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Capyrlghud. 1880. y Bum.- ncn Anna. Entered u the Po“ omca At New York. . ., In Second Cluu Mall Manor. Oct. 27. 1886.

 

v01 XII 32.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Prlce. No 146
I I I I

I You'- No. 98 Wmu $1.an You. Fl“: 06"“.

THE CATTLE KWNQ

 

3

MAIN WINONA KNELT AT THE FEET OF THE OUTLAW.

 

The Cattle King;
- 1 0R,
GORTINA’S RIGHT BOWER.

BY FRANK DUMONT,

AUTHOR or “WILD FiRE,” -“BRANDED
HAND,” “BLUE BLAZES,” “EBONY
DAN,”, ETC., ETC., ETC.

CHAPTER I. ‘
A CRITICAL MOMENT. '

THE moon had just silvered the waters
of the Rio Grande River and partially
dispelled the shadows that had settled
down upon the wild landscape A furi-
ous storm of Wind and rain had raged for
several hours, and after the calm that fol-
lowed a. deep gloom like a pall hungover
land and water. The darkness continued
until shortly after midnight, when the
moon broke through the mass of clouds
and bathed the scene 'with ' her silvery
beams. .

‘ A person stood upon the Mexican side
of the river at a point midway between
the Rio Pecos and San Pedro River. He
held the bridle of an impatient steed that
pawed the soft earth ever and anon.
snuffing the air and uttering a low
whinny. '

“ You’re acting very strange; what’s
the matter? Danger?” ,
The words were addressed to the horse

a by the yOung man, and as he peered
across the river he seemed to find a reply
to his question. ' _

“ YOu’ro right! I’ll stake my life
there’s den er ahead; I fieVer knew you
to be mistaien, old fellow.” ~ '

Directly across the stream he 'saW a
’dark moving mass that m. )idly neared the

, waters of the river. He istinctl heard
the sound of horses’ hoofs and t e sub-
dued hum ofi voices:

. As theim g mass drew nearerto the

.’ ,water’s edge, the watcher upon the Mex-

ican side of the river saw that the forward

mass comprised cattle, followed by full a

. , score of mounted men.

“Cattle—thieves!” he exclaimed; “juSt

‘1' / returning from a successful raid «and

', crossing back into Mexico.. Villains!
.v . once u n this side of the rivenlthey
I \lmow t ey are safe from pursuit.” »
.-.- He led the horse into a. clump ‘-of tal
~mesquite bushes, and the animal obeying

/

The cattle King.

 

/

1

its master’s voice, knelt upon the  

and lay crouched like a‘ huge dog. The v
youn
grasping them firml ,breathlessl await-v
ed the result of his discovery. rom his
place of concealmenthe obtained a good
view of the river and int where he sur-
nlilised the raiders wouldgouch the Mexican

s ore.

The rascals were driving the cattle into
the shallow stream, and were even now ,
midway across the river. The herd of
cattle were urged forward by the mount-
ed men detailed for that purpose, while
the remainder rode about forty rods be—
hind, acting as a. barrier between the
herd and any who might follow in pur-
suit. Their rifles reflected the pale moon-
light and their loud calls and unne

noise lainly told that they exgected, no " a i
pursuit; and even if they did, 1: e bound- ~ ~ -

 line had been reached and the asylum
o ered by Mexican supremacy prevented
the pursuers-from setting foot upon the
“sacred soil.” ‘

While the‘ cattle-thieves are  A;

their spoils toward the Mexican shore, we
will observe the young man hidden inthe
tall bushes, for he is to play an important
part in our story. i

His features are handsome, but bronzed
by exposure. _
the upper lip and gives the owner quite a
military appearance.

This does not belie the young man, for _.
Ham- Powell is a son of Mars, though
not 0 othed in the garb of a soldier. He
is a lieutenant in the United States forces

com rises a well-worn coat of dark ' '
ter' ,with vest to match; bucksln'n‘mnts ‘
and heavy top-boots give him quite a
semi-civilized a pearance. A huge 80m°

ero finishes t e icture, while a bread
leather belt holds t 1e necessary weapons
for safety7 while traveling over the roads
in the “land of revolutions” '

A few days revious to the opening of _, 
our story his arse—a. most intelligent,

and valuable animal—had been stolen
from the vicinity of the fort._ It is awella .
known fact that the borderis in 13.00211.
tinual state of agitation; caused .Wf
incursions of marauding bands ‘ ’ “J” ' “
These scoundrels

border counties of drive, lav

6X85, :

herds of horses and cattleacrws [the RIOI‘ V

man sought his weapons and" "‘

A dark mustache shades»  - e:

stationed at Fort Duncan on the American 
side of the’ river At presenthis clot ' ' "J

penetrate"  the ‘

 

   
 

 

 

 

The Cattle King. 

 

Grande into Mexico and there dispose of
the animals for good round sums. Al-
though the animalsare branded, it is next
to impossible to recover them. Pursuit
ends at the river, for the Mexican au-
thorities will not allow armed Americans
to follow the thieves into Mexico. Of
course there is a very good reason for all
this. The rascally Mexican alcaldes are
in league with the robbels and wink at
their crimes and share in the plunder. It
has been roven beyond a doubt that a
Mexican overnor named Cortinas was
the head and front of a robber crew, and
waxed fat upon the proceeds of the cattle-
thieves and gave them an asylum at his
own ranch.

Once in a great while a horse can be
ransomed. Many valuable animals are
thus stolen and an opportunity given to
the owner to cross over and regain pos-
session of the creature by paying down a
good figure.

It was for this reason that Harry
Powell had discarded his uniform and
donned one resembling a ranchero. Ob-
taining a short leave of absence, he crossed
the river, aceom )anied b a rivate of his
command namet Jacob S aus em, a stout
German, eccentric and faithful in the ex-
treme. Before starting upon the expedi-
tion, Powell was given to understand that
his horse would be found at a certain
ranch near San Fernando, a small Mexi-
can town.

To his great joy he recovered his horse,
and paid down the amount asked and
started on his return trip. The rascally
“ Greaser ” Who had received the amount
hastily gathered a few cut-throats and
started in pursuit of the American and his
companion, intending to again possess the
horse and rob the two adventurous men
from Texas.

Mid a howling storm that suddenly
swept through that region, the banditti
caught up to Powell and Jacob and after
a short conflict, and aided by the gloom,
Powell succeeded in eluding the guer-
rillas. Jacob disappeared in the-chapar-
ral, and when Harry finally reached the
banks of the Rio Grande, his (3 mpanion
was nowhere to be seen, and. h' pursuers
had evidently abandoned the chase.

The young American had just dis-
mounted and was seekin a suitable place
to ford the river Whenghis horse, acting

inastrangemanner,hadcaused him to

 

seek an explanation, and to his astonish-
ment he discovered the cattle-thieves on
the opposite bank about to cross the river.

From his secluded point of observation
he noted the landing of the raiders and
saw the herd driven by. The Mexicans
were all armed and mounted upon fleet
mustangs.

Scarcely had the rascals disap cared
with their drove when another etach-
ment touched the shore and fora moment
halted upon the bank.

Powell's eyes were riveted upon a cen-
tral figure that seemed to bear a burden
upon the ponnnel of his saddle.

As the moonbeams fell upon their per-
sons, Harry saw that the white mass was
the figure of a woman held in the arms
of the horseman and that the woman in
question was either passive to her fate or
insensible.

The horseman was a tall, dark-featured
man whose sombrero shaded his face in
such a manner that Powell could not see
the countenance distinctly, although the
moon shone directly u on the group. As
the cavalcade halted, tie woman turned
her features in such a manner that the
hidden oflicer saw them quite plainly.

Powell uttered an exclamation. It was
the face of a youn r and beautiful girl.
Golden hair swept ( own upon garments
white as snow. Her pale countenance
denoted anguish, and her eyes were turn-
ed in an imploring manner toward the
Texan shore.

“By Jove! the rascals have abducted
an American girl. She’s a prisoner in
the hands of those Greasers,” said Powell
between his clinched teeth.

He laced his hand upon his horse to
compe the steed to remain quiet, and
again his revolver was grasped in a threat-
ening manner.

About a dozen of the marauders were
still in the r1ver, allowing their mustangs
to drink, while the remainder were gath-
ered near the person with the ca tive, ex i—
dently listening to the comman 3 he was
utteriiiig' 1 th h t bed figure 1 ped

Su eny‘ewie—ro ea
from the saddle to the ground, and utter-
ing one little scream broke away from the
horsemen.

On she came and Powell’s heart leaped
as he saw the girl dashing directly to-
ward the Chaparral where he lay con-
cealed.

   
 

AV“

 

 

/ gles

, the object of her special drea

‘\

The Cattle King.

 
 

 

A moment later and several Mexicans;

springing from their saddles, started in
pursmt. A tall rufiian had almost over-
taken her, when Powell, darting from his
hiding-place, met the fugitive. With a
glad cry she rushed into his arms and was
clasped securely, while, with his right
hand, he leveled his revolver at the ad-
vancing desperadoes.

“ Back, you dogs, or I will stretch you
dead, at my feet! Look up, miss! You
are safe for the present,” exclaimed
Powell. '

Without a word of warning, a bearded
ruffian discharged a pistol full at the head

l - of the American. The bullet whistled
, close to his temple, but, before the

scoundrel could again raise his arm,
Powell’s revolver cracked and the yellow-
skin pitched forward upon his face,
clutching at the grass in his death-strug-

 

§
CHAPTER II.
"HEMMED IN.”

THE pistol-shot and the fall of the Mexi-
can occurred almost instantaneously, and
the mounted robbers s rung from their
mustangs and hastene toward the spot.

A score of scowling Greasers surround-
ed the young American, who supported
the girl with one arm and swept the circle
of foes with the other hand “grasping the
polished weapon.

The fate of their comrade caused the
cowardly miscreants to hesitate, and the
daring young officer held the cut~throats
at bay for full five minutes ere one of
their’ number moved. As the remainder

_.of the group reached the spot, a Wild yell

broke from their lips, and a dozen
wea ns flashed.

“ tand back, or I’ll shoot the first
that advances an inch toward me!” cried
Powell.

The beautiful girl crept closer to him,
and her face turned toward her champion
imploring his assistance.

‘Do not let them take me away,” she
whis cred; “Save me from that man!”
and er glance of terror plainl told that
was ap«
proaching. , .

Atall, swarthy man, attired in Mexi-
can V habilimen’ts drew near the group.
His appearance and swagger denoted that

‘ he was, no ordinary personage.

'but, on the contrary, s owed plainly

 

  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
     
  
  
    
      
        
     
 

A repulsive feature of this individual’s ,
appearance was the left eye. The pupil
was entirely white, as if the sight had
been destroyed by some accident. The ,
other orb gleamed like the eye of a wild ~ r ‘
beast in the gloom jungle. His face was
quite dark and a b ack mustache of wiry I
hair covered thin cruel lips, exposing ;
the gleaming teeth behind them. The .:
awful eye gave an expression to the
man’s features that ~was most diabolical—-
somethin of the look of a hyena. Pow-
ell knew y the manner in which the

' lclung to him, shuddering and gasp-
ing, that the man approaching was her
most dreaded foe.

In a moment he had thrust aside the
Mexicans and stood before the young I
man and his charge.

“What’s the meaning of this?” de«
manded the new-comer in apeculiar grat-
ing voice resembling the low warning of
the rattlesnake about to strike. He 4
turned his eyes full upon the young
American as'he spoke.

“It means that the young lady now in
my care fled from these ruifians, and as v x. . ,~
she has implored my protection, I am
bound to assist her even though I lose.
mfi life in the attempt.  '

owell’s attitude cowed the semicircle -
of men before him, and his clear ringing
voice pronounced every word distinctly.

A jeering laugh escaped from the llpS
of the ferocious outlaw chief.

“ You are an American,” said he mock-
ingly, “and you constitute yourself the
protector of that young lady? Do you . .

now the risk attending such an act? I '
wouldn’t give that for your chance of liv-

in I” . '
The Mexican snapped his fingers and. '
then turning to his minions exc ' ed:
“You are a nice set of men to allow a .
single man to bluff you in this manner. j' ’1
Why do you stand there like a lot of " '
sticks? You are not fit to be members of r
the band; you are not fit to be under 
EtflhEye'L. 7 be ed sfamsh
e s ersvoice tra no '
accent ill): thus haranguin yhis fo owers,
that the man, although displaying Men— ‘
can garments, was a. renegade from the

States.

Often had Powell heard the name of '7'}
Evil Eye,the mostcrafty and daringraider "1
that ever  the southwestern’boi- /

  
        
       
    

 

.‘.—:.r.q

\

The Cattle King. 5

 

der. He had often trailed the villain and
his infamous gang to the Rio Grande,
and longed to cross at the head of his de—
tachment and give the raiders a taste of
Yankee powder and bullets.

The very name of Evil Eye was a ter-
ror on the border, and his depredations
were carried far into the western coun-
ties of Texas. Immense losses were in«
flicted upon the cattle-owners, and re-
dress was beyond the reach of the unfor-
tunate Texans. Often a pursuingeparty
followed after the raiders, but yond
killing a few, or recovering part of the
stolen stock, the pursuit ended at the
river, while the rascals hurried over into
the friendly arms of the alcalde or to the
ranch of the robber governor.

Often had the famous cattle-thief been
described and his peculiar eye pictured
by those who had met the renowned out-
law. He had styled himself “King of
the Cattle Thieves,” and he certainly
ruled the lawless band with despotic
sway.

“ This is the infamous Evil Eye,”
thought Powell, as he scrutinized the man
and observed the optic that had gained
the sobriquet for its owner. It certainly
was an eviLlooking eye, and an ev11
countenance acted as a setting to the
It  3)

“You are an American,” said the rob-
ber, again turning to Powell, “ and you
have interfered with my men. Either
one of these entitle on to a speedy death.
I never spare an erican!" he hissed.
“Return that girl instantly, and prepare
to die!”

“Now, sir, hear me. I have under-
taken to shield this lady from the scoun-
drels who pursued her. She has come to
me for protection and she will have it.
As for returning this poor ' 1 into your
hands, you can take her, ut not until
you cross over my dead body_”

With flashlng eyes the young Ameri-
can faced the Villains, and the trembling
girl clung closer to him.

“Let them kill me with you,” she
Whispered; “better death than the fate in
store for me. He has stolen me from
home. and Heaven Only knows the mis-
erable life to which he would consi n
me. Kill me, but do not let them ta e
me from you.” .

“Fear not, my poor little one. I Will
not abandon you. We shall die here, if

 

needs be i” cried Harry, in the warmth of
his excitement.

The outlaw chief waved his hand to
the mongrel crew at his back, and a yell
arose that would have delighted a Co-
manche Indian.

“Down with him!" cried Evil E e.
“ Do not harm the girl, but back that 0‘;
of an American into small pieces. Out
with your knives and slash him into rib-
bons!”

The ruffians sprung toward the young
man and attempted to surround him.
Powell‘s finger rested upon the trigger of
his revolver and the weapon cracked
spiteful] y twice in quick succession, and
a howl from two of the Mexicans told
that the bullet had found a vital spot.

The rullians in return blazed away, in
spite of Evil Eye‘s orders, and several
bullets grazed the bodies of the young
couple.

“ Give me one of your weapons if you
have one to spare,” cried the girl; “ do
not be afraid to trust me.”

Harry laced the weapon in her hand
and quic 1y produced another one from
his belt.

“Quick; follow me!” he cried, and he
sprung toward the clump of bushes, at
the same time uttering a peculiar signal.

His faithful steed bounded from the
depths of the wild undergrowth. Then a
loud cry of rage broke from the lips of
the rullians, for with wonderful agility
Harry was in the saddle; the next mo-
ment he had leaned forward, placed his
arm about the girl‘s Waist and lifted her
to the pommel of his saddle. Almost si-
multaneously the intelligent brute wheel»
ed suddenl around and dashed into the
depths of t 10 Chaparral.

A howl of excitement arose from the
Mexicans as they saw the American make
for the interior country, and at least a
score of the thieves on fleet mustangs
followed in pursuit led by the outlaw
chief. '

Powell passing the chaparral finally
gained a tract of wild country where the
trees afi'orded a friendly shelter. Through
this he made his way until at length he
emerged into an open plain which he
knew would be dangerous crossing.

His steed now began to show Signs of
fatigue and the Mexicans were rapidly
gainingr upon him. Suddenly he reined
1n the lorse, and uttered a cry of aston-

l. \

 

  

   

 

~ by the bandit’s orders.

 

   

ishment. Awide and (lee chasm yawned
directly before him, an like a barrier

' prevented further movement in that di-

rection. A wild yell told that the Mexi-
cans were aware of the dangerous place
and now regarded the capture of the fugi-
tives as a foregone conclusion.

CHAPTER III.
THE VULTURES’ ROOST.

“ WE are hemmed in!” cried Powell,
“and our only chance of escape lies in
turning and fighting our enemies.”

On came the exultant ruffians, feeling
that the American was now in their grasp.
They discharged their weapons as they
advanced u n the young couple, while
Harry whee ed and faced the murderous

gang‘-

One swarthy bandit raised a rifle and
drew a bead upon t e young officer, but
ere the Greasergcoul discharge the wea-

. pen a sharp crack echoed close at hand,

and a bullet went crashing into the brain
of the mounted rutfian. Powell turned
to ascertain who had fired the saving shot,
when the howling pack of Mexicans
dasth upon him, and in spite of his des-
perate struggles and the deadly execution
of his revolver he was overpowered and
secured.

Powell could not suppress his admira-
tion for the young girl. She had fought
like an Amazon in the short conflict.
Nerved by despair, she had defended her-
self with the courage of a heroine.

But it was an unequal struggle, and
Evil Eye’s - minions easily triumphed.
The repulsive villain glared upon the
prostrate young man, and once he raised

oot as if to plant his heel upon Powell’s
face, but a grim smile played 11 n his
evil countenance as he checked imselt
and then leered in a diabolical manner:

"‘ I’ll save you for something more
pleasing to the members of my band. I
won’t kill you outright, you dog. No, I’ll

, kill you by niches"

Powell made no reply, but correctly

. surmised that the villain contemplated in-

flicting some'horrible tortures upon him.
One thing puzzled him greatly, and
that was concerning the hidden marks-

V ' man. He wondered that the Mexicans
 had not sought for the lurking— lace of
the fatal rifleman. But all t oughts

upon the subject were abruptly dispelled

r

I .
The Cattle King.

 

 

1

“Bind the American upon one of the
mustangs, and tie him fast, hand and
foot. That’s right. Now mount and
away to the Vultures‘ Roost!” 1 ,

Powell was secured upon the back of a
mustang very much after the manner of
the famed Maze )pa. His captors were in
high glee, and andled the prisoner in a
brutal manner. ,

Evil Eye assisted the girl 11 on the mus-
tang belonrring to the dead exican, and
then seated himself upon the back of his
own steed. He gave the word of com-
mand, and the cavalcade dashed aWay to-
ward the low range of hills.

Powell’s position was most excruciat-
ing, but he bore 'up bravely, and did not
allow a groan to escape from his lips dur-
ing that long and painful journey. Evil

Eye never once. left the side of his fair ‘

captive, and his confederates rode in a.
hollow square, thus hemmingin the ban-
dit chief and his prisoners.

The hours were on'until the horsemen
reached a wild, mountainous district.
Huge bowlders and giant cactus plants
arose upon all sides, and the surface bore
evidence of the mighty volcanic erup« .
tions of bygone ages. .

Throughout certain ortions of Mexico,
Arizona, and New Mexico, are to be
found the remains and traces of wonder-
ful dwellings perched among the cliffs
and preciplces. Savans agree that a race
prior to-thc Peons and Aztecs occupied
these dwellings. They were built upon
ledges, and were reached by means of
ladders. Once the ladders were drawn
up by the inhabitants it was impossible to
reach these almost impregnable fortresses
on the cliffs. - .

The race of ople inhabiting these
mountain cities giig since passed away,
but their wonderful dwellings still re-
main, some in a good state f preserva-
tion, While others have em bled away
into sightless masses of debris.

It was toward one of these buildings,
upon the verge of a precipitous ledge
that Evil Eye and his lawless crew made
their way, and within its walls the cattle-r
thieves found a safe and secluded refuge.
They had made great improvements in
the mountain retreat. Instead of using
ladders to reach the ledge, they had tun-
neled into the base of the ' , and thus
formed a passage that led in winding
tunnels upward ' to the walled inclOsure

n.1,

    

w

4
Ms A "rm—W“ ,.,4;.:_.yg:_.,. p . <

;. v   - .. Jars-3W 

.A \. .15.“ -u“

  

 
 

 

  

The Cattle King.

'3

 

above. This entrance was artfully em"
cred up, and it was only by careful seam-h
among the masses of mesquite and cactus
that it could be discovered by hostile
parties.

Evil Eye feared no attack, for he was
hand in glove with the authorities, yet
the wilv scoundrel had provided for a
breach of friendship by fortifying his re-
treat in various ways, and undermining-
the cliff with underground exits.

The bandits dismounted and one of
their number led the animals into a large
chamber and there fastened them. Pow—
ell was released and allowed to stand
erect, but his hands were secured. The
entire part proceeded up the inclined
passa e an reached the open space of the
walle inclosurc. Two vicious—looking
Mexicans led the girl toward a disman—
tled adobe building and placed her in
charge of a wrinkled Indian hag, while
Powell was thrust into a small hut with
a swarthy GreaScr for a guard, while the
bandit chief and his followers partook of
refreshments, and became very hilarious.

About a half- hour later the prisoner
saw a gaudin dressed Mexican pause near
the hut and place a small iron furnace
upon the adobe pavement and ignite a
fire within it. Then he thrust a smell
bar of iron into the coals and heated the
metal to a bright red.

Before Powell could divine the object
pf this, Evil E e strode to the hut, his fol—

owers at his eels.

“ Arisel Your doom is sealed and the
executioner is waiting,” said he. and a
malicious chuckle escaped his lips.

“ Remember that I have comrades who
will avenge in death. I am an Ameri-
can officer am demand a soldier’s death,”
returned Powell.

“ You shall have the death we prepare
for you cowardl§American dogs. You’re
an officer, eh? ou’re one of the hounds
that follow us whenever we choose to
cross the Rio Grande to borrow a few
head of Texas cattle? Ha! ha! ha! Glad
to know it. Here, Sancho; heat the iron
until ’tis almost melted! I’ll fix you, my
fine fellow. You interfered with me and
my intended wife. I’ll warrant that
you’ll never see to interfere with any one
again,” cried Evil Eye.

“Ybur intended wife?” said Powell,
with a. look of contempt. “That fair
girl ypur wife? The dove mate with the

 

hawk! The lamb with the wolf '( Mon
ster, your crimes are known throu hout
the States. Your hands are red Wit the
blood of your victims, but 1 im How you
to spare that poor girl. Return her to her
somwving parents. My life is in your
hands. Take it. but add not another
crime to your blackened soul.”

Evil Eye’s face was convulscd with
rage. llis fiendish eye fair] blazed in
the light of the flames of t e iron fur—
nace.

“ Seize that red—hot iron!” he yelled to
the grinning Mexican at his side. “ Drag
out that Alnericanl Burn out his eyes!
Burn deep into the sockets! ’Tis the brand
of Evil Eye!”

CHAPTER IV.
In )N eosm’s TREACHERY.

lll'oN the right bank of a wide stream
emptying into the west fork of the
Nueees River .was the large cattle ranch
and plantation of Bryan Walters.

Crockett county, in Texas, is a vast
tract of territory, over which countless
herds of cattle roam at large attended by
the rancheros in the employ of their vari-
ous owners. The herds are distinguished
by the brands, and are thus identified
when the annual count is taken of the
animals. It is mostly to this and the
adjoinii'ig county that the Mexican
cattle-thieves confine their operations,
running oif immense numbers of steers
and mustangs.

Bryan Walters was a Widower with an
only child—a lovely maiden of scarcely
nineteen summers, and the image of an
angel mother whose memory Bryan Wal-

 

ters cherished as a priceless 1e rac . He
had fondly watched over his litt e irl,
year after year, until she grew into ud-

ding \\'omanhood. His hopes were cen-
tered in his darling, and Winona returned
the affections of her father tenfold. '
The day befme the opening of our story
both father and daughter sat Within the
cosey little parlor, and opposite Bryan
Walters was a remarkable ersonage.
He was remarkable because t e cast of
his features was such as would im ress a.
beholder. This person was tall an dark-
featured. His coarse, black hair fell upon
his shoulders in profusion. His li swere
thin and almost hidden beneath t 10 dark
mustache growing upon the upper lip.
The singular feature 'as the eyes. One

  

  

 

The Cattle Kinda

 

seemed restless and the other passive, giv-
' him an odd appearance.

e was attired in dark velveteen gar-
ments decorated with lace and a profu-
sion of silver buttons. The manner of
the person was extremely polite, and

' his accent betrayed Mexican origin.

- Such is a en-picture of Manuel Costa,
a Mexwan p anter, said to be fabulously
rich, who aspires to the hand, of the bean-
tiful Texan girl, Winona Walters.

' It was plain to be seen that the Ameri-
can girl paid but little attention to the
compliments bestowed upon her by the
Mexican planter. Winona. arose, and
bowing to the Don, gracefully left the
room.

The Mexican drew nearer to the old

.ntleman, and in a low voice addressed

m.
“ Your daughter is a most charming
person. Ever since the day that I was
ortunate enough to sto her runaway
horse, and thus find an mtroduction to
yourself and daughter, I have visited
your home with pleasure. I have but one
' object in view, sir—I love your daughter
and would make her my wife. You
know that I am wealthy and have large
estates in Mexico. Now, sir, I leave the
case in your, hands. I would like your
consent, first“, and I think I can gain
«Winona’s afterwar .”
“I think you will find that quite a
hard task, Don, because Winona does
,not trouble herself with lovers or love
matters. As for my consent I must be
plain with you: Before trusting the hap-
' piness of my child in your hands it
would be necessary for me to know more
of you. You know, sir, that I have but
' your word for your antecedents and so-
. cial standing.”
Bryan Walters’s voice was firm, but its
tone was friendly and pollte. The words
‘seemed to arouse the suitor, for his
swarthy face changed to a sickly color,
and his thin lips were pressed together
in a nervous manner.
. “ Do. you doubt my word, sir?” he de-
manded, after a momentary pause.
f‘No, sir; do not mistake my mean-
, ing. It isthe custom of our peo 1e to
know more of an intended husban than
.hearsay. I love my child devotedly, and
. acannot trust her in the hands of a com-
. parative stranger, though he possessed
‘ ,the wealth of a universe.” .

 

a...“

Don Costa arose and glared upon the
old gentlemen, who, however, re ed
his Visitor calmly, and then slow y pro-
ceeded: -

“ You are aware, sir, that my child ha
not been consulted in the matter.”

“But a arent’s authority—”

“ Shoul be very cautiously exercised
in matters concerning the heart and wel-
fare of a child."

“Then, sir, I am to understand that

you refuse to aid me in my courtship by

usin a parent’s authority?”

“ hat is exactl what you are to un-
derstand, Don
Walters.

“ And that is my answer also ” said a
sweet voice close behind the exican
and Winona glided into the room, and
her white arm encircled the neck of her
parent. .

“I am mistress of m own heart, Don
Costa,” said she swee y, “and I think
your suit should’have been addressed to
me- but, papa has answered you for me. I
 to retain your friendship, but to love
you is something entirely out of the
question.”

The sprightly American girl spoke in
pleasant tones, rather aprovmgly, yet de-
void of ill-feeling.

The effect upon the Mexican was some-
thing startling. His anger was ill con-
cealed and his face betrayed the passion
rankling in his heart. ’

“Very well; I accept the verdict " he
res nded, harshly; ‘ I have rov my-
se a valuable friend to you, lgryin Wal-

ters, and you thus repay me. I ve pre- '

vented the cattle-thieves from depleting
your stock, and this is my reward.”

“Indeed, sir, I did not know that I ,

had you to thank for the safety of my
cattle ranch. I would be pleased to know
how ou prevent that scoundrel, Evil
Eye, rom Invading my
running off my cattle? t is generally
known that the bandit fears neither law
nor the mili , on the Mexican side, 'so
how is it possib e for you to hold him in
check?"

Don Costa’s face changed color and he V

cast a strange look upon the Texan. .

“It matters not to you, sir, what my
influence amounts to on the Mexican
side. Once that I cease to into be
tween your ranch and the followers of

. Evil Eye, you will quickly feel the. raves" _- ,

i- p, '

osta,” replied Bryan '

lantation and ‘

 

 

 

 

,. n ‘
‘ V‘Hmi‘dxrfn'i f I

fiéycgwghfin :: -

 
  
  

    
     
     

\

 

The Cattle King.

 

, of that bold outlaw,” answered the

' exican, somewhat proudly.

{ ' “ You must be on frien Vy terms with

that scoundrel,” affirmed lters, “for

l ' he certainly respects no aut ority in the

g; matter ”
l

  

“As I said before, I Will not reveal the
secret of my ower."
“Perhaps, on, you are closely related
to the person in question?” suggested
»  ' Winona, and, as I must admit, I see a re-
; markable likeness in the principal features
\ 0f your countenance. I have only the
: descriptions of the person and they tally
f with ours, with several exceptions.”
‘ “ e repuisive eye, you mean,” re-
turned Costa, with asneeri “ but, no mat-
, fer; I have proffered my fmendshlp, and it
has bean refused. You will bitterly re-
pent it—both of you. Remember that u
to the present hour I have been a frien
to gou, Bryan Walters.”
he Mexican strode from the room
haughtily, mounted a swift mustan ,
ed away from the spot at a f

5‘ and dash
g gallo

“We have ’made an enemy of that
,_ man, and I fear that harm will befall us
in some manner,” said Walters, as he

%zed after the disappearing horseman.

inona reassured her father, and her gig
‘ conversation and laughter banished
~ apprehensions.

N' ht came on apace, and the shadows
lengfimned. Bryan Walters had scarcely
retired when a commotion at the door
constrained him to rise and hastil attire
himself. A scream from the 'ps of

' ~ Winona caused a thrill of terror to sweep
through his frame. He dashed into the
room in time to see his lovely daughter
in the hands of several Mexmans, who
bore her screaming toward the lawn. A
blow from a tall, swarthy villain laid the
father senseless upon the floor, and the
bandits dashed away with their beautiful
prisoner.

When Don Costa rode away from the
home of B an Walters he proceeded to-
ward the exican frontier. He had

, robabl. journeyeda dozen miles when

 he sud enly disappeared in a. grove of
 native palms and cottonwoods. _
 As he disappeared in the dense fohage,
. there came a body of horsemen follow-
' , the well-beaten trailleading from the
‘. . ., ranch tothe river. Their gay cos-
  at the saddle-bows, and ht—

\A.“
l

a
 A-..‘s.\_ m.-

  

 

   

A’H\  I A

 

tle, wiry mustangs proclaimed them at '
once to be Memcans. The cavalcado
paused a few moments near the grove, as
if undecided.

A shrill whistle sounded from the
Chaparral, anda horseman emerged from
the shadow of the trees.

The mounted up saluted the bandit
chieftan as he re e among them and ad-
dressed a few stout Mexicans who rode
in advance of the cavalcade.

After a brief conference the horsemen
proceeded toward the ranch of Bryan
Walters. When near the house the troop
dismounted, and crept forward like a

grou of A aches.
Within 1: e house there rei ed a death-
like stillness. The Mexican ndit leader

approached an open window and peered
within. He started back with a low cry
of satisfaction. Winona Walters was
seated before a small table engaged in

Cat- e, the ruifian sprung into the _
room. A iercing'scream broke from ‘
Winona’s ips as she saw the dreaded

.form and features of Evil Eye,.and re-

called the words of Don Costa- A mo-
ment later she was inthe arms of the
bandit and borne toward the open space
before the house.

Evil Eye’s ruffians swarmed into the
house, beatin down all who op 
them. Seve minutes later the cattle-
thieves and their captives were speeding
toward the Rio Grande.

CHAPTER V.
A NEW ENEMY.

ABOUT ten days before the opening of
our story an incident occurred at the
military post on the Rio Grande, called
Fort Duncan.

As this incident becomes part of our
story, and relates to the characters we
have introduced, it will be well to ac-
quaint the reader with the affair, and in-

uce a new personage. v

The Fourth Cavalry occu ied the post

at the time mentioned, an among fill:

 

non-commissioned oflicers was a

com lexioned young man who I
resi ed for years in the border
towns of Texas. He spoke Spanish
fluently, and mingled to agreat extent
with the Mexican element. In fact,
his comrades were accustomed to

.chafi him on the subject of a warm

  
  
 

     
      
  

  

 

 

' =10

 

i defendin‘

/ who, in a semi-drunken

v person before him.

' x

The Cattle King.

I

 

V K [with Mexico, and, in a laughing manner,

askhim on which side he would array
himself in case of a struggle, which then
‘ looked close at hand, owing to depreda-
tions on the border. - Rafael Sanders
merely smiled at these playful insinua-
tions, and when the jokers went too far,

‘ or hinted at the cowardice of the Mexi—

cans, his brow would grow dark and a

I strange light would come and go in his

restless eyes.
Sanders hated Harry Powell, and he
could scarcely hide his dislike. The only

.v reason he could possibly offer for his

hatred was that the youngloflicer beat him
at every little game of c ance, wherever
the two youn men sat down as op—
onents. San ers rejoiced to think that
owell’s favorite horse had been stolen
from the post and inwardly ho ed the
animal would not be recovered. He
showed his displeasure plain] when it
Was rumored that Powell 11 obtained
leave of absence and was soon to depart
across the river to ransom his steed.

‘ “ I hope he’ll feel the stiletto of some
native,” muttered Sanders. “ How I hate
him! Curse him; werevit not for him I
should be inabetter position here. Every-
body likes him, and that is why I hate
him so bitterly.”

The fellow slunk into an obscure corner
of the inclosure and drank from acon-
cealed flask. The aguardiente seemed to
loosen the demon, of hate within his
breast for when Powell passed by and
chee ' y greeted him, Sanders, with knit-

- ted brows, failed to return the salute, and

 turned away with a scowl upon his dark

features.
Toward sunset Powell strayed beyond

y the stockade and had almost reached a

little cluster of trees on the banks of the

’ small stream flowing into the broad river

.when the sound of an altercation reached
his ears. Powell hastened toward the
spot and the blood within his veins fairl
boiled With indignation at the scene su -

, denly presented to his view.

An old man, res tany attired, was
himself mm the attack of a
,man in e military dress of the cavalr

regiment stationed at the fort. One 100 _
at the man and Powell recognized Sanders
fury, had raised
a sword to strike down the gray-haired
The old gentleman
wascompletely at the mercy of the armed

 

‘bear you no love.

    

 

assailant. The next moment Powell had

leaped between the two, and with a stout *i

cane dashed aside the sword in the hands
of Rafael Sanders. r
“Shame on you, Sanders!” said th _
young man, in tones of reproach; ‘ ‘ shame
on you to attack an unarmed man—and
one with gray hair. I ave you credit
for manly qualities, but lg
I have been mistaken in you.”
“Stand aside, Harry Powell! Don’t
ou interfere in my quarrel, or, as there

is a heaven above us, you shall share the '

fate of the old fool who has been rash
enough to provoke this quarrel,” and
Sanders again raised his sword and ad-
vanced.

“Sanders, you are beyond yourself.
Calm yourself and listen to reason. This
old man is unarmed, and you are disgrac-
ing your uniform by a cowardly attack.
Stand back and lower your sword I” cried
Powell.

“I’ll run it throu h your heart if you
oppose me, Harry Howell,” fairly hissed
Sanders. “Let me here tell you that I
I hate you, and if you
dare to stand in my wa I’ll redden this
blade with your heart’s lood. The quar-
rel is between me and Bryan Walters, and
he who interferes is a dead man to a cer-
taint .”

“ ill you listen to me '4’” demanded
Powell, as he saw the furious man again

advancing to attack the old gentleman ,

with upraised sword.

“Out of my way, I tell you I” shouted
Sanders, and the sword gleamed in the
air, read to descend.

Powel instantly threw forward his,
stout stick and caught the blade upon it.

One dexterous movement of the wrist and

am sorry to see ,

 
  

‘um

~v

 

 

 

the sword was sent flying from the grass H

of the assailant, and before Sanders coul
reduce the concealed weapon that his
and sought, Powell dealt him a blow
ugon the head with the cane and Sanders
fel to the sward senseless and bleeding
from a slight wound. ’ '

“I am sorry that I was compelled to
strike him,” said Powell, “but I know
the dangerous character of the man and
I'éacted on the defensive, as you will tes-

1 y.’ -

“Young man, receive my heartfelt
thanks for your timel interference. Had
you not arrived, I f
would have murdered me, 'I‘he onl

 

y believethe fellow _

   
             
  
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
    
   
  
  
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
  
   
  
    
   
    
     
           
         
   

   

 

 

 

' _.».: -._.A.J-‘n_w.. “

   

head.

 

The Cattle mg... _

 

~ reason I can give you for his cowardly

attack is because I have refused him the
door of m house. My name, sir, is
Bryan W ters; I am the owner of a

, large cattle ranch on the ’Nueces Rivor.

Occasionally I visit the st to communi-
cate with your comman en, This fellow,
Sanders, managed to gain my good will,

, several months ago, and I invited him to

my house. My daughter Winona ex-
pressed a. dislike for the man, and upon
examination here, and elsewhere, I found
him to be a dangerous character to have
even as a casual visitor to my home. I
explained my views to him, and it seems
that he was considerabl angered. I am
a. plain-spoken man, and I told him my
reasons. _For this he attacked me, and I
firmly believe that I should have fallen a
corpse, upon this Spot, but for your ar-
rival.”

“I am pained to see that one of my
comrades in arms should have so far for-
gotten himself as to loserespect for gray

811's, and disgrace the uniform that he
Wears. I offer you an apology, sir, and
W111 at once report to the commander of
the post.”

“Your name. sir?” asked Walters, ad-
miring the handsome oflicer. '

‘“ Harry Powell.”

The old gentleman extended his hand,

which the young man grasped and wrung ral

cordially.
Walters mounted his horse and rode
toward the military post, while Powell

' walked beside the horseman.

Sanders la perfectl uiet u n the
earth until 3the two yintian hadpoalmost
reached Fort Duncan. The villain then
arose and wiped the blood from his fore-

“That’s the dearest blow you ever
struck!” he muttered, glancing toward
the now distant form. “Beware of me,
for I will run you to earth like a blood-
hound. You are about to cross over into
Mexico, after your horse, eh? Perha 5

you’ll meet some one over on that si e
that you little dream will be there to ex-

. tend a. welcome to you and Whoever ac-
11' companies you on your Journey.”

For a while Sanders stood gazing t9-
yvardthe distant stockade which he saw
mdistinctl in the fast descending
shadowso evening. He seemed ponder-
ing and waiting for the night to cast her

 

K y mantle upon. the sumuuding

landscape._ Then he moved away liken. I
phantom m the direction of the river,

and once upon its bank he paused to '-

scarch for an object among the rank
bushes that grew close to the water. '
It was a package, which he quickly’
opened, and from its folds he withdreW‘
some garments which he placed close b
while he removed his uniform. e

attired himself in the garb he had selected .\ ' * iv

and exchanged his cap for a dark som-
brero. He cast the military uniform
into the river and watched it float away.
“I‘ll never want to see you again,”
said he, “for when I again cross over
into Texas it will not be as a servant of
the United States, but Eerhaps as one of _
the followers of Evil 0 New, Harry
Powell, look to yourse ! You are no
longer my superior officer. If We meet
upon that side of the river we will bal-
ance accounts, and you may be sure the
odds will be in my favor. You are
about to cross over u 11 Mexican soil,
but I’ll warrant you'l never leave it
again.” *
Then Sanders cautiously waded into
the river and made his way toward the
Mexican shore. Reaching the opposite
bank, he gazed toward the American side, '
shook his clinched fist in the direction of
the fort, and disappeared in the chapar-’

Bryan Walters returned to his ranch
after extending an invitation to Powe
13013311, should hedbmthfiviicimilsly. t j

re se or is r1
into fiexgofaalfid Jacob Slaushorn dig
likewise.

Sanders did not make his appearance
within the limits of the post when the
gates were closed for the night, nor did 1
t 6 next morning bring any trace of the
absentee. Toward evening a cavalry-
man brought the discarded uniform of’

the missing man into the fort. He' had ,» -

discovered it floating down the river and

had brought it ashore. It was rightful: ‘i I
1y surmised that Sanders had deserted, .
but none dreamed that he was the vil- r

lain that he was.

CHAPTER VI. _

. .DOOM'ED TO A HORRIBLE FATE.
“ TAKE that red-hot iron and burn deep
into the sockets l” I. y
The words roceeded from the lips or»:
the outlaw lea er, and the Mexican WIN _

 

\ :'

, ,

    

18

The Cattle King.

 

held the blood-red . iron advanced to the
prostrate form of the young American.

Powell could feel the intense heat of
the metal as the Mexican drew near, and
he closed his eyes and slluddercd; but,
before the ill-looking bandit could apply
the iron to the eyes of the helpless cap-
tive, a piercing scream startled the

up, and Winona darted forward and
garghed aside the wretch with the awful
object of torture. She laced herself
above the youth, and with her hands
covered his features.

“Oh men! if you are men, stay the
hand of that monster! Do not allow
such a crime to be committed. It is hor-
rible, horrible!”

/ Her ale features were turned to the
group, lint she saw no signs of sympathy
on the dark, scowling faces of the assem-
bled bandits. Instead, their faces were a
a disa pointed look—disappointed because
they }had anxiously awaited to see the

\ American put to a death of tortures.

\ Nothing was so horrible as to touch the

' hearts of these fiends. Winona‘s words

fell upon headless ears, and only added
to Evil Eye’s fury as he saw the execu-
tioner dashed aside by the frail girl.

» “ Back to your prison!” he yelled to
her, and you, Manedo, seize that iron and
obey me. ’

“No! no!” screamed the fair girl,
“burn into the flesh of my hands if you
will. but he shall not be harmed. These

,hands will protect his face and eyes until

your cruel iron has burned each muscle
and fiber. Stand back, monster! Do

' , not agproach this helpless man with such

hom'i e purposes!"

The Mexican with the iron stood as if
undecided in his actions.

' ‘ “ Dog! dare you disobe me?” thun-

, firedthe bandit chief, and e struck the
" exican a blow that sent the fellow reel-

ing to the earth and the hissing iron fell

, to the adobe pavement.

. , , Winona sprung forward and seized the

' handle of the instrument of torture and
,before Evil Eye could divine her inten-

‘ tlons, or his minions prevent the act, she

I had flun it far above and over the walls

toward t e cliff and it fell into the glen

far, far beneath the battlements of the

 Outlaws’ Roost. A hoarse cry of rage

; broke from Evil Eye’s lips as he saw the
‘ act, and he gnashed his teeth like a wild

beast in impotent fury. ,

   
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
   
    
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
   
    
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
     
     
     
    

  

 

 

Winona sunk down upon her knees
before the outlaw and raised her hands,
in supplication.

“Spare him, sir! Do not inflict such
tortures upon him. Surely you are' not
so cruel as you have been represented,
and you will relent. I ask ou upon my
bended knees to s are his liflia.”

“Why do you
through motives of pity, or IS it because
you love this man?”

There was something peculiar in the
man’s tones and Evil Eye glared upon
the little figure at his feet. as he spoke.

“It is because I wish to spare
bloodshed. I have caused all the trouble;
I am to blame for the miseries he has en-
durcd, and I wish to avoid in'ury or tor:
ture to one who has befriende me 1L

She raised her tear-dimmed e as toward

the outlaw, and again implo his clem-
ency.
“Are you sure that you have not

learned to love this American?” Evil Eye
demanded.

9‘ I cannot answer that question,” Wi-
nona responded, tremulously. ,

“ Do you forget the attention paid you
by my friend, Don Costa? He offered
ygu his hand and heart, and you spurned

th. Do you remember your reply to
him '1”

“Yes, because I could not love the
Don. It would be wron to deceive him.”

“ Indeed! You eoul have learned to
love him if you had tried.” ‘

“ No! I could never love him!”

Evil Eye’s face grew darker, if such a.
thing was possible.

“Whether ou love him or not,” said
he, “ on Si mate with him. You
shall his bride. If you learn tolove‘
him, so much the better for yourself, I
will warn you in time that your tears
and stubbornness will avail you naught.
You will never leave this place except as
the wife of Don Costa." '

“ do you detain me for Don
Costa? What is he to you?” cried Wi-
nona.

“ He is—well, it matters not to oust
present. Don Costa. is a. friend w om I
wish to favor. I know he loves you and
will guard you well from the storms and
perils of life. You are to be his wife.”

“And you will spare the prisoner?”
said Winona, '
Evil Eye.

g~ for his life? Is it .

rising, and approaching I

   
 

 



 

 

!.

i

 

   

 

   
    

m $.12»
.. x _

l

« wretches

{5  ,
 .“andperhaps you would like to be

The Cattle King. .

{cl 4.

   

 

“ Ah, I had forgotten him. I will spare

' . :Ihim ” said the bandit.

“ IIeaven bless you for this one noble
act I” murmured Winona.

.“I said I would spare him—I spare
him from the death I had pre ared for
him, but not from the tortureI ave just
now decided to inflict u n him. Seize
the American and bear him away in the
vault!" .

Evil Eye’s command was obeyed with
alacrity and several rufiians prevented
'Vginona, from again reaching Powell’s
s1 e.

The outlaw‘chief smiled hideously as
he saw the result of his little piece of de-
06112.. Several of his bandits bore the
\seml-conscmus ' 1 toward the building
from whence s e had escaped, and the
lieutenant of the outlaw band upbraided
the hatr for her want of vigilance and saw
that Winona’s bands were fettered with
:1 stigkep cord. The rufiiang gore ngaell

. aowpassaewa an escene a
in ht of rough slips. y
_ ey halted‘before a. low doorwa and
Inserting a large key into the pon erous
lock one of the Mexicans opened the door
and handed the key to Evil Eye. The
gloomy vault resembled a charnel-house.

t was ev1dently the prison-kee of the
Outlaw’s Roost, and in all proba ility the
dungeon for the condemned members of
the league or for the unransomed

that were cast into its dark
depths, never to come forth again. A
blazing torch served to expose this vault,
to the eyes of the helpless prisoner, and a
shudder swept through his frame as he
saw the mol ering remains of mortality
scattered upon the slimy flooring of the
vault.

“Remove his coat and make bare his
chest and arms,” said the outlaw chief in
a low voice that sounded ghostly in that
tomb-like a ment. '

Powell’s ands were loosened in order
that his upper garments could be re-
moved. The youth made no eifort to re-
mit. nor did he reply to the insulting re-

, . marks of the outlaw chief.

a few moments Powell was stripped

e Waist and his hands again secured.

Then his feet were bound With a rope
and he was laid upon the dam floor.

“ Perhaps you wonder w. at  am

do? said~ the bandit, With a

, ., I. .3
. '~.- 1‘

enlightened upon the subject? By aid of
the torch you can look ardund ou and
behold our tomb, for you wil never
again be iold the light of day. Death by: ~
starvation would be a blessing to you'
compared to the fate in store for you.
Even should you guess for years, you
would be unable to divine m intentions.

It will be a loathsome deat i-one that
should strike terror to our soul, and
one that will repay me or the trouble
you have caused by your interference.”

“Fiend and monster! Leave me to
my fate. I do not fear any death you
may have in store for me. I can meet"
my doom like a man. I will be amply
avenged, and my comrades will demand
blood3 for blood!” cried Powell.

The outlaw gave vent to a mocking
laugh, and turning to a Mexican at his
side, he spoke afew hurried words to him. _
The Mex1can de arted from the vault but
shortly returne with two small boxes
which he placed in the hands of the rob- » _
ber Chieftain. '

“In these small boxes you will find the
means of your dea ,” said Evil Eye, “2. . \‘
death that will be lingering and horrible, 
Leave the vault, men, ere I open theser
little cages. Stop! one of you hold the
torch so I may see the stairway after
raising the lids.” - _ ‘

‘Powell glanced toward the boxes in
question, and his brain was in a whirl to
ascertain the contents of the mysterious
little cages. Evil Eye noticed the look of
inquiry resting upon the features of his
prisoner.

“You wonder what it is that I have
within these boxes? I will satisf your'~ 
curiosity. In one cage I have a ut a
dozen deadly centipedes, whose poisonous \
touch is certain death. and such a death! ~ I
The mind sickens at the very thought of
it. In the remainin box I have the ven-
omous tarantulas. , ‘an you now see the
manner of death I have selected 'for you? j
I will allow these deadly insects to crawl 5
upon your bare bosom. One movement. 3
and ou are a doomed man. Your veins 
will filled with the virus and your body
willwell with the loathsome ison of the L ‘,
tarantulas. All ready! Loo out'for the .g-
door and the torch.” ‘ ' - "

Evil Eye emptied the repulsive insects. 
beside the prostrate outh and hastened A
out of the vault and ocked it. »

    
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
 
     
    
  
    
   
     
   
  
   
  
    
   
   
    
  
   
   
 
   
  
       
    
  

  

 

 

 
 
 
   
   
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  

'  ‘ dem cow-robbers!
V ,lers w’ot goes mit Evil Eye—dot snoozer
' unit a. crooked eye! By himmel, dot

The Cattle King.

 

pedesvcrawled upon the helpless captive
and crept nearer and nearer the bare
som.

\

 

CHADTER VII.
JACOB ENTERS THE ROBBERS’ DEN.
IT will be remembered that when the
band of Mexicans dashed toward Powell,
who then stood at bay upon the verge of
the chasm, a concealed person discharged

V‘ a weapon, killing one of the mounted

bandits.

In the confusion that followed Powell’s
capture, the hidden marksman was lost
sight of by Evil Eye and his band of ex-
ultant cut-throats.

The Mexicans bound the youth, and
both he and the maiden he had sought to

' save from the cattle-thieves were con-

veyed ~ in the direction of the outlaws’
mountain rendezvous. It was then that
the concealed person emerged from the
interior of the decayed tree that stood be—

ond amass of mesquite and Wild cactus.
fie gazed after the cavalcade as he step-

‘ ged ferth. and then strode toward the

cad MeXIcan, who still lay with up-
turned fcitures upon the spot where [the
fatal bullet had stricken him to the
earth. His comrades had de arted,
scarcely deigning to look upon t e un-

 fortunate wretch, much less tobear away
', his corpse.

The person approached the body and

.closel scrutinized it.
B}; vos ded—ded as a smoked her-'

It

rings," said the person after an examina-
tion. “Vet a rascal-looking feller dot
vos,” contemplating the features now dis—
tinctly exposed to his gaze by the bright
moonlight. .

“Yust so sure as my name vos Yacob
Slaushorn I hit him mit (1e bullet right
square in der bull‘s-eye.”

‘ The stout German seemed evidently
pleased at his handiwork, and a thrill of
ride swept through him as he again
ooked upon the dead bandit.

“By Junminy crackers, I vos getting
to be a sh shooter. I recommember
dertime ven couldn’t hit der side of a
house, unt now I can hit a. mans in der
middle of der eyebrows. Dot’s von of
Dot’s one of dem fel-

mke me matto see dem tellers catch
Harry Powell like dot; but vot  one

~ \ ._ ‘
2.,»

 

Dutchmans do against a whole crowd

like dot? I vondcr who it vas dot lady j

is? By himmel, dot gal got some plucks!
She fights like dem vildcats dot I hear
tell about! Now, v’ot is to be done yet?
Me unt Harryr POWell com’d over in dis
country togeddcrs, and it von’t do dot I
go home to the fort separated mitdout
him! I yust hided myself in dot tree
ven dem crowdt come along, but I fixed
one of the spitzboos, anyhow! Now I tell
mineself just v‘ot I will do: I vill be brave
like a shackass unt follow tier cow-thiefs

and see if I can’t hellup Harry Powell 1

unt dot nice little gal too! Here is a goot
chance. I vill take dem clothes of? dot
robber unt dress me in dem; and by jim-

miny I vill be a Mexican! Dot’s v ot I ..

vill do.”

Without further ceremony Jacob be-
gan to remove the clothing from the dead
Mexican and to transfer the garments to
his own person. r

“ Now den! I’m a Dutch Mexican!”
admiring himself, “ unt den next t‘ing
vet I do is ter follow on der track of flex-
thiefs unt see if I kin hellu Mist'r

Powell unt der lady of dem trou les out.” .

Jacob really looked every inch a Mexi-
can in his fantastic garb. His obesity
was erhaps the only drawback, but he
foun no difficulty in forcing his stout
figure into the Wide, loose garments of
the dead man.

He now started on the trail of the cat-
tle-thieves. He still retained his rifle, and
after slinging the weapon across his shoul-
der he commenced a dog-trot after the
the bandit horsemen and their captives.

“By himmel !", he cried, suddenly. “I
never t’ought of von t’ing yet v’ot is great
importance! I can’t speak von vord of
dot Mexican langvitch.”

' This discovery seemed to stun him for
a few moments and he stood undecided
whether to go forward or retrace his
st

brilliant idea seemed to suddenly dawn
upon his mind. '

“I’m got Mexican clothes on and if I
getsin a fix I vill talk Dutch to dem.
Dey von’t know der difl"rens, onyhow;
such fools vill t’ink I am a new (1 of
Mexican v’ot uses high-toned langvitch.

   

So, dot’s all right, go ’hed, Yacob Slaus- _
horn, unt you keep your mout’Vop'en unt -

your eyes wide shut, and you yes-all

 

 

 

\

eps. , ,
“Dot’s all right!” he exclaimed, as a

i if.

     

 

 

 

      
     

i‘

 

't

 

i

    

A

, Powe

The attlu King.

  

' {

   
 

  

\

 

I : *rigli'tl You vos alvays a schmard feller,

r v'

, unt I guess you can fool dem greasy Mex-
lcans so easy like eating limburger.”

’ J acob’s complimentary remarks to him-
self restored his confidence, and he again
ursued his way over the rough trail.

ver hill and dale, through chaparral
and over sandy plains the German fol-
lowed the plain trail, until he finally
reached the valley where Evil Eye and
his followers had found an entrance in
the base of the giant cliff that towered
up like a. barrier upon all sides.

Far above could be seen the walls of
the robbers’ retreat, built upon the plateau
overlooking the glen.

. ‘ “ By der great pipe of my gran’fadder!”
enaciflated the German, as he gazed up-
ward, how der tuyvel did dem build a

house u dere? How can dem get up dare

mitout adders? Dot’s only a vall, any-

, ways. How der tuyvel can I get in dot
3 F1809?”

. nestion seemed to be answered by
a sh ' Whistle that startled the echoes of
the Wild glen.

.Jacob had but time to crouch down be-
hind a mass of wild vines, when a form
emerged from the tangled underbrush and
vmes and again gave vent to the sign-.11.
From hiscplaee of concealment the Ger-
man 0011] see the person distinctly, and
to his great surprise he recognized Rafael
Sanders. -

Jacob was on the point of rising and
going forward to meet San'ders, when he
'n observed that the deserter was at-
.- tired in the gay and picturesque costume
of a. Mexican guerrilla.
“ Dot beats der Dutch!” whispered
Jacob. “Dot feller is acquainted mit old
Evil Eyes, I bet you. Dot’s der reason he
deserted. I yust t’ought of somedings.
Dot s itzboo is a bad fr’ent to Harry
ll, and if dem two young mans meet
each odder, dere vill be troubles and—~”
. His remarks were interrupted by an
mcident that caused him to stare and
gape as if he was awakening from a
ni htmare.
e_ spot opposite Sanders had been un-

i. A (19120191; a transformation while Jacob

was gliVing vent tohis ideas. A huge
1‘00}! 1_n the base of the massive clifl’ was
‘ .SWm around, disclosing an aperture
In the itherto solid mass of granite

' -‘ W ers. .
I;  ‘15“? does beat der Dutchi”

 

A.“ ., . . .:\'_

Jacob clalpped his hand over his mouth
for he hm blurted out his favorite oz-
pression in a loud tone.

Sanders walked toward the opening and
disappeared in the entrance. Slowl the
rock swung back into its place, an the
same silence reigned in the wild glen.

“I vish somebodies vould kick me, .L

ust tosee if I am sleepin , or if my eyes »
is yet vide avakc,” sai the German,
gazing toward the spot in the cliif where
he had seen Sanders enter by means of
the revolving mass of rock. “I know
vot I vill do,” said he, rising from the
bushes, “I vill go right away out dere
unt vistle yust like he did, unt go right
in. By himmel, I‘m going into dot place
ant dot seddles it.” ' )

Jacob walked boldly forward, and
placing his fingers into his ca acious
mouth, blew a discordant whiste that
rung from crap; to crag. He waited a. ‘ '
few moments and re ated the si al.

To his great delio‘ it he sawt 6 rock
slowly revolve and he quickly glided to-
ward it.

In a few moments it had swung half-
way around, and the yellow face of a
whiskered Mexican peered through the
opening. ,

The bandit seemed somewhat surprised _
to soc the person who was seeking admit-
tance. He scrutinized the German from~
head to foot. The features uzzled him,
but the arb seemed to sa ' y him, to a
certain egree. , \

“ i vice 2” said the Mexican tiler. o

“ aw, dot‘s all right! Open der door!” ‘
re lied Jacob. '

‘ Caramba lf’ hissed the Mexican.

“Yaw, cramberries; dot’s goot!”

The Mexican evidently was puzzled,
and began working the lever in order to
close the aperture. But uick as a flash '
the .German darted into t e opening, and
seizing the unsus ecting Mexican (1 -
g'ed him out into 816 open air and d t ‘
him a tremendous blow. ‘

The Greaser fell headlon to the earth, ‘
and his head striking a roe , he was ren-
dered oblivious to everything. i

“ Dot’s der kind of a man v’ot I am,”
announced Jacob, with a. smile of satisfac- '
tion. I“Ven I hits amen he canmakeu '
hlS mind dot it vos a. mule v’ot kick
him!” , . ,

Jacob now seized the inanimate body of
the bandit, and taking the sash 

    
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
    
    
  
  
   
   
   
    
   
   
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
 
    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 home, and I am glad to add

  

'he roceeded upward by

'amon

, hotl .
any is

 
  

The Cattle King.

 

 

‘ about his waist, he secured the fellow’s

hands. Having accomplished this he
dragged him into the deep underbrush..

“ ow, Yacob you can valk right in,
first as if dot house belonged to you.

ow, den, be bold as a shackhorse, and
brave as a lion, and you will be all
right.”

The German entered the opening and
finding the lever, he slowly closed the
hu h rock. 1 ged

e narrow passage was p un into
loom but he groped forward, scarcely

owin inwhat direction to find the
rincip entrance to the robbers’ strong-

old on the clifl" above.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
AN ALARMING DISCOVERY.

WHEN Sanders entered the passageway
means of a
win ' stairway of rough slabs and tim-

bers. e

guardian the entrance, previous to
mounting the stairway, and from that
worthy he obtained a lantern that served
toillumine the difficult ascent and aid
himto pick his way over the uneven
roadway. He toiled slowly upward and
had barely emer d into a large circular
chamber when t 8 sound of many voices
fell upon his cars. A moment later and

' the well lmown form of the cattle-thief
‘ a peered from an o ening in the side of

e rocky walls. vil Eye extended his

4 hand to the new-comer and both rascals

ted each other warmly.

“I heard that you were here,” said
Evil Eye, “ and I am pleased to have you
us. I have just returned from
over t 6 river and I feel highly elated
over the plunder I've bag 6..”

“ Glad to hear of it,” said Sanders. “I

I , hope I will have a hand in the next ex-
, cursion. I’ve been here almost a day

and a night awaiting your return.
Thanks to our previous acquaintance and
friendship, I was enabled to make my
we here. gain, admittance andmakemy-
so at home until our return.”

“Consider the ultures’ Roost
on to the
Vultures of the Rio Gran e as your
countrymen call us.”

“Not In countrymen I” said Sanders
“ y mother was a Castilian and
er a native of Texas when that

y r

   
 

ke a few words to the
a?”

your

 

State was under Spanish rule and ere she
was w from Mexico, I bear the
Americans no love, I assure you. I have
borne their ridicule for years, because my
heart and symtpathies were with Mexico.
True, I entere the American army but
it was because it afforded easy times,
good pay, and allowed me to be near my ,-
coun en. But I have turned my ,
back upon the United States forever.”

“I’m glad of it.
you come to me instead of making your ’
way to some Mexican city and there min- i“

gle with the gay population; why do you ‘

prefer a life in the saddle and among the j
mountain retreats?”
The robber chief glanced half-s11 i- '

yciously at the new addition to his ra 3.

“Because I have an object in view,”
declared Sanders. “ Were I to seek the
cities I should be cheated of the revenge ,
I contemplate. Joining your Vultures I ‘
will enjo the wild, free, and reckless life
that m eart yearns for. I will be near
the obJect of my hatred, and sooner or
later my ven ce will be satisfied.” .

“ Who is t e object of your enmity?”

“ An American stationed at Fort Dun- .‘

can—H Powell !”

Evil Eye started; then a strange smile '*
flitted across his hyena-like features. ‘ v.

“ Harry Powell? Then I have news 
for you! The very man you seek is be- ‘
neath the rocky flooring of the next cav— '
em—my prisoner!”

Had a thunderbolt exploded at San—
ders's feet he could not have lea more
wildly or his features exp greater '
astomshment.

“What? Powell here—— our prisoner?”
he cried, fearing that he misunder-
stood the bandit chief.

“ Yes, he is here, doomed to an awful
death. Even now the horrible device
employed for his destruction is at work,
an he is ]perhaps a corpse.”

“ Oh, t 6 news is too oodto be true,”
Sanders exclaimed in a elirium of jogi
“ Can I see him? Can I behold himwi .
my own eyes, to know that my energy is
Eleni—here in your pOWer and doom to ,

'e? v ' 1 ‘

“ Is not my word suficient? 1 hate “
the man, and good cause I have for sodo-
ing. I tell you he will never see day-
light again. He is bound hand and foot
in a vault, cut out of the solid rock and 
prepared expressly  an execution cham- '

  

But tell me, why do r ‘

 

 

 

 
    

  

‘ , by such horrib

 

 

.Jn'.

ber. ' He lies there surrounded by centi-

_ pedes and tarantulas, which are even
now crawling upon his bare bosom—poi-
sonin the flesh at every puncture, send-
ing 1: e deadly virus into every vein.
You know the efiects of the sting of a
tarantula? You know that the bite and
very touch of the centipede is far more

isonous than the scorpion; why then

oubt that the man must die surrounded

insects?” .

‘_ “I do not d ubt it; I merely want to
listen at the door of the vault—listen to
he cries and then allow him to either
look upon me or_ know that I am near.
I Wlsh to mock his groans of agony—to
taunt him With my presence, and remind
him of my oath of vengeance. I want
to make his dymg moments a perfect hell
if I can.”

The face of the scoundrel grew livid as
he uttered the threat.

“Never fear; he is enduring a world
of torments, at the ,resent moment.
You may go and listen at the entrance if

on choose but I will not consent to open
he d00r- ereLManedo, show this gen-
tlem‘an to the prison vault of the Ameri-

\can.

.’ The Mexican attendantbowed and mo-
tipned Sanders to follow, which Sanders
did readily.

 Eye, followed by the remainder
of 1115 co es, sought a. lar chamber
where a blazing fire dispell the chilly
cavern atmosp ere.

, While the cattle-thieves re ed them-
selves with agruardiente an some fri-
Joles, Evil Eye stepped into the small
chamber set apart for his private use, and
began to change his attire. He robed him-

‘ self in a gorgeous suit of dark blue velvet,

’ trimmed with silver lace and a pioqu
51011 of buttons composed of the same

' shining metal. He wrap d a brilliant
Scarf about his waist, and aving perched
a gaudy sombrero upon his head, was

for inspection. ' .

. ow. then, to.visit my fair 012nm,”
Said he. “I will band no we with
her. Why should 12 why should the

a. mg of the Cattle Thieves allow a wom-
man to swerve him from his
N0! _she shall be mine, and tears or en-
treaties W111 avail her naught. My mind
IS made up and I will act quickly.”_

. He paused out of the aga‘tment into a.
 leading toward 9 adobe build-
: _ . \ '2 . \ ,

’H

 

The Cattle 

' way inclined upward very much after

purpose? t

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
 
 

ing upon the plaza of his mountain fort;

ress. .
While the leader of the cattle-thieves is , -
pursuing his way toward the prison hut
of his beautiful prisoner, we will follow
the footsteps of our German friend, Jacob
Slaushorn. .
Muttering to himself, and cursing the} ‘
intense gloom that pervaded the place, he‘ V
slowly groped forward until he reachedal
spot in the side of the assa e where sev’=
eral planks lay upon wl ers as if to
revent incursions in that 
acob had scarcely touched the planks
when his foot slip ed and he fell against
the timber in sue a manner that the
planks were dis laced, and both Jacob
and the wooden arrier were hurled into
a deep pit.
He floundered about in the depths of
this pit, having esca d with a few.
bruises. but no broken ones. , ‘
“V’ot a fools I am! Dem boards vas:
laced across dot places yust so dot now
Bodies vould fall in—unt I had to gs) yust,
like a fool and fall mineself in. ot’s a,
vonder dot I don’t got my bet broke unt,
my backbones smashed. Vere dertuyvilt
am I? Dot’s so dark b dis place dot I.
can’t see my face right fore my noses;
{I must got out some kind of way, any--
ow. ’ '
Suiting the words to the action, he “
commenced creeping forward. ' .\
He noticed that, as he proceeded, the 

the manner of a log “shoe .1’ Upward
he tailed, grasping at pro'ectlons, secur—

ing a footing here and ere, until he .
finally pause , blowing like a steam en-
gme.

“ Mineg racious I v’ot a kind for place is
dot? I’ve been climbing up now for more
as a half-hour, unt I can’t see vere I am
goin , yet. If I kee on climbing dis
vay  get close by eaven or der sky,
because 1t is up in his vay. Vell, I start i ”
again.” 7 ‘ .

. Jacob once more began his arduous as-- _ ,,
cent and thus endeavor to seek an outlet.
He finally paused again, for a mass of "
rock barred further progress in that direc-J

ion. . , ‘ '
“I’m dished again!” he growled; “ afi‘ ' "

tcr all in climbing up, I can’t get out. I“

‘vonder I couldn’t find an mouse-hole.

 

some lace vere I could creep in?” ,,
He elt around in all directions. Moth

 
 

ing greeted the touch of his hands but
the cold, damp rock directl in advance.
Large irregular masses 0 stone inter-
locked as if some upheaval had thus
thrown the mass in wild confusion, yet
presenting a formidable wall and ba‘rrier
fashioned by the hands of nature.

As Jacob was groping about near the
base of this wall his hand came in con-
tact with an object which he instinctive-
ly grasped. It proved to be an imple—
ment resembling a pick—ax or old-fashion-
ed mattock.

He was able to determine this much by
the sense of touch and examination. This
discovery prompted him to another one
——for he felt in the pockets of the dead
Mexican’s clothing, which he wore, and
to his great joy he found several match—
es and a coi of some material which
proved to be a thin waxen taper or fuse.
In a few moments he had struck a light,
and the flame of the taper disclosed the
stranve spot where he now found himself,
revealing the rugged barrier of dark
granite.

Even as he listened to the sputtering
taper his ears suddenly caught the faint
sound of a human voice—a subdued
groan, coming apparently from beyond
the rocky barrier. Once again the sound
came distinctly to his listening ears;
then he drew nearer to the wall, and in a
10W voice he called:

“ Who’s in dot?”

“Is that you, Jacob?” came the faint
reply. “ Help me or I’m a dead man.
It’s I—Harry Powell. I’m in this vault,
bound hand and foot.”

CHAPTER IX.
OUT OF THE TOILS.

JACOB almost sunk to the earth with
astonishment at the call of the well-
known voice.

“ Ish dot you, letftenant?”

“ Yes, Jacob; for the love of 'Heaven,
aid me. I am surrounded by poisonous
insects, and cannot defend myself,” came
the reply from beyond the wall.

“Hold on a minute, Mister Powell;
don’t let dem bite you till I come inside,
den I knock de’r brains out mit dis pick-
axes v’at I got. ”

He placed the taper coil 11 on the
ground, and then W'lth the 01 broken

 

mattock he began dislodging' the loosen—
ed masses of the wall.

 

The Cattle King.

 

One by one the pieces of granite gave
way, at length disclosing an aperture suf-
ficiently large to admit the German.

Eagerly he seized the light, and crawl-
ed through the opening into the vault,
but started back with a low cry of hor—

ror. His eyes fairly leaped from their
sockets, as he viewed the spectacle re-
vealed. Upon the floor lay the oun
lieutenant, with bared bosom andy bot
hands and feet firmly secured.

But what caused the exclamation of

horror was the loathsome objects that
crawled about the body of the prostrate
man.

Large, hairy spiders—large as a man’s
fist—crawled about upon the helpless
man. Then the repulsive ccntipedes
glided here and there, seeking the bare
flesh of the victim.

The rays of the light interrupted the
horrible insects, and they paused as if
petrified. Their little green, fiery eyes
flashed back the light of the candle.

Jacob did not really know the danger-
ous creatures he had to deal with, for he
plucked the ugly spiders from the body
of the 'oung man and crushed the insects
beneat 1 his heels.

Ere he began his wholesale extermina-
tion of the deadly creatures, a violent
blow upon the heavy door of the vault
startled both men.

Some one was trying the door and
vainly endeavoring to force it open.

“Someboddies is ing to open dot
door,” cried Jacob, 1n tones of alarm.
“Unt you unt I vill be cotched unt
scooped in again. Holt on, I guess I got
me a knife yet.”

’Twas a fruitless search, however, for 5‘

Jacob suddenly remembered that it was
another man’s garments which now
graced his form, consequentl his knife
was left with his cast-off clot ing at the
time of exchange.

The noise at the door and confused
hum of voices warned him that a few
moments yet remained to actor all would
be lost.

Jacob seized the ropes binding the limbs
of the youth and tore at them wildly,
until he cast the fragments upon the floor,
and Powell stood erect, free from his
ligatures.

Not a moment too soon, for a key was
inserted into the lock.

“This va ‘ come!” cried Jacob e1: :
3 ) U

{

     

.‘n H71: 5—...

  

waiv-

The Cattle King. 19

 

citedly, and he forced l’owell into the
aperture and quickly followed the dis-
ap )earing figure.
ust as the German entered the open-

ing; in the wall, the door of the vault
opened and Sanders, followed by a dozen
t fierce—looking banditsJeapcd into the cell.
Sanders held the torch in such a manner
that the entire chamber was revealed to
his gaze.

The risoner was gone!

San ers gave vent to an unearthly yell
of fury.

“Just as I thought!" he cried, vehe-

mently. “Evil Eye wouldn’t listen to
me. told him l heard voices in the
vault. See! the tarantulas are crushed

and there is— Ila! what‘s this?"

The villain‘s eyes rested upon the
broken wall and the passage forced by
the German. 7

“ That’s it! Some one’s helped him to
zzcapel Into tkfat passage, boys! They

n esca . . r i u
after all. "p8 (3 ve got them in a. ti ap,

With diabolical yells, the Mexicans
dashed toward the aperture, and the fore-
niost.rutlian had scarcely peered into the
0 enuio‘ when apistol cracked from the
g‘ conibeyond, and the bandit fell back-
ward into the vault with a stream of blood
flowmg upon his swarthy features.

‘ Another howl from the group of rat—
lians rung through the vault, and ere the
cry had ceased to echo, the form of Evil
Eye leaped into the cell.

Comprehending the situation, he ap-

ared more. like a wild beast than a
iiiinan being. His cry resembled the
screech of the panther, and even his fol—
lowers uailed before the towering pas—
sion of t eir leader.

“ Why do you stand here C‘” he yelled.
“ Follow upon the track of the American
and bring him back, dead or alive.”

It needed but the voice of their leader
to instill courage into their hearts. The
next moment they sivarmed through the
narrow o ning, and followed upon the
track of t e fugitives.

Sanders follOived, with his torch, but
Evil E e remained in the vault. peering,r
throng the opening, and shouting after
the bandits, ever and anon risin and
pacing- to and fro like an imprison tiger
in its cage.

He trod upon the tarantula, and crush-
ed the creeping centipedes that had es—

 

caped Jacob‘s heels. lle crushed tlieiii
viciously for failing: to perform the. deadly
work allotted to them.

Suddenly he remembered that the fil—
gitives iiiic'lit distance the bandits, and
reach the exit of the loWer )assag'es. He.
remembered the shoot, alt iough it had
never been called into use by his follow»
ers. Evil Eye had explored every nook
and corner of the old Aztec ruins, and he.
knew that the shoot led to the lower par:-
sages. In a frenzied manner he bounded
up the steps, out of the vault, and into
the rocky corridor, signaling as he ran,
until his baiiditti appeared and gatliei'cd
around him.

In a few hurried words Evil Eye ex—
plained the. situation to his followers, and
the outlaw group dashed into various pas—
sages. armingr themselves hastily, and re—
jomed their leader. The liowliiii,r pack
sped away after their ehieftain down the
winding,r roadway, echoing liissliouts, and
doing all in their power to make the occa-
sion :1 paiideinoiiiiiin of unearthly ciies.
The foremost rullian hrandislied a torch,
and led the way over the broken flight of
long: natural st 0 )8.

Meanwhile, acob and Harry sped
downward in their precipitate flight; only
once did the German )ause and that was
to send a bullet into the group he saw at
the opening in the barrier.

“Come along quick, lcfl'tenaiit l“ he
cried. “Jump down like a cat. Don’
mind if you broke your iieckr—dot’s not-
tings; better broke your neck as get once
more a pris'ner by ( em loafers. Jump!
Dot‘s right—make right avay haste. I
know vere I think vc can get out of dis
tuvvil’s nest.”

acob having extinguished his taper,
leaped here and there in the gloom at a
frightful rate of speed, while Powell kept
close behind his guide, listening to his
rapid instructions and totall guided by
his vome. The sound of t 10 pursuin}:
bandits came from above and large stones
dislodged by the pursuers came rattlingr
down the  foi'tiiiiatelv doing no
harm to the fugitives, but only servingto
accelerate their speed,
_ “ Here ve are in der pit vere I first fell
into. I knows der places by der planks.

Now it ain‘t high to climb and ve must
try it. I Vill yust strike a match und den

blow it out quick. Look out now. Von
l strike der match look out mit your eyes

 

  

‘20

The Cattle King.

 

 

 

  
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
   

for a t places to climb, and den, 0
for it 1%: a goOt feller I” g
Jacob struck the match upon his cloth-
ing and a momentary gleam disclosed the
pit and both men hastily noted the only
mode of emer ' g from the cavity.
Again the pfie was plunged into pro—
found gloom. Far up the shoot a red
light arose and fell. It was the bandits
coming down carefully, and shouting at
eve step. ,
“Ylp ve go!” cried Jacob, and the next
moment the German was clutching at
the rocks and climbing up out of the
pit.

Powell reached the top first, and ex-

tending his hand aided Jacob to the
verge and landed him safe.
' “Gootl” grunted Jacob; “I vas yust
out of breethe, unt didn’t got a snootful
of wind. Hello! Listen. By jiminy!
dere’s a crowd coming down from anud—
der stairs! Quick; come dis way! I
didn’t forgot der door yet.”

A 'n the two men dashed forward,
Jaco leading the way. He reached the
door in the cliff wall, and had just laid

, his hand 11 on the lever used to swing
'thevmass ofp rock, when he gave vent to a

- flow 0 of astonishment, and he flung
himse upon the lever in a. frenzied man—
.ner. «

Evil Eye and his group of bandits
were 'ust coming into view, and their
torch
laws’ gaze!

Slowly the rock swung around, and

r a dozen weapons cracked from the robber
up, the leaden missiles sputtering upon
e moving rock close beside the escap-
ing men. / V
A moment later Powell lided through
narrow opening, and aeob squeezed
through also. Evil E e howled like a
woun ed hyena, and shed in a blind
fury toward the spot.

CHAPTER X.
, THE VULTURE LOSES HIS PREY.
WINONA remained within the little
' adobe hut and gave vent to a flood of
tears. The old Mexican crone sat in the
10w doorwa , watching the fair captive
frombeneat hershagg eyebrows. A
form suddenly darken the doorway,
and motioned the old creature aside.
.ngnona glanced up and beheld the per-
sonage known as Don Costa. He‘was

   
    
  
  
 

 

    
  
  
  
 

   
      
    

 

'sclosed the fugitives to the out-t

attired in rich velveteen garments, and it
was evident that he had made his toilet
with great care. i , .

Before he could utter a word the young :
girl had bent a keen, searching glance /
upon the villain.

“Don Costa, why do I find you here,
in the outlaws’ stronghold? Are you in
league with Evil Eye, or have you come '
here to mock me?” demanded the girl.

“You judge me harshly—I am on ‘
friendly terms with Evil Eye, ’tis true,
but I have not sought ou to add to your ,

sorrow. Nay, Miss alters, I come to '
ofl’er ou liber‘terl and a speedy return to
your ome. hen I ascertained that

Evil Eye and his followers had- stolen
you from your home, I became indignant
and sought the powerful chieftain to ob-
tain your release. I have visited your
father also, anél he isdnoliv anlxious to
recognize my e 'orts an ac now edgemy'
friendship in its true light. I have ar-
ranged to ransom ou from the hands of
Evil Eye. Everyt ing is ready for your
return home. I only wait your reply——
for you are to decide whether you remain ‘
here or depart.”

“Am I to infer, sir, that
ransom me from this outlaw?’
“ I am to ransom you from the wer

of Evil Eye,” he responded. quickly,
while a shade of anger crossed his dark
face. “I do not know why the term ’
outlaw should be ap lied to him, but we
will not waste wor s over that matter.
You hold the balance of power by speak-
ing the words that give you free om.”

“What is it, sir, that I am exPected
to sa in order to regain my liberty?”

“ inona, I have previously s ken ‘
to you of my love, and you cast it be-
neath your feet. You were then safe
under your own roof, without an atom
of care or sorrow. The scene is changed,
You are in the hands of a powerful league
who ruled this part of Mexico. You can
not hope to evade their vigilance, much
less expect to be rescued from this-moun-
tain stronghold.” I r

He grew impatient as he noted the calm '- '
expression resting upon Winona’s face.

“Did ou fully understand me?” he ,
demande , after a short pause. , . q .

“I understood every word. Don Costa; '. "
and I have weighed their meanin ,
True, I am not new under my

you are to

 

 

 

ather’ ‘
roof. . I have been torn  his side-5

    
 

      
 

’ ‘we are speaking

" long enough. ,You are hand in

‘ sion is a fruitless one.

‘interfered in your

\.
y/
I

 x ‘ - , The owls King.

 
 
 
 

 

‘ rhaps through your machinations.
You threatene

a visitation from that
fiend in human form, EVll Eye, and the
blow fell. It is strange how you resem-

., ble that man. Your voice is almost the

same. The features are those of that in-
famous wretch. Ay, you resemble him
all save the terrible eye.” .

“ We are not speaking of _EV}1 Eye, at

present,” admonished the Villain, hotly;

of the Situation in
on now find yourself. You have
not rep 'ed to my nestion. You evade
it by comparing an noting my resem-
blance to the mountain leader, but let
that ass. Winona Walters, I again ten-
der the love that would save on. 7’

“ And I again reject it !” cried Winona
‘impetuously. “You have worn the mask
love
wit the wretches that plunder an kill
the inhabitants of our frontier. If such
is not the case, then why do you associ-

which

 ate with them? You offer me liberty in

return fer the love I can never give you.

‘ Nay, Don Cpsta, since I know that you

are responsible for the indignities which I
have borne, I detest you. Speak not of
love to me, sir! Do not profane that
sacred word. Leave me, sir! Your mis—
You can return
to Evil E e and tell him that the little
Texas gir does not fear to remain a cap-
tive surrounded by the dogs who follow
at his beck and call.”

“ There is one in this retreat who even
now is endurin the torments of a hun-
dred deaths. 0 oun American who

gehalg is in a gloomy

vault, surrounded by tarantulas and cen-

ti des. You can well imao'ine the her-

ri le fate he must endure. ou know as

well as I do the deadly effects of these in-
” ,

.sects—

. i 4  a young

.‘4

“ No more! Do not torture me with a

description of his sufferings. Monster!

' you know that he is doomed to this death

and yet you seem to gloat over it 1"

Her flashing eyes almost struck terror
to the villain’s hardened soul, and
he instinctivel drew back, while she,

lioness, followed him up,
denouncing the craven in the most bitter
terms of reproach. I

“Again youwrong meli’whmed the
hypoctite; “ I would save him also. Yon
love this youang American—” . I

“I dO—I. 0! .1 did not know It untll

\

 
 
 

 

  
   
  
   
 
  
    
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
    
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
    

now. With m soul I love him! He is
so brave-so no 1e! If you can save him,
do so, I implore you! See, on my bend-
ed knees I unplore ou tobe merciful and
spare him from the orrible fate you have
described to me.”

“ So you love him? You knee] to me
in supplication to'spare your American . ‘
chain ion! Had he a hundred lives, I , ‘ xi.
woul kill him by inches, because you . ~
love him! You love him, and that in-
iures his speedy death. Curse him—curse

im !”

The scoundrel und his teeth with
fury, and his face airly turned blue with
the tem istuous passion that her words
had awaIiiened in his black heart. But
ere she could reply there came a hast
tramping of feet, and a second later a t
ranchero burst into the but and breath-
lessl exclaimed:

“ enor, some one is in the vault with
the American, for we can distinctly hear
voices. We would have forced the door, "
on] you gave strict orders not to tam
wit it. Quick, senor! you have the ey
and we may ca ture the intruder.”

The arch vil ain, without a glance at
the girl, turned and dashed from the hut,
closely followed b the Mexican. _

“ ho is it tha has found away toen-
ter that vault?” he growled, as he sped
along.- “Could it be Sanders? No! for
I have the key, and the door is still look-
ed. A thousand fiends seize the whelp
that has interfered with m plans! His
carcass will feed the jack in the glen
Haste there! We may be too late!"

In a very short space of time he had
joined the group gathered about the cell
door, and in his blind haste he lost a few
moments in fitting the huge iron key into
the lock, then he flung open the door.

When the two men rushed from the '
hut, Winona ran toward the door. She
was alone! The old bag was not visible, \
and the way was clear! ' , ‘ ,

She instantly assed out into the walled
inclosure and ted into the shadow of ‘\
another adobe building. Behind this hut . r
she saw an oval opening in the wall and
hastily entered. I _

Down, down the tortuous passage she 
speda With one thought ‘uppermost in her ;
min , and that was to escape, and in _‘
some way guide a mscue—paity to save
her lover. ’

EVen as the'scoundrel the Maxis J

u

          
    
      
   
 
 

   

t

   

 

22

The Cattle King.

   

 

can, in their pursuit of Jacob and the
young lieutenant, he had suddenly re-
membered that he had docamped from the
but on the esplanade without leaving any
one to look after his fair captive, and had
hastily instructed a ferocious looking
bandit to hasten to the hut and guard the
maiden; but, before he caught sight of
Jacob and Powell at the lever moving
the rocky barrier, his emissary had re—
turned in hot haste.

“Why do you return?" he shouted.
“ Did I not send you to guard the young
girl—what do you mean by disobeying
me?”

“ The girl is not in the hut—~she has
escaped I” __
CHAPTER XI.

VILLAIN ARRAYED AGAINST VILLAIN.

IT will be remembered that Harry
Powell and his faithful ally, Jacob
Slaushorn, made a. successful exit from
the Vultures’ Roost and emerged into the
tangled vegetation of the glen.

They ran into the rank shrubbery
bending down low, dodging behind every
bowlder and tree clump, until they were
at a considerable distance from the secret
entrance ere the bandits came into view.

The Mexicans glanced in all directions,
and a howl of disappointment arose from
the group when they failed to see the
fugitives. They knew full well that the
two men had not had sufficient start to
escape from the glen, and consequently
were lurking amid the dense foliage that
arose on all sides.

At a signal the bandits separated, and
armed with the stiletto and the inevitable
lasso, the cut-throats plunged into the
bushes, the hiding-place of their crafty
foe.

Powell and the German glided from
bush to bush, until they had almost
reached the outskirts of abelt of Wild cac-
tus and broad-leafed ferns.

“Jacob, we will have to separate,” said
Harry, in an undertone, to his corpulcnt
friend. “If we remain together we will
be retaken. By separating, we will
divide the bandits, and thus increase our
chances.”

“ Yaw, dot ile ver’ geot, but I von‘t
leave you! No, sir! I stays right here
mit you, and fights like ter tuyvel!”
stoutl averred Jacob.

“ y good fellow, listen to me. You

    

 

esea e if you can, and make your way to
the ort. Tell the commander what you
have discovered, and bring a rescue par-
ty if you can. G01 or 1t will be too
late.”

But Jacob remained stubborn.

“If I goes ava you vill be killed
dead,” declared the onest fellow.

“ I will never leave the vicinity until I
rescue that beautiful girl from the ban-
dits’ hands. You can aid me to save her
by doing as I ask you. The boys will
come over or scout along the river’s bank,
and thus aid me, should I succeed in sav-
ing her and making a dash for the Texas
side. Wil'l you do as I ask you?”

“ Yaw!” answered Jacob, reluctantly.
“I vill do it, but I feel like a sneak to
leave you here b dem yaller-faced tuy-
vels. Ach! I di n’t see dot you didn’t
had any coat on, and noddith but your
bare arms unt chest. Here, take dis jack-
et unt slip it on.”

All the above conversation was held
while the two men were dodging here and.
there amid the dense vegetation and foli-
age. The yells of the pursuers sounded
unpleasant y near as Jacob removed his
Mexican jacket and gave it into the hands
of the young officer. ‘

“ Now, goot-by, lefftcnant,” said he, in
a voice choking with emotion, and the
two men separated.

Jacob hurried away, while Powell cre t
into the tall weeds and began a retroga e
movement toward the abode of the ban-
ditti.

A bowl of satisfaction soon after arose
from the outlaws. Powell arose and
peered forth to ascertain the cause of the
joyful shouts. He saw Jacob speeding
away toward the outlet of the len, but
almost at the same moment he held a
Mexican whirl a lasso and the coil went
whizzing through the air. The 100 set-
tled down on Jacob‘s shoulders an the
powerful bandit jerked on the lariat.
Jacob was hurled backward and another
outburst of yells greeted the clever piece
of work done by the lasso-thrower. Pow-
ell elosed his eyes and uttered a nick
cry of anguish. Jacob had riske life
and liberty to befriend him and now he
saw the poor fellow in the hands of the
infamous cattle-thieves.

Powell leaped to his feet, and, though
unarmed, he had just sprung forward to
assist his comrade when another series of

    
 

 

   

  
 

‘ his excite

~ your love

 

The Cattle King.

   

, up,
83‘ .

 

cries caused him- to halt and give vent-to

an expression of relief.

Jacob, after falling to the earth, had
severed the lasso with his sharp knife and
was again in full flight, leaving the Mex-
icans in his wake howling like a. pack of
Indian squaws.

Powell watched both the pursued and

,the (pursuers until they disappeared be«

yon the huge rocks that acted as a por-
tal to the glen. He had scarcely taken a

dozen steps toward the cliff when the

£2131 of a female suddenly confronted

She started back with a cry of alarm,
but the next moment her eyes rested up-
on owell’s face, and, a second later,
Winona was beside the young American
and his arm encircled her waist.

“My darling!” he murmured.

She started from him.

“Pray excuse me,” said he, “ but I
could not check the words that rose to
my lips. Since our first meeting I have

' .done nothing but think of you—dream of

you_—love you X” >

HIS tongue would say it. She noticed
_ _ manner, and raised her finger
In a warning motion.

“Do not speak of love now. Do you
know that we are in terrible peril? I
have escaped from that den, but ,I will
be pursue . Even as we stand here, our

, enemies are gamin time.”

“True, but spea one word of hope to
me. I do not regret what I have under«
gone if I have proven my worthiness of

“ I can truthfully speak the words you
long to hear, because I do love you,
Harry Powell. It is not a love that
springs forth in a day. I saw you first
at Fort Duncan when, in company with
my father, I visited that military post. I
then treated it as the romantic passlon of
a. school—girl, for you had not even bow-
ed to me then. Our next meeting was
but a short time ago, when you nobly
rescued me from the ruf‘fians who had
taken me from home. I love you be-
cause you are , noble and good and
brave.” 

“And-I love you because you are
worthy of any man’s aflections—a noble
little woman,” protested Harry, warmly,
pang his lips touched hers m a sacred

1 But what a strange place and. what a

“If hedares to resist shoot him down ,

_ bandit leader. The King

 

you, my 1"!“  And 

   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
    

strange time for lovemaking, the reader
willexclaiml Surrounded y foes, and
in the very center of the robbers’ domain;
but love is ever the same, knowing no
time nor place for its expression—all
places are alike to it.

For a few moments the young cou le-
stood amid the Wlld vines, oblivious to 519
surroundings. Suddenly the vegetation
swayed Violently, and then a. person dash-
ed forward. p

Winona repressed the cry of fear that
arose to her lips, as she beheld the coun-
tenance of the man.

It was Rafael Sanders!

“So, so! The love-making is at an
end,” sneered the renegade. ‘ Proud to
meet you, Miss Walters, and happy to ,‘
meet you, also, Harry Powell!” »

As the villain spoke he resented a 5 '
brace of revolVers at Powell’s ead, at the ',
same time uttering a fierce whoop.

The dusky faces of Mexicans appeared
amid the tall weeds, and in a trice the
young couple were hemmed in by the ‘
circle of bandits. Powell felt the lithe
form of her whom he had learned to love I
so devotedly, tremble and creep nearer
to him for protection. It was madness
to resist and endan r the life of the mai-
den. The oattle-thieves would not hesi-
tate a moment to destro both.

Powell was unarm andcould offer
but a slight resistance to the brutal Mexi-
cans who now surrounded him. ’ ,
' “Bind him!” .r commanded Sanders.

like 8. our. Now, Mister H Powell, '
the tables are turned at last. e are on' .
Mexican soil and I have on in my grasp.
As for you, Winona alters—you are
in m_ care, and when you become mine
I w lcease topersecute you. Mine you ;,
areto be and no power shall take you.“ ~
from me.” “

A form approached. Like a bird of
evil omen came the tall figure of the
of the Thieves
arrived upon the scene in time to hear,
the conclu ' words of Sanders. Acon-j
temptuous e arose  the lips of the" .
Mexican bandit and his unnatural eye ‘
seemed to reflect the blood-ray: of the set-t
tin sun, buts mahgnantloo rested up:- ‘ '
on is swarthy features ashe bent a pecu-
liar lanceu the young couple. , I

“So, you ought to escape me, did

 

.24

 

The Cattle King.

  

 

Winona—sou ht to leave the Vultures’
Roost? Ha! a! ha!”

Evil Eye’s laughter sent a chill to the
very soul of the beautiful girl.

“Yes, captain, I captured them bot ,”
interposed Sanders, in a triumphant tone.
“ You can take the American and I will
look after the young lady. We two are
old acquaintances, and I will see to her
safety."

“You need not trouble yourself,” re-
plied Evil Eye in a meaning manner.
“ The lady is to become my wife, and I’ll
look after her personally.”

Sanders smothered the oath that arose

.to his lips.

 

CHAPTER XII.
A HUMAN TORCH.

SANDERS felt as if a knife had suddenly
been thrust into his heart. He could
scarcely believe that his ears had heard
aright. He had been raised to the high—
est pinnacle of hope when first he beheld
Winona Walters, for he felt certain he
would have the lovely girl in his power.
But his hopes were dashed by the words
of the powerful outlaw.

In the brief space that followed this
declaration Sanders allowed his imagina-
tion to run wild, and his thoughts and
plans came rapidly as he stood regarding

vil Eye.

“So he wants her! I have a rival in
the erson of this Mexican bandit! Am
I to ose her? Shall I allow him to take
her from me? No! I’ll show him a trick
worth two of that. I’ll bide my time and
cheat him. If it comes to the worst I’ll
kill him!”

Sanders thus revolved his plans men-
tall and he gritted his teeth as he con-
clu ed his meditation.

Evil Eye scarcely noticed the deserter,
but issued a few orders in Spanish to his
wild followers. Several of them conve -
ed Powell toward the base of the cli .
Evil Eye then placed Winona in the care
of two of his most trusty men and she
was also taken toward the Bandits‘ Roost.
The Mexican brigand and the new mem-
ber of the League were thus left alone.

“Sanders,” said the bandit in a firm
voice, “ if you ever had an idea of mak-
in g that girl yours you ha better banish
the thought at once. I have set my
heart upon making her my wife, in order

to gain the lar estate and cattle ranch
owned by her ather. I don’t propose to
have you stand in my way. My word
is law here; and remember, you are ex-
pected to obey. Dare to cross me in my
purpose and I’ll retaliate Without a mo-
ment’s hesitation. You fully understand
the situation; do you not?”

“ I understand, captain! I had no idea
that you held a prior claim, and I with-
draw mine. I would not stand in your
way for a moment.”

’lhe wretch fairly quivered with rage
as he spoke but he artfully maskedhis
chagrin and betrayed no sign of the in-
tense hate that rankled in his heart.

“This is my reward,” he said to him-
self, “this is my recompense for aiding
him in the raids, and giving him valua-
ble information, and often delaying my
detachment in order to give him time to
reach the Rio Grande. This is in re-
ward for deserting to this side!
him; I’ll hide my time and repay him for
his threats and Insult.”

Evil Eye ,turned upon his heel and
walked slowly toward the secret entrance
at the foot of the cliff. Sanders followed
very much like a whipped cur. He
muttered to himself as he walked along,
and once or twice his hand rested upon
the hilt of his dagger as if he was about
to leap upon the unsuspecting villain and
dispatch him. At the foot of the cliff
Evil Eye paused and again faced San-

ers

“' After seeing to the safety of my ris-
oners I will leave the Roost for a s ort
time. I must attend to the division of
the cattle brought over from Texas on
our last excursion. If I am not pres-
ent I am sure that Cortinas will try
to chisel me out of a big share of the
plunder. It’s dog eat dog with menin
our line of business and I attend to this
plunder in person, The cattle are upon

is lands by this time. I will send you
in command of the expedition that leaves
to—night for the Texas side of the river.
Several scouts have returned and bring
information of herds easily ofl’. You
will command the detachment detailed
l for that purpose.”

Sanders listened attentivelytothe Mex-,
ican, and finally replied: I

“ Captain, wh not allow me to guard
the prisoners? {hate the American, and
want to see him die a death of torturesl

 

     
       
   

  

 “MILL; Mm.“ , _
gr. .

I)“ p “DW- A,‘ u

A .

   
   
  
   
  
 

     

 

 

 

    

The Cattle King. 25

 

Grant me one wish, let it be my hand
that will inflict the death-blow upon
him.”

A ' was the wretch doomed to a bit-
ter pointment, for Evil Eye shook
his head? and cut short the deserter‘s ap-
peal by saying in an impatient manner:
“That is Impossible; no hand but mine
will send the American out of this world.
I have reserved him to gratify a personal
reven e. He loves the girl, and she
loves im in return. She shall witness
how I dispose of a hated rival, and then,
willingly or unwillin 1y, she becomes the
bride of the King of t 1e Cattle Thieves.”

The bandit’s words eat into the very soul
of the craven, who lon ed to vent his
hatred u n the young ieutenant. He
had not earned that Evil Eye would re-
fuse him the office of executioner, and the
Mexican’s reply burned into his heart as
if the words were of the deadliest venom.

“ He, even refuses me the pleasure of
destroyin my sworn enemy. This is
ungratef ness indeed,” he said mentally.
“but I’ll be even with him.” Then he
exclaimed aloud: “ When do I start out
on the expedition across the Rio Grande?”

“In less than an hour. The men will
be read by the time the sun has disap-
peared 0nd those hills. Prepare your-
self for t e raid. Remember you share
one-half of the profits among you and
your men. Follow me, and will give

on further instructions and describe the
ocality ou are to visi .”

Evil ye passed into the aperture in the
base of the mountain of granite, closely
followed by Sanders. _ I

They ascended the wmdmg passage un-
til they reached the plaza on the level
surface of the cliff. _

The Mexican outlaw led the way mto
one of the huts built Within the mclosure
and seated himself upon a saddle. _He
drew forth a small map and explained
the “lay of the land” to the rufiian seat-
ed before him.

While the two villains are thus occu-
pied we will follow our hero and his fair
companion Whom we last saw in the care
of Evil Eye’s Mexicans. Leaving the two
rascals, bothdistrustful of one another,
both cordially hating each other, to their
plans for a raid into the border counties,
we will glance within a small roc_
chamber below the surface of the ch .
Powell, guarded by several scowlin'"

n!

 

rancheros, lay upon a mass of blankets,
unable to move hand or foot.

Winona occupied another corner of the
gloomy apartment, but the bandits had
not secured her hands. A small table
stood in the center of the room, and an
oil lamp cast a sickly glare upon the oc-
cupants and their keepers. As the out-
law chief had given no instruction re-
garding the fate of the young couple, the

exicans merely placed them in the
strong room, guarding the only door and
waiting the comin of their master. They
never once relaxed their vigilance and
they prevented the young people from
holding conversation with one another.
But their eyes conveyed the intelligence
that words would have done had they
been permitted to speak. Winona read
the langua e of love expressed in the
gaze of her over, and he in turn under-
stood every glance of her beautiful eyes.
A heavy footfall aroused them from this
semi-reverie.

The forbidding countenance of the out-
law chief appeared in the narrow door-
way, and he slowly approached his pris«
oner.

“When I secured you in the vault,
and left you to the tarantulas, I thought
that no power could save you from the
doom in store for you, but it seems that,
aided by an outside accomplice, you
baflled me, and my plan was thwarted.
You sought to escape, but failed. You
are in the meshes, and I will not trust to
any one the fate I have marked out for i

on. No! I will attend to it personally.

repare for ‘the most excruciating tor-
ments that ou can picture to yourself,
for such wi be your doom!”

Winona arose and quickly ap reached
the outlaw. She cast herself at Iln's feet,
and while the tears streamed down upon
her cheeks, she prayed for the life of the
man who had won her heart’s first and
only love.

“an1 not to that monster!” cried
Powell. “ Arise. Winona; plead not for
me. Let him do his worst, end then let
him beware of the day of reckoning!”

Evil Eye glared upon the young man,
and turned to the pleading maiden.

“Cease your prayers for mercy. He
dies! Every word and action reveals the
love you bear him, and on] *inflames m
anger a thousand-fold. ou love this
man, and I hate him for it. Much as I

w“,

 

 

The Cattle King. -

 
  
 

 

love gold, no amount could induce me
to forego my vengeance—and such a ven-
geance!”

The bandit chuckled as he uttered the
word, and in an abstracted manner he re-
moved the pistols from his belt and plac-
ed them upon the table, then, as he tight-
ened the broad, leather belt, he con-
tinued:

“ I have spared him from the fury of
Rafael Sanders, who begged me to be al-
lowed a chance to retaliate for former in-
juries received at the hands of yonder
American; but I could not rob myself of
the infinite pleasure of destroying him
personally. ”

“Wretch! cease your bombastic talk.
I can die but once. I have the extreme
pleasure of knowing that I have made
several vacancies in your robber league,
and that is some consolation, at any
rate. I can die much easier, knowing
this,” said Powell, in a taunting manner.

While he was thus occupying the ban-
dit’s attention, Winona drew nearer to
the table, and in one quick movement she
had secured the brace of pistols and con-
cealed them within the folds of her
dress.

The movement escaped the lynx-eyed
Mexicans at the door, and Evil Eye was
in such a fit of blind fury that he failed
to notice the absence of his weapons, nor
did he even miss them from his belt. The
words of the youth made him oblivious
to aught else but his rabid desire for
speedy vengeance.

He turned to the low—brewed ruffians
at the door, and spoke a‘few words in
Spanish. Two of the number came for-
ward and roughly grasped the young
man and bore him toward the door.

“Take him to the verge of the clifl".
Call all the members of the league. I’ll
treat them to the greatest sight they have
ever witnessed. You can follow and be-
hold the awful fate of your lover,” said
be, turning to Winona.

The maiden clasped the weapons in a
firm hand and followed after the group.
Once upon the plateau the entire party
passed out upon the ledge beyond the
Walls.

A heavy upright beam stood upon the
verge of the cliff. The lower end was
imbedded in the bowlders- and gravel
forming the surface of the elevated mass
of rock.

 

     

“Perhaps it win he better to ex lain
the meaning of this,” remarked Evil l‘ye,
pointing to the beam. “In the days of
the Roman emperor, Nero, the early
Christians were tied to the upper part
of a tall post, and then, surrounded
by inflammable matter, a torch was ap-
plied and the victim burned while thus
secured. Nero called them his human
torches, and the served to light his gar-
dens. I will  have a human torch
to serve as a. signal from this clilt'. Bind
the American to the post and bring forth
a torch and combustible matter. I will
revive the sports of N Dre 1”

Again Winona knelt at the feet of the
outlaw.

 

CHAPTER XIII.

THE LAST swoor OF THE VULTURES.

WHEN Bryan \Valtors revived from the
blow dealt him by the brutal Mexican
outlaw, he summoned the frightened
attaches of his ranch, and mounting the
only horse which the raiders had over-
looked, he rode toward Fort Duncan.
The bandits had over an hour‘s shit, and
the grief-stricken father 111'; ed the steed
post-haste to the military barracks to re-
port the dastardly outrage.

When he reached the fort he found the
commander of the post in a high state of
excitement, and the cavalry company
preparing for a reconnoiter in the vicin—
ity. Scouts had brought news of an ex-
citing nature; several had seen a detach-
ment of Mexicans cross the river and en-
ter Texan territory. The officer in com-
mand of the fort felt uneasy regardln
the fate of the young lieutenant who ha
ventured into the interior of Chihuahua.
He greeted Bryan Walters kindly and
listened to the details of the attack and
abduction.

A frown settled upon his bronzed fea-
tures, and he brought his clinched fist
down upon the camp-table in an em-
phatic manner.

“ If the Government will only allow
me to cross the river in'pursuit of these
brigands, I’ll warrant they Won’t repeat
their raid in a hurry. That is just what
makes them so bold. They know that
we can’t violate their territory by pursu-
ing them on Mexican soil. Our Govern-
ment is too squeamish about the matter;

these dastardly Greasers fully believe 3

,;t we Americans are afraid of them!

  

 

“a, n.5,“, ,..

 

.. * ,Jn.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

The Cattle King.

27

 

They laugh at you when you tell them
hOW General Scott Whip (1 them; they
don’t believe it was a efeat. Heaven
help them if ever war is declared between
that infernal land and the States! The
Texans have suffered so much that I fully
believe the Lone Star State would furnish
all the volunteers for such a war.”

Bryan Walters coincided with the ofli-
ccr, and then mentioned Don Costa’s
share in the outrage.

“I can scarcely believe it,” responded
the oflicer. “I have met him here fre-

uently, and he was so polite and so gen—
t cmanly that I rather liked him. Now
that you mention it, I do see a striking
resemblance between the Don and that
infamous rufiian, Evil Eye. I can see all
the features; but that infernal optic,
that’s what puzzles 11 to.”

“It is very, very strange; they are
either twin brothers or it is a remarkable
resemblance," declared Walters; “ but,
colonel, what’s to be done? My child is
in the hands of that (lemon and he has
doubtless borne her away to his retreat
in the mountains ;—what’s to be done?”

“ I’ll use my 'udgment in this case,
Mr. Walters. our daughter will be
restored to you or I’ll hang every dog of
a Mexican that was concerned in the
matter. Neutrality be hanged! I’ll give
them some cold steel and bullets, and if
Congress finds fault I’ll resign from the
army. I won’t sit here and permit these
outrages on American soil any longer—
I’ll be hanged if I do!”

The American officer arose and issued
a few orders to a young person standing
near the colonel‘s quarters. Shortl af—
ter the cavalrymen darted hither am thi—
ther, evidently preparing for an. earlier
start than anticipated by the garrison.

VVhile the men are thus engaged we
will follow the fortunes of J aeob Slaus-
horn, whom we last saw dashing away
from the glen with a pack of howling
Mexicans in full retreat.

Jacob was quite stout and short-wind-
ed, conse uently he labored and puffed
like an 01 steamboat struggling against
the tide. .

Now and then he cast hurried glances
over his shoulders and to his great Joy he
saw that he was actually distancmg the
bandits.

Several hundred yards further on he ,

dashed headlong into a dense Chaparral

 

and glided into tlg damp vegetation in a
zig-zag course. Thanks to the increasing
gloom he eluded the rnflians that sought
in vain for him among the bushes. While
they beat the bushes and thrust aside the
huge leaves, Jacob was swiftly creeping
away from his enemies.

Foiled and crestt'allen, the chattering
Mexicans returned toward the Vultures7
Roost while the corpulent German con—
tinued on his hast journey to Fort Dun—
can, skulking in t to Chaparral but ever
proceeding on ward.

While Jacob is proceeding toward the
Rio Grande we will take a hasty glance
at the (letacl'nnent of “Vultures” led on
by Rafael Sanders, who were now en
route for the Texan side of the river.

The raiders Were all well armed and
prepared in various ways for the perilous
expedition into the river counties. San-
ders had ridden several miles when,
feigning to have misunderstood import-
ant 0rd( rs, he ordered the men under his
command to proceed about five miles fur—
ther and there wait until he overtook
them. He then took the back trail and
ever and anon the devilish gleam that
came into his eyes told that his reveries
afforded him intense satisfaction. He
kept his mustang traveling rapidly, and

soon neared the precincts of the Boost on

the clitf. .

Having thus shifted our characters in-
to new positions, we will ask the reader
to again look upon the plateau beyond
the walls of Evil Eye’s citadel, where the
brutal outlaw has prepared for the speedy
execution of Harry Powell.

When Winona arose from the spot:
where she had east herself down to plead
for Powell’s life, two brutal Mexicans
seized the young girl and prevented her
from rushing toward her lover. The
merciless ruflians grinned at her efforts
to shake off their grasp.

She had taken the recaution to con-
ceal the revolvers in t 1e pockets of her
dress, therefore the weapons escaped the
notice of the wretches who grasped and
held her. '

In a Very few moments the youth had
been rudely seized, and while a bandit
placed an old chest close to the stake the
rutlians bearing Powell were thus en-
abled to place the young man at the top
of the stake and secure him by means of
lariats. A mass of dry moss and straw

  

  

2,9
' was fastened ,about the youth from his
waist down to his ankles. As soon as
this was completed, Evil Eye seized a
blazing torch and approached the stake.
“ Your hour has arrived! Look your
last upon Winona Walters, and as the
flames encircle your body, I‘ll bear her
away to become mine.” -
“Farewell, Winona! With my last
breath I still whisper words of love to you
r and bless you.” ,
/ Evil E e dashed forward, and had al-
most touc ed the combustible matter with
“the torch when Winona uttered a pierc-
ing shriek and flung aside the two ruf-
vfians that held her.

One quick movement and she had se-
cured the long knife from the belt of the

. nearest ranchero, and before Evil Eye
v_ was aware of her intentions she had
leaped upon the chest and severed th'e
lariats binding the hands of her lover,

‘ and placed the knife in his grasp.

Evil Eye uttered a shriek of baffled
rage as he saw the act, and thrust the
torch forward. Even while his arm was
thus extended, VVinona’s hands sought

' her dress-pocket, and the revolvers flash-
ed into view; a quick puff, followed by a
sharp explosion, rent the air, and Evil
Eye’s arm fell to his side, shattered by a
bullet. He dropped the torch, and a
blood—curdling yell broke from his lips.

Powell had made good use of his time,
for While the young girl faced the horde
of ruflians Harry quickly severed the re-
' : maining thongs and leaped down upon
V the chest. In a moment he was beside
Winona and taking one of the pistols
- from her hand, he ulled the triggers
rapidly. A bandit fe 1 before each shot,

' and the young couple fought their way
to the opening in the wall.

Winona had barely passed through the
gate when a pair-of arms were thrown
about her, and she was borne away

‘- ’throu h the dark passage leading into
the g en.

I Powell was fighting his wa slowly

' toward this same exit, covering inona’s
- escape. He failed to notice the person

,th0 suddenly seized the irl and bore

5 her away. It was Rafael anders. He
placed his coarse hand over her lips to

 revent an outcry, and he dashed away"
gn-eu, gh the gloomy tunnel. ,
’ and his furious Mexicans fol-

lowed»

The Cattle King.

 

 r fowell and the, echo of fire-‘

' 1

arms reverberated through the tunnel, _
and the hoarse shouts of the bandits -re~v
sounded from all uarters. ,.
Sanders reache the glen where his
mustang was waiting his return. ‘
“Not a word or I’ll kill ou!” growled ‘
the scoundrel, as he rush onward.

He mounted his horse and placed the . --

young girl before him. He sunk the ‘
spurs into the flanks of the mustang and
dashed away. Just as he sped away,
Evil Eye and a dozen of his followers
came into View.

“Villain!” shrieked the bandit chief;
“you seek to carry her ofl’ from me. Ho!
there, every one of ou! mount your
steeds! A thousand ollars to each man
that helps to recapture that traitor. Let
the American go! Speed away after that
imp of the devil and overtake him. Ho!
horses! horses!”

In an incredibly short space of time the,
horses were at hand and each ranchero in
the saddle. ‘

Evil Eye led the chase, urging the
screaming Mexicans to redouble their ef-
forts. Sanders saw that the bandit chief
and his followers were gaining u n him
and that his only esca e wou d be to
plunge into the chaparra and thus evade

1s ursuers.

e leaped from his mustang and at-
tempted to take Winona from her posi- '
tion on the saddle. That movementwas
the last hostile act in Sanders’s career,
for a rifle cracked from the neighboring
foliage and Sanders fell heavil
earth with an ounce of lead in his brain.

“ Dot’s der kind of a mans v’ot I am!”
cried a well-known voice, and the portly

'figure of Jacob Slaushorn arose from the ,

bushes, followed b a full score of armed
men attired in Mex1can habiliments. One
form from among the group forced a glad
cry from Winona‘s lips,- and the next
moment she was claspedto her father’s
bosom!

But even as father and dau hter em-' , -
braced each other, there came t e tramp-. ‘
ling of men and horses and forms were V
seen close at hand. It was Evil Eye and
his raiders. ‘ . j »

“ Back to your ambush!” cried the one g
in command of the disguised men, whom i
we will at once recognize as the colonel
commanding Fort Duncan and a squad
of his cavahynien. ,; . k .‘ .

As the Americans sunk,  behin

 

tothej 

  
 

‘ , ' r ' The Cattle King.

 

 

   

the thick bushes, Evil Eye and his out-
laws dashed into view. ‘

A sheet of flame leaped out from the
tangled vines, and a rattlin _echo of fire-
arms startled the approac mg bandits.
-' Simultaneously with the crack of the
rifles fully one-half of the bandits'fell
from their horses, and the riderless mus-
tangs plunged about, adding to the con-
fusion.

’ Evil Eye turned his steed and sought
to escape from the trap. At the very
moment that he wheeled his horse, a
mounted person dashed beside the terror—

’ stricken outlaw and blazed away at the

mflian, who fairly leaped head-first from

the animal he bestrode and fell motion-
less to the earth.

Another volley from the ambuscade
sent a shower of bullets into the remain-
ing rancheros. A Wild yell broke from
the swarth Mexicans, and awa fled the
terrible Vu tures of the Rio rande in
the Wildest disorder. They urged their

’ "horses away in a. frenzied manner to es-
' ca the hidden foe. '
.‘ lfwas Harry Powell who had arrived

. at the o rtune moment to prevent the
‘  0 Evil Eye and rid the Texans of

the atest scourge that ever infested the
be er.

Powell was soon beside Winona, and
the young cou le greeted each other with
undisguised toEens of love.

Then came the cordial greetings of the
_ Colonel of the Fourth Cavalry and the
.. ’ “ Mexicanized ” members of his company.
Then Jacob stepped forward and Wrun
Powell’s hand in a paroxysm of unboun -

‘ ed jo , _ '
‘ fiere lies the notorious outlaw,” said
Bryan Walters. “ New, gentlemen, see for
yourselves the resemblance between Don
Costa and Evil eye.” .
The grou approached the dead bandit
' and a cry of astonishment came from each
beholder. _
- ‘ In the fall from the saddle of his steed
.' Evil Eye had dis laced that awful optic
" that had won forlliim the name that made
'- , ‘ him famous—or ratherinfamous. It was

a lass; . .
f'lqhe artificial e e lay close beSide his
‘ p lie ulsive features, roken into fragments.
 was the outlaw’s disguise. Havmg
lost an eye the Wily rascal saw an op—
portunity to improve the ’calamity,.by
08151180110 intended for a disguise,

 

      
  
     
 

 

while another eye, matching the remain- “ "
mg one was worn While representing
Don Costa. By using a dark substance
upon his face and a witr of dark coarse
hair, he succeeded wonderfully in mak-
ing Ev11 Eye and Don Costa two distinct
characters, although the likeness caused
much speculation and wonder. The pe-
cuhar whitish eye baffled all reco ition
when Don Costa was compared With the
bandit.

‘As for.the expedition of the Fourth
.(iavalry, it was kept a rofound secret,
11].. order that no com 'cations might
arise from violation of erritory.

Suffice it to say, that the Texans were
not subject to any great annoyance from
the remainder of the Vultures. They
had received a wholesome lesson and
Yankee bullets to impress it u on the
survivors and their friends. ortinas
lost his right bower when Evil Eye fell,
and for a time the cattle—thieves were
wary of the “boys in blue.”

A few words will complete our story.
The officers and men of Fort Duncan are
preparing to attend the nuptial ceremony
that Will make Harry Powell and Wino-
na Walters man and wife.
Will please our readers to know that J a-
cob Slaushorn is to be the “ bestman ” on
that occasion. Should any of our read-
ers hence to visit the milita t, Just
ask acob about Evil Eye, an t e cor u-
lent German will tell you how he ki ed
the bandit himself!

“.BecauseI ish a deaf; shot unt I a1» ‘

vays hits der bull’s-eye. Dot’s der kind

of a mans v’ot I am!”
THE END.

 

THE

Dime Dialogues N o. 32 ‘

Containing eighteen Minor Dramas. Extravmnzas, '
Burlesques. Farces. Dress and Humorous Pieces, for
the Amateur Stage, Parlors. Schools and Exhibitions,
All original and by favorite authors. professors.
teachers and amateurs.

For sale by all new‘deaiers. or sent. post-paid. on
receipt of price—ten cents.
BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pcnusml.
‘ 99 William Street. New York.

  

 
   

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9

H0 , he Htownu‘nv. HyChnrlr-a Morris.

The (‘olm-udu Boy . By JOSA'MI E. Hunger, Jr,

The. Pump“: Hunter". l‘v'l‘. (‘. llnrhnnuh. «

The Adventurous Life of Nehru-1hr. Charlle.
llv m, l‘v'vuliw ln- nhmn. _

Jul-h. Hurry uml n HmThrvc Chnmpiun Brothers.
By 0an Frml. \\'hltlnk0r.

The You" Lulul-lulbhor. lly C. D. Clurli.

The Boy I elm-then. llv ’l‘. P. Hnrhuugh.

"one-t flurry. liv (‘lllll‘lrfl Mnrria.

(lnlll'ornln .100 fly (‘nL I’renri-u lnuruhmn.

Tlp Trev-He]. I lunlcr. By Edward \Nillvlt.

The Know I nun n Ih' Unrryde Forrest.

Hurry Some". ll) . . W. Pearce.

The Advonturoun Life. ofl‘urtuln Jnok, the
Border lloy. Hy Cul. l’mnlisa lllL'l'H mm.

Lumo Tlln. the .\lul~- Hay nl‘rhe Minna. By C. Maria.

The Young 'l‘rull Hunter». By T. C. Hnrhnngh.

The TI or llunlern. I“ uvah E. Badger, Jr.

"mm"- ‘nrvor. riw -‘ Evil Spirit ” nt'lhe l’lninl. By
Col. Prwlisa lug nhnm.

Black Horse “Ill. By Racer Stnrlmrk.

 

 

  

     
 

84 "min lilck Tnllmt. By Allmrt W. Aiken.

65 The 7 _
66 The Denier-t. Rovrr. m ( harm Mnr s,

67
6S

 

0v li'lo‘_ My (‘va Pro-Min: lnumhnm.

 

Toqu (‘hnrllc, thn Boy Ranger. Hy .‘ol. lngrnhnu.
Lune Rifle. My (Yupmin " lirruu " Adnml.

 

 

 

, L\ Price, Five Cents.

 

69 The Youn .'Ihlll~t. Ry Charles Mnrrls.
70 Porn the ‘owlm '. llv Mnjnr ll. ll. Stmhlnrd.
1 Rull’ Roll-tort in“ "11130:". linnptaln Adams.
:1.

 

2 The Ice Elc . lv ('nyl. Frederlrk “’hiltuher
73 The Young £100 unit-rut. lly W. ll. Munning.
74 Ihe Boy Cornl- Flt-horn. lly R Ker Stnrbuck.
TIE Illovulver Billy. lly ('nl. l‘renliw lnuruluuu.

:9 [he Condor Klllorn. 153' 'l‘. (i. Ilmbnugh.
u ¢ Lud Lnouheclu. My Huger Slmlmck.

    

 

  

 

78 Flu” In Fred. By Edward \\'illetl
79 "'0! the llunlar. UV Unpluiu F. “'hllmkvr.
“0 [gen ky Ben. llv Rnger Sturhuck.
“I 'l he k“ Clll'lon Club. By T. (3. llnrlmugh.

32 LINIQ lhwk. tlm Buy Hulda. lh' lhlrr ‘ llin r

#3 Pony Boll 1h.- llm-klmu Rim-r. 'Ry C(n‘l. It‘lfigll-‘hmm

R4 (‘nlnuln Fly . Vlght. My .lum-pll l5. Buduer Jr. .

55 ('uptuln Ilnlg . the Young l‘lxplnl‘t-r. llv (J. l). {Jim-k

:3; ll.l'IIl«‘-“ Dun ioollin. , ' lg. ‘
' ‘ u- . euuuor t- nun-r14. lh' )ln'. ll. r

NH The Boy Trump I5\' .1. M. llnlluld‘n. gramme.

RED ‘I amt-hon- . .' . ' Clark.

31')  ‘ g- Ifllno, (‘uslv n Lilll» Scout. llyllnrlmugh.

r010 ll Rover Sun-luv .

92 nun-n- kn. 13' A. r. mn. y " “k

98 .Innlplng Julie. liy llrynnl lsmnbrivlgo.

94 Hun: Spence, tllr lh-mulnnrn “W. [H Ed. \l'illen.

95') Mom-ow tn NllIeI-lu. - l‘hnrli-n mm...

a? glmhllngrlfiredi‘] My (7. llnrhungh.

. r“ no 0 ‘Io )‘nwu '. Br (‘. Dunnin (1111 .

93 'I he Bo" \ lullnnlol. hr Mx ll. ll. Slm‘lzdmvlfk

99 'Iln- “(lun- ’llucrm. lvafl lmrh-n lluwunl.

100 'l he know-Shoe Trnll. . . I. Gnome Ruthlan

10l Hurluno, the Hunwn Girl. By l‘hlwnrd S. ' 15:.

102 The lvnwuy Afloat I! - (7. Dunnlm: (I 'k.

103 I'M. Mullonoy'vl Adv ll llv (I. L. ladwnrda.

104 TluI Boy Proupu-tor. Ry llozer'Stnrlmrk.

105 .“lnonoo. the Wmul Witch. By Edwin Emerson.

106 The Boy Crulnorn. liy Edwnrd “'illrll.

107 The Border Ihn'crn. llyJ Millnn “M‘rlllflll'

10.9 Ann-kn. the “'0 f-Qnm-n. llv Curt. lluwunl Liut‘nlll.

109 (‘hrlntlnn Jlln tthhhe Mnn‘ul‘rieml. By E. .EIIln.

no l’lu ky Joe. 1hr “Ivy Avengur. nya. .\l. lullnmn.

Ill Tlu Border (innlnnlu-r. M. Jnnu-s L. llnwwl.

l2 Lcfi-llunlled Petr. ISyV-losvnh E. Badger, Jr.

13 11“. “nor IHllL-n. lly Capt. .I. F. ('. Adnnm.

1 Alone on the l’lulnn. lly Edwnnl WHMI.

In] “in Hill» Firvdrulh. lly ll. Slurhurk.

l ozohluh Hullth. By 15- lellmn.

   

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6 Explolu at
7 The Your”: Munlungorn. By (7. l). (lurk.
3 0].] Trupu; 1r, lhn lhrx- l.l\'ulu. fly Blurry llinggnld.
9 (‘entor shot. Hu- Whih- Crow. By T. C. llnrlnnugh.
0 A Hot Trnll. lly Charles Morris.
'2; rlll’llllltfl‘ Pin-d Bella By Rounr Sturluuck.
‘ e In u mnux ucen "3- (‘.\Val lo B -
‘33 gum, n :Iloy 'Avrnlbnt’. lly cn'nrh-n Minrl'ia.‘ wwm'
noon on! e llr Stvrvlermrl. llv llenr 'J.'l‘l
125 ' ‘0... Tabor, the Buy Fnuilive. 13' um} rnn',§.'§3i‘.l'
126 Mlnk Cont, an» rn-nnsnnc. 1:v.....r:.‘nnng.r Jr"
127 Tyn- Docr lluntern. John ‘J. Muralmll. ’ ‘
[2% “ "Ir-(um. lly l‘xu-t. Clmu. llnwnrd.
 invert-pun My Ellwnnl Willem.
18'  guren u. the Plums. 15y Percy B. St. John.
\‘lntuh, (ha (‘hild Spy. Bv Grown Glenuon
182 The l‘nlnlld Trapper. By (‘hurlen llownrd.
133 1 In P are“ Npecter. By Edwnrd Wlllett.

134 “'lld Nat, the 'l'mnper. By “'m. R. Eynler.

185 The fillvcr Bugle. By Lieut. Col. Huelton.
Remly Nov. 13.

136 The Prnlrle T n . B C. 1 Cl 1:
Randy NO“ ‘20 :- pper y Dunn ng nr .

13'? The Ann-lope Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken.
Ready Nov. ‘2'].

138 Long Shot; 0r,Tlm Dwarqulde. By Cnpt.Comatock.
gently Dec. 4.

Bendle’s Boy’s Library in for ula hy all Newndealen,
five cams per copy, or sent. hv mall on recelpt ofaix canu ohh.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pubu-hern.
9! Wllllm ltreot, New York.

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daidfllflh‘l‘l‘m—un

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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KET LIBRARY. ;

 

{a wing: 7/: :3 v. '_rn'fn :1:
1 Deadwood Dick. By Edward 1.. “'hmh-r.
KaIN a King. By llull'nu ll.li.
The Flyingr 'arn ee. Iiy (‘ol l’ri-nIi-o; lnzrnhnm.
The Double Dqu era. My \Iii’ll l.. \\'hrelar.
The Two Dom-u! \‘eu. My . vr| W. lulu-n.
The Prairie l’ilni, ll ' Hull'oln llil].
The linii'alo Den Ily Edward L. “'Ileelel’.
Antelo e Abe, lhe o) :lllill‘. Ilv (ill (Immle
Nod vlde. the lluy Smut. By “ Trxus .lm‘k ”
Dllfl'ulo lien. l‘rii '4: of the Finn]. By E. L.Wheeler.
Ralph Roy. '  Iler. My (2 I. lngruhnn.
Nivk o‘ the NI r j ’1 . (‘. llnrlmnuh
Yellowfltone . '. lly Jmu-ph E
“'lld Ivan, [he Buy Claude Duvul. ll}
Diamond lurk. By (:qume l’n-utias Ingrnham.
Keen-Knife, I’rinre i-i'the l‘rniiivr. n,- 0110mm“.
Oregon Sol. Ily ('nnt. J. l“. L‘. Arlmnu
Death-Face. lhe Dunn-ow. ISy It. L. \l'herler.
Lay-no Jan-k. llv HII Poona».
lioarlnlr Ralph lloekwood B" II. St. George.
The lioy Clown. My Frank S. Finn.
The Phantom Miner. Iiy Edward L. “'hoslor.
The summit. "c Erick Whittnkcr.
The D l) S
Rattll lingo. Hy Ilm'ry Si. llvnrgn,
Dld Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. Br “'hvfiler.
“In I- Eye, Great Shot of the \\ out. Ily (‘an Adams.
The Boy (.‘upluln. Ill Rom-I inlhurk.
Dirk Darling. lh' Capt. Fred 'hiltuknr.
lloh “'ooll', the Bordvr Ruflinn. .4 1.1.. Wheeler.
lehilngnle Not. Ily 'I‘. (7. Il-u-hni h
lilaek Jr hn. the ltnnil Agent. Ily I Bridger, .lr.
Omaha 0“, the Mash d 'l‘error. ll .. .. \\')m-h-r.
4 linrt Bunker. tho Trllmlel'. lly George E. Lnsnllo.
’ The Boy lllllel. By A. C Irons.
86 The “’hlte D ii'ulo. l ("mi-go It. Lasnlle.
Jlln “lad-roe. Jr. lulu-ml l. W wlnr.
Ned “nzei, [he Ilov 'llnmner. Ily ant. Adams.
39 Demilv Eve. the Iluhnown Smut. Ilr Ilulfuln Bill.
I Nick “'hlIIIe-A’v- Pot. |lylin1nl..l. re. A-lnum.
Deadwood Dlok‘n Eagle-n. Ily 1.. “'llueler.
The Border Klllu'. By 01] (‘nmn .
Dill Iliekory. My llnrrv St. Gm
44 The White Indian. lly Cunt. F. C. Adams.
" Bnekhol‘n Bill. By Edward 1.. \\'hwler.
The thdow Shlu. By (Jul. Prunlinn lngrnhnm.
The Hell Brother hood. Ili' W. J. llflllllll-JD.
Dand‘y Jaek. lly 'l‘, C. Ilmhnngh.
llurl- cane Bill. V J vsvph l6. lhnlger, Jr.
Single "and. B" W. J. llnnliltnn.
uncut-leather Joe. By I'hilip S. Warne.
The Border Rohln “and. My llullhln Bill.
5 Gold RIIle, the Shnr mlmolcr. ll} Ed. |.. Wheeler.
4 Old le'n (lalpln. 5y (‘np l“. C. Adnnla.
Delaware Dlek. By fill mues.
.\‘lad Tom “'entern. lly V . J. Hamilton.
Deadwood Dick on Dork. By E. L. Wheeler.
llawkeye llurry. liy Oil Pmnnen.
The “0v Duelint. By Col. Prentiss lnernhnni.
Abe Co I, the Crow-K lit-r. By Alhm'l \V. Aiken.
Corduroy Charlie. lly‘Edu-nril L.\\‘he.~ler.
“'Ill Burners. ih: lluy llrleelive. By Clmn. Morris.
Hol Gin er, the Giant Trnpner. Br A. W. Aiken.
4 Ronebu Rob. By Eil‘Vlll’tl L. Wheeler.
Lightning Joe. [13‘ (In t. J. F. C. Ailnlnfl.
Kit llnref By T.  llnrlmnzh.
Rollo, the Boy , By ()ll CUOlIlrfl
Idyl. the Girl Miner. Bv Edwin! L. Wheeler.
Detective Dick. By (‘hm in Morris.
Sure Shot Seth, the Buy Riflenmn. IlyOII Comma.
Shar Sam. By J. Alvxflhilrl’ I'ntlnn.
The .ion ofthe Son. By Albert W. Aiken.
Photograph l‘hll,the llo) Sleuth. liy E. L.Wheeler.
Picayune l’etc. Ily (llvfll'lrs Mnrr A.
7") Island Jim: nr.The PM. of the Finnily.
hriiluc Hemyn]: (Juvk llnrknway).
76 \Vnteh-Eye, lllv Sllmll-w. By Edward L. Wheeler.
72' Dlek Dead Eye. Br ('.»1. Pruning lngrnhmn.
78 Deadwood Dick‘s Derive. By Ed .. \lerler.
79 The Block M ranger. Ily ('.-pi. Mayne Reid.
80 Did Frosty, [he b‘unle. By T. C. Hnrhnnzh.
081 The Sea \ iper. By Col. Prrnlisl Ingmhnu.
82 Seth Jones. By Edward s. ICIIII.
83 (‘nnndn (‘lleh tho Coulitcrl'eiterlchlif. 3v “'hevlrr.
34 Th. Dumh Page. By Capt. chierlck Wlnttnker.

3N

flN-sszwacu-wco—cr sodas”.

NEIGN—HH-IH-n—u-A-I

By Brace-

 

Vv:v.zgngvlmwmmwwmwmmmmwmmwwmmummiw’wh

85 The Boy Mineral. By Enlwml S. Elli».

86 Jack llnrkawny In New York. Ily llrnrr-
‘Ivridive Ilunynu.

97 'l he llliflur (‘.nplnln. By (fol. Prentiss ingrahnm.

$8 Deadwood Diek lll Leadvllle. M E. l..\Vhw

X9 iilll Blddo , 'l'ranL-r. Ily l-I nrd S. E

90 ’l Ippy. the exnn. ly George Gleason.

91 Mustang finm. Ilv Jug. E, Badger, Jr.

92 l he 0003“ Bloodhound. 1y Snmm-l W. l‘nrce.

98 Phil ilardv, tins Bum; llny. By Chm]... Moms,

94 Deadwood Dick an Detective. By E. l..\\‘hneler.

91') Du k uekrnm. lli‘l'nptnin J. F. (‘. Ailunu.

96 (inn-Edged Dick. ‘ Eilwunl L. “'ln-ulrr.

9? The Black Steed oi't e Prairies. J. L. Bowen.

9’4 '1 he Sen Fer eat. By Juan Lewis.

99 Bonanza Bil , the Man ’l‘rurker. lly E. L. Wheeler.

100 Nlli Todd. lly Edward S. Ellis.

101 Daring Duty. llv llnrry St. George.

102 The \ ellow ('hlci‘. 15y (‘an Mayne Reid.

103 Chip. uh» um Sport. Hy Edward L. VI'ln-elrr.

104 The Black Schooner. Ily Roger Smrhuck.

105 liandlolne llorry. By Charles Morris.

'06 Night-Dank Kit. By 1051. E. Badger, Jr.

107 Jack llo 'le’n lit-nil. Ily Eilwnril L. Whm-Ii-r.

108 lloek l1 ountain Kit. Ily T.C. Ilnrlmugh.

109 ’l he handed Ilnnd. Ilv Frank Dnnuull.

110 The Dread Rider. By eorge w.

I] “on: Bob. (hr King of Iinolhlnrku. B)-

2 The llelplenn "and. lly (Hint. Mr

ll'oa -Faue liar-l,thefiilentHunor. IlyU

l‘inpv Paul. no Mount-tin Boy. Iiy ('. llurhnngh.

Deud‘wood Die ’I Double. By .. L. \‘I‘hrrlcr.

Jalwz Collin. Shipper. lly Capt. F. Whiuner.

Four-v Frank, of ()ulnrndn. By llntfnlo Hiil.

“'llln'lldnre, Ille’l‘horoughhreil. nun... \ rris.

Blonde Bill or. Deadwood Dick’l llonm littal‘.

By Edward L. 'hrrler.

20 Gopher Git], the llny Trapper. Ily 'l‘. (‘. llnrhnnch.

21 llnrry Armstrong. the (‘u tnln “(the Club. ll),
llneuhridgo Helnvng, (.lnck Hnr many.)

22 The llnnted lunter. lly Edwnril S. Ellis.

23 Solld Sam, the Bay Road-Agent. lly E. L. \‘I'hnelor.

24 Judge Lynch. Jr. Bv ’l'. ('. llnrhuugh.

25 The Land Piraiel. lly ('npt. )Inyn; Reid.

26 Blue Blaze» ily l"rnnk llnmu-ni.

Toniy Fox. the Frrret. By Edward l.. “'bm'ler.

8 “'ll “'ildilre’n Racer. Br Clinrlen Morris.

9 En 10 RH, |lle l by Dunn“. Br on ('oonmn.

0 Go (I Trigger. the S on. By T. (‘. llnrbnugh.

I A Gal-“c of (lold. Iy l‘Iilwnrd L. \Vlleelrr.

2 Danny Lunch the Pay Sport. ByJ. E. Bndurr,.lr.

3 “'Ild-flre, Ill? For! 01 lhv Road. . ‘rnnk Dunmut.

4 Mike li‘lcrrv. the llurlmr l’nliu- 170v. By ('. Morris.

ii Deadwood Diek of Deadwood. Hy,Wheeler.

6 Old Rube. the Hunlrr. li)‘(‘l|]>l. Hamilton Holmes.

‘3 [)"nd Rock. By G. \Vnhln Brenna.

R Rob oelu-ii. tln- Bu} Dodgpr. ly Chris. )1 rris.

9 The Black Giant. Br .lnneph E. Bndgrr, Jr.

- 0 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Vi’urnv.

1 New York Nell. Bv Edward L. “'hPrli-r.

2 Little Texnnflhe Young Munmnger. ByOJl Gnomes.

8 Deadly Dnnh. lly 105.13. llnduer, Jr.

4 L tile Grit, the “'th Rider. By Col. lucrnhum.

5 “- Tlger of’l‘nop. Hr Hen, Wnldo Browne.

' ii The Cattle King. By Frank Dunnont. _

14? Nobhy Nick oi’1\c\'nda. Mr E. l.. Whom-r.

1-18 Thunderbolt Tom. By llurvy St. (worm.

early Nov. 10.

149 Rob Roche". the Bank Runner.
norm. Ready Nov. 11,

150 "J‘l‘he F)[ad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. {early

I o". .4

151 The Era Trailer. By Cu]. Prantiu Ingmhuin.
lemon-no. .

152 Dandy Dun-kc. By William R. Eyslur. Really
)

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ici'ifififlw

MN”
q

‘u‘flhd-‘HH—H-l-dhl-I—HHH-IH-l-AHH-tfl
an a... .1“ a...
ppaumaamawwu ‘ H

tidbth

By (‘hnrlizl

l rr. 8.
L53 {Vilil Frank. live Burliskln Bravo. By Etl\\'llhl

. \Vhscler. Reain Der. 15.
Innued Every Wednesday.
ileadlo’n l’ooket Library in for sale by all NrWS<
(iv nlms, five cunle yer copy, or sent by Illlll on le'nllvl. . i‘ 5.;
cents earh.

BEADLE d' ADAMS. Publlz‘hcrs.
98 “'illlam Street. New \ ork.