Iain-‘7‘ _ hmwnmfln _ _ _ a; ‘. _ mfllfll'fll Ili'mll filHlllfimE‘il. 142. .4 Sept 29 No :r e, cuts. Prk‘ ve C mmmmwwmw”‘ , a Second Clm Mall Mun-u. m 1.1 I IIHuIL-H-Hlll“_”""' NEW YORK. Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, No. 98 WILLIAM ST.- lflll'ullu Iy “H‘L' = " $2.50 a Year XL Copyrighted. 1886, by BIADLI Arm Ann‘s. Entered at the Poll Ofllce It New York. N. Y. Vd 9’ n u AB SEE GAZED UP INTO 3!! , I AM LITTLE ’s QUERY, you I'm YOUR FRIEND. I" WAS THE BOY 100' LEE “MG BmER, NOW, ARE YOU NOT . “on; “nox’w an nun: or us,“ an mum on, “ u‘ 2 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Little Texas, TEE vocne nosrmonn. A Tale of the Texan Prairies. BY OLL COOMES, Arms or “swim sno‘r sums," mo. CHAPTER I. * LITTLE TEXAS. A sonata day on a Texan prairie. A light south wind drifting across the great ocean of verdure comes laden With the sounds of wild excitement. Savage ells, the thunder of hoofed feet, and the occasions re ort of fizearms disturb the silence. Then out o the distance comes a horseman at a wild. break-neck speed. He is an bid man. Ills taco is covered with perspiration and dust. His horse is rocking with foam. He is being pursued. CIOse be— hind comes another rider—a boy' and still further on comes a band of wild Apache lndians. The foremost fugitive is mounted upon a fine boy home and is leading a dark chestnut mustang, both remarkable for their beauty and speed. The boy rides a dark bay mustang caparisonod with Mexican saddle and bridle. At the bow of the saddle hangs a coiled lasso. ' The young rider was not over seventeen years of age. and possessed of a lithe, yet Well dcvelo ed form. His face, which was bronzed to the hue 0 an Indian‘s, wore an expression of manly pride and courage, while a pair of soft blue eyes looked out from under the brim of his sombrero. The chase was a wild and desperate one. The horses of all kin—at least. I made old Boniface beli ‘ve such was the case, thouzh I can make Lizhtfoot limp any lime, or do anything else. But, as I was sayiu‘, we went limpin' along through the woods till we come to an awful thick n t, whtn I put a ma in Ligntfoot’s (81', and away xe went-— jerked loose from the robber. and it ever you seen a pair of fellowslgo ieamn‘ through that timber it was Lightfoot and Out into the prairie we sailed, and away we flew over the prain. Coublin‘ on those fl- rates at ever jump. 011. it was a Elm-lens race- brats ours al holler. I soon left the dancin' villains out of sight and rode on till I reached a lime chap- parralI where I dismounted to rest and let Lighifoot raze. I was awful tired, and I sat down to rest and ell asleep. Well, when l awoke. Ughtfoot was frettin'; and, getting _up. I looked around. Plagued it i wasn‘t surroundrd by a score of A ches." “ Gr:—at tar-rant‘—lexsl” burst from id Morality. “ 1 saw there was no escape for me.” Little Tl xas resumed, "for not lesflu a dozen glittering lance- points were so near my breast ti at l was almost afraid to scralch my head. The}; soled awful mean to’ards me, and kept loukin’ around the grove as though they thought Ilrere was some more of us about; but final] I found out the whole secret of their presence here, and their strange actions. Tbvy were in pursuil of a horsothief that hadstolen two of their horses Tlr y thought I was the chap; but they solln found I hadn‘t their horses; so they mounted me onto my horse and aw»y we all went again. Lightfoot got lame again. all of a suddint, and it, was hard work for us togit along. but the A aches lashed us up, and after ri ins? a mile or so, wiio shoul l we discover but the veritable old horse- tllief himself, and that was you. Morality.“ ” Ho! ho! ho z" lane‘th Morality: “you don’t say?" “Yes. I do say.“ replied Texas; “and when are discovered you w give chase. I lingered behind at flls '. and when I saw the Indians were all crazy on catchin' you I spoke to Lightfoor, and away we went. A few umps bmu ht us to the front, and he- tore the Apac es knew w wt was up, we was out 02 reach of harm." " Hark, bovl" suddt nly commanded thr- old man, starting to his f at. and listening. “ What is it, Morality?” asked the Boy Unsung“- “Thar‘e somethin‘ or other—my old can don‘t 4 Little Texas, the Young Mustang”. reach out like they did once. boy. You git up and listen. Texas." The Boy Mustanger rose, threw the saddle on his horse then crept to the edge of the grove and listen- ed. 9 heard the sound of trampling hoofs upon the ' plain. and it seemed to be growmg plainer each mo- meat—approaching. Then, rom out t e depth ol’ the moonlit night and solitude of the boundless plain, he saw two horssv men emerge at a sweeping gallop. T .ey drew near- er and nearer-they were before him—then t'iey - were gone like the wind apast him. and were soon lost in the distant shadows. Little Texan turned and hurried back to his com- panion. “That will never do. Morality," he said, in a tone that betrayed some excitement; “ therei; something wrong. One of those night-riders was a m n, the other a. woman I shall follow them. for I repeat it, I believe there is something wrong. Momlity. loan me one of your pistols.” The old man complied at once; then. turning, the boy lea ed into the saddle. and a moment later he was fly nz over the moonlit plain upon the trail of the unknown. mysterious night-riders. ‘ CHAPTER Ii. THE EMIGZRANT CAMP. CAMP on the Sm Saba Riv r. ‘ . The San Saba Valley in tho tWilight of a summer evening. The sound of human voices mingled with the soft. musical murmur of the river. A camp-tire burning under the sheltering boughs of mesquit. and co war and oak. A dozen canvas-covered wagons drawn up in n cir- cle around the ruddy fire. In short. an emigrant train encamped there upon the banks of the little Pexan riwar. Men, women and children. in all numbering some forty or fifty souls. comprised the numerical force of this band of adventurers. I say adventurers. for they were such who dared to breast the hardships and the manifold dangers of Texan wood and Texan plain at the time of which i write; and when Colonel srael Miles led his little band into the valle of the San Saba. he did not do so without being ully ap- prised of the step he was taking. Looking in upon that camp one would see at ones that the emigrants did not consider Lil»'nlsl:lYi.‘S f ice from surrounding dangers for every precaution had been taken to guard ago inst surprise bv enemies, of which there were many. The wild IndiansI the out« law Mexicans. and the white robbers, or as they were better known. the R2 ulators. still infested the woods and (prairies of ‘exas. and being fully acquainted with he cowardly and cunnin nature of these Bedouins,Colonel Miles was prepare for thr-m. The colonel was a lar e and owerful man. with a quick no your. disposit on. am a short. blulf way of spea m: that. to a stranger, would seem cold and severe. But no warmer or truer heart ever throbbed than that of Israel Miles. He was a bachelor, which is the worst that can be said of him; but this was no fault of his. Death had robbed him of the only woman he had ever loved, more than twenty years before. He was not alone. however. for he had un’l T his guard aiis‘nip two lovely girls. Christi- Miy Milvs and Edith m iyton, of sixteen and twenty years respectively. The one was the hilzl of his dead sister. and the other of an unfortunate friend. an old school-mate and army comrade. Both of these girls were very handsome and intelligent. uni had they been til“ colonel‘s own daughters he could not have regarded them more ten lerly. for he idolized them. Christie Miles was a dark-eyed little nymph, just budding into lovelv womanhood. She. was possesrr‘d of a sweet. vivacious spirit, and was loved by all who knew her. l“filth Clayton represented another type of woman- li iod. She was possessed of a Iylph-like form—tall. slender and graceful; soft blue eyes and a wealth of light flaxen hair that seemed to cast around her serene. an she faces. halo of infinite beauty. She was ofasi ant and gentle nature. yet that silence and gentility were possessed of an influence that made her loved and admired by all. The emigrants had been sheath in the San Saba Valley for several days. For a. they knew they were at their journey’s end. or nearly so. Colonel Miles had conceived the idea of plautingecolony in western Texas, and believed the San Saba Valley nflorded great advantages as an agricultural and stock-raising country; and it was only until they could determine upon a suitable location for per- manent settlement that they had gone into camp. Settlements in this part of Texas at the time of Which we write were vcr few and fanbetween. Here and there might be ound a lone cattle ranch. or the quarters of a band of mustan ers; and not infrequently were these ranchsroes an horse-catch- ers in communication and upon good terms—if not in league—with the wild Indians and white outlaws, or Regulators, of the prairie. Among the noted characters of Western Texas, and one who for years had kept the people, rancheroes and mustangers in a fever of excitement. was the noun-ions Black Boniface. the leader of a band of outlaws. or Regulators. whose retreat was somewhere upon the head-waters of the San Saba River. This man of all others Colonel Miles feared. Th In there was another person in those parts. the very opposiw of Black Boniface in character. though it. had not been the colonel‘s leasuro to meet him. This was little Texas. the aim Mustanger~a youth made famous by his wonderfu horsemanship, his reckless daring, and the use of the lasso—a boy who he] sen: more wild horses and horned cattle to the mai kets of Galv- -ston and Austin than any other person in Western Texas. The few days the arty had been waiting in camp by the San Saba h made camp-life dull and mow notonous. Everybody was anxious to know where his and her home were to be located; and but for the presence of Christie and Edlth. the hours would have dragged more wear-fly than they did. It was thewout of the maidens to walk by the river at evening, and watch the sun go down beyond the grcat plain stretching away for weary leagues into the westironi the opposite shore of the river. Nor did fimiliarity with the scene dim its glory in the least, for the fourth evening we find them there seated on a log by the water's edge, watching the declining sun. _ “ 0.), sister!" exclaimed Christie. enthusiastically. as she saw the blood-red sun sinking behind the hori- zon. “isn’t that deli htful! 0h. whyc iuldn’t I have been an artist. and t an I could sketch such divine Landscapes and—” H ‘1' eyes were bent downward and resting u n a. clump of brush upon the water’s edse. Edit saw that she had been suddenly startled. transfixed. " Christie!“ she exclaimed: “what do you see?" "Look. Edith 1" she answered, pointingdownward. Again Eflllh glanc d at the point indicated. and this time she, too, started; for amid the tangled meshes of the clump of brush she beheld a. ll‘of burning eyes Fe' i l a brown, dusky face—a “man face peering up into hers. " It ls a Mexican!" exclaim ‘d Edith. Her word; broke the spell that bound the fair Christie. and starting up 1; e little maiden uttered a scream and started back from the river. As the maiden‘s c of alarm rum: out over the water and through 13hr? wood. tha lithe form of a Mexican glided out from under the cover or brusl-a swam rapidly across. and beforea single man coul reach the spot where the maidens stood. the cumin! allow had gained the opposite shore and dill-9P9”- Colonel Miles was the first to reach the river. and learn from Edith what had passed. A look of an. easiness settled upon his taco. I .. ..Mi.~si. . ‘\ Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. E “ The sneakin whelp is skulkingaroundl ere for no od."he ssi ; “if i could only have puts bul- let Mk his brain it would have nipped his arms in the bu . Are you sure it was a Mexican, sir i” "Yes, sir, «Lune sure," answered Edit. '. "Boys," 1 e colonel exclaimed. addressing his men. who by this time had joined him at the river, “some of us must ores the river and search for that coyote." A number of his men volunteered Yo accompany him, and the part at once crossed the river and be- gan the March. hey had no d-mculty in finding the trail, but darkness came before the could over- take the Mexican. and so they return to camp. Every point of ap roach was donhlfv guarded that night, but, to the ppy surprise 0 all. the long, weary hours of darkness wore away without the visitation of da rs. On the second day, however, the approach 0 three horsemen was announced, and amid the excitement consequent upon the dis- covery the strangers rode into cunp. The were dressed and armed as Texan Rangers and estrodc well-ca risoncd and strong-Embed horses. They led in (- arge aied horse—n mustang stud of a beautiful (meam color—that seemed wild and restive. Colonel Miles advanced and saluted the trio. The lea. ler of the p responded in a pleasant manner. The latter was a little above medium hight and size, straight as an Indian, With a fine physicll develop- ment, a keen gray eye, a heavy dark mustache, and withal a rather handsome man; but the symmetry and beauty of his face was slightly marred hyan u 1 red scar running diagonally across l:is cheek. companions were not as attractive and pre- possessing charactei s as he. One was a Mexican and the other a half-breed Indian. After the compliments of the day had been passed the white stranger sa (1: “ In assing up the valley the smoke from our camp- re revealed yo Ir presence, and we coul not resist the temptation to call and see who was here." "That was right, gentlemen,“ replied the colonel, “but whom have we the honor of addressing?" “ My name is Seneca Lucas—more familiarly known as Captain Lucas. We are mustungers, or, in other words, Texan traders—dealing and trading in horses with the mustangers or men that make a business of catching wild ho sen." “ Ah. indeed?” exclaimed the ccioneL “ We have been down the river," continued Lu " after this handsome buck-skin we have here. learned that it had been caught, and determined upon having it. for it is a remarkable horse." “I declare he is a noble-lookinf fellow,“ said the colonel, looking around the treth little animal. "Uncle Israel." said. Christie, stealing up to her uncle‘s side and speakingin a low tone, "that is the ver horse saw a few days ago pass dowa the plain .stl e head of a large. herd.“ . _ “ What. the one you‘ve been Wishing for?" asked the colonel. “Yes, sir," replied Christie. with a pleading look " Why. child what could you do with a wild horse i" calm! the bluff old gentleman. “ Haven’t I ridden horses. uncle. that some c010. ncls we know couldn‘t ride?" the maiden asked, wilh .e roguish smile; “ and wasn’t [counted the best lady rider in Tennessee? Now, say uncle?" ‘- I didn‘t 55y you weren’t, child.“ the colonel said, yielding to theanxious little heart and pleading ey. 5 of hiis fair mange: "Iblllltblf yo: réo wantfto get ymn- prvc ous oec re a. ‘ uy a pony or yo if it takes the last dollar I've got." 1" ngitle’l eyes brightened, and she fairly danced wit 0y. Captain Lucas’had Overheard a rt of the conver- sation between the colonel and is daughter, and embraced the first opportunity to remark: ” Your daughter. observe, is an admirer of arses. " Oh, yes, confound it!" blurted the colonel, in his way. “ l )resume a horse'il be the death of her, yet- Is that fel ow for hale Lucas?" “ We are Texan t ers. Mr. Miles, and are makin our bread by buying, selling and trading. We’ll sci or trade anything WWW got. Fifty dollars is our figures on that buck-skin," “ Has he been broken in the saddle?" asked Miles. “ He has been thei‘ouzhl conquered and broken. sir." said the trader. “Da za." addressing the Mex- ican. “throw the saddle on Pegasus, and ride him." The Mexican stripped the saddle from his own horse and placed it upon the back of the buckskin; then he mounted it and rode up and down the river —through the corral. and around the cam . The animal champed his bits and tossed his he a little at first, but finally came in as cutie as an old horse. Everybody was de ' htcd tb tl~e beautiful little mustang, and in less _t ion an hour Christie Miles was its owner, and upon 173 back. She rode with a side- saddle and handled the reins with case and skill. and the noble horse that, but a few days before. ran wild on the broad Texan plain, was now guided by the ' litlle hand of a feeble girl. Having disposed of his horse, and satisfied his ap- parent curiosity, the traders took their ueparture. 4 While exoicising her new horse. Christie looked about for Edith, but she was nowhere to be seen' so the maiden rode up to the door of her tent and called for her to come out. But there was no rcs case, and Christie was surprised, alarmed. She led to old June. ('oloncl Mil. s’s negro housekeeper, to come and see if Edith was in her tent. The old negress waddled down to Edith‘s spart- ment and entered; but a moment later she came rushing out, from c with r xcitiment. “Oh, Heahenly Fatln-r!” she cried; “ for do Lord Miss Edith am dead—lying on do cold floo' dead 1“ ll iih a cry of distress and grief, Christie leaped from her horse. and giving Pegasus in care of a ser- vant, ran into Euith‘s tent. Then a piercing scream startled the camp. On the floor of ht‘l‘ tent lay Edith, to all appearance dead. “9h. Edith! my poor. dear sister is dead!” critd Christie, falling upon her knees by the prostrate pill and claspinz hi'l‘ hand and raising her head. The hand was still warm. By this time Colonel Miles had reached the tent, and learning the condition of sflairs he called the party's physician, Dr. eruthan Dover, who came and examined the girl's pulse and heart. and an- nounced that she “as far from being dead; but that she " was laboring under the effects of nervous pros- tration," and had fallen in a swoon. mflomtivl's were at once administered, and it was found that the doctor was right. for signs of return- ing consciousness were soon manifested. It was some time. however, before she was able to compre- hend her situation, and when she did. she glanced quickly and l-xcitedly around her and exclaimed: “ Sister—Christie, where is he? Where is he, Christie?" “ Whom do you mean, Edith? Uncle Miles?" The sound of the lairer‘s voice seemed to restore Edith to full consciousness, and, with a little cry, she exclaimed: “ What am I sayimz. Christie f" “You are ill, sister," replied the fair Christie. Edlih glanced at the faces around her with bewil- dered look and said in a rather evasive tone: “ No, I have not been well to-day." In a few minutes all wiihdrew from her presence but Christie. As the colonel walked away. a feelir of queer mistrust entered his breast. From Edith words and actions he was led to infer that there was a secret buried in her heart, and that the trader, Seneci Lucas. had something to do with it. non as his thoughts went back in o the past, he started with a deep-drawn sigh, as one thing occurred to his mind. Night came and went. and with the coming of d it was found that three horses were missing. Ting [-ickct‘pios had been drawn, and it was 9 cut they ’8 Little Texas, the Young Mix-tangent had been stolen. This discovery caused great ex- citement in cam , and in a few minutes the impul- sive Colonel Mi es and four of his friends Were mounted and in pursuit of the thieves. Tue trail led southward, and was easily followed. as the thieves had taken no pains to conceal it; but after trawling a few miles it was discovered that the villains had separati-d, each one with a horse goln in n dlfl erentdir -ctlon. But Colonel Miles was equa to the emergency. He was determined to recover the horsns audJmnish the thieves in uch a manner that they won] not trouble him again. and so he di- vided up his p irty, sending his men upon two of the trails. be taking the third one alone. The party pursuing the middle trail traveled in a due southwest course, and about noon came to a little creek where, to their surprisa they found the three horse-thiev is had com 2 together. It was a sur rise to them because not expected so soon, and so t ey dismounted and wait-d the coming of their friends. In the course of an hour the two on the right came up. Colonel Miles alone was still obs in“, gill] they thought nothing of this until hours lx-gan togo by ani evening approach; then they became uneasy; and fears for his safety wera entertained. “ It can‘t be he's reached this point first. an I grow- ing impatient, gone on alone." said Tom Harvey. It'd be just like him." rt-plied another, " in case he got sigh: of the tin wes." ‘~‘ At any rate, let us inquire into the matter." A careful search of the ground was made and true enouzh, they found where a fourth horse, un- questionably that of the colonel, had crossed the creek. Fol owing this up they soon came l0 where the grass was tramp] 1d and cut with many hoofs; and h -r.a and there. were little clots of coagulated blood upon the ground. “Good h avensl" exclaimed young Harvey. “here‘s mil ions of proof that there has been a bloody fl ht here between the thieves and somebody; but who her the Colonel’s hall a hand in it I can't lav but I‘m of the opinion, friends, that he, has." Harvey‘s frie .ds were of tnc some 0 inion. and after discussing the probable re~ult of t c conflict, they concluded to return to camp and lay the case before their friends. The news that the four men brou ‘it to camp cast a shadow of the deepest gloom an sorrow over the hearts of the lit‘le band. Christie and Edith Were almost disirac ed by the news. Fearing an attack, now more than ever, from en— emies, the camp was strongly fortified, and for two days and nights scarcely a. man woman or chill slaw, so close and constant was the watch upon all 3 cs. Toward the close of the third daya horseman was seen approaching from the west at a rapid price. A feeiiu: of hope thrilled every heart, and every 0 e was fixed upon the rider; but hitte: was their (1 sappolntment when the horseman dashed into campJ'oI' h-z w a, an ant re fitfl’lfl’l’l' ./ The stranger was mounted upon a clean-Embed animal whose nostrils were smoking and sides steaming with hard riding. The man himself was a rou h, bearded fellow dressed in a suit peculiar to thegborder-se tivr. yet the unceremonious manner in which he entered the camp, and tho freenrss nn-l . frankness of his speech at once dissipated all doubts of his character. , As he drew rein before the disappointed group he ulu‘ed the n, and then, fixing his eyes upon one of the eller gentlemen, said: “ I presume this is the camp of Colonel Israel Miles, ar‘n‘t it?" “It is," answered Mr. Boordman; “ but what do you know of Colou‘l israel Miles, stran er?" “I have come direct. and fast as this oss 'd carry me. from Colonel Milan’s bedside," responded the man. . “Where is the colonel? Where is the colonel?" was asked by a number. “Ho'l about twenty or twenty‘flvo miles, as the crow flies, from here, lying very low wi'h a wound received in a flzht with some ll-‘Il s:--thicvos and dos- peradoes. lfound him lying d~-ud, as I supposed, on ihe prairie, but when I diskivered he wer'n't quite dead 1 tom: him home with me and give him some brandy and herb-tea and brought him back l0 life, and he may weather through if he has the rl~ht klndof treatment—better’n l'am able to glv- him. What he needs is some medicine and a good nurse, and so he sent me nver here for Doctor Dover and his daughter Cnristic to come over and treat him t‘ll he‘s able to be moved, which may be in a week and maybe nut for a solid month." A little or escaped Christie‘s lips—a c of Hill- sled Joy an grief-as the stranger conc uded his stor . In an eager, excited voice she declared her red iness to go at once to his bedside, and evon turnvd and ordered a servant to bridle and saddle Pegasus, the beautiful buci: skin musrang pur- chased of Seneca Lucas, the Texan trader. Doctor Jedu han Dover. an odd old gentleman who was cross as a bear half his time, never seem in better spirits than when he heard Miles was living and had sent for him. He ordered his horse, dross-d himself for the journey and with his pill- bazs on his arm was soon ready to start. Of course no one obj ‘cti-d, under the circum- stances. to Christie going with the stranger so long as Dr. Dover was going with them: and as them could be no doubt of the truthfulness of the man's story the two were soon mounted and on their way. Those at camp watched the trio until the distance and gathering twilight shadows shut them from view; then they returned to their camp-fires and tents to discuss the situation and brood over the first misfortune that had befallcn them in that ideal land of promise. The ranger, who gave his name as Victor Uro, and Christie ror'e together. Dr. Dover rnde behind. They rode on a brisk gallop. Victor Ure watched the sun go down and the moon come up as if mea- uring the moments thereby. Their course lay over a broad expanso of prairie, broken only by an occasional clump of trees t'm; rose up like a grim sentinel against the wrist-am sky, or cro iched low in the valley like a murderous assassin. Been in the solitude of the great plain and under the shadows of night, with thoughts of what Vic'or Uri: might be, Christie shnddered. The (lrvai ion”- linoss of the surr uudings impressrd h--r spirit with vague and gloomy forebodings, and a strange dread and anxiety cam-e over her and made her f- 6] as though the presence. of the gruff but kind-hearted oil doctor would afford her r lief And With this feeling preying upon her. she looked back. and to her surprise saw that the distance between the doc- tor anzl them was widening. “ I‘m shall the doctor‘s horse will not hold out if we ride so fast. Mr. Urc." sbo said. “ lie will certainly tell us if he finds his horse fail: inc.“ the ranger replied. "I: would be just like him to say nothing even were it well to speak. The doctor is a peculiar man." “ I assure you. be will not lose sight of us." But this did not satisfy that uneasiness gnmflngnt the maiden’s heart; however, she made no reply. On they went—the beard—d ranger and the lovely gi:L and on behind came the doctor. . Mile after mile was traversed. The moon smled aloft. and the shadows that had swept along at the riders‘ sides now crept behind. As they rode on Victor Uri became less commu- nicative. and urged their animals to a faster speed' and now and then he glanced before and afoul) him with his keen eyes, and over and anon he look- ed back ovrr his shoulderas if lookng for the doc- ‘91.] lite seemed uneasy. and Christie did not fail to no co . The maiden did not look back. but now an i tin-n she inquired about the doctor, and always rm: ivud . we ‘.->. «who! -mmoi’ a, < as I «was.» Little Texas. the Young Mustanger. " the assurance that he was in sight, always holding his ground. _ Dover saw that they were gaining upon him, and called to them to wait when he saw them fading from his View; but they heard him nor. Still he urged on his boost. but it was no match for the wiry mustangs. and finally the two melted from his sight. The doctor now began to d spmr. He knew nothing of the country, nor no more where he wanted to go than the man in the moon. He looked around for a star or landmark by which he could keep his present course. A liLtie motte of tall trees arrested his at- tention. It was not far away, and as he approached it a horseman glided from out itsshadows and drew rein before him. ' Dr. Dover saw that it washeither of his friends, and before he could rein in his horse he found him- self at the stranger’s side. " Halt, there!" demanded the unknown. “ Well, now I'm halted. confound you! what do you want?" and the crusty old doctor. gazing down upon the stranger, saw a youthful figure dressed in buckskin. and a boyish face lookingr up at him from under the brim of a sombrero. “ 1 just want to know what ole cross bear you are, and where you’re going." was the re oinder. “It‘s none of your business who am," blurted Dover: “ but 1 am trying to follow a man and git-l to the ranch of the former; but, bless my eyes, if the rascals haven‘t outridden me.“ “ Whom were you follerm'. do you suppose?" asked the boy. ' ‘ . “ Victor Ure and Christie Miles, that’s who! We’re going to the man’s ranch. Where a friend lies sick— wounded. He sent Ure after us." “And they have outri den you?" “Yes,” short and crustily. “It’s well; the gait of your horse has no doubt saved your life.” “ What do you mean. you little night-hawk, you 9" “I mean that man Victor Ure’s made a. pack of fools of you. Why, sir, he‘s the worst outlaw and frrebooter in all Texas. He‘s Black Boniface.“ 2‘ Boy, (It; you know what you say is true?" . U . , . “ Oh. Lord!" sued the doctor; “what in the world,will I do, t en? : ay, can you tell me, boy Y" “ Yes; go back to your friends and tell them what foolsflyou‘vo all been, and I'll follow Black Boni- ace. “ You'll follow Black Boniface? Heavens and hur- ricanes] what alarge Rule cutter you are! Who are you anyhow?" “ i am Little Texas. the Boy Mustangler." the lad responded, and then turmn his horse‘s sad, dashed away on the trail of Black niface. CHAPTER III. TWICE LASSQED .. 0N rode Victor Ure and Christie Miles. The hard-ridden horses showed no Signs of fatigue, nor did a com laint escape the lips of the riders. To Christie t seemed that they had been hours upon the way and that they must be nearing their destination at companion. hitherto so polite and congenial, had grown silent and sullen. She no longer asked him questions, but finally, When de- sirous of knowng where Dr. Dover was. she turned her head and looked back. but she saw nothing or her friend. . “Mr. Ure."sho exclaimed, “ where is Dr. Dover! I cannot see him." *‘ We left him far behind an hour ago," was the cool response. “ But ou have told me all along he was in sight." “We . but l li-d.“ Christie was startled by the cold. bitter tone in which the man spoke. but mustering her courage she ked: as“ Will he be able to find the way, do you think?" " It don‘t make a bit of diflerence whetherhedoes or not, Miss Miles," he answered. “ Mr. Ure, why do you speak thus? Havel offend- ed you?” the maiden asked. with s trembling voice. “ Not at all. my little darling.“ the ranger replied, in a sinister voice. “ The fact is, and the truth may as well be told now, I‘ve been lying like an Arab to you all along; my name is not Victor Ure,butin short is Black Boniface." A cry burst from t emaiden‘s lips. and but for the hand of the man at her side she would have fallen from her seat. “ But don’t take on now, little lady, or Ishnll be under the necessity of taking you in my arms. I know it is mean in me to dzceive you, but then it can‘t be helped. It is your friends and not. you that I consider the worst deceived." Christie burst into tears, but when she heard the villain gloating likes fiend over his exploit in get- tm her into his power, her fear and terror turned to atred and scorn. Deep in the solitude of the area lain black Boniface felt safe with his captive. bu in the very hour of his triumph, his self-assured safety, a rider dashed out from the darkness and bore down to— ward him—tnrning l.is triumph into fear. With a mutter-Mi oath the villain urged on the two horsvs at r. newed speed. Like the wind they 5 down the prairie, and on, closcr and closer behind, came the unknown pub suer. Boniface drew his revolver, for he saw he would soon be overtaken. “ Halt, there!" suddenly run out from behind. Boniface turned in his sadd e and raised his re- volver and fired. A mocking laugh and the “ “hi2 " of bullets answered l im. and the villain saw he was in danger. But again he turned and fired and again was his shot answered by one from his pursuer. In this manner a running fight was kept up until the outlaw's horse received a brllet in the leg and fell. As the animal went down Boniface endeavor- ed to land upon his feet. but his stirru threw him, and holdin on to the rein of Christie‘s orse tho: hits were torn rom its mouth. Alarmed by the report of the istols, and findi itsolf uncurbed by the iron bits, t e animal plus 2% madly away over the plain with his fair young er. Chrictie saw her danger in a moment. 8 e had escs d from vhe outlaw. but was a prisoner in the sadd 1 She heard the Sound of pursuing hoof: close behind. “Stick to your saddle girl," the unknown again called out, “ and I will save you!" The next instant something shot past her head with a “ skirting" sound, and struck the outstretch- ed head of her pony. It was ti lasso, and true to its aim. the noose s' ttled about 'he animal's neck. ' This was the last that Christie remembered of her wild ride for some time. She fainted and when she again recovered consciousness she la u n the moonlit prairie, while over her was ing the form of aboy. Hard by stood her own pony and that of her rescuer. i “ You are feeling better, now, are you not?" was the boy’s query. as she gazed up into his face: “ don‘t be afraid of me,” he went on, “ for I’m your friend. I am Little Texas." “You Little Texas. the Boy Mustanger?"the as- tonisth girl exclaimed, rising to her feet. “That‘s who I am. miss; and l’m yours now to command. Oh, but I did chest old Boniface out of an angel. sure! But there's no tellin’ how soon he’ll be upon us again, for I didn’t have time to stop and kill him. Come. I have your nustang in charge. Let us mount and be OR. I will see you safe with your friends. wherever they may be." He had put his own bridle upon Christie‘s horse. and assisting her to the mustang‘s back, be mounted his own animal and the twp rode away. In a few words Qhrlstie told the story of her night's adventure With Victor Ure. refacing the some with an account of Colonel ‘13 absence and the visit of the villain Ure. The two rode along for an hour or more, convers- 8 Little Texas, the Young- Mustangofl. ,_ .__._....._—-n—- i In a free. familiar way. when they finally entered a it of timber where the darkness was intense. “Is this the San Saba timber, Little Texas?" Christie asked. " No, no, littlegirl," the ho res ended: “we are a longr ways from the San So. his is the Llano timber. and my cabin is not far from here. hope you will forgive me for playin‘ the Victor Ure in not tellin‘ you sooner where I was iakin‘ on. But my intentions are good I want you to ave rest and to for the San Saba is far from here. To-morrow I wil take you to your friends." “You knew what is best. Texas; I will trust to your udgment " ’ An so they rode on until they entered a dark trail that wound through the valley, and in a short time drew 11 before a low. wide ea in. Leaping to the ground Little '1‘ xas assisted Chris- tie to dismount. then hitchinw the horses. be con- ducted the maiden to the cabin, ulled lho latch- string and threw open the door. ut a. cry of sur- prise and horror burst from his lips as ho. dil so. for the light of a fire burnin on the hearth flashed into his face, and in that 1i t seated upon the floor were Dr. Jules Roche or and a dozen more of Black Benitace's freebootersi CHAPTER 1V. m coon alumnus. WI: will now go back and look after Colonel Miles whom we left in a previous chapter in pursuit of the borwthieves. After leaving his four companions he ushed on ra ldl , for the trail was fresh. e result of t is mm was that he came so den~ ly upon the thieves with his horses in a little valley, and. without a second thought. he drew his revolver and charged upon them. Not knowing but a dozen friends were at the colo- Iel's back the outlaws leaped into their saddles and attemp to escape. But in an instant the colonel was u n them. At the first shot a rubber fell dead, then ollowed several other sh its and another home- thief bit the dust- but before the brave man could serve the third in like manner the thief dashed up behind him and dealt him ——the colonel—a blo w upon the head that artially stunned hirn. Mll.:s‘s horse dashed awa’y, t e colonel fell from the saddle and was drag? some distance with his foot fast in tho stirrup. a desperate eifort he succeedel in free- ing himsel from this danger, and than all become blank to him—total oblivion. How long he remain- ed so he knew not; but when he had fuily recov ir- ed his senses the first thin of which he became on n- scious was the sound of vo ces—then the outlines of a woman appeared before him—the walls of a room with strange pictures and devices u on it: and doors and windows were gradually unfol ed from the dim- neu of his confused brain; and at length he had so far recovered as to be able to comprehend his altim- tlon; he was lying in a room upon a soft bed. He was weak and loitering from a severe pain and a reging fever. losin his eyes the colonel collected his bewilder- ed thouir ts. One b one he recalled the events of the t. He opened is eyes and gazed around him. e saw that the room be new led was well and tastily furnished. and wore an a r of matures; and comfort that only the deft fln ers of woman can im- part to the arrangements 0 a house. Near the end of the bed stood a sma‘l table. and upon this was a number of bottles, a water-pitcher and some clean linen. The woman watching by his bedside WM 8 negrese. Eo fixed his eyes upon her with such a, strange, bewildered look that she became "tri htened. and uttered a little scream. instantly a voice with a slightly fomlzn accent called out from an adjoining room: “ What is the matter. Hagar!" “ 0h. mluusl" replied the nefress, “ de sick gem- maa's opened his eyes and he's ookln' so awful wild -—1bt like ole Mars‘ Gray did when he died. 1 young woman. tall and slender, with dark hair w. and eyes entered the. room, m'l rrlvnncod with a soft strap to the bedside and iOUiELd upon the sick man. here were a few moments' silence; the wo~ man was the first to speak. “You are better. senor.“ she said. The sound of her voice broke the sp- ii that ung upon the col- onel’s lips. He replied in a reebl voice. “ I do not know—I am confused. weak." “ You have ssed throth it trying ordeal, senor," the dark-eye maiden said: “you have been near death‘s door.” “ But where am I, and how came I here?" “You are in the house of friends." she answered. “mv brother found you on the prairie where the Regulators beat you down." ‘ In God‘s mme, who is your brother that has sav- ed my life?" Miles exclaimed, starting upand resting his elbow upon the bed. “ Senor Juan de R0 seven," she answered, fright— ened by the colonel s blufl, excited manner of speech. “You are Sp niards, xhen," the invalid sni: in a milder tone, and with an air of resignation; “but I ho to J chovah that I am not in Spain." a maiden smiled and said: "You are in Texas, senor.“ " In the San Saba Valley 1’” " No, senor; you are many leagues from there." “ Well, where in the plague am ll" “ You are with those who have befriended ou, senor. More than that I am no: at liberty to te .” “ Consolation," muttered the ungrateful man, lay- ing his head back upcn the pillow and closing his eyes. “ Pardon me; but how long have I been here?" he demanded. after a moment’s silence. “ You came yesterday. or were brought. rather.“ she res ondeo. " You were very low, senor—you had bl much." " Yes,1 must. have been: but oh, what will m friends—my children—m daughters do? Ohl must go back to my frien sl" “The doctor was here an hour or so since." ihe maiden continued. “ and he said you must not leave for many days yet. If you have friends for or near brother will send for them when he comes.” “ Where is your brother, miss?" “He is out riding. but will be here roon. looking for him ev ry minute," the irl replied. Thus‘the two conversed for leverafi minutes, when the malden finally excused herself and Went out. While reflecting upon his condiiion the sick man sunk into a doze; and in [his half-conscious state he began to talk aloud over his situation. “ A had be inni in Texas." he muttered; “and there‘s no tel ins: w en and where it will end. Oh my r girls! if-they were only here now. I shall son for one of them to come and nurse me. Her rcsence will be better than medicine. Kind. gentle Iam dith, poor 'rl. will be better for the sick-room than light been little Christie. I shall send for Edith, and— ’ A cool, soft hand was laid upon his feverish brow. He started, opesvd his lives and gnz (1 around him. Astranzer was standing by his bedside—e. man whose face. magnificent form and brilliant attire were suggestive of a Spanish prince of the olden time. As their eyes met, Miles exclaimed: “ Ablyou, sir. are Don Juan de Rossevan." “ Yes, senor.“ was the repl and drawing up a chair he sat down by the colonJ‘s bedside. CHAPTER V on. nova: AND onn lomm-rv ital-r. WI left hr. Dover in the depths of the night and the solitude of the mine. nutridden bv Christie Miles and 'er escort. lctor Ure; and when met by the Bov Mustanzer, Little Texas, and informed that Black Boniface was the maiden‘s escort, and M" to return to the San Saba, the doctor flew in” l "0' lent (passion, and even when Little Texan had turned and isappeered in pursuit or the outlaw and maid- en, the man of pills and powders sat upon his horse ‘ I Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 9 and swore and raved like a madman. And while he was thus depor ins: himself, a sharp voice called out: “ i y the bowling blasts of desolation, what ole p‘izen irate can you be!" The oc_£or whirled in his saddle, drew his pistol and fire‘i Into the air in his excitement. “ Halt! who comes there? Curse your picters, I'll prescribe lead pills it y u come nigh mel” “ Easy, ole rantankerousl” was the cool res use; “ don’t stir your liver into sich a rage! he air smells o' brimstone, now, with your profanity." “ You‘re an int 'rnal sctmp, and 1—" “ I’m not; my nameis Morality, Old Morality,"in- terrupted the ranger. “Old Rascalityl" hissed the doctor, scornfully- “ I believe you are Black Boniface's rear guard, an l’ve aplagued notion to shoot youl” “Well. shootin‘, my amiable ole snappin‘-turtle, is a game at which two can play," rctorted Old Morali- ty. raising his rcvolvrr; “ and now, if you want to shoot, jist crack in. I‘m ready." “ Hold on, you cussed fool!" exclaimed the doctor, sliding from ' saddle and taking ref :rge behind his horse; “hold on, I‘m not going to shoot you! But it‘d do me good to dissect your carcass. Say, do on know who I am. man? I, sir, am chuthan over, M. D., late of Grassville, Tennessee." “And I, sir, as 1 said before, ( In Old Morality. Come, now, doctor. can‘t ’tord to be enemi. s, when we’re in need of friends so bad; the fact is there’s abundance of danger on this prairie, and You and me are not so numerous as to be ditid forces. Now, Dr. Dover, honest bright, you can freeze to me—you can count on me till the cows come home," “ Then, sir,“ replied the doctor, climbing into his saddle, “ if you are such an icicle—such a true friend, ?ust put me on my way to camp." “ Wu , whar ye gain?“ . “I‘m going' to camp over on the San Saba River—— up in Cedar Grove," responded Dov_ r. *‘ Whewl" ejaculated Old Morality: “away up there!" “ Yes, away—up—there." “ \\ here‘ve ou been?" “Trying to oliow a man and r1 that went south awhile 9.5%; but 1 go ssl'll give t up.“ “ I wo l was you, , for Ipresume they‘re ten miles from here by this time. if anybody can catch 'em, Little Texns can do it. "‘ " Then that w as Little Texas, was it?" “ Yes, it war, Doc." “He said so, but every man I‘ve met to date in Texas is such acausttcltar that I doubted the boy‘s word at the time.“ replies Dover. “ He also said the man with our girl, Christie. was Black Boniface.” " Then it was so, it Texas said so, rest easy on Mer ; and if any man in the Southwest can catch that villain, the Boy Mus'anger‘s the bark. “ Th. n i can go back to camp With some cc of fixing," said. Dover; “ 50 land the way, 01 Moral- V. The old ranger turned his horse‘s head northward and rode away. the doctor following him, though not without some doubt and uncertainty. But Old Mor- ality‘s tongue ran incessantly. and his odde res- sions. and pleasant anecdotes. finally drove all ears and doubts from the doctor’s breast and draw him into. his confidence, making their ride together 8. ve pleasant one, In fact, the time passed so rap dly in the old rangers company that daylight, was upon them ere the doctor was aware that it was anywhere near morning; and the sun was smrcely goblinour high when they rode into camp on the can I! . The return of Dover so soon caused no little ex- citement in cam . All were anxious to hear how their old friend t e colonel was, and they gathered about the doctor. plying him with a. dozen questions. “ I am sorry to say, my friends," Dowr said, as be dismounted, “ that l have not seen Colonel Miles, nor do I know where he is," in our r “ Great heavens i" exclaimed a dozen in a breath. “It’s a gospel fact. men." continued the doctor; “we were a set of blnd fools. t man. Victor Ure, was none other than Black Boniface, and he got away with Christie in spite of mel" The settlers were horrified by this startling intelli- genlcg, and for awhile the greatest excitement pre- vai e . The doctor and Old Morality were provided with breakfast. after which tl'ey were given a tent and Sled, and laid down to rest and obtain a few hours' it hile they were still asleep, the camp was again thrown into some little excitement by the appear- ance of a. party, or cavalcade, on the plain below camp. As it drew nearer, all saw that it was a coach, or covered carriage, drawn by four horses and followed by six or eight horsemen. With no little curiosity and impatience the ap- proach oi the party was awaited. in a few minutts the vehicle came to a halt on the margin of the camp. ‘ The vehicle was an ancient-looking and clumsy at- fair, u on whose pends was embossed in gold the coat-o arms of some Spanish house of nobiht . It was closod with curtains drawn, and as the river drew rein, a footman leaped to the ground and opened one of the doors. The mounted escort. as well as the driver and footman. WrrB men of Spanish blood, in their national garb, armed with swords and pistols. and mounted upon fine blooded horses; and as the footman desc ndcd from the box, these men drew their swords and held them before their faces. Then from the coach leaped a men who caused a cry of surprise to escape the lips of the Settlers. t was the Spanish rr cluse Don Juan de Rossevan under whose roof Colonel lsrael Miles had found smelter and kind treatment. Hewas dressed in pur- ple and gold. A long an ape of fine blue cloth hood with crimson silk and embroidered with gold was around his shoulders. A broad-brimmed sombrero. banded with woven threads of silver and gold, was upon his head. A small sword with a jeweled hilt hung at, his girdle. Altogether this stranger pre- sented an array of princely wealth and royal blood. He was young—n .t over eight and twenty—tall and straight as an arrow. Glanciu around him. the Spaniard removed a fiweled g ove and saluted the emigrants. Raymond , as spokesman for the party, advanced and rot umed the stranger’s salutauon. 'j ardon me. senor," de Bossevan said, “but is this not the camp of Colonel lsrael Miles?” , “Yes, sir. it is." responded Byrd, his heart flutter- ing with eager anticipation as he saw the strong: take a white envelope from his pocket and read direction upon it. . “ Here ” said the. visitor, “is a letter from Colonel Miles to his daughters, Edith and Christie." An exclamation of joy burst from thwarty, and Edith. who had been well-nigh prostra with her sorrow, ran forward and received the letter. " Oh, it is his!“ she exclaimed. as she recognized the handwriting upon the envelope. “ Then you have met the colonel?" asked Byrd. “ l have, senor; he is a guest in in house. I took him there nearer dead than alive. 9 is slowly to coveri g from painful wounds inflicted upon hing a part? at horse-thieves whom he rash! attack . The l— for will state the object of my vi them." “ Mr Dun Giana—You have no doubt wondered what kept me from camp. and firhaEOmoui-ncd me as fist—dead. But than s to a nd vidence,and Don Juan de Man. the great-hearted gentleman who bears this letter to you, I am still permitted to live- but, my dear girls i am suturing —or wounds reoe ved in a conflict with the heinous wretches that stole our horses. I hope the otbes boys got back safe. I am vet y low and feeble from loss of blood; and it will be some time before I will be able to be moved. I am treated here with all the 10 Little Texas. the Young Multangen kindness and tenderness that human hearts and human hands could bestow upon a straneer but still I want one, or both of my adopted daughters with me. I know your presence will be good medi- cine for me. and so come without delay. The gentle- man who brings you this will escort you here. To this man I owe my life. He and his bodyguard res- cued me from death, and i trust himwnh all the fullness of my heart. I know you Will enjoy his company. and then h=-. has a sister here. Her nnye is Anita and she is almost as pretrv and charming as my ith and Christie. Tell the boys it can‘t be helped but to keep an unceasing vizil upon all sides. I r n Yours afiectlonately, ISRAEL P. Mines." Edith’s heart was all aflutter and her hand trem- bling when she concluded the letter. She was r»- Oiced to know that her guardian lived, and yet the atgroflChristie weighed upon her a terrible burden o e . Advancing to where the Spaniard stood with un- covered head. the maiden said: “ Mr. Rossevan, I am re'oiced to hear from my dear guardian, but. ohl i ave such a sad story to bear to his ears.- Yesterday a man calling himself Victor Ute. came here in great haste, sayin Miles was lying in his cabin very low from t 4.! effect of wounds received in conflict with rohb ’rs, and wanted my sister Christie and Dr. Dover to come to him. Never suspectinz anything wronc. they mounted their horses and started. That nnn was Black Boniface, and Christie is still In his power." " All. gas lineman!" cried De Rossevan. in his native- tongue. “your sister in the hands of Black Boniface. Senorita!“ “Yes. sir." replied Edith, struggling hard to keep back her tears. “ Ah. Dias!" he exclaimed, shaking his head sad- ly. "it will kill the father to hear this: moreover, you will hesitate to go with me; am orit't." “ No. sir, [do not doubt you, ‘ cried Eiith, “and I shall go With you to my guardian." “ it will aflurd me pleasure, then, to otter you a seat in my calem." Rossevan said. “Then I will prepare for the journey at once." and turning she sought her own tent to get really. In the course of hilt an hour Edith Clayton made her appearance ready for the journey. A look of admiration passed over the handsome. dark face of Don Rossevan. Taking the arm of Don Rossevan she was conduct- ed to the calves and given a seat therein, and when her escort had taken a seat with her, the emigrants gathered around the vehicle and bid her good-by and wished her a safe and ha pv journcv. When the “ good-byes " h all been said. the foot- man closed the door of the c lien. mounted the box. and then the vehicle rolled away, followed by the mounted escort. In the course of a few hours they had forded two rlvors. plunged across a number of small ravines, ‘ wound and twisted throth alone. wooded valley. And finally debouched into a broad. open plain. , Here Rossevan threw o n both doors of the calosa, that they might enjoy t e scene surrounding them. and drink in the perfumed air. An ocean of green luxuriantgrasswnved around them. and above this carpet of vordure thousands of wild flowers of everv hue and odor thrust their modest faces and distilled their sweetnes, on the soft south wind. Of the prairie, of the verdurc, of the flowers. Don Rossevan talked in strains of ('10- quence that filled Edith‘s soul with a sense of un- bounded delight. “ Nature," he went on “has not only expended with a lavish hand upon tie material—the outward beauties of this nd country. but she has inspired it with aspirlto grandeur and that spirit—invisihln soul—pervades the atmosphere until we not only see but real the beauties of Nature. N 0 one with a true soul can gaze u n that landscape without feeling a sense of delich and exultation swelling within his Colonel ' hreast. One can scarcely believe that this is a land of ruins, of crime—the home of Ill/"ma? and wild men. God intended it for 8 Paradise. and to me it is a Paradise, 9. rvfuzo. and a land of promise." "Then the outlaws and Indians do not molest you?" Edith remarked. A To some cam-m. Senorita: they have stolen some of my horses and cattle. on! killed some of m ser- v.mts, or late. howl-var. I have not seen nor ear-d of Black Bouifuce and his Regulators, and i had entertained a hope he had disappeared from the plains of Texas. if not from the stage of action alto- gether—Great God i“ The last words were occasioned by the cry of “L'u/ranea.’ lqdrnnes.’ Ind ans! Indians f” and the crash of firearms and walls of agony. Don Rossevan quickly put his brad out to see what I the matter was. A humor of lenden bails tore t :rough the top of his calesa. He B'lW the footman fail with n hcavy thud to the ground, a lifeless corpse. The party had been attacked by aband of Apache Indians and white robbers! CHAPTER VI. now LirrLr: TEXAS nonann. To return to the Boy Mustanger and Christie Miles whom we left standing in the door of the mustang- cr‘s cabin, face to face with the notorious Dr. Roche- ford and a hand of Boniface‘s Regulators. “ Smoke of the inferno !" exclaimed Dr. Rochcford, l‘l amazement. “Who and what have we here? Do my eyes deceive me? Is it the boy whose right hand belongs to me? Sure! it is, b the stinging taran- tula! Nab him! ah-v-cut and a ter him, men " Before the Frenchman had finished, Little Texas. with great presence of mind. sprung backward into the darkness and pulled Christie with him. The shadows of oak and Cedar lay thick over and around the humble home of the Boy Mustangcr, and into this darkness, in pursuit of the maiden and mus- tanger, pluntzed the outlaw rangers, So close were they aftur tin-m that they felt sure of their capture; but with quick wit. the boy, instead of making straight for the wood, as would natural] be expect‘ stepped aside and pressing himself c one against the side of the house. whispered words of cheer and caution to Christin. They were within arm‘s reach of every outan that went out of the, door. but the villains were 3’) blinded bv their excitement, and the sudden change from light to darkness, that they Basswl them by unobserved. and were soon wrang- ‘ns in darkness and confusion out in the WOOdS. When assured they were all out of the building. the lad whispered to Christie: “Miss Miles, we don‘t want to stay out in the woods to—nizht. and so let‘s slip into the house and conceal ourselves in the loft. They‘ll never mistrust us of doin‘ such a daring thing, and to-morrow when they go awn . we'll be safe." “I am wil in; to follow you, Texas." Christie re- sponded. “Then we‘ll have to be awful quiet, Christie,“ he wizard. a so tlwy turned and entered the cabin. Lit‘lo Texas climhz-d into the loft and let. down a short lad- der, by me .ns of winch the maiden ascend! d also. Then T :x".s went down again and securing some dried venis in from his larder, and a cou is of blan- kets and a robe from the pile on the floor. ereturned to Christie, and drew up the ladder. This done. he spread the robe and invited Christie to a seat u n it; and when both had taken apositlon that t ey would. verv likely. he required to keep throurh the m‘rht. he produced his dried venison, cut it into thin slices. and divided it with Christie. And, while awaiting the re‘urn of the Regulators, they ate their meaeer suuner. - it was not long until Rocheford came in. Out 0! wind and humor. for again had the boy thwa him i and thun. one by one. the rest of the ammo” TD- turned and resumed their vim. III" we" P1903. their oaths and rlbald jest! before the ' 1 “as Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Little Texas himself was the topic of much con- voisution amour: the vi lains; but finally the dis- course. turned upon Black Boniface and his visit to tn» emigrant camp on the San Saba: and our lasso- tlzrower smiled when he heard t em speculoting upon the captain's probatle success in procuring a new wife among the fair ones or Colonel Mllcs's COl— h. V. As the hours wore on some of the Re lntors stretched themselves upon the floor and fel asl—r p, nnd soon all became quiet in and uround the cabin. And, the noise an I excitement having abated. Chris Ii», overcome with fatigue. sunk. into quiet slumber also; v hile Little Texas, pistol in hand. sat by her side and half oozing: kept. a “8.1011 over her. And thus the ni. ht wore on. In the m rning the oufiaws kmdledafire upon the hearth and break- fasted upon the Young Mustanm-r‘s supplies. and. nlth uch it was still dark outsid", they were soon ready for departure. Chris‘ie was sti‘l asleep, and the boy thought of the pleasant surprise it won] l he to her, upon woken- ing to learn that th: ir pcrsecutors Wore pone. The youth heard the Regulators tmmping about below petting ready, as be supposed for departure. He heard some of them go out and then come back and throw something solid upon the floor. He heard them saying something r'bout. fire. The pungent odor of smoke suddenly floated no to his I os'rils. What did it mean? H - stoo ed and peered through a crack of the. loft floor. e stnrted back with a suppressed cry of horror. 'l’he outlaws were firing the cabin. The Boy Mustanger‘s soul was filled with tnrror. We (“vol-re his companion—not to a happy surpri:,o. but to a scene of terror. The hot smoke and (bored flime bvn'n'h them filled her young heart nith 1: dr adtul (car. A EhrlL'k burst from Lcr lips. The ro'bers b/i'O'I‘ brawl i'.’ “Wasn’t that in the loft?” cried Rochetord. “I v ribby hcli re it was, doctor,“ rr lied Lnother. “Gods of Olympusl Buntv. 1 thong it I told you to search the l ft," said the Frenchman. “And I thought I did,” rt. turned Buniy. “Sacra! then search again, maul" was the order. Stops are heard crossing the room. The bonus of a man (uN seen to reach upward and grasp the board at. the entrance to the parrot. Then a head appeals through the opening and a pair ( 1 eyes set in a. fat. bearded face peer into the smoke and darkness 0 that retreat, as the body hangs on the "'29 of the opening. A pistol in the hand of Little Texas rings out with ndull. stunning report. \‘x‘ith a cry t'e robber drops through the opening, his body falling on the floor below with a dull. sickly thud. “My God! some one in the lrtt has killed Buneyi” shrieked Dr. Rochntord. "Poke u the tire, boys. and \vlwoeveriq in that loft, we w1 cook him I) [a Gatnmozini Ye godsl let our vengeance be swift and terrible l“ CHAPTER VII. BOY mam]?! vnnsus manna VENGEANCE. HALF fainting and half summing, Christie sat up on hercouch, confused. bewildered. terrified. Little Texas felt the great res nsibility that he had brought upon himsnlf by ts. ing refuge in the arrv-t. and determined to dpv his utmost to rppair t is blunder, as he now oonstuered it. Stooping, he whis red to Christie: “ me. Christie, there’s an egress from the loft- We must escape.“ Then. upon his hands and knees. the boy crept back to where the roof almost touched the floor and pushed aside some of the long o'agbourdn. makin an opening large enough to admit t a passage of h s body and the ladder. Th— intter be ut out and laced upon the ground. The eaves of t e roof were not over six feet from thiiground, and it was by this means that the Young ustanger intended to es. cope, Creeping bank to Christie, he said; “ We‘ve not a moment to lose. Come, let me help you our upon the roof before we are st rsngled." Stooping. they crept back to the opening and slepped out upon the low, flat. rcof. Texas pointed out the ladder to Chris'ie ni.d assisted her upon it, and in a few moments more hey stood upon the ground. Then the boy removed the ladder to con- coal th»ir means of escape. The flames by this tune had spread so that the Regulators were driven fry m the room. They stood in iront cf the cabin. listening. ’Iheywere surprised. puzzled by M e silence in the loft. Ker ing tho building bctwern them and the out:- lnws. ittl» Texas led Christie back into the shadows at the Woods. “Thank the good kind Lord 1“ heexclaimed. when remitted to breathe the pure, frr-sh air of heawn; ” again are we out of 1.11: ir clutches. The next thing is on: horses. for without them we. will be left in a. bad situation. I wi'l go and get tilem if such athing‘ is possible, if you think you can remain here until I return.” “ Oh, yes, Texas, loan stay. May God speed you 1” she rnit . “ Ht re, Christie, is one of my pistols; it may serve y( u a good turn—no idling," and placing a tiny sil- ver-mounted istol in her hand, he crept away through the s unions to the op; osite side of the cabin. where the box 5: si art been left; Hesucceed- ed in reaching Christie‘s horse and getting away in- to the. shadows Wllh it unobserved. Leading t‘ e animal around to where the maiden was wait inz, he assistrd her into the saddle and then set out nftcr his own horse. About this time the flames began to eat through the roof of the catzin and light up the surromdings. A scowl of bitter disappointment. was upon the faces of the on laws. 'lheir i human scheme had failed in its obj ‘ct, and stupid as they were in their- blind fury, thcy. at l: ng‘th. bepan to suspect 5 «me- thing of the truth—that their victims had escaped. Rocheford walked around ih~ l uildinp. A tongue of flame was darting through the hole in the roof made by Little Texas. On the ground near by my a lad- dcr. This told the whole story. At this moment the rrrnf of the robin fell in. and from the interior of the building went up a Vesuvius of sparks, flame and smoke. The vicinin was .it up fur many r(ds with the glare of the mid-day sun. and within the radius of light. scared upon a buck- skin mustang, the astonishul Rzgulotors beheld Christie Miles! Fora moment the outlaws stood as if rooted to the spot. but :hey soon recovered tin ir prewnce of mind and started toward the maiden. Christie look- ed for Little Texas, and in her rxci‘enu m and anxi- clv she called his name. Put he did not answer; he was nowhere to be seen. To tori) longer would be fatal to her. and turning her muttang‘s head. she gallopod away into the darkness of the woods. Meanwhile, Little Texas was making his way. rs - idly as possible, to whwre Lighlfoot was hitche : and although the iscovery of Christie proved a di- version in his favor that. enablt d him to reach his annual ard mount it. he was not quick enough to clude the eyes of the Rrgulators. who rushed in a wild charge upon him; buthe made I escape into the woods. only to realize, with a quickenin pulse, that he was parated from Christie. 3 when or where they would meet again the Lord only knew. However. he could not remain idle when re- minded that it, was his own adveiiruresome spirit that 1 ad brought about this separation and so he rode around into the head of too valley in hopes of finding her. Day Labs at length dawned and found him still alone. pushing on. he scarcel‘y knew whither, At noon be stopped in a va le by a lit..le stream, watered his animal and turned t loose to feed upon the l..xuriant grass. in the course of an hour he re- sumed his journey—still traveling on like a boat adrift at see without a compass ¢ulk.. ‘ win-.337 ii I. -,..4.. v w «xv-r. 13h.» V3.1“: «men‘an ‘4.i«mi'~..&hr- as. r 12 Little Texas, the Young Mustang“. . The day was far gone when in the distance he saw a dark body moving over the plain—he awaited its coming. As it drew nearer he saw it was a body of horsemen and a carriage drawn by four horses. It was th ‘ esc wt of Don Juan de Rossevan. “ If the lngins and regulato- s only 1) it their eyes on that ourflt." the bay mused. “ the ‘li swoop down upon her like a duck on a June bu :. ' The boy's words so: no i, in a measure, prophetic, for scircely had h) spoken the last woris ere the crash of rifles came up fro u a liltle ravine to the left of tha parli’. 'l‘n -n from the tall urn. s wee a score of Apache ndians an; white robbers and with a. yell charg +1 up) i the escort, fmng as they went. Abattle ensued. Little l‘exas saw one of [)0 men on t lo cal *8». t now up his hunda, reel in his Seat and then fall lifeless to the earth. Ano‘hcr voll y from the enemy ani he saw the driver Sink down. while the horses, frizhtined by the din of the conflict started awev at full spend an] czme Dimming down the plain with fearful rapidity uncurbed by the hand of a driver. Little Texas saw that the runaway tenm was go- ing to pass near him. and it at once becomi a q'u's- tion With him who was in the cav'rive; lut as if in answer to the question. a man in brilliant n‘Virc put his head and shoullers pit of tin v hiclo and at- tempts] to climb to the driver's box. Th--n th-i car. riage swept past the Lasso thrower. Upon the coach he saw his dyinz driver with th! lines still graspei in his hand. inside he behel l a youn: and heiuiifnl wom‘in cowering with terror. T :is was enough. The sight of the lady‘s face was suil‘icient to rouse the spirit of manhood in the bov’s breast. and as a look of resoluta determintion flashed in his eyes he sail ad iv-essinz his horse: “ liriend or foe. Lizhtfoot. they shall have our help Come, now. my 1: rod fellow. i it us to the r s- - cuei“ and like an arrow th: noble beasv shot out over the plain upon the tract of the flying team. CHAPTER V111. cums'mt's ulnar AND ADVENTURE. Camera Minus hal bwome so worn bv connt'tnt expnure to danger and kept under such a continunl mental strain th it she bec im'a al'n’ist lnsensi‘fl - '0 fear. There was. also. another source of insointion to the little miirlen's ind imit'tble courzwe and Dluok; during the short tim -, s'ie hal kno am Little Texas. she had come to ragiri hin with t feeling' of, adrni- ration 'hat was stro-izer than mere frim'lship, an i when she at len'zth found herself ridin: alone in tho d'tl‘k. drelrv wool flash): from the followers of Black Bonifac 3. her young hear“ criel o 't in its lov) for its lost mate; on“! she really lingered at times by the way in hopia the B 1y Mustanrer might find her, and not until the cl titer of pursuin': hoofs broke un« on bar ear dl1 she give on all ho as of meeting her brav; little friend, and put her orse to its utmost sp '0 . Where she was calm: the maiden knew not. Divli zht dawned clear ani brizht, and with the recedingr s‘i Mom of night went the shade vs of fear from Christie‘s heart. S l“! travel *d on and on. until the sun crossed the meridian, and vet she 5 «5mm! no nearer civilization or the ab Lie of man than when the mornin': hroki upon her. T xe terrors of an other nl'zht would smn be upon her. and the knowledge of this, added to her fatigue an! fastinz, been to tell upon h -r you“ soirit. While broodin’; over them. a voice called to her from the woods With a start she looked around. and saw a horse- man apgro'lchinz her He wns a strancer. and al- thouszh or first impulse was to turn and the. some- thing stavel hir illzht. Then i’ occurred to her. all of a quid-in. that she h id seen the strong»: before. He was a middle-aged mm with a smoothlV-shnvnn face. and a red scar noon the left cheek. He lifted his hat and bowed as he rode up. " Good-evening. fur stranger," he laid. " I am truly astonished to find a lady riding alone in this lonely wond." (‘hristi'é started. and ashudder ran over her frame at the soun'i of the man’s voice. To her confused and worn mind it was vaguely and indistinctly as- socinted with fiOantbln§ or the post. but she could not recall the time and p ace where she met this man. " i am not here by my own free will air." she re- filled; " I must confess I am lost Perhaps you will e kind enough to set me nnght " Tue man looked at her as if trying to recall the past, then glancing at the h rsc she rode, It light of recorrition passed over his face. and he sni i: “ I declare, my little waif,l think I have met you befow, have I no! i" “ Pcrha 5 you have " was the maiden‘s reply. “If I mistake nonl sold your father that pony you ride?" “ Oh, yesi" excl imed Christie, with a sudden start, for all was clear to her now. and a shudder went to her heart; but her woman's read wit was brought into play. and she continued. wi hout be- traying other than f clings of surprise and pl-asuro, “ you are cnptnm Seneca Lucas. t is Term 1 trader?“ “I am, Mus Miles," he said. with a smile. _“« h sir, I am vcryElad to meet you 1" she said. it little excitedly, Ihoug she told what was not true, but acted on th» th ~ory that the end jusilflis the means; “ a series of great misfortunes have be- fallen us Since you visited our camp. The robbers have stolen three of our horses. and for all I know, have kille'l Uncle lsl'fll'l Miles.“ “ indee'li Oh. that is too bad, too bad," replied the trader; " but may I ask where you are going!" “ I know not where [am going! I am fleeing from danger!" ‘ I am not for from mv ranch. Miss Miles.“ the trader said, “ and if vou will accept of my company and ltoapitnlityl will be only too happy to escort you to my residence, and thence to your friends to— morrow.‘ “Oh. i shall be under many obliza'ions to yol kind sir,“ Christie replied. wit romptuess, “forll ghall’be only too happy to cusp your very kind of" or "Then come with me. Mien Miles.” he sold. Christie turned her horse and rode along at the tra ‘orN sid". Slu- conversei with all the joy, frank- nrss and enthusiasm of hereirlish nature. but at the some time it was but a disguise to the most dread- ful, torturin': f cling thar had ev -r di~turb°d her young heart; for she knew that the smooth faced. snlvery-tonzncd trader. Seneca Lucas, was Victor Ure, Illiai Black Bonifa'ual Th y cwnversed uite freely upon different sub- fecrs as t iey rode a one. They had entered a dark. onesome part of the forest, and were descendin a rather stenp hill. Christie was a little behind get companion —perhaps half of the lenrzth of her horse's neck. She had been watchimz her chance—the eye of ihe Regulator was not upon her. She took from her nook -t the tiny piste that Little. Texas had given her the night before. and without a sec ind thourht s‘~e held her pistol at the head of the Regu- lator‘s horse and fired. Simultaneous with the report of her pistol. Cap- tain Lucas uttered on oath and attempted to strike the weapon from the girl's hand. but he wus just the faction of c rcond too late and with an almost human crv the home nlunzed forward down the dc- clivitv headlong into the valley. Captain Lucas was nirthllv stunan bv the fall. and when he regained his senses, he found that conflding girl gone. The in mien turned her he se’shead and rode west- ward after she had zot rid of her e-cort. The ex- civern'int of her adventure with the Rerulatorhad stimulated her nerves and strenzlhened her ruled ' and courage. but this soon beznntowear 011. Ind hunger and fatizue attack her vital enerfl‘s 3‘13 the maiden hot on; hope was llllfmmted In 11" younc: heart. Finallv she struck 3“] “1 "Won'mfld leading up a wide valley. and her heart save a bound ms.” Little Texas, the Young Mustangerr 13 of joy. She had followed the road about a mile, when alight ahead burst upon her view. She rode on until she came to the edge of alittle opening, when she drew run. She saw a massive building before her. It stood upon an t levated pirce of ground, and was outlined against the blue sky. It was surrounded by a massive wall. upon the top of which she could see a sentinel standxn _ with a mus- ket at his side. He argearcd to be listening. too; and having made these iscoverirs. Christie began to ask herself these questions: “ Is that a. forty gar. risoned by soldiers. before me? or can it be that it is the stronghold of Black Boniface?" The last ques’ion causrd a shudder to ass over her form and fill her heart With a horrible war. This was increased by strange sounds coming from the direction of the building. and turning hcr horse’s head down the vallry. sne fled With all speed. Down the dim way she rode until hex-cars were suddenly greeted by a sound coming up the mod to ward her. She. drew rcin and liste 1d. Was it Black Boniface's robber band approaching? B: fore the maiden could fully satisfy herself as to this. the party halted. and a. stern voice challenged her. Then from the shadowsa man. dreSred in all the elegance of a royal prince, emerged, and in the moonlight came toward her. 0 "AFTER IX. A armour: m chEs aosszvm’s RUNAWAY run. Down the plain at a fearful rate dashed the terri» fled horses with the calesa of Don Rossevnn, the driver doing his brst to hold them in. "OhI my God l" crie'l Edith Clayton, when she heard the clash of tire-arms and saw the Apaches. “Courage. dear lady," said Don Rossevan, draw- ing his revolvers. det *rmmed to defend the calesa and the fair girl to the last. The Indians seeing the team dwhinz away, fired another volley at i‘. Another cry of agony came from the top of the calcsa. and thev lucl-a. lunged forward so suddenly that Don Rossevan was almost thrown from his seat. Then the horses seemed to redouble their speed. for the calesa shot forward, bounding and rocking until it seemed it would be dashed to pieces. The most imminent danger threatened Rossevan and his fair companion. The caleea was in danger of bei upset or flashed to leces at any moment. Don seven saw that a must act if he would avert some dread catastrophe. “I must climb out and get hold of the lines, fair senorita." he said; “ the driver is dead." He drew a knife and was about to cut away the to of the calesa when a. horseman dashed along- si e the veh‘cle, ridinz as close to the wheels as pos- sible. He looked and saw that the horseman was a. stranger—a mere youth. Fr a. moment it was aquestion whether he was friend or foe. but before he had time for a second thought the youth, wrh the agility of n circus-rider, rose tohis knees in the saddle-seat. then drawing up one foot and planting it by the other knee he made a quick leap and land- ed upon the flying calesa. An exclamation burst from the lips of Don Rosse- van. “Thank God, senorital“ he exclaimed, “ a friend has come to our rescue! Blessed Virgin! the team is coming to a haltl" A few minutes later the terrified horses were brought to a sand by the young stranger. No sooner had they sto ped than R ssevan, 1mm 33 he wns. sprun from 9 vehicle dofl (1 his hat to the youth in t e driver's so 1:, and in the most grateful tone thanked him for what he had don-l. “ You‘re welcome. general," was the. youth‘s rc- sponge; “ but I tell you things was lively as a hor- nets' rest for awhile, and there‘s no time to be lost in glttin‘ out of here. If them Apaches lick your “and; they'll foller you up and raise Cain with you. I ant-sorry. I can't go any further with you, for I’ve more work ahead“ " But, my boy," said Don Rossevan. “ I must know your name. Sir. l mistrust you are Little Texas, the Boy Mustang er?" “ You hit the nail on the bead, eineral.“ “ Ah my bor , I'm rejoiced to meet you—to know you. ore but Little Tex as could have performed the feet that you did, and for your kindness, senor, I do want to brstow something besides more words upon you. In honor of my regard and esteem for your bravery and kindness, ermit me to present to you th s sword and belt wor h a fortune in itself." He tool: from the r (Jew his sword, a small. keen Damascus blade with a hilt set in diamonds and pearls. and handed it to the Boy Musi‘anrer. The lad toot: ihe blade, ignorant of its true value aside from that of a men n. A look of Loyish de- light and pr'de kindled in is eyes as he buckled the belt aro nd his waist; then. when he saw how much sm"ller he was than the donor. he laughed outright. “Better to buckle the boy onto the sword “ he said‘ “but. stranger. I am proud of this gift lf the 'I’achrs and Regulators don‘t keep away from me now I‘ll slice some of them up. Thank you, stranger." The boy descended from the driver’s seat. giving the lines to Don Rossevan; then he called up his horse, that was grazing a short way off, and mount- , ed it. This brought him in a position whence. he could see the white face of Edith, to whom he touched his hat and bowed. The battle between the troopers and Indians could still be heard in the distance, and the Boy Mustanecr Seemed impatient to be of! to and scene of conflict. With a wave of his hand and a “ grod-by " to the man and woman he was off like the wind. Speaking a few words of encouraeement to Edith, Don Rossevan mounted the driver‘s seat and drove ragidly away. he battle between Rossevan‘s troopers and the Apaches was a desperate one. After the second discharne of firearms by the Indians at least a score or the red demons arose from the tall grass and charged the troopers with lances. T v- followers of Don Rossevan were brave and fen less men. and being skilled and scientific swords— men, it was but play for them to parry the lance s of the Apaches, and at the same time deal telling and deadly blows. The result of this advantage was the utter demoralization of the Ape. hes and a complete and overwnelming victory for the troopers. The Indians took to flight, and for some distance a run- ning fight was in pt up. and but for the superior speed of the Apaches‘ horses not one of them would have escaped. When the troopers finally gave up the chase, they turned about an started in pursuit of the Don. It was a couple of hours or mot c b fore they ov: r- took the culesa. to find Rossevan in the criver‘s seat with the driver lying dead at his feet. When he learned how the battle had gen", the Spaniard spoke a few .words of praise to his men, then (lesccndr‘d from the box and entered the calesa, a trooper taking the lines. “Praise God. senorita," he said, “ we have escaped, but it» was a miraculous esoape. I hope I find you feeling much better, senor-ita.“ ' “ Yes indeed. Mr. Rossevan.“ she replied; “since your friends joined us with news of their victory. a terrible weight has been lifted from my mind.“ The culesn rumbled on and on over plain and val- lcy. The hours wore away and the sun went down, but, contrary to Rossevan's most. sanguine hope, the had not reached their journey s en_. T e shadows of niuht filled Edith wrtb renewed fears and terrors. They had entered a. densely- timbered valley where ‘ verv footfall, every creek of the springs or snort of a horse Pemed freigth witha thousand horrors asthey were repeated in hollow echoes upon the dismal night. Her cam- panion mined in cheerful tones and endeav. rem“? every means possible, to dispel the gloom and sh o ows from her mind. 14 Little Texan. the Young Mustang“. Suddenly the calesa stopped. Don Rossevan opened the door and looked out. A troogier rode up to the calesa and said: “ enor a horseman is c nninc down the road from the direction of the Ruins de Rossevan." Edith’s heart rose in her throat. Dun Rossevan sprung from the calc. . advanced to the head of the horses and looked up t e road. “ That's a womani" said Rossevan to the man be- hind him, as the unknown drew nearer to them. Just then a trooper cried, ‘~ Haiti" The woman drew rein, and Rossevan, advancing toward her. asked: " Lady, who are you that rides this way so late?" The woman hesitated Wi'h fear or doubt. “ Have no tears. lady; we are neither outlaws nor Indians." A litrle c of surprise and joy escaped her lips, then she as. l: “ I am lost, sir." “ Your name, Senorita ‘9" “ Christie Miles," she replied. and her words reach- ed the listening! ear of Edi h. wh 1 cried out: “ 0h. Christie! Christiel my darling sister, can it be you i" ‘ Edi'h Clayton!" burst from Christie‘s lips; “do my ears deceivv?" “ No. no, sweet sister I am here i" Christie ro'le u to the calesa and sprung from her pony and rus ed into Edith‘s arms. For a mo- ment there was a brief silence ov' joy; than Russevan ordered a trooper to take charge of Chris ie‘s Kim‘s", assisted the sist~rs into the calesa, and entering him- self. gave or lers to move on. As they rumbled alonz Chrislie narratei her a'l- ventures with Black Boniface, and recounted the events that had trans ired the night previous at the home of the gallant oy Mustangrr. as well as her second meeting with the Regulators and hr-r escape. Then fr m the lips of E lit'l she receive'i the joyful intelligence that Odom-l Miles was living, and that they would soon he in iii-i prisence. In the cours- 0t miolli r hour the calesa again stopped. when R wssevan said: “There, Senoritas. we have reached the Ruins de Rossevan." ' Christie recognized the place as the same from which she had tied but an hour bef ire. Don Rossnvau assisted the girls from the calesa. then giving each an arm he conducted them into the house. Rossevan led the trirls into a brilliantlylizhted and handsomely furnished room, where a young, handsome and dark-eye l girl rose to receive them. “ This, ladies,“ said Don Rossevan to Edith and Christie, “ is my sister. Anita Rmsévan." The young dark-dyed maiden greeted the girls kindly and welcomed them to the home of D111 Rossevan: and having assisted thA-m to disrobe, she conducted them into an adjoining room where, wlfaik and pale, Colonel Israel Miles sat in an easy- 0 a r. CHAPTER X. OLD umunrrr m TROUnLE—FAHAN'S CATTLE-RANCH Da. JEDUTBAN Dovnn uni Old Morality were sound asleep in their respective tants wnen on Juan de Rossevan and his gay escort visi‘el camp, and it was not until that gentleman had been gone with Edirh more than an hour that they made their on- pearanc‘a from their tents. Dr. Dover was the first 0 join the little group outsi xe discussing the events of the day. an! as soon as apprised of the Visit of Rossevan. the old fellow flew into a passion. “ There! by the dancinzdervishes!" he exclaimed, “you’ve all branded yourselves a Set of nlncom- poopsl—zone and give the colonel‘s other nirl into the hands of the bloodyhellyons. Oh. Lord 1" “ Doctor. there was no (1 iception about that man Rossevan." said Mr. Byrd; “besides he brouzht a letter from the colonel who lies very low. from ef— fects of wounds, in the gentleman's house; and it is a genuine letter too. He sent for Edith or Chris- tie‘ or both if they could both leave." ‘ What did yer say the feller‘s name war what comeJor the gals?" suddenly exclaimed Old Moral- ity. who. at this juncture, made his appearance. “ Juan de Rossevan.” re lied Byrd “Vipers an I tar~mnl’- ersl" exclaimed the 01 1 man, in astonishment. “you don’t tz-ll me that Don Rossevan war here, do you? ll by in thunder didn’t you wake me?” V “ Then you know him. do you Morality?" “Know him! yes. I should think ' did know him; and i know him well enough to know that Edith Cla ion will be his captive." “ here!" broke in Dr. D \ver, “ what did Ilnllyou? You‘re a set of niucompoops to 'ust deliberately give a girl into the hand; of a vile o d robber!“ “Did i insinuate th 1. he was a robber ole pill- bazs?" asked Old Morality: “dii I even hint. at his being any flint: but what he is—a perfect gentle- man a scholar and a Christian? Yea. verily lsay unto vou. folks. that Don Juan de Rosnevan is one of the whitest-nomad. biz-hearted men that eVrr lived. it he said Colonel Miles war at his ranch. why the coionel‘s there. on can bet your lnstfip on that.” This explanation relieved the settlers of the emo- tions Morality had first worked up in their minds. Upon being informed that the Spaniard had bl-en gone but a short time. Old Morality took leave of the emigran's. mounted his horse and rode away, fol- lowing the track of the calesa. It was the intention of Moralitv to overtake the partv when he left camp: but after riding for two or three hours upon the track of the calesa, he gave up all hope of overtakinzit. and struck out across the plain toward the -est. Not a Sign of life was visible except a number of buzznrds circling in the heavens far to the westward. The old man rode onl apparently indifferent to all around him save those buzzards wheeling in the air. Their resence was nortentous to him as it ever is to the rderman He had Journeyeti perhaps five miles u on the plain. and was vein! a! ng between two lit 6 clumps of timber. w on a rifle, in the fur- thest one away. sudd nly rum: out and the old man‘s horse reared and plunged forward with a piteous or; and sunk quivering to the comb. hen forth from their ambush zalloprd half a score of horsemen with drawn pistols. The were outlaws. and the old ranger seeing it would is use- less to contend with such odds. returned his pistol to its place, and cnlml awaited their approach. At the head of t e party rode the notorious Dr. Rocheford. The Regulators drew up around the old man who stood calmly regarding lhcm with silent contem t. “ A purty criztcr he is." said Rmheford an all laughed hoartily. for Old Morality had assumed an air and attitude that bordered upon the ludicrous. “ You col-dashed tar-ranl'-lers and blood-suckers of the pernrol" the old man exclaimed savagely, “ you can ‘ford to laugh and giggle at an old hoary- headeri man after you’ve got the ’vantnge of him; but. dasthonr cowardly ictersl I can take you, two at a time. and knock t we butt end of your brains out easier’n slippin‘ on ice." “We know vou. Old Morality," replied Rochefori: “ we have had our eves on your moral carcass for two weeks or more." “ Thi- devil had hisen on you ever since you draw- ed your first breath." replied Morality. “ Well this is not business: men. mount thiss ecl- men of t 'e zenus catamount up in one of t ose horses and WP'il be moving." said Richeford. There were threm or four led horses in the party and upon one of these Old Morality was mounted: thou the hand movedaway toward the north. A Thus they movad on. the ranger arguinz and mm reling with his captors. as rhouzli erfectly in eb ent as to what they might do with am. At different times the old man overheard the Reg~ ulators lalki 1g about Fagan’s Ranch. which he knew ., she‘s; W, “rm v . Little Texas, the Young Mustang“. 15 was situated some miles ahead of them' and as Je- rome Fagan had always borne a good reputation, he came to the conclusion ihat their designs were to make a raid upon his ranch. it is irue he also heard them talkmft much that night, but supposed their language bad a different iiieanin from lhat implied. But whatever his doubts nu speculations were, con- cerning his captors' designs upon Fagan‘s Ranch. all were finally dismissed when the party. in open. day, rode boldly into the ranch. and, to the surprise of the ranger, were cordially received by Jerome Fagan and his friends. _ This convinced Morality that the cattle-men wrre not what they had always been represented. If they were not in league with the Regulators in crime, it was, at least, certain that they wore courting the friendship of the robbers, and harboring them. Fa Van's Ram-h was situated in an abrupt bend of a litt e stream called MeSfiuit Creek. The place was heavil timbered, and we watered—natural advan— tages ora cattle-ranch. A number of low log cabins stood upon a little eminence overlooking the penin- sula or bend, and were occupied by anaii and his employees numbering in all, women and children. fifty or S]! y persons. 0! these. at leaSt thirty were men. Back of the cabins werestables and sheds for horses, and south of the cabins were the cattle-pens. Of the latter there were four, with a capacity for thousands of cattle. One of the tour. however. was quite small. and built in a circular iorm, of logs set upright in the ground like a stockwde. Thivrn was fifteen feet in hight. and was called the ild Pen, in contradistinction to the others. Upon one side of the Wl‘d Pen, with front resting upon the logs of the Stockade, and rear upon or her upright posts, was an elevated cabin. or shanty. covered with shingles. This was a watch-house. When the pen was full of cattle it was found neces- sary to keep a man on guard, day and night, to prevent any accident. I _ _ In this watch-house, Old Morality wasmiprisoned, securely bound, and one of the robbers, along with the regular watch, was placed in guard over him. There was no window, and but a sin le low, narrow door in the building, but in this car was cut a wicket or opening large enough [or a man to see out, and throng which Morality was enabled to survey his situation. V For some reason or other there were no caitle in the Wild Pen with the exce tion of a single Texan biill— a wild, ferociousle follow. with a fierce eye. glossy coat, and white. slender horns, sharp as rapiers, and fully four feet long. This animal stood near what appeared to be a cage. on the oppomle side of the pen, bellowing, and pawmg the ground 111 up areiit rage. he Regulator and ranchero, who were seated_on the platform in front of the cabin. were watching the hull and laughing at his frantic efforts to destroy something, real or imaginary. I “ That‘s one of the bulls you’re gorng to fight to- night is it?" the Regulator remarked. “ That’s the cal one," was the reply; “ it’s to be a bull and lion flab .“ “A bull and lion tight!" exclaimed the Regulator. “ well, that‘s better yit. I‘ll swear it is.” “Yes; the boys caught a mountain lion, as they‘re " called. when up in California. and started right off to the States with it on a showin’ expedilipn, but b the time they got this fur on their way they go’ sic of the enter rise. and sold out their lion to ’Rome Fagan, and hen hired to him to herd cattle. ’Rome got the lion on purpose to chaw u that bull, and I 0 hope he 11 claw theyery lunar outen the hom- ed cuss. for he s the Wickedest bull that ever calved on Texas sou." At this unclure a man appeared from the cabins brinziiig t ie guards and p .soner some supgsr. They passed Moraliiy’s iii to him. and while t e guards were eating, the 0th"? ranchero asked: “You haven't heard the latest, have you, boys?“ about a. bull-fight at thel “ What about?" “The bull—fight lac-night; wall, it’s been decided _ > that a man shall fight the victor. be it bull or lion." “ Bravol” exclaimed the guards. “ Yes, the Spanish blood of Senor Fagando and the French wit of Rocheford have arrived at an arrange- ment that’ll equal any of old Spain‘s royal enter tainments. Oh, it'll jist be gorgetusl" “Who’s the reckless man that's going to risk his hide in a conflab with a bull or lion!" “ Why, sir,” said the ranchero. “the man you guard. Old Morelity’s to he [need upon a horse and turned into (he pen, to fig t or die. ’ “ Thunder rolliu l the old man’ll not stand a shad~ ow of a chance wit the bull or lion." Old Morality heard the ranchero’s words, and the news he brought with their supper from headquar ters, but instead of breaking.’ down under the start- ling information, he calmly ate his supper and paced his narrow prison, whistling softly to himself. CHAPTER XL TEE BULL AM) LION near. ‘ IT was night at Fagan‘s Ranch, but in and around the pens where the fight was soon to come oil, the lizht of a dozm flambeaux lit up the arena, with a gla' e as bright almost as the noonday sun. Dr. Rocheford and his followers and the rancheros were seated upon a platform on top of the smckade,wait- ing for the sport. to begin. From the door of the elevated watch-house. Old Morality was permitted to witness the preparations for the slrug‘g e. In the course of an hour the “committee on ar- rangements ” announced all in readiness for the fight to begin. A man with a rod lantern stood on top of the lion’s cage. and another with a rope in his hand stood by his side; the rope was fastened tothe door of the lion’s cage and passed over a pulley. " Ready!" shouted the man with the re , then the one with the red lantern lowered the x{Sight by means of a. rope and swung it to and fro before the door of the lion‘s cage. The hull caught sight of it, shook his head, paired the earth and then with a bellow started across the arena. As he neared the object of his wrath, the man with the rope raised the door of the cage. ' Every eye was fixed 11 on the lion's cage. Then a growl and a llow breaks the silence. Thc re is a rush in the lion‘s cage, and the fierce ani- mal springs out into the arena. A 51 out bursts from the lips of the rancheros and Regulators. Crouching upon the earth the lion gazes around him. his green eyes blazing with rage. his aws open and dripping with froth, and his tail slnu y lashing the ground. He utters a growl-a challenge. The hull shakes his mane. utters a. deep, short bellow, and with his tail u be rushes upon the lion. They came toget ier with a (lull creish. a scream and a, roar. With a leap the agile lion met his horn- ed antagonist and la nded fairly between the animal’s wide horns and buried his fearful claws in theshoul- ders and his teeth in the shaggy neck. With a bel- low that was almost deafening and pitiful, the bull went down upon his knees. He had been taken at a disadvantage. The lion clung to him as if fastened there._ In vein the bull tried to shake him 03, but his weight almost overcame the strength of his an- tagonist. But at lengrh the bull rore from his knees and charged across the arena with the lion still cliiig‘ng 10 his neck and shoulders. Suddenly the situation chan . The lion broke his hold and wais hurled over t e bull‘s back to the ground with fearful Violence. The hull. with torn, bleeding shoulders, starting eyeballs. and steaming nostrils turned. and again rushed upon his foe. The hon made a second spring, but this time it was not so fortmmale. for its body came in contact with the sharp horn of the bull. and . was impaled thereon. . A roar that fairly shook the earth ekcnped the lion's fearfullung‘s, and he sunk back, almost pur- i V'""!‘}. 'Avt‘ yew ("Iq- w- a. wry ,~r.-.‘.g.\.-»w 15-w- 16 Little Texas, the Young Mustang“. alyzed by the cruel horn rankling in his body. With a snort and a roar the bull gave a sudden toes of the head, and the lion was disembowled. The hull had won the battle. Hats were swung in the air and shouts rung through the night. A red light was lowered and swung to and fro to entice the bull away from the carcass of the lion. Then several men slipped into the arena. attached a r0 5 to the dead animal and dragged it out. hen a silence prevailed. Old oralit shuddered, for he knew what was to come next; ut be deter. mined to meet his fate without yieldin a point. Five minutes or more had elapsel w en two men opened the door of the watch-house. untastened the o d man and bade him fellow them. He was conducted around the cattle— into the yard. Here a horse, saddled an was in waiting for him. " Mount that bore ~," ordered one of the men. After handing Old Morality a lance, one of the men led the horse around to the entrance, the Regw lators following be lind with pistols in hand. There were two gates to the entrance to the Wild Pen, one o enlng inward and the other opening outward, th aspace of a foot between the two. '1‘ 15 Outer slate was locked. the inner gate fastened by a book 0 pad in a staple. T e outer gate was unlocked and pulled open, the inner gate unfastened and pushed open. ‘ The attention of the bull h vim: l een drawn, by a red light. to the oppOsiie side of the arena, aman led in the horse upon which was seated the unwill- ing matador, lance in hand. A shout hailed the old man‘s entranc 4-. In a moment the gates were closed, and Old Morality was alone with the mad bull. A man who wore a mask carried the key that locked the gate, and when he turned the key u on the old man. he did not, with the others, hasten o a point where he could see the conflict. but turned and walked away into the shadows, as if ashamed of what he had done. Old Morality took in the situation at a glance. He saw that there was no escape for him—no pityinz eye among the many looking down upon him. His horse was old, and lame, and stiff in the joints. The first onset of the bull would destroy it. The old man‘s situation was. indeed, precarious, but he betrayed no emotions of fear to his enemies. As the bull turned and saw him it began airing the earth and bellowing, then shaking its lead, it started toward the horse. The old matador en- deavored to spur the horse out of its way, but it came like a hurricane and struck the horse fairly in the side. driving its cruel horns deep into the ani- mal's flank, and dlsemboweling it in an instant. The horse rolled over 11 on its 3111". uttering an almost human scream 0 Many. Old Morality on- deavored to impale the bullwith his ltnce. but the shaft,a cruel decrption. snapped in two where it had been “ ringed) and he was left unarmedl Springinz to the ground clear of the stirrups. as the horse went down, he ran across the arena. The hull did not see him. It was too busy with the poor old horse. The horse strugglcd to his feet and attempted to flee; but he could not evade the bull, and soon he was down again, to rise no more. Th3 horse deal. it was no trouble to attract the hull with the lights, and the one nearest the old matador was swung rapidly to and fro. The mod beast seeing it, went lunzing across the arena to- ward it. 01 l Morality darted swiftly out of its way, for he was wenponless. Just then the bull saw him and darted toward him. Running backwari the old man approached the gate. He thought, perhaps. they would let him out, seeing he was completely at the mercy of the brute. In his excitement he passed the award! or more. and the hull was almost upon im. His heel s'ruck a clod- he stumbled and fell. With hold lowered and tail erect the bull plunged toward us and bridlcd, him. As it passed the entrance to the pen, the gate swung partially open and the lithe figure of a man sprung into the arena behind the hull with a sword in hand. There was a downward flash of the weapon, and the bull halted—another flash. and the animatiil [sunk back upon its haunches, bath [Lament/:98 8604'? . Old Morality sprung to his feet. "This way. Morality!" cried his rescuer. '{he old man ran toward his friend and the open ga e. And on the way to liberty he met Littl-iToxas the Boy Lasso-thrower, and together the two glide onthpt the arena and away into the shadows of mg . CHAPTER XII. Anion on m rmxnm. Noam had the Boy Mustanger wielded his sword—- the gift of Don Rosscvan. A bowl of rage and disap intment, runs.’ out upon the night from the lips o the spectators. In the light of the thmbeaux, the Regulators had recognized Litzlv Texas, and his name was rung upon a dozen lips. R :volvers leaped from th ‘ir holsters and a random tire opened upon the ruth andthe old ran 'er; but the bullets rattled harm essly against the Stockade. for in a moment the two were out of the pen and beyond the radius of light. “ This way, Moralty." whispered the Boy Mus— tanger when under cover of the darkness; and then he led the oil man, by a circuitous route to a dense clump of timber back of the stables where Lighttoot and another horse were in waiting. , “Here, Morality. l’ve a horse for you old pard." cried the boy; “mount, and let's make ourselves scarce in these parts." Old Morahty was so re oiced that he could make no reply, but mounting t e horse followed. They rode on in silence until they had reached the open prairie and assured themselves they were be and immediate danger. Then Little Texas relned in is animal and rode by Morallt 's si ’e. “ Good-evening. old pard." the ad said. “business has been so pressing that I hav’n’t had time to speak to on before.“ “G01 b css you! give me your hand, on anzehc little cuss," responded the OH ranger, a language more fervent than elegant; “if thar is a child on ear’h I adore iust now. it’s you. Boy you are a first—class jewr , and I thank you from t e very bot tom of my old heart!" “Oh, never mind that, Morality; I‘m only tooglad to know you are safe." :11 know it. But it's a question with me how you 0 n.“ " I got in there in a rather singular way, Morality, and to tell you the story I must go back to the time of your capture. I was not far away when the Regulators took you in and marched you off this way. art! so I concluded t J foller them and see what they meant to do- and you can judze of my sur- Brise when I saw them ride into Fagan‘s Ranch un. armed. Isaw them imprison you in the elevated watch-house. and made up my mind to git you out of there as soon as darkness 5 t in. You see I didn’t know anything ‘bout the bull and lion fight but when I saw ’em ilxm‘ up platforms and lightin’ torches I knnwed somethin‘ war up. Well. the light came off; from the branches of a tree I saw the fiendish sport, I saw them take you into the pen; I say a min—the one who wore. a mask on—" 'That war Fagau, Texas. I'll bet afip !" interrupt- ed Morality. “N 3vcr mind who you think it was," continued Texas. “but I suv the man with the mask un- lock the gate and let you in. and then i s w him i 'ck the gate upon you. Now, sir. my fingers “815 burned to git hold of that kl , and to git thP 9! was to git the man first. I d dn’t want to kill the man for] saw he wasn‘t a RFZulAtOl'i but, “3 luck would have n, he marched right straight into the Little Texas, the Toung Mustangét‘. 1', brush whereI was bid jist as if he wanted to con ' cral his guilty conscience; but what do you Sup~ Bose that man come there for? to kill hisself? lo ide the kev to the cattle-pen Rate? No; he come there to pray. It’s a God's fact. he went upon his knees and prayed that now. YOU Morality. might escape. and that the, hand of justice would forever rid t 9 country of sich men as Black Boniface and his followers. I tell you there is smenglh in prayer, and I jist felt like shoutin‘ when that man made some s lvndid hits, and when he had finished I couldn’f. to save my soul. keep from ssyin‘ ‘ Amen l” out loud. Graciousl you‘d ought_to ’a’ seen him ump and start to run; but I said; ‘I am Little cxas.’and was there to help the Lord fulfill his rayer. ‘Now.’ said I, ‘gwe me that key. and l) will endeavor to save the old man.’ Without a word he nullcd out the ey and give it to me. Then I went for the gate. and he went down upon his knees again and for all I know he‘s there yet. The rest you know, Morality." “Yes, yes; and glory to King Davidl Boy, thnr isn‘t another you gstvr in Tr xas that can oqi'al oul" exclaide the old man; " but say, don’t you hink that man in the mask was Fagan ?" “Whoever he was. he’s to be pitied ttr his moral cowardice," was the evasive rcply: “ Another question. boy; I see you sport n. sword; where did you run across sioh a. tool as that?" “I earned it. I rescued a lady and gentleman to— day from death or injury by catchin‘ their runaway horses. They were crossin’ the prairie and thin- driver had been suddenly kill ‘d by ambusth In- dians. and away went their horses lickey—ie-kilter over the plain.” “ Heavensl” exclaim'd Morality. somvihiu of the truth beginning to down upon his confuse mind, “ what war ‘ is name?" “ Juan de Rossnvan." " Great horned gallinippersl de Rossevon and Miss Edith Clayton, I presum ? ‘ Fn'd the ( ld man. “Ah I see you mow him Morality.” “ Know him? I should think I did, boy; I have been his scout and svy and seer-“t agent for five years, but. I‘ll swear to man. you are the first strun- er‘l ever breathed the fact to. and I hope you’ll old your peace on the Don‘s account for he‘s a no- ble feller.’ “Secrecyis my motto. Morality; but as I was goin to sa , Don Rossevnn gave.an this swor ." “ wort y present, boy. it‘s a wonder that Don Ju ~n would part with it. It‘s worth thousands, boy, for th‘1 hi't‘s set with diamonds and—“ "What? I thought it WPS glass or stone." “Diamonds. boy, diamonds; you’ro rich in jewels. But look here. boy; I’ve been dyin‘ to ask you now you come out in your pursuit of old Boniface and that g’rl." “ l cutched old Bonny and—“ “ Checked him for peruitiou?‘ _ “No, I had no time to 5'11) and shoot him: I thought more of saving the rirl lhan of killin‘ him." “ 01:! Dr. Dover told me she was an ancel." “ Yes. MoralitIy: but she is now—well. God only knews whore. have been hun'ing her since yes- terday morning; we became separated near my cabin in the dark, and where she wont to I knruw not. I know this much. however: she is not in the power of Rocheforrl’s part-y " “ That gal must be found, then," said Old MorPlity- “Yes; shall never rpst until know whvre she is.“vvhether,she be dead or nlivr-,“ replied the your. . Texas " said Morality. as a thought suddenly oo‘ curred t 1 him. “ let‘s out n bee-line for the Ruins of Rossevan. Once there and the Don 'll furnish us men and horses to searvh viii: country for the gal.“ “ How far awny is it, Morality 2" ' “ We can make it by breakfast." “So neon—then load the way, and Inn-in follow.” Thus was their comes determined. and they turn- ed in the direction of the Ruins do Rossevan. About midnight the two dismounted to rest and i allow their tired animals to graze. They talked for nearly an hour or more, and were about to resume their journey. when the sound of hoof-strokes fell upon their ears. Starting to their feet they dis- envered a horseman approaching. Old Morality challeugrd him. He drew rein and answered: “Alvrez, Srnor Morality." He had recognized the ranger by his voice. "An exclamation of delight burst from the old man’s lips. Alvrxzwas one of Don Rossevan's lol- lowers. The t\wo_ friends advanced and clas hands. Morality introduced his oung companion, and the Spaniard uttered a lit! e cry 0! surprise when he heaiwl the boy's name an ntioned. “Lillle Tums!" he exclaimed, f‘then I have a m: ssage f r you, senor.“ “ Fri In Win m. Alvrez?" asked the boy. “Senorita Miles, senor; she wisl ed me to say to on, if I should meet on. that she is safe- at the nins do Rossevan, w ere she will be delighted to see you soon." Little Ti xas tossed his cap in the air and uttered a. shout of oy. . " By the 'issin’ Judas. boy. I b’lieve you're in love with that gal, Little T(xas " de< lared Old Morality. " I'll bot you‘d ho, too, if you‘d see what an angel she ii." arswered T« xas. . “Bah. my boy, 1 soured on love years and years ago; s' ill 1 like a pretty girl—they re nice to have around,“ replied Old Morality; than turning ti) Alv- red. C: ntinut d: " V\ here you going. Al?" “To the San Sara; I to with a, message from the guest of Don Rcssevan to Us fl iends in camp lhere. They are to n‘( ve at once to the Ruins do Roasevan and make i‘ the nucleus of their cclcny." Alvrez did not tarry long wi'h the rower and mustangsr, but continued his journey Inward the San Saba; “ bile Little Te"sz and Old Morality mounted Heir lorses and continued on toward the Ruins de Rossrvan at a sleany pace. When morning dawned it found the two some dis» tunes from lb: it do stinaiion; but moving on they finally reached a. little creek where they {topped to water their horses and make their ablulions. Tron our li'tle friend rrrangrd his clothing. 01 mbed his long yellow looks back fret» his forehead and ’t m— plvs. and even with this ha‘lily made and simple toilet, iheappv'ar nce of the little muslangeruas greatly improved. It gore a renewed luster to his (yrs and Leshness to his chec ks. , I Mountin.v their bars: s the twu moved on and final- ly come in sight of the Ruins de Rossevan. "Good-morning. Dacol" exclaimed Old Moralit , as they arrived at the gate of Ihe great stone we] or quadrilateral. surrrrundil g the buildings; an dismounled. A cnlored man was there and took their horses. Then Dac - the guard. o and the gate and admilted them to the grounds. nice graveled walk led up to the door of the old mission- house. Orange trees and oleandcrs lent the fru- grance of lheir b‘oom to the peach and the rose that bloomed upon every side. The Lassovlhrower was surprised, astonished. “Great sun of th- temple," he exclaimed, “that is a sort of a second-hand paradiseain‘t itJiomlit l" “ It’s a lovely place. Texas, and the 060018 at live here add another pecoolinr charm to it. It‘s a garden bloomin‘ in a wilderntss, my buoy." b 'l‘llie two procet ded slowly up the w toward the m r m2. Little Texas's heart began to 'hrob, wildly. A few steps m4 re. and he Would stand in ti 9 resume of Don Rossevan. Colonel Israel Miles. Yilh. the beautifullierrine of the cal Fa. and of Let whose presence had not Ewen absent from his heart or mind sincr they parted. Christi * Miles! As the tn 0 approached the ruins. the sound of voices fell upon their ears. and three persons ap- peared around a clum); of shruhbery and stood face to face before them. t was Colonel Israel Milesand his two daughters, Edith and Christie. A: sight 0 the two strangers coming so sudJenly um: . ...v.k. ‘.___Av. 18 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. and unexpectele upon them. the three involuntarily started back; then Christie. with a quick glance at her father, and then at the intruders, uttered a little cry of jov, and forgetting that the others were present—obeying the promgtings of her own childish cart—left her friends. on flying to Little Texas. threw her arms about the boy’s neck and kissed his brown cheuk. Christie! Christie!" cried the colonel sternly, “ what do you main, my child?" “ Oh, uncle Israeli ’ cried the maiden, turning- and cleaning her little hands with j..y, "this is Little Texas!” “Little Texas?" yulled the stormy old colonel, “the Little Texas? Then kiss him again, Christie, for me. Boy, give me your hand!" CHAPTER XIII. nova AT rm: nurse or: aossnvnn. A DAY had missed since the arrival of Old Morality and the Boy Mustanger at the Ruins of Rossevan, and f iund our her i still there. resting: from the labor and excitein-‘nt of the past few days. Col :nel Miles had so far recovered as to be able to ride 0115; but he was still weak and feeble. Anita, the beautiful and accomplished sister of Don Rossevau. proved herself an admirable hostess and entertaining companion. ' D in Rossevan was also an entertaining host and comb mien, and did everythine in his power to make his visitors happy an I comfortable. His me it pen- chant was for fine horses, of which he possesscl a score of all colors and breedz; and his daily wont was to harness aspan of t‘iese to his calesa and drive his lad friends about the ruins, and point out to them the almost obliterated landmarks of that faith- ful peopla that once dwelt in the l ind. Time passed pleasantly indeed at the ruins after. E’lith and Christie had joined their guardian thorn. D in Rossevan was unremitting in his attentions to Edith, and it was evident enough to all that she en- couraged him in it; and so one day found them salted together at in open window overlooking’ the grounds and the distant forest, engaged in a pleas- ant onversation. Edith Clayton never looked more charming than she did upon this occasion. She was a great admirer of nature, and as she gazed out over the grounds, she said: “ When you became a recluse, Mr. Rnssevan, you choke a ver picturesque as well as isolat id homo." ,r "I wi'l mit, snnoritn, that it is a far more ro- mantic spot than I had at first perceived." “ But why did you choose a ruin and in; desolation when there were plenty of broad, fertile valleys in Texas invitin the settler?“ “I chose his, senorita, because it was a min, knowing that the Indian and outlaw have a super- stitious dread of these places.” " And you enjoy this life?" " I prefer this. bv for. to a Soanish prison " " nish prison 1" exclaimed E litn, " do you mean to to me that you are a—a. fugitive from justice, Mr. Ross wan?“ “Your people would call me a political offender—- nothinz more. I dared to raise my voice. and would have raised my sword against the crowned tyranny of Spain, and for this was I condemned to death; nutI escaped and fled to America. Many of my old retainers and servants cime with m» .and many others have, joined me here. Oii Morality was my first American acquiintzince and frien i. 1 found him at Galveston, speaking the Spanish language weiL He has been with me ever since—hols an odd, Strauss old man. So far as our international laws are concerned. Snain could not have demanded me as a political offender of the Unitel States, and I could have settled in St. Louis or Washington. or anywhere but for one thing: I knew if my where— abouts should become known, my enemies, the emissaries of my native country, would hunt me down in secret.” “ Then I am su rised that you will, after living here for years and ccominc attached to this place permit others to come and share it with you. an publish your whereabouts to your enemies," Edith remarked. “ My dear senorita," the young recluse replied, his voice fuil of emotion, “ there is an attraction in Colonel Israel Miles‘s party that makes me very dc- sirous of their louation by me.” Edith blushed crimson; she knew what the young Spaniard meant. She remained silent for S'~ver:il moments. She glanced out over the landscape; the past came back with a bitter remembrance to her mind. Finally she spoke: “Oh, it would be too bad if your kindness to us should brezik no the peace and quie'ness of your bunny, secluded home, Mr. Rossevan." “Fate decrees the good and evil of our lives, senorita; the will of that inevitable fate decrr ed that your guardian. that you and “your sister should be- come my guests—that Ia‘wul love you, E It It !" "Oh. sir.” Edith exclaimed, “I am unworthy of any man‘s love " and tears gathered in her eyes. “Senorita!” e exclaimed. impetuously, “ you are Worthy of the love of ii king; and it has bren with no little hi si'ntion that l, a poor exile here, have dared to declare my love to you. Oh, senorital do not turn me away from you; since the day of our memorable ride over the plain I have loved you, and honed that my love might be reciprocated.‘ Edith‘s eyes were bent downward, wi.i‘-.e a mingled expression of sin and joy oversprea’l her face. A tour fell u n er lap. “Icoul benothin': but a friend to you. Juan," shc murmured, “even though I loved you dearly." “Oh. my fair lady, do not tell me thisi" h: cried. impassionntcly. ‘ it is true, Jnnn." “ Then you love another?" “ I do not.“ “ Then you do not love me," he said, a little bit- terly, I ut with an air of resignment. “ I did not sayso, Juan; I meant that I could never be your wife—not now.“ she responded. Rossevan took courage. “Not now," he re 0 ited. in his mind, for there was a faint spark of ope in these tw ) words. “ Oh. I shall continue to live in hopesl" he do *lly exclaimed. rismg to his feet and pacing the ri om with restless impatience: “ when we have known each other longer, I feel that you will say that you can be my wife." “Oh, Juan 1" she cried, lifting her tearful eyes to his, “you know not what I mean—what stands be- tween our happiness an l——“ “ Brother! brother!" an excited voice sud ‘enly broke in, and Anita burst in upson them in great ex- citement; “Senor Morality w has to aee‘yo" below at oncel I am so afraid somethinz is wrong!" “ Excuse me, senorita." he said to Edith, and with a how he took his hat-and left the room. CHAPTER XIV. DISTRESSING saws. Down in the yard by the front door Don Ross'van found Old Morality waiting his cominiz. -.‘ What is wrong, Morality ?" he exclaimed. "Senor. in scoutin‘ in the woods this moraine I discovered an Indian skiilkin‘ near the north wall of the quadrilateral. I followed him. and saw him join two white men. whom I recognized by the whit-i bands on their hats as being Boniface Regulators." “ 6' Ira'nhrz J" exclaimed Rossevan, fiercely, “ we must keep watch on these ladronae! Morality, look well to ihe herds, the cattle-pens, and stables, and see that ever man is armed and upon the alert. To-mrurow Co onel Miles’s party will be‘ndded to our force. and then we can defy the hostavof Boniface and War-ax." " ‘: ~ The faiihful old man went away to fulfill his mil}- ter‘s orders, accompanied by his voung friend. L"? tlc Texas, while Don Rossevan, filled with doubt and E , “l, twig Little Texas, the Young “instances. 19 fear. began pacing restless] y to and fro beneath the s‘. :udowa of some trees. While thus engaged he was joined by Colonel Miles. “ Well, my dear friend, you seem thoughtful this morning," the bluff ol‘l colonel said. “I am. colonel, for they tell me enemies are lurk- ing near." "The deuce you say, senor! Wall, by Jove,1'm ready to fight again, and if my friends get in to- night or to morrcw we’ll make Black Boniface and those red devils b’1ieve there’s a little Thermopyiize here. I tell you, senor, l've some men that‘ll fight like Spartans." “1 am delighted to hear i‘. colonel, for with them ard my men we need have no fe.1r ” Then the two men sat down under the shadows of an orange tree and talked long and earnestly. The day were away, night came and went, and ano:her day dawned n on ihe Ruins de Rossvvan. Lat I that day Colone Miles and Little Texas were walking in the rrounos mm the entrance to the in- closure. The colonel was restless and uneasy. His train had not yet arrived, and it should have been there by noon. He had not even heard from it. “ I'm afraid. Texas." lhe old man said, “ l hat these infernal robbers are troubling them. Don Ross'wan instructed the messrnver sent to guide them here to come by way of the Sand Ridge Route, it being a nearer and better route." ‘ " I know that route, colonel, and I must say it’s a bad one, though I say so with all (‘ue respect to Don Rossevan's opinion. lt‘sneai er here. I presume. but it may be a never-endin’ road for somebody, colo- ncl. Ah. who comes there?" This uestion was caused bT the sound of clat’er- ing hoo s outside the quadrilateral, and a moment later a horseman rode up to the gate, and in an ex- citcd tone demanded entrance of the men on guard. “ My God i” cried Colonel Miles, “it is the messen- ger Alvrez!" The colonel advanced and met the man. The fel- low wns all cxvitcmont. His Lion and clothes were covered with dirt and dust, and his Irma was rack- ing in foam. He saluted the colonel and Little Texas. “Senor Colonel," he exclaimed, “ I have bad news l" “ What is it, man? for God’s sake, what is i. l" " The train was attackr d by indians and robbers on t‘e Sind Ridge, and after a dr-sperarc battle‘—" “ Were destroyed?" exclaimed the impatient old man. “ No, senor. not when I left. We drove the enemy hack and then Went to work and threw up a defense of sand—dd holes in the earth for the womrn and childrcn, an formed the wagons around all. In that condition I left them under a broiling sun, with but little water in their casks. They will perish ivith heat and thivst, if not by bullets, unless they are soon relieved." “ Help you shall have, so far as it noes." exclaim- ei Little ’l‘rxns. “ as soon as my horse can carry me to the bat‘lefltldl” “And my master, I know, will send an armed force to raise the Siege," said the excited messr‘ngcr. “I shall wait on no one," replied Little Texas; “ good-by. colonel!" Turning, the yo'ifh hastened to the house, buckled on ris sword. loaded his rifle and yis Ola, then pro- curing: his horse, mounted it and m at living away at a wild. breakneck speed to the scene of corflict. Colonel Milt-s turned and hastened back to the building as fast as his feeble strength would permit. CHAPTER XV. m cnouns mm. oa’mmma. Wmm martyrs on Sand Ridge Route were assum- mg the condition of a siege. and Linle Texas was hasreninz to the aid of the train, affairs at the Ruins (in Rossevnn were also overshadowed by a menacing cloud of danzer- . While Colonel Miles and the Boy Mustanger were taking their stroll near the entrance to tho ground, Don Rosssvnn and Edith Clayton were seated upon a rustic bench under a cluster of (uses a few rods from tho entrance of tin.- huilding. Rossevan had been reading to his fair compo iiion acliarniing story of old Spain in the days of her prisline glory; but finally growing wearied with this, he closed the book, and turning to Edith, he said: “Those were the halcyon days of my native land Senorita, the days of mailed warriors and helmeted ki isms—days forever rune." “You should have lived in those days. senor, for they were the days of chrvairy," replied Edith. “Thanks, senor-its, for the compliment. but I must say that 1 am very glad i live in this age- glad be- cause it is the age in which you live. Edith.’ “You may regret that you have ever known me, Juan,“ she rr livd. “ I see, Edit , there is some myste overshadow- ing your young life, and yet I feel in o it is no- thing svrious—notliing but a mere mat r of short acquaintance or national blood that causes you to hesitate, and no doubt prudently, in plighting your hand to me, admitting your regards for me were 8 :i‘llcientl strong to admit of such.“ “Juan,‘ she said. wiih a pleading, implorinz look. “I cannot be your wife, noris it because i do not lave, for I do." “Bless you, senorita, for those last words; but may I ask you why vou cannot b- my wife?” “Because—" she be an. but the rest of the sen- tenge was taken from er lips by a stern voice that 59.1 : “Because, Me 7’: 1n 7/ wife I" And a man stepi‘wd from behind a clum oi bushes and ccnlr ~ntlaco than this, fur no tellin what moment the re btl‘l may find you missin‘, and come beck in search of you. Therel some one is oomm’ this way now!“ The shouts of men and the blaze of a. bugle sud- denlv awokn the morning echoes. ' “Git l" burst from the lirs of Little Texas; “we are safe we are safei The Ransz are comin‘." “ Thank Henvon l” murmur- (1' Edith. The next moment a dozen horsemen, loaning for- ward in thnii'sa'ldles in order to pass the low boughs, glided under them, " Fin, there, gallant tron isl" shouted the Boy Mustanger. ,at the top of his tings. A dozen men drew rein under the tree. Among them was Don Rossevan and Colonel Israel Miles. “ Who's up here!" demanded the colonel. “We’re here uncle; Anita, Little Texas and I." rupondod the fair Edith. r. w: “Bless the good Lord: It is my Edith!" shouted the colonel. " Yrs, and Little Texas rescued us." “ God bless that boy I" the colonel shouted. “ But, Christie—where is she?" “ The Regiiiatorsgot away with her lorry to say." i“ e Boy Mustarger answered; “ i done my best, co‘onel, to save her, too but I f-iled." "Bi-ave and fearless boy. He has done nobly," said Rossevan. "Yes, he has." afi‘irmed Colonel Miles; “come down here, children, and let me embrace you " “ We must not tarry lcn err. Christie must be rescued. poor child," said Ola Morality, after he complimentcd Little Texas in his usually ludicrous wa . ‘rSheli we send Anita and Edith back to the Ruins with an escort, or—" “No; it will nevvr do, senor. to weaken our force," interrupted Old Morality; “we’ve not a man Lo spine. "Uncle," said Edith Clayton, ” we can nocom ny you. I would rather do so than return to the nine without you.” “ And so would I," added Anita, and the question was settled. The Rangers having brought Little Texas‘s horse from the creek the lad was soon in the saddle. A couple of led horses taken from the enemy were caparisoned for the maidens and by the time the sun was an hour high, the pursuers, were again motion. The Texan Rangers took the lead with Captain Reynolds. Little Texas, and Old 151- rality at their head. \vrile Don Rossevan, Colonel Israel Miles and a few others, wit - Edith and Anita brought up the rear. Romevan had dispatched two of his best scouts to ft oi the way in advance, and the part had not gone far when we of them came back wit the news that a band of horseman. outlaws and Indians, was approaching from the north at a rapid speed. in a. few moments Captain Reynolds formed his Rangers in line of battle, the settlers in d followers of Don Rosse an forming behind them. and in this order they waited the foe. The clatter of hoofs soon buist upon thcir ears, thin from the woods nearly the whole of Black Boniface's band swept in- to view. The outlaws were i-n their wav back to search for the missing girls. and not until they were upon them did the-v know their pursueis were near. With a, pit the Regulators and Apaches charged upon our friends, but they were met—with a cool and deliberate fire that emptied a number i t saddle: and threw the band into 3: me confusion; but Dr. Roche- fci-d was as brave and fearless as be was wicked, and, in tones thnt Si emed to come from brazen lungs, he rallied his men and again led them to the onslaught. CHAPTER XX. A wnnrcn‘s nxn. Fon awhile the result of the conflict seemed to hem: unon an even banana“; then it turned in favor of the Regulators, then in favor of the Rangers, so that no one could hava told how it would end. From tl-oir covert under the shadow: of Idump otf trecis, Edith and Anita watched the man 5 mg: p. In tho. thickest of the fray was Dr. Rockford, his head seeming to be encircled b a band of flashing steel. so skillfully did i 9 lion le his sword. His voice could easily be distinguished chomng on his men; but suddenly his voice became hushed. and Little Texas, who had singled out the villain and was n aking his wav toward him, saw him ride out from moon the combatants and spur his frantic charger towar the point where Anita and Edith were con- cealed. Not until the Regulator was upon them did the maidens notice his approach. Both uttered a cry and turned their horses’ heads to flee, but the Frenchman was already upon them, and Wyn—Mme... -.W-...«»M - m_.. 96 1 Little Texas, the Young Mustanzer. ‘ alongside Anita, he leaned over in his stirrups and throwing his arms about her slender form, dragged her from her saddle. The villain believed that his movements were unobserved so close was attention drawn to the batlle; but he had one but a lit-- tle ways when he saw his implacab e enemy, Little Texas, glide out from among the combatants and follow him. Th u b gap :1 livelly]i race, but it was a short one. Rocheford, seeing e could not escape with his captive on horseback. dismounted, and with the form of the half-fainting girl in his arms, at- tempted to dodge his pursuer among the trees and shrubberv; but, quick as a flash, the Boy Mustanger was off his horse and gliding. like a ferret. 1n and out among the shadows upon the track of the Regulator. The boy gained rapidly on his foe, and by the time they had gone twenty rods, Rocheford saw that he must either give up the girl and flee, or stop and fight. The latter seemed the moat agreeable to him, since he believed that the boy’s friends were haviu all they could do, and that. alone and single-handm he would have no trouble in crushing the life out of the troublesome youth. So stopping. he laid the now entirely unconscious form of Anita noon the ground and turned u on the nrsuur. His pistols were emp- ty, his swor he ha dropped w on he seized the maiden. and his knife was the only weapon he had left; but this, in his poll-erde fist, he felt was sufi‘ici‘ ant to crush the puny boy now so completely at his more . Little Texas leaped forward. and with a dexterous Kass of his sword struck the knit; from Rocheford's and and sent it flying ten feet away, and then, al- most with the same motion, he made a forward thrust and drove the point of his keen blade into the yillain's left breast. who fell back apparently dead. “The poor wretch,” said the boy hero; sadly. sor- rowfully; “he’s gone. and such a Wick ~d, wickcl soul. May the good Lord have mercy upon him " Than the lad clipped off some leafy bouzhs with his sword and covered the body of the Regulator that it might not meet the eyes of the mai len when she in;- covered from her swoon. This done, he turned to the girl and endeavored to bring h xr ack to cm- sciousness, but after working with her r a time he found his efforts were unavailing—th it she was nearer dead than alive. Being unable to move bur, and in doubts as to the result of the battle. the firing and fighting having ceasei. the boy found himself in a dilemma. He was afraid to leave the girl until he could go for help, and yet something must b 3 done. As if actuated b a sudden thought, he turn- ed and ran back towar the valley. On the we a groan arr >stl=d his attention, and stoppin:r he ooked into a clump of bushes wherelay a wounded Mexican, with a bullet-hole thrath his left shoulder. H3 was one of Don Rossevan’s men, who had crawled there from the battlefield. " Ab. th‘le Texasl” he grosned. “ the battle went ill with us.” “What! did the robbers whip?" questioned the Young Mustanger. -“ Our frien’ls were compelled to withdraw from the field—or they til i withdraw: when in truth we were victorious, and some of the enemy already flcc- ing. Why it was, I know not.” ‘ Perhaps the enemy received re-enforcements." “ I think not, Trxas; but they followed our friends.” “Then the retreat of our friends must have been scale 0501:] Morality's ideas to bag the enemy alto- go 1e". “ I hope so? but, Texas, I din, of this wound." “ Let me see what I can do for you, Patro, though I have not much time to tarry. Don Rossevan‘s sis- ter lies near us in a swoon.” “Go. then, senor. and save the fair young lady. I shill die. anyhow." “No, Pntro, never' 1 cannot leave you without helpin ., you: but first 1 will run to Anita and try and carry er, then bind up your wounds. Don't give up, Intro." As he concluded he turned and ran back to where he had left the maiden; but to his surprise and hor- ror he I und she was gone, as was the body of Rocheford also. Upon examining the ground he found that he had been'thewictim of a foul decep— tion —that be had been deceived by the villain Roche- ford, who was not only not dead. but so sli htly wounded that he had been able to make of! wit the maiden. , With eyes swimming in a mist, he searclnd the ground for the villain's tracks. He had no trouble in finding then), and started off to follow the Villain, when the promise he had made Patro suddenly 0c- curred to his mind. Turnin he ran with a 1 his speed hack to where he had of: the Mexican, and found him dying. Little Texas’s heart was touched with pit , and as the tears gathered in his eyes, he knelt by t e dying man, and, 'fting his eyes toward heaven, murmur d a prayer—a true, sincere and beautiful Christian prayer; and as the last words fell from his lips. a voice behind him said “Amen;" and then hem his concealment Old Morality came with tears in his eyes. Taking the boy’s hand, he said: “ I know now the secret of your sucoess, boy; you are a Christin“; you trust in God." “I recognize Him as the giver of all good." re- sponded the Young Mustaugcr; “ but, Morality, I must. confess that I an“. in trouble," “What now, boy?“ asked the old man. “ Jul . - ,. :Ehe 'ljwu mtg-rt van. lly Alburll' W. Aiken. 88 I’eudwuzd insipmlkknd3mg: 1L} 1. ‘he I rnlrlc I Hot. fly Buffalo lull. ‘ 89 “Ill Blddon, 'l rapper. By lid'wnul S Elli» 1 he Bum-lo Demon. By lulwurd L. Vt lmulrr. 5N) 'l‘lppy. n“. To‘n" ' (“mien ' ' utelonc Abe, llm Boy Guide. lh- ()ll (tunnwa. 9| Mustang Sum; l=.- Jns, lr V e Wvlde. {1'9 50 5‘9"“ “y “T”‘"“,J"“k ” ' 92 The (Du-Inn Blood In Id. \lnluld W f‘mrce sun'an ueu. lnnceo lherxwd. uB)"L.L.\\lw-1vr- 93 mm llurd ~, we 15...; lm. Hv cum... 3... ' ,filIh‘ROY- she I! -v lllrr’nnufr. lh' (» 1- IHLFI'MIM‘L 94 Dvmlu'ood )luk all Doliwtlv‘c. llv [4 l..\\‘lue’¢-ler _Ick 0 file hlfh : Byl. L. llnglmpuh. 9:, Buck Buukrnm. B- Hymn J. F. c. Admm. ' ellowstone nol..l 5) Jam-h h. Ivflglm'r. 96 Gilt-Edged luck. 38" lulu-ml L. “'lu‘elrr. Vlld Ivan, I’W 3"! NW“ D“""‘- “3‘ 1'" In“ Well"- 97 The Blnvk Elm-d ofthe l’rulrln- J L Bowen [Inmond Dlrk.‘ By (2.4mm mums. Ingmlmln. 9p; 1 he use" flerpeut, Bvllmn Lewis: ‘ ' ‘ ‘eenJh‘ufe, l’rlnc‘e of the l’r r. By Oll Coumul. 9!! B1 nnnln Bl”. lhp llnn"l’ . By E. L. “'heeler. ’rezon hol. Hy (.npl. J. Alix-ms 100 NM. 'l‘mld. Ilv Ed ‘s. )enth-l‘ace, the Dam-11w. By E. 1.. Wlmzlor. 101 Jim-lug: Durv; ' .mo Jack. My 0" (humus. 102 The \ ellou‘ '(‘l soaring Rnlph Roek‘wood. P.“ "- Sh Gevrszm Chip, n..- (iirl - 1. ‘he Boy Clown. By Prxl'lfl-fi- l‘mll- , v The "luck Schooner. Bx- RI-L'er anrlmck. 1}“: Phantom Mln‘cr. . ln‘ bdwnr-l L: \\ luoelev. 10f Humlnnlne IIIII‘I'V. lh‘ I I'lrfi Morris Z“... sarong. My (,nlitluu‘l-re-terlck “hum... 1m; Nahum“... K“; 1 g. n,..l.,...'_1., Iéhe Dumll) pr, IOlll (.oqmera: 1 7 Judi "mun. loud," ; Ed“nul-L.‘\\'lveelrl. I null“: lube. ' 3‘ «rr_\ .l.'u'f-Yg(‘, . ION Rm-L‘y Mounan Kit. ll\"l‘.(‘. Hnrbuugh. lDldAvnlunehc. InH-rvnlAHHJIIIIHNF- l“ “ 1W1“ 109 'I he H undml I and My Fr'nnl- Dunn-n! Gla I-Eye, arms“... on)...“ M. l!_y(‘:|pl. Adunm. “0 1-1,: 1......“ “M”, i ‘ Mg.» w. mm“; afibaw—ecmnaufinw—e 1 mflamhulfl . \ The Boy Cnnlnln. I! Itozer-wv'hurk- In “on Hobmw Mm"; Milly] h. llvE.L.\\'lu-c'¢r. l2 ’l‘ho Ilclplcu! "and. IS;- (‘uym Slnym» Ill-id. IB Hour-Flute Mull, the Silvnbllunlwr. lh- UH (.‘umurs. 4 I‘luey l'gul. llm Mount it “41. l_ * : "h, 5 Deadwood "1143! Double. ' f; anez ('nllln. mm. M . “'lIiUIIl-rr. A 9 Dick Hal-“Hg. My Cnpl. Frenlarh-k \Yluiunlur. Hob Woolf. Hus Bord-w Rulfinu. liy E. l.. “'hvelvy. N|ghtlllgnle Nut. By 1‘. C. “Ilrbnuvh. Blnek John. the final! [mu-M. liv J. E. mam. .lr. omnhn 011. the lhuk .1 'rmor. fly E. L. \\'||.r.-lur. Burt Bunker. the Trapper. [Ky Gum-g. E. LusuHe. 1: “0y Rlflcn. By A. C. Irons. The “'hlte 3 Huh. Hy Georg“ E. Lnsnllc. Jim “Ind-on, Jr. m Ellwunl I. “'IIr-rlrr. Ned llnzel. tho Boy 'l'mmvvr. By Capt. Avlmnn. llcudlv Eye. lhr, Unknown Sun”. NV lvull‘nl Bill. Nlek “'hIflIL-u’r- Pet. My Cu n. J. F. (‘. Arlulni. Deadwood llh-k'a Englen. [v I“ L. Wheeler. The Border K fly on l‘onl 01d lllckory. , L ’l‘hc Whlte lnlllu . , ‘ . C.Adnmu. ) Buckhorn Blll. . ‘ . u,» «r. The Sh-dow th9. My Col. I‘rxmlixs lugmlmm. The Red llrotherhond. hv W. J. “mulllun. Jack. By'l‘. ‘.H|Irh:u|;:||. . 1. 1mm 1-1. I:mlg.-r,.)r. Single "and. M V\. J. Humillull. lategulfinthfir Joei' liyll’llil:p a. “'nrnv.” . SB " e or c)- nlpln 004. P; SulInIoMi . - , . _,_. l . Goldmine lheSlmrnlmnlvr. m n- |..“'huuler, “ '.‘_"'°‘“'.‘ K T”"""""”” , 1' {’fi.”{“."?”.i' 0‘“ 2'9" (“W”- ‘>""“"'J' “3 V -'“‘““'S‘ 13: i\)l.!hfh§‘-:§:1r“13;elk ofDL-mh .uil' Ll L‘Lfid D‘elxgnre Rick. By (all can-5m. VA \HWM. ' ’5 ‘ -‘ “ ‘“"‘ '"W'n- -"“'- -“""'“"l"' 136 did RIhL-,tlwllulnlvr. Hanpl.Hmhiltonllulmu. {:flflfigudulyff‘fln "I’Vfigl'fvcofifif; L- “ “"11"- 13? In.me Rock, m. an.“ from Texas. B,- u. “3.1.;- Them” nun-nit. By Col. Prcutlnlugrnlmm. 13.3 1233",; cm.“ 1... 13m Dad-vet nv Cl-m- \l ' Abe Coft. the 01qu my. Hy All-m w. Am... ‘ ° ’ v v ' - ~~ - "M- Carduroy (-‘hnrllc- By Edward LAVSu-h-r‘l 1 :3 The Black Glam. By Jowph E. Badgvr, Jr. “111 Somerp. Ilw Buy Drlerlivc. By hm. . nrril. .. ‘ . I . B . PM“ . “vhf ' Sol Gln or, the Gim'rmmm. In A. w. All-cu. “0 ‘f'pfuif Aft"! “ I _’E! a “. m Ro-ehn Rob. By Eulwunl 1.. mm". 111 Pm“ \ork . c l- 8 Huh .. vler. Iglnh'nlng Joe. Isl-Capt. J. F. C. Adnull- 1-12 Linlo'l‘cmem Youngllu A . ., llH'mrnu'J, kfihxfifgfig‘fimfiif‘},;gff¥fff:fik;\ 1'13 Donal mum! or. _ - “tn. rm. 1', ldyl. tin-Girl Miner. Bv Edwnnl 1.. Wheel". "W 5' *"H'r' ' . ~ Dotcfllvc Dick. ByClmrlw Mul'rii‘. 144 LlHlu (lrlt. ll.» \ . lnlcr. l‘)‘ (m. l‘rmli—I fill-Ire L-‘hot 50th.?wlgoyRlllvnmn. IlyOllCoomeI. 1 gnlmm. :.-n.1;.-m-:.1.-. S nr linin- y . L'Xfllldrl' l'Mh-n. , ~ . _ u u .. ‘ ,_ v m m ‘ at?“ ‘hmo'rir'firfimn B'ElAl,lf‘r")\.}-‘Ali‘:$i I 145 limp. L) Cu: . “all B vine a u I lo.- 0\ «uh. \' 4. .. 'leuar. ' ' . Pigstvxrupl‘clc. 'By Clmrl- s ;\I:-rr i. 146 (‘ortlnn‘n flight Bowrr. lly hunk Dumonl. lam-id Jhm nr.'l‘lm m "rum Family. By Brucc- 1:....I.\"’" -"7- “HR: "I'l")"‘K(-""k “Mk” ’- l4? Nolyhv Nk-k of Nevada. By E. 1.. “'lm-lm. g antcfi-EVQIL llll' Slam-Fm] Ill) u-nlnl L.]Wllcclur. “undy'yum 3. Dick mu Lye. v .n. 'r nix. lvfll’flllllll. ' . a Deadwood chk’u 1mm. Hy Ed. L. Whaler. 1’5"“ 5"" “ “Inc-“MY- 9 Thu Black Muntnnger. Hy ("wt “WHO “54- Bonnie's I’m-ket- Llln‘nry i< r... by “11 x. 0 (Nd Front . Ihe Guide. By T. (r. Hurlrnlluh- mm”. (in. can: 1...: (“Wu mu. lg: mm flaw-1,... .3- 895; h J ‘ylper. If; .C—ligmul :lngmlmm. “,memh. .e'. (flies. By A wan . . l".l u. v « as (‘anadn Chet thumunurlbiterl‘hlefi 13.. wmm. 331911!” ‘DA‘MS’ l’ubll-hcn, 84 The Dumb f’nge. By 0...... mama Wlnuukcr. 93 “ llllnm 5mm, 2;" York. l-‘nm-v l-‘ranL. oH‘nL rmlu. Hy Bull'nlu 15m. Will “'Ildfiy-v. 1h.» 'l‘lmrnugll'urml. By (1.1.9. Mun-in. “lundc IHH' nl’.Dr:\d\\u\vd Dick’i llumu L'mr. u)- l-anmml 1.. \( 1...;1n. Gopher GM. llw liuy 'I'rnlmrr. lly T. (‘. Hmhmmh. Hurry Aruulrmuz. Llw CIIYDIHI of the Uluh. By linrehr‘d ' “rm 'lmJJul'k Hunting“) The ll ‘91! lunth llv ICvIu-nnl 5.161115. fiolld Sum, Hm BnyRun . 1 v. 1 Judge Lynx-h. Jr ' The Linn! l'lrme llluc Hlnzen. My ’ ' ' fox. ll .1 Ferrel. . l lldfire‘a Rum l. 1h ('thrIl-s .‘lul‘l'la. l'nulc MI. “I” m D-‘IIInu. llx ()ll L'UMHL'J. Gold Trigger. the Q l! - ’l' ' llmlmugh. A Gunn- uf Gold. ' "ylnty LIHILIK‘, x'nu Buy. 1 ' l-.. Bnduvr, Jr. u-.n_—_ 0314'! Gw'flfifih'v-OGO'Q i.” hhlfififlebu .— mu-u...._n-u-.n-‘ nu Hun—Hua— =~‘¢:Ifl:€h¥t:€& I’O #— affix-WRENNN'BNNIO Aunaa 6$Sn~:cxv~lamfiwfl~ocm~ x