a more civilized land, and upon the
banks of the Mississippi TlVel‘. within view or
the wire of the new church. erected by the will
of Mrs. Maliravers, who had so cruelly con-
demned her son unheard. thev now live in con»
tentment, both Percy Le Roy and Ramsey
Raymond having settled d0wn to the quiet en-
joyment of a planter’s life, perfectly happy in
the love of their beautiful wives, and the young
generation growing up around them, and who,
with Open-mouthed wonder. listen over and
over again to the daring exploits of the Prairie
Rover, little dreaming, in their innocent hearts,
that a “skeleton " lies hidden behind the scenes V
of the romantic story of border life.

THE END.

End twang

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1—DIME AMERIUAE SPEAKER. lS—DIME SCHOOL SPEAEn.
2—DIME NATIONAL SPEAKER. l4—DIME LUDIchUs 5mm.
3—DIME PATRIO‘I‘XC SPEAKER. 15—CARLPRETZEL’S KoMIKAI. SPEAKER.
4—DIME COMIC SPEAKER. 13—DIHE Yovm‘s SPEAKER
5—DIME EMCUTIONIST. l7~DnIE EDOQUENT SPEAKEE.
6~DIME HUMOBoUs SPEAKER. 18—DIME HAIL COLUMBIA 3mm
7—DIME STANDARD SPEAKER. 19—DIXE SEBIo-COMIU SPEAKER.
8—DIME STUMP SPEAKER. DIME SELEcr SPEAKER.
9—DIME JUVENILE SPEAKER. 21—DIME FUNNY SPEAKER

10—DIME SPREAD-EAGLE SPEAKER. 22—DIME JOLLY SPEAKER.

11—DIME DEBATE}! & CEAmMAR‘s GUIDE m—DIME DIALEUI‘ SPEAKER.

12-—DIME EXHIBITION SPEAKER. Eat—DIME READINGE AND REGITATIONB.

Each speaker, 100 pages 12mm, containing from 50 to 75 pieces.

THE DI]!le DIALOGUES

Are filled with o In] and specially prepared contributions from favorite and
po ulsr caterers or the Amateur and School Stage—giving more taking and
6 some dialogues, buriesques, social .comedies domestic (areas, exquisite dress
sud exhibition dramas than any collectwn ever ofl‘ered at any price.
DIME anGUEs NUMBER ONE. DIME DIALOGUE NUMBER 8mm.”
DIME DIALOGUEE NUMBER Two. tie Mk3.
DIME DIALOGUEE NUMBER THREE. DIME Dumast NUMBER Emu-1m.
DIME DIAwGUEs NUMBER FOUR. DIME DIAwOUEs NUMBER NINE-mm
DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER FIVE. DIME DIALOGUEs NUMBER Mm.
DIME DIAEOGUEs NUMBER SIx. DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER ' 0m
DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER SEVEN. DIME DIALOGUEs NUMBER W—"O.
DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER EIGHT. DIME DIAmGUEs NmER m-mREE
DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER NINE. DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER “Em-mun.
DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER TEN. DIME DIAwaUEs NUMBER TWEm-m.
DIME DIAwUUEs NUMIIER ELEVEN. DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER MEN-six.
DIME DIAmsUEs NUMBER TWELVE. DIME DIAwOUEs NUMBER TWEEn-sEVEII
DIME DIAMOGUEE NUMBER THIRTEEN. DIME DIAEOGUEE NUMBER TWENTY-EIGHT
DIME DIAmuUEs NUMBER FOURTEE‘N. DIME Dume NUMBER TWENTY-HIRE.
DIME DIALOGUEs NUMBER FIFTEEN. DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER Tam-n.
DIME DIALOGUES NUMBER Sum. DIME DIALOGUEs NUMBER Tmanon.
Each volume, 100 pages 12mo., containing from 15 to 25 pieces.
Q’For sale by all newsdeniers; or sent, post-paid, toany address, on receipt
of price—TEN ems EACE. .

BEADLE e ADAMS, Publishers, es wunm at, New York.

 

 

 

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DIME .HAND-B'OOKS.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK.
Each volume 100 127110 ma, tent port-paid on made ofprica—tm cent: each.

GAME AND PASTIME SERIES.

HAND-BOOK OF SUMMER SPORTS—Comprising Walking, Running, Jum

English Athletic Rules.

HAND-BO JK OF WINTER SPORTS. Embracing Skating,’(on the ice and on
rollers,) Rink-Ball, Curling, Ice-Boating and F00 all.

 

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HAND-BOOK 0F PEDESTBIANISM—Giving the Rules for Training and'Prac-
tice in Walking, Running, Leaping, Vaulting, etc.
CRICKET AND FOOT-BALL—A desirable Companion
instructions in the elements of Bowling, Batting and
e

vised Laws of the Game: Remarks on

Cricket Club Rules and Regulations; Bets, etc.

DIME 30 OF OR. VET—A com lete
rules, riggme ngquet Dictionary), Par or Croquet. e .

DIME GUIDE 1‘0 SWIMMING—Embracing all the rules of the art for both

sexes.

YACHTING AND ROWING—This volume will be found very com lete as a.
do to the conduct of watercraft, and tull of interesting informs on alike to

e amateur and the novice.
BID NG AND DRIVING—A sure
fete directions for the road and eid;
nformation for female equestrians.

True Gentility and Good-Breed
3-DIME BOOK OF VERSES—Com
lets St. Valentine Verses Bride
4.19an 3001: cements—Their R0
inte retlng Dictlo
pom? FORTUNE-'1‘
read 0
6—D}: 11E
School Daégj love and Friendship, of
7—DIME L0

ll LEB—Compri

o! BgtfiLhfitg on P11
“.8 V8.

Dmfl s

12-“011. It (12333253 place in the hands

FAMILY

I. DIME COOK BOOK. 4.
8. DIME RECIPE BOOK 5.
a. DIME HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.

Patties,

 

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publishers, as William street, New York.

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; ingd Hare and Hounds, Bicycling, Archery. etc. With Complete Amer-l
an
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ido to correct Horsemanshi , with com-

DOOK OF 100 GAMES—Ouer and h—door SUMMER G

‘ DIME CHESS IN STRUOTOR—A complete hand-book of instruction, giving
the entertaining mysteries of this most interesting and fascinating at games.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERIES.
- ’ 1" Models, '
1 mainsssiwmmmbmme mm Wm
2—DIME BOOK OF ETIQUETTE—For Ladies and Gentlemen: being a Guide to

ing and a. Directory to the U es of socie .
’risgnfi Verses for ValentinZEMottoes, Ctgup-
an

Compiled from the most acc

haracter, etc. .
LADIES’ LETTER-WRITER—Giving the various forms of Letters of
1338’ CASKET—A Treatise and Guide to Friendship, Love, Court-
shi and Mam . Embraci also a complete Floral Dictionary
s—nrgfi M comm ION—And Guide to Dancing.

to.
BEAUT —A delightful book, tail of interesting inform.-

a‘ The above books are sold _bv Newedealers everywhere, or will 00 Ben
post-paid, to any address, on receipt Ll price, 10 cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS,

 

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contain complete
Fieldin ; s so the Re
Duties otUmpires; t eMary-le—Bone

ide to the me, vfiith the latest

and a specific section of tions and
, or Tourists

AM
and Families in the Country, Picnics, etc, comprising 100 Games. orfeits, m.

arriage Verses Verses of Love, etc. .
memos and Myst-cg; with a complete

' ited sources.
smg the art of Fortune-Telling, how to

Society, etc.
etc.
_ diving rules
toilettes tor the Ball-room e
of every one who would be beautiful.

SERIES.

DIME FAMILY PHYSICIAN.
DIME DRESSMAKING AND MIL-
LINERY.

 

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\ ISSUED EVERY

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1 Deadwood Dick he Prince of the? 31 Niwlningala NM“ or. The For t
Road. By Edward’L. Wheeler. . Captains. By T. chm-haugh. es
2 Kansas Klng' or The Red Right 32 Black John th Road A t. B
Hand. By Buflal’o Bill. I Joseph E. Badéer, 3r. gen y
8 The Flying Yankee; or. The Ocean 1 33 “mulln on, the Masked Terror. By
Outcast. By Col. Prentxss Ingrahnm. Edward L. Wheeler.
4 The Double Daggers. By Edward 34. Burt Blinker, the Trapper. By
L. Wheeler. i George E. Lasalle.
5 The Two Detectives. By Albert. 35 The Boy Rifles. By A. C. Irons.
W- Aiken- 136 The White Bufl‘alo. By Geo. e.
6 The Pralrle Pilot. By Bufl’nlo l'lll. Lasalle.
7 The Bufl‘nlo Demon; or. The Bor- 37 Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L.
der Vultures. By Edward L. Wheeler. Wheeler.
9 A'l‘Mal’e Al”! the B037 Guide By 38 Ned Hazel the Boy Tra r. B
2:000:16: h Bo B “T Capt. J. F.0’.Adams. we y
9N W7 ete ySoouty 8x38 I : l .
Jack ,, (J. Blaomohundm). 39 Dlglflgflg gilye, the U uknowu Scout By
10 Buffalo Ben the Prince otthe Pistol. . , .
By Edward L.’Wheeler. 40   es - Pet By capt‘ J'
11 Ihill"I “S‘Yithe BOY Buccaneer- By 41 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By
COL Prams; “graham Edward L. Wheeler. ‘
12 Nick 09 tlm ngllt' or, The Boy Spy . , i a, 0 . .
amMmmwn :meewaeee?
13 Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph E. L )' y ‘ U ' “Um/‘9‘
Badger. Jr. 44 The White Indian. By Capt. J.
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“inward-11' Wheel” 45 Bucklxorn am. By Edward L.
15 Diamond Dlrk. By Col. lnmham. Wheeler. "
16 Keen-Knife ‘Prince of the Prairies. : I C ‘ s n B . .
By on 000mg; i 46 Tlggrsllrmtlow ,hlp y( 01. Prentxss
. W :3 B
I 7 oggfogyflcggz gflyékwgflf‘ 8 CY 47 The Red Brotherhood. By W. J.

18 Death-Face. the Detective. By Ed Hmnilwn'
ward L. Whee er. 48 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh.
‘9 “1’” JM'“ By “Wm” 49 Hurricane Blll. nyJoseph 13.1m- -
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Beck ass anger. y any . x-ge. " .
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92 The phantom Miner. By Edward 51 Patent-leather Joe. By Phillp S.
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25 Bgtlylzlg Bulge; fir, 'I'hes mam Hawks ; By Edward L. Wheeler.
0 en uclcy. y arry t. eorgr‘. ‘ | , . : C ' .
26 Old Avalanche the Great Annihila- ; 54 05"  “mm By "Pm" J' 1"
tor. By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘
21 (Mu-"EgonV the Great Shot of the Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale
West“ y “Pt ‘1' F‘ 0' Ar'ams' by all Newsdealers. five cents per copy, or
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