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No. 311. 33-32. “““"::3,_ ggzsmawys,,fgms::m “‘5’  V01. XXIV.

 

 

 

 

   

 

Prio Prod

in Texas.

 

Fiio Fred in Texas;

03,
OLD ROCKY ‘TO THE FRONT.

A Tale of the Lone Star State.

BY “ BUCKSKIN SAM " (MAJOR SAM S. HALL),
AUTHOR. or “OLD nocKY’s BOYEES," arc.

 

CHAPTER I.
SAVED.

Om: first scene opens amid the bottom-timber of
the Rio Llano, at a pomt midway between the con-
fluence of that river with the Rio Colorado of Texas,
and Fort Mason.

The time of which we write was a score or more
yours ago when the locality mentioned was unset-
tled, and in the line of march ofthomaraudlng Co-
manches, Apaches an doihcr iicrcc red-men or the
Southwest; when proceeding against the settlers in
the vicinity of Austin and San Antonio, who on
their return from their bloody raids. often dashed
to the very guard-lines of the military stations,
shooting down at their doors the settleis that had es-
tablished thi-msi-lvcs within a few hundred yards of
the U. S. forts, and who deemed themselves perfect-
ly safe from the in -rciicss :ivagos.

The dense, towering timber is thickly entwined by
flowering vines of many varieties, and each and
every limb was draped with firstoous of Spanish
moss. while beneath the trees were tangled thickets
of luxuriant undergrowth,

The timber extends fully half a mile on either
side of the river, and, at‘ihe more narrow portions
of the stream, forms a dense archan of verdnre, as
if the noble trees had coni’edemteri in lovingly guard-
ing the cool waters that nurtured their roots, from
the burning rays of th - Southern sun.

To the WrSL of the line. of timber stretches the
open. flower-docked pmirin. broken here and there
between the Rio Llano and Rio San Saba by patches
of oak openings, and at times by solitary mottes, or
n uartor or half-acre in extent.

iroctly on the bank of the river, in a natural
owning, is a camp-fire burning brightly, about
w ich are several negroes of both sexes, busied in
cooking: the blaze illuminating the arched opening,
for the setting sun casts no rays within the denso
bottom-timber.

A halt-dozen. white-tilted, heavily laden wagons
are standing in the west side of the “ open." But a
single mule is to be seen. however. in the encamp-
ment—a beautiful, fglossy black pen ,‘with in e,
bright eyes. long mane, and ii wav tai that brus es
the flowers and grass, as the as: impatiently
Whisks the flies and guilt: from its sides.

At a glance one would Fudge that the pon was the
favorite of a lady, as re ally as a side-sad is of fine
workmanship hangs mm a limb near the animal
and also from the fact that; the intelligent eyes of
the beast are often directed to a fair maiden. who
forms one of the group which we will now inspect.

Senter upon blankets, which are spread upon the
green swnrd upon the very bank of the river. and
near to a Dearborn, are a party of three persons.
One is a young girl of surpassing loveliness, of dper-
haps sixteen years of age. Her eyes are of a ark
hazel. and most expressive; her hair is dark-brown
wavy. and hangs, girl-like. below her waist, hel
partially from free abandon by it tiny flowering
creepnr twiued amid its meshes.

Her face is of Grecian mold. perfect and liewitch-
lug; her cheeks. t to color of i, l A prairie-rose when
first bursting into bloom.

or medium height. and with a form just develop-
ing into womanhood. she is, indeed one that would

 

 

     

attract and hold the attention and admiration of
even one of her own sex; and that in the most aris-
tocratic gatherings of civilized life.

A riding-habit. homespun, and of grayish tint, flt‘
ting her bust like a glove, shows the contour of her
sylpb-like form in every line.

About her wath is clasped an embossed belt, sup-
porting a small silver-mounted revolver and danger.
Her small, well-formed feet are incased in morocco
boots, which extend nearly to her knees. Thus she
sits, gazing in wonder, as the extent and magma“
cence of the. grand cathedral of Nature, within
which she ri-s's, is l'uily appreciated.

Near to her. lying at full length upon his back.
and half-asleep. is a lad of perhaps fourteen, and so
strongly resembling the maiden that the most oas-
ual observer would at once decide that he was her
brother.

A belt of arms was also clasped about the boy’s
waist. while a. pair of rifles rested‘against a bush at
their bJCkS. _

Beyond them was a third person. evidently their
father; every cast or his features indicating this
rolati mship. He sat with his hands clasped about
his knees. and seemed iobe of powerful build and
great muscular strength. ,

He was clad in homespun, and buckled about his
waist was a pair of ariny~size Colt‘s revolvers, and a
huge bowie-knife; while, upon the ground near him.
lay a long-barrcled, heavy rifl 1—3 muzzle-loader.

From the manner of this man it was evident that
he was anxious] expecting some one, for he con-
stantly swe t t e Western side of the “o n " With
eager and ashing glances. That all 1: rec were
weary from a long day’s ride was apfiarent; and
also that they had but just oncamped w ere we find
them.

As has been mentioned, it was the sunsotliour,
and the bottomtimbcr was filled with gloom; the
waters of the river rollingr ink black before the trio.
except in places where the lis t from the tires turned
the ripplin ' waters into molten gold, increasing the
darkness o the shades beyond.

But the faintest zepliyr stirred the drooping moss
that hung in masses from the boughs. thus increas-
ing the weirdness of the silent eve, and impressing
the gazers with feelings akin to awe. Even the per-
spiring blacks. flitting around the fires, seemed
seized with superstitious dread, as they cast furtive

iances around them, and toward the group near
he river-bank.

Not a word from human lips broke the semi-
silence of nature. The stealthy movements of the
blacks as they lidcd here and there, seemed as if
earrul of distur ing the weird Spi‘"

It was a strain e and most impressive scene The
white wagontl ts the Dearborn. the pon , the
n and the trio of whites, ull revealed , the
lurid flash from the campfires—a ictnre 0 Wild
beauty seldom seen, and never cxcep in the beauti—
tul land of which we write. '

Suddenly the silence is broken by the flapping of
huge wings high up in the natural dome of vordure,
an a mammoth buzzard,just dropping from the
sky thrmgh a clear space between the limbs.
catches a ew of the human beings below, and at
once checks its downward course, clutching at a
limb and cranlng its neck, while its revulsive eyes
were fastened upon them.

The pony bounds with a snort to the end of its
lariat, with arched neck and quivering nostrils, its
bright eyes fixed in wonder, while the maiden
sprung to asitting ture. and. with lips apart,
gazed at the red-jowed bird. The man uncde

is hands, rapidly clutched his rifle, amused from
his dreamy musings by the strange sounds which
suddenly broke_the stillness. So Wrapped 113;] may
all been in their own thoughts, and oppressed by
fatigue, that they were for the moment speechless.
all evidently being apprehensive of some possible
great danger, and imablo to quite decide what, u;
might be.

      

    
 

 

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Prio Fred in Texas. 3

 

On! for an instant stood they thus, when the
huge uzzard darted directly between the youth and
the maid toward the middle of the “open,” just as
a) coyote—the loath(isogire bird’s asisgfiiate—mn lfiy

em cowering an ng ing its \ y upon t 8
award, while it trembled wi h terror.

Catching up his rifle, the boy dashed forward as
his sister uttered a half-stifled scream, and crushed
in the skull of the coyote with a single blow of the
weapon; but, at this very moment, the voice of the
man broke out, in mingled pleading and command,
gasping as if life and death depended upon his
words ‘ as, indeed, they did:

"Lorine and Louis; stand in your tracks! Don’t
move a muscle, or you are doomed!"

Before, however, the words were half spoken. both
the dyouth and maiden had partially turned and
Elton gazing up into the trees that towered above

iem.

“0h, dearl 0h, pa al"

These ejaculations met from the pallid lips of
the young girl at the first glance upward. lien,
still as a statue she stood, her eyes fixed in horror
upon a low swaying limb, upon which crouched a
hugepanther, clawing the bark with nervous mo.
tion, its white teeth gleaming, and its eyes blazing
like coals of fire, while it repared for its cat—like
bound downward upon t 9 beautiful maiden, his
coveted human rey.

The words of e girl, addressed as Lorine-bespoke
the relationship between her and the man, who,
with rifle ready, stood firm in his tracks. but pale
as a corpse; his eyes fixed upon the terrible beast
that at any instant might spring upon his darling
child and rend her limb from limb.

Thus he stood, knowinfiethat any suspicious move-
maul: would cause the ast to spring; he having
gained his wrgyon at the ve moment that the
panther crawl free from the enser foliage

The youth also stood still as death, fully realizin
the dread situation, his heart in his throat, and a
his war of self-control forced to the front to with-
hol himself from bounding betwven his sister and
danger—~11 movement that he well knew would cause
the author to spring at once.

AH suppressed their breath. The negroes beyond
stood horror-stricken; douhl so from mt being
aware of the nature of the t reatened danger. A
terrible moment it was to our three friends—mer-
haps more terrible to that father, upon whom the
liflet of his child depended, thanto the daughter her-
se .
Slow] , very slowly, by it hardly perceptible move-
ment, t e long ride arose to an aim so gradual that
to him who held the weapon, and who not for an
instant allowed his aze to wander from the anther,
it seemed hours. e feared that he wou never
bring the gun to the desired elevation, yet he dared
not make amovoment that would draw the light-
ning-like gaze of the beast and hasten the moment
that might deprive him of his child

He dared not think of the possibility of failing to
R‘ant his bullet in the panthcr‘s brain~crushing
Bum; every such thought through fear of marring

is a in.

Faster the ringed tail lashed the sides of the fearful
beast; faster the terrible claws tore the bark, scut-
tcrmiz fra merits upon the undergrowth. Then,
suddenly, t 6 huge cat crouched backward, its eyes
blazing, its back arched, Its whole tremendous mus-
cular strenglh gathered for the long bound down
upon the angelic maiden who, chilled with horror,
stood as if petrified.

At that instant a. thunderous ort broke the
awful stillness, echonig and re-echo n through the
arches of We bottom-timbPl‘, and f0 lowed by a
tearing of claws that curdled the bio 2d in the veins
of the trio. Just then the panther's form shot out
from the foliage, writhing while yet in air, and fell
at the very feet of the fair girl, who stood unable to
move or speak, so great was her horror.

The moment that the writhing beast struck the

 

earth, the outh, with uplifted bowie, sprung in a
mad and desperate bound upon the animal, and
buried his blade again and again in the vitgils of the
beast, all the time the deadly claws tearing up the
grass and flowers in tho spasms of death.

‘ My God! Ithank thee!"

This cry came from the ii )8 of the man who had
fired the rifle; this, in soul-fie t accents, as he threw
down his weapon, and sprung forward, clasping the
now trembling irl in his arms, while he added:

“ Oh, m daring, my child! Thank Heaven, you
are sparei to mel You passed through the terrible
ordeal like a horoine—like a true woman; better
than most men I“

 

CHAPTER II. »
INTO THE DEPTHB.

So great was the reaction, from almost certain
death,in a most horrible form. that Lorine, sunk
trembling, without the power of 8 each into the
arms of her father, her gaze yet flxe . in dread hor-
ror, upon the dying panther at her feet.

Louis, the youth, sprung erect, with blood-drip
ing knife and planting his foot upon the quivering
east circled his blade in the air, crying out:

" H’urrali for us, father! We laid the monarch of
the Llano low. Lorine, you had a very narrow es-
ca e!

'l he blacks stood spellbound. not darin to a
preach; each in the same position as when n a 'm ;

he pony snorting with terror and striving to break
free, while the buzzard had flapped its huge wings,
and soared aloft, beyond the towering trees, at-
frlghted at the re ort of the rifle.

‘ It was terrib e, indeed—a fearful strain upon
Lorine‘s nerves,” replied the father to his son.

“My oor child, calm yourself. For the beast is
dead. tremble to think of the consequences that
would have followed, had I not rightly decided the
cause of the coyote’s sudden dnsh from the thicket.
Had I not gained a favorable position with my rifle
at once, the panther would, upon discovering me a
moment later in the act, have sprung at once.

“It was amazing—those three sudden surprises.
The appearance of the buzzard, the dash of the
‘wolf, and the discovery of the panther, each follow.
ing the other instantaneously. And it was not
strange that we were all com lately dumfounded."

“I was nearly asleep,” said uis: “and it was a
right lively time for a few minutes, but I was quick
enough toget the deadwood on the coyote. The
buzzard made me mad. disturbing our quiet camp
and the wolf got the benefit of my indignation first,
the amber afterward.

"' tell you, sis, it made my scalp crawl, to see the
beast’s glaring eyes, and to realize that it was about
to spring upon you, leaving no opening for me to
defend you. It seemed hours, father, before you
Eullel trigger, and I wondeer what caused your de-

y; but for my life I could not tear my gaze from
the anther.“

“ in skin would have made a flue robe, and it
would be a good idea to keep it as amemouto of
this dread occasion, but I’ve slashed it bad with my
bowie, I‘m afraid.“ _

Louis s oke rapidly, and in much excitement, the
younglgir at lengthreplying to her father:

“0 . papal I never was so frightened before, I
really had no hope of escaping; or I have, as on
know, witnessed the fearful work of panthers, w en
I have been hunting with you. .

“I realized. in a moment. my great peril- but!
had been so astonished and alarmed lhatlcould
lcou' d not movealilnh. even had you not spcken
to caution me against it."

“ it was provideulial that such was the case," re-
turnwl lll‘l‘ father; “for, bad you run. the panther
would havo sprung instantly upon you. “0 must
guard against such dangers in the future. Beasts

 

 

,..A.. 4‘

not 5 ring out into the ‘open ’ to avoid ihebeastr

 

 

 

 

 

   

4

 

of prey are numerous and bold here, not having
been hunted to any great extent. .

“ You were so deeply wrapped in. contemplation
Lorine, that I did not wish to dlsturo you, or
should have hurried up the negroes; for I am very
hungry, besides feeling anxious m regard'to Mr.
Jackson.

“ He ought to have re orted before this time."
“ka of his Inferno. Majesty, and his up ear-
ance assured!" cried out Louis with along , as
he proceeded to cut elf the claws of the panther.

Such was indeed the case, for the sound of a fast-
gallo ing horse, and swishmg of branches, were

ear from the west, and soon a man mounted
upon a pantin’ horse, dashed at headlong speed
from the tim er, crashin through the under-
growth, and haltiu mar t e group, 's features
stamped with anxrety and apprehension, which,
however, vanished as his eye roved around the

cam .

“ \R’hat in the name of wonder caused you to
shoot Colonel La Costa?" asked the new-comer, ex-
citedly. “ [have had a hard run, tearing through
the brush; for I was greatly alarmed, knowing that
we were in a locality where you would not'shoot
unless in an extreme case of anger.”

“You are ri ht, Jackso 1,” returned the colonel,
pointing signi cantly at the dead anther. “Had I
delayed firing a. moment, that east would have
torn my daughter in pieces."

Jackson gave vent to his feelinzx in ejaculations
of surprise, and congratulated Lorine upon her es-
cape, and the colonel on his nerve.

This last arrival was attired in buckskin lezzins.
and blue woolen shirt, with a sombrero, and high-
topped boots, upon the heels of which were ion
spurs; while his belt held the usual revolvers an
bowie. He was a man of strong bu‘ld. bearded, and
of medium height. His skin was much bronzed by
sun and camp-fire, and he was a typical Texan m

. appearance, although a man of fair education and

excellent manners.

C Jackson was the wagon-master of Colonel La
oste.
" What have you to re art i” asked the colonel, as

.his employee dismountc . “ I have been quite anx-

ious on account of your long absence.”

“ i presume l have been away much longer than
it seems to myself, colonel," was the reply; “and I
will explain my delay.

“ In the first place. I was forced to order the team-
aters to drive t e mules u the river. fully a quarter
of a mile, and then her the animals, as the grass
was n )t as good directly west from this camp as
further up. Then, being anxious in regard to the
scouts, I galloped out over the plain some three
miles, thinking I might see them returning from the
San Saha- but not a glimpse of a human being did 1
dis “overfl

‘ And what is the occasion of this delay in the re-

turn of Mr. Fred Fontaine and Old Rocky? line

you any fears of their having met danger? Do you
think t ere are any Indians on the San Saba?“

Lorine, who had entirely recovered herself, and
manifested an anxious interest in the words of Jack-
son, after the latter had mentioned the scouts, put
these questions in a hurried manner, that betrayed
her deep interest in the absent ones. _

“l have no idea what has detained them, MISS La
Caste,” answered Jackson: “ and I cannot inform
you whether there are an Indians in the vicinity of
the San Saba: although have a strongr suspicion
that the river is not free from the red demons at
this season of the year."

“The scouts will doubtless return before morning."
said the colonel. in a thoughtful manner. “Di'i you
intend to keep the herd out on the plain all night,
Jacks-m?"

“ Not; by any means. We must be. prudent. now.
Ishall have the mules driven into the timlwr near

.our camp in about three hours. We must run no

risk. but guard against a stampede. The red

Prio Fred in Texas.

 

   

thieves would risk much to capture such a herd of
fat mules.“

“I presume so; but let us eat our supper ‘and
banish all thoughts of the Comanche, or our diges-
tion will be spelled. Come. Lorine andLouis. Ihope
the panther did not spoil your appetites."

The four then proceeded toward the fires, where
the negroes had spread u on a piece of canvas a
feast that could not have ailed to be appreciated
by any hungry human; the scent of broiled turkey.
venison and fish filling the air, while the aroma. of
Rio and Java floated about the camp.

Seated upon bundles of blankets the uartette of
whites were now waited upon by the silen , but deep
ly impressed blacks, who cast frequent curious and
solicitous glances upon Lorine, for the felt that
their young mistress had been miracu ously pre-
served from a most terrible death.

All were curious, and were, besides, filled with
superstitious wonder at the strange happenings of a
brief moment.

The meal was eaten in silence by all except
Louis, who rattled off many comments In regard to
the recent l{peril of his sister, as well as u n the
absence of red Fontaine and Old Rocky, t e miss—
ingscouts.

he colonel was op ressed with fears in regard to
the absentees, as we as was Jackson and Lemma.
This was evident by their silence, and was stamped
upon their faces whenever Louis made mention of
the names of the scouts.

However, all ate heartily, and then returned to
their former resting-place; two of the blacks having.
agreeably to orders, dragged the carcass of the
panther from the camp, and spread it into the
river. The blankets were now thrown on the bank,
at some distance from the former position, and at a
point where there could be no danger of Wild beasts
springing down upon them from the large branches
of the trees.

Then, Lorine, having changed her riding-habit in
the Dearborn, seated herself, and Louis resting his
head in her lap, lay outstretched: the sister toying
with the brother‘s curls. while her gaze wanders
from the dark waters of thl river to the dense
shades, she, at times, shuddering as if her imagin-
ings were too real, and the weird somber night
was regnant with horrors more terrible than the
pant er. '

Colonel La Coste and Jackson seated themselves
near at hand. and iglniting their pipes, conversed in
lvw tones; while t e negroes, after. partaking of
their evening meal, put things to rights and re-
paired to their assigned positions about the camp,
with guns in hand, to act as sentinels, the women
seating themselves in a group, at a respectful dis
tance rom their master.

_ Thus an hour passed, Lorine declining to retire
into the Dearborn. and go to sleep, saying that she
felt in no way inclined to slumber.

.Louis slept soundly, his head reclining upon his
Sister‘s lap. and her hands upon his curls.

The boy lay down also, curving his neck, and
resting is head upon his shoulders, soon becoming
oblivious «to ought but equine dreams.

Colonel La Caste and Jackson converse/i in low
tones, frequently gazing at Lorine, who still sat up-
right, her eyes open, and apparently in deep thought,
or greatly impressed by her surroundings.

The two former frequently swept the camp and
shades With keen gaze, and old their rifles across
their-knees; yet, for the time mentioned, no sound,
nor eight of aught to create apprehension or even
to attract the slightest notice, was seen or heard by
any in the encampment.

The fires were kept burning b the negroes. who
by turns guarded the camp an the “open ” was
thus kept illumined to such a degree as to enable
any object to be clearly seen within the clear space.
even between the wagons and the border of under-
growth on the western side of the cam .

But a change, for more sudden and startling than

      
           
       
       
    
  
    
  
 
    
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
 
   
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
 
 
    
    
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
 
 

 

 

    

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prio Prod in Texas. ‘ 5

 

had been occasional by the recent advent of buzv
zard, coy to, or panther, was destined to transform
the ft-elings and positions of all parties, and create
abject terror and anguish. For, but a little time
1133 passed, when Lorine La Coste. with a piercing
s’ riek, sprung to her feet, causing the sleeping
Louis to be thrown roughly from her lap, and s'nnd-
ing erect, with staring eyes, and form trembling
fro'n head to foot, the maiden, with quivering arm
outstrewhed, pointed directly at the margin of the
giver-bank, but a short distance below their pcsi-

ion. .
Colonel La (late and Jackson bounded upright,
the click of loops sounding with steely snap, as they
cocked their rifles, both following the direction
pointed out by Lorine.

There. upon the bank, in anatural position, the
fireiight playing upon its eyes, its side covered with
blood and ga in gashcs, stood the panther, that
all knew was eat, and not only that, but had been
hurled into the river.

Only a moment stood the panther thus; not long
enough for the dumfounded observers to reason—
then it sunk to earth and its disappearance was
Showed by the sound of a heavy splash in the

ver.

'Atthe instant that the panther sunk, another
piercmg shri1k that expressed the deepest horror
and despair, followed byapleading cry for help,
which ended in another shriek of deadly terror,
amused the agonized father, Jackson, and the half-
awakened Louis, and they darted forward, only to
see the deathlikc and despairing face of Lorine La
Coste sinking beneath the black waters of the Rio
Llano! .

The blood congealed in their veins as. by the Side
of that loved face, they for an instant distinguished
the hideous, paint daubed features of a Comanche
brave, contorted with exnltant hate.

This was only for a moment. Then the inky
waters rolled on, the ri pie drowned by the wild,
des airing. agonizing cr es of the tortured father
an brother!

 

CHAPTER III.
was TWO scours.

"DOUBLE up, and dang my ole puserlanimous per-
ergrinatin’ pictur‘, ef hit doesn‘t make me ’bout es
mad es 3 rattler in dog~days, to guide a party 0‘ white
humans him an’ brash inter redhot hellisnnessl

“ ’Spes ly, Pard Fred, when thor's a petty-cut in
ther 13' -out. Purt air a time word ter sling in
’ ardin Loreen. ut what in thunderation an’

an nation air that curnil wantin’ ter skute sich a
len‘r {stretch toward sunset for?

“ W y in ther name 0’ Crockett an” av‘ridge com-
mon-sense can‘t he squat nigher tr'r civerlize, an’
not run chances 0' losin' his beautiful leetle gal an’
his own scalp an‘ outfit. sayin‘ nothin‘ o’ leetle
Louis, what air a slam-up kid. thet’s up ter all tricks
an’ don‘t skeer wo‘th a picayune?

“ Mebhe so, «her curnil s’poses he knows his own
biz; but I'm inclemated ter opine that he's a dang’d
long way from knowin‘ what sort 0’ onhumans ther
red hi-athun bees. He thinks he can stan’ off a war-
garty o‘ torturers with a few niggers an’ a half-

ozen ‘black-spake’ sna pens; but he‘ll want ter
crawl infer a kiote hnle w en he gits his idees stom-
peded by that war-whoops o’ ‘bnut a hundred painted
perarer piruts. An’ hit’s comin‘, ardi

“Ismells a peppery time ahea : but I'm dang‘d
of ther scariflers shill dance ’roun’ ther Ioetle gal,
Loreen, long es Ole Rock Reops his grip, an' kin
crawl an’ 0' owl"

“ It is very strange to me also, old ard. why
Colonel LaCoste will venture beyond the io Llano.
There are a thousand splendid locations to establish
a ranch, where he need not fear of bem crowded
by neighbors for many years to come, if t at is what
he is afraid of , . . _

“ He has an idea of passing his declining years in

 

solitude, caringr to associate with none except his
son and daughter; all which seems to meto be some-
what selfish and inconsiderate in him.

"Miss Lorine ought certainly not to be torn away
from all associations With her own sex, and should be
surrounded with all that delights and makes attrac-
tive civilized life. As to the dangers ahead, none
know them better than we do, and consequently we
cm be of use to the wic ims of this misguided man‘s
selfishness, as we can with truth call it. Between

ou and me, and the corral-gate, however old pard,
confcss that I am sorry we ever struck the La-
Cosic lay-out."

“Cuss my cats, an" dang my dogs] What‘s ther
difficult‘ with yer 0' late, Pard Fred! Ef we~‘uns
hedn't run ag’in’ ’em, they’d ha‘ gut skulped outen
ther dew, dead sure, an’ nobuddy ter resky ’em.
Atween me an‘ you, an’ ther kerral-ga’e, I’m chuck-
(flutiil o' glad on ’count 0‘ hevin’ struck ’em es we-‘uns

l .
“I declar’ ter thundcratinn thet I feels ist es
though I war bein’ sawed in two with a oil rain-
bow when Loreen sots her nur-y pecpers onter me;
an’ when she is eaks d'rec’ly chuck et me, I feels es
though every a‘r o’ my scalp war a jew‘s-harp,
rippin' away at all kinds 0’ tunes.

‘ I‘m nlwis ormighty narvous, thinkin’ mebbe so,
$he‘ll begin ter sin at me; fer, 9 she did, I‘m
dang‘d sure I’d go p um crazy, turn inside out like
a wagon-tilt struck by a norther, an' flip-flo like a
bob-tailed buzzard toward ther Roar-er ow—re-
Alice. es Jae Booth used ter call ther perrarer-flre
streaks up nortb’ard.

“ But I plum fergut what 7 war goin‘ ter ax yer.
Yer ’pears ormigthy blue 0’ late, an' stran e-Iike;
an' I opines, par red, that ther bright peegpers o
Loreen hes shot plum through ther bestest part 0'
yer ’natermy.”

The speakers were the scouts Old Rocky ‘and
Frio Fred, both mounted upon splendid half-breed
horses, marked well for speed and endurance, be-
sides being thoroughly armed,

The first-mentioned was an old-time scout of great
celebrity, small in stature and thin in flesh, being,
to the eye of a casual (bserver, little more than
bone and muscle. His eyes were darkhlue, ke‘n
and picrcin , and were continual] darling glances
here and tiere, through habit ormed by a life

spent amid the deadly dangers of the Southwest

border.

Frio Fred was young—not past three and twenty
—above the medium hei ht, and handsome in form
and face as an Apollo. e showed, in sinew limb
and broad breast. rest strength, and his eag e eye
roved nervously, w ile his supple movements were
in consonance‘with those of his horse. Taken alto—
gether he was one to please the e 'e, and who would
claim attention and admiration 11 any assemblage,
ospeciall from female elves.

Attire in Mexican sty e. with a rofusion of but-
tons, fringes and embroidrry, an a red silk sash
about his waist, Fred Fontaine would have been a
striking and attractive ob ect wherever met. Bis
arms were like those of liS comrade, but were
hi hly ornamented in s lver fllngreo work.

3y the side of the old scout he appeared almost
flippish, adandy of the border; but one glance into
his manly face and fearless eyes would banish any
such thought in connection with his character.

The horses showed signs of a hard day’s ride be.
heath the hot sun; but the timber line in their
front, marking the.course of the R10 San Saba
promised a. cool retreat, water and re t—m fact,
onl a couple of miles intervened between the riders
an the river.

For quite two minutes after Old Rocky had made
his home-thrust question, Frio Fred remained silent,
his eyes fixed upon the horn of his saddle, as It ob-
livious of his position, or of the words that had been
uttered.

At length he looked quickly into the race of the
old scout and spoke:

no.2.“ Lug. .

6 Prio Fred in Texas.

 

Oldpard, I have no secrets from you. My rea-
sons fo‘ regretting having met Colonel Lri Coste and
family are good ones; for, from the moment i grazed
into the. eyes of Lorine. when she was utheriiie.r
flowers on the prairie down-country, and he stain-
pedu of mules come. near trampling her into a
shape 8H8 muss-4mm the moment that I rode up,
Clllbcll‘d her in my arms, and milloped with her to a

olnt free from danger—from 'iihitt moment, Old
Eocky, I have been a changed man. as I well know
you have realized. .

“To sum it all 118, and sift it out plain and square,
I love Lorine La oste better than all the world—
better than life!"

“ Wa—al, what of hit? Thet's jist ‘bout how I put
things up; in what sticks in my crap nir why yer
feels so danL’d p‘ison ‘bout hit. 1 alwis thought
that when a young pilgrim 0’ your age run ag’in’ a
female ‘oman what struck his fancy, thet hit made
him feel extry Leart, an’ chuck-full 0’ pure glad,
’stead o’ wishin' he'd never see’d her.

“ Docs yer s’poso Loreen feels sorter soft-soddered
in ye-our direction?“

‘ If you mean to ask whether she loves me or not,
I will say that I do not believe she knows the mean
ing of the word.“

Does she tumble ter yer? D005 she know yer
bankers arter her!" '

“ Most certainly notl I would not tell her for the
world; and that is what bothers me. I am afraid of
betraying myself when with her."

“ ‘Cos why?"

“Because it is foolish in me to think of her. The
colonel is a proud man, and wraith y. He goes
heavy on ‘ blue-blood 3' while I am nobody and
have literally nothing.’

“ That's what’s ther matter, niu't hit? Thot’s why
yer feelin’ bad ‘hout havin’ fell in with tho tainhly?“

“ Yes, certainly; and it is reason enough, I should
judge. She is not for me—I know it—but I shall
never meet another that will have the power to en-
slnvn my heart as she has done.

"You know that I insisted on accompanying you

, on this trip, although you wished to 1:0 alone, and I

own up that I did not dare stay in her presence. I
could not keep away from her in camp: nndif I
thought now that she was in danger. I would take a
hee~line for the Rio F‘rio on the 'ump.

“Although I feel that Iain s owly sinking in the
quicksands of hopeless low, still I cannot leave her
on this wild frontier. exposed to the deadly perils
which her foolish father rc . udiates."

“Wu-a], I sh‘u'd smilel aug‘d et I doesn't heva
heft‘y appertite ter laugh, right sqiiar‘, nut au‘ out'
311’ would of hit wam't yeou, pai'd. Sich sort 0
lingo makes me sick enough tcr puke up my knee-
gns—dang‘d ef hit dousn‘tl I never knowed yer

r wilt on along trail, or be short 0‘ sand in a
gab scrimmage; so don‘t 9;) back on yer record,

r l

“I “gametes that though Loreen aira slam-up
angel on‘ jist es nice as kin be -rduced on this hyer
ball 0 dirt, yer won't be brin n’ her down a. single
peg by hitchin‘ outer her. Thar ain’t a better rope-
slingcr er saddle-strmldler 0’ yer age nowhar under
ther sun: an‘ no female ’oman ever friz her peepers
on a better slapped together human in er out o’
buckskinl Ye‘r’ a man, every inch 0‘ yerl

“Dang ther odds. whether ver hes picayunes or
not hit’s all ther same. an‘ ,le Rook ns-ierwntes
thet Loreen hcv gut solid sensn enough tor cotton
tor yer. She knows yer hes plenty 0’ good p‘ints,
an’ no failin’s, an‘ thet’s all that's needcessnry.

“Kee ri in on, an’ of ther leetle gal doesn't wilt
right in or pr socks when yer gaze et her, an‘ tells
her what’s troublin‘yer. I‘ll squutin a dog-town, nn'
take snakes fer grub thcr rest 0’ my pilgrimage on
this hyer ball 0’ dirtl .

"But I‘m bettin' she’s cut a hankenn‘ arter yer,
an’ hes bed since ycr skiiped her up from More that
stampede; but yer can‘t ‘spect a rail 0‘ her eder-
cate an'. fotchin up ter'slobbor allover yer, an“ roll

 

ug her eyes, an’ sw‘ar she‘ll blow her eye-winkers
o with a smooth»borc. ef yer doesn't vow yer loves
her, like ther cussed fandang‘ skippers et San An~
tone whut’ll horror four hits on yer nex' ininut’ fer
ter git swine slide conAcarm'.

“ Dangnutiou take 'em. The rub tha‘r war-paint
of! on Ole Rock’s shoulder au’ ev tha’r geriavcr fer
nix. I never opens my pouch—not inuc l

“ What in thunderation au' dangnation‘s ther dif-
flcult wi' yer, Pard Fred?"

The last ortion of the old Scout's remarks were
unhea d by red Fontaine, for he jerked his horse
quick]; to his haunches, unnoticed by Old Rocky. he
being in the rear of the old Texan, who, howevur,
turned in his saddle and erceived that Fred had
halted. This it was that rought forth the last ex»
ciamation of the old scout.

For an instant only did Old Rocky glance; then,
guided by the fixed stars of Fred. he turned his
head toward the San Saba. At the same moment the
young man yelled:

“ Look dead ahead. old pardl There’s danger and
death on the San Sabal God help the La Costcs if
there is a large war—party! What does it menu? It
seems to be reds chasing a red 1“

As he spoke, Frio Fred spurred up to the side of
Qld Rocky, who cried out in a. frenzy of apprehen-
sion:

“ Cuss my cats an’ dang my dogsl Ther con-
demned Curinanches air chasin ther Tonk! Spur,
Frgdhspur for litel We‘ll save Turtle, or lose our
ha rl

 

CHAPTER IV.
CONSTERNATION m cm.

Comm LA Conn: and his son Louis, as they gave
vent to their bitter anguish a! the sight of the death-
like face of poor Lorine. disappearing beneath the
black waters, Side by Side with the hideous, paiut‘
daubed head of the Comanche brave, both leaped
with desperate bounds into the river; but Jackson.
more calm, and realizing the utter foolishness of
such a proceeding, stood in his tracks his rifle in
hand, although for his life he could n)t decide what
movement to make in this dread emergency

Full ten feet, the two, father and son, were forced
to leap before striking the water; then they sunk
from view. but soon reappeared, battling the cur-
rent at the Eoint where Lorine and her savage cap-
tor had sun from sight.

Jackson. seeing that they were splendid swim-
mers, and realizing that it would be useless for him
to seek to influence them in the least for the present,
but confident that thev would soon exhaust them-
selves and return to the camp, turned his attention
toward the wagons, from which now come criés,
and moans, and lamentatiins—the terrified negroes.
guards included, having rushed en masse into one of
the vehicles.

JackSim perceived that not only was the camp in
danger of being captured b lurking savages, but
that the teamsters on the pi n were liable to be at-
tacked. and the mules stain ed.

Destruction and death t resumed the outfit. as
well as the lives of Colonel La Costa and his fami]
and slaves; indeed there seemed to be no other en -
ing (or the night. and the wagon-master felt that he
was the only reasonable man. the only available
force to content against the Indians, who, he felt
sure, were in the vicinity.

There was butane hope, and that was founded
upon the possib lity that the two Comanches who
by theirstratng. had succeeded in getting Lorine
into their power. were scouis of some war-party.

This, upon reflection appeared reasonable. else
why had not the camp heen attacked at once?

Convinced that this must. be the true state of the
case, Jackson rushed to the wagon, and yelledto
the terrified negroes:

“ Hush your noise, every one of you or you'll
draw the whole Comanche nation down upon us!
Jump out here, boys, and guard the camp, or I'll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'34.

s‘

jam“

Haul,

 

 

 

 

 

Prio Prod

in Texas. 7 9

 

blow your cowardly brains out! Are you afraid of
two skulking Indians that have already lied?“

“ Gui a’mighty. Mars' Jackson!" s oke one of the
slaves, in a trembling voice; “I see’ moru’n a huh-
dred red debils. De woods am i'ull'on ‘em 1"

“That’s all boshl Tumble out here, and obey
orders, or the camp is lost, and you‘ll all be tor-
tured. Your yells will guide the savages here it
there are any near at hand; so keep still as death—
that is the only hope. Jim, kiok out those fires this
instantl“

Jackson soon saw that but little could be trusted
to the affrighted blacks, in case of an attack. They
were all trembling as with the ague. The appear-
ance of the denddpamher had been more than they
could understen . Realizing this, Jackson quickly
explained the situation, causing the men to crowd
down somewhat their fears, and to mutter vows of
revenge when the capture of their young mistress
was made known to them.

The wagon-master know, however, that this would
be but temporary; that, upon the first alarm, the
terror of the negroes would return.

It was a helpless and discouragiqu position, but
Jackson kept cool and collected, whi e directing the
slaves, an quieting the women and children by
Wellselected words. He then stationed four of the
blacks at diflferent oiuts about the we one, with
orders to remain rm at their posts, on shoot the
first and every Indian they disc0vered; impressin
upon them the fact that the lives of all depended
u n them.

pon second thought he delayed the extinguish-
ing of the fin-s until these arrangements were made,
and the Dearborn drawn amid the other wagons.
Then he repeated his orders to the two blacks, who
proceeded toward the tires to kick the fagots aside.

Tossing his rifle into the hollow of his left arm,
with a satisfied expression at having reducod the
fears of the nefroes, Jackson stood sweeping the
surroundings o the camp for the last time, know-
ing that it would soon bcutter darkness. He began-
now to be filled with apprehensions at the non-
ap earance of the colonel and Louis.

wo slaves, with lines clutched, proceeded with
cautious steps toward the two fires. but suddenly
came to a halt, in terror and superstitions horror;
for, out from a thicket, sprung the self-same pan-
ther. its sides gashed and covered with gore, and its
glaring eyes reflecting the fire-light.

For about ten feet. the ho- rible thingr glided. and
then arched its back for a bound upon the blacks,
who were struck dumb. and incapable of motion.
It was only for an instant. Then, the settling re-
port of Jackson‘s rifle awakened the forest echoes,
and. with a blood-curdling death-yell, a Comanche
brave sprung into the air, the panther-skin falling
from his form.

The same moment that the shot rung out, the ne-
groes whirled in their tracks to run, and Piercing
Bhrieks again sounded from the wagons: iut the
voice of Jackson broke through the commotion, as
he yelled:

“ Stand your ground, bovs, or I’ll blow your
brains out! About face, and march up to that dead
Indian. who has been masquerading in a panther-
skin. It‘s about time to get over our foo ishness,
for on have not to fight now. or d ei"

“ clar’ ter de Lor‘. Mars‘ Jackson." returned one
of the, blacks; “ has enough ter slr do wool ofl'n
our he =ds. Efdey’d fight human-1i , I'd stun an
take hit." ‘

“0h you‘ll get used to this. if you travel west
much urther, and don't get killed; but I'll tell on
honestly, you are more liable to become a vict In i
you run, than if you stand firm."

The two slaves and Jackson reached the side of
the dead bravo, the wagon-muster rolling the Indian
over with his foot, and cxposmg the hi eons paint-
dsubed features. '

r Jackson would not have ventured in the firefight,
had he not become convinced that there was no

force of Indians in the thickets—the proceedings of
the savages, thus fur, indicating that there had been
but two engaged in the strategic attempts to secure
captives, and thus gain glory by their during achieve-
men s.

“ You need not kick out the fire," he now said,
" for I do not think there has been more than two
Indians abour the cam , and here lies one of them.
his last whoop sounde . Hasten and quiet the wo-
mcnl Their noise may attract others.’

Hardly had the two blacks left the side of Jackson
when the atlention of the latter was drawn toward
the river b heavy groans and the splashing of water,
and with rifle reloaded, he ran C«.ji‘uickiy forward, dis-
covering 10 his joy, Colonel La oste climbing up the
bank, his form dripping with water, and his face the
pailor of a corpse.

“ Thank Heaven, you have returned alive!” said
J uckson, quickly, and in as mpathetic tone of voice.
“ I have shot one of the red eathen. Where is Louis?
And have you seen your daughter?”

The colonel drew himself upward, his eyes filled
with hopeless despair, his strong frame oonvulsed.
and stood there, panting for breath.

Jackson waited for his employer to compose him-
self, meanwhile running his piercing gaze up and
down the river. but naught moving caught his eye,
except the inky waters, and they told no tale of
what had occurred in their depths.

At last Colonel La Coste found utterance.

“My God!” he exclaimed. “This is more than I
can bearl My darling child is in the power of fiend—
ish savages and for an lzt I know, my boy Louis,
also. Fl 1- the love of eaven, Jackson, give me
some hopel Shall I ever again look u on my little
Lon'ne. so like her dead mother? She] I ever again
1see my bravo boy, who dashed to the rescue like 8.

MN)?

“Speakl For mercy’s sake, speak; or else ut a
bullet through my brain, and end this fearfu , this
unendurahlc agony l”

“ Calm yourself, colonel l" returned Jackson; "in
the, name of reason, calm yoursolfl Do not allow
the negroes to witness your weakness. Brace up,
and think, and work! In your present state you me
of no more use than a wooden man. There are but
a tow Indianshee now-apel'haps none except the
one who captured your daughter.

“Louis is a keensighte , rave lad, and may have
discovered the red fiend, and is at. this very moment
following him to save his sister. I believe this is
more than robable. Think of this, colonel, and cast
aside your npeless rief.

“ Monmin: for the 05% of Lorine will not help her.
We must act, and promptly, or all be massacred;
for if that Comanche escapes, he will bring down a
horde of his fellow-butchers upon us. Let us stir
ourselves at once. ’

“The herd must be drive n in, or the mules will be
stampeded and tho teamsters slain. All do ends
upon your being and acting your own self, a rave
man. Bend all your energies upon defense and the
recovery of your son and daughter, and hope for
the best. ,

“ If Frio Fred and Old Rocky were here! should
feel safe. We must dispatch a men to the San Saba,
in hot haste. The negroes, With the teamsters,
must defend the camp, while you and I search the
bottom for sign or trace of your son and daughter.
Never despair, colonel i"

From the moment that Jackson began to speak,
Colonel La’ Caste seemed to recover h1mself,banish~
lug his fears, as the wagon-master proceeded; and,
when the speaker ended. the bereaved father ex-
tended his hand, raised 'hiniself to his full height,
and said with deep feeling in every accent:

“ God Bless you, Jackson! You have more solid
sense than adozen common men. I will follow our
very reasonable advice and act, banishing my to ry
to all the extent in my power. Your programme
must be acted upon. I Will attend to the negroes.

 

“ Order the herd to be driven in, and then put the

 

,...‘.A.;.-.:;:;2;x saw-4. .

 

 

 

’9

Prio Prod in Texas.

   

 

teamsters on guard. Had you not better go for the
scouts yourself? We cannot depend ufim any man
in the train, when close hunting after r. Fontaine
and Old Rocky is considered.

“Life and death to us all may depend upon the
earl arrival of those two brave and skillful scouts!“

" erha s it is better that I should go," was the
reply. “ he herd shall be driven in immediately;
then you can take Big Bill with you, and search for
your children.

" By morning I hope to have the scouts here. and
then the trail can be found and followed. Carry
out the bill, and keep cool, colonel. I’ll do my part,
or die in the attempt!"

While he was speaking. Jackson busied himself

nipping his horse; and as he ended he sprung into

s saddle, drove spurs, and waving his sombrero,
dashed across the “ 0 en," disap sring in the un-
dergrowth westward oward the erd.

 

CHAPTER V.
TURTLE. 'rnu romwn.

‘Asou'r two hours previous to the time that Old
Rocky and Frio Fred discovered Indians dashing

from the bottom~timber on the eastern side of the,

Rio San Saba, a horseman guided his animal slowly
amid the trees on the we-t- rn si ‘e or the above-
mentioned river until he gains 1 the extreme margin
of the timber, at the westward b ‘n of the stream,
from which point he could command a. view of the
farvstretching prairiw beyond.

The horse was black as ebony, with long, arching
neck. and clean limbs that proved speed, while its
flashing eyes spoke of fire and endurance. Its mane
and forelock were trimmed with scalps and tiny
silver ornaments, with fish-bone and featherswhile
a aw-strap served in place of a bridle.

he saddle was of Mexicun make, a turtle sh 11
serving as a born; a gourd, blanket and lessees be-
ing attached by buckskin strings.

The rider was a man~a nobleman by nature. This
was proved by poise of form and glaDCe of eye, al-
though his skin wns red.

He was nearly six feet in height. and straight as a
forest pine. He stood erect as he dismounted, hold:
ing the slack of tho jaw-strip in his lianll, his keen,
black eyes seeming to pierce the foliage in his front,
and his sense of hearing strained to catch the

Meat noise. -

aired from the waist up, he st \0d. his de 
fringed buckskin leggins and moc Easins rich y
bedecked with beads. porcupine-quills, and bear-
teeth. A red sash about his waist supported his
logging, while his arms were an army revolver and a
long swiping-knife.

A shor , s‘out bow and a quiver of arrows hung
gacefullv at his back. the uiver as well as the

w sheath bedecked with sea p9.

In his left hand he clutched a Coit's carbine,
carrying a “blue whistler," or an ounce slur.

For an Indian, his features now daubed with the
paint-bars of war, were regular, if not handsome;
while his gaze was open and dauntless, and free
from guiie or deceit.

Upon his broad, bronzed breast was drawn. in
differed-colored pigments, an exact representation
of a turtle. with head and paws extended, in muta-
tion of energetic action.

A bronze Apollo he was, indeed, with ‘sinewy
frame, his flesh firm, and his muscles bulging out in
knots: as his arms, half-bent, clutched strap and

n in a grip that, seconded by the comortions of

is facial nerves as! blaze of eye, seemed to hold in
check a volcano of hate and revengeful fury.

Only an instant stood he thus. but during that
brief space he had, without close inspection, decided
the character of the sights and sounds, although yet
afar off on the plain. ,

Hastii securing the jaw-stra to a sapling,'1‘urtle
the Ton sway, the friend of am Houston, and all

i

 

 

true Texans, crouches low and gains a position
where, parting the leaves, the open plain is clearly
revealed to him.

And, although he now sees fully three-score of
horsemen das ing toward him, who. be well knows,
would yell With fiendish delight as they tortured
him to death—who would consider him a more ini-

rtant captive than any white man, hatin and
caring him as they do, more than even the de ested
Texans—though he knows all this, yet not a shadow
of fear or apprehension is shown in his stoical face;
naught except set teeth and eyes that flash intense
fury, expressing the fiery passion that soothes in his
brain and breast.

Nearer and nearer they come Threescore of
Comanches, their lances fringed with scalps, the
steel points glittering in the sunliiht, and feathers
daunting in the wind of their terrific speed— on, half-
bent in their saddles, the wild-flowing manes of the
mustangs fluttering in their hideous faces. bound-
ing, with headlong speed, while their boots threw
the flowers and 5: on all sides

On, in a ma , savage mass, like the rush of a
fierce norther, and Turtle knows that the hideous
horde will {ass directly by his covert toward the
more strai t course of the river.

The Foo away bounds to his feet, jerks his bow,
and adjusts the string' then drawing an arrow, he
inspects it, and fits the ieathered shaft ready for its
errand of death.

For a moment he stands, with left foot forward,
his weight upon his right, and facing the point which
the bloodvcraving fiends must pass.

His nostrils are distended at every breath. his
broad breast swells, his black eyes seem to shoot
out shafts of fiery hate, while his lips curl away
from his white. clinched teeth.

A moment after. with the rush and trembling
sound of a stampede of mustangs, on like an ava-
lanche came the paint- laubed devils along the bor-
der of the thick undergrowth.

Just as the innermost mustangs shot past his
covert, brushing against the very leaves and twigs in
his front, the bow of Turtle bent until the feathered
end kissed the Tonkaway's painted cheek. A twang,
and the deadly shaft cut the air and was buried to
the feather in the side of a burly brave, whose arm
was upralsed to lash bis steed.

A horrible yell rung out. and with arms upthrown,
the doomed warrior sunk backward, falling over the
hams of his horse, to be trampled by the boots of
the fast-galloping and dumfounded horde.

Then there burst from every throat a far-sounding
whoop. and the war-party came to a halt. Just
then came the wild, peculiar and unmistakable war-
whoop of the Tonkaway from the bottom, given in
taunting exultation. and causln a score of red
braves to lash their steeds in a eadlong charge,
crashing into the undergrowth with bows halfvbent
and arrows fitted to the st rings.

But he who had braved almost certain death to
satisfy revenge, was as cunnin as he was during,
and not to be caught at a disadvantage by over
wnelming numbers: for, at the instant he released
his bow-strip and uttered his taunting yell, he
sprung upon .is sable steed, and dashed northward
tlirou !h the timber, emerging from it on the oppo-
site side of the bend from the Comanchos; all sounds
made bgehim while breaking through the under-
growth ing drowned by the confusion among the

war~party, as they jerked their mustangs to u halt,’

in their amaze at hearing the death-signal from the
rear. and the war-cry of the Tonkaway that so close
followed it.

Heading his horse to pass around the bend to-
ward his foes. Turtle cocked his deadly carbine,
restin the weapon in the hollow of his left arm,
jerk revolver and bowie to the front of his belt,
ready for instant use, then gavea ,culiar cry to his
horse that caused the animal to s oot forward like
an arrow sent from a bowgthe noble beast well‘
knowing what his rider required of it.

   

in
i,
5 :

 

 

     

  
  

 

 

Prio Fred in Texas. 7 9'

 

It was a grand and magnificent sight. The bronzed
Tonkaway chief, eagle-feathers and midnight hair
flaunting in the wind, his graceful form slighth
bent forward, his bright black eyes blazing wit

vengeful fury-the war-spirit of his tribe to the ,

front, the war-cry of his people ready to burst from
his parted lips.

On, likt-acatapult projectile. shot the red rider
and his sable steed, swooping around the bend upon
a horde of painted demons, all .uger for his blood,
and craving to hear his dying gasps at the torture—
stake—on. to almost certain death!

No more daring act could be conceived. Reckless
of life, insanely on war for revenge, for the blood of
his enrmies—on, h e an avengiug spirit, darted the
fearless Tonkaway chief. And, as his sure-footed
horse dplunged headlv mg, with fierce snort at the re—
peate signals of its master, around the bend to the
south, the war-cry of Turtle burst on the air in
piercingy intonations, filling the astounded ears of
the. Comanches, as they sat upon their steeds una-
ble to comprehend the true position ( f affairs.

That a single Touknway. us the war-ch of the
latter had indicated, had fired thefatal shot, and
braved capture and death, was beyond their belief‘
but the were destined to have a startling proof
that sue 1 had been the case.

on shot the ’l‘onkawyy chief, his whoop of war
ringing. his black steed headed to ass southward,
within twenty yards of the dazed omanches; and,
before the latter recovered themselves at beholding
a single foe charging upon them the carbine of
Turtle vomits fire and lead, hur. in through the
massed Comanches, while howls 0 death. and
Shorts of prancing mustangs burst from the demor-
alized horde of braves.

A frightful whirlpool. made u of a mass of fron-
zled steeds and mad riders. an from which flushed
and blazed a hundred fury-filled, snake-like eyes.
was now before him. And, into this mass, cut and
tore five dendl slugs. one. after the other in quick
succession: eat: far \oundiug report or the Tonka-
Way’s weapon being the signal of tearing wounds,
and fearfu bowls.

The paral zed horde realized, when too late, the
nature of t e thunderbolt that shot ast them;.for
the cloud of feathered shafts that g inted through
the hot, hazy air. in the rays of the declining sun,
fell short, and were welc med by the victorious
taunting war-cry of the triumphant Turtle, who
rkdnmed over the flower-bcspangled prairie, quar-
tm'mg oward the Rio San Saba at terriflec speed,
and scornun: to gaze backward at the yelling mob
following him in mad pursuit.

0n. and on, flew Turtle, until he reached the bor-
der of the timber. Then he jerked lllS steed to a
halt'and turning in his saddle, gave a gesture of
dertsr n, seconded by his whoop of war, that rung
back into the ears of the Comanches.

Then he shot into the screen of trees, and through
the same, by winding paths. to the river. This he
forded, and thence on to the border of the bot-

. tom~timber on the east side of the San Saba.

Here he sprung from his faithful horse, and
sweeping the eastern plain with keen gaze, uttered
3 Single ejaculation, expressive of both surprise and

mu ,

u “rg’ugh‘n

Afar toward the Rio Llano, were two small black-
iflh Ollgects “Don the plnin. that none but the eagle
eye 0 the Tonkaway could have distinguished as
white horsemen; but Turtle could not be deceived.

“Turtle, heap bu: fool," he soliloquized; “Co—
manche hunt for Turtle. Come over San Saba.
Then see my white brothers. Mebbe so Old Rocky
lose scalp, Frio Fred lose scalp. Turtle lose scalp.
Wnughl'

This last was sold in self-condemnation. Then, as
the .Vells of his yllll‘Sllt‘l‘S reached his ears, he added,
as be reloaded his carbine:

“Turtle sound war-cry. Lead Comanche on
slam. Then white brothers see. Then no ride

 

intoltj’mber where Comanche hide in bush. It is
goon.

Barer was the Tonkawny again seated in his
saddle, when the crashing of the undergrowth in his
rear warned him that his fees were upon him.
Wliil‘ling his steed, he faced them. as b tWOS and
threes, they broke from th - thickets wi h vengeful
and exultant yells: some of which were changed to
death-howls, as the terrible carbine again vomited
fire and lead.

A moment after, Turtle sped,over the plain, two-
score of yelling Comancht‘s in hot pursuit; and this
was the view that caught the eye of Eric Fred, and
brought forth the vehement. deep-meaning exclama-
tion of Old Rocky, which closed a previous chapter.

 

CHAPTl R VI.
FELLOW-PRISONERS.

POOR Lorine La Coste, when she perceived the
fearinllooking panther, its sides covered with the
gaping gashes inflicted by Louis, and which she
"now had been supposed dead, and had been
thrown into the river was fl'led with wonder and
terror; for the Indian had so cunningly adjusted the
skin, and was positioned in so naturalamanner,
that in the semi-darkness it seemed to be really the
horrible beast, with yet his enough remaining to do
mischief.

But the‘shriek that Lorine uttered, upon being
thus affrighted, had barely died away. when the
maiden was chilled with horror at feeling herself
clutched and dragged down 1:) e river—bank; another
piercing shriek reaking from her li ses, turning
quickly. she saw the hideous painted ace of an In‘
tlian near her own. The next moment she was in
the dark depths of the Rio San Saba.

Overwhelmed with horror, the beautiful girl sunk
into insensihility, and was happily unconscious dur-
ing the time she was being dragged through the
chill waters. This. however, was but for a flitting
moment; as the cunning Comanche. clasping his
palms over Lorine’s mouth, darted as quickly as
the waters closed over him, directly beneath the
same and emerged, hidden b a curtain of over-
han’ tug grass, and holding the ead of the senseless
mai en above the Slit face.

Intense exultation flashed in the glittering eyes of
the savage, as, peeri p: out, he beheld Colonel
Costa and Louis swimming frantically about the
river. and searching everywhere, except at the
point nearest the camp, w ere they dreamed not,
and with good reason, that the marauding Indian
would linger.

The cool water revived the unfortunate Lorine,
and as she gavesigns of returning) consciousness,
the brave quickly thrust a wad of uckskin, which
he drew from his belt. into her mouth, eflectually
gagging her. Then. holding both her wrists in the
tight clutch of one band, be easily maintained his
position; standing in the water. his feet upon the
more shallow bottom by the bank, his had only
above the surface, while he pressed the fair girl to
his side, his arm encircling her slender waist. Thus
held by her captor. Lorine La Coste, with a. heavy
sigh. o cued her eyes, and gazed around, a pulled
at finding herself thus, and in almost total dark-‘

ness.

So benumbed was her brain by the terrible shock
she had experienced at the si ht of the supfposed

anther. and at; finding herself in the old of a

iduous Comanche, that she did not, for the moment.
even realize that she was gagged.

The rip 1c of the river and splashing of waters
rung in or bewildered ears. and she strove to cry
out; then. not onlg’ becoming conscious that she
was gagged, hut t at a strong arm was about her,
sustaining her head above the surface of the river,
while her wrists were held in a viseclike grip that
pained her exceedingly.

Instantly the near past flashed upon her mind, all

 

 

 

10 Prio Fred

in Ten--

 

thehorrors of her position darting through her brain
like a flash. of light, bringing wit it naught but the
most hopeless despair; at the same time the poor
girl‘s blood almost congealed in .her veins. as she

etected a pair of glittering eyes Within a few inches
of her face. and felt the fetid breath of her captor
upon her cheek.

Lorine trembled like an aspen leaf. and, shudder-
ing, tried to free herself from the repulswe embrace.
She now knew that she was in the power of the
savage who had dragged her from the side of her
gither and brother, and down the bank into the

ver. ,

The Indian tightened his grip and hissed in be
our, causing her fresh repulsiwn and horror. Tor-
tured as she now was. toiror driving the blood to her
heart, yet she was doomed to sti‘l greater anguish
b the merciless fiend, who seemed to gloat and ex-

with intense satisfaction at her manifestations
of alarm.

It was quite dark behind the screen of grass,hut
the Comanche slowly parted the (iroo ing blades,
and revealed a sight that, had Lor no not been
flagged, would have brought a shriek otdjoy to her

ps; but only a gurgling sound escape her. and
this was instantly checked by the clutch of the In-
dian about her throat.

The sight was most tantalizing to the wretched
girl, for she saw, not thirty feet from her position,
her father and brother battling frantically against
the current, and plunging here and there, diving be-
neath the surface.

The poor maiden realized that the were search—
ing for her, and at onco understoo the cunning
trick of her captor, for she know, by the play of fire
light on the trees 0 posite. that she was beneath
the very s t where s e had been reclining near her
father an brother.

How long she gazed thus. ten thousand torturing
thoughts tearing through her sensitive brain, the
hapless girl knew not; and her anguish of mind was
far beyond the power of words, be they of whatever
language, to express. But, when her brother disap-
peared down the river and seemingly unnoticed by
her frantic father, whose search for her was ex-
tended up the stream, then all hope left poorLorine
us the “ugh ” of an exulting contempt broke from
her captor's lips, and he clutched her, reparatory
to longing forward from the cover into he river.

Then the mind of the i'orrified maiden was so
shocked, that she became for n time (i met], and in a
nearly senseless condition; during which time she
was towed over the stream, into the rushes on the
opposite bank.

r ere the Comanche skuiked for a time, knowing
that the spot had been thoroughly inspected by the
two whites. and watched Colonel La Coste climb up
the bank into the camp.

The Indian was now filled with apprehension- for
his own safety; for he had heard the report of
Jackson’s rifle, and the death-yell of his companion.
But, no sooner had the colonel dragged himSelf up
and over the bank, than the Comanche clutched
Lorine in his strong arms. and dashing into the
timber, proceeded down—siream, parallel with the
some; the beautiful and D‘Ulld face of the maiden
resting on his 5 ouldcr, and 'her long hair hanging

:over his arm.

At times the Indian would stop, standing silent
and still listening intently; then he would gaze
gloatineg upon t we pale face of his captive. his own
contorted with mingled lime and triumph. After
this he would hasten onward.

It was during one of those halts that Little Louis,
who had. dragged himself from the water, and cast
his dripping form prone upon the bunk, panting and
exhausted. and on the very verge of insanity—it was
at this monwut that the youth detected the move
ment of a brunch, and mining his head. discovered,
to his mingled 10y and relief, though not unmixed
with horror and apprehension, the Comanche brave

I " holding Lorine, limp and apparently senseless—the

 

forms of both being plainly revealed in a patch of
moonlight.

So startlin , so totally unexpected was the strik-
ing and, to im, terribl» tableau, that the boy lay
Without power of speech or motion; and very
provideutiaily was it that his senses were thus blunt-
ed, for he had time to realize that the least outcry
or sound would have caused the lndian to dash away
into the thickets, and tuxe more careful precautions,
or perhaps murder Louis outright.

But the youth was as cunning as he was brave and
daring, and was gifted nith a sense and reason he-

ond his years. This he prowd by remaining er-

ectly quiet until the Comanche again daslic on
through the timber, when he sprung to his feet and
glided in pursuit, his bright eyes flashing with fury,
gig features filled with stem determination and
tiring.

His revolver was of course useless since his lungs
into the river, but he clutched his bowie—kni e, and
stole onward, with set teeth, his eyes boring into the
shades ahead, and his sense of hearing strained to
catch the slightest sound, as of the breaking of a

tm .

Pad not Louis been so oppressed with torturing
anxiety in regard to his sister. he would (probably
have practiced more caution, and profltc
ing witnessed the Indian halt now and then, to listen
for sounds of pursuit. -

As it was, he forgot this fact, or failed, to consider
it, and the cautious savage, upon again halting, and
straining his keen sense of hearing, detected behind
him the snapping of a dry braiich—sufiicient warn-
ing, under the circumstances. to cause him to dart
into a thicket, and there crouch to await his expect-
ed ursuer; first, however, casting the terrified
Lorine roughly to the earth.

The next moment, his form bent forward, his eyes
eagerly scanning in front. of him, his knife clutched
firmly, on came little Louis La Costa, using great
care and caution, but at the same time gliding
quickly. his saturated garments clinging to his
slender form.

The Indian at once recognized the boy as one of
the two who had plunged into the river in search of
himself and his captive, and this ave the brave
much satisfaction, as he felt that t e other must
have given up the search and returned to the
camp. /

So intent was the Comanche upon watching the
approach of his intended victim, and gathering his
strength to bouni out from the thicket, that be
noticed not the slightest movement in his rear, and
lost sight of the fact that his captive had not been
svcured. in case she should revive.

And this was a fortunate omission for those most
concerned, as doubtless it was the means or saving
the life of Louis, as will be shown; although it did
not otherwise better the condition of our friends.
The shock receivrd by the captive as the Indian
cast her to the earth gave her great bodily pain, but
served to relieve her brain to some extent; as she
sprung at. once to a sitting posture. and, to her in—
tense relief, saw the Comanche some paces from
her, at the same instant realizing that she was no
longer in bonds.

Quickly tearing the gag from her mouth, Lorine,
in gr ~at bewilderment. strove to reason as to her
future proceedings and as to the cause of her cap—
tor‘s having left her, and being positioned as he
now was. with uplifted tomaimwk and bent as it
ready to bound forward.

Lightning-like came the conviction that the brave
was bent on murder; and. who could be his intended
victim. unless it were one of those who had been
searching for her in the river?

Wi‘h this reusnning and conviction, she aban-
doned her first. formed resolution to spring to her
foot and bound away into the thicket, shrie king for
help, and decided to do all in her power to save her
miller or brothel-«whichever it might beuwho, she
believed, was now approaching.

by hav- .,

 

 

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Prio Prod in Texas. 11

 

Bending her head, Lorine discovered through the
foliage her brother Louis coming toward her hiding-
place, as described, and her blood ran cold as she
saw that the burly Comanche would without doubt
send his tomahawk crashing through her during
brother‘s skull did she not promptly prevent it.

Without making the slightest noise, Lorine, with
clinched teeth, arose to a standing posture, and
stepped lightly forward, timing her movements to
the moment Louis should arrive abreast of the mur~
der-bent red-man. whose tomahawk was held pro-
gectin over his shoulder, the arm that sustained it
bi"ng raced. and the muscles knotted for a terrible

ow.

Lorine La Costa well know that she could not
wrest the weapon from the grasp of the Indian, but
resolved to clutch it with both hands and bear down
with her whole weight and strength

At first, the poor girl trembled as if stricken with
ague; but when she fully realized that the life of
her brother depended upon her, she banished all
else, except her determination to prevent his being
murdered“ But a moment or two was she thus kept
in her terrible suspense, and life and death depend-
ed upon the next.

She caught a glimpse of the flowing hair in a patch
of moonlight and then, as she detected the hatchet
thrust a few inches backward to give more force to
the blow, Lorine grasped the weapon with both
hands, and quickly jerked it. toward her. At the
same instant she (gave a piercing scream of warning,
and then shrlcke out:

I “ isun, Louis! For God‘s sake run, or you are
ostl

Totallyfinexpected was the strain, slight though
it was to the Indian and being from behind him,
and not bein br against it. he lost his balance
and fell bac ward. losing his hold on the toma-
hawk, and clutching at the knife in his belt.

Horrible as Lorine felt as the savage fell near]
upon hi‘l", she sunk but to her knees and then. with
the quickness of thought, she raised the hatchet in
the air and brought the blade down with all her
power into the face of the Comanche, who was then
an the act of rising, his features contorted with bat.

ed fu .

The l'{een blade was partly buried in the face of
the savage, severing the nose and crushing one eye,
but the struggling wretch in his rage sprlslelg,’ to his
feet, covered with gore, and with uprai knife,
dashed at his assailant.

All this was in one flitting moment of time. The
next, little Louis bounded over the bushes and
springing forward, grasped the knife-wrist of the
Comanche, plungm his own blade to the hilt in the
broad, paint-don breast. In a frenz of fury at
the act of his sister and herdread peril. ouis jerked
out his bowie, and sent it crashing, with a horrible.
grating sound, again and again through flesh and
bone, his arm nerved with double strength, as

Lorine sunk senseless and death~like uponpglge.

sword. -

With a fearful bowl of death the Comanche's
strong form tottered, his eyes became fixed upward.
hisjaw fell, and a gurgling sound came from his
throat. as the life-blood weiled from his 11 , and he
fell with a sodden sound to the earth. by he side of
the beautiful girl—dead; she, too, seemingly lifeless!
L0 11th Godr spare Lorinet My brave, my darling

0

Thus cried out Louis La. Costa, as he sunk to his
knees, and bent over his sister, pressing his lips to
hers, and chafing her delicate hands.

And there. b the side of the hideous, blood-reek-
ing corpse of t we Comanche, the brave boy wept and
sobbed, until Lorine opened her eyes. sprung up
ward and clasped her arms around him.

Both were speet'ltli‘ss with relief and joy and
thankfulnvss, for they deemed the danger past.

But as the thus upon their knees embraced and
wept their oy and thankfulness was changed to
dread and t e deepest despair, for upon sp nging

 

to their feet at the sounds of crashing bushes. both
thinking that their father and Jackson had come, a
half-dozen Comanche warriors bounded u on them
w‘ijth “ Ughs " of vengeful exultation rom all
51 es.

“ Father in Heaven. protect and guard us. 0h,
Godl hast thou forsaken us?"

Thus cried out poor, terrified Lorine from her in-
most soul, as she was. as well as her brother Louis,
bound hand and foot and buried roughly upon the
ground; the braves meanwhile uttering deep and
meaninr howls, as two of their number bore the
mangle corpse of their comrade away through the
darkness.

 

CHAPTER VII.
ms nauox CHASE.

“ Cuss my cats an' dang my dogsl Ther con-
demned Comanches air chasin‘ ther 'l‘onkl Spur,
Fred-spur for life! We’ll save Turtle‘s scalp, er
lose our own ha‘rl" .

No sooner had these words left Old Rocky‘s h ,
than both he and Eric Fred darth forward over t e
lovel plain southn'estward, their former course hav-
ing been toward the northwest. . _

Turtle had realized at once upon pvrceivmg his
white scouts. that to ward them from danger of
death or on more, he must lead the Comanches on a
chase ata inr angle from his friends, who might
thus escape notice by the infuriated savages, who
were bent u n his own life.

Thus the onkaway placed himself in great peril
to detract the observation of his foes from the
whites, {or he could have gnlloped up the river and
dashed into the timber beyond the line of his ur-
suers. there secreting himself wh-‘re it would ave
been im ossihle for them to have found him before
the she es of night would aid him in making his es-‘
ca to the Rio Llano -

fie st lf—sacrifice of the noble Tonkawz'iy, howevs 1',
went for nothing, as the read' 1' already knows:
for the daring scouts turned their steeds and imme-
diately dashed to the assistance of their red pard—
his position, now, that of a single Indian pursued by
a war~party of t' 8 same color; and the fleet black
steed, together with a peculiarity of riding, to say,
nothing of aconviciion that he was somewhere in
the neighborhood each and all convtiicing the
scouts beyond doubt, as to the identity of the pur-

sued. ,

Not only this; but they reasrned that the keen-
eyed Ton away must have observed them: and,
fearful of being the means of their capture, was
leading his foes and theirs in}. direction to, if
possible, insure their saiet . This tilled them with
admiration, and nervmi t rm to more determined
efforts to join the Tonkawa , and. at the risk or
their lives. defeat the plans 0 the Comanchvs.

Full half a mile had Turtle Ealinpt‘d horn the
timber, before the keen glance o Fl‘iO Fred discov-
ered him; the Comanehcs being half that distance
in his rear, and tho far-away reports of the Tonka-
way’s carbine had not how noticed, on account 1-!
the re-occupation of Fred. consequent upon the
rapi conversation of the old tcout upon the most
important of subjects—Fred’s love for LorineLa

Costa. ,

That the situation was most de perate and dan-
gerous. both scouts realized: and the only hope of
success in saving Turtle and themselves, was to om
the Tonkaway—thus removing anxiety on both 3 dos
and working together in common defense, trustlr
to escape by stratee y. for they well knew they coul
not depend upon the-r horses. after a long run, as
the day‘s ritle beneath a hot sun had much fatigued
the. animals. .

()n, like a horde of flvniis. swept the war~puinted

savages, after the detestcd Tonkaway, whose associ- .

arion with their ale-faced enemies had filled them
with the deepestphotred, and longing for his blood,

\

mama—mm “smegma...

~21“.-.

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Prio Prod in Texas.

 

So eager were they, so watchful of every movement
of 'l‘urtle that the for once failed to inspect the
plain. and perceive no: the white riders.

Well knew the Tonkaway that. did his noble black
meet with no accident. he could keco clear of his
foes. as their musnmgs were fli-c led witn foam.
and panting lab iriously, as they hall swept ast his
covert on the west side of the San Saba; am he felt
no anxiety in re lard to his own safety, his breast
swelling with merited prido. as e thought of his
recent exploits, which would sound in his death-
chant.

But the anxiety that was deep in regard to his
white pards at the start, became less as he reaiiz -d
that the Comanches’ h‘id not betrayed, by the usual
yell their discovery of the scouts. It was, however.
doubled. upon seeing t at Old Rocky and Frio Fred
had changed their course. and were coming. like the
wind, toward him; whirlinglheil‘ sombreros in air,
as n. signal for him to join them.

This was now the only move to make. and Turtle
realized, with grief, that he had gotten his friends
into n. tight Place. by recklessly sucking revenge
upon his foes or the more sake of rcvengo, and not
to save others from tin-ir fury, as had been his cus-

tOm. /

The Tonkaway delayed not a moment, but. jerk-
inzr jaw—str 'p, guided his horse into a course direct-
ly north, almost at right angles with the pursuers.
who quickly took advantage of his movement, and
quartered toward him, with fcurful yells, which
were increased as the Indians caught a view of the
two whims. The change of counts of the daring
Tonknway Would give the Comanches a chance to
get within bow-shot distance, did he not swerve
more to the east‘ but he scorned to avoid them.
and reloading his death dealing carbine on the run,
he rode on, ready to give another exhibition of his
prowess.

The opportunit soon came. The Comanches.
notwithstanding t o destruction they had \vltne~s"d
among thrir own party, when Tur1le. on two occa-
sions. opened fire, galloped forward, with fierce war-
whoops, and their bows half-bent. As presented to
the “.1515 approaching scouts, the warlike scone was
grand, and to them most t «ntalizing, from the fact
that they could not reach the point in time to take
a hanvl in the game; and as, from their osition,the
Comanches seemed much nearer to ’l‘ort :3 than they
really ware. both Old Rocky and Frio Frc'i were
flllu'l with deep concern and anxiety—the Oltl scout
rnt' ling off “ castiron “ words, and ejecting tobacco.
juice spitefullv. at every bound of his horse.

At length Turtle began to perceive that his‘ifo de-
pevrlori not only upon instant action but un [Ting
skill; for three of his foe; were far in advance and
were making romly to send their deadly feathered
shafts into his Vitals.

Instn utlv his carbine sprung to his shoulder: but,
at the same time that he pulled the trigger. an arrow
shrinast his hood. the fea'hered end brushing his
templ". But the hr ve who sent the some, as he
fitted new-0nd one to his how-string, threw up his
arms in the air, his bow gripped in the agony of
(l -ath. and sunk ovvr tho hams of his mustang upon
the prairie sword. His horse with wild snorts,
turned about, and dashed back to its mates as an-
other sounding report broke on the air, folio wed by
ono‘her death-howl, which caused the pursuch to
senl n. cloud of arrows at the daun'lass Tonkawav.
as ho swept on past the point. of favor to thom; his
taunting and exnlmnt whoop of war torturing their
ears. as did the yells of the Texans. who now grad-
ually swerved from thr‘lr course, and in a moment
nftor were gullop‘nc by the side of Turtle. th» Tonk~

away—«the trio, with «was bout upon the frenzied ‘

horlo who \\'-‘l‘l‘ ng-iiu in fast chose, turnim;r west
to dash into tho friv-ndly cover of the timhcr.

This was now lhv‘ir nnlvhope of safety, for thi-
Comanchcs Wore scnltori-Il over the whole plain to
their south, and all galloping furiously up the
rivet.

 

l

J

“Whnr. in thundcration an‘ daugnation. did yer
sheer up thct big butch o’ ha'r-t’arers. Tonki"
b.Thus yelled 01d Rocky, as he half-cocked his car-

me.
“Over San Saba,“ answered Turtle, pointing
west.

5‘ How many hes yi-r sp'iled fer futur’ fightin’?"

“M him so, so lnnny;” exh-ndin lingers, lhenclos‘
inc. and again extending—indicating night.

"' H Av came they to discover you?" lit in Fred.

“Turtle see.(.‘omanche co'ne. Turiio lideinwoorls.
Heap ma'l. Wont hear death-howl. Shoot with
arrow. Then jump on mustang. Sh oi: gun fast.
Ride quickto San Saba. Comanche yell heap. Wont
Turtle-scalp. Waugh! Comanche heap fools. squaws.
Turtle show redavolvcs he warrior.“

“Cuss my cnls, an’ dang my dogs of yer doesn‘t
(ll hit every time, Tonlrl"ge‘i'ke(l out Old Rocky,
gazing at his Tonkaway par with pride.

“But why didn‘t yer strike plum ter meet us?
Didn‘t yer know who we-‘uns war?“

“ Turil ~ knew white brothers far as buzzard see
dead buiialo. No want Comanche see. Mehbc so
tio Frol. tic Roc:y, to tenure-stake. Turtle ride
other way."

“ Don‘t novcr do hit again. Tonk, but head right
for your nrds, We-threo hev cut our way through
a bigger is xp 0’ howlin’ devils ’fore now.’

“Hoap more over river. Big war-party when at
PaloPinto. Some ride Bundera. Some ride Colo-
rado. Some licre. Mebhe so some on Llano."

“By hlzavens, Tlli’tl“, don‘t say that. unless you
or!) sure of it! You torture me,"saidFred,quicKo

ly.

“ I hopes tor be nibbled ter death by dipper ducks
an‘ hashml by red ants, ef yer didn‘t stop ther biz o
my bleod me "sheen by th It sort of gab. Took l"
burst out the old scout, exci‘edly. “ What makes
Y4'1‘ think thar’s any 0’ thor red hellyuns on thcr

ano? Wc-‘uus huin’t src’d no Sign toet-a-way."

“ Why Comancth rido fast to San Saba? Turtle
say they send braves to Llnno. Mchlw so see train.
See wheel-lodges. Then meet war party on San
Saba. Tell chief. then ride in night to Llano. Ride
in white man camp, when Texans sleep."

“ Wa-nl, ef thcr condemned, or‘nary perrarer
piruts war comin‘ on thcr hum. hit does ‘penr like
they ’spected tcr meet some 0‘ thar pesky advance
Spies et a ‘pointed time hyumways. for that warn't
no hurry for 'em, ef somethin’ 0’ thvt sort wam‘t in
thur p'ogramme. But I swan l‘in hopin’ hit war
somethin' else what put 'em on lher whiz. Yer war
too brash ter show yersrlf. Tonk, theta-way; an’
yer’il sli up on hit som * time. ‘

"Yor‘ better laid l W, nn‘ watchnd ‘em. a blamed
sight; ’8 eshly on yer c’u'dn‘t harvvst tha‘r ha‘r.
Ef yer’ bin nosin‘ roun' San Saba, lsh‘u’d s‘pose
yor’d struck ‘sign,’ of any 0’ ther smoky sons 0'
Satan glided past hyer. towards Llano-way "

"Turtle see trail. So many brnvos"——indica¢ing
twelve, by extending fingers—“go fast to Llano.
Know my white brothers kill if see. Want wait,
count war-pr: rty. No care follow trail of spins,"

“ A dozen is enough to do mischief, if they strike
Ln. Coste‘s camo.””&sserted Fred, wirh anxiety in
voice and feature. “ We must get out of this
scrap-a. and return to the Llano, tonight. pm‘d
Rocky.”

“ Hit‘s gut ter he did ” agreed the old scout;
“though hit ’pears jub‘ous 'bout now. I'm feelin
nurty pokerlsh. Mehhe so thar‘s some 0‘ ther red
skunk: layin‘ for we ‘uns i i ther timbor."

“No ride in wood yet,“ advised the Tonkaway.
“ Ride up river to bend. Go in trees. hide. Dark
come soon. Then go fast to Llano. My while
brother‘s friends on Llano. Heap hl'lil. (‘omanche
spies they crawl in night. Get scalp. got captive for
ior'ure. No sound war-cry. Wuughl Honp had.
Comanche dogs.“

“ By heavens!" exclaimed Fred Fontaine. “tinI
more I think of it the more I fear that something is
wrong in the camp. Thered fiends must have been

    

 

 

Prio Prod

in Texas. 13

 

hid in the Llano timbr‘r today, or We would have
met them on the plain."

" Thet a ii‘t so sartuiu “ nssm'lwd ()ld Rocky.
“ Ther painted pirnts c‘u‘d ha‘ hid in a motto of
they see‘d we-‘uns couiin'. Thet air. of they’d g'ut
half-way toward llilrr river. l sw’ar l‘ni gittin’
half-full o’ byderfohi: indig’ an‘ must hash red
meat er bu’st. Tiler yells o‘ ther heathun makes me
bilyus.

‘ ’l‘onk’s advice air good. Strike up crick out 0’
shot from timber, an‘ dash in a mile from liyera-
ways." ,

Al now rode side by side. neck and neck, and
speaking ra idly during this busty consultation, the
yells of the ornanches sounding close in thcii'rear.

Their course. agreeably to the suggestion of their
Indian ally, was Chang. d, quartcring up. and in the
dirt'cti in of the river; th ~n, keeping cm of how shot
from the 'imber, they pronueded for a mile at head-
long gallop, making a spurt to get as much ahead of
the war-party as possible

When at the distance mentioned, al' urged their
horses in the timber, (lisa peering from the view
of. the infuriath Commie it‘s, who well know, by
this t me, that they had lost their advantage and
that the capture of their cunning foes was now, to
say the least, doubtful.

» CHAPTER VIII.
IN BONDB.

THE sudden 9nd unex iectcd change from free‘
dom and security, guinea y a most desperate and
daring act. to captivity, with probable torture, or a
fate far worse than either, was most terrible to poor
Lorine La Costa.

She had, through the negligence of her first cap-
tor, become free, and had removed her g , besides
being enabled to, without doubt. save the life of her
brother -Louis having in turn done the same by her
—anll f-irashort time had believed that the way
was open for her return to the camp and her sor-
rowing fatlwr, but the appearance of the savages,
evidenva drawn by the (lvutllAhnWl of their com-
rade. the binding of her brother and herself so a J‘
pulled and terrified the poor girl that her despair
was as deathvlike as possible, and yet be enabled to
live through it.

'Louis was horrified beyond measure, more on his
Sister‘s account. bowewr. than his own. For he be-
lieved that his ~earcli for her had placed Lorine in a
far more dangerous osvtion than before, for but
one Indian/bad then ll‘ld h r captive, and now a
halfAdonen braves had them at their mercy, the war-
riors being infuriated :it the death of one of their
party at the hands of himself and Lo ine,

Besides this the boy had heard the report of arifle
soun ling from the direction of the cam . and
thought that. t‘ c ’ndinn had been killed w io had
masqueradell in the panther’s skin to favor the one
now dead in caplurin.r Lorine. if this were so, it
would incense their red captors still more.

Louis believed that the partner of the Indian,
whom he had, with Lorine's help, slain. would have
{oined his ma'e, ind be not been shot in the cam .

n cons" uence of this, the refleclions of the on 11
caused b m to regret most bitterly having a1 owed
himself to lose sight of the Indian who bore Lorine
away. and who had evidently stopped to listen, and
thus Hoard his approach, Louis was filled with self-
oondenination, but replning was worse than use-

less.

Ha felt; no hope ni’lrescue by his father, as the lat-
ter could know nothing whatever of trailing. and all
the blacks and teamsl’ers would he wanted to guard
the wagons—the "carries being of little use in an
emergency through their terror of the Indians.

If the scouts returned from the San Saba. whither
they had gone to ascertam it any war-party of
savages was in the vicinity, Lonis well knew that

 

they would use every effort to rescue himself and
sister: but; their return was not looked for until the
following night, and who could tell what might
transpire during that time?

Those though s and conclusions flashed through
the milid 0f the brave ,youtb, during the time he was
bring bound by the hideous Coiiinnchrs, and he
shuddri‘ed with drwac'. for his poor sister, as their
snake-like eyes flashed glances of hatred into his,
and their exuitant taunts met his ear.

He could see that the brach were infuriated by
fr nzy as the (lead warrior was borne away, and
th t they brandished their weapons toward the
camp. .,

This satisfied Louis that the now-comers bad dis—
covered the wagons, or the mules on the west plain,
and had followed the trail of the latter for enough
to judge of the location of the camp. Ho alsojudged
that the savages were aware of ihe inability of those
in camp to attack them with any chance of success,
or they would at once have hastened from the spot,
knowing that the death-howl of the brave must have
been heard at the wagons, and the shriek of poor
Lorine as Well.

However, Louis knew if these sounds had been
heard, and their character ri htly interpreted, that
his father and Jackson woul rush to the rescue,
consequently he was anxious for the Indians to
move on, for he felt sure that if his father followed,
he would be slain. _

He had been nearly insane with anguish until
meeting Lorine, but now he felt cool and calm;
forcing himself to feel thus for her sake. It was a
comfort to be near her—41 captive with her—anl he
vowed that he would keep his wits about him and
ilrive in every way to free himself, and release

er.

Side by side lay the captives, and Louis turned his
head and gazed into the face of his loved si-ter, dis-
covering that her eyes were fixed upward upon a
patch of sky, discernible through the tree—tops.

She did not appear to beconscious of her sur-
roundings Her eyes were glassy and unnatural in
their expression, and her fair face drawn with ter-
ror, and pale as the face of a corpse.

It was agonizing to Louis to look at her. .

The youth feared that his sister was dying of
fright, or losing l.er mind, and he cried out: ‘

“Lorine don't despair] While there is life there
is hope. For Heaven‘s sol~ 9, look at me—speak to
incl Do'you hear me, Lorine?”

Slowly the PytS of the young girl rolled in their
sockets, her head turned sli btly, and she gazed
into the eyes of her brother. ’ut such a azel

It caused the youth to feel faint and sic .

“For God’s sake, sis, don‘t despair-l What has
come over you? Don't on know you are the bravest
girl living, and, but a s iort time since, nearly killed
a savage with his own tomahawk? Cheer up! Frio
Fred and Old Rocky will follow these fiends and
save us yet.”

At the mention of the scouts the eyes of Lorine
brightened into a more natural look; and, after a
tear spasmodic efforts, she cried out, in a gaping
w isper:

“0h, Louisl Do you think we shallbe rescued?
Do you believe that the scouts will return from the
San Saba in time? Fred Fontanie is so good and
brave, and knows so much about the Indians, he
might save us."

‘ And he’ll do it, Lorine—never you fearl“ re-
turned the boy, delighted that he had imparted
some hope into his ties ring sister’s mind. ‘ Fred
and Old Rocky are t ebest ll'ailrl‘s in Texas and
they won’t stop to sleep. after they find we have
been captured, until they trace the inhuman mono
stcrs u .

“ if they give us a couple of days’ resolte, before
brainir or torturing us. we’re all i-i ht; for the
boys wi l bra ve everything before you s in]! come to
harm. Besides. I‘m not. going to lie like a stick of
wood, if I am tied. I’ll watch keen for chances to

l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l

~ W.M“mx.s “Adi/old“ min..- 1

 
   

 

mg... n... ._. ms,

 mumwtgy. ..

 

Wauvsdwa 

14 Frio Fred in Texas.

'outwit these merciless torturers, so. Lorine, do try
and brace up, for they might take a notion to tor—
turc us if they saw we were weakening and likely
to die on their hands.”

“You areabrave little fellow, Louis ” said his
sister, ina more natural tone. ‘ You ave saved
in life to-night. and proved yourself aman; and I
re y reatly upon you in our most fearful position.
But or you, should have died of fright and dc
spair. These Indians are most horrible—more so
than I ever dreamed of. Ohi I shudder to think of
our fate should we not escape from them."

“ We‘ll get away. sis; I feel confident of it. All I
ask is for you to bear it as well as you can until
somethin, turns 11 . If they intended killing us,
the wou d have one so at once. The thin of
taki’ng us to their village for torture, but don‘t in-
tend they shall do so—not much!

“ Here they comel Make believe you don‘t care
for them. Don‘t Show any more fright than you
can possibly help.” .

W iie Louis and Lorine had been conversin the
four Comanchcs had stood at the verve o the
thicket, listening intently. But, as tie youth
announced their return, and advised his sister, the
( uartette of demon: strode to the side of their cap-
t ves; a peculiar signal having sounded near at
hand, followed by the tramping of horses.

Lorine and Louis were immediatel clutched by
two of the braves and carried rong ly from the
thicket, and thence to the side of the two warriors
who had borne two the dead Indian.

These braves hel the jaw—straps of a number of
mustangs in hand, and, after a short conference
in their native tongue, the captives were seated
upon mustangs, bound to the backs of the animals
in haste; then the warriors all mounted. and pro-
ceeded toward the river, fording at once, and con-
tilrgiiing on through the timber toward the western

n.
p Upon the margin of the bottom-trees being
reached. the captives were taken from the backs of
the mustangs, and bound totwo sa lings, in standing
p0sitions', the mustan being nriated to trees,

, whure the animals coul crop the long bottom-grass.

This was done in a hasty manner, and than five of
the braves, in single file, strode away, heading south
toward the wagon-camp, leaving one of their num-
ber to guard the two captives.

"Here is a splendid opening for us to escape,"
said the boy, “if I coul only get my hands loose.
Have they tied you very tight, Lorine? Do you
suffer very much?"

“ I am not secured tight enough to prevent free
circulation,” was the reply; “but I cannot hope to
work myself free. They made sure of that before
leaving me. Is there any prospect of your loosing
your bonds?”

‘ Not that I have found out so far, sis; but I am
w irking for escape, although I do not feel much
hope in that direction I must confess. Do you
know where the braves ave gone?"

"No," said Lorine: “ dO/you?"

“I haven't the remotest idea, but I ‘ o lne,‘ as Old
Rocky would say, that they proceed at once to
our camp, and I expect soon to hear the crack of
J uckson‘s rifle, and some revolver-shots."

“ Oh, heavensl They will kill pa ai Would to
God we had not cometo this awful rder. Why,
oh, why, did we not remain in our old home?"

“ Don t commence to fret now. As to the cam ,
they are all right there; for I know Jackson wou d
have the mules driven in, as soon as he knew the
Indians were about, and among them the can do-
fond the wagons. Indeed, I honestly be 'eve that
those five braves will never return here; and if that
should be the one, I reckon one warrior won‘t be
iblo to keep us in this fix ve long."

At this moment the since brave strode t‘ward
the brother and sister, an I forced wads of buckskin
into their mouths, preventing further conversation.
He then cast himself upon a blanket, lying at full

 

length, his elbows on the ground, and his head sus-
tained in his hands.

Thus he lay, gazing toward the point where his
comrades hud disappeared. listening intently for
an sounds from that direction.

oor Lorine, her long wav tresses disheveled, her

are] torn and spatterc With blood from the
5 am brave, her face pallid and hag ard, bound to
the sapling, gazed with anguish an dee appre-
hension toward her brother; presenting a cture, in
the bars and arrows of the moonlight, is int would
have melted a heart of iron. The brave boy, beside
her, strove not to be affected by her appearance,
buy assumed a hopeful aspect, and struggled still to
free himself, aithough each movement gave him ex-
cruciating pain, as the cruel cords cut into his flesh.

Full half an hour passed thus, Poor Lorine’s head

raduall sunk forward, her long hair veiling her

ace, an hanging below her waist.

The sudden. change, from hopeless despair to
freedom and ,the presence of her I roiher. and the
plunging again into the same state as at first, only
increased y her loved brothers peril, and from
fearing that the warriors who had hastened toward
the camp would sla her father—all this avalanche
of dread anguish numbed her overtued brain,
and she sunk into a comatose state.

Louis suffered great mental torture, witnessing
the bowed form. and realizing the state of his sister;
but he was soon destined to feel nearly as despondcnt
and despairing as Lorine, for, with a headlong rush,
crashing through the undergrowth into the little
“open,” like fiends of the night, galloped a half-
dozen more paintdaubed, hideous Comanches, who
gave a wh00p of exuitation asithey perceived the
ca tives. ‘

his proved to Louis that they were full aware
of the strength of his father‘s party an feared
them not: indicating that more of the ends were in
the vicinity.

CHAPTER IX.
A 'rnwiirn.

IMMEDIATELY upon the disappearance of the trio—
Turtle, Old Rocky, and Frio Fred—ointo the kinda
of the timber. a peculiar yell run: from the Coman-
che chief, followed b a series of signs and gestures
to a numb r of his raves, who were near to the
itzitlnebler south of the bend, when our friends had on-

e it.

These braves quick] waved their hands. in com-

rehensive answer, an lashed their home: Into the

ttom-timber, passing through the same, and cross-
ing the river; proceeding at once to take positions
at different points on the opposite side of the stream
from the scouts, to make sure that their enemies
did not ford it.

The main war-party directed by thechief, sta-
tioned themselves at ntervals. completely around
the bend on the margin of the timber all on foot;
the mustangs being left in the care 0 a guard at
some distance down the river. Each brave had
attached the jaw-strap of his animal to the beast‘s
fore l , removing the loop from the jaw to the
neck: t us allowing the mustangs to feed, but pre-
vented b the strap from runnin .

The ch of now had the hated fi‘onkaway and the
two white scouts completely surrounded by a cordon
of braves, and he felt positive that, upon closing in,
the r'triogvouid be at his mercy, and could easrly be
ca ure . .

ghould he accomplish his ob ect and be enabled to
carry the three as ca tives to village, it would be
more honor—more o importance to his nation. than
had he driven two thousand horses toward the Llano
at the end of his war-trail; for the seams and Turtle
had sent many of hiswarriors on the “ion dark
trail,” and were more feared than a score 0 more
ordinary enemies of the Comanchcs.

is,
l

 

 

i
!

 

 

Prio Fred in Texas. 15

 

innsequixutly the chi. f, Rolling Thunder, was de'
Lerinincd that our friends should not esca )e him!
and stalked from one end of the crescent 0 braves
on the i'iyenbank to the other, and around the bend,
giving his directions, and promising that any war-
rior who should effect a. capture of one of the hated
trio, should wear an eagle-feather in his fillet, as a
reward, and a sign of advancement toward the rank
of a w ir-chief.

Notwithstanding the hundred and one daring es‘
capes of the trio, when esca es were deemed im ossi-
ble, and that many braves ad sounded their cath-
howl on each occasion—all of which was known to
the Comanche—wet they were confident now that
their dreaded foes were at their mercy.

But to return to our friends.

No sooner had Turtle and the scouts entered the
timber, than each s rung from his saddle. and led
by the ’l‘onkaway. a l proceeded toward the river,
one after the other, gomg in a winding way around
thickets, and avoiding the breaking of twigs as much
as possible. although they well knew that in half an
hour it would he impossrble for the Oomanches to
follow their trail.

Before reaching the river the Tonkaway led his
horse into a thicket soon emerging into an “ open,"
entirely surrounded by dense and thorn under-
growlh impossible to penetrate, except at {he point
where he had entered. ,

Frio Fred and Old Rocky followed; the latter say-
ing in a low voice: ‘

" Reckon yer’ve bin hyer afore, Tonk? Dang’d ef
this ain t a condemned cozy hole ter lay low inter!
Cuss my cats, I needs a leetle rest es well es my
nag!“

“ Little rest we’ll get for the next twenty-ton
hours " said Fred in a despondent tone. ” Old Rock,
I shall go mad if we ii er here any length of time.
We are wanted on the fiano River, I am positive. I
feel it in my very soul." I

“Talk no good on. war—path," exclaimed Turtle,
quickly. " Comanches got sharp ears. Goto Llano
when dark comes. Turtle says we go. Turtie's
tongue is not forked. I have spoken."

By this time the bridles were slipped, hung on the
horns of the saddle. and the girths loosened: then
all proceeded to rub down their horses with green
grass. while the animal tore the same from the sod
with avidit . 'ihis done, the Tonkaway tightened
his belt. an by a gesture indicated his desire for the
scouts to follow him. ,

At the entranceto the “open” he made a lalt,
saying in a low tone:

‘ My while brothers stay here. Comanche or me
down trail. Kill with knife. Turtle go see what
Comanche do. Turtle belt emp'y. Want scalp.”

With these words, the Tonkawa. - glided from the
side or the scouts, and disappears in the thickets;
Old Rocky whispering to Fred as he did so:

“ Cuss my cats. an‘ dang my dorgs,ei' ther Tonk
ain‘t at his ole tricks! I’ll et a half~dozen ’Merikin
eagles ag’in‘ a. Junevbug that he scoops in some ha’r
this trip. an‘ gits ther persish 0‘ every red-hellyun
in ther outfit. ’

“ I presume he will," admitted Fred. in the same
grade of whisper; “ but it will take him a long time,
and the lives or all at the Rio Llano ma depend
upon a few minutes" delay in our reaching t e camp.
I think it is useless for both of us to remain here.
We ought to know it the way is open. should we
decideyto fond, and make a detour around the red
fiends, ’

“-Jumpin’ Jerusalem!"

Old Rocky nearly strangled in his endeavor to
whisper this e mediation, in his sudden excitement,
with his mout full of tobacco-juice: but he recov-
ered, and continued manifrsting proofs. by gesture
and grote ue mace, that a. no very agreeable
thought b has ed upon his mind.

“ Pard Fred, weJuns nir apassnl o‘ puserlanimous,
soft-headed dang’d tools! Thor Tonk ain’t no bet
ter, What yer hes just spit out ‘bout ther river sent

 

a idee inter my brairrbox thct knocks me 'bout
blind. We~’uns hev glided in hyer wi’ our naus, an’
shut ourselves plum up without a show for nothin‘.
Dang hit! We can’t stir in therbush wi’ ther hose
scs, without ther red scum healin’ us. an’ makin‘ a
rush onter us, whar we hadn’t gut any more show
than a mouse in a rattler’s hole.

“Ther hellyuns’ll crawl inter ther bottom all
'roun'. an’ lay fer ter ketch outer our locate. Bit we
starts out in ther dark, they‘ll jump on us afore we
kin cl’ar the timber. The tramp 0‘ our nags jist
gives us away, Don’s yer see, pard?

“ Now yer hes spoked 0’ hit, thar’s biz over ther
drink fer us; but we—‘uns can’t skute thet~a»way
with our flags. Hit ’u’d be jist like our settin’ to ter
scalp our own kerbases, au’ makin’ a die 0‘ hit.
Cuss my cats! What war we thinkin’ ’hout? W -
inns tiri’t scouts; we‘re idjuts—dang my dorgs of we

am' .

" I believe you are right, but it was the only thing
we could do, situated as we were. But what do you
pro ose doin , over the river?"

“ it warn t ther only thing. by ajng full! We
c’u‘d ha’ p’inted plum ’crost ther plain, fer ther
Llano."

“Why, in the name of sense. did you not propose
it, then; and not now. when it is too late? By heave
ens, you are right! We should have struck for tl e
Llano. But would our horses hold out? There is
the inching point. You forgot that, I fancy."

“ ot by a dang'd sight! ButI ‘lowed ther red
hellyuns’ nags war sorter fresh, which war wrong.
’cos ther Tonk said they corned ’crost ther west
plain, jist on ther whiz; we c'u’d keep clear on 'em

‘m dead sure; but they’d Ina’ lunged in on ther
cam soon arter.

" ow I’m jist b’ilin’ over wi‘ pure indig' an'hit
makes me sick enough to puke up my toe-unis,
ter think We hes spilled our own gravy thet-a-way.
Ther ’Ionk air allers so hot artcr ha‘rthet he doesn’t
ingineer things squar’ outside 0‘ his hankerin' tar
as n skulls

“Thar’s only one way out 0‘ this. but by the
bones o' Davy Crockett, we‘ve gut ier meander
toward ther Llano ef we hes ter wade kneedeep
through Cnrmanch’ bleedl"

“ Suppose you explain yourself, now you‘re at it,"
said Fred. -

“ We hes ter leave ther nags. glide ovar ther drink
an‘ ist go hot an‘ heavy for ther red scum, what i’m
dc sure bees watchin’ ‘iong ther river. We’ve
gut ter jist tortur' ‘em au' make 'em yell, jist like a
thousan’ wi costs, which ’11 draw ther heft o‘ ther
lurkers this side over ’mong us; they thinkin' we’re
skutin‘ fer free range thetawway.

“ Arter we’ve go bled a few an’ gut all ther yell
outen ‘em we’ll slit tha‘r wizens an’ skin tha’r heads,

n' then come on ther lightnin’ skute fer our nags.
fiex‘ we'll make a das through ther few what’s
hyeraways. an’ them everlastin’ly whoop-er-up fer
ther Llano. an‘ Lorine."

Fred clutched the hand of the old scout and
wrung it warmly, as he said:

“Good for you, old pard! You‘re worth a thou»
sand common men in an emergency. Every word
you have s oken is Solid sense. We were fools I’ll
admit. butt e mistake was excusable in our excite-
ment and worry. You propose the only way out of
the scrape. that I see. _ .

“I have been so anxious in regardto the train
that I‘ve not had my usual wits about me. I wish
Turtle would return. He thinks more of a scalp,
than anything else when Comancbes are around
and I have always thought his intense hatred toward
those of his own color very strange.”

“Cuss my mtamounts an” scarify my scalp, ef
yer wouldn t be jist es bily'us ag‘in' ‘em of yet war
in his fix! Ther condemned Comanches stoned, his
squaw ter death with her puppoose at her breast'
capturin’ her when he war on ahunt, sides fillin
his ole, dad an’ marm‘s bestest ’natermy with
arrerfl.’ '

 

 

Prio Fred in Texas.

 

‘ Great Heaven! Is that so? Turtle never told me
a word in regard to it."

“ I reckon not. An’ ef yer sh‘u‘d spoke 0’ hit
yer’d wish yer hadn‘t, fer he’d go r’arin an’ t‘aiin'
wi' hyderphohics an‘ skute fer Curnianch’ ha‘r, no
matter whar be war. So take keer, Pard Fred."

I‘I’ll not mention it. then; f r surely be is venge-
ful enough at any time, and no wonder. I’m afraid
he’ll be too darin yet and be taken.”

“I‘ll risk ther onk, an‘ I’ll bet he‘ll s‘iow up soon
enough fer wev'uns ter kerry out our p‘ogramme.
Let's stop waggln‘ ton ue. Let's listen, fer hit‘s
time some 0' ther scari ers war nosin’ 'roun’ hyer.
La low, pardl”

Igor a long time the two scouts sat, a dead silence
ruling the bottom. which grew darker and darker.
'lhe noise made by the horses tearing grass w s now
scarcely perceptible. The intense anxiety and im-
patience of Fred, in a measure shared by the 01d
scout, were at len th. however, relieved by the low
1‘ Waugh " of the onkmvay. who, in whispers, re-
vealed the state of affairs—namely, that they uere
surrounded by Comanches, and escape by the river
was cut ofl by aguard being there stationed, who
could with safety to themselves, shoot them from
their orses, if they attemped to swim the stream.

Then Old Rocky explained his plan, which was
received with approbation b l‘urtle; and, althouga
it was a move which they di not like—thus to leave
their prized steeds—they were under the necessity
of doing it nevertheless. .

Just after sunset, the trio made their way stealthin
to the river, and down the same: the Tonkaway
springing upon, and kniflng the sentinel next to the
bank, without creating an alarm. Then all swam
the San Saba, at apoint above the aids. and made
their we to the rear of the line. T e crisis was now
close ar and.

A half-dozen braves were there stationed, Turtle
having ascertained the exact: position of each during
his reconnoissance; and three at these must be slain,
without their givin a death or danger yell—a most
difficult feat, but w ich was duly and promptly ec-
com lished.

A rthis, at a given signal, each sprung upon a
particular one o the remaining braves, rom the
rear, with lassoes, They tin-n bound and disarmed
them, amid their terrific yells. Next, having secured
them to the trunks of trees, they slashed 03 their
scalps and ears, and otherwis: mutilated them; glid-
ing up the river again, and swimming across it,
while the bottom rung with the shrieks of their vic-
tims, causing the greater number of the warriors on
the east side of the stream to rush, with sounding

, whoops, plunge into the San Saba. and swim to the

scene of commotion and combat—all believing
that their three hated foes were escaping in that

wa .

‘ Byefore the Comanches full realized the nature of
the ruse, Turtle and the ‘e-xans were allo ing
madly through the timber on the east si e o the
river: the rattle of their revolvers. and the bowls
that followed, roving that they had met with some
opposition in t leir flight from their covert.

The San Saba bottom was now filled with a demo
ralized mags of Comanches, Incapable of reason or
action; and, during that lune our friends cleared
the timber, and shot forward over the plain, toward
the Rio Liam), where they We're. at the time, anx-
iousl looked for, not to say greatly needed.

“ ang my dorgs, an‘ cuss my cats! if we-’uns
didn’t bamboozle ther cussed scariflersl“

Thus yelled Old Rocky, from the safe side of the
San Saba. __

CHAPTER X.
‘ i N 'r K a c A M P .

Amn the departure ol‘ Jackson. the wagon-
master, to order n the herd of mules, and then to
gallop at full speed to the San Saba, for the purpose
of finding Old Rocky and Erin Fred, and g~ttmg
them to return to the rescue of Lorine and Louis-

 

after this. Colonel La Coste hustled about the camp,
giving orders to the negrots, and putting every-
thing iu shape and order for the defense in case of
an attack.

Although suffering great mental agony, the old
man strove to c mceal it, and to cln-er up the slaves
who had been great y terrified.

Takin into consideration that the colonel felt
keenly t e fact that he was responsible for it all, in
having brought his children and servants into dan-
ger, when warned and advised against it; his mind
was most certainly in a fearful state of torture, and
only by a bercnlean ( ifort of will w. s he able to re-
tain command of himself. and refrain from rasping
his rifle, and wildly flying through the dar woods
in search of his darlings.

The herd, of some fifty mules and a dozen extra
saddle-horses were 80011 driven in by the six team-
sters, three of whom were Mexicans; Big Bill, the
herd-nineter, and two other Texans being the only
ones that the colonel believed he could depend upon.
Forthe Greasers were greatly terrified; multering,
as they cast glances of dread into the dark shades
of the timber:

“ Lax Clmzawhw/ LOR Dia‘rlor .m

Certain mull-s that were reco nized leaders by
the other animals were secure , and the others
allowed freedom; of which, however, the beasts did
not take advantage, having had time to graze suffi-
ciently, and being fatigued by the day‘s travel.

The herd was driven closely in, standing about the
secured animals on the border of the camp; as
much to give warning of danger approaching as
aught vise. -

When th - camp was in a favorable condition, Big
Bill and the two other teamsters were summoned to
a consultation by the colonel; the Mexicans and
the negroes being stationed as guards, at different
points.

The nogresscs and their children, after the arrival
of the herd and the teamslers, being assured that all
was safe, fell into deep slumber; all huddled to-
gether in one of the wagons reserved for them on
the trail.

Colonel La Coste now revealed to his men all the
occurrences of the evening; but hard y had he
ceased to speak-Bil: Bill being) engaged in medita-
tion—when a. piercing shriek min: the silence of
the bottom~timber, sounding from down the river
but some distance away. The shriek was followed
by the fearful death-howl. shot out by the Co
manchc, as Louis plunged his knife again and again
in the breast ol’ the brave, already so terribly
wounded by Lorine. —

Colonel La Costa sprung from his sitting posture
to his feet trembling and ghastly pale, as he cried
out. in agonized voice:

“Oh, my Godl The red (lands are murdering my
child! Lorine, my darling l come—I come!“

Unheeding the hasty remonstrances of Bill and
his pards, the colonel hailess. his rifle clutched
tigh‘ly, and his gray hair flying wildI sprung madly
upon the first horse, he came to, dashing furiously to
Ihe river, plunging down the bank into the stream,
and swimming the horse across

Big Bill criud om as the colonel mounted:

“ Saddle up, pnrds- Quick es yer kin fer yer lives.
an’ we‘ll hump hir speed arter thi-r boss! Thet
war thor Icetle gal‘s yell, cad sure; an’ I sw‘ar. cf
sh‘!‘S"llul'ted, I’ll hash every red in ther Llano bot
toml

In less than a minute the three Texans had forded
the river, and dashed in search of their employer,
and to rescue his children, pointing d0wn the
stream: but the colonel was not t > be seen or
hard. He, as well as the teamsters, passing to the
east of the thicket. where Lorine and Louis lav
bound. The braves there lay listening to dish rush
through the undergrowth: sounds that caught not
the ears of the bound captives. dazed by the sudden
chan ’e from freedom to torturing captivity.

An on galloped Colonel La Coste on thebu‘e-

     
    
   
    
  
   
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
 
   
    
  
    
   
   
   
   
   
 
    
    
    
  
   
  
 
    

 

 

 

Prio Fred in Texas. ‘ 1?

 

backed horse; the animal rendered frantic, as the
rider, by furious blows of the rifle-barrel, still
plunged madly here and there; his eyes starmg into
eveiry thicket, as it expecting to discover a horrible
si it.

ind close in pursuit, gallolped the three teamsters.
at intervals apart, until a knew that they had

assed beyond the distance from which the shriek
liad been uttered. Then they came together, and
spurred with increased speed, until finally they sur-
rounded the crazed colonel. and urged him to return
to the opposite side of the river.

This he a reed to do, becoming suddenly as pas-
sive as a chi (1, big tears rolling down his cheeks,
and relieving his overburdened brain." The rough
Texans themselves wrre greatly impressed, and
brushed their eyes with their sleeves. at the sight
of this strong man in his’agony of heart and soul;
and the thought of what had probably happened to
his children. both of whom the loved so well.

The stream was forded, an the trio proceeded
more moderatel . carefully examining the thickets,
and passing wit in half bow-shot of those the were
in search of, just previous to the arrival of t 6 last
half-dozen savages. The whoop or the Comanches,
as they discovered the captives, caused the four
Texans to jerk their borers to a halt in sudden
amazement, for all the Indians had joined in the
whoop, which broke the silence of the night in a
startling manner, and caused the whites to judge
that. there wasa much larger number than there
really was. .

But they were destined to be much more startled
much more amazed, for, before they could whirl
their horses to venture toward the last poi t of
alarm, the most fearful shrieks of dread and hor-
ror rung from the camp ahead, followed by a few
rifle-shots and ringing war-whoops. Then came the
thunderin crash of the terrified mules, stamped-
iug towar the west plain at lieale‘ g speed, the
Sfil‘eams of the uegroes breaking continuously on
t e air.

The Texans sat their horses, dumlounded for a
moment. Then Big Bill yelled:

“Come on. curnill Come on, boyeesl Ther
dang'd red piruts hes bu’sted up our hull outfit l"

Colonel La Costa spoke not a word for he had not
“116 power, his appearance being woeful to contem-
p ate.

Ruin, utter ruin and despair seemed fated to be his
portion for the remainder of his days upon earth.

Childless in his old age, with t e consciousness
that he had been the means of his own sad bereave-
ment, wishing and praying l or the death that would
not come to relieve lim, he sat, stolid in his misery.

Must this be his fate?

Thus he questioned himself, and settled th at ques-
tion b vowing, with upraised, clinched hand, that it
shoal not. he mthat, if his darlings had met their
fate, he would die avenging them; that the same
blood-stained hands that had slain them, should be
slain b him. or slay him—he cared little which!

Not n words was this vow made. but in thought
and in spirit, his tongue and lips quivering in inef-
fectual attem ts to form the words.

All this. as he tumult, so suggestive of massacre
sounded from the camp, and before Big Bill could
recover from his amazement to shout out the words
that we have recorded.

Then, like an avenging spirit, on, crashing through
the undergrowth, with cocked revolver in hand.
dashed the old man: his 6y: 5 blazing with fury. and
a thirst for revenze, his snortipg, frenzied steed fly-
ing, regardless of bush and hmer. like an arrow shot
from a how. through the bottom—timber. leaving the
teamsters in the roar all convinced that. their em-

loyer had lost his mind and would suvely meet, his
Smith at the camp, at which they could not hope to
arrive in time to be of any asststance to him.

Yet they urged their horses by rick of bowie, nt
ten-[fie speed, though having htt 6 hope that the
Mexicans and negroes were alive.

 

But to understand matters, we must return to the

cam .

Aflger the colonel and his teanxsters had left on
their important mission, nothing was heard except
the movements of the animals, that, pestered by m-
sects, kept upa continuous whisking of their tails
and stamging; the Mexicans and negroes. although
they disc eyed orders, and coxlecte together near
the wagons, with one exce tion, conversed in regard
to the situation in guarde niutterings; though they
felt safer from attack since the Texans had ventured
into the timber—believing that, if the Indians were
near, the whites would immediately detect the res
ence of the red maranders, and that they shou d be
warned by the sounds of conflict, rear as it was to
their posuion.

The exception referred to was a daredevil Mexi-
can, who, carbine in hand, took his post at. the very
spot where Lorine had been dragged into tne rwrr'
he sitting o the bank, his legs hanging over, and
{fogging his e 'es. on the river, and the opposite

a '.

The tires were ke t burning, for the very good
reason that. it wcnl have been quite dark in the
“ open " otherwise, and thus have tavored the lurk-
ing savages. did the latter make an attempt to enter
the cam p, or to stampede the animals.

The guard, in a group, however, took the pre-
caution to stand between two wagons, in order to
avoid serving as a target for tl eir lurking f
should any approach. he how] and shriek prov
that there were Indians at some distance, but as the
Texans guided by those sounds, had gone to inves-
tigate, those in camp Ieit less apprehension than
prevrously.

Hence, Pedro. more than all others, reasouin
thus quirtly, pufi'etl his corn shuck cigarette and
toyed with the lock of his carbine, his back tothe
camp, where, as a matter of course, no danger was
to be apprehended.

However, the Mexican was luxuriating in false
security, for, but little time passed when the form
of a. Comanche stole slowly along; the limb of a tree
to the left of Pedro, the eyes of l e. brave glittering
With a thirst for blood, and perfectly panther-like in
exgresswn.

ad Pedro gazed over his shoulder 11 ward he
would have seen this warrior, and, coul his eyes
have pierced the foliage of the thicket at the foot of
the tree, he would have discovered four more
braves eager] watching their comrade, who must
remove the exican Without causing an alarm to
make a way across the “up n,” where the herd of
mules were now principally standing and half
asleep.

Without the slightest noise the brave worked his
way until he reached the nearest point to the
Grosser that the strength of the limb allowed, then
he gathered himself like a wild beast for the spring
downward, his long seaming-knife tightly clutche
in his hand,

The doomed Pedro still smoked listlessly.

The moment. with the savage, for action, arrived,
and he shot downward, striking the Mexican on t1 e
shoulders, and sending him headlong into the river.
At the same instant the Indian dived into the whirl-

1 formed by Pedro’s plunge, and, ashe arose,
mbstrangled and wildly eating the waters, the
palm of the warrior was preBSed tightly over his
mouth, the glittering blade severing but an instant
in the air, and then plunged, with sickening sound,
into Pedro’s throat. severing the jugular vein.

As the. blood sported, mingling with the clear
waters, the f‘omanche thrust his victim beneath the
surface, and with a gurglin sound the ill—fa‘ed Mexi-
can sunk in the waters of t 9 Rio Llano.

The brave then climbed from the river, where he

'was met by two others and the tiio, screened by

the bank, fioreeded a ong the same until the
gained the rder of timber that lined the sout
part of the “open,” there separating to crawl in

 

     
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
    
   
  
 
   
   
  
   
  
   
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
    
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
      

. we".

 

::m:::::;: . :

_. Mfg

18 Eric Fred in Texas.

 

among and sever the ropes of thcmulcs that had
been secured.

This accomplished on each side of the camp, the
animals, snorting and prancmg, and thoroughly
awakened, getting more fri hieued each instant.
Just then the yelp of a blac , a pre-arranged sig-
nal, sounded on the night air.

At the same momth the yell of the newly-
arrived Indians, where Louis and Lorine were con-
fined, rung through the arches of the bottom-tim-
ber, and a flight of arrows giinted in the firelight,
wounding several of the negroes and killing one.
Then came the stampede of the herd of mules.

Pandemonium followed. The Mexicans and blacks
bounded into the wagons, and blazed awa at their
foes in an irregular manner. Two fell de , and the
remainder bounded on after the herd, leaving the
amazed Greasers and blacks muttering prayers and
thanks for their deliverance; while the women and
children filled the air with shriek: of terror.

But a moment after, Colonel La Coste plunged
wildly into the camp on his terrified steed; but no
too was there—not a human bein was in sight,
except the corpses of a negro an the two Co-
manches.

Soon, however, the teamsters spurred their horses
into the camp, azing in amazement at the harness
thrown from t e les and trampled, and at the
dead; while, out rom the wagons, crawled five
negroes and two Mexicans their faces ashen. and
the cries and iamentations of the women and children
proving that they were certainly alive, although the
tumult they created would have led one to suppose
that they were all desperately wounded.

The Texans did not linger a moment, however;
for Bi Bill shouted:

“A ri ht herel Come on. boyeesl We must
stop the s mpede, or we are lost. How many reds
do on find, Antonio?"

1 e Mexican thus addressed held up three fingers
n r

0 1y.
“ vehoop-er-ufi, boyeesi We'll clean ‘eml"
And away gs oped the four Texans, the colonel
again riding madly in the lead.

 

CHAPTER XI.
onscxnsran.

Tn moonlit plain. west of the Llano timber line,
was destined to be the scene of startling and amaze
ini events during the night that followed.

t the same time that the herd of mules and
horses broke from the timber, and stam ed head-
long over the rairie, the two scouts, 0| Rock and
Frio Fred, w th Jackson and the faithful onk-
away were within view; and, in their rear, thun-
dflr Bi score gigginlanchesfin got chase, with
0 1e u a sea g neon musian et
furt er back. m gs, y

The six braves, who ut in an ap rance, were
from down the Rio L no, at the ‘open," where
Louis and Lorine were bound to trees, after passing
a few words with the sin is warrior who guarded
the ca tives, in regard to t a state of affairs. hast-
ened mmediateiy to goin the stampedin party;
leading the mustan o the stampeders wig: them,
and guidedb soun which enabled them to reach
their com es, by taking a quartering course, at
the point in.the timber where the herd of mules
broke forth.

The three warriors quickly mounted the horses
that had been led to them, with ejaculations of
satisfaction; and one, being of rank. immediately
ordered two of the newarrivais to return, and start
with the captives toward the Rio San Saba.

Then the seven lndians, in a long line, sped on,
gelling like fiends of the night. and urging the at-

hted mules at ter ed owr the plain.

ery unfortuna , 00 one] La Costa and the
three teamst did not break from the timber for a

 

moment after the two Indians on detached service
had )lunged into the same; or they might have gone
in c 1150. with awakeiwd suspicions in regard to
finding the lost ones, by thus following

But this was not fated to he and the Texans, with
great speed, skimmed over the prairie, in hot pur-
suit of the seven braves who were running the ani-
mals; resolved to slay the Indians before attempt-
in to head 01! the mules—a feat that would be dim—
cu t, and that would necessitate a long gallop.

But the bewildered and agonized mind of Colonel
LaCoste underwent a change, when he discovered
that there were no ca tives held by the savages; that
neither Louis nor rine were in the 1party. Not
daring to entertain the idea that his c ildren had
been slain be resolved to abandon'the chase, and
tolsearcf h the Llano timber again; this time by him~

In fact, the colonel was in a sadly demoralized
state; and no wonder, as the reader must admit.

The old man had gradually, as the thoughts ruled
him which led tohis decision, railed tourge his horse
as before, and he fell into the rent" consequent) his
men sped on without him, their interest in the 0 see

venting them from noticing his absence until too

to to ask explanations; although the Texans

§udged correctly as to his intentions, and did not
ay blame to him.

And thus the parties in our frontier drama were
positioned on the realistic stage—that is, the stam-
Bede sweeping over the plain to the west; six yelling

omanches urging the animals to frantic speed, and
the three Texans in the rear of the Indians with
weapons ready, to let fly “blue whistlers" into the
backs of their red foes, who were not aware of any
pursuers bein in their rear. ‘

And heyon the stampede, to the west, were Old
Rocky, Fred, Turtle. and Jackson, galloping upon
their panting, foam-flecked steeds; having caught
sight of the stampede, and filled with deep appre—
hension in consequence. They had been greatly
agonized when on meeting Jackson, they learned of
the capture oi Lorine. and the disappearance of
Louis; while the hideous band of Comanches thun-
dered in. their rear, but too far distant to be the
cause of any great anxietng

The scouts, with Jac n and the Tonkaway,
pointed directly for the stampede. to head the ani—
mals, to turn them in a quartering direc on back to-
ward the Rio Llano; for they discoveriz the team-
sters in the rear of the stampeders, and endeavored
{lo playdinto the hands of their friends—«Big BilLand

is r s.

was accomplished most admirably, as the as-
tonishment of the stampeders was so great on er-
ceiving whites a preaching with an Indian in t eir
com any, that, 8. though they erked their mustangs
to a sit, they failed to hear t e on-galloping team-
sters in their rear, until they were startled bv a far-
sounding report—the three carbines of Big Bill and
his pards exploding as one, at close range, e
bullet findin its mark.

Three of t e seven braves, with horrible howls of
death threw u their arms and 165-1 from their
aflrighted stee s, that, now riderless, galloped in
among the herd of mules. For a moment the sur-
vivmg reds were dazed and thunderstruck. and that
moment sealed their doom; for Big Bill and his
pards were upon them with their revolvers, sending
spherical messengers of death tearing through the
vitals of the savages.

With yells of exultaiion, the teamsiors now guided
their horses to the north, and wore soon assisting
the scouts and Jackson to turn the frenzied mules.
This necessitated a wide deviation to the south from
the course to the camp on the Llano; which, how-
ever, was not taken advantage of b the pursuing
war- arty, as they knew not the ocatiou of, or
anyt ng in regard to the camp of Colonel La

0n over the plain had they swept like a whirl-
wind, with naught but the lash of quirts, the snort

u!"
.

. N ,m... ..

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prio Fred in Texas. V 19

 

of mustangs, and the rattle of arrows in the dry
skin quivers: but, as they reached the point where
the Sum“ braves lay dost , and seal ed by the Touk-
away. who had left his white par s to manage the
stampede. for the purpose of gaining these trophies
—as the Comanches came upon the mutilated slain
of their advance scouts, they filled the prairie air
with lirndish whoops, yells of fury and howls for
the slain; not knowing Ei‘eviously t (3 cause of the
report of fire-arms, whic they had but faintly dis-
tin ulshed in the distance.

bus was the scone changed, and most quickly;
the stampede flying on the back track, uriven by
the scouts and teamsters, with Jackson and Turtle
—seven brave, determined, and daring men—while
the sn-ven reds, who, but a few moments previous
had been hastening on the stampede, lying dead
and sculpless on the prairie; while a horde of their
comrades who had arrived too late to assi~t in
Securing the valuable herd. or in saving their lives,
were howling over them, and giving vent totheir
ti‘iry and thirst for revenge, in bIOLd-curdling whoops
0 war.
And .the silvery moon rolled on in the arch of
blue, illuminating the Savage scene, as well as
others, of more interest to us: for the strange hap—
penings, and the maddening disapr ointments. and
catastrophes. were not destined to fall upon the ln-
uians alone.

Thus far, during the time that the various actors
men ioued had been on the plain, the whitzs had
had (he advantage in every move; their forces be-
ing joined, the herd turned, and on the way back,
and the stampeders all slain. lint now, a change
was rung; for suddenly, the horde of Comancbes,
with terrific whoogs of exultution, lashed their
mustangs on a sout easterly com se, toward the Rio
LIano——tno herd and drivers going directly cast;
their whole attewlon bent upon keeping the mules
from turning in any other direction.

The whoops or the savagi-s,however—thosigniflca-

tion of which was understood by the scouts and |

Turtle—caused them to halt, and gaze with amaze—
ment to the north; when a sight met their view,
which filled them with the most intense apprehen-
sion and anguish.

At the instant that this met the eyes of Frio Fred,
he reeled in his saddle. and cried out:

“By heavens! There are Lorine and Louisl They
are lost—they are lost !"

But, notWithstanding his despairing words, he
drove spurs home, and shot north, as fast as his
overtaxed horse could bound: Old Rocky fairly
shrieking out, in his su rise and dread:

“ Once my cats,an‘ an my dorgsl Thar's ther
lectle ones, sure as shootin’ !"

He then followed close after Fred, as did Turtle
and Jackson: theiteamsters bringin'r up the rear,
and all lashing and spurring without mercy.

No anxiety about the cam any longer ruled the
whites or the Tonkaway, an the stampeding inules
were entirely forgotten for the time be ng.

Yet at the start there was no hope; for the horses
were all badly tagged and they perceived that the
mustangs, that came from the timber of the Llano,
fairly flew over the plan.

Uggn two of these were bound Louis and Lorine
La ate, the pale faces of each being plainly seen
by their agonized friends. It was the extreme of
torture—soul-racking, sickening torture—to all con-
cerned, except the cowardLv Comanches.

And none were more agonized than a single horse-
man, who galloped shrieking in the rear of the
Indians. who were lashing the mustangs, to which
the captives were bound, at headlong a . This
was non» other than Col incl La Caste, w 0 Mid dis-
covered his darlings from the timber, and who was
now galloping madly in pursuit.

Only three Indians were With Louis and Lorine,
but these were on fresh horses, and sprd like the
wind to join the war-party with their captives, yells

 

o! exultation shooting from their lips, and cries of

tailintiilig, as they gazed in their rear at the pursuing
co one .

but the old man had procured a fresh horse, that
had been caught in the bottom by the diag~ro
flying around a sapling trunk during the stain e,
and ie spurred the animal on with his bowie, in a.
state bordering upon madness, feeling that his brain
would burst, and his heart crawl up into his throat
and stifle him, did he not save his children.

And all this his friends saw: and all realized that
it was among the impossibilities for them to hope to
reach the unfortunate youth and maiden before they
were swallowed up by tho thundering horde (mm
the Rio San Saba. But, for all that they plunged
onward, although they well knew that they were
killin their already overtaxed animals.

An (‘olonel La Coste gained upon them ra idly
f ‘r he had secured a remarkably fleet anim ,an
the frantic man jerked ii 8 revolver as he drew near
poor Lorin- and Louis-they turning their heads,
their featuresdrawn in an agony of apprehension
and terror. gazing back at their father, and then at
the scouts, and, realizing that, nothwithstanding the
grand eflorts which they and the Tonkaway were
putting forth to rescue them. they were doomed.

At length the hindermost of the three braves, who
were in charge of the captive-s halted, with bow
halbbent and arrow fitted to the strin , and the
next instant sent his his feathered sh t through
the air in his rear. . .

The colonel fell from his horse to the prairie, as if
shot through the brain, and both Louis and Lorine
uttered piercing cries of anguish, the latter sinking
forward senseless. and her hair mingling with the
mane of the mustang to which she was bound.

Frio Fred grew faint and sick, and his brain
38(1110d like molten lead as he saw a brave dart
forward and sustain his darling. holding up her fair
head by the hair with his murder-cursed hands—
all the wliitis giving vengeful yells when the
rist the colonel fall from his steed, as they believe ,

e .

But a few yards intervened. at this time, between
the war-party and the ca tives; and Fred, rendered
frantic, struck his bowie— nife into the hams of his
weal-Zed horse.

Wiih a cry that was almost human, the poor
beast sprung into the air and fell rone upon the
prairie; the blood gushing from its mouth and
nolstlil‘fls, Fred himself being hurled senseless to the
en .

At the same moment, Louis and Lorine were sur-
rounded by the Apache horde, which turned en.
mane. and hastened headlong, on the back track,
toward the San Saba.

"Cussm cats an’ dang m dorgsl Somebuddy
knock my rains out an’ i ,me curkidge ter cat—
flshl This hyer big ball 0’ dirt air flip-1101 pet] that
wrong wav." ,

'lhus yelled the old scout, as he 'erkrd his horse to
a halt, gazing alternately at 0101101 La (‘ostc’s
body in the distance the stunned Frio Fred, who
lay near his dead steed, and tie galloping war-

party.
Then he added, as be ejected a squirt of tobacco-
nice:
“ I'm sick enough ter puke up my knee—pans!”

CHAPTER XII.
PLAxNiNG A RESCUE.

Unnna the circumstances, taking the general
character of his mode of expresswu into consider-
ation, it was not strange that Old Rocky made use
of the language with which our last cha ter closes;
nnd theoutcriesof Jackson. Big Bill an his pards,
indicated little less amonishment and hopelessness,
as the» joined the old scout, all sitting upon their
Banting horses and gazing after the fast~fl mg

omanche horde, with Louis and Lorine in t eir,

midst.
Of all the actors in this savage, warlike scene, who

 

.u

.ufin-

 

.M..-n.,~...n...___. n-.. \. .n,......._ .. _-. 

  
 
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
   
    
   
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
  
 
  
  
    
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
    
    
  

   

Prio Fred in Texas.

 

were on the cause of right, none seemed to have
their wits about them except Turtle the ’l‘onkaway,
who, with a “ Waughl’, that expressed much of rlis»
gust and anxiety. sprung from his black steed. at
the s ot where Frio Fred lay, and poured water
from is gourd over his tace, and between the lips
of the youn scout, who soon sat u on the sword,
in a bewil cred manner; his temp e, bruised, swui
Ian and bleedi ~ , from an ugly blow, received when
he was thrown mm his horse. by his caroine,which
he held in his hand, striking his head as he was
hurled to the earth.

A portion of the war-part had halted at the
oint where the seven braves ay dead; and, grasp-
ng the corpses, they drew the same up before them

in their saddles, joining the main party, who had
charge of the captives, with their hideous burden;
thus adding to the appalling look of the situation,
although Louis and orme were now, pi'owdeniial-
ly senseless, as the observers well knew.

Bi Bill hastened with his pards, to ascertain the
con ition of the colonel, who, it was found, had been
struck by the arrow on the side of his head, the
some making a ragged furrow in his scalp, and
stunning him.

The Texans had soon the satisfaction of seeing
their employer open his eyes; he, in well as Frio
Fred being unable to comprehend the near past.

But neither of them remained lon in this state.
The surr iundings, and the sight of t is fast—moving
horde of Conianches dashing back towari the San
Saba, bringing all the dread truths to their mind;
and it is probable that no other two men on earth
suffered greater mental agony, as they realized that
Louis and L nine were bein borne afar over the
plain. toward the haunts o the wild tribes, by the
murciless Comanches.

‘l‘he colonel was assisted to where Fred stood, all
collecting at that point. and Old Rocky breaking
out, in the style of a leadin s irit:

“ Cuss my catemountsl Lt t is ain’t bilyus. boyees
—danguation hilyus but thar ain’t no use standin'
hyei' gapin’ at ther last ecnd 0’ ther cirkis. Es ter
whoopin’ up on ther whiz, an‘ lungin’ arter ther
condemned scariflers, hit can’t be did, owin’ to our
critters bein‘ slimsy es wet buckskin. Et we'd ha’
hed fresh stock under us, we’d reskied ther leetle
ones.

“ Don‘t look so dang'd down in ther mouth, cur—
nil' but brace up, an’ we‘ll git u an’ git for camp,
gxlhi’ ‘f’er fun, au’ then skute on her fly for ther son

a a.

“ Oh, in Godl Host thou forsaken me?“

Thus c ed out Colonel La Costs. from his inmost
soul his eyes fixed. and staring upon the fast dis-
appearing horde of merciless red fiends, who bore
away with them all that he loved on earth.

As for Frio Fred, doubtless he would, in his
frenzy, have sprung upon his horse, and dished in

ursuit of the ndians braving almost certain death

rescue Lorine and Louis, were it not that his
horse lav dead upon the plain. ,

The little time which had forced. from various
causes, all to reason on the situation, only prevented
a disastrous dash to certain death, without order, or
plan of action; and, from thus reasonina; all were

orced to accept the advico or orders of Old Rocky,
and proceed at once to the camp on the Rio Llano.

As some of the horses. from which the indians
had been shot. were wandering on the prairie one
was now inssoed for Fred. and the coionei’s caught
also; then all proceeded toward the Llano, discov—
eriniothat the stampeded herd had made a bolt on
the rdnrs of the timber, the animals being now
quietly feeding.

Old Rock . asthe arty had covered half the dis-
tance, crle out to h s pard:

“Fred, ther Tonk hev got some so’t 0‘ fresh idee
inter his kerbase, ter sarcumvent ther condemned
kiotes—I‘m takin' my nflerdavy on hiti ’Cos whv?
Thar he air, jist shootin’ inter ther timber like
sixty.”

 

And such was the case, Turtle having, without a
word of rxp;anation, gallopcd ahead alone.

“Jumpin’ Jericho] ’l‘her Mexicans or ther nig-
gei‘s ’ii shoot him, dead siu'el”

’l‘lius exclaim d i-ig Bill, as he drove s urs,
and guiloped in haste, to prevent injury to the onk—
away.

“ Dang’d of Bill ain't kerrect!” answered the
old scout, with some concern, “ They'll think ther
Tank air a Comanch‘, ther blamed idiots!

“ Howsoniever ”—-more relieved—“ they shoots so
orniighty wild, bein’ so score 0‘ ther reds, the
they might pop away, ther hul caboodle on ’em, ‘
not harm a ha‘r."

A somewhat disconnected account of the occur»
rences at the camp after his departure was gained
from the colonel, by Jackson, both Old Rocky and
Eric Fred h'SLening eag. rly in regard to the march
for Louis and Lorine, the shootiu of the Comanches
in the camp receiving due attention from the scents.
Old Ricky gave his opinion of the matters, after a
shmt deliberation, and tearing of! a fresh quid of
“ nigger—inad.”

“Boyvcs, things: hev bin mixed up in acur‘ous
sort 0‘ way. Ef red hed stopped ahindt, ther hull
biz o‘ ther reds ’u’d ha” bin bu’sted an‘ ther lcetle
ones ‘u’d be hunk, ’stid o' in a tight x."

These words added fresh misery to tho. young
Scout’s mind; not so intended, howeVer, by his 01

ard, who proceeded. after a vigorous squirt of

obacco-iuice over his horse’s ears:

“ Thar 8 one dang'd sure thing, an’ thct air. ther
condemned scum’il s‘iute back h er, arler bleed,
hzi’r an’ mules. Ef tha’r nags hedn t bin in a rugged
fix, they’d kep‘ on. an’ stud a good show ter Wiped
we-’uns out slick an‘ clean, while we war soatiered-
like. an‘ then ,scoo ed in ther hull camp outfit.
Ther corpuses on t er perrarer made ‘ein red-hot,
an' ef hit hedn’t bin for secin’ ther captives,
ther hull batch on ’em 'u‘d ha’ lit down on us. Hit
’u‘d ha‘ bin ‘Good-by, John,’ then, for [her hull°on

us!

“They’ll strike ter ther San Saba, dance on” howl
over thar corpuses, an' rest thn'i- nags; then ther
heft on ‘em 'll strike back hyer chunk-full o' liyder-
phobic, eager fer bleed. They ll leave some wi'

uis and Loreen in a sly 1place, la in’ low for that
comin' back. Then they' 1 mean er towards [her
head 0’ ther Brazos.

“ Hit wardang‘d stran ehowwe-‘uns didn‘t strike
no sign on ther Llano t at ’u'd gli‘n us a New that
reds were sneakin’ roun’. They p ayed a purty thin
an’ wored out old game on ther cmnii, which they
wouldn't ha' tried on, ’ceptin‘ they knowed, by
‘zaminin’ ther outfit he war fresh.

“1 sh'u’d jist lau h m errigatin‘ ditch sore tor
see ’em play a punt er-s in game on me or Fred.
Thet’s why all ‘u’d ha' gone hunk, of yer‘d stopped
ahindt, ard." ,

“ For eaven’s sake. don't cause me to foe] more
misery than I am burdened with now, Pard Rock “

leaded Frio Fred, in a tone that proved h0w deeply
e suffered.

-‘ It was to be and there is an and of it. The
thoughts of what Louis and Lorine are now sufier-
ing nearly drive me mad. I must have a horse that
is of good bottom and speed. at once: for I will not
sleep until the colonel‘s children are free. or I sleep
the '- leap of death. .Every moment of thls suspense
is agonizing: Their fate is too horrible to think

Colonel La Caste rained his horse nearer to that
of the speaker, and clasped his hand with a warm
and thankful grasp; but he could not speak for
emotion,the tears running down his cheeks. The
ovorwhelming numbers of the savages had plunged
him again into hopeless despair.

The old scout witnessed this act. but quickly
turned his head, amoisture in his own eyes that
his voice and manner gave the lie to. '

“ Thar ain't no use in bein' womanish ‘bnnt this
hyor thing, cumil; fer hit only bothers an' hinder!

t

 

 

 

,2

i
.
?

 

 

Prio Fred

in Texas. 21

 

ther smooth runnin‘ o' what’s t ter he did. Hit’s
plain sailin‘ fur es I kin see. her ain‘t enough on
us ter go in rash, an’ rake things; an‘ of then war,
that wouldn’t be so much show [81' git ther lertle
ones out, wi’ no skin broke. Ther I‘onk, an’ Fred,
an' this liyer ole raw~hide ripper kin play our sly
games on the painted piruts. es we hes my, uy a time
afore. Hit ‘11 d be ther bestest 'rangemeut fer yeou
ter stay wi’ ther wagons. niggers, an' Greasers,
’lon§ 0‘ Big Bill an’ his iwo paras.

“ er’ll hev tor move camp up toward Fort Mason,
er mebbe so there’ll be a hefty ’nough crowd 0’
scariflers run in on yer ter scoop yer in. Then we‘d
be in 'bout es bad a. fix es afore. even if we did whiz
back wi’ Louis an‘ ther leetle gal.“

‘ Don‘t ask that of me, my old friend,"i-eturned
the colonel, in a feeble voice, which, however, grew
stronger as he continued; :“I shall go and fight like
a demon to get back my darlings. What is the
train, or the slaves, or even my own life, when put
in the scale with their safety? They are m the most
deadly peril. The savages may murder them at any
moment, and you cannot, by anything you may say,
change this bt lief, or my purpose.

“ I shall go, as soon as 1 can get a fresh mount,
even though I should go alone.”

“ l‘hrt's jist what I s‘posed yer’d spoke,“ said 01d
Rocky; “an’l can’tsny a word tag in‘ hit. lint e!
yer oes wi’ we-‘uns yer hos ter do aswe sez, er
yer' l spill yer gravy, an‘ ther let‘tle ones ’11 be tor-
tur’d ’sides all on us hein’ scooped in. I hes sed
thet hit’s gut ter be worked onder the bush, by sly
scoutin'.

“ We-uns must sarcumvent the red hellyuns some
sort 0‘ way: fer that ain’t no show ter Win by
lunrin’ in brash on sich a hefty warlparty.

"Why, they’d jab tha‘r sticker, inter ther lectle
ones fu‘st pop, er the even see’d that we-‘uns war
makiu' a lun inter t ar camp.”

" 1 am w‘ ng to act under your orders, Old Rocky,
to be sure," agreed Colone La Costs; "but, for
Heaven‘s sake. don‘t speak of the red fiends mur-
dering my child renl I know that you and Fred, and
your friend Turtle. whose brave deeds are known
near and far, are experienced in the ways and habits
of these monsters; and I know nothing about them.
except what I have to-night learned by the most an~
guishing experience.

“You have asserted confldentl that the Coman~
ches will not kill or torture my arhn ones before
reaching their village; and this fac relieves me
great] , as it leaves hope of rescue before that time,
Shoul the . or a portion of them. return to the
Llano. and defeated in their plans to capture the
train and herd, would they not hecnme infuriated.
and in this state, when they went back to th~ San
Saba, have the captives both tortured, as a helm
for their disappointment, and to assuage their
fu
“ml cannot help thinking that it would be so, and
this is my great fear now. But. you. my friends
know them, and perhaps can satisfy my great dread
on that point."

“ We‘ risky Louis an’ Loreen afore ther con-
demned ha‘r-t arers gits back ter tlior San Saba, er
I'll, chew b‘iled owls fer grub ther nex‘ six moons!
So jist sot that down in yer mem’rnnder book. When
Turtle, an” me, an' Fred goes fer heavy biz on ther
jump. things hez gut ter squirm nn’ wut, I kin tell
yer; an’ don‘t yer disrember hitl

“ Dan my dogs, of we-‘uns ain‘t gut inter camp,
an’ I ha n’t sorry, I swa‘r? Cuss my cats! What
did I tell yer?

‘ “Jist gaze at our Tonkl ' Somebuddy choke me
right smart, er I shill laugh, even when I feels es
though I war bound to plant in hull fambly an’ dis-
tant bleed relations. eats an‘ ( org: counted in! Ef
that ain‘t a urty sight, I’ll swallor a catfish, tail
fu'st, an' witlgout cuttiu’ ot‘l‘ horns—"

when Old Rock first began to sprak. the colour-1
had quickly jerked, his revolver, cocked the weapon,
and would have fired directly over his horse’s head,

had not Frio Fred s urred up. and clutched the old
man‘s arm in a vise- ike grip, saying, in a low voice,
not interrupting his old ard:

“ Hold, Colonel Lu ostel For Heaven‘s sake,
don‘t shoot! That‘s Turtle, the Tonkawayl"

Just ahead of them, and approaching. mounted
upon one of the Comanche horses, equipped in the
same manner as when ridden by its slain master.
was Turtle, attired in the costume and weapons
taken from the corpse of one of the Indians slain
in the camp. His turtle totem was covered by a
breast-plate. and the war stripes of his foes were
daubed upon his featui es.

So well arranged was his disguise, that the colonel
had attempted to shoot him.

CHAPTER XIII.
ON To THE SAN sum.

“ WHAT sort of a idee’s gut crawlin’ ’roun’ under
ther ruts 0’ 'er ha‘r now, Tonk?” asked the old
scout, as Turt e. seated on the wild—eyed Comanche
mustang. rigng and painted exactly in imitation of
its former rider, now slain, presented himself to
their view.

“ Yer doesn‘t mean ter sasrhay toward llzer San
Saba an’ lunge inter [her camp 0‘ ther red hellyuns,
es things "pears ter ’int. does y r?"

“Turtle ride to ‘omanc‘he camp,” asserted the
Tonkaway. ” Save young white brave Save Lily-
Face. ,gomanche no kil like Deva-Eye. Turtle‘s

uaw.

. he eyes of the Tonkaway biazed like those of an
infuriatx d panther as he thus spoke; but his stoical
face exhibited no emotion oi herwise.

Old Rocky Lad not heard his red pard mention the
tragicnl fate of his squaw for a yrar or more, and
he now knew that the Tonkawny was in a vengeful
mood lhat would brook no dictation or even advice.
Consequently he guarded his next words to his In-
uian comrade.

_ “Can’t yer wait awhilefer we-‘uns, Tonk? We'll
Jump fresh stock nn’stule quick es we kin, an’ I
sw’al' we. need yer now, of any time.

“ I'll gi‘n in thet I’m we tated a hefty sight
, . i . v - .

garos yer gom fer they 11 fln out yer am t simon-

pure Curmanch , an’ they‘ll tortur‘ yer. This hyer.
thing ’11 end in our hevm‘ a bigger job on our paws
than 'tt-in‘ Louis an‘ Loreen outen tha‘r clutches,
l’m eard."

“Comanche get shot in wheel-lodge camp. Co~
,manche get kill with knife in bottom. Young white
brave, he kill. Try save Lil -Face. Both get free
but more Ci mam-he come. ie both u . ig Fox
get kil in camp, “hen braves run fas ; stem de
mules. Mebbe so other brayes no see die. Big ox,
he Comanche. Turtle. he Big Fox now. Waughl It

is end. ’ «

é’ithout another word the Tonkaway whirled his

uirt in the air, bringing the torturing lash around

t ie hams of the mustang with a hiss and soundiu
whack, and the animal, with a snort of painan
fright, shot through the party of whites and disap-
peared. crashing through the undergrowth in their
rear toward the plain which had been so recently
lithe scenerdofcl the startling and strange events we

ave reco e .

Old Rocky ejected a uirt of tobacco-juice vi-
ciously into the bushes, an then said in a lone that
showed his disapp' intment: .

“ IIIt’s too dang‘d bad! Hit makes me sick enufl?
ter puke up my ham-strings ter see that Tonk git
out? one 0’ his r’arin', t‘arin stompedes arter bleed
an a r.

" He’s hilyus as a hungry yaller wolf, an' yer
c’u'du’t ersuade him ter make a crook in 'ther trail
he‘s dodged outer, no more‘n yer c'u’d drive a wile
hog on a hee-linel

“Dang‘d ef I ain‘t afeard he’s checked through

 

ter kingdom come, without ha‘r; an’, jist eslikeiy

 

 

 

 

a, .q:,,.»i.‘.,.,t.“.er e 

 

28 I} Prio Prod in Texas. .

..\

es not, that won't be enough meat left on his car—
kidge utter ther torterers gits through with him ter
feed a. new-horned catfish.

“ Fred, we-’uns hes gut ter run ther thing alone, I
reckon. We hes gut ter save Louis an’ Lorine, an”
mebbe so ther Tonk besides. Things air gittin’ mix-
edor anI mixeder."

All had, by this time, started on toward the camp,
as Turtle disep ared: the old scout grumbling thus,
as he rode b t e side of Frio Fred, whose features
told plainly ow desperate and hopeless he consid-
ered the position of the m'iiden whom he secretly
loved; notwithstanding the encouraging words Old
Rocky had made use of since the sad scene on the
Elam, and which Fred knew were spoken for the

eneilt of the almost crazed father of the captiyes.

“ I’ll risk Turtle,” said the young scout, strivmg
to throw off his despondency. “We know that he
speaks the Comanche tongue as well as that of his
own tribe; and, although it may be known that Big
Fox was shot, it would not seem strange or remark
able that he was not killed, and had returned.

“ The Tonkaway understands his busmess, and
will doubtless arrange everything; for his life hung;
by a hair. if he enters the Comanche camp, which I
have no doubt he will. Few men would lake such 8.
risk to save others, and they of a different race, and
with whom he has never even spoken. Turtle 15 one
of Nntul‘e‘s’nohlemen, if his skin is red.”

“Thet‘s whar ye’re gittin’ him down fine, whar he
b’longs. Dang hit! What did he mean ’bout Louis
gittin‘ away with a Cnrmcnch’, en’ sottin‘ Lore 1)

rec? He's foun’ out somethin’ fresh since he struck
ther Llano, en’ that’s what‘s set him a-goin’. Ef
Louis sucked a. knife through a. brave, Turtle ’u‘d go
through fire ter free him."

“ He’s a true man, that friend of yours,“ ex-
claimed the colonel. arousing himself from a laby-
rinth of dread thoughts. “I feel that much depends
upon his exertions. Perhaps Big Bill will know
what the Tonkaway discovered in regard to my
children and where they were secreted.

“ Turtle must have had some time to investigate,
for we have necessarily traveled slowly since he left
us in the first place."

“ Wa-ul hit may all come out hunk; but I'm wor-
rytated ‘ ut Touk, ’cos he’s so ormighty brash.
He can’t ’spect ter keep a grig on his be r aims;
’specially when he’s runnin‘ his end lum inter ther
wu’stest Curmanch’ lay-out he kin nd. Hyer we
air. boyeesi An' Big Bill hev gut things straight
ened o t. Reckon e kin ‘splm’n what ther Toni:
hev bi doin‘ since he ’roved. ’

As the old scout spoke, all broke into the comp,
finding that the fires were blazing, and Big Bill with
his pards bustling about, having re laced the bar-
ness, and set the negroes to mend ng the broken
portions. The mules and horses were all huddled
together in the “ openz” having been driven in from
the plain b the two teomsters. Bill had orderel
this, as he ushed on alone, to prevent any harm he-

, failing the Tonkaway, whom the Mexicans and
no roes would suppose to be a. Comanche.

everal line saddle-horses were lariated to a

wagon-wheel. These were in good condition, show-
in but little bad effects from the stamfiede.

‘ he Mexicans and the negroes were 11 a. sadly de~

‘ moralized state, the lzttter being greatly affected by
the killing of one of their number by the Coman-
ches; But they were all greatly rejoiced at the re-
turn of their master, and those who they felt would
protect them from murder or capture.

Bill hnd ordered the women to prepare a. meal
and extra. food for the trail, and also to prepare
coflee immediately upon his arrival.

For this Jackson complimented him on having
more solid sense on the occasion than any one in
the party. In afew words Iiill explained that Tim
tlo hail sprung from his horse as soon ashe reached
the camp. the speaker having- overtaken him and
prevented the guard from firing at him, but with
much difficulty.

 

The Mexicans had reported the disappearance of
Pedro, and the direction from whence the shriek of
Lorine. and the whoops of the Comanches had been
heard was pointed out to him.

Turtle had then darted into the timber on the run
with torch in hand, to stud the “ Sign." He ha
then discovered the body of t 6 Mexican, caught by
a fallen tree that lay part1 in the stream.

The 'l‘onkawny succeed in finding the place of
conflict between the Comanches and the youth and
maiden, and also the place on the west side of the
river, where the two captives had been secured to
saplings. This had been more from instinct and a
knowledge of the direction whence the sounds bad
proceeded than an ht else. .

“There is no don t,“ said _Bill. “that Louis killed
the Indian that had MlSS Lorine captive. and that he
then rescued her, but both were retaken by some
new arrivals."

" Dang’d cf iectle Louis ain’t a, rip-shorter fer his
inchesl Curnil. yer orter be proud of him, an‘ I
sw’ar I begins ter think he kin do nhea towards
makin‘ ther git-away eas artcr we cuts im loose.
Eliet air, of wefiuns bees uoky enough ter ’complish

1 . ’

" There is no time to talk or ii er." said Fred. al-
ready engaged in saddling afres ho'se. "Ishu‘l
go mztd i we are not s »on on the plain."

Colonel La Costa, with a hard, set look that was
gainful to behold, also hastily equipped another

orse, Our friends were soon ready.

“ Thet’s ther p‘ozramme clean through." agreed
Old Rocky, “ but I ’lows we‘-uns hev gut ter load up
wi’ some grub an” coffee More we starts on ther
rampage. ‘sides packin’ somethin’ tor chew ’long 0’
us, I’m oin’ for coffee on ther jump, fer thar’si,
heft biz a cad. or I'm a. double-barreled Iiarl

“ e-’uns ’11 need all the strength an’ vim the law
'lows, tar scroufie through ther scrape without git-
tin’ our heads 5 inned; though I‘m sottin’ out out
kerlatiu' ter git ther leetle ones, or serve es ther big~
gest draw in ther Curmanch‘ fundnngo. I allers

spected tar draw my last breathes ter he music 0’
Injin yells, wi’ ther condemned scariflers hop in’
’roun’ me; an' hit won‘t stop this hyer big be i o‘
dirt from whirlin’ of l goes on ther fly ter k ngdom
come, on ther San Saba, tryin’ tor resky a gal angel
from ther red wbelps o’ Satan."

The old scoutnow whispered to Frio Fred:

“ Hit ’pears ter megmrd, that ye‘r' kinder glvin‘
yerself away, es ‘gar s Loreen. I sw’ar yer hez
acted es though ye thought a. heap more 0’ her than
her own dad does; an’ he cofldn t h'lp noticin’ hit,
or his head warn’t full 0’ grief an’ tortur’ hiss if.
All ther t’others hes see’d thet ra’re nctin‘ a dang’d
sight more bilyns than ther th ng calls for, without
ther gal war a. bleed~relntionz an’ they doesn’t sot
hit down theta-way.“

“Thanks old pnrd," returned Fred; “butIoan’t
help it. I believe I‘m going mad. The thoughts of
Lorine being the victim of that hellish horde of
demons will drive me mad. I must act.

“She must be saved at once. Think of the pos-
sible consequences of ten mlnutes’ delay) Great
heavens! I dare not'tbink of It. And t at brave
{0mm too—think of him, dying a lin ering death
b tglrture, that would put the very ends to the

us

“Hit won’t do ter think 0‘ n thin’ ‘ceptin‘ ser—
cumventm’ ther condemned kiotes. or brain air
on ther whirl, an’ yer won’t be wo‘th shocks, ef yer
doesn’t simmer down ter biz. Thor loetle ones air
saffifter half a moon, fur es thet goes I‘ll aflerdavy
on i

“ Thar cusses hes lost some braves, what gut tha‘r
heads skinned, en’ ther squaws et ther village '1]
bowl for victims ter tortur'. They‘ll take ‘em up
toward ther head 0‘ ther Brazos, an’ weeuns 'il hev

lenty 0’ show ter resky ‘em, 6! we play our p'ints.
it‘s bad enough ter bev ther ole man ’long. One
crazy human in ther outfit ’11 do a heap o’ damage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

,. r w w»...

Prio Fred In Texas. 83

I’m ’lowin', without ,hevin' two: which ’1! bu'st us
plum up, an’ thcr leetle ones 'll be goners.

" So, brace up. an’ come ’roun‘ nat‘ral ef yer
wants ter hev Loreen kick parrarer flowers free an‘
airy ag‘in, while yer walk longside o‘ hil‘, nn’ she
shoots love from her peepers inter yourn, es she
thanks yer fer savin‘ rer li e."

“Thanks, again, old pard,'lsaid the young man,
with much agitation, as ho grasped Old Rocky‘s
hand; “I’ll be in self once more, and more than
myself: for there‘s the strength or a. giant—the will
of a dozen men—in me, from the time we get near
the red demons.

“ lie godsl How I could rush into that war- arty!
I believe'that we two, with Turtle, could save orine
and Louis. by a headlon dab, if we could get near
enough to them, on the rders of their cam ."

“ Hlt’s too risky. au’ yer knows hit, Fred. thar
war a. red, nigh ter ’em, he‘d knife ’em at onc‘t.
We-’uns hes tor glide easy-like, an’ I SW’fiJ‘ I b’lieve
lvinel’lllbl'iawe ter tie ther curnil, or he‘ll bu’st up ther

u iz.

“ Howsomever. we’ll watch him, an’ see of inebbe
so he gits more nat'ralvlike."

One of the negroes now summoned all the party
to break their tests; and this was a welcome call to
the two scouts, who had not eaten since the previous
morning in camp.

They now persuaded Colonel La Costa, by ever
possible argument to fortify his stomach wit
nearly a quart of black coffee; Jackson taking this
time to r uest him to make one of the party, as
well as Big ill, who had felt hurt at being left out,
by a parent] common consent.

” ang‘d e I thought 0’ hit aforrl" exclaimed the
old scout, speaking with his mouth nearly full of
corn-pone.

“ I reckon, ther two ards 0’ yourn kin take that
train upstream, an’ no r lay low inter some bend,
whar hits eas ter stan‘ off ther reds, of they runs
up toward ort Mason, which 1 air opinin' they
won‘t dar'.

“Jackson an‘ Bill, yer kin come erlong, es we-‘uns
can’t jist ’zactly tell what sorter fiame we hes ter
play; thatis, of ther cumil ‘11 risk is outfit in slob
a eircus.

“Ther niggers won’t be scarey, arter yer glides
outen this camp. What did yer say, curnil? Thet
yer'll take ‘em orig?" -

“ We'll take all the men, and let the women run
the train, it there is use for them," answered Colonel
La Coste, quickly, as he recovered partially from
his fit of mental abstraction. upon being thus dir« ct-
ly addressed; and, hearing the quest 0

e

mi :

“Let the train go to the dickeuil If Ican only
get back my children, I care for nothing else in the
wide world."

" Ya as, thet‘s all very fine," remarked Old Rocky;
“ but we- uns don’t ’low ter lose nothin', of hit kin
be helped.

“ Jackson kin git tber train hitched up, as soon es
he kin, an’ start ‘ein off. Yer kin go, Jackson, an’
Bill loo: fer yer won’t be needed. Yer two ards
kin run ther train, an‘ keep things straig t, I
reckon."

In another minute all was bustle and confusion in
the camp.

The mules were quickly harnessed, the utensils
packed, and the women and children, relieved and
elated to leave, what they one and all considered an
aocursed spot, all clambered, without more ado, in-
to their w on.

The (lea negro had been buried by order of
Jackson, so there was no further delu ; and the
slaves. with tears in'their eyes, and muc lamenta-
ti -n at leaving their old master, who might be
killed. and in regard to the two missing ones—their
young master and inistri-ssv-loik the places of the
dead toainsters; one of Big Bill’s pni'ds actingas
wagon-master.

The train rolled out of camp, with orders to turn

11 repeated, '

 

up the river upon reaching the plain, keeping on
tbs border of the timber, and not to bait for ten
in es.

Fifteen minutes after, the two scouts, with
Colonel La Coste, Jackson, and Big Bill, all well
mounted and the latter leading the black steed of
the Tonkaway—Jackson also having two extra
h0rses— all proceeded to the lain, and galloping
down the river, on the border 0 the timber, for five
miles or more, turm d upon the plain, going at head—
long speed toward the Rio San Saba, west. Thus
keeping such a distance from the war-partiy, in the
track they had taken in their return; a min to

strike the San Saba. some five miles northo the:

point at which the Comanches had formed their
cordon around the scouts and Turtle, and where the
Indians, with their captives, would undoubtedly en-
camp upon their return from the Rio Llano.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
mu norm slump.

Warm the half-dozen Comanches, on their wild-
cyed steeds, plunged from the under wth into the
smal “ open,” on the border of wbi Louis and his
sister Were secured, the former was most terribly
concerned, and for three reasons.

First and foremost, notWIthstanding the crashin
of bush and branch. and the snorting of the torture
mustangs together with the whoops of the hideous
savages, Lorine manifestid no knowledge of the

resence of the new arrivals: her fair form being

iit forward, her whole weight upon the bonds
which bound waist and wrist in the saplings, and
her long hair hanging nearly tothe award, com~
pletely vailin her features.

To behold t is was most agonizing to Louis, who
had striven with all his 1power of wi-l to coni-rol‘him-
self. and not to revca. to his sister the hopeless
des air that overwhelmed him upon her recapture,
an himself being taken b the Indians.

Secondly, the arrival o the Comanches at the
point where he had slain the brave who had first
captured Lorine, and this second Party led the youth
to decide with good reason, the there were many
Indians in the vicinity, who by runners had com-
municated with each other. -

Thirdgy from ihe fact that the present party had
given low whoop, simultaneously, so near the-
cam , the location of which their manner proved
mus be known to them—this indicated that the
had no doubts as to their being able to massacre a l
in the camp, and then plunder it.

As they fialloped away, with the horses of the first
party in t e lead. Lotus had no further doubt in
regard to a regularly organized plan baring been
carried out to sin all t at belongedto the wagon-
train, and appro ate all their effects.

As all this fla ed upon themind of the intcili nt
bo , who fully believed that his father had n
kil ed by the Indians—and the teamsiers and ne-
grpe: as well—he almost shrieked, in his agony of
sp ri .

From the fact that the herd of mules, which he
knew had been on the plain grazing, had been
driven in, as the stampede prov Louis knew that
his father had returned from 5 search after
Lorine, to the cam , and had ordered in the ani-
mals, consequently he colonel ‘and the whole force
of teamsters must have been With the wagons at the
time of attack, and all, without doubt,had been
massacred. .

After the do arture of the six braves the outh,
observing that be single Indian who d them
was faced toward and intently listen rig to the din
at the camp, made a most desperate effort to break
loose; and as he had previously worked at an ‘at—
tern t to burst the buckskin thongs, perspirm
muc in his exertions, which served to moisten an
stretch the skin—he, to his joy, realized that he
could pull out his right hand.

m Wasp-1”.“   ..,_ or . A . ,

._v,e  or s 

‘ a...“

  

 

 
    
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
  
  
   
 
   
  
 
 
   
  
  

 

 

24

 

Prio Fred in Texas.

   

 

This meant freedom to him and to Lorine.

In his pocket was a jack-knife, which, in the haste
of the Indians had encaped notice when they dis-
armed him. He quickly thrust his hand in now.
and jerked out the knife, opening the blade with his
teeth, and treinulinz reatly in his excitement.

The next moment e had slashed himself free.
but he remained in the same position as he had
been,endeavorin to think what next he should do
or, in other wor s, how he should proceed to kill
the single brave who stood between him and free-

om.

And now, to his utmost disappointment, verging
upon despair, the brave half-lurnl-d, and proceeded
to read ust the saddles on the mustangs; after
which. 9 threw himself upon the sward, nirectly
griposita Lorine, where he could watch both cap<
ives.

To describe the feelings of Louis La 0 ste, at this
moment. would be impossible.

All chance of liberty seemed wrested from him,
for he know that if he made a movement, which
gave the supple. sinewy brave the slightest sus-
picion that he had loosened his bonds, t e Indian
would pounce upon. and perhaps kill him at once;
for, except his pocket—knife, he was without a wea-

pun.

So excited and nervous was the youth at this un-
locked-for state of affairs, that his brain reeled, and
the sweat stood in great beads upon his forehead;
for he feared that he would fall prostrate, and thus
end all hope of escape.

He quickly leaned backward against the sapling,
placing his head a'zainst it. and clutchinz at the
rough bark to maintain his position. as it had been
when bound. He dared not now look at the hideous,

aintrdnubed fiend at his feet. lest he might betray

is secret. in the mere glance.

Thus the boy remained for a lon time, being
forced to bring all his strength of wil and body to
the front to retain his sition. his limbs at times
trembling greatly; an when at last the warrior

arose quickly, and stepped to his former osition to -

listen again to the sounds of the stampe e, and the
gells now far away toward the west p sin—then the

rave youth set his teeth and determined t‘-at he
would risk all in one grand attempt to slay his 00-
manche guard.

The warrior had left his bow and quiver of arrows
on the ground where he had been lying; but Louis
well knew that he could not draw that bow sufficient-
ly to send an arrow with any force.

This he had learned from Old Rocky, as it required
practice from childhood; the bows being made more
stiff each year of ractice with them.

There war no 0!: er weapon at hand, however, and
he determined to clutch an arrow and plunge into
the back of his red foe. at a vital point. .

The long scalpins-knife in the belt of the warrior.
he mi ht, by a sleight of’ hand, obt'iin, and use it
With e ecti'ic‘like ve'ocity the next instant after
(plunging iii the arrow. Delav. he had learned. was

an erous; and, as his thoughts were, like flashes of
ligh , the Indian had not stood a moment when the
during youth clutched an arrow and with one far‘
reaching bouad, plunged, with all his strength. the
steel- inted shaft into the wnri'ior's back, below
the s oulder-hlade, the who u iiickil failing to
come in contact with either ri er back- no.

No sooner had the arrow entered the Indian than
the latter. With a horrible yell writhed backward.
attempting to whirl and grapple with Louis at the
same ime clutching wildly at t e knife-hilt. .But the
lad was quicker. and jerk: d the scalping-knife from
the belt of his foe, driving, with the quickness and

rrength of desperation, the weapon to the hilt in
is Victim‘s painted breast.

But the brave caught Louis in his death-grasp, his
features contorted with awful agony. his snake-like
eyes bu ing, his mouth agape, and blood welling
over his i n.

Thus, reeling. trembling, and panting. W the

 

pair; a white boy and a burly red brave—the boy
sick with horror, and the bravo on the borders of
de thl Thus, for an age it Seemed to Louis, they
stood. Then the e es of the Comanche rolled sky-
ward. a horrible each-howl, almost stifled by a
burst of blood, came from the doomed wu: rior, and
he roll with a sickening thud to the award, bearing
Louis with him as he went.

Thus both lay for a moment; the youth so para-
lyzed with sickening horror. and weakened by his
herculeun efforts and the fear of failure. that he
could not move—the death-clutch of the Indian upon
his throat impeding breath.

At this moment poor Lorine revived, and raisin
herself erect, tossed back her hair b a movemen
of her head—not knowing where e was or what
had occurred. The first sight. that met her horrified
gaze was her brother clutched in the grasp of a 00-
manche. both rostrate and covered with blood. an
arrow of moon ight playin around the ghastly face
of Louis, now rendered sti more so from contrasts
with the stains of gore.

She could not see his eyes, but the rioting and
glassy orbs of the dead brave seemed to gaze into
and pierce her very soul, congealing the blood in
her veins with horror.

In the uncertain light, she could not see that Louis
was panting—l hat he lived, and that the Comanche
was COId and dead!

For an instant, Lorine’s tongue clave to the roof
of her mouth; but it was only momentarily, or her
heart would have broken.

She gave a piercing shriek, her eyes fixed upon
Louis; and tha shriek acted u nthe outh like a
galvanic batterv. Hc wrenchr hinire f free from

he hideous and revolting corpse, and s runito his
feet, totteiin as if stricken with pa 5 , loody
knife in ban , to his sister who. with ixed stare.
gazed as in a trance, as much affected by the sud
en relief at finding him still alive, as she had been
3711015 she discovered him, as she supposed, mur-

ere .

Gasping for breath and s eecliless. Louis at
length reached the side of his s ster. and slashed the
cruel cords that had cut into her tender flesh; the
maiden falling forward, now unable to sland, on ac-
count of impeded circulation.

Himself as helpless as his sister, Louis fell with
her, each clasping, in a stiff and unnatural manner,
their benumbed arms about the other. But soon
there followed a crashing of bushes, and two
mounted braves urged their mustangs into the
“open.” nearly crushing the brother and sister he-
neath their hoofs.

With yells of fu and howls for the dead, the
warriors sprung to t e earth: and, before Louis and
Lorine in! y comprehended the terrible change. they
wer - bound upon the backs of mustanas and bring
hastened through the wood wes'ward; the (lea
brave being also secured to his saddle. his limbs
brund beneath the animal’s belly, his bow lashed to
his back and head, keel ing him thus in a natural
position on his last eai hl 'ide. '

The two braves urged t ie horses of the captives
and that of the corpse at headlong speed, soon lire k-
ing from the timberand out upon the moonlit plain,
over which the were now rapidly forced, both dazed
with this new espalr.

Twice had they been free, twice near] read to
hasten from a slam foe; and then found t iemse ves
again bound capllves before they had time. in
their bewilderment, to realize What had occurred.
This was enough to break up all hope, to be forced
to decide that they were doomed; but yet another
most tantalizing ex erience was destined to be
theirs—again were heir hopes to be awakened,
only to be dashed to fragments. and they were once
snore ihurled into the most dense and dark depths of

«spa r.

Not a word had passed the lips of either since Louis
had cut Lorine free from the sapling.

Under the circumstances this was not strange.

   
 
   
     
  
 
 
 
 
    
   
  
   
  
 
   
 
  
   
    

 

 

f

 L, Q. 4.11., 

.w: WAW‘

«mm m- -~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Prio Fred in Texas. “ '25

 

These sudden changes. from captivity to freedom
and back to captivity; the suifering from their crue
bonds; the fatigue and agony consequent u on im-
peded circulation; the horrible scenes hrough
which they had passed, and the but too probable
dread and awful torture and death to come—all this
nearly seared their brains; and it was some minutes
after they had set out upon the lain, before the un-
fortunate victim of Indian crue t realized that they
had gotten free from the dark ttom-timber, and
were now speeding over the prairie in the calm
moonlight.

Both had closed their eyes in an endeavor to col-
lect their dazed thoughts; and, when they gazed
over the plain and discovered the strange panoramic
scene—that is, the stainpediug herd, with the In-
dians In pursuit, and the whites in the rear of the
reds, in chase of the latter—all these galloping west;
while, from that direction. gallope three white
men and an Indian, evidentypursued bye Ia e
body of Comanches—when th s sight burst on t 6
view of Louis and his sister, they were dumfounded
with amazement.

This, however, soon merged into relief and intense
10y. as they saw the whites shoot down the seven

ndians. and realized that both parties of their
friends would soon be together; while the large
party of pursuing savages were quite a distance

0

The sight gave Louis new life and ho e, as well as
to Lorine; t e former crying out with oy:

“ Look. Lorine lookl They have not killed our
men. There is Old Rockg, and Frio Fred, and Jack-
sonl Yes, an I verily elieve there is the Tanka—
way Indian he scouts have told us so much
about."

“ Thank Heavenl There is a chance for us yet.
on, sis. wasn‘t it terrible, to be taken again, after
such struggles to he freer Butyou must bear up, or
you will die!"

“ Oh, Louis, I cannot hear to think of going
through the same horror ain. Where can poor
father be? And why has no some efl'ort been made
to rescue us? Surely our lives are of more import-
ance than the mules)"

“ We have experienced enough of changes and ter-
rors,“ said the boy, “ to know that events may oc-
cur that we would not have dreamed of as possible.
We know nothing of what has ha gonad to prevent
them from rescuing us. I do no elieve that the
could trace us up, but I am sure the have done the r
best. But do not look in our rear, urine! As sure
as fate, there comes father, riding like the wind,
and all alone i"

The excitement of their guards, and a deviation
from the course previously traveled caused Louis
thus to look behind them, when he discovered their
father riding wildly in pursuit

But poor Lorine, thus directed by Louis, no sooner
saw her parent than she burst into tears of joy the
most intense. This the words of her brother in-
creased, as he again cried out: .

“ The scouts are coming, Lorinel And all our men
are with them, as I live] They have discovered us,
and will save us!

“ Look. do 1001“ It is perfectly fearful! There is
a large war-party. who are trying to reach us in ad
vance of our friends, and these red devils are urging
our horses toward them. But they can‘t—they must

notl

“ 0h. Father in heaven. save us i, save usl Do not
allow the merciless demons to con uerl" »

“ I can see nothing of all that his." said the
girl. “I am blinded by tears t at I cannot wipe
away. What do you mean? Are we not to be saved

after all?

“Oh, what did you say? I shall die—I shall die,
if Fred does not rescue us! I am faint—deathly
faint—and my tears seem to he drying up l"

Side by side the captives rode. and the outh was
now reventh from saying more by res. izing that
one o the guards was about to shoot at Colonel La

Kr.

 

Coste, who was now fast nearing them, with revolver
in hand.

The poor boy could not articulate a word.

His agony of mind was terrible.

Lorine’s eyes cleared just in tune to see her loved
father shot, and fall from his horse to the prairie
sword, .

Then she ave a piercing shriek, and Louis uttered
a roan of eepest anguish.

0th then gazed toward the scouts, and the team-
sters, and were just in time to see Frio Fred‘s horse
fall dead and the young scout himself hurled to
the earth, where he ay motionless, and apparently

dead.

Then, yells of exiiltatiori, of savage joy. almost
deafened them; and they found themselves amid
a great horde of war-painted, feather-bedizened
Fomanches—ihe main war-parry, that had now gal-

0 up.
‘urely, now there was no hope!

Their friends could not save them!

Lorine sunk forward, her long hair mingling with
the mane of the mustang to which she was bound;
and the yellin demons, on all sides of her, firing in
one mad whir pool. that was for a. moment hea ed
back in the direction of the San Saba, and now lash-
ing their mustan s at headlong speed. *

“Oh, Godl Ta e us homel‘ cried out Louis La.
Caste, from his inmost soul.

But his prayer was not answered.

 

CHAPTER XV.
A mamas non.

Assn: was the long-sufferingand most agonized
Louis tortured beyond conception.

Had there ever, since the world was created, been
a youthful mind more overwhelmed with excru—
ciating agony of heart and soul, in so short a

time?

Louis believed it to be impossible.

Had he not been blessod with an evenly-balanced
and strong mind, he would most certainly, under
such an awful strain, have gone insane. He ad
seen his father shot down in an endeavor to save
his children, and this sight had well-nigh blinded
him and etc ed the beating of his heart. Then the
fall of Frio red's horse, hurling the young scout to
the earth, apparently lifeless—and all this in a
moment.

The failure of the scouts and teamsters to cut off
the pair of savages who held himself and his sister
captive, was a most unexpech and despairing fact;
and, as the horrid horde of yelling demons swept
down upon and inclosed them in a rfect mass of
snorting and frenzied steeds flying ere and there,
bearing their frightful forms. with flauntin feathers
and scalp—decorated lances. it was a sight t at Louis
La Caste felt could never be forgotten by him were
he to live a thousand years. Indeed. it must, in dgfi
as well as in night dreams, haunt him, for it had
been indelibly branded upon his brain.

And, to on all this horror, the sight of poor
Lorine, sense ess, and upheld by her onghair in
the saddle. by the clutch of a red. fiend-like .Co-
manche. who galloped at her side, her deathlike,
angelic face upturned to the silvery moon—held
thus,‘in that cruel clutch—this was most agonlzmg
and most terrible. ,

In the anguish of his soul. .Louis shneked
aloud: but his cry was drowns mad the clamor of
the yelling hnrde, as they sped on, their uirts hiss~
ing through the air; on, toward the n Saba—
toward torture and death' death to him. and far
worse than death to the beautiful, innocent, and
helpless Lorine. ‘

And, awfulas were the sights, and sounds, and
thoughts, to the suffering youth. his dread surround-
ings were made more fearful still. For, with devilish
object, the galloping demons caused all the mustangs

Mm, must...“ .5

 

 

 

26 " Prio Fred in Texas;

 

upon which the dead were lashed—extra horses hav-
ingsorved for this purpose—to be driven in around
the captives. , I

Louis thanked God that Lorine was Ilncons010u<.
that she saw not this terrible sight, that she had
been insensible during the hellish gallop. And he

rayed most fervently, for strength to brar it all,
E0 prcservo his faculties for his sister‘s sake although
there seemed not the slightest hope that he or any
one else could be of further use in mitigating her
sufferings, or savi her from a fate of which he
dared not even thin . >

So teat had been, and was, during the scenes on
the p ain, the strainu on the boy's mind, that, be.
fore half the distance the Rio San Saba was passed
he had arrived at a state of mind between sanity
and insanity; his brain, being as it were, partially
bonumbed, and beyond the feelings of intense mis-

‘ cry. anguish and despair, that had so tortured him

previously.

And on flow the fiendish horde, like demons let
loose from some inferno, for the night, to curse the
earth; and who, hem upon improving their brief
allowance of time, flow like dry leaves before a
gale; the hoofs of their mustangs fast flying
through the (Prairie grass, causing a weird and
rushing sonn , like the warning breath of a fierce
“ norther."

This speed, however, was moderated (Presently,
from necessxty; for the mu«ta . coul not long
maintain that headlong gallop. quiue animals of
other blood and rearin . would have dropped dead
upon the plain. Yet, 3 though there seemed to be
no object for this terrific speed, it was certain that
the red chief, Rolling Thunder, would not have al-
lowed it except to favor his future plans. ,

He had realizedat once, that the scouts, the
Tonkaway. and the other whites would, with their
fast'shooting guns, kill at least haif of his war-party
before he can d ho a to capture them.

Already he had lad proof sufficient to make him
prudent. He had not given up the idea of securing

he mules, and plundering the camp on the Rio
Llano; but be resolved to move toward the obiect,
with a certainty of success, having decided to re urn
to the San Saba, Orianize a stronger party of
braves, as far as num ers went, and then. mount—

» ing fresh mustangs, gallop toward the Rio Llano at

once.

His haste was occasioned by the knowledge that
he would be forced to send out some of his young
warriors, to collect the small scouting-parties to-
gether for the proposed e edition.

The death of such a num er of his warriors, many
of whom had been scalpe'l, infuriated the chief; and
he‘ knew that the only way to cover up the disaster
and death, and to keep his followers from laying
this to mismanagement on his part, was to secure
as many white on tives as possible for the torture.
That Turtle, the onkaway, must be taken. Rolling
Tfiiiuifider had sworn by the bones of a thousand
c e s. r

The renegade red must die by slow torture, amid
the bootings of the s uaws and young ones, of the

[village at the head of t e Brazos.

Ho Would not allow an arrow to be shot at the
hated Tonkaway; who mustbe taken, even werea
dozen warriors sacrificed in the attempt.

At length the Comanche horde. long before the
day began to dawn, galloped slowl to the timber
that marked the course of the Rio an Saba; and
were greeted by fearful howls as the seal less dead
Were discovere . followed by exultant ye ls, as the
white ca hives were unbound from the panting mus-
tangs, a ter the river had been forded.

It was an admirable position for a camp, that
chosen by the Comanches; being upon the west
bank of the river, the ground for some distance
from it gradually rlsi , and clear of bushes or
stone. A carpet of end leaves, compact and
sitirlngy. covered the gromid. upon which not a spear
o grass was gvisible; the space-described being
(7 r ,

r l

 

arched with branches, from which depended drool»
ing moss, in fee cons, that contributed a weird look
to the Willi scene.

A space fully a hundred feet long, extending back
from the river some sixt feet, the bank of the
stream without undergrth l, and some twenty feet
above the water, which, directly at the bank, was
thick with reeds and rushes. Such was the peculiar
“ open," the like of which is often seen in the local-
ity of which we write.

Poor Louis and Lorine were immediate] , with
jeers and triumphant ejaculations, hurrie in a
rough manner to the west side of the camp, the fair
girl as yet unconscious, and carried in the arms of a

urly brave. She was there placed against a tree-
trunk, in a staudinggosition. being secured to the
tree while sustaine by the indian, and the lariats
wound about her in a way that would have caused
her great suffering had she been conscious, im-
peding circulation and thus benumbing her whole
system.

Louis groaned in agony of soul as he witnessed ,

this merciless and most cruel not. He was then
thrown upon his back and four stakes having been
driven into the oun , the savages bound his wrists
and ankles to 1 is some, drawing his dimbs tightly,
and leaving him in a crucified position, in which he
was forced to look upward into his sister's face.

And poor Lorine—should she recover—must Wit-
ness the torture of her brother also.

 

The words of advice given b 01d Rocky to Turtle
caused the T onkawa to view is proposed plan in a
somewhat different igbt. 1-16 h n to reason be-
fore he reached the border of the io Llano timber
that it would not be prudent to join the Comanches
on the plain, as his failing to join the party with the
captives would be judged as very strange. even
though he had been supposed to be wounded, and
would serve to draw the attention of all the keen-
eyed Comanches upon him.

All the stain eding party had been slain, and the
two braves w 0 were With the ca tivc probably
knew this and that Bi Fox had on instantly
killed. Thus reflecting urtle decided to follow the
war-party, but to kec far in the rear and avoid be
ing seen. He could en skulk into the camp, and
ninth greater safety and much more hope of success
in assisting the captives, from the fact that he was
now in the “ make-up “ of a Comanche warrior.

This decision he communicated to one of the '

teamsters, who had been delayed by along chase up
the river after a valuable horse that had broken
away from the stam do, and he bade the teamster
inform the scouts t t he would he on the lookout
for them as soon as he had ascertained the position
of affairs at the San Saba. '

By this change of arrangements, the Tonkaway
was forced to 9581101) more to the north. striking the
timber of the Rio San Saba at some distance from
the camp of his foes. Then, under cover of the
timber, he proceeded as near to the camp as was
prudent, with his horse, and then left the animal in
a dense thicket.

Fifteen minutes later the faithful Tonkaway was
reconnoitering the Comanche camp crawling snake-
like through the undergrowth, and thus ascertain-

ing the osition of all the scntinels. And, from the ,

limb o a tree, over the singular “open,” he in-
spected the whole encampment; noticing especially
many particulars in regard to the captives, whose
torturing ositions could be lainly seen.

The sig t of “Lily-Face,’ as Turtle had dubbed
Lorine, cauSed him great anxiety. He longed for
the early appearance of the rescuing arty. for he
feared that the poor girl would diei not soon to
lieved from both her mental and physical agony.
But they must speedil arrive.

The onkaway well new that the scouts and the
other members of their party would reach the San

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I _ Prio Prod 1;. Texas. 27

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Saba soon after he himself did, as they would not
delay in the Rio Llano camp, and besides would
have fresh horses, which they would by no means
Spare.

Still, for all this, there might not be time to per-
feet and perform a plan of rescue before daylight
would be upon them, and force them all to delay
proceedings until the foliowin night.

With these thoughts filling is mind, Turtle made
his way up the river again to the place where he
had left h 8 horse, without having been detected in
his most hazardous mission.

Just as he reached the thicket a chorus of most
hideous howls, from at least two-score of throats,
sounded from the Comanche camp.

“Waughl” burst fromrthe Tonkawa , with an
intonation that expressed his great satis action and
re ie .

The horrible howls proved that th Comanches
were solemnizing the death dance over heir slain.

No more agreeable sound could in the estimation
of the listening Tonkaway, have disturbed the night
air, for it gave promise of drawing the attention of
the warriors from the captives, and in that way
favored a r. scue.

While listening to the demoniac sound, a panther—
like shriek, followed nickly by an imitation of the
howl of a black we I, re eated three times, was
detected by the keen-cared urtle and with another
“Waugh !' expressing increased relief and gleasure,
hie hounded through the undergrowth an up the

ver.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
amr FOR ma asscoa.

Wm Turtle had reached such a distance from
his horse as he believed placed him in the vicinit
of the point from whence the si nal had proceeded?
he halted and imitated several mes the boot of an
owl. Th 5 was soon answered by another wolf-
howl near at hand.

Two minutes after, the Tonlmway glided into the
thicket, passed through, and emerged on the oppo-
site side into a. small moonlit ace. Here he stood
erect with fulde arms, and wi bin a few feet of five
men. who there sat their horses.

‘ Dang my dogs, old pards, of ye hedn’t spit ther
pertickler music I ’spected, I’d ha’ planted my
sticker deep inter yer 'natermy; for I sw‘ar ye’re
jist ther pictur’ of a cussed Curmanch."

Thus rattled 0! Old Rocky. in a low voice.

“ Lil -Face tie to tree. N0 know nothing. Young
white grave tie on ground. He heap torture. Heap
good time save captives."

“Then, for God s sake, let us hasten!" said the
colonel.

“ You must not go colonel,” put in Frio Fred.
“You will hazard the lives of your children, for you
do not realize the extreme caution that is necessary.
How is it, Turtle? Can we take the horses nearer?"

“Turtle mustang two shoots—” pointing toward
the Comanche comp—“ Lead all mustangaup river.
It is good. Stay with horses. white ir chief.
Comanche got sharp ears. ‘

All now dismounted, Colonl-l La Coste groaning,
and in a woful state, at being denied the prlvilege of
assistingin the rescue of his own flesh and blood;

' but, as all led their horses up the river stealthily

Frlo Fred. in a low voice. reasoned with the 0
man, and finally succeeded in pacif ing him—per
suading him that his friends know w at was best in
the emergency.

The colonele then left in care of the animals,
and in a state of mind bordering u on insanity,
Each moment was an hour to him; in act he could
not have suflered more mental agony and anguish.
and continued to live. .

But a little distance from where they had left the
colonel. the scouts, with Jackson. Bill, and Turtle,
halted for consultation; the latter explaining the

\

 

position of the camp. and where the guards were
posted. Thi’SP, it so happened, were just five in
number‘oue for each.

“ Every dang'd ouv on ’em must be wiped out ‘
said the old scout, “ an” not ‘lowed ter gi’n a deal —
yell; er we‘re bu’sted, dead sure! Me an‘ Turtle ’ll
take ther pa‘r on ther somh side: Fred, ther cuss
back 0' ther camp, nex‘ ter ther lectle ones; an’
t’other two, Bill an’ Jackson, kin hash as they’re a
mind ter.

“That’s ther p‘ogrnmme, an‘ of hit kin be did,
we‘ll play a leetle circus outer them, that’ll skeer
ther hugs all outen tha’r soalps."

"Good, heap goodi Old Rocky great braver"
agrged Turtle. “ Come) No time talk on war-
pat .“

“ Hold on a minut’!" ordered the old scout.

He then gave explicit instructions in Jackson. as
to the manner in which they should proceed to kill
the sentinels. without allowing them to give a dam
ger-signnl. or death-yell. The Tonkaway then point-
ed out to Big Bill and Jackson the two guards,whose
lives they were to end.

The Kart}! then separated on their desperate mis-
sion, a fully instructed in the terrible programme.

Leaving them thus, we will now proceed to inspect.

the 0‘ umanehe camp.

At the time when Turtle, peering down from the
tree‘bmnch, examined each detail, that mi ht favor
a rescue, or prove the reverse, the Comanc ms were
feasting u n the flesh ofa. horse which they had
killed for t e purpose.

But this repast asted not ion , for, after the de-

arture of Turtle from his lur ing- place, Rolling

under, the Comanche chief, issued an order, in a
low, guttural tone; and all the braves proceeded to
re aint their faces in a more hideous manner than
be ore.

This done, Rolling Thunder indicated his further
wishes by rapid gestures, his eyes blazing with
vengeful fury toward the captives. At this several
braves rushed to the spot W
were bound, the fair girl havin now partially rc-
covered consciousness, though azed with horror,
at the awful position in which she found herself.

Most appropriate now was the omen of “ Lily
Face” which Turtle had bestowe upon her; but
perhaps “ Snow-Face " would have been even more
so, as she was now the pallor of death, and indeed
nearer death than life.

When the savages approached her it caused not
the slightest change in the expression of her coun-
tenance, or any light in her eyes.

Both she and Louis were cut loose and roughly
dra ed into the middle of the “opmu” but, being
una e to stand, they were bound to the some stake,
back to back.

This was uickl accomplished. and then the
blood-smear . sca less cor ses of the slain braves
were laid, in a horn. le circ 9, around the tortured
pair; the bodies being placed upon their backs. and
318 glassy eyes seeming to glare fixedly at the cap-

ves.

Louis shuddered, but Lorine‘s frozen tscebetrayed
no emotion whatever.

The poor maiden was beyond being further
up alled or horrified.

hen, forming two circles, one within the other—
the outer one being the braves of inferior rank—the
hellish horde gave vent to a 88119" of demoniac
howls, such as would curdle the blood of the bravest
man who ever lived. But the hapless pair started
not.

At the first howl all amumed a crouchingposltion,
and the red fiends, with slow hop_ and gesticulation,
keeping time with their howls. circled around their
dead and the captives—the inner ring one way and
the outer ring the opposite—then, changing, and
moving in faster time, to the horrid accompani-
ment.

These sounds betrayed nothing to the Tonkaway,
beyond the fact of the death-dance. Hehad no sus-

lere Louis and Lorine

 

   

 

28 Prio Fred in Texas.

 

pinion that Louis and Lorine had been removed
mm the border of the camp where, by the removal
of the guards, they could have been approached
without the rescuers being observed.

For a long time the death-dance was continued;
changing, at length, to terrific bou_nds in the air, the
warriors whirling like tops and Jumping on every
side, hacking the air with their weapons, and feign-
ing to hurl them at the captives.

urtle, although the interior of the “ open " could
not be seen. knew at once, b the yells and whoops,
that the glans which had een made were now as
naught—t at the captives had been removed to the
middle of the " open.”

Bending forward a short distance—Old Rocky at
his side, and perfectiiy safe from discovery—the
Tonkaway halted, an pointed forward, clutching
with the other hand the shoulder of the old scout.

“ Cuss my catsl” hissed Old Rocky; " our ravy’s
spilled, dead surel Tonk, we’ve gut ter das 1 in on
our critters. er ther leetle ones air goners l”

“ Good! Turtle sound \varAcry when on mustang.
Ride fast. ‘ Shoot quick. Save Lily-Face. Save
young white bravo. Come] Got Fred. Get other
white brothers. No time talk. Whoop heap. Shoot
heap. Ride heap fast. War/1h!”

As it providentially happ Inetl, Frio Fred had not
gained much distance from his pards. He was now
caught by them, and dragged backward; the old
scout taking him in charge and explaining, at a safe
distance the situation of a airs.

The relief of Colonel La Coste, upon being told
that he was to have his wish, and charge to the res-
cue of his children was intense. All now sprung
upon their horses—Old Rocky saying, quickly:

‘* All on or. cut. 9 ash an’ shoot as much as yer
kin an’ es ively es yer kin; an’ me an’ Fred ’ll jist
wa u. in wi‘ yer, fu'st dash, on ther speedy trigger-

ullin’ biz; ut nary one on yer ma e amove tor
nertl‘eetle ones, for that‘ll bu’st ther hull 'range-
men .

“All setl” came from the whites. _

“ War»cry of Tonkaway on Turtle's lips," was the
quiet response of the red pnrd of the scouts.

“ l‘hen, foller and glide easy-like, ontil yer hears
me whistle. Then everlastineg jab spurs, an’ split
yer throats aAyellin’. 01¢ /"

The five determined rescuers, with teeth set, reins
in left, and “ sixes " in ri ht, at full cock. with
every nerve braced for the ( esperate attempt—cer-
tain death before them, if the slightest miss was
made—all stole through the bottom-timber. toward
the whooping horde, yet whirling and bounding
around the corpses, and the captives.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
out or nnsmm AND DEATH.

'l‘nn rescuers all knew. that, at the instant of
alarm, the captives would be butclwred in cold
blood, if those who sprung forward for this hellish
purpose were not instantly shot in their tracks.
They know, too. that success depended upon Lorine
and Louis being cut loose at once.

If all had this object in view, it would end in the
one hindering the other, and thus be the means of
the death of all' hence the arrangement that Fred
and Old Rocky sh
ness—thc others to spur in between them, and the
foe. and cover their retreat.

With slow pace the horses were walked, until on
the edge of the undergrowth.

With his bow ready and arrow fitted to strinir.
revolver and knife in elt for use also, Turtle now
shot forward. giving his signal Like an avalanche
of death, the Texans close followed. Old Rockv and
Frio Fred in the front, and dashing through the
space that had been caused by the Tonkaway‘s pnr-
posely sending a hurtling hail of lead into the
breasts of the braves, who strove, after the momen-

ould attend to this nnrt of the b'lSl- -

 

tary amazement caused by his arrow-shot, to reach
the side of the youth and maiden, and lungc their
knives into their hearts. Never was t ere a more
complete surprise.

In the wrangle and s‘ruggle that followed, and
amid the signal yells of Rolling Thunder. the scouts
succeeded in cutting the captives loose, and catchin
them up before them on their horses‘ the colone

and Turtle, like avenging fates—the former filled

with insane fury and herculean strength-mowed
their way in and out of the mass of writhing yelling
fiends, that were being trampled upon by frenzied
steeds, that new here and there, snorting with terror.

The flash and lint of knife and hatchet, and a
hurrying of red orms to positions designated by
the chief, in a moment later the first terrible
charge, proved that Rolling Thunder still retained
his rese .ce of mind, and, before our friends had
rea mod it, they were encompasssd on three sides
by a double row of braves—the fourth side being
that of the camp nearest to the river.

“Git fer ther drink er ye’re gonersl Git, an’
glide down ther bankl"

As he thus ellcd the old scout, with Louis in his
arms, urged lS horse forward, followed by Fred
with Lorine. The next moment the horses were
swimming with the current, as sounding plunges
were heard in the rear.

Turtle an i Colonel La Costa, battling for life, saw
Jackson and Big Bill dragged from their horses
and cut to ieces. They saw, too, that the scouts
had escape into the river' but the maddened
colonel fought on, bleeding rom many a wound.
At last the Tonkaway, with a whoop of defiance
clutched the bridle-rein of the coionel's horse an
urged the beast Over into the inky depths at the
very instant that a cloud of arrows flew over his
head. some of them tearing his eagle-feathers as his
steed shot down into the Rio San Saba.

The waters of the river were shaded b the high
bank from the fire-light of the camp, an were con-
sequently quite dark. especially to the Comanches,
whose eyes were blurred by the blaze; and the ar—
rows, as the Indians shot into the river, were with-
out aim at any object.

“ Hyer we air, Took!” cried out Old Rocky, when
Turtle and the colonel had gained some distance
down-stream. “ Cuss my cats, ef we didn’t sarcom-
vent ther hellyunsl Curnil. glide up hyer speedy.
Whar in thunderarion air Bill an‘ Jackson?"

" On long dark trail,” replied .Tur le laconically.

“Jumpin’ Jerusalem!“ exclaimed t 6 old scout.
" Wa—al. hir can’t be helped. Es hit is. thar‘s a fa'
show fer all the rest on us fer git out with our ha'r.

Colonel Lac sIe spurred I(‘luicklv to the side of
the animal ridden by Frio red. but called out, as
he saw his daughter safe, though unconscious:

“Keep her, Mr. Foninine! You have saved my
darling. and she is yours. if God spares her. I have
not been blind, and I know what you have felt for
each other!"

This hv said. and then spurred to the side of Old
Rocky who held Louis. stilibenumhed and helpless.
The old colonel felt young once more.

“N- time fer gabl ’ warned the old scout, as the
colonel greeted Louis. "Folier the Tonkl Ef he
can't git we-‘uns outen this speedy, hit's goodvby.
big ball (1’ dirt.”

“ \Vaughl" was the exclamation of the To‘pk-
away as he listened. and interpreted the Babe of
son ids over the stream. “ Ride fast. Keep in bush.
Mebbe so all scalp. all torture. ”

With these words. Turtle lashed his mustang
through the timber, followed by his friends.

Upon gaining the eastern border of the timb ‘r, all
in their rear became still as death-vominous of the
death that it seemed impossible almost to cseape,
for all knew that the Comanches were, by this time,
mounted. ,

Here, Turtle, in place of turning down-stream,
headed his mustang southward. and all proceeded
at as fast a pace as possible, and keeping within an

 

 

 

 

Frio Fred in Texas. 29

 

on the border of the bottomtimber. Thus, fora.
quarter of a mile; then. as the stream made a bend
westward, they emerged from the trees, and gal-
loped at. full speed south, until the gray streaks of
morning began to light up the Orient.

By this time they reached a point where the oak
o enings extended from the River San Saba to Fort

son, and at once headed for that military post.
There they arrived in a most exhausted condition,
before the middle of the day.

A detachment of infantr , with five days‘ rations,
was at once dispatched .0 the Comanche camp,
much to the amusement of the scouts and the Tonk-
awa ,who knew [hit the Indians would be aware
of t e. approach of the soldivrs, and would either
defy them, ambuin them, or ride away from them
at their leisure.

Not one of our friends was tr e from wounds. but
all were kindly cared fer—Lorine bring nursed by
the wife of an officer at the tort. Soon all were
full restored. .

T e wagon-train being found, was escorted to the
post by a detail of soldiers, on the day foliowin .

It is almost needless to say that Colonel La Costa

vs up his resolution to lo atu br‘ cm! the San

be. Not only so, but he returns and settled
on the Rio Guadalupe, where he lived. prosperous
and happy, for many ears. anderoud always of
Eris dbrave son-in-law, ‘rederick ontaine, or Frio

re .

Louis became a noted and daring scout, and after-
ward an extensive rauchero; but none of our friends
ever forgot the services 01' the faithful Tonkaway,
who was always wrlc me at the home of I‘Lily-
Face." and i’requendv accompanied. on lung scouts,
Frio Fred, the hap )icst man in the Lone Star State,
and his pard, Olvi ocky

Neither were the services. and death in their de-
fense. of Jackson and Big Bill for otton.

’l heir remains were burie wit all the honors
of war, beneath a moss-draped oak near Fort Mason.
There they sleep peacefully, though the same fierce
whoo s of war mm the Comanches have often
soun ed over their graves.

THE END.

 

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90 Tipgy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion.
By eorge Gleason.

91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains.
E. Badger, Jr.

92 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, the Red Pirates of
the Caribbees. By Samuel W. Pearce.

93 Phil Hardy, the Loss liov; or, The Mystery of
the Stron hold. By Charles Morris.

94 Deadwoo Dick as Detective. L. Wheeler.

95 Buck Buckram; 01313055 the emale Trapper.
By Captain J. F. 0. Adams.

W'Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler.

97 'llghe Black Stood of the Prairies. By James L.

owen.

98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe.
By Juan Lewis.

99 Bonanza Bill. the Man Tracker; or, the Secret
Twelve. By E. L. Wheeler.

100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive.
By E. 8. Ellis.

101 Daring Da , the Young Bear Killer: or, The
Trail of the order Wolf. By Harry St. George.

102 The Yellow Chief; or. The llalf-Blood’s Ven-
Reanee. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

103 Chip, the Girl Sport. lLy Edward L. Wheeler.

101 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old
Tar. By R0 or Star-buck.

105 Handsome arry, tho Bootblack Detective. By
Charles Morris.

106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch.
By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

102’ Jack Boyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mustanger. By
T. C. Harhangh.

109 The Branded Hand. or, The Man of Mystery.
B Frank Dnmont.

110 T e Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By
George W. Browne.

111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. By Edward
L. Wheeler.

112 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

113 Scar-Faced Saul, the Silent Hunter. By on

00011185.
114 bPineyl Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Har-

aug .
115 Deadwood Dick’s Double: or. The Ghost of Gor-
on’s Gulch. By Edward L. “‘h eler.
116 abez Coffin, Skipper: or. Lost )1] the Polar
Regions. By Capt. F. Whittaker.
117 Fancy Frank 0 C rlorailo; or, The Trappors
Trust. 9 1311112110 Bill."
118 Will Wildfire. the 'l‘horoufzhored; or, The “in
hing Hand. By Chas. Morris.
119 Blond», Bill; or. Deadwood Dick’s Home Base.
By Erlwari L. Wheeler.
120 Sophia? Gld, the Boy Trapper. 11in C. Har-
3.

ug

121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain 0!? the Club. By
Bracehridgo Hemyng, (Jack Harkawav).

122 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman
of the Prairie. By Edward 8. Ellis

12% send slam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L.
\ 'hoe M

1194 Judge Lynch, Jm or, The Boy Vigilante. By T.
0.381118. 11.

By J 05.

“8

 

\

125 The Land Pirates' or, The League of Devil's
Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

126 Blue Blazes; or, The Break 0' Day Boys 01
Rocky Bar. B Frank Dumont.

127 Tony Fox, the cl'ret; or, Boss Bob‘s Boss Job.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

1% Will Willlfire’s Racer; or, Winning Against Odds.
By Charles Morris.

129 Each: Kit, the Boy Demon. By 01] Coomcs.

130 Gold 'l‘rigfier, the Sport; or, The Girl Avengers.
By T. C. arbauigh.

131 A Game of Go (1‘ or, Deadwood Dick‘s Big
Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler.

132 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E.
Bad er, Jr.

133 \Vil fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Du-

mont.

134 illikelllerry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas.

OI‘I‘lS.

135 Ileadwuod Dick of Deadwood: or. The Picked
Party. By Edward L. Wheeler.

136 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton
Holmes.

137 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G.
Waldo Browne. -

138 Bob Beckett. the Boy Dodger. By (has. Morris.

139 The Black Giant: or. Dainty Lance in Jeopardy.
By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.

140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents.
1133' Philip S. \l’arne. 1

141 cw York hell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By“
E. L. Wheeler.

142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By 011
Coomes.

143 Deadly Dash; or. Fighting Fire with Fire. By
Joe. is. Badger. r.

14-1 Little Grit, the V\ ild Rider. By Col. Prentiss lnv
graham.

145 The Tiger of Tans; or. Wild Kate, Dandy Rock‘s
Angel. ly Geo, Waldo Browne.

146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina's Right Bower. 1‘1
Frank Dumont.

147 Nobhy Nick of Nevada; or. the Scamps of the
Sierras. ii Edward L. Wheeler.

148 Thunderbo t Tom; or. the WoIfJ-Ierder of the
Rockies. By Barry St. George.

1491310!) .Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles

orris.

150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock‘s Doom. By
G. Waldo Browne.

By Col.

151 The Sea Trailer; or. A Vow Well Kept.
Prentiss Ingrnham.

152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By
W. H. Eyster.

153 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L.
Wheeler.

1554 The Boy Trailers; or, Daint Laure on the War-
Path. By JOE. E. Badger, r.

155 Gold Plume, (he Loy llandit, By Col. Prentiss
in raham ‘

156 will Wildfire in the Woods. By 0. Morris.
157 Ned Temple, the llorder lloy. By T. 0. Ear-

hauz .

153 Deadwood Dick’s Doom: or. Calamity Jane‘s
Last Adventure. By E. L. Wheeler.

159 Patent-Leather Joe’s Debut; or, The Lady

Road-Agent. By Philip S. \Varne.
100 Buffalo Filly. the l‘oy lhlllwhacker; or, The
Doomed Thirteen. By 001. P. Ingraham.
161 llob Rockott. the Croeksman. By C. Morris.
162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll

Coomns.

163 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, the Rivals of the
Road. By E. L. Wheeler.

161 Tornado Tom; or. 111an Jack from Red Core.
By T. C. TIarhnngh. _

1155 Buffalo Bill‘s Hot; or, The Gambler (lunde. By
Cu]. 1'. lnuraham.

166 Will Wildi-lrox Wins and Loses; or, “A Tramp
Card.“ By Charles Merrie.

167 Dandy Rock‘s Pledge; or, limited to Death, :57
George W. Browne. ,

 

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or. The Black Hills
Jezebel. By Edward L. eeler.

169 The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett.

170 Bob Rockett‘s Fight for Life; or, shadowed in
New York. By Charles Morris.

171 Frank Morton. the Boy Hercules. By Oil
Coomes.

172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By
Edwin Emerson. I

173 Dick Dingle. Scout; or. The Frontier Angel. By
Edward S. Eli‘s.

174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme; or. The Golden Hand.
B G. W. Browne.

175 T ie Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp
By Edward L. Wheeler.

176 Will Wildflre's Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand. By
Charles Morris.

177 The BoyCommander; or, The Maid of Perth.
B Col. Prentiss Ingraham. _

178 T e Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night
Island. By Burton Sztxu.

I79 Dainty Lance} or, The Mystic Marksman. By

J E. Badger. r.

180 The Boy Gold-Hunter; or. Navajo Nick’s Scout.
B T. C. Harbauch. H

181 The Scapegrnce Son. By Charles Morris.

182 The Dark-Skinned Sco :t; or. The Freebooters
or the Mississippi. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine.

183 J abez Dart. Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper.
By 011 Coomes. N

181 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Wil-

lett.
185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col. Pren-

tiss Ingralmm. .

186 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E.
Badger, Jr.

187 The Tra ped Tiger King; or, Dark Paul’s Plot.

Char es Morris.

188 T e Ventrilo uist Detective. ’A Romance of
Rogues. By dward L. Wheeler.

189 Old Rocky's Boys; or. Bonito, the Young Mus‘
tang-Breaker. By Maj. Sam. S. Hall

190 Sim Simpkins. Scout; on. The Faithful Mountain

Mastiff. B James 'L, Bowen.
191 Dandy Rec ‘5 Rival: or. The Mysterious Wolf
Rider. By Geo. Waldo Browne.
192 Hickory Harry; or. RoaringRalph, the Ventrllo-
uist. By Harry St. George.
193 Betective J 0511 Grim: or, The Young Gladiator’s
Game. By Edward L. Wheeler. '
191 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oil Coomes.
195 The Tendertoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of the
Mountain. By T. C. Harbsugh.
196 The Dandy Detective; or, he Abducted Boy
Mystery. By Charles Morris.
197 Roy, the Young Cattle King; or, The Texan
S rt Unmaske . By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
198 E n Dan’s Mask; or. The Rival Leagues of
' the h ines. By Frank Dumcnt.
199 Dictionary Nat. Detective; or, Bill Bravo, the
Bear Tamer. By T. C. Harbanzh
200 The Twin Horsemen: or, The Brothers of the
Plumed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.
201 Dandy Burke‘s Pards; or, The Hawks of High
Pine. By Wm. R. Eyster.
2112 Tom. the Texan Tiger; or, Old Luke‘s Luck. By
m on Ciiglngsm B
‘ Sam. 9 co 0 ' or The Tables Turned. B
Charles Morris. y' ' y
201 The Young Cowboy; or. The Girl‘ Trailer’a Tri-
umph. 13 Co]. Prentiss Inzmliain.
205 The Front or Detective; or, Sierra Sam‘s Scheme.
By E. L. Wheeler.
206 White Lightning; (‘1', the Boy Ally. By T. C.
Harbaugh.
v 207 Kentiick Talbot‘s Band; or, The Red Lasso.
Captain Mark Wilton.
208 Trapper 'l‘mn’s Castle Mystery; or, Dashing
Dick‘s l’)isp;liise. By Oll Coonics.
209 The Messenger—Boy Detective; or, The Tables
Turned. By Charles Morris.

By

 

210 The Hunchka of the Mines: or. Reckless
Ralph, the Road-Agent. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
211 Little Giant and His Band; or Despaul, the
Duelist. By P. S. Warne.
212 The Jimtown S )ort; or. Gypsy Jack in Colorado.
By E L. Wheeler.
213 The Pirate’s Prize; or. The Mysterious Yankee
Schooner. By C. Dunning Clark.
214 l)niidy~l)sve, of Shasta; or. The ’Frisco Flash 0'
_ Lightning. By T. C. Harbaugli.
210 Daring Dan. the Ranger; or, The Denver Detec-
tive. By Oil Coomes,
216 The Cowboy Captain; or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin.
_ BV Colonel Prentiss Inimliam.
21: Bald Head of the Roe ’ies; or, The Ang'l of the
nge. By Major Sam S. Hall.
218 The Miner Sport; or, SugarCoated Sam‘s Claim.
By Edward L. Wheeler.
219 Buck, the imtective; or, Paul, the Boy Pard. By
Albert “K Aiken.
220 Crack-Shot Frank; or, Bill Bounce, the Moun-
tain Bravo. _B Charles Morris.
221 Merle the Mid y: or. A Wait of the Waves. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.
222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie
Ranzers. BV Oll Commes.
223 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs; or. The Two Pards
of Vulture Bar. By T. C. Harbeugh.
224 Ericsky Fe gus, the New York Boy. B: G. L.
i en.
225 Dick Drew, the Miner‘s Son; or. A ollo Bill, the
Road-Agent. By Edward L. Whee er.
226 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar.
By Charles Morris.
227 Merle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt, the Rue.
caneer. B Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.
228 The Preac er Detective; or, The Boy Ventrllo-
uist. By 011 Coomes.
229 id Hickory's Grit. By John J. Marshall.
210 The Three Boy Sports; or. The Sword Hunters.
By Captain Frederick Whittaker.
231 S cm Sam. the Detective. By Edward L.

Wheeler.

232 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or. Buccaneer Brandt‘s
Threat. By CoL Prentiss Imzraham.

233 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett‘s ,Crooked
Trail. B Ensign C. D. Warren.

234 Baldy, t e Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C.

ams.

235 Jack Stum1§%0ruise; or, The Montpelier‘s Muti-
neers. By zer Starbuck.

286 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De-
tectives. By E i. L. Wheeler.

287 Newsboy Ned. Detective; or, Two Philadelphia

‘ Gainzns. By Charles Morris.

238 Merle Monte‘s Sea~Scra or; or. Little Belt‘s
Droll Disguise. By Col. remiss Ingraham.

239 Ben's Biz Boom; or. The Boss Miner's League,
By Capt. Mark Wilton.

1’40 Sharp Shot Mike; or, Columbia Jim on the War-
l‘ntli. By 011 Coomes.

241 Sierra Sam‘s Sentence: or. Little Luck at Rough
Ranch. By Edward L. Wheeler.

242 The Denver Detective: or, Dainty Dot at Gild
Gulch. By T. C. HarhauglL

213 Dutch San’s Dilemma; or. Mysterious
Mountain Monster. By Maj. L. W. Carson.

244 Merle Monte’s Disguise; or. The Capture of
Brandt. the Buccaneer. By Col. P. Ingraham.

we; ldy’s Boy Partner; or. Young Bralnerri’s
Steam Man. By Edward S. Ellis.

9/16 Detective Keen’s Apprentice: or. James Jumper
the New York Gamin. By Charles Morris.

247 The Girl Sport; or. Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. By
Edward L. Wheeler.

24% Giant George’s Pard; or. Arizona Jack, the
’l‘ciiderfoot. By Buckskin Sam.

249 Ranch Rob‘s Wild Ride; 01'. Old Which The
Rifle King. By '1‘. C. Harbnugli.

250 Merle Monte's Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief’s
, Doom. By_Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

 

BEADLE'S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

V I
251 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. ‘

By Edward Willett. l

252 Denver Doll‘s Device: or, The Detective Queen.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

253 The Boy ’l‘endorfoot: or, Roaring Ben Bundy of
Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wilton.

254 Black Hills Ben; or. Dutch Jan on the War-
Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. -

255 Jolly Jim. Detective; or, The Young Protege’s
Victory, By Charles Morris.

256 Merle Monte's L-ist Cruise; or. The Sea Robber
at Bay. By Col. Pren'iss Ingraham.

257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass; or. The Young
California I’m-(is. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler.

259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By 01] Coomes.

260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett.

261Blado, the Sport. or, the Giant of Clear Grit
Camp. By T. C. Harbaugh.

262 Bill , the Boy Rover; or, Terror Tom of Texas.
By Col. P. Ingraham.

263 Buster Bob’s Bnoy; or, Lige. the Light-House
Keeper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams.

264 Denver Doll‘s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the
Sport By E. L. Wheeler.

265 Billy. the Baggage Boy; or. The Young Railroad
Detective. B y Charles Morris.

266 Guy‘s Bo Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask.
By Capt. omstock.

267 Giant George's Revenge; or, The Boys of “ Slip-
up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam.

268 The Dead Shot Dandy; or. The Rio Grande
Marauders. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.

289 The uartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke.
By E ward \Villett.

270 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss.
By E. L. Wheeler.

271 Ebon Jim‘s Terror: or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse.
By 0 l Coomes,

272 Kit, the Girl Detective; or. Dandy Dash in Cali-
fornia. By T. C. Hurhaugh.

273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned‘s Surprise. By
Joe. E. Badger. Jr.

274 Dead Shot Dandv's Double; or, Benito. the Boy
Part]. By Col. Prenliss ingraham.

275 Fred, the Ocean Wait: or, The Old Sailor's '
Protege. By Charles Morris

276 Deadwood Dick Tapped; or, Roxey Ralph’s
Ruse. ~By Edward L. Wheeler.

277 The Idiot Boy Avenger or. Captain Wild‘Cat’s
Big Game. By Albert  A ken.

278 Arizona Alf, the Miner: or, Little Snap Shots
Luck. By 'I‘. C. Harba lgh.
279 Colorado Jack, the ’l‘izer; or, The Ghost of the

Trailer. liy Frederick Dewey.

280 Dead Shot Danrly‘s L'ist Deal; or, Keno Kit’s

‘ New Hole. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

281 Ned, the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant’s
Doom. By J aok Farragut.

282 Buck Hawk. Detective; or The Messenger Boy‘s
Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler.

2S3 Roving Sport Kit; or. The Ghost of Chuckaluck
Camp. By Edward Willett.

281 The Showmnn’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animal
Tamer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

 Old Rocky’s I’m-d; or. Little Ben's Chase.
Buckskin Sum.

296 Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris.

By

 

2&7 Ned. the Boy Ski per; or. The Sea Sorceress’
Cruise. By Jack arragut. .

288 Deadwood Dick’s Disizuise- or, Wild Walt, the
Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler.

‘ 289 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist; or, 01d Si’s Protege.

By Major H. B. Stoddard.

290 Rube, the Tonderfoot; or. The Boy’s of Torpedo
Gulch. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.

291 Pvacock Pete. the Leadvilh-Spvu't: or, Hawk, the
Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken.

292 Joe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, The Black
Rider. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

293 Dwarf Jake. the Detective; or, Kit Kenyun‘a
Man Hunt. By Edward Willett.

294 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or Eliza Jane, the Gold
Miner. By Ed. L. Whee or.

295 White Wing. the Ferret Flyer; or, Old Dirk, the
Oyster Pirate. By Charles Morris.

296 Govinda, the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American
Horseman Abroad. By Captain F. Whittaker.

297 Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine-
Box City. By Buckskin Sam.

298 Dais Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards.
By . C. Harbaugh.

299 The Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher's
Young Pard. By Harry Enton.

300 Deadwood Dick’s Mission
Wheeler. _\

301 Dandy Duke; the Cowboy. By Major E. L. St.
Vram.

302 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh.

303 The Hotel Boy Detective; or. The Grand Central
Robbery. By Charles Morris.

304 Bald Head's Pard; or. Creeping Cat's Cunning.
By Buckskin Sam.

305 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By
Harry Hazard.

306 Spwtter Fritz; or, The Store-Detcc'ive‘s Decoy.
By E. L. Wheeler.

307 Nick. the Boy Sport; or, Three Plu ‘k Pard . B
Maj. E. L. S . Vrain. b y s y

303 DmhleFisted Mat: or. m Mystic California
Giant. BV Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

309 Old Gmybeard’s Boy; or, The Girl's Ruse. By
C. Dunning Clark.

310 Kit. the Girl Ca tain; or. The Mad Sailor’s
Legacy. By 001. mantis: Ingraham

811 Frio Fred in Texas. By Rue s‘ in Sam.

312 The D ioctivo Road-Agen'; or. The Miners of
Sassafras City. By Edward L Wh elnr.

31?! Honest Jack’s Protege; ‘ r. The. Dwnrf’s Sehemn,
By Philip S. Warns. Ready January 8.

314 Clip. the Boy Sheriff; or. The Two 0 n k 
Montana. By Edwnr-l \Villet. Rewa Jaguar: 1:”:

315 Tom. the Arizona SporI : r r, Howling Hank from
Hard Luck. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. .
R 11d; January 22.

816 The Street-Arab Detective: or. Dick Dorgan‘s
Dn ibIe Dealing. Bv Charles Morris. ‘
Ready January 29.

By Edward L.

'anmc’s Pocxm- LIBRARY is for sale by all News-
dealnrs. five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re,-
ceipt of six cents each.

BEADLE AND Amine. Publishers.
98 William Street, New York. ,‘