Copyrighted, 188R, by BIADLI AND ADAMS. Entered M the Pot". Omen u New York, N. Y., A: Second Class Mail Mum. Feb. 4, 1888.

 

V01.  $2.50 Publishel Weekly bv Beadle and Adams, F Price, No. 

a Yen" No. 98 Wu.qu ST.. NEW YORK. 1"“ 0W“-

 

 

 

HE STONE ABOVE THE LEVEL 03' m
mm, AND THEN SWUNG THE END TO ONE SIDE.

 

 

  

Zebra Zack. the Texan.

 

Zebra Zack.
T H E T E x A N.

BY W. J. HAMILTON,
AUTHOR or “ma BRANDED cam-am,” “ ram
YOUNG TRAILER," “ saws LONG ream,"
mm, are, are.

CHAPTER I.
2 In B R A z a c K .

A Texan prairie in spring time; the year
1846, before alo Alto. The time ni ht the
moon riding high in the heavens, and s edding
a mellow luster upon the broad plain, dotted here
and there by clumps of timber, along the beds
of the streams.

What steed comes thundering over the plain,
coming from the east? The hoof-beats are nick
and sharp, and it is evident that the ri er is
coming at racing speed. A little “ island,” or
clump of trees for the moment hides the rider
from view, and then he comes out into the moon-
light, and reins in his steed.

A strange steed, and a stranger rider, stood
outlined against the sky.

It was a mustang of wonderful power, with
broad chest, short neck, and 510 in withers,
marked in a peculiar manner. ie 1d mus-
tangs are not rare, but this one was stri like
a zebra, in alternate bands of black an white.
One of those freaks of nature so seldom seen,
and the more valued on that account. He had
been hard ressed, for the martingale and
breast were ecked With foam, which, even as
he stood at rest, dropped from his red muzzle.

But, if the horse was peculiar, the man was
even more _so. _

Sitting lightly in the saddle, his left hand rest‘
ing on t e pommel. holding the rein loosely, and
his right resting on the hi , he was'the picture
of a centaur of the old aye. His face was
ashy e, and the pallor was made more in-
tense y the heavy black beard, which dropped
so low, that, as he sat in the saddle the int of
the beard almost touched the hand on t e pom-
mel. His hair. suffered to grow lon , dropped
u n his shoulders. He wore the hue kin rose
0 the ranger, and over his herculean shoulders
a scarlet scrape was thrown, which contrasted
strangely with the midnight blackness of_ his
hair. A black belt about his waist sustained
two heavy revolvers, then just coming into use.
The rifle slung at his belt, was one of the kind
familiarly known as the " pea” rifle, from the
size of the bullet which was indeed little larger
thana a. He were heavy horseman’s boots,
the bee armed with the terrible Mexican 8 hrs,
with lon sharp rowels. But he wore ban:
from hab , for the flanks of his mustang were
not fun-owed as are those of the horses of the
Mexicans, the most cruel riders in the world.
He were no hat. but a scarlet handkerchief,
knotted at the two upper corners, and tied
lacser under his chin. completed his attire. He
sat like a statue his hand clutching the haft of
his knife, while his piercing black eyes searched
the prairie to the west. .

“A your gone,” he muttered, “and nothing

 

 

 

done yet. No wonder they haunt me; no won-
der I see them riding behind, a ghostly crew,
urging me on. Six men live yet, whosebloody
deeds call for vengeance, and I am as a little
child, unable to do anything for vengeance’
sake. Patience, Crockett, patience: give me
time, spirits of my slaughtered friends and you
shall see the blood flow, which would delight
you. Ha! I hear horses!”

He rained back his mustang into the shelter
of the island and waited. As yet the hoof-beats
were scarcely rceptiblc, but they grew louder
and louder. a, two shadowy horsemen were
seen, coming up at a swinging trot, and as they
came nearer, the moonbeam showed that they
were Mexicans, dressed in the gaudy attire so
much affected by this peculiar peo le. A low,
save e W] came from the lips o the man in
the s ow, and be bent forward in the saddle
aging tosee their faces. Just in front of the
' n they halted, and one of them spoke:

“ Wait, Carlos. Let as light out cigarettes,
for I must smoke.”

A. match flashed, and the two faces came
together. In the brief moment that the
match burned, the man in ambush saw their
faces plainly, and a ferocious hiss, like that of a
serpent, came from his livid lips, as he touched
his horse with the spur, and bounded out of the
cover. The Mexicans recoiled, and each laid a
hand upon his sword.

“Wait,” said the intruder, hoarsely. “ Do
you know me, you two?”

“ Zebra Zack l” replied the Mexican, who had
been called Carlos. “ What do you want with
us!” -

“You were at the Alamo, Carlos Mendoza?”
re lied Zebra Zack. ‘ _

‘ Si, senor' was I not a lieutenant in the army
of the great Santa Anna?”

“And on, Raphael Gozo.”

“And also; what of that?”

“ Only this, men ” was the stern reply. “ You
two 13513.; die, or ebra hZfik oes undler. ‘ Don’t
dare wag a finger un ‘ ve ou save.”

-“Wh should we fight, sgehori'” asked .
who di not like the appearance of the long-
bearded ranger. “We are at peace with the
Texans, are we not’l"

“The Texans may make peace if they will,
but while one of six men remain above the

earth, Zebra Zack will make war. Do I not ‘

know you, Gore: and you, Mendoza? You who
dared not face the lion living, and yet dared in-
sult him as he lay dead! You shrunk before the
strong arm of Crockett, while he had stren h to
lift it; you trampled on his face, while lay

ead. Enough talk; you must fight me, here
and now.” .

“ Have your will. madman,” hissed Goso.
“ How will on fight?”

“ I know but one Texan is more than a match
for an two Greasers who ever trod the earth,”
repli Zack, proudly. “You have swords and
I have a. bowie. We will dismount, and picket
the horses u n the plain. leaving every other
weapon on t em. with the exception of the

gtogdp and bowie. Then I will fight you
" bamnsoar’ cried Mention. “ I do not as:

to fight you alone."

 

   

   
   
  
   
   
  
  

 

. of terror, and ran for his horse.

 

Zebra. Zack. the Texan. 8

 

“It would be child’s play,” answered Zack,
calmliy. “Picket your orses, and draw your
swor s, and if I do not givoyou work enough,
then you may treat me as you did Bowie,
Crockett, and their gallant men, as well as other
martyrs.”

The Mexicans, with bitter execrations, leaped
lightly from their saddles, and drove the picket-
pins into the earth, leaving their short muskets
mid pistols on their saddles. They knew that the
Texan had offered them great odds, when he
matched his bowie against their long swords,
and they did not doubt their ability to bring
him down. He looked on with a calm smile, as
they prepared for action, each man throwing
off his scrape, and afipearing in a close-fitting
hussar jacket. Bot were muscular, dark-
browed men, and it may be truly said that few
people can look more fierce than the Spanish-
Iudiau race of Mexico. But, Zebra Zack was
used to Mexicans; and when they were pre-
pared, he swung himself out of the saddle, took
off his scrape and belt, hung his rifle on the
pommel, and drew his bowie, a wea on nearly
eighteen inches long, and advance upon the

air

“ You will make a good strike if you ut me
on my back, my slippery sons,” he sai , in a
joculal‘ tone. ‘I have a thousand dollars in
gold in my saddle—bags, and my mustang is
worth three hundred.”

“ We will take care of them,” retorted Gozo.
with a sardonic grin. “ Mil demom'osl Do on
know that I am the first swordsman of on-
tcl‘e 3"

“ have heard so,” replied the Texan, who
was attachin his knife to his wrist by a sort of
band. “ So will take you first. Are you go-
ing to attack me, or must I begin?”

The two Mexicans sprung at him sword in
hand. They had scarcely taken a ste , when
something flashed through the air, an struck
the exposed bosom of Gozo. It was the bowie
of Zebra. Zack. which had been hurled with all
the force of his powerful arm, and with a pre-
cision only gained by long practice. The Mexi-
can staggered back, and made a. clutch at the
knife, but the ran er gaveaquick tu at the
short rawhide cor which was fastene to his
wrist, and the knife fell at his feet. Mendoza
had not much heart for the battle and when he
saw his comrade’s blood, he turned, with a yell
Zack would
have followed, but Gozo, bloody from his breast
to his feet, suddenly assailed him with all the im-
potuous courage of despair. He knew that he
was mortally wounded.

"Mendoza, Mendoza!” he cried, in a dying
Voice. “ Come to me and give me help.”

But the coward was intent upon other game.
He had gained the saddle. and, remembering
what had been said about the money in the sad-
dle-bags. be determined to ssess himself of it.
For this purpose be was a ready approaching
the striped mustang, and his hand was extended
to reach the saddle-bags, when Gozo’s c for
help came to his ears. Zebra. Zack sprung lick
and saw what his enemy was doing.

“ At him, Zeb'm !” he yelled.

The mustang uttered a fierce scream, and
sprung at Mendoza, open-mouthed, while the

 

Mexican’s horse wheeled suddenly, and darted
across the rairie. Mendoza no longer thought
of the gel , but how to escape from the mad
steed, darting after him, full of rage. Zack saw
that his mustang was leavmg him, and uttered
a loud whistle to recall him.

Leaving Gozo rolling on the sod in the agonies
of death, he ran to meet his mustang, which
was trotting back slowly. A whistleL‘qnickened
his pace, and Zack flung himself into the sad—
dle. ‘

“ Away, Zebra!” he shouted. “ Show your
speed, it you never showed it before.”

The form of Mendoza was now a mere shadow
in the gloom, as he rode for life. He had cal~
culated upon some moments more, and in that
time he could have lost sight of his pursuer, but
Zack had been too quick.

The mustang seemed to share the feelings of
his master, and stretched out like a hunter upon
the chase. Mendoza heard the sound of hoof:
and knew who followed, and with a shriek of
terror, he drove in his spurs, turned his horse’s
head for the Chaparral, and rode as he never
rode before.

Mendoza looked over his shoulder. and saw
that the distance between him and the comin
avenger was growing less as he rode. He coul
dimly see, in the moonlight, the giant form of
the ran er, bending forward in the saddle. urg-
ing bis orse on. The beat of the coming boots
sounded ominously in his ears.

“Turn, coward, turn i” screamed Zack.
“ Would you have me shoot you in the back?”

But Mendoza did not pause, for he had not the
heart to look into those burning eyes, and meet
his doom. He heard the click of the lock, and
knew that his enemy was cocking a pistol.

“ Mere ! mercyi’ he screamed. “ I did not
kill Croc ett.”

“ Dle You could not kill him, but you
could insult him as he lay dead. Turn, I say, or
I will fire.” ',

 

CHAPTER II.
THE MAIDEN or ran MASK.

THE flying man knew the fatal aim of the
avenger, but knew as well that he must surel
die by a more terrible death than the bullet if
he stayed his onward course. Instead of halt-
in . he flung himself suddenly out of the saddle,
on y the toe of his boot visible about it, one
hand writlied in the mane of his horse while
his body was concealed behind that of t 6 ani-
mal. No one, except a Mexican or an Indian,
could have performed this feat, but Mendoza '
was a. peerless horseman. and if. his horse had
been equal to the zebra, he might have escaped.
Enraged at his obstinacy, Zebra Zack sent a
bullet through the exposed foot, with the ac-
curacy of aim which was wonderful, in the un-
certain light of the moon. Mendoza uttered
a yell of pain and rage, but still kept his poni-
tion.

“Turn. on coward 2” shouted Zebra. again. -
urging his orse forward. “ Turn. and die like
a. man, as Raphael Gozo did. Fool! You can-
not escape the vengeance of Zebra Zack.”

The only reply was a bullet. fired from beneath
the neck of the horse, which plowed a deep
furrow along his neck, close to the jugular vein.

    
       
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
   
   
  
   
    
  
   
    
  
  
   
    
  
   
    
  
 
  
    
   
  
  
 

v replied the girl. coming nearer.

   

 

4 .

Zebra. Zack. the Texan.

 

An inch to the right, and the career of the ran-
ger would have been over forever. Dropping
back a little, so as to be out of the range of the
pistol, he aimed to “crease” the flying mus-
tang, a cruel method of capture, often employed
by professional mustangers. Sure in his aim,
his bullet plowed through the neck of the mus-
tang, and brought‘him to his knees, throwing
Mendoza. out in front, where he alighted in a
heap, half-stunned by the shock. Zebra. Zack
dashed up, weapon in hand, when a loop 'of
rawhide suddenly settled over his shoulders, and
pinioned his arms to his side, lucking him out
of the saddle quickly, and, or the moment,
leaving him helpless, and dizzy. He staggered
to his eat in time to see aswift horseman gallop-
ing about him, incircling his arms with half a
dozen coils of the rope.

“ Be easy, senor,” said a clear voice. “You
are my prisoner.”

The horseman rode straight at him, witha
gleaming pistol ready for use, and Zack called
out that he surrendered. The horseman rode
nearer, and bending forward, looped the lasso
over his arms, much as a line is fastened to a
hook. Zack uttered a cry of surprise for he

_ saw that his captor was a womanl

“ The deucel
years l”

“ I have caught better men than‘yap, senor,”
' hy were

Caught by a girl, after all these

you trying to kill this man i”

v “Because he is my enemy,” answered Zack.
“Because he is a bloody villain, who has cum-
bered the earth too long.”

“ It may be as you say, senor, but I could not
stand idly by and see my cousin shot down like
a 0g.

“ Look here, senora,” cried Zack. “ Let me
tell you that he had a fair chance for his life.
I gave him and Raphael Gozo their swords, and
fought them with on] my bowie; and it he had
stood up like a. man, don’t know who would
have won. But he ran before he was touched,
and left Gozo to die.”

“ Then Raphael Gozo is dead? You have
killed a bitter enemy of mine, and saved me
from much trouble. Hal What are you going
to do, Carlos Mendoza?”

The Mexican had gained his feet, and had a
pistol in his hand, with which he walked

1 strai ht up to Zebra Zack.

am going to shoot this scoundrel through
the head, and rid the world of a demon,” was

.Mendoza’s fierce rejoinder.

“ He was right to call you a coward,” replied
the girl, in an angry tone. “ Santa Maria! If
you do not lower that weapon, I will put a bul-

Bt through you, though you were my cousin 9.
thousand times.”

“ Demonios I” hissed Mendoza. “ Do you dare

, to come between me and vengeance?”

The girl urge'l her horse between him and the
prisoner, ani leveled her pistol at his head.

“Drop your weapon !” she cried. “ I shall
not bid you twice.”

“Zadal” he expostulated, in an imploring

' tone. But the flash of her dark eyes awed him,

and the pistol dropped from his extended hand.
“ That is well; now take your horse and ride
away. Leave your escopeta and pistols, and I

 

will carry them to the hacienda, and leave them
there for you.”

“ At least I shall take this horse,” he said, ad-
vancing toward the striped mustang.

“ I shall fire it you lay a finger on him,” firm-
ly declared the irl.

“ Let him ta e Zebra if he can,” sug ested
Zack, with a laugh. “ Only try it, base- eart-
ed dog, and he will tear you into pieces, and
trample you under his feet. Wh don’t you
take him? You tried it once to-nig t.”

“Curse the beast!” growled Mendoza. “ I
don’t want him.”

He walked toward his own horse, the irl fol-
lowing closely. As he took the escape e from
his saddle, he cocked it suddenly, and whirled
on his heel, but it was only to look into the
muzzle of a pistol, six inches from his noise.

“ Mil demonios !”

“ I know you pretty well, Carlos. Lay down
the weapon, throw down that pistol, and he-

one.

“ What are you going to do with that follow?”
demanded the MeXican, as be obeyed her sullen-
1y. “I warn you that he has killed Raphael
Grozo in cold blood.”

“What right have either of you on this side
of the Rio Grande? You best know why you
came here, and what mercy you may expect
from Texans. I warn you that you are sus-
pected, and that the north chaparral may con-
ceal secrets which will one day be unvailed. Go
your way, and when you have reclaimed your
groperty, never come near the Hacienda. del

olida again, for you will not be welcome.”

“ This, to your cousin!”

“ I claim no kinship with a coward. Raphael
Gozo was a bad man, but he had what you will
never possess, a. brave heart." »

“ I shall remember these words in the future.
I ask you again what do you mean to do with
your prisoner?”

“ That is my business.” _

“But I must know. If‘you do not tell me, I
will go to the alcalde an inform him of this
murder.”

“ It would please me mightily to see you face
the alcalde of San Antonio. and tell him that
Zebra Zack is a murderer. Fool! A son of the
alcalde died in the Alamo, and he might remem-
ber that you were there. He shoots mighty
close. does Old Pap Bliss.”

“ Zada, will you let this tiger live to follow
me and take my life?”

“ Keep on your own side of the Rio Grande.
and you will be safe,” replied Zada. “ Now go,
for you only waste my time.” .

He mounted. with a look of deadly malice,
shook a menacing finger in the face of the girl,
and rode away rapidly in the direction of the
north chaparral, urging his wounded steed with
knife and spur.

“ I don’t see what you mader playing that
game, my lady, said Zack. “ on have made
two enemies instead of one, and you ought to
have let him plug me through the head.”

“ Do I look like a. woman likely to allow a
murder to be done? Senor, do not 'be my
enemy, I pray you. I saw a man pursuing my
cousin, seeking to take his life.
was in my hand; a single throw would save

 

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Zebra. Zack. the Texan. . 5 p ‘

 

him, and Imade the cast. I am almost sorry
that I did it now, for he will hate me from this
hour.”

" Release me, and I give you the word of an
honest man that he shall trouble you no more."

“ You hate him very much.” '

“ And I have a. reason. Not even to you will
I tell why I hate him, but he is marked for
death.”

“ Senor,” protested the girl, “ your wrongs
are doubtless reat, and I pity you. I know
in Cousin Car 05, and that he has the heart of
a are, and the cruelty of a tiger. He has no
doubt deserved death at your hands, but I can
not let you go free unless you promise not to
follow him to-night.”

“I can promise that," answered Zack, “ for
the moon is almost down. How is it that you
are alone on the prairie, so late at night?”

“ I have been on a visit to a friend, and re-
turned late.”

“ Do you not fear to ride alone?”

“ What should 1 fear, senor? I have my wea-

ns, a good horse under me, and a brave heart.

‘rust me, there are few who ride these vast
plains with less fear in their bosoms than 1.”

He looked at her closely by the light of the
moon. He saw a light, graceful figure seated
astride in the saddle. dressed in the half mili-
tary style so much aifected by the aristocratic
Mexican equestrienue. A scarlet jacket, bound
with gold braid, was fitted neatly to her form.
Below this, she wore a blue petticoat of rich
material, Turkish ti-owsers fastened at the
ankle, and natty little boots, with silver spurs.
Over this was thrown a rebosa of nearly the
same color as the jacket, and on her head was a
light sombrero, With a drooping feather. The
belt about her waist sustained a pair of ele ant
Eistols, and a beautiful dagger with a go den

ilt. Over her face (or some reason she wore a
light crepe mask.

“ I think I know you, senora.” he said, “al-
though your face is covered. You are Senora
Egardel Solida, the daughter of the hacien-

o. ‘

“ You have me,” she admitted, throwing oil?
her mask and revealing a beautiful face. in
keeping with her figure. “ You have doubtless
heard of my wild deeds, and despise me as I de-
serve.”

“I have heard of you as the bravest girl in
Texas, who alone, among the Mexican women,
dared to uphraid Santa Anna for the hatchery
he winked at in his omcers and men, at the
Alamo. Throw of! the lariat, for you have
nothing to fear from me.”

“You forgive me for taking you. then i”

" I could not ask for a fairer captor.” replied
Zack, as she unrolled the lazo from his arms.
“You did the trick beautifully, and it was well
for Mendoza that your hand was steady, and
your aim true. But. you have saved an un-
grateful do . who will one day make you trou-

le, unles have forgotten how to read faces.”

“ You are Zebra Zack? You have a terrible

reputation along the Mexican border; even mo-

thers hush their children to sleep by speaking
your name.” ‘.

“Yet I never_harmed an innocent man or wo-
man in all my time. Those who have fallen by

 

my hand were demons, and deserved death. You
look at my wild face and long heard, and think
that solitude has changed me into a brute. You
are wrong, semi-u, (or no man on earth loves
society _ better than I; but, until my task is
done, I can not return to civilization, or enter a
human abode, exccpt to do my work. You
must get on, however, for the moon will be
down in half an hour, and it is quite a. ride to
the hacienda.”

“ I do not fear it.”

“ There are jaguars about.”

“ So I have heard; and yet I do not fear.”

“ If you will accept my escort, I will see you
to the river.”

“ I never made a mistake in a face in my life,”
she answered. “ Your rough beard
cannot hide your heart from me. You are a
brave, true man, driven to desperation by a
great wrong.”

“ You are right,” he exolaimed, “ and I am
proud to think that you know how to read me
as I am. Again, I sayI let us move on.”

He uttered a low whistle, and his horse bound-
ed to his side. He took up the escopeta and
pistols, which the Mexican had given uE so im-
willin ly, thrust the pistols into his elt, and
laid t e escapeia across his saddle. Zada had '
coiled her lasso, and hung it on the ponimel,\
and they rode away together across the breezy

rairie, neither holding a thought oi'evil at

eart. They trusted each other as all true
hearts trust, although one was so beautiful and
the other so rude in appearance.

“ You spoke in a strange way of El Chapari
ral del Norte,” said Zack. “ May I ask what
you meant by it?" '

“ I think that if that chaparral Were searched ,

by those who know how, and have brave hearts,

we should find the authors of those crimes .

whitilli have so shocked this border of late.”
. 8,. . , I
“ You have suspected it before?”
“ Yes; and I suspect something more.

thesc hidden villains. What say you to that?”
“ I have more than suspected it, but if I were

sure that he had anything to do with those hide= ‘
ous murders to the east, I should curse, myself ‘

for having saved his life.”

“ You robbed me of my revenge, hut in that,
you only followed the impulses of your own
good heart. There will come a day when on
will not be near with your lasso, and 1 5
mark another name on my list of victims.”

“ What do you mean by that?”

“ Some day you shall know, but of this he as- V 1f“;

sored: you and yours are safe from me. Bark!"
They heard the rapid heat of boots, coming?
from the rear, and very close upon them.
rattling volley was heard and the shots hurtled
about them without doing harm. i
“ Do you want to kill the lady?” shouted
Zack, at the top of his voice. “ Ride for our
life,
back. I
“ I will not leave you.” .
“ But you must; what can you be but an in—

cumhrancetome, for I should be thinking of _.,"
your safety, and should fight like a coward. ’-

and dress 

r

Your. 
good cousin Carlos has something to do with 

senora; trust me to keep these f ows 
i . 

5

~ N".»

“(2‘

      
     
     

  

  

 

    
   
   
     
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
   
    
 
  
 
   
    
  
 
  
    
 

 

6

Zebra. Zack. the Texan.

  

 

Ride as you never rode before, and reach the
river if you can.”

Both horses were at full stretch, and the dis-
tance between them and the pursuers had not
lessened. But some of them were loading as
they rode, for they could hear the rattle of the
ramrods in the steel barrels. I

“ It is cowardly to leave you alone,” she cried.
" I am armed as well as you."

“ If not for your life. for your honor, girl,
These demons know not the name of mercy."

She turned pale, and dashed on alone, while
he wheeled his horse, to meet the advancing
troop, coming on at a gallop. The moon was
then sinking, and utter darkness would soon
cover the prairie.

“ Thank God for that,” he muttered, “ I may
save myself as well as the girl.”

He stood like a statue while the yelling troop
advanced.

 

CHAPTER III.
THE BLOOD-MARKED SADDLE.

HE waited, until he could distinguish the mov—
ing figures in the gloom, and then his fierce
voxce rung out like the blast of a trumpet.

“ Hurrah for the Lone Star! Charge, boys,

ycharge; give them hail Columbia!”

With his bridle in his teeth, this brave man
rode down upon his unknown enemies, as reck-
lessly as if they had been children. He kept his
fire until within ten paces, when his revolvers—
Weapons new and strange to the Mexicans—be-
gan to speak. Amid this strange fusilade he
came down upon them like the wind, and the
shouts of -a hundred men seemed to follow him.
It was too much for the midnight assailants.
who broke and scattered in every direction as if
Houston’s army had been at their heels, while
after them rode Zebra Zack, blazing away With
his revolvers, and followed by the ghostly
voices.

“ So far, ood.” exclaimed Zack, reining in
the zebra, a ter the last char e had left the bar-
rel. “ I rather think those to lows have got all
they want, and something to spare. Now let us

'see whether I can find the little glr .”

He turned back, and rode on at a footpace,
loading his pistols as he went. When this work
was done, he placed them in his belt, and urged
his tireless steed on in the direction taken by the
flying girl. As he rode there passed by a rider-

‘ less steed, and he looked after it in surprise.

The animal, after passing, had paused a little

‘ way off, and Zebra neighed loudly. A moment

more, and the beast came trotting up, and Zack
seized the bridle.

“I s'pose it belongs-to some of those Greasers
that laid down to rest,” he said, grimly. “ But,
I want to be sure, you know.”

He thrust his hand into a pocket of his hunt-
in -shirt, and drew out a box of matches, wrap-
Re in buckskin, and struck one of them on his

eel. The match burned only for a moment,
but long enough to show him the animal which
Zada had ridden, with blood upon the saddle
and the stirrup.

He rode to and fro along the prairie, careless
of dan er to himself, calling on her name. But

the gir did not reply, _and at last he picketed his

panting steed, flung himself on the grass, care-

 

 

less of the centipedes and tarantulas, and $18 t
until the gray light of morning appeared. 5
he started up from the grass, and looked for his
horse, he saw a body of men crossing the prairie
a few furlongs distant, and recognized the ecu-
liar organization of Indian and guerrilla ght~
ers, the Texan Rangers. Flinging himself into
the saddle, he rode down to them, and was
greeted by uproarious shouts, for they knew and
loved him.

The motley group surrounded him, shaking
hands, yelling, firing off pistols, and in various
ways testitying their joy at meeting him. The
leader of the party, a stalwart, dark—haired,
handsome youth of twenty—two, was shaking
hands with Zack, when one of the party gave a
warning whistle.

“ Kimmanche, I hopes,” said one of the rude
borderers, “ I ain’t tuk a bountee in so long
thet it w’u’d be miihty refreshin’ ter see ha’r.
It is—no it ain’t! W y; blame my cats, kum-
rad’s, of they ain’t Greasersl”

The supreme tone of contempt in which this
last phrase was uttered was simply unapproach-
able. The despised “ Greasers ‘ were crossing
the last roll of the prairie, a noble-looking band,
flashing in gold and silver bullion and colored
serapes; while with the rangers, grease, buck-
skin and dirt seemed tobe the “ ruling passions.”
Scurcely a man among them who was not a
seasoned Indian-fighter, who made a. pastime of
war, fighting from mere pleasure.

f the Mexicans very few among them but
felt the desire to dig his heavy spurs into his
horse’s sid and put out for “timber.” Three
or four gent emen, one of them in a rich but un-
pretentious costume and the rest in the gaudy
attire of Mexican 0 cers, separated themselves
from the rest, and advanced at a rapid trot to
meet the rangers. In their midst, looking pale
and angry, rode Carlos Mendoza.

“I know that old gentleman,” said Harry
Bliss; the captain of the rangers. “ It is Del
Solida, the haciendado, and he is a good man, if
he is a Mexican. Don’t touch a weapon, boys,
you won’t need them.”

The four Mexicans advanced rapidly, and
Harry Bliss, with two or three more, spurred
out to meet them, and they saluted.

“ Senor Bliss,” said Del Solida. a handsome
old gentleman, with a pure Spanish face, “ I
am delighted beyond measure to meet on with
your rangers. I have had a great oss; my
daughter, a darling girl, as you well know, has
been stolen from me.”

H Zadar)

“Yes; last night.”

“ Heavens! Where was she?” '

“She rode out yesterda morning to visit
Carlotta Gomez at her fat er’s rancho. She is
so brave that she will never take a guard, and

in returning at night, she fell into the hands of
that mad wretch, Zebra Zack.” ,

“ Zebra Zacki If you know him well, and
will take the trouble to look, you will see him
among in men.”

The hac endado started, and ran his eyes over
the ranks of the rangers, until they rested on the
face of Zebra Zack, sitting like a statue upon
the back of his strangely-marked steed.

“ Call him,” said Del Solida, briefly.~

 

 
   
     
   
   
         
     
   
       
 

 

 
   
       
   

  

       
 

   

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Zebra Zack, the Texan. 7

 

Harry Bliss turned in his saddle and called to
Zack to ap roach. He rode out at once, and
seeing Del olida, whom he knew well, be ex-
tended his right hand to shake.

“ I cannot take your hand,” said the Mexican.
“ There is blood upon it.”

“If there is blood upon my hand, Senor del
Solida," replied Zack, " it is the blood of a man
who had a chance to fight for his life.” ‘

“ You liel” cried Carlos Mendoza. “ It is the
blood of a woman.”

The hand of the ranger dropped to the hilt of
his knife, and for a moment it seemed as if he
would attack the scoundrel in the midst of his
friends. Mendoza. shrunk back with a cry of
terror, and Harry Bliss laid his hand upon
Zack’s arm.

“ Be careful, old boy.”

“ I’d kill him in a church,” replied the ranger,

fiercely. "What does the dog mean about
killing a woman? What woman has been
killed?”

“ Zada del Solida!”

“ Yes, you black-hearted dog—and who killed
her?”

“ You!” replied the Mexican midi:

“ Let me ask a few questions, bra,” said
Harry Bliss. “ I cannot for a moment believe
that there is any truth in these statements
for on are not the man to raise our han
against a woman, and most of all we a woman
as Zada. When did you see her last?”

“Just before the moon went down last
ni t.

rry Bliss looked at him in astonishment.

“ Where was she?”

“ 0n the prairie about two miles from the
lower point of El Chaparral do! Norte.”

“ This agrees with the story of Carlos Men-
doza,” said Del Solidu.
to meet her there?”

“ I had been fighting with Raphael G020 and
Mendoza. This coward, Mendoza, ran, leaving
his comrade to fight me alone, and when I had
dropped him. I mounted and rode after Men-
doza, and had nearly caught him, when the girl
slipped up behind, flung a lasso over my head,
and pulled me out of the saddle. Before I could
lift a hand, she had wrapped the lariat about my
arms half a dozen times.”

“ So far you agree with Mendoza, except that
he was chasin an. instead of the reverse.”

“ Look you, endoza,” said the ranger, draw-
ing a pistol. “ How was that-did I chase you,
or did you chase me?”

Carlos looked into the stern eyes of his enemy.
and told the truth! Zach returned the pistol
with a grim smile.

“ It beats all nature how persuasive I can 'be
when I choose,” he said. “ Shall I go on With
the story i”

“ Yes,” replied Del Solids.

“ I had been forced to shoot Mendoza’s mus-
tang, because the blamed coward was laying
along his horse’s side, and shooting under his
neck, and I did not want to take any such
chances as that. Just then I felt the lame, and
after I had surrendered, this dog wanted to
shoot me when I could not lift my hand. But
the girl drew on him, and he kinder dropped the
pistol.

“ How did you happen

 

“Could I fight with a woman?" grumbled
Mendoza, hanging his head.
“ No, i don’t think you could,” replied Harry

Bliss. “Go on, Zack.”
“ She made him leave his pistols and esc ta
and ride away, and he put out for the orth

Cha arral, as it seemed to me, to get help.”

“ iarl” screamed Mendoza.

“You are mighty free with that word, my
son,” said Zack. again laying his hand upon a
weapon. " Now look at me; if you open your
clam again, except some one asks you, I’ll send
you something which will keep you quiet for
several days. When I get through, you may
agitate your jaw.” '

“ Be quiet, Mendoza,” said Del Solids.

“ Must I stand uiet and hear myself calmn-
niated’!” re lied endoza.

“You’d otter try to bear up under it, or it
ma bethe worse for you. After awhile the
gir let me loose, when I promised not to 0.
after this skunk that night. I knowed who 5 e
was now, and do you think I am the man to
hurt the only girl in Texas who dared tell Santa
Anna that the men who took the Alamo were
murderers? You know me too well for that,
Harry Bliss."

“It is idle to ask me to believe you ilty old
boy; and there is no man in Texas w 0 will do
more to find out the truth than I. Zada del
Solida loved me, and I loved her; but we
waited for more peaceful times before we asked
consent."

“I did not know it, Senor Bliss,” said the
haciendado. You are a gallant young man,
of good family, and I would have given her to
you gladly enough had you asked me. Even
now—'

“ You forget me i” hissed Carlos Mendoza. “ I
have a better claim than any of these cursed
Americanos.”

“ We will settle that some other time,” said I
Harry Bliss. “ If you dispute her love with me,
there is a manly way to nure it with weapons
in our hands. I should happy to exchange
shots with you, Senor Mendoza. ’

Zack went on with his story, and althou h
Mendoza would have liked to interrupt him, 0
feared his enemy would keep his word.

“ Have you done?” demanded Mention, when
he had finished.

it Yes.” I

“ Then I have the right to speak without being
shot down in cold blood 1”

it Go it.”

“ You say that the girl was very friendly with
zoninand set you at liberty as soon as you asked

er ' ,

“Not quite; I had to promise not to follow
you that night.”

“ And you dare to say that, in order to
cover her flight, you turned back alone and
attacked an unknown number of men in the
darkness?”

“ I don’t reckon I would have done it b day-
light,” replied Zack. “ because they won] have
seen through my_tricks. Why, man. they were
Greasers, Just like you, and they’ve got so
used to running when the Texas boys are round
that they'can’t get over the notion. I should

  

 

8 ‘ Zebra. Zack. the Tom.

 

say I chased full twenty of them nigh on to a
mile ”

“ I don’t doubt it in the least,” declared
Barr Bliss. “ And if Lieutenant Mendoza. does,
I sh consider it a personal insult, and act ac—
cordingly.”

It was evident that the young captain of ran—

ers was not averse to a personal encounter with
arlos Mendoza. On the contrary, that indi-

‘vidual had no desire for any such combat, and

put on a sneering smile.

“You are at liberty to believe that one man
can chase a regiment, Captain Bliss. It is plain
to me that fyou care more for the safety of this
man than or Zada.”

“Itis false. All I say is this: Zebra Zack is
merely incapable of doing this base murder.”

“ Senor del Solids,” demanded Zack, “do you
believe that I could do this murder?”

“N01” replied Del Solida. “ I have known
you long, and although you hate my country-
men, doubtless with good cause, I cannot be-
lieve that on have not spoken the truth.”

“I than you. And you other gentlemen;
what is your opinion?”

He turned to the two Mexicans who had ac-
com anied Del Solids.

“ e are in doubt,” replied one of them.
“Many things in your story seem improbable.
and we cannot reconcile them with other facts.”

“ Then I can only say this: take me before the
alcalde of this district, and give me a fair trial.
If the jury vote against me, I will go to my
death ‘without a murmur. But I swear to you,
by everything which I hold holy and pure, that
I would give my life to save that of Zada del
Solida, since Harry Bliss loves her.”

“ I believe you, Zebra,” said Del Solida.

. “ Still, perhaps it is better that you should stand

your trial he ore the alcalde.”

“ I am willing,” answered the ranger. “But
what is the usa, after all? We have heard the
testimony of all who witnessed the aifairs of
that night, and could vote at once without the
trouble of organizmg a court.”

“Perhaps other witnesses might be found,”
said Mendoza with a sneer.

4‘ What witnesses? You said yourself that we
three were alone.” ‘

“Stand your trial and let us see.”

“I am willing, as I said before; take me be-
fore the alcalde at once.”

“ The alcalde is on hand like a wart on a
fin er,” said a grufl? voice. “ Let’s get to work

. wit out any fooling.”

CHAPTERIV.
A TEXAN JUDGE.

THE man who now advanced. had come up in
the rear of the rangers, while the consultation
of leaders was going on, and had at once pushed
to the front, amid the suppressed cheers of the
Texans. He was a person well advanced in
years,,lprohably sixty years of age, with a bold,

u_t hard~featured face, expressing strong deter-
mination. His hair was gray, and bristled in a
pugnacious manner; and, irideed, this was his
character. His dress was r ugh and ready, a
flaming red hunting-shirt. sombrero, dark trow-
sers, and heavy horseman’s boots, bearing spurs

 

of fearful length. He carried the long rifle,
bowie, and pistols of the ranger, and seemed to
know how to use them.

“ Father 1” cried Harry. “ I am glad that you
have come, for we need you.”

“I reckon; waal, the old man is handy, like a
pocket in a shirt. The alcalde is wanted—
though why in thunder you will call me alcalde
instead of jed e, I don t know—and biz is biz.
What’s the me at now?”

They explained the position of affairs as rap-
idly as possible.

‘ It’s all cussid foolishness,” replied this rough
diamond, “because on all know durned well
that Zebra never kil ed the gal. However, I’m
the man for jestice and like Senor del Solida
better than any Mexican on to of the green
airth, and jestice he shall have. u’st and fore-
most, we want a jur and we won’t as well
choose one off—hand. ow shall it be done?”

“Six Greaseis and six Texans,” said one of
the men, who rode out with Harry. “We want
a fair shake.”

“ Does that suit, senor? Speak quick, afore I
fire, as Crockett said to the coon.”

“ I am perfectly satisfied,” replied Del Solida.
“ Shall I choose my six?” >

“ Sart’inly; Harry shall choose his side.”

Senor del Solida named six Mexicans, includ»
ing himself, but leaving Carlos out.

“I want to be on this jury,” blustered the

lieutenant, “and if we are to have jestice, I de- ‘

mand it as my right.”

“ Keep quiet, or I shall be obli ed to order
you to return to the hacienda arlos.” com-
manded Del Solida, an rily. “ I know Colonel
Bliss, and his rulings, a though those of an un
learned man, are always just. Sir Alcalde, goon
with your duty."

“ Call up the rest of the jury, and order these

other cha s to clear themselves out of the way. ‘

Hear e, ear ye. hear ye. The alcalde of this
yer’ strict, old Pap Bliss, sits on the 'edgment
seat. Oh, git out of the way. you endoza;
when I want you, I agree to send for you, don’t
I? Whar’s the pris’ner'! Oh, hullo, old man,
on ar’ in considerable of a fix, so to speak; but
it does beat all natur’ that any one could be fool
enough to fetch you up on sech a charge. Here
is the best patch 0’ shade I kin find, and I’ll
roost on this yer’ log. You jurymen, squat
whar you kin. and we’ll hear the evidence of the
pris’ner. Sail in, old boy and tell yer story.”

“ Wait a. moment, your onor,” said one of the
Mexican jurymen, who had been a small lawyer
in Monterey before he took up his present call-
ing. “ Should you not hear the testimony of
the accusers first?”

“ Now, durn my cats, if hyar ain’t another
Greaser goin to teach me what to do in my
own court. hope the juryman won’t make it
necessary fur me to descend from the seat of
'estice and teach him manners, because I’m 11t-
rally sp’ilin’ fur a little commotion, and Ihope
I may never see the back of my neck if I don’t
knock all kinds of colors out of the next man
thet nuts in his lip unless I ask him."

The jurvrnsn became mute, for he knew that
the irate judge was likely to go even beyond his
raid, if necessary, to sustain his character for

us me.

.04.. H.

\rgw\>«\s:-.v MM. 

.-. ...'Al:l‘- .. .

14.,ar~,....

Zebra. Zack, the Texan. 9_

 

Zebra Zack told his story in much the same
strain as before, only interrupted by questions
from Colonel Bliss, so artfully worded as to re-
dounrl to the advantage of the prisoner.

“ That’s a strai ht sto from breast to
back,” said the ju ge. “ ow trot up these
critters who say that Zebra Zack would kill a

al. Let‘s have that skunk of misery, Mendoza.

h, boys, he kin lie in a way that would amaze
you, when he once puts his mind to it."

Mendoza was brought up, and'told a tolerany
straight story, while the Judge Interrupted him
with sundry snifi's and snorts of disapprohation,
as he approached the end. _

“ You see he don’t know anything ’cept that
he left the gal with Zebra,” said the judge,
“ and at it comes to a question whether Zebra
or him tells the truth, Zebra. is the boy I be-
lieve. Any more witnesses, you skunk?"

“ Yes; call Pedro Diaz.”

“ What do you want of him?”

“ Hear his evidence, and then call Malle Go-
dena. You shall See whether there is any
evidence or not.”

Pedro Diaz, a dark-browed, broad-shouldered,
murderous looking peon at once came forward
and took the oath.

“Now, Pedro, my friend," said the alcalde,
“it does surprise me that you should hev the
face to come hyar, right in front of me, when
you know how bad l’ve wanted you for ni h on
to a year. You’ve come to give evi ence
ag’inst Zebra Zack, eh? Waal, we will see how
it comes out, you low cuss. Go on with your
story. and it you valley hide and flesh a pica—
yune’s worth, he might keerful and tell a
straight lie, for of I ketc you tripping, by the
shade of Davy Crockett! I’ll hang you to the
first tree head downward.”

“ How can any man give evidence before
such an alcalde as this!" cried Mendoza, in the
background. ' ‘ .

“ Oh, say! There he is ag’m, the p’uen cuss.
He’s give me more trouble than all the Greasers
I ever struck, during the hull period of my ex—
istence. Harry, I ain’t got time to fool with
him, but if you love your father, take a lariat
and wallop him until he howls.”

“ I will see to him,” said Del Solida. rising in
anger and shaking a. threatening finger at his
nephew. “Retire to the troop. Carlos, and do
not come again until you are called.”

Mutterin curses below his breath, Carlos re-
treated, an Pedro, who had turned pale under
the threats of the judge, began his story.

“ Lat night I was on the prairie. not far
trough]! Chaparral del Norte, with Malls God-
ena

“What did _ on two critters gooutto steal,
Pedro?" asked t e judge in a uestioning tone.

“I can not tell any thingw ile the alcalde
continues to insult me,” said Pedro, with an air
of injured innocence.

“Go ahead; I always did admire to hear a
Greaser lie.” asseverated this peculiar ud e.

“ We were after a jaguar. which a been
seen in the chaparral that day—”

The judge uttered a perfect roar of laughter;
some of the Mexicans smiled. for Pedro was
known far and near as one of the greatest cow-
ards on the lace oi the earth. And the idea

 

that he would dare to attack a jaguar in the
night, was simpgfv ludicrous.

“ You know alle Godena, and if I am a lit-
tle timid about jaguars, he is not. I went with
him, confident that he is a match for any beast
of prey, and would protect me. When we were
lying in a crevasse, waiting for the jaguar, we
heard the gallop of horses, and saw one man
pursuing another. trying to kill him. As they
came close, we knew them; the first was Senor
Mendoza, and the second Zebra Zack.”

“Oh, don’t tell that old story over ag’in,”
frowned the judge. “Did Carlos Mendoza try
to shoot Zebra when he was tied?”

Pedro looked helplessly about for Mendoza,
but he was out of earshot, and he answered at a
venture:

t A Nan

“ Umph; go on.”

“ Lieutenant Mendoza mounted his horse and
rode away, leaving Senora Zada with the
prisoner.”

“ How war it that he left the gal with Zack,
if thief parted good friends?”

“ e went for help.”

“ What help did he want to take a man into
camp, tied hand and foot? Your master mi ht
have been a coward, but the gal wasn’t; t t
we all know. But go on with your yarn.”

“ The senora said that she would watch the
prisoner while Mendoza brought help. She had a
giostol in her hand, sat on her horse close to him.

mehow be cleared one hand from the cabiesta,
and snatched at the pistol. She tried to _shoot,
but he caught her by the wrist, and in the
struggle the pistol went ofl‘, killing her on the

t )

“Then it wur an accident, after all, of you
tell the truth. Zebra, in trying to git away,
hurt the gal without meaning it. Say, Zebra,
old fcl’, is thar an atom of truth in this yarn?”

“ Not any: he is a worse liar than Mendoza
for he knows how to lie, and this black thief
don’t.”

“ Would I lie upon my salvation?” cried Pe-
dro, throwin up his hands in holy horror.

“ I reckon don’t know, critter,” replied the
 “ What did Zack do after the gal was
8 .

“ He took her in his arms, got on his striped V

mustang and rode away. I can say no more. ’

“ Take him away,” said the judge, “and
bring in that Injun." .

The man who came in was a gi antic fellow,
a mixture of the Indian of the Pue 10 race with '
the Spanish. He was well known in that sec-
tion. where he pursued the avocation of a
hunter and it was thought had secret relations
with the bands which raided across the Rio.
Grande from time to. time. Whatever else
might be said against him, he was a man of
desperate courage and feared b his enemies. .

‘ Malls,” said the alcalde. ‘ We hev heard
your friend tell his story. and now for yours.
'You need not tell the first part. Did Mendoza
tryto shoot Zebra Zack when he stood thar
with his hands tied?" r

The Indian nodded.

“ Why did he not kill Zebra?”

u '

t
. g

“ Girl won’t let him; put up short gun, 7M“ ‘

scare him back.”

 

   

    

10

“ You see, gentlemen, this fellow has been in
the habit of telling the truth, and a lie don‘t
come natural to him,” Zack suggested.

“ Zebra get hand loose," continued the Indian,
speaking as though reciting a lesson. “ Girl

gy’to shoot; he kstch hand; she be shoot; that’s

“ What did he do with the bod i”

“ Leave it on ground," sai the Indian.
“ Wolf eat him up. ”

“ Non I” screamed Pedro.
Malls.”

“ I’ve heerd enough,” said the judge.
kin o, Malle, and remember, we ar’ on the
watc , and one of these yer’ days we’ll catch
you on theseig. When we do, thar will be one
see halt-b in Texas, that’s all.”

Malls gave him a look of defiance, and stalked
haughtin away.

“ want that Pedro again,” said the judge.
“ You kin see ith half an gs gentlemen, that
this yer’ cussid endoza hir these two beauties
to tell that blamed lie about Zack. But the
trouble is, they couldn’t teach that half-breed to
lie. Pedro says he killed her and carried 01! the
body; Malls says he killed her and left the body
on the ound. It ain’t in the character of
Malls to at any man commit a crime like thet
ar’ and not take a shot at him. Mendoza will
stick to his lies like a burr on a sheep; Pedro
won’t, so bring him back.”

Harry and another started up, and sought out
Pedro in the midst of his party. When he
reached the tree under which the jury was seat-
ed, he found that a lariat had been thrown over
alimb, with a runnin noose on one end, and
that two stout rangers eld the other end.

“ Critter ” said the alcalde, solemnly. “ We
hsv concluded to hang you in the fu’st place, be-
cause you ain’t fit to live.”

“ Santa Maria;

g me, Senor Alcalde!
what have I done?”
“ I reckon ei you s’arch yer conscience, you
will know. We find you and Malls guilty of the
murder 01 the gal.”
‘ “'Zada del Solida?”
. x “ Who else?”
I “ iiéaSenor Alcalde, am I tried for this mur-
der? vs we not, sworn that we aw Zebra
"Zack kill her? Oh, it was a mistake, senor; he
did not mean to kill her, any more than you
mean to hang me for his crime. I am sorry I
' {5015’s of the matter, it it is going to make trou-
' s.

“ We are satisfied that Zebra Zack did not kill
Zada ” said Senor del Solida. “And, as Men-
doza ad gone away and you, with Malls Godena,
were the only ones near, as you have testified,
then you must be in fault.”

“ Oh, mil demonios! In what a trap have I
placed in self! But this is murder, senors; I did
not kill t e senora.”

“Your own testimony convicts you,” replied
Del Solids. “ Put the rope about his neck, Gar-
cia; the villain deserves any death. If he had
not sworn that he was near by, we should never
have suspected him.”

As the rope touched the neck of the coward he
uttered a scream of terror, and fell upon his

knees.
“Where is Mendomt’he cried. “Where is

“You are a fool,

Zebra Zack. the Texan.

“You '

 

 

he who brought me into this scrape. and now
leaves me to my fate? I swore to a lie; do you
hear me? I swore to a lie. I did not see Zebra
Zack kill her.”

“ Keep silent!" cried Mendoza. “ You fool,
they are trying to frighten you. and it you es-
caFIe them. you shall not escape me.”

arry Bliss thrust the speaker back rudely,
and made a signal to the men who held the rope.
It tightened steadily, and Pedro, clutching the
rope with both hands, and wildly protesting,
rose to his feet.

“ I will tell the truth, gentlemen,” he cried.
“ Release me, and I swear by my patron saint,
blessed St. Salvador, that I will reveal all. Gen-
tlemen, good ssnors, pity an unfortunate wretch.
Senors, e tempted me with his gold, and prom~
ised me more if you hung Zebra Zack.”

“ He! Who do you mean?” cried Harry Bliss.
“ Let up a little, boys, and give him a chance to
breathe.”

“ Oh, thanks, Senor Bliss; this time I will tell
the truth. I was hired by Carlos Mendoza to
tell this tale, but I saw nothing of it, I swear
upon my honor.”

“ This looks like the truth,” said Senor del Sol-
ida. “ My dastardly ‘nephew, fearing Zebra
Zack, has taken this cowardly mode of slaying
him. Oh, my child, what has become of you?
Whether she is alive or dead, we canuot tell.”

“ She’s alive,” declared Zebra. Zack. “ She is
alive and I shall find her, or die trying. Ask
that liar where she is, and if he knows, he will
tell the truth.”

“ Where is Zada?” demanded del Solida.

“ She is in-—" The sentence was ended in a
shriek of agony. A ball had pierced his bosom,
aimed so truly that his heart had been pierced,
and his life went out with the single cry he ut-
tered. At the same moment the entire force of
Mexicans broke and fled in a dozen directions,
and amonithem all it was impossible to say who
had fired t e shot.

CHAPTER V.
rum LIPAN GUIDE.

TEE jury broke up without the formality of
ad 'ournment, and the rangers sprung into their

dies at once. But a shrill whistle from the
lips of Harry Bliss called them back. Accus-
tomed to obedience to the man the had chosen
for their captain, while they woul have obeyed
no other, they halted at once.

“Why do you stop us, captain? One of them
$esflflrsd the shot, and we want to pay them

“ Only one among them was guilty, and the
rest fled through fear of the con uences of his
rash act,” replied Harry. “I don t need to tell
you that Carlos Mendoza was the man who fired.
although what he feared from the revelations of
Pedro, it is impossible for me to say. I suppose
yourare all satisfied that Zebra did not kill the
gin-

“ We ain’t darned fools, capt’in: we knowed
Before that Zebra Zack never did any sech mur-

er.

“ Thank you, boys,” said Zebra. “Not only
was the story false but I am willing to risk my,
life to save the gir , for the sake of Harry Bliss.
Senor del Solids, did it ever occur to you that

l
i
i

   

  
 

W.Wv -

.._. “-m‘ humfim

Zebra. Zack,

11

the Texan. '

 

 

..... _ _. am.-

your nephew might be in love with your daugh-
ter, and wished to make her his wife?”

“ A poor lieutenant of lanccrs, and a base
coward at that, marry Zadal” cried the hacien‘
dado. “Understand me; I am not mercenary,
and my daughter will have money enough, but
the man she marries must prove himself worth

of her. Ca tain Bliss has proved his manlioo ,
and if he ad not a penny, he should have
her.”

dollar for dollar at that

“I’ll match ou,
Y “on tap Bliss

game, senor,” said the judge.
don’t lack for ducats.” .

“ You know that I have never questioned your
wealth, senor; but what we must do now is to
find out what Pedro would have said, if he had
not been stopped by a bullet. My daughter is
not dead, but a prisoner, and we must seek that
which was lost.’

“ l have an idea, gentlemen,” suggested Zebra
Zack. “ You all know whether I am a good
scout or not, and I am going to make you an
offer. Give me two days, and in the mean time
let the ran ei's go into camp somewhere near the
Hacienda el Solida, and wait for me. In two
days I can carry out my idea, and if, when the
time is up, on don’t see me, look for me in El
Chaparral c e1 Norte.”

“ Why should we look there?”

“Because I believe that Zuda, if kept a pris-
oner at all, is a prisoner in that place. If you
came there in force, you would only drive them
to harsh measures. I shall be alone, and they
expect to see Zebra Zack adrift upon the prairie
like a homeless wanderer as he is.”

“ Durned ef I don’t like the plan,” declared
Old Pap Bliss. “ I move we take it.”

“ I bow to your decision Senor Alcalde, for l
have great faith in Zebra ack." .

The ranger looked to his arms, mounted, and
rode rapidly away, not directly in the path to
the cha arral, but aimin to strike it some miles
from t e point where 9 had encountered the
two Mexicans. As he dashed on over the plain,
and passed the patch of timber where he had
left the body of Raphael Gozo, he caught the
glitter of steel among the trees and reined in the

ebra, with his band upon a weapon. There
was a slight commotion, and three Indians rode
suddenly out of the cover, their lance-heads
gleaming in the sun. The moment he saw them

is hand dropped from the pistol and he uttered
a shout of welcome.

The Indians advanced, making their horses
prance and curvet, while their brown bodies
swayed to and fro, in perfect time with the mo-
tions of the horses. The leader was an Indian
Apollo, a perfectly formed man in every respect,
six feet in hight, with a muscular development
rarely seen except in the horse Indians. He
rode a magnificent mustang, whose trappings
glittered with barbaric ornaments. dancing in
the sun-rays. His arms consisted of the lance, a
hatchet nearly as heavy as an ordinary ex, and
a‘ long knife.

“ Cocheto, my brother l” exclaimed Zack. ex-
tending his hand. “ The Lipan chief is welcome
to his friend.” ,

“ Cocheto has wearied for Long-Beard.” re-
plied the Lipan chief. “Why has he not visited
the lodge of his brother tor so many days?”

 

“ Long Beard had work to do," re lied Zack.
“ Even now he is upon the trail, for is enemies
have stolen the white maiden who lived in the
stone lodge by the river."

“Hughl” cried the chief. “ Show these ene-
mies to Cochcto, and he will drink their
blood.”

"They have made a dark trail, and Long
Beard looks for it,” answered Zack. “ Does my
brother know El Chaparral del Norte; and is
it a] good hiding-place for those whose deeds are
evi ’4 ,

“ Cocheto knows the Chaparral better than ‘
any other, for there are hidden the gods his
people worshiped in the days when the red-men
ruled the land. See; white men came across
the water, and entered the land of the Montezu—
mas. They conquered, and the Aztec gods fled.
before them. Still the white men followed; and
the sun-god breathed upon the land, and the
Chaparral grew up about them hidin them:
from sight. A Lipaii cannot go there, est he
betray the dwelling place of the gods."

“ Let Cocheto listen,” said Zack, still speak-
ing in the Lipan tongue. “The Mexicans are
of the blood of these who conquered our peo—
ple, and they are never weary of sec ing after
the lost gods. Even now I believe that they are
in the chapurral, to desecrate the du suing-place
the gods have chosen.” '

“Does my brother speak gOOd words? Is
there no evil in his heart to his brother Cocheto’i"

“Did Long Beard ever wrong Cocheto or his
race?" '

“ It is good; I will search. and if I find the
cowardly Mexicans in the dwelling-place of the
gods, I will give them the sacrifice in which »
they delight, the sacrifice of blood."

“ There is more to tell. It is the
taken the White girl prisoner.
Beard go with you, in your search?”

“ He is welcome; the Lipan loves a friend who ,
is brave.”

The chief turned to the two warriors who ac-
companied him, gallant-looking braves, inferior
to him in appearance, but far above the ordi-

who have
‘hall Long

nary Indian. For the Lipans had ever shown 

themselves friendly to the Texans, and had
heartily despised the Mexicans for their treachery
and cowardice. '

“Warriors!” he said. “ Listen to the words

of your chief. Return to the Lipan Villa 6, and .7 

when the sun rises again. be at the nort
with one hundred braves in their‘
Cocheto needs you. he will be there; i he does
not need you, he will be dead, and you must seek
for him before the altar of the sun."

The warriors nodded, and .set at at a gallop,
ltgaviiig Zack and his new friend together upon

e p am.

“ Come,” was Cocheto’s simple command;
“ we have no time to waste.’

The chief rode ln.silence for over an hour, , ,
and, with such horses as they bestrode, an hour 
means many miles of travel. Zack followed ‘
without hesitation, for Cocheto had the air of
one who knew what he was doing.

“ You as): no questions, Long Beard?” he.
finally remarked. “ You are not like other
white men I have known, who must know_why ~ _'
thiais done, and why that is not done, You “

pass

unit. If V -.>

 

 

 

12

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

 

life a ,rynan who knows that every man has his
ace.

“ That is it, chief. I give you credit for un-
derstanding this chaparral, which I do not.”

“It is good. We are about to penetrate a
place where I believed no white man had ever
set his foot. You say that white men are there,
and I know that you believe it, or you would
not say it. The Lipans are proud of this secret,
and. if they thought it would be betrayed, they
would not suffer that man to live to whom
their secret was known. Lift your hand, and
swear by the God you adore that you will not
tell to any the secrets I will reveal this day.”

“I give you the word of an honest man, who
would not lie to save his life. Be contented with
that.” '

“ It is enough; for awhile we must follow a
rugged road.”

He turned his horse’s head into what seemed
the most impenetrable portion of the thicket,
but in reality a part which was more free from
cactus and mesquit than any portion which they
had passed. For half a mile they proceeded in
silence, the chief leading the way until they
reached a place where the tangled spines of the
thorny plants were so thick that further pro—
gress was impossible.

r “ We leave the horses here,” explained the
chi f. “ Drive the picket-pin into the earth,
an we will go on."

“ I must say that I don’t see much chance of
going on,” Zack had to remark. “But you are
the leader, and I think you know your busi-
ness. .

He leaped from the Zebra, picketed him in the
v most open space he could find, and waited for
' the chief. he Lipan stooped and crowded his
body through the thorny leaves of the cactus,
calling to his white friend to follow, and they
crept on their hands and knees through an
opening which had evidently been the work of
man, for aldistance of nearly a hundred yards.
At last they reached a spot where they could
stand erect, and brushin aside the earth with
his moccasined foot, the ipan showed a square
stone set into the earth with a stone ring in the
center. Grasping this ring with one hand, the

' 'l' chief raised the stone above the level of the

earth, and then swung the end to one side, re-
vealing a dark cavity and a flight of steps lead-
ing downward. ‘

“Aha!” cried Zack; “this is your secret,
Cocheto?”

"‘Silence! You are about to come into the
presence of the lost. In these temples beneath
the earth dwell the Lipan gods, and no white
man’s foot has ever profaned it before. I do
not know whether the gods will be angry be-
cause I have dared to do this. I deserve their
anger, but I have faith in you."

' And you may trust me to the death, Lipan.
Nottosave my own life, not for the sake of
vengeance, would I betray this secret; you have
my word and I can not break it.”

“ Good: go down.”

Zack descended the steps without questioning,
, and heard the rattle of the stone as the Li n
replaced it in the grooves in which it fitte so
neatly. The passage through which they now
- pursued their way was cut through solid rock

a

 

for the distance of nearly fifty feet, and the
floor was as smooth as marble. Stretching out
his hands on either side, Zack could feel the
walls, and knew that the Eassage was barely
four feet wide, and just big enough to permit
the passage of a tall man without steeping.
Soon the character of the walls changed, and he
entered a vaulted passage, wider than the one
thcyhad just left, and which was reached by
the descent of a dozen steps.

“Wait,” said Zack. “ Can’t we have a little
ligh on the subject? I should be glad to see
who kind of a place we are passing through.”

“ 1 have no light,” responded Cochetc, coldly.

“I have, if you will allow me to light it."

“As you will,” replied the Lipan. " I have
your word that you will not speak.”

Zack thrust his hand into his bosom, and
brought out a small lantern about the size of a
goose-egg, with a slide in front which uncov-
ered a glass bull—eye. He had matches, and in
a moment more the lamp was lighted, throwing
a narrow stream of light in front. It was
enough, however, to reveal the white walls
of the passage, covered with strange hierogly-
phics, at which the Lipan gazed with awe.

“ This is wonderful 1” exclaimed Zack, as they
trod on through this world of wonder. “ Who
would have dreamed of this?”

“ No one; the Lipaus knew it, and only they.
Wait' you have not seen all yet, as you will say
soon.“

The passage suddenly ended at a white wall,
cowred, as were the others, with hicroglyphics.
Zack looked at his companion in surprise, and
the Lipan answered with a smile.

“ Shall we go back, my brother?” he asked, in
a mooring tone.

“ Why should we go back? Cocheto the Lipan
has not brought me here for nothing. Go;
I an; note fool, and I know who goes before
me!

.“It is good!” cried Cocheto. “My brother
knows that his friend will not betray him. And
if he has faith in the Lipan, the Lipan will have
faith in him. See!”

He touched a spring in the wall, and threw
his weight against it. A stone door, artfully
concealed, swung back 11 n its stone hinges,
leaving the passage free. he moment the door
opened, the Lipan threw himself upon his
face, and muttered to himself a prayer to the
lost god, who dwelt in this secret temple.
Zebra Zack stood silent, leaning upon his long
Eidehuaitil the invocations of the savage were

his e .

the chief, as he rose.
“Where you go, I can fellow," was the

only.

The Indian stepped through the door, and as
Zack passed through. it closed with a hollow
sound, and Zack stood'petrifled with astonish-
ment, holding the lamp above his head.

CHAPTER VI.
THE WOMAN’S JAILER.

THE li ht which he held was reflected upon a
thousa glittering points in a t circular
room, with a. lofty, vaulted roo. About the
wall stood a hundred giant figures, carved in

l‘

 

 

“ Do you fear to go on, my brother?” asked \

     

   

  

 

 

m. -4“: lblm:3 .._..-_'_

 

 

 

 

 

‘~ .2“ #ALMA ._

 

 

Zebra Zack. the Texan. 18

stone and wood. Each re resented some in—
ferior god of the Aztecs. T e beauty of their
attitudes was wonderful. Here was a giant
form upon his knee, holding his shield above his
head with one hand, while his right grasped a
heavy javelin. There another figure, with the
shield before his breast, waved in the air the
double-bladed ex of glass, which the Mexicans
so well knew how to use. On the right stood a
powerful form, holding a bunch of grapes over
a golden cup. I

“You only look at these,” Whispered the
Lipan. “Behold the chief god—the god of
war!"

Zack followed his pointing fin er, and saw
him press his hand against the we 1. Instantly
a curtain slipped rapidly aside, and there, blaz-
ing in diamonds, With his foot upon the neck of
an enemy, and the sunshield lazing in one
hand, towered aloft the Aztec god of war. The
chief again fell upon his face, and lay there for
full ten minutes, while Zack stood gazing, ra t
in wonder, at the magnificent statue. T e
might spear which he held had a golden bend
of ful ten pounds‘ weight, and the central dia-
mond in his shield was worth a principality.
As the gazed, a thundering voice was heard
proce ing from the lips of the statue, and a
shudder passed through the frame of the In—
dian, who had never dreamed that his god would
break the silence of centuries.

“ Son of the Lipans,” the voice cried. “ Wh
have you come to me! Be not afraid, for
know your life and it is good. Speak, son of
Onesto, and tell me why you are here.”

“I have heard that strangers have dared to
set their feet in the lost city,” replied the chief
“ and I have come to avenge the insult offere
tom god.”

“ on have done well. Who is this, whose
long heard is like that of the fair god, Quetzl?
Why should one of his race come to the last of
the Aztecs?”

“die is strong and true, and will not betray

0.

“Think on that I do not know this, oh
Cocheto’l 0 on, and do your work, and if you
find among the desecrators of my city a maiden
who is a prisoner, give her back to her father.
Go on, and be strong of heart, for I am with
you and will protect you even to the end.”

“snail the white man go with mei”

“Yes; it is my will.”

“ Come!” said Cocheto, rising.

He had not proceeded tar when they came to
another wall, which barred their onward way.
But Cocheto found a passage, and another door
swung o n showing a second fli ht of steps
ending in a stone like that which e had lifted
at the commencement of their underground
journey. He raised this cautiously, and entered
a large square room with stone walls, united by
the famous Mexican cement. To leave this he
ascended another fli ht of steps, and as he
reached the to , he he d out his hand for silence,
put his ear to he floor above and listened. Not
a sound was heard. save the low breathing of
his companion, and grasping the stone above
him he gave it a push to one side, and sprung
through, falling prostrate upon a grassy slope
in the midst of a growth of cactus.

 

“Stand up!” he whispered.

Zack rose at once, and could hardly repress
an exclamation of snr rise. The cactus grew up-
on arising ground, on screened them from view.
There was an opening in the leaves, seeming]
natural, upon the southern side, and throng

this Zebra Zack looked in upon a strange

SCL‘Il E‘.

The remairs of a city of the Aztecs la before 1

them. Time had done its work with t e roofs
of the buildin s, and not one of the dwellings
was covered. ut the walls stood there, stron
and firm as ever, covered with green moss an
cree mg Vines.

“ ome of my fathers!” whispered the chief.
“Proud city of a fallen race, one of your de-

Scendants, a chief who is poor, looks down n 1111 _.

pity upon the pride of the plain. Woe is me,
for the great nation. who built this city, and are
now no more. Death to the Spaniard and his
descendants the Mexicans, who brought this
ruin upon you.”

Zack laid his hand upon the arm of the Indian,
and pointed to a figure which suddenly up} cared
at one of the doors of a ruined building glust be-
low them. It was that of a Mexican 0 '(er, in
the uniform of the lancers, with a handsome,
devil‘may-care face, and a reckless manner.

“ Pedrillol” he called.

A sergeant of the same regiment appeared,
and b0wed res cctt‘ully before the ca tain.

“ Where is endoza?" demanded t a captain.
“ The fellow thinks he can run away when he
likes, and leave me in this cursed hole.”

“He has gone to the hacienda, capitano: he
was wounded in the foot by that cursed Zebra
Zack, and wanted to get medicine.

ever.”

“I shall be happy when this hide—nud-seek
game is over,” grumbled the ca itain. " I may
beaguerrilla,hut I like fair ghling. How-

ever, if Ampudia will insist upon this kind of, 
Where is the

work, I suppose I must bear it.
senorjata? i must do something to pass away the
time.

“You must be careful, capitano,” said the,

man, with a laugh. “ She has sharp claws, and
knows how to use them.”

“Tell her that Ca tain Marco, of the Presi- 1;.-

dent’s Guard, woul
er.”

“Have your own 'way, III
will not be warned. I don t‘ know what the
Lieute’pant was thinking of when he- brought her

ere.
z “I: know that Captain Marco,”'whispered

ac .
lant Mex1canT ever knew, and one whom I
would not willingly injure. 1 am surprised he
has anything to do with such a man as Carlos
Mendoza.”

be glad to speak with

Besides, be: .r
has a plan to get this ranger out of his way for-

capitano, if you. I

“ He is a daredevil; one of the few-gal- '

“What care I?” replied the chief» “While .

he remains here, the secret place of the god Of * »'
the sun is in danger of discovery. Hal look .4

there!"

They heard many voices outside the wall, and
a number of heads appeared above it, as: if the
owners had climbed
fifty men leaped the wall in rapid succession,

shouting and laughing. All were the unifornu :-

up laboriously.- Forty or 

 

 
      

’ of the lancers and were evidently a part of the

" 'she read aloud.

command of Captain Marco.

‘ “ You will need all your men, chief,” whis-
pered Zack. “ Would it not be well for me to
go back and lead the rangers to your aid?”

“ Do you think a hundred Lipan warriors
need half to put down onder crew?” returned
the I: lie , scornl’ully. “ ou shall see what work
we will make of them."

The man called Pedrillo had left his captain,
and entered the ruined building. In a few mo-
ments he returned, followed by a young lady.
At a glance Zack recognized Zada. She walked
rapidly up to Captain Marco, and spoke to him
in a loud, angry tone:

“ You are Captain Valdez Marco, of the
Presi lant’s bodyguard l”

“ I am that fortunate individual,” answered
Marco, with a sweeping bow.

“ You know who I am, captain?”

“ Merely from report, senorita. I have heard
that you were the belle of the San Antonio val—
ley, and l have only to say that it surprises me
th at they have not long ago added the title ‘ of
T.:xas and Mexico,’ for you have a right to it.”

" Compliments are out of place here, capitano.
You see me here, a prisoner, and in the power
of the man who ought to have rotected me
with his life, my Cousin Carlos. cannot be—
lieve that you are in league with him in his per-
secution of a lady, and I ask you to set me

“ And what should I do, in that case, my dear
senorita? I am bored enough in this dismal
place, without being left entirely to my own re-
sources, as I should be if you abandon me.
Don't think of it; stay here and keep me com-

pan .”
‘ “but, senor, I desire to return to my father,”
she cried, stamping her foot. “ By what right
do you keep me here?”
“ My dear sancrita, I do not keep you here.”
“ You refuse to set me free.”
“ Because I have nothing to do with the mat—
ter. I am assured by Lieutenant Mendoza that
on are in possession of secrets connected with
his expedition, which is of the utmost impor-
tance to the Mexic ll'l cause.”
“ But, I tell you that I know nothing of the

' obiect you have in hiding here,” she retorted.

“ Carlos Mendoza is a liar, and if you have con-
sorted with him much, you ought to know it.”

“It may be as you say, senorita. Come; be
more complaisant to me. I have my guitar
here, and it has been said that I touch the
strings well. Let us sit down and contemplate
these ruins, and sing of the glory of the Cid.”

“ A truce to badinage, Senor Capitano. I ask
you again it you will Set me at liberty?”

“ 1 can not. Look at this order, and tell me
if you think I am at liberty as a soldier to dis-
obev it.”

He placed an orien paper in her hand, which

his is the translation:

“Mommm —, —.
N “Captain Valdez Marco is ordered to seize and
hold as a prisoner the Senora Zada del Solida of the

San Antonio district, suspected of treachery to the
Republic. Anrtmu.“

I , Zada, thoroughly enraged, tore the paper into

 

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

pieces, and scattered the fragments to the
winds, while Marco looked on langhiugly.

“ Let me escape!” she cried eagerly.

“ How could you escape in this pathless chap-
arral, senorita? It is miles from any part of
the prairie, and the wood is infested with
~f'aguars. Let me assure you that I feel as deep-
y as you do the baseness of the plan which
brought you here, and in reality have had noth-
ing to do it, although it was done under the
orders of Ampndia. It was one of Mendoza’s
guerrillas who lassoed your horse and brought
you here, and by his orders, not mine.”

“I believe you, senor,” admitted the girl.
“ I am sorry that it is out of your power to aid
me, for there might come a time when even a
weak woman might be of service to you.”

“ Senor Capitanoi” cried one of the men.
“ What is the hound doing?”

The captain turned and saw a large Spanish
bloodhound, his Own property, and of a )eerless
strain, lying at his length upon the wall, coking
down with glowing eyes at something in the
bushes below him. Sparks of fire seemed to
flash from his eyes, and he was drawing himself
slowly forward as if to meet some unknon u
enemy. While they gazed, there came a scuif--
ling, confused sound in the bushes below, and a
light, agile body was launched into the air,
darting out toward the dog. They all saw the
yellow sides, the black rings, and the long feline
tail, and knew the dreaded enemy of the Texan
'ungles, the jaguar. In an instant the dog,'

ounded forward, and the two seemed to lock
in mid-air, and came down upon the wall with a
crash, and a terrible combat commenced for ll to
or death.

 

CHAPTER VII.
A FEARFUL STRUGGLE.

THE shrill scream of the jaguar, and the deep,
hoarse growl of the dog, burst upon the air at
the same moment, and then nothing was heard
save a confused. scuifling, hurrying sound amid
the cree ing vines, mingled with horrible pant-
ing, as t e strong brutes strained for the mas-
tery. The dog had set his teeth firmly in the
loose skin upon the neck of the jaguar, but that
very tenacity of grip cost him dear. For, while
the jaguar had not the use of his teeth, his ter-
rible claWS were busy, and Zada, looking on
spell-bound, saw the brave dog literally torn
limb from limb, before her very e es.

“ My rifle, Pedrilloi” shouted aptain Marco.
“ Demonios! Why don’t you hurry?”

“Pedrillo” was hurrying, but not after a
rifle. The moment the scream of the jaguar
burst upon his ears, there was what Mark
Twain’ calls ‘a vacancy in the atmosphere
where he had stood,’ and he precipitated him-
self over the wall, with a bound which wonli
have been creditable to an acrobat. As the
captain turned. he had on] a vanishing view
of iflie lancer uniform, as Fe illo went over the
we '

Pedrillo had comrades who desired to share
his danger, whatever it might be, and with
startling unanimity. they followed him. hose
men could hardly basaid to desert t'o‘irc'ip-
tain; they supposed that he would profit by

 

   

    
  
  
   
  
 
 
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
 
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
    
   
   
   
    
  
  
   
   

    

 

fl. . any» m L. w v

  

 

 

 

 

  

Zebra. Zack. the Texan.

   

18

 

their good example, and follow them over the
wall, not for a moment calculating that he
would remain to face the infuriated animal,
now engaged in dissectin the unfortunate blood-
hound. ut Captain aldez Marco was made
of different clay from his men, and, with a
hearty curse at their cowardice, be bounded
back into the building, dragging Zada with him,
and took up his rifle, which was leaning against
the wall.

“ What are you going to do. senor?” cried the
girl. “Stay here; surely we can defend our-
selves better here than outside.”

“ I am not a man to die like a rat in a trap,”
excitedly protested Valdez Marco. “ Oh what
magnificent soldiers I have, and how i love
them!”

He rushed out into the o 11 air, with his rifle
firml gras , and saw t e jaguar hckin up
the blood 0 the dead bound, with an air 0 in-
finite relish. The moment he saw the captain,
he desisted, and began to draw himself along
the earth toward his enemy, the red tongue
loliing from his mouth, and his eyes shinin
like stars in the night. Ca tain aroo ha
drawn his sword, and laid it upon the earth
beside him and, kneeling upon one knee, he
took a s y aim at the jaguar. As he did so
he heard a second fierce cry, and the mate of
their terrible enemy leaped upon the wall, and
stood there in majestic silence, her tail waving
from side to side, after the manner of the feline
race. Zada uttered a cry of alarm, and Marco
discharged his rifle with good effect, bringing
the jaguar to the earth with a broken shoulder.
A second report followed, and turning quickly
Marco saw Zada standing in the doorway of
the ruin, a rifle smokin in her grasp.

“ Back, for your life! she called; “here comes
his mate.”

But, there was no time for retreat. for the
body of the female jaguar was already in the
air, lea ing down to avenge her slaughtered
mate, w 0 now lay silent for the bullet of Zada
had pierced his brain. Marco grasped his sword
while still kneeling, and waited for the rush of
the beast. His last bound had brought him
within six feet of the gallant young cagtain,
and there she lay, prone upon the cart , her
fler eyes seeming to look for some sign of
shrinking in those of the Mexican. But those
bold black eyes met hers without a quiver, and
his nervous ri ht hand firmly held the sword,
which be we knew howtouse. «B a quick
movement of the shoulder, he had t wn his
scrape over his left arm, which it completely
covered. Zada felt a thrill of admiration for
this man, and thought with pride that he was
like her father, a pure Spaniard.

The jaguar seemed l[launzlerh Uneasy before
the steady stare of t ose burnin e es, she
turned her head from side to side. . n oing so,
she caught sight of her mate, silent and blcody.
Insta ntiy the prehensile claws were seen to ather
on the earth and the monster crouched or her
spring. Za a, who had now reloaded her rifle,
ran to one side, and took a snap-shot at the
crouching beast and succeeded in sending a bul-
let through her y. With asbrill c of pain,
she made her leap. and the captain t rust out
his arm, for her to seize in her teeth. The strong

 

 

jaws closed upon the arm, covered by the scrape
with such desperate force that the bones seem
to crack beneath them; but, careless of the pain,
the gallant young man plunged his sword to the
hilt in the broad breast of the jaguar, piercing
her to the heart.

“ Well done, capitano, well done!” cried Zada.
“Give me your hand, and tell me that whatever
happens, you Will never be my enemy for you
are a brave man.”

He whirled suddenly, with the sword in his
hand, and the next moment he was prostrated
by the rush of a hairy body, and was brought to
the earth, completely stunned. A third jaguar,
nearly as large as the others, had cre t over the
wall, and attacked them; while a on! th was
peeping over the wall, her graceful bead turned
upon one side, as if meditating whom to attack.

Ca tain Marco lay silent, his new enemy stand-
ing e vs him threateningly, and Zada uttered
a wild scream.

“ This way, lady!” cried a well known voice.
“Run to me, and trust me for the rest. "

Zada turned, and as she did so the 'aguar
abandoned the senseless form of Marco, an made
after the girl, clearing the ground in long leaps.
But, there came a rush of feet, and Zebra Zack
leaped in between the jaguar and his destined
my. Zada had fallen on her knees, her dark

'r fioatin back in wild confusion from her
marble fore ead, her hands clasped, and her es
fired upon the man who had come to save er

1 e. a

“ Zack 1" she cried.

“That’s me, girl; don’t you stir, and let me
show the captain how to fix a jaguar."

“ There are two,” replied the girl.

“ I know it; oh, I’ve fought jaguars before.
bless on, and I know how it is done. Run back
out 0
what a cussed nest of the critters you struck.”

Zada s rung to her feet, and ran back a dozen
paces. he saw Zack standing there, a smile
upon his lips. and his rifle at his shoulder, facing
the jaguar. The next moment the beautiful body
was in the air, the rifle rose suddenly, and as the
animal seemed to hang suspended in the air, the
marksman fired as coolly as if he had been shoot

ing a pigeon from a trap. The animal dropped “ -

like a stone dead before it touched the ground.
“ Where is the rest of the family i” said Zack,
Ian hing. “ 0h; here she comes, raging wild,
an I feel obliged to trouble myself with her,
much against my will.” -
The last jaguar was coming on with long leaps
in the direction of the daring ranger.

away!” he shouted, drawing his pis- "

«011‘ W
tols. “ by will you force our company u
amen who despises it. ust Iwipe out ’3
whole famil "in this way?” ,

He raised is weapons as he spoke, and tooka.
step in advance. be last of the tigers were

within three rods. coming on with long, vicious '

leaps, snarling fiercely. Zebra seemed to-chan
his mind, and. dropping the pistols, he drew lfi:
knife instead and held it above his head. The
brute sprung, and Zebra lea nimny to one
side, and brought the knife own as the r
sed. Zada

range, for he is going to‘spring. Lord, ‘

n.
e

pas watching him closely t ought ,
that the knife had not touched the ja’a‘un r. and “6'
she turned to fly, when a laugh from Zai'li (3.11ch 

 
 

    
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
    
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
  
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
 

\

  

.iz‘rx :.

V. 3. .,

 

”» but

her back. She saw the beautiful body of the
“Texan tiger ” lying at his feet, apparently
without a wound.

“ What is it; how was he slain?" she asked,
advancing quickly.

Zack turned over the yet warm and quivering
body with his foot, and she saw the hilt of a
bowie standing out between the shoulders, where
it had been firmly planted by the quick hand of
the hunter.

“ Old Tennessee never fails,” explained Zack.
“ I learned that stroke from the best man who
ever trod the green prairie, Dave Crockett of
Tennessee.” »

“ Did you know Crockett Zack?”

“ Know himl Know old Dave, the reat-
hearfed, true-scaled man who aye his li e for
Texas within the bloody we 3 of the Alamo!
Girl, Iknew that man better than most people
on the earth, and I loved him. Rude of speech,
ready of hand, a dead shot, a mighty hunter,
and a loving friend. And when I think of him
lying in his blood, with his enemies piled thick
about him' and when I remember that there
live men who were base enough to trample on
the face of that old here, it drives me half mad.

lMay my arm wither to the shoulder on the day
when I forget or for ive.”

“ I have heard 0 Crockett from Mexicans
who were at the Alamo,” said the girl, “and
they told me how he fought, and how the men
went down before the sweep of his long arm.

he was not a Texan, either; he only fought
for men struggling to be free.”

“'And Bowie was there, too, and taught them
how a man can die who does not know the name
of fear. Six men in Santa Anna’s army insult-
ed in dead friends. Five of them men still live

am on their track.”

“ Why do you wait, Zack? The soldiers will
come back in a. moment, and then there will be
no chance of escape.”

“ I don’t reckon them thieves will come back

‘ while there is a chance of a jaguar anywhere in

Texas. Only think of it, girl; fifty strong men,
with West ns in their hands, running roma
jaguar! t is enough to make any man cuss his
country and quit. I don‘t go out of this until'
I_ see‘nthat yonder brave young man is all
n

e'ran to the lace where Marco lay, lifted

‘ his head and look into his face.

“ He is only stunned, after all, and will come
round in.five minutes. I reckon we may as well

, put out.”

“ I am afraid that the men will come back,”

’ , replied Zada, nervously. “‘Let us go quick-

ly. ,

By way of answer the air was filled with the

Eells of jaguars, so loud, fierce and perfect, that
ads uttered a scream of alarm. .

“ Shut up, girl,” said Zack. “It is Old Ten-
nessee making all that noise, and I don’t think
any of them have got the pluck to come back

v and face the music. Hal they are coming, and
a-horseback too.”

He caught Zada about the waist and darted

‘ suddenly back to the cover. He was just in

time, for, a moment later, Carlos Mendoza
dashed in at the open gate of the city, at the

’ head ot thirty horsemen.

f.—

 

Ze'bra, Zack. the Texan.

CHAPTER VIII.
TRAPPED.

CRIES of astonishment, mingled with those of
alarm, burst from the throats of the Mexicans,
at this unlocked—for spectacle. Malle, the half-
breed, who followed Carlos, leaped from his and
die with an ax in his hand, and approached the
first 'aguar.

“ or dies!" he cried. They are all dead,
Senor Mendoza.”

H Dead 1”

“ Si, senor; and only look. There lies Cap-
tain Marco with blood upon his face. Is he
dead, tool”

Carlos sprung from the saddle and ran to the
side of the captain, who at this moment stirred
slightly. Mendoza took out his flask, and wet
the lips of his superior with brandy, and forced
a little between his set teeth. He spat it out in-
stantly, and sat up.

“A curse upon all cowards!” he cried, start-
ing to his feet.

“ Where is my sword? I will die fighting for
her sake.”

“For whose sake, Marco; what does all this
mean?"

The captain stared stupidly about him, evi-
dently sur rised at the number of jaguars with-
in the inc osure. He had been knocked some
less b the rush of the third, and it took him ut~
terly ysurprise.

“There are four of them," he shouted. “I
killed two, but who killed the others?”

“ Your men, probably.”

“ My men; ah, the ladronesl They flew over
the wall like birds, and I have not seen one of
them since. But, where is the lady?”

. “ Wlhom do you mean?” replied Carlos, turn-
ing ae.

“ he should I mean but Zada del Solida.
She was here with me, and a bullet from her
rifle is in both the jaguars we killed. It seems
as if the whole brood of the j uars in this chap-
arral came at us at once. here is Pedrillo,
thank Heaven; ah, cowardly ladronel”

[The orderly, who had set so good an example

to his comrades, now made his ayfiearance, his
teeth chattering with terror. e ap ared
somewhat surprised to see his captain iving,
and advanced with a hesitatin step, while
Marco coolly took off his sword-be t, and fasten—
ed s. grip like that of a vise upon the shoulder of
the coward.
, “And so you ran, my friend Pedrillo,” he
said in the smooth, easy tone which his orderly
particularly disliked to hear. “So on took it
upon yourself to decamp, just at t e moment
when I needed you most.”

“ Your worthy com nions ran ofl after you.
like sheep following a eader.‘ Wait until I give
you your pay.”

The sword-belt rose into the air, and descend-
ed with a whistling sound upon the shoulders of
the lancer. He stood like a dog under the lash,
crouching and venomous, begging for mercy at
every stroke. Marco lashed him until his arm
was tired, and then hurled him away.

“ I degrade on to the ranks,” now declared
the captain, ‘ although it is hard to degrade
you in such a companyas this. At least, you
will not get as much pay.”

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Zebra. Zack. the Texan.

1"

  

 

“ If you can spare a moment from this leas-
aut employment, Captain Marco, I shou d be
glad if you would tell me what you have done
with Zada,” Mendoza suggested, rather coldly.

“ How do I know?” answered the ca tain, au-
grily. “ I would give a thousand don loans to
hear that she had escaped, and reached her
father’s hacienda in safety.”

“ You are very friendly,” hissed Carlos.
“ Have you forgotten the orders of Ampudial"

“ I am not likely to forget them, but even
Ampudia could not ask me to know any thing
about events which occurred While I lay sense-
less 11 on the earth. I tell you that she vanished
after was knocked down.’

The bugle sounded, and the fifty deserters be-
gan to sneak in, one by one, looking crestfalleu
enough. The “ assembly” was followed b
“ boots and saddle,” and the force was mounte ,
looking warlike enough in their gay uniforms,
with the lances in their hands. But they were
a sorry crew for all that. Captain Marco reined
in his horse in front of them, and gave them the
most terrible toggue lashing which any body of
men ever receiv .

“ Enou h of this!” commanded Mendoza. “I
wish to as these men a few questions.”

" To your station, Lieutenant Mendoza i” cried
Marco. “ I command this band of heroes lor the
present, and when I have finished, I will give
you an opportunity to speak.”

Carlos rode out and inquired if any of the men
had seen Zada. But they had been so busy in
securing their own safety that they had thought
of nothing else.

“ Malle Godena J” cried Mendoza. “ You are
a scout, and can find the trail. The rest of you
stand back and let him work.” ‘

Mulle at once advanced, and asked the ca!»
taiu where Zada. had been standing when he
was struck down. He pointed out the spot, and
the half-breed stooped and quickly found the
marks of the slender foot of the ’1'] upon the
earth, and followed the course 8 e had taken
when called by Zebra Zack. When he came
to the place where the ranger had stood, he
stopped, studied the marks on the earth for a
moment, and then stood up with a low cry of
surprise.

“ Zebra Zack has been here, master!” he cried.
“ The senora has one with him.”

All started bac in terror. for such was the
(power the name of Zebra Zack exerted that
every Mexican alon that border dreaded him.

“ Will you give t e orders, Captain Marco?”
said the lieutenant. “ I profit to have them
come from you." .

“ I give you twenty-five men of your own
choosing, lieutenant,” replied the captain. “ As
for me, I cannot bring myself to persecute
this beautiful girl. Follow her yourself, and
remember that Zebra Zack is a gallant man. and
as such, you must fear him. I will have nothing
to do with it.”

Mendoza called out twenty-five of his best
men, and with Malls in advance, they began to
follow the trail.

“ Take Pedrillo with you," ordered Marco.
“ He is a fine fellow to lead—a retreat."

“Excuse me,” pleaded Pedrillo. “ My place
is by my captain. ’

 

“ Youlare no longer my orderly, and I detail
you to cm the expedition of Lieutenant Men-
doza. on Will be an excellent fellow, as I said.
In advancm , you must be sure and bring up
the rear, so t at in case of retreat you may take
the lead.”

Pedrillo followed the party reluctantly enough.
By this time Mallc was some yards in advam e,
and had nearl reached the cactus, when a
stream of fire eaped from the bushes, and the
half-breed, shot through the heart, fell dead.
The Mexicans at once hugged the earth. and
crawled like serpents to be out of reach of the
shots, while Pedrillo sustained the high opinion
of his captain by being the first to gain the shel-
ter of a rock, where he lay glued to the earth,
without the slightest desire to move. The merry
laugh of Captain Marco rung out as he wit-
nessed the sudden flight of his men, and he
called to the rest: '

“Have you pluck enough to follow me, or
must I go alone!”

Ten men at once sprung to the front, men
who were brave enough by nature, but “1.0
had been infected by the cowardice of their
comrades.

“ Enough, my men i” cried Marco. “ I hoped
that some amonfir dyou were brave enough,
if only decently Te . Come on, then! Scal-
ter to the right and left, every man with his
pistols ready, and surround this growth of
cactus. The man who shot Malle Godena shall
not escape!” -

The cowards who had fled, and those who re-
mained behind, somewhat encouraged by the
gallantry of the rest, began to look to their
weapons, and prepared to follow. A cordon
was drawn about the growth of cactus, so
closely that there seemed no hope of escape.

The body of Malia Godcna lay upon the sod, his I

face upward.

‘9 Not a shot now!” shouted Marco. “You
must not endanger the life of this bravo girl.
Advance at the ‘ double 1’ 7’

Every man sprung tohis feet, and they rushed. »,

forward at the double. Not a shot was fired,

and they began to how a path through the‘

strong plants with their swords. A moment,
more, and they met in the center of the thicket,
above the concealed stone which covered the

flight of their enemies. Marco, standing direct- I

1 above it stain an rily u n the earth
which gave ,back mime“;g sound.1m "

“Do you hear that?” he cried, beginning 30 
a e

hurl awa the leaves and earth with the
of his sa r.
here.”

The men seconded him bravely, and the stone  ,

was soon laid bare. By the use ‘of heavy knives

and props they managed to raise the' stone, ' 7‘
But the passage__was .dark} .

revealing the steps.
as night, and even Marco rec-oiled.

“ Captain,” said one of the men who had lived ' 

for many years among the tri . “I think

that I can trap these birds, without going into iv

that den.”
“ What do you mean?” .

“You know that I have lived among the In- 
dians. They have their traditions, and among ,:
others, I have heard them say that the Ligans

ich

were the guardians of the cavern in a
i

“It is all right; there is a door 

  

   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
  
  
  
   
   
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
  
    
   
  
   
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  

‘\

 
 

  

18

 

 

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

  

 

 

(lert the war-god. If all the stories they have
told me are true, and I do not doubt it in the

least, we are rich men if we can enter that,

cave. But the tradition runs that there is an
entrance on the east side of the Chaparral,
known only to the chief of the Lipans, the secret
of which descends to his children alone. I know
where this entrance lies, within a few hundred
yards, and I propose that you send a party to lie
in wait until they come out.”

“ You hear what this man says, Mendoza,”
said Marco. “I do not know him very well,
and leave it to you to say whether his story is
entitled to credence or not.”

“ I believe him,” replied Mendoza, briefly.

“ Very well; do you know any path by which
you can get to the east side of the Chaparral
quickly?”

" I can be there in half an hour.”

“ Take as many of the lancers as you need,
and go at once. My credit is concerned in the
success of this expedition, for while I object to
War against women, my objections do not ex-
tend to chasing this infernal scout, Zebra Zack.”

The laucers chosen by Carlos, twenty in num-
ber, were quickly in the saddle, under the leader-
ship of the man Gomez, who undertook to guide
them to the spot where the ambush was to be

. set. They moved away rapidly through the
bushes. leaving the captain staring down into
the opening in the earth, which led to the cham-
ber of the Mexican god of war.

After Zack had fired the shot which brought
down the half~breed, Malle Godena, the Lipan
sprung up beside him, and pointed to the open-
ing in the earth. Zack caught Zada about the
waist and descended quickly, and the Lipan
moved the stone back into its place, taking care
‘that the accumulation of dust and leaves should
Eemlgin upon the top. This done, he spoke to

ac .

“The white girl must not know the secrets
which you have learned from me. Her eyes
must be blinded, and you can lead her by the
hand.”

Zack quickly put a heavy handkerchief over
her eyes, completely blinding her. Then, tak—
ing her hand, he gave the lighted lantern into
the hands of the chief, who at once took the ad-
vance, opening and closing the doors as he
went, with the greatest care. They made all
possible speed, and yet nearly an hour had pass-
ed when‘ the chief raised the last stone, and
stepped out into the light. After he had closed
the stone, and carefully replaced the leaves and
: dust upon it, he parted the tangled growth for
Zarla to pass through, and Zack led her out.

“ Let the white maiden have light,” he said,
waving his hand. Zack at once removed the
banila e, and Zada opened her eyes.

“ W ere are we now?” she asked, looking
about her in wonder.

“ On the east side of the chaparral,” replied
Zack. “ The chief has taken you safe throu h,
although he has followed a strange path. sit
a moment.”

He thrust his hand into a pocket of his hunt-

 

' * ing-shirt, and took outasmall piece of parch-

ment inclosed in leathern covers. Upon this.
written in black ink, were six names. Two of

 

these had been erased by drawingared lead
pencil through them, and the third was now
marked out by the same means.

“ Malls Godena!” said Zack. “ There are
cull-3y three of them now."

6 replaced the book, and at once led the
way, followed closely by the chief and Zada.
After a short walk they reached the horses
which they had tied among the bushes.

“ All safe, chief?” demanded Zack.
has been here.”

The chief looked about him suspiciously, and
at once mounted, seizing the lance which he had
thrust into the earth by the side of his horse.

“ You will have to ride with me, senora,” re-
marked Zack, as he led the zebra forward.

Zack sprung into the saddle immediately, and
extended his foot and hand to assist the girl in
mounting. The chief was looking at them curi-
ously, and the hands of.the ranger were fully
occupied when savage shouts were heard, and
the uniforms of the lancers could be seen as
they dashed in. .

“ Away, chiefl” shouted Zack, who was al-
ready hampered by half a dozen clinging forms.
“ Save ourself if on can, and remember that
Hag-g liss will be p you.”

“ here?”

“ At the Hacienda del Solida! Away 1”

The chief tugged at his rein, and headed his
mustang at the path, which was occupied by
three of the lancers. Shaking his long lance in
the air, he thrust it through the body of the
foremost, and without attempting to remove it
he swung his hatchet above is head, and with
a thrilling war-cry darted at the others. The
first went down cloven to the shoulders, and the
other on! saved his life by flinging himself out
of the sa dle into a thick in uit bush, which
lacerated his flesh fearfully. he chief turned
again, and seemed about to rush to the aid of
his white friend, but Zack shouted to him to

“ No one

fly. .

“I will come again, Long Beard,” he cried.
“ Cocheto, the Lipan, never deserts a friend.”

He was gone even as he spoke, followed by a
useless shower of bullets. A shrill scream of
defiance came back, and the chief was seen no
more. By this time Zebra Zack had been drag-
ged out of the saddle, and stood with his arms
tightly bound, while in front of him stood
Carllos Mendoza, looking at him with a lurid
smi e.

“ You and I meet once more," he said, “ when
no mad ’ 1 can come between me and ven-

geance. 0 you know that I am about to kill

you
“Why not?” was the reply. “I would have
could have met you

done as much for you if
with weapons in your hands."

“ Carlos,” cried Zada, “ you could not be such
a. coward. Dare to do it, and I will post you
from Monterey to Mexico, and your comrades
will ”spit in your face wherever they meet
you.

“Mexicans think they have done a holy duty
when they have rid the earth of an accursed
Tejano,” growled the Mexican. “ No: this
time he shall not escape me."

“ Wait a moment, lieutenant,” called the man
Gomez. “ Do you remember that I told you of

-

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zebra. Zack. the Texan.

 

19

 

the wealth said to be contained in the vault of
the Mexican war god?”

‘5 Yes.”

“Then do not kill the goose which lays the
golden egg. Don’t you know that this Tojniio
was with the chief in this secret planar Hence
he must know the secret.”

“ You are right, (lomrz, and I thank you.
Demonios! \Vhat a fool I would have been to
kill him before he told me how t ) tutor this rich
treasure—chamber. You have heard what has
been said, Senor ’l‘cjuuo, and uulcrstand what I
want. Show us at once the so 'rot way to the
treasure—chamber.”

“ No; for the moment you h ul set your foot
in the treasure-chamber you would murder mo
in cold blood. Take me to the captain, and per-
haps I may be more ready to speak than now.”

“ It is useless to waste time with him,” said
Carlos, draWing a pistol. “ Stand aside, Zada;
why do you come between us?”

“ And you have dared to speak of love to me,
Carlos Mendoza?” she exclaiuwd, standing be-
tween him and his victim. “You, who would
murder this brave man I”

“ Stand aside, or I will fire.”

“ Fire, if you wish. You can only kill him
after you have killed me.”

“ This won’t do, lieutenant,” oxpostulatcd
Gomez. “ You must not kill him until we have
done our best to get him to reveal the secret.”

“But he is obstinate; he will trick us in the
end."

“ No fear of that: I will answer for it that he
does not escape.”

“ You are all against me, and you little know
this devil. or you would not give him a moment
of life. Have it your own way, since you insist
upon it. Tie him on his horse and let us return
to camp.”

Half a dozen men seized the prisoner and
placed him on his horse. His feet were linked
together under the animal, and two ropes were
passed about his body, one made fast to the
pommel of the horseman in front, and the other
in the hand of the man in his rear. Next to him
rode Zada, with Mendoza close beside her, and
the remainder of the party brought up the rear.

CHAPTER IX.
THE TEXAN’S swoon

I  Hacienda del Solids. was a huge stone
building, looking like one of the feudal castles of
the old days. Its walls were of great hight, and
thick enough to withstand an attack from any-
thing except siege artillery. It stood near the
bank of the river, in a bend of the stream, the
water washing the heav walls upon'three sides.
The only place whence t could be assailed was
in the front, and this was defended by an
eighteen—foot wall of double thickness, and by a
deep ditch and drawbrid e which crossed the
front. Indeed, the hacien a was one of the few
buildian which had escaped the ravages of
time, and had been built as an advance defense
post of the conquering Spaniards.

The hacienda proper stood within these heavy
walls, and was also built of rough hewn stone.
Its doors and Windows were so arranged that,

 

at a moment’s notice, they could be crossed and
recrossed by iron gratings, set into the stone-
work of the walls. .

Thai rangers were encamped upon the level
plain in [rout of tho hacienda. It was late in the
afternoon, and they were enjoying themseves to
the full. Some were shooting at targets,
exhibiting Wonderful skill; others layin' at
cards, leaping, wrestling. and exhibiting t eir
horseinanship. The jolly
possession of a little rismg ground, and was
iolding a. wrestling tournament, defying the
rangers one after another. Man after man
rolled down the slope, the conqueror crowing

and flapping his arms like Wings every time a ,

man went down.

“ Whar’s that boy of mine?" shouted Old Pap;
“he’s a dignified cuss, he is, and he don’t dare
to tackle the old man. Cock-a-doodle, dool
Harry, my son, come and make the acquaint-
ance of the grass of the prary. Come, and let
me lay you down, like a bedbug on a pillow, or
a tarantula on a Greaser. Oh, come; do come,
I hunger and thirst nrter you, my only son.”

“ Try him on, Harry,’
men. “He is getting so brassy that there will
be no living with him, unless you put him on
his back.” ‘

“Don’t flunk, Harry; be a man, and try it.
I don’t suppose you kin begin to wrestle down

this old prairie roarer, but you kin try, and you‘

fall in a noble cause.”

 
 

/

proposvd one of the-

Harry laughed and jumped on the rising,

ground. Father and son mot and grappled.

andabattle ro a1 be an for the possession of , :7

the hillock. he alca do was a tough old wrest-
ler, but he do nded mainly upon his giant
strength, and arry upon his skill. All other
5 orts ceased, and the men flocked about them,
c caring and betting. Up and down the tram-
lpletl sod, fainting rst with the right foot,'aud
then with the left, trying every means and arti-
fice in the game. they struggled. The quick
planting told that both were losmg breath, when
arry made a quick movement, and got. a
“ grapevine twist ’ upon the alcalde. He tottered,
reeled and fell, amid the cheering of the men.

“ This is an ungrateful world.” said the alcalde,‘ v

alcalde had taken J

rising, and brushing the dirt from his clothing. v:

“ I raise a boy; I do all I can to make a man or

him, but he turns on the old man and puts him
am proud of you, the 

on his back. Harr , I
gnlyi man in Texas 1; et kin put Pap Bliss on his
ac .

“Oh, pshawl” cried a. man who had been ‘5};
“Zack can put you down every. 

thrown.
time.”

“Will you amble on that, Frizzle’i” roared 
you risk filthy lucre that he: i

the alcalde. “ ill
kan ut me down?”
“ es; I’ll go my hull ile on him.”

They were about to at, when the beat .01.“:‘2,

hoofs was heard upon the prairie, and the Mexi-
can servitors, who hap

rin or their lives.

‘ Los lndios, los Indiosl” the yelled.

“Hold on i” roared the alcal e, pickin one of i [I 7

the men out of the saddle with a. quic
“ See yer’; I want you.
about Injunsi Say!”

jerk.

_ nod to be out upon the?
plain came galloping in, wild with fear, spur-

 

   

What’s this foolishneu} “ '

 
   
 

    
 

  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 

 

  
 

 

     

 

20 ,
J‘*

“ They come, they come!” yelled the Mexicans.
“ We are all slain, scalfied, unless we fly.”

The alcalde turned is victim slowly, piacod
him in the proper position, and “raised” him
by a single kick, which Sent him forward like a
stone hurled from a catapult. The next mo-
ment the rangers were in the saddle, and dash—
ing out in the direction taken by the stockmen
in their flight. As they crossedth first roll of
the prairie, they saw a single Indian, bending
forward in his saddle, and dashed furiously down
upon them.

“Ef I did not already hate and despise the
native Greaser, as the tarantula sed to the live-
1y centipede, I would hate an’ despise ’em now.
Ohe Injun, boys; by the livin’ hokies, only one,

‘ , an’ ef thar‘was one of these blamed stockmen

that was twenty.”

“That man is not an enemy.” decided Harry.
“Would he ride down upon fifty rangers alone
unless he'was friendly?”

“ Mebbe he thinks we ar’ Greasers, and ef he
does. how disapp’inted he will be.”

“Hello!” cried one of the men. “I know
that chap. It is Cocheto, the Lipan chief, a
great friend of Zebra Zack. He ain’t after any
mischief, ou kin bet.”

“It is ochetoi” exclaimed Harry. “What
can he mean by riding in that way? Let us

‘ make haste and meet him.”
’ They hurried their pace, and soon met upon
the prairie. Cocheto reined in his steed, and
met them with a. graceful salute.

“ Cocheto is welcome,” replied Harry in
Spanish, which the Indian spoke fluently.
“ Why does he come to the rangers?”

“Does my brother love Long Beard, the
friend of the Lipans?” demanded the chief.

“Yes; what of him?”

“ There are Mexican soldiers in El Chaparral
del Norte. They have taken Long Beard, and
the daughter of the cod Mexican, De] S )lida,

and will kill one and ishonor the other. I have
come to bid you fly to their aid.”

“ Will you go with us?”

“No; Cocheto has other work to do. In yon-

der chaparral lies a ruined city. It was once
the pride of the Aztecs, but its glory has long
since departed. I will tell you how to reach it
from the west, if you will attend to my words.”
He gave Harry the direction and landmarks,
and waving his hand, he turned his horse’s head
and dashed away to the east.
« :9 Ilunderstand this yer” thing now.” cried Old
,Pag Bliss. “The Mexicans want Taxas back,
an this yer’ force in the Chaparral hez been
sent to clear the road for them. What do you
say boys; shall we take a little ride?”
The men cheered lustily; they were only too
lad of a chance for an affra of some kind.
y this time Del Solida had Joined them, and
the party dashed away across the prairie in the
direction of the chaparral. They rode hard,
but it was nearly dark when the Chaparral was
reached.
“ t ain’t any kind of use to try 'any thing to-
night,”boys,” declared Bliss. “ Let’s make a
cam

p.
They chose a sheltered (place in a sort of bay
in the chaparral, pickete their horses and set
guards.

Zebra Zack, the Tent.

“It won’t be long before we hev a tussle with
Santa Anna again, lads,” was the alcalde's ex-
pressed opinion. “ He ain’t satisfied to let us go
3111’ we’ve got to call on our big brother for

c .

“The United States?” asked the haciendado.

“ Yaas; the eternal Yankee nation.”

“But your big brother will swallow you,
body and bones.”

“Jest what we want. It ain’t any use fur
sech a little teller to try to git along alone. Our
big brother hez got to take us into his fam’ly,
and it wouldn’t s’prise me if he took New
Mexico nn’ Californy with us."

“I believe that you are right, Colonel Bliss.
It would be better far for Texas, exposed asshe
is, to have such a powerful ally. For my part,
I am a Texan, and will fight against Mexico for
the rights of the Lone Star State."

“ Bully for you, sayn orl I reckoned you
was game. long ago.
thar. boys?"

“ Pete Fisher has been scouting, and he says
there is about a hundred lancers over thar,
comin’ this way.”

“Mount, boys," ordered Harry. “Mexican
lancers are on our ground, eh? I’ll give them a
lesson which they will not forget in a hurry.”

The rangers sprung into their saddles, and
waited in the cover of the woods. The reg-u r
beat of cavalry at a trot was now heard, an a
gallant company appeared over a. roll of the
prairie.

“ Rangers, advaneel” cried Harry.

The motley troop rode out of the cover in full
view of the astonished Mexicans. There was a
bait, and a slight movement to the rear. for the
Mexicans of Durango had proved the Texans at
San Jacinto. The smgle word—“ Tejanol” was
hissed by a hundred lips. and there wasadecided
movement to the rear. The Texans swung out
with wild yells, their ragged garments and
greasy buckskin contrasting strangel with those
of the gaudily attired enemy. he cfl‘lcers
in command of the Durango troops could be
seen riding along the front. vociferating, curs—
ing, and swearing at the top of their voices,
striving to stop the retreat. But, when the
Texans came near enough so that their enemies
could catch the gleam of their deadly rifles,
they could stand it no longer. They broke and
fled into the Chaparral at full speed, with the
rangers close behind.

" Arter ’em.” roared the alcalde. “ Give 'em
Bunker Hill. E plun’bus go unum,nixy cum
arousel Dig in your heels, an’ git; cavort an’
cahoot, ye imps of the rairie! Send in your
spurto the rig? every 'me, and drive ’em to
the devil. ah, hip; wa—hool Arter ’em,
Harr‘yl Ride hard, ye untamed sons of free

om.

With that wild troop behind them. the troop-
ers plunged into the pathless forest before them.
With whoop and yell the Texans rode after,
and the gloomy recesses of the Chaparral swal-
lowed them up. Many a gay bird was plucked
of his feathers. many a proud head, bent to the
dust before the wild Texans, at the command of
their young captain, rained in their panting

 

steeds upon the rim of the circle about the
ruined city. .

hat’s the matter out i '

  
  

'9
J
5.

a,

h
,1,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zebra. Zack, the Texan:

 

21

 

CHAPTER X.
AN UNTAMED PRISONER.

TEE road by which the party which had of-
fected the capture of the daring ranger returned
to the lost city was a rude one. and after arongh
ride of half an hour, they filed into the silent
streets, where the were met by their compan-
ions, who shoute themselves hoarse over their
success. Only one man did not seem pleased,
and that man was Captain Marco.

“ I ive you my word of honor, Senora del
Solids,” he declared, “ that I am sorry to see
you return.

“ I should not care so much for myself, know-
ing that on are able to rotect me,” replied
Zada. “ at I do fear for ebra Zack, who h'as
fallen into the hands of his inveterate enemy ”

“ I have no sympathy with him,” replied Mar-
co, coldly. “ Did he not kill Malle Godena?"

“ Granted; but Malle Godena was one of _his
enemies, and would have done the same by him.
I have some sympathy for the man who has Just
saved my life, if you have not. "

“Saved your life; I do not understand you.”

“ It was done while you lay senseless. He
killed the two jaguars with his own hand, and
saved both you and me.” _

“ Captain Marco,” said Carlos. advancmg, “ I
brin you the man known as Zebra Zack, the
mur erer of Raphael Gozo and Malle Godena,
and I demand that he shall be shot.”

“ I have noticed a disposition on your part to
command my troop for me. lieutenant. When
I am ready to give orders, it is for you to obey.
Place the prisoner in one of the strongest rooms
in the rum, and let him have a guard of five
men. Let it be understood that if one of the
men falls asleep, his comrades are expected to
shoot him. Remove the risoner.”

“ I will take charge of im,” was the grim re-

ly. “You shall see how well I can keep

' ”

1m.

“Wait; Corporal Gomez, you may take
charge of the prisoner, and answer for his safety
with your life. Now, senora, according to the
orders of Ampudia, I will take you in charge.”

The sword of Mendoza leaped from its scab-
bard, and he advanced at once to attack his
captain. ‘

" By all the saints, Marco, you shall not take
her out of my hands.”

Marco drew a istol with the utmost coolness.
Mendoza leaped ck with a furious oath.

“ Consider yourself under arrest,” said the
caplmin. “ You may retire at once, and I shall
th 1: how I may deal with you.”

, “I beg tyour pardon; I was too hasty,” was
Mendoza s umble apology.

You are released from arrest. Senora. if
you will come with me, I will speak with you
alone.”

The two withdrew to one side of the quad-
ran 19. ’

“I tell you that a danger hangs over us of
which even my lieutenant does not ream, lady.
To-duy Ampudia will be here With a large force
and if he finds you here, it will be im ossihle to
stalytwhen you will escape. I do not elieve, in

his, that Carlos is working for himself, as he
is a more tool of Ampudia,"

 

 

‘I‘ And wh not, Captain Marco?" A~ hoarse
v01ce spoke c ass to his ear.

Marco started back with a look of horror. Be-
fore him stood a coarse-looking man in a gaudy
uniform, an angry look in his small fierce eyes.

“Colonel Ampudial”

“ At your servme, captain. Senora del Solids,
I am your very humble servant and slave.”

Zada felt a, wild throb of fear at her heart, as
she looked at that brutal face.

“ You may retire, Captain Marco,” ordered
the colonel, waving his hand.

“Do not leave me, captain,” cried Zada. “I
do not wish to hold any intercourse with this
gentleman.”

“ Indeed? An old friend of your father’s, and
your devoted lover?” '

“ You had your answer to that, some time ago
Colonel Ampudia. I told you that I deteste
you for your conduct at the Alamo."

“ And yet, before that you had promised to be
my wife.”

“ Yes; but I hate a man who could insult the
gallant dead, and murder those who could no
longer fight. I told you never to speak to me
again, if you will remember.” '

\

“ Retire, Captain Marco!” shouted the colonel, I

there with

furious at seeing the captain standing‘ I told
you

a smile upon his handsome face»
so, once before.” ‘
“ One cannot disobey a lady,” replied Marco.
“ Senora del Solida asked me to remain."
“ You are under arrest,” said the colonel.
Marco inclined his head without reply.

He was too good a soldier to refuse to obey the ,

military orders of his superior officer and yet he
seemed half—inclined to do so. Hal a dozen of
the followers of Ampudia, under charge of an
orderly advanced at the signal of the colonel,
and took charge of the captain.

“ Take him away i" commanded Ampudia,
waving his hand. “ I am strongly tempted to
put it out of his power to complain to an! one,

y ordering out a firing party, and givin ‘ im a
volley. Senora, why will you not 100 more
kindly upon your devoted adorer?”

 
     

“ You have said enough. Colonel Ampudia. I ~

repeat what I said before, that your every word
is an insult. As for this wretched cousin of

mine, Carlos Mendoza, no words can describe : 

my horror, at his baseness. Pretending to love
me, he has only sought to betray me into your
hands. Oh, that Harry Bliss and his rangers
were here! Your feathers are somewhat rum-

pled, colonel; can it be that you have already -' '

met him?”

Ampudia hissed out a Spanish oath. He had
met with Harry Bliss, and her shrewd guess
dr0ve him nearly mad.

“You will go too far, my lady.” hissed Am- ‘

pudia. “ What. if I choose to treat you as a spy,
taken in the act?"

“ You dare not do it!” retorted the reselute‘

irl. '
g Mendoza touched the colonel in
der, and whispered in his ear. H 3 words were:
“We have taken Zebra Zack, and he is a dear
Eric.ng of Harry Bliss, and came here to rescue

er.
delight, and ordered those who had Zack under

on the shoul—  :

Ampudia utteredaloud exclamation of. ' '

guard to bring him out. The sturdy scout was  f

  

    

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

 

 
  

led into the inclosure bound and guarded, sur-
. rounded by a circle of lance—points. Ampudia
’ ’ looked at him fixedly, with a tigerish gleam in
. his eyes.
' “ Here is a paper which was taken from him,”
said Mendoza. “ It issa sort of black list, which
he carried with him always.”

Ampudia took the paper and looked at it close-
ly. It was a piece of parchment about the size
of a sheet of letter-pager. At the top of the
sheet was written in a old, flowing hand:

“ I swear to avenge Crockett and Bowie upon the
men who insulted them as they lay dead. Below
are the names of those marked for vengeance:
“Luis Ampudia, Captain of Lancers.
“Raphael Gozo. Lieutenant.

‘ “ Carlos Mendoza. Lieutenant.

1 “ Malls Godena, Meztizo.

I “ Estevan Grillo, Sergeant.

. “ Pedro Diaz, Peon."

A red line had been drawn through the names
of Gozo, Godena and Diaz. The scout looked on
calmly while Ampudia read this singular sheet,

, standin at his ease, as if he had been in the

1' midst 0 his own camp.

i “ An interesting production, truly. Am I to
understand that these three men have been
killed?”

“ Yes ” quickly answered Mendoza.
,. “And that he killed them?”
“ He killed two of them, and I escaped from

' him in a wonderful manner.”

» r “ Will some one bring a rope?” called out Am-
. pudia, with a fierce smile. ‘ A lariat will do if
you have nothing better."

i “ Here is my lazo,” answered one of the lan—
cers, coming forward.

1 “Hang him!” said Ampudia, briefly. “I do
flotsam to live with a sword hanging over my

ea . ' '
The lancers seized upon the scout, and dragged

‘, him out of the inclosure. Not far from the ate,

,1} looming up above the chaparral, was asmgle

;-A large tree. About twenty feet from the earth,

‘ a strong limb grew out nearly at right angles.

 . One of the Spanish Indians sw1ftly ascended the

' 1, tree, and threw a lazo over this limb. A run-

. ning noose was formed at one end, and the scout

» was laced upon the hack of a horse, his hands

, boun , and a bandage over his eyes.

i “ Have you anything to say before you go?”

1 r demanded Ampudia. “ You know something

‘ ,- of the designs of the Texans, and can tell me

what they mean to do.”
“If I would! You waste time with me, Am-
pudia, and the sooner you end this the better.”
/ Ampudia raised his hand to give the signal,
when wild yells arose on every side, and the
men who held the end of the lazo dropped it,
and ran for 'the ruins. Instantly Zebra Zack
dug his heels into the sides of the horse, and
shoutedtohim, and he was off like an arrow
from a bow. The Mexican colonel fired once at
him, but the wary Scout ducked, and the shot
passed ,harmlessly over his head. just as he
plunged into the bushes. Up rose the Lipans on

I every Side; he was quickly set free; a heavy
hatchet and knife wasthrust into his hand, and
then they charged the astonished Mexicans.

   
   
  
   
 
   
   
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
    
 
   
   
 
     
    
 
   
 
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
   

4

   

Captain Marco, who had not been bound,
drew his sword and rushed to the gateway
Thirty men, the bravest in the troop, stood by
his side, and together they held the entrance
against the advancing Lipans. It was awild
melee, a sea of tossing lances, waving plumes
and bright axes. The eyes of Zebra Zack had
never left Ampudia, but he had gained a
place of safety behind the wall, and in that
secure position was shouting to his men to
stand firm, and sweep the Lipaus from before
the walls.

“The coward is safe!” hissed Zack.
Grillo, you are here, at any ratel’7

The words were addressed to a stout fellow
who was among those who stood up with Marco.
As the Lipans rushed down upon the brave
band, Zack singled this man out and dashed at
him. Eluding the thrust of his lance, he closed
in and lifted the heavy ax above his head. There
camea dull blow, and Grille went down, cloven
to the teeth. Four of the black list had been
rubbed out. Only Ampudia and Mendoza re-
mained alive of the six who had insulted the
dead lion. .

Marco made a pass at the Lipau chief, which
he avoided by swinging himself half out of the
saddle. but a lance passed through the extended
arm of the Spaniard, and the sword dropped
from his hand. The hatchet of the'Lipau glit-
tered above his head, when a wild shout from
Zebra arrested the blow.

“ Strlke not, Cochctol” he cried. “ Spare him,
for he is a gallant man.”

At this moment the sound of a bugle was
heard, and the brilliant uniforms of the lancers
gleamed amid the trees in the rear of the In-.
dians. Zack, at a glance. comprehended that
a great force of Mexicans had come upon them,
and that it was useless for a hundred half-naked
Indians to struggle against five times their num-
ber of well-armed foes. Cocheto saw it, too,
and shouted an order to his men in the Lipan
tongue. As if by magic, they scattered to the
right and left, and in a moment not an Indian
was in sight. They paSsed through the chapar-
ral unknown to the Mexicans, and not five of
them were overtaken in the pursuit, The inn-
cers came back at the sound of the bugle, and
fell into line in the great inclosure. Five
hundred men, admirably mounted and equip—
ped, they formed a noble-looking force, and yet
a hundred Texan Rangers would hava ridden
against them and scattered them like chaff be-
fore the wind.

“Well done, my braves of Durangol” cried
Ampudia. “You came in an opportune mo-
ment for us.”

“ T have to report the escape of the prisoner,”
said Marco. advancing and saluting.

The blood was dropping from his fingers as
he spoke, for the lance had passed through his
arm.

“You are under arres‘, sir!” said Ampudia,
sharply.

“ I againyield myself, colonel,” replied Marco.
“Under the circumstances, I thought it best
that some one who could control the men should
hold the outer gate.”

u Ah,

 

'“ Back to the ruins 1" cried Ampudia. “ They
are on us in force.” '

 

 

“ What do you mean by that?” was the angry
reply. '

  

 

 

 

 

‘ in“... . ‘ Mt‘méwum»...mn_ M:

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

 

 

“ I mean just this: if some one had not held
the Indians in check, the succor of the Durango
regiment would have come too late. Send me a
sur eon. I am badly wounded.”

“ t won’t do, colonel,” whis red Mendoza.
“The Durango men like the ellow, and may
make us trouble.” _

“ You are released from arrest, Captain
Marco,” was Ampudia’s response to this hint.

“ I demand a court-martial!” exclaimed Mar-
co. “ I wish to see whether it is in the power of
a colonel of cavalryto degrade a man of my
rank without just cause.” '

“ But i. tell you that you are at liberty,
as you have be aved so well in the late en—
counter.”

“I refuse to accept liberty upon those terms,”
demanded Marco. “ If you choose to acknowl-
edge, before the men in Whose sight on have
dis ramed me, that you hava been in t e wrong,
and’ that you had no good ground for the arrest,
I will take my sword again.” 4.

“ Maledito I” hissed Ampudia 1n the ear of
Carlos Mendoza. “ What must I do?” _

“ I think you would do well to accept his
terms,” replied Carlos.

Ampudia raised his head, and looked down the
line of the regiment. He saw open mutiny in
half the faces there, and suppressed anger in
others. ‘ ,/

“ I offer you my apolo 'es, Captain Marco,”
he said, “ and own that was hasty in taking
awa. your sword.”

“ ery good. I await your orders.”

“ Take command of your company after your
wound has been dressed.”

Marco saluted with his left hand, and turned
into the ruins followed by the surgeon. Am-
pudia now addressed the men: ' u

“ Troopers ofi Durangol” he cried. “ The time
has come when injured Mexico dares to assert
her rights. Texas, the fairest star in our sky,
has been wrested from us by treachery at a mo—
ment when we were not pro ared to meet it. For
some months our oflicers ave been at work,
stirring up those who are faithful to us, and re
paring them for the signal of war. Ra ael
6020 was ca tain of a band, but he has allen
b the ban of that thrice accursed Texan,

ebra Zack, who has hunted him to his death.
It will not be long before the army of Mexico
will pour like a torrent over the border, and
Texas, With its Lone Star banner, will 0 down
in a sea of blood. When the work is one not
one among you but shall have an estate of his
own. wrested from one of these Texan hounds.”

“Have you ever heard the old adage "said
Zada, “ ‘ on should always catch a wolf before
you skin im,’ Colonel Ampudia i"

“Do you doubt that we shall beat these ac-
cursed Tejanos P” demanded Am udia.

“ I have no doubts upon the su jeet," was her
scornful retort, “ The Texans W111 administer
a sound drubbing every time you do not come
upon them in the proportion often to one.”

‘ Be Silent, traitressl”

“ You speak falsely, and are deceiving these
brave men. Soldiers of Durango, let me speak.
You cannot conquer Texas, for the great
United States stand ready to take up arms
against you.”

 

“ Silence her accursed tongue, Mendoza i” cried
Ampudia. —

At this moment a wild commotion was heard
outside the ruins. The guards were evidently at
a loss what to do, and a tremendous voice was
heard bellowing out. this classic defiance:

“ Greasers, git! Git like the besom of destruc-
tion, and the deadly simoon in its wrathy fury.
Dust, absquatulate, travel, like the wind that
blows or as a coyote goesl Git ye, git ye, for
old Pap Bliss cometh l” .

“ Who is that?” demanded Ampudia.

Some of the guards attempted to shut the
gate, but they were rudely thrust aside, and two
men rode into the inclosure. The foremost was
Old Pap Bliss, the alcalde, with a white flag in
his hand, and a savage look in his eyes. Beside
laim rode Senor del Solida, in plain civilian .

ress.

 

CHAPTER XI.

A RUDE EMBASSADOR.

THE lancers retreated lmforo the threatening
arm and flashing eyes of the illcillik‘, as he push-
ed his way into the center of the ruin, holding
his flag like a spear, and thrusting it rudely
into the face of every Mexicali u ho came too
near. a

“ I arrive, like a bedbug armed for war.
Greasers, don’t rouse my angry passions, or may
I neversee the back of my neck if I don’t mount
ye as a grasshopper mounts a sweet potato vine.

’m the alcalde of the San Antonio, and I’m a
rooster; you knowed Old Pap Bliss afore.
Whar’s the man thet perteuds to be chief cook
of this yer’ band of heroes?”

Ampudia, always impudent when he thought '
he had the wer, at once came Iorward.

“ What 0 you mean by coming into my
cum in this way, Sir Alcnldei”
“ ow, if this don’t bang all the cussidness
ever experienced, shoot me fur a Greaser.
Cheekin’ it to me, a man thet see the backs of
this illustrious compan . no longer ago than 
yisterday. See here! on had a hundred men: ’ <
an’ my boy Harry only hed fifty, but you run '
like a thief. ’ ’

“ Colonel!” expostulated Senor del Solids.
“ Sir Alcaldei Be careful what you say.” 3

" Oh, don’t ask me to speak soft and palavei‘y ’ *
to him, saynor. I kain’t; 'tain’t like a Texan to a ‘
knuckle down afore this kind of truck. I’ll hev , -
to ask you to excuse me, furl kain’t stand it. ‘ "
Didn’t he run like a. thief ; say?" .

“I have heard enough of this sort of talk,” . ‘
Enid fimpudia, hoarsely. “What do you .want

ere? ‘

“ Waal, the saynor hyar hez a trifle of .bizniss :
with you, and I cum alon to see fair. I'll ,
bottle u my wrath while he eflnes his,p0§ltlon,
but all he time I feel my wrath gittmg up like

east bread by a hot stove. It woulddo my old
heart good to let you hev one, smack on the 
bugle. It would really do me proud." , _

“ You would do as well to bottle your wrath,
my worthy alcalde. Now, Senor del Solida, \
may I ask your business here?” . «

‘ I have come todemand my daughter, who ;
isa risoner in yourhands.” , .1 .

“ odemand. It seemstome that less per. a 

 

   

   
  
 
    
  
    
   
   
  
  
 
    
   
 
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
 
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
 
 
   
  
   
  
 
 
    

‘24

I again one of the Mexican States.

'Zada with a cry of delight.

' mander whispered in his ear.

i, was 01d Pap's reply.

L Zebra. Zack. the Texan.

 
 

 

emptnry language on your part would be more
suitable."

“ We have not come to you crin ing, Colonel
Ampudia,” replied Del Solida. “ e are well
aware that you have nearly six hundred men
under your command, but we also know what
kind of men they are, and how long the will
stand before the riflemen of Texas. efore
nightfall, we shall have one hundred and fifty
Texans, armed to the teeth, and two hundred
Lipan warriors, The leaders of the Texans will
be Captain Harry Bliss, the alcalde, and Zebra
Zack. The leader of the Indians is the chief
Cocheto, and on can tell whether he is a brave
man or not. n addition to this I have armed
flft of my stockmen, and rancheros, and they
wily fl ht, to say the least, better than your
te ” now repeat my demand for my daugh-

r

“Your daughter is a prisoner, senor.”

“A prisoner! To whom, and under what
char 3” ‘

" e is a spy.”

“ Is there a war between Mexico and Texas,
then?"

“There will always be war until Texas is
Your daugh-
ter has been taken by my orders, and she will
be held until I see fit to set her at liberty.”

r “ You know what will follow it you refuse to
let her go.”

“ I have no fear of the result, and to prove it,

I am going to let you see your daughter. If you
will step into yonder ruined building,,you will
find her.”
» Del Solida leaped from his horse and ran
into the building, where he was received by
At a signal from
Ampudia, Mendoza drew near, and his com-
He moved away
slowly and spoke to some of the men, who at
once took their stations before the door of the
ruin, with latices in their hands.

“Now, Sir Alcalde,” said Ampudia, “it is
your turn. I ask you how you had the impu-
dence tocome into my camp in this insulting
manner?”

“ Don’t, Greaser: don’t!” retorted Pap Bliss.
“ You don’t know how you hurt my feelin’s

,when you speak in thet rediculous way. I’d

hev you know thet Pap Bliss goes whar he likes
in Texas, and don’t ask leave of any Greaser on
30p :1! the green airth. Besides, ain’t I under a
a .
‘gThat for your flagl” replied Ampudia, snap-
ping/his fingers. “ Remember that for the
present at least, we are guerrillas, and that we

' ,do not fight under the ordinary forms of war.
1 We do not recognize your flag.”

v “ You eternal sarpint!”

‘ “ Therefore, if we see fit to make you prisoner,
how are you to help yourself '4?”
I, “ I ain’t a durned fool, Cunnel Ampudia.”
“I knowed durned well
yer wouldn’t play fair, and I didn’t put myself
11 your hands without seeing a road out of it.
You don’t valley the flag, then?”

“ Not in the least.”

“You ar’ go’in’ ter take me a prisoner, eh 1”

' , "Now didii'u know in Didn’tI sayto the

 

boys, when I cum away, you’d better keep them
four Greaser officers mighty close, because like
as not thet cussid Am udia will nab us."

“ Four ofl‘icersl W at do you mean by that?"

“I s’pose you hev hed a heap to think of, and
ain’t looked over your men very close. Waal,
read this yer’ letter.”

He thrust his hand into his bosom, and drew
out a paper, which he handed to the colonel.
He opened it and read:

“To Cowman Amen:—

“This is to let you know that the Texans have
taken us. and hold us as hostages for the safe return
of Senor Del Solids. and the Alcalde of San Antonio."

“ DIEGO ALvstz, (I’aptwin.
“MANUEL FLoneis, agpla rt.

" JUAN ALVARADO, Adjutant.
“ch1500 Msxaz, Lieutenant."

The alcalde, with a grin of delight, watched
the changing expression of the colonel’s face as
he read this letter.

“ This is a base forgery!” he cried.

“ You orter know, Ampudia. All I kin say
is thet the Capt’in Alvarez writ thet letter, an’
his kumrads signed it.” .

“ Let them suffer for their folly, then; I won’t
let you go.”

“ It’s all right, cunnel. I’m mi hty sorry fur
them young chaps, because the oys will hang
them, sure. However, h ar is another letter;
mehbe that will suit you tter.”

He gave another scrap of paper to Ampudia,
who opened it quickly.

“My one OLE:—

“ I have been taken by the demon they call Zebra
Zack. He holds me aprisoner, and swears that if
the bearers of this flag do not come back safe, that
he will hang me with his own hands.

“FERNANDO Amman."

“I’ve heard tell he was yer nephew, an’ thet
you then ht more of him than of a son,” re-
marked t e colonel. “ Now I ruther like the
be myself, and I’d hev hated orfully to see
Ze ra hang him. But he’d do it.”

“ Do you tell me that this demon has taken
in7 nephew, and means to hang him?"

“ His name is ag’in’ him, tool” continued the
alcalde in a meditative tone. “His name is
Ampudia and it beats all how Zack hates that
name. He cusses and swears et a man so much
as speaks it in his presence. Yes, by thunder,
ghetnthar young major is in a mighty tight

ox.

“ Away from the door i” cried Ampudia, wav-
ing his hand to the lancers. “ I wish to speak
with Senor del Solids.”

The lancer: moved awa , and the senor came
out, leading his daughter y the hand.

“ You may leave the young lady within,
senor,” commanded Am udia. “ I do not in-
tend to allow her to go. on know who I am,
and what my station is in Mexico. “I have
seen and loved your daughter, but she scorned
me, and I determined to make you repent it. I
am not so proud that 1 will refuse to take even
an unwilling bride, and I propose to make dea
my wife.”

“ I have heard of your insults to my child ”
re lied Senor del Solida, drawing his swor .
“ on are my equal in birth, and, villain though
you are, I will meet you, Draw your sword
and fight.”

 

 

 

 

 

>33

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

“ I will not," said Ampudia, drawing back
quickly. “ I do not fight with a prlsoner.”

“ Coward! Ladronol”

The sword was in the hand of Ampudia in an
instant. He was not a coward, and the weapons
clashed together, but in Del Solida he met a
master of fence, who could have given him les-
sons in sword-play. They had not made three
passes when Ampudia saw his danger, and
shouted to his lancers. They ran in to aid him,
and Del Solida found himself surrounded by a
forest of brown lances, pointed at his heart.

“ Fly, Sir Alcalde,’ he cried. “ Escape,

while there is time, and carry the news to the
cam ."
“ field on I” shouted the alcalde. “ Let me
whiSper in the ear of these mean cusses. See
hyar. Ampudia; d’ye mean to tell me that you
won’t do anything to save yer officers?”

“ No; let them reap the harvost of their folly.
As for on: down with him, men,”

But ld Pap was repared for them, and be-
fore the lancers cou d close upon him, he had
reined back his horse, a noble young mustang,
and cleared the rude barrier before the gate in
gallant style. A dozen shots were fired, but the
gallant old man was already in the cover of the
forest. .

“Git, Jerusalem!” they heard him shout.
“ Lay down to it, as the peaceful nigger slum-
bers in the shadow of the fragrant thorn-
busli. Show the durned Greasei's your heels.
I’ll cum back, saynor; you bet all yer worth.”

The sound died away in the distance, and all
trace of the alcalde was lost. Ampudia was
very angry, for he knew that the “Judge ” was
a. fighting man, and that they would hear from
him soon.

Captain Marco had been sitting like a statue
upon his mustang, while this was geiug on. He
saw the Senor surrounded by a Circle of Iances
and his hand closed upon his sword-hilt with a
tenacious grip. For a moment, it seemed as if
he was about to fling himself upon his com-
mander, but he restrained himself.

“ Captain Valdez Marco,” called out the senor,
speaking from the midst of the lances as coolly
as if he did not see them, “do you have any
band in this villainy!”

“ I have been put under arrest once to-day
for taking lyour daughter’s part, and I am ready
to accept t e same fate again.” ' _

The captain rode out from the front of his
command and saluted his superior coldly;

“ I think you are joking, colonel,” 9 said.
“You surely did not mean to take men pris-
oners who came to you under a flag.” _ .
u Afipudla looked at the speaker, gnawmg his

v1 ips.

“ Do you rebel a in, ca tain?”

“ Not at all, co onel. merely call your at-
tention to the fact that some of your men have
their lances pointed at the breast of Senor_ del
Eolida What are you about there? Fall into

'nel

The men started, and looked at Ampudia,
who, after a moment’s hesitation, repeated the
(ii-demand Del Solids. remained alone, grasping
his sword still. ‘

“ You were interrupted in your sword play,
colonel,” he said. “Perhaps you Wish to finish.”

 

“Not at all, not at all. You will at once
retire into the ruins, for you are my prisoner.”

“ He is under a flag,” ersisted Marco.

“Captain Marco isa so under arrest. Sur-
render your sword to Lieutenant Mendoza.”

Marco drew his sword, and laid it across his ‘ -

knee, snapping it short at the hilt, and dashed
the fragments into the face of Mendoza, as he
approached. Then swingin himself out of the
saldle, he took his place y the side of Del
1

_ “ May my arm be palsied on the day when I
lift a hand in such a cause as this!” he cried.
“ Senor del Solida, if you will come with me, I
will show you your quarters.”

They passed into the ruins, closefiy followed by
the savage glances of Ampudia. e strode after
them, accompanied by a guard, and gave orders
that they should be separated.

“ You shall not be allowed to plot treason to
gether,” he cried.
du, I intend to make you my wife before thesuii
goes down.”

“ You shall see.”

it ,n
“ SDIiésyfiiu dare defy me?

her into a room by herself, while Del Solida and
the captain were borne back by the lances of the

uaro.
“ Death be it, then 1” she cried.

“ My bride, or death!” he cried. as he thrust

2s

“ As for you, Zada del Soli-' -

“ Soulless T ‘1

monster, death may be nearer to you than to ‘

me.”

Even as she spoke the first gun was fired, and 

she knew that the Texans were on the march. . 

 

'CHAPTER XII.
A DREADFUL rERIL.

Tim Texans were indeed in the chaparral, but? :5

yet miles away.

Ampudia heard theirdistant signals, and knew" '
that there was little time to lose, if he made a‘ 

defense.

“ Captain Marco.” he said, “ I have reconsid- 

ered my decision, and again release you from .»

arrest. -

“ I have broken my sword,” was the r ly of
Marco. “Lon live the Lone Star of em!
long live the nited States of Americal If]?

eyergiraw the sword again, it will be upon that, 5.

Side.
“ Traitor!”
“ So be it.

I have been insulted before my";

regiment, because I acted like a man of honor. I

1 will not fight for you again.”
I give
ada del-

achance. If you refuse then, and if

Solids also refuses to yield, Senor del Solid}

and ourself will die in company.”

you an hour,” was the fierce reply. 
“ Padre Jose will come to you then and give you ‘

“ could not die in better compan ,” replied. ‘-

Del Solids. “ If you would do u a l a fave

1‘ ,
let the firin party be ordered out at once, for I .i,
very much ear that if you do not hasten them 
somewhat you W111 have other work for their,

es. . .
“ Let the accursed Tejanos come if they darel-A»
If they do, trust me, we will give a good account "

of them.”
“They are on the march already, for} as!

n}.
.V,‘
I

 

 

 
  

 
  

£6 Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

 

- came into this place I heard their rifle signals

I would give the balance of my life for the priv-
ilege of marching in their ranks, and striking
for the cause of Texas.”

“ Remember, Zada del Solida,” screamed the
Mexican, livid with rage, “ when the padre
comes, if you are yet obstinate, both these men
shall die'.”

Zada answered not a word, but her eloquent

' eyes, fixed upon the calm fice of her father,

read his thoughts. He would sooner die a thou-

sand deaths than give her up to this dastard,

and would meet his doom with a smile upon his
ace.

“ You have no more to say, I hope,” said
Marco. “ If I ever escape from you, and meet
you again, I will be revenged.”

Ampudia strode away without a word, for he
heard voices calling him, and knew that they
would not stand a moment, unless well led. He
trusted somewhat to Carlos Mendoza, who was
a good leader, when his forces outnumbered
those of the enemy, as they did in the present
instance.

“ They are driving in the scouts already,” an-
nounced Mendoza, “ and I can tell that they are
not very far off. Demonios.’ It looks as if we
were in a trap.”

“ I wish I could see a way out of this,” said
Ampudia. “ I would not stay here tomeet these
villains, but we might fall into an ambush and
be cut off to a man. What plan would you ad-
vise!”

“ We must defend the outer wall as long as
our men will stand, and then retreat to the
ruins. Some of these old gates are stron yet,
and we ought to make a good defense. top!
If the worst comes to the worst. I know a way
of escape which will suit us admirably. You
desire to take Zada with you when you go?"

“ Certainly."

“ Then send her to yonder hillock, under
charge of a guard. Order him to stay there un-
til we come to him.”

Avnpudia called out three men, who went into
the ruin, and brought out Zada. They had their
orders, and led her at once to the crest of the
hillock, where Malle Godena went down.

“ Caramba I" said one of the guards. “It
looks as it Ampudia meant to run. Ve good;
we shall be with him at all events. be men
will not stand ten minutes.”

And indeed the braves of Durango did seem

' ill at ease. At every" signal which went to show

that the enemy were ra idly approaching, these
warriors looked behind hem for some avenue of
escape. But, to their utter horror, the sounds
they heard seemed to come from every part of
the forest, and they were literally surrounded.

“Good faith, Matteo!" exclaimed one of the
lancers. “We must fight all Texas, it seems.
Would it not be better to yield at once, and save
bloodshed?"

“ Remember the Alamo!" cried Mendoza.
“ That was the battle-cry of the Texans at
J acinto, and that will be the battle-cry to-day.
Either we must beat them, or we die by their
was ons, for not one of us will be spared.”

‘4 he devil is not so black as he is painted,”
suggested Matteo. “ They spared us at San
Jacinto by hundreds and thousands, which is

f...

 

more than we would have done. For my part,
I do not think these Texans are very bad men,
after all."

“ Silence l"

“ But I believe it,” whined Matteo. “ I am a
Eoor soldier and must go where Iam ordered,

ut, for in part, I do not know what ri ht we
have in exas. It is hard enough to ive in
Mexico, where we have an insurrection and
change of government two or three timesa year,
without coming here to have a fight."

“ If you say another word, my good friend, I
will cleave you to the 'aws.”

Matteo was silent, at his words had borne
fruit. Most of his comrades began to think
that, after all, these Texans were fine fellows,
and it was a pity to fight with them. Mendoza
noted the mischief which had been done, and
spoke hurriedlyto Ampudia, who approached
the soldier with a savage scowl upon his face.

“I am going to place your company at the
main gate,” he- announced, “ and I mean to
watch you especially. You are a. coward, and
are trying to make the men as bad as yourself.
If ou attempt to run, the men on the right and
let have orders to cut on down. What are
iyou thinking of men of orange? Do you not

now that there is no mercy for you, if you
should be taken? Stand up like men, and we
will send them howling back into the chaparral
from whence they come, and old Mexico will be
proud of her sons.”

The men cheered teebly. but they had little
stomach for the battle. Yet the colonel he (1
that by sheer force of numbers, if by no at er
means, they might be able to beat down the as-
sailing force, and drive them back into the
woods. They had not long to wait, for already
the advance guard of the Texans could be heard
breaking through the chaparral, and the shrill
cries of the Lipans could be heard in the rear.
They were savage at the then ht that the de-
scendants of Cortes had dar set toot in the
ruined city of which they were so mud, and
they feared that the sacred vault mig t be dis.
covered. Their planshad long ago been laid
and when the troops had been placed in order 0
battle, Old Pap Bliss rode out in front of the
ruins and hailed them in a thundering voice;

“ IIear ye, hear ye, hear ye! All ye Greasers
in thar, give ear to m song. The Texans ar’
on the war-path, b’ilin’ hot fur war, and we
want ye bad."

Ampudia. at once mounted the walls, and
asked his business.

“ 0h, pshaw, Ampudia; you know what we
want, and what we want we u" goin’ to hev,
now you bet yer life. We want ter know what
you mean b bringin’ men in battle array upon
the nacrid silo of Texas. We fit you an’ licked
ye, fa’r and squar’, an’ we kain’t hev ye hyar.”

“ Ve well: we are willing to go away if you
do not like it.”

“You ar‘l Waal. we ain‘t Icewite so willin’.

You hev vintered inter the jaws of the Texan'

lion, an’ he’s got a p on ye that he don’t
kalkelate to loosen. e summon you to sur-
render. March out, stack yer shooters, an’ you
shall hev fa’r play ever time.”

“We will not surren er.”

“ You make me happy oz 3. clam. Boys, the

       

 
 
 
  
   
 
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
 
   
  
     
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
    
   
  
 

 

w’ T":

.mv-e-vgsmfié’f‘“
v

ml-» .*

 

 

 
       
       
   
   
   
 

 

MAW42. r); v.

 

 

 

 

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

2'1

 

 

,.--_.

G-reasers want a fight, and they shill hev it, or
my name ain’t Old Pap Bliss. Git ready,
Am udia; we won’t keexé ye waitin’ long.”

“ ol” cried Zebra ack, showing himself
from the bushes. “This time you do not escape
me, the last of the defenders of the Alamo. I
was there, black—hearted dog. I saw you spit
in the face of bravo old Dave Crockett, and
trample on his face  he lay dead. Get ready,
boys; and when we give the word, remember
the Alamo!”

A wild yell told that the Texans heard him,
and were ready. The yell was answered from
the woods in the rear, and they knew that their
Lipan allies were on the alert.

“Give me a moment,” cried Harry Bliss.
“ You know me, Ampudia, and that I am like-
ly to keep my word. If you harm a hair of
that sweet girl’s head or of her brave old fa-

' ther’s, we will not leave a man of you alive.”

“ I will strangle her with my own hand,
sooner than suffer you to retake her.”

“ Give the signal!” cried Harry.

Two rockets flashed 11 into the sky, the signal
agreed u on with the ipans. Then the clear
voice of my Bliss rung through the Chaparral:

“ Charge 1”

There came a rush of feet, and the tattered
and smoke-begrimed rangers dashed out of the
thicket and charged across the open space to-
ward the ruined city. Behind the walls crowd-
ed the braves of Durango, who poured in a drop-
ping and irregular fire, which the rangers only
noticed by ironical cheers, as they pressed on to
ward the walls. At the same moment the yells
of the Lipans announced that they were coming
up on the other side. Thirty men, under Harry
Bliss, dashed for the main gate, which was
guarded by nearly two hundred men, armed
with escopetas, pistols, and sabers. They knew
how to use the latter, and being in a trap, they
fought well. Twice Harry and his men were
forced to retreat from the gateway, with the
loss of several of their number killed and

' wounded, for the men sent to the main gate

were the best of the Durango troopers, man of
them half-breed Indians, the bravest of t eir
race. But, while they were exulting over the
retreat of the attacking part , two detachments
one under Zebra Zack, and t e other under Old
Pa Bliss, had reached the summit of the wall,
an had turned their rifles upon the strong
force clustered about the gateway. They be-
gan to fall in heaps, and Ampudia saw that the
day was lost, even before the fray had fairly
commenced. The sound of a bugle was heard
from the hillock upon which Zada had been left,
and at the call the Mexicans rushed in from
every side, and sought shelter in the ruins. The
Texans came pouring in, and the Lipans were
coming up on a run, when Am udia .‘shouted to
them to pause. The Texans ha ted, the Indians
stood still, and cries of horror burst from the
Texan ranks.

They saw Senor del Solida and Captain Marco
standing upon the slope, with their hands bound
and their eyes covered; while six troopers, with
muskets leveled, were standing before them.
Not far away, with a pistol in one hand, and
the other grasping the wrist of Zada del Solida,

stood Ampudia. The pistol was cooked, but he-

 

still held it with the muzzle to the earth, while
he addressed the Texans. '

“ I have the balance of power after all, gen-
tlemen,” he cried. “ If you advance, these men
will fire, and I will kill Zadawith one barrel of '
this pistol and myself with the other."

“ You dare not!” asped Harry Bliss.

“ Oh, you p’izen 8 link of misery!” hissed the
alcalde. “ I ll make it hot for ou l”

“ Leave the place!” shouted mpudia. “ I am
desperate now, and care not one real what he-
comes 01 me. I give you five minutes to get ‘
your men outside the walls.”

“ And if we do not go?”

He raised the pistol and placed the muzzle

against the bosom of the brave girl whose hand 

he held. The Texans saw that he was in earnest,
and while the
ran across to t o Lipans and ordered them back.
Before five minutes were over, not a soul save
the Mexican stood within the inclosure.

“ What shall we do?” asked Harry, in dismay.
“We cannot force the murder of these brave
men and my darling Zada.”

“ “’9 are in arms for Texas,” replied Zebra.
Zack, solemnly. “It is appointed that some .
must fall, and if these men are chosen, why
should we ropine? For my part, I cannot be-
lieve that Ampudia, base as he is, would murder
the girl.”

“ e would I tell you,” replied Harry. “He
held the pistol against her bosom as he spoke to
us. w

At this moment Cocheto bounded out of the ,
thicket and stood before them. » ‘ ’

“ Why were the Lipans called back when the
enemy were in sight? he demanded, angrily. —

“You had eyes, Cocheto; you could see for
yourself.” V ,

“What are three lives when great deeds are

to be done? The Mexicans shall not rest another . 

hour in the sacred city of my fathers. Ifthe
'al‘lexan’s will not come, Cocheto must do the work'
one. ' 
Harry Bliss started forward an ' y, but 
Zebra Zack laid a restraining han upon his I
arm.
“Stop!” he commanded. “Let me speak to
the chief.”
of Cocheto, who u ed approvingly.
“ Long Beard is alwa s wise,” said Cocheto

lifting his head. “ Spea to Captain Bliss, an V ' ‘ ’3'

we will go.”

“ Look you, Harr ,” said Zebra; " arrange
your men in order or a rush, and at the first
rifle-shot you hear inside the city, rush in with .

our men. Come, Cocheto, we will go to the. ‘
1pans. ‘

And Zebra Zack, followed by Cocheto, strode
away in the direction from which the Indian,
had come. '

“ You kin trust him," said the alcalde. “ Ef
Zebra. Zack hez a plan, it is a good one.”

 

CHAPTER XIII.
THE FATAL SHOT.
THEY waited in anxious expectancy,
No sound was heard within the rumed ci .
Now and then a Texan era 1: to the top of t .
wall and looked over, com ng back to report;

 

retreated rapidly, Zebra Zack , ' .

 

He stogfid and whispered in theear _.‘

 

   
 

.88

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

 

that the firing party still occupied the crest of
the hill, and that Ampudia still held Zada.

“ Stay there, Tom Placer,” ordered Harry;
“ keep your eyes on them and report.”

“ I am watching,” replied the man. “ By
George! There comes a priest up the hill."

“ A priest?” cried Harry. “ What do they
want with a priest? Surely he does not mean
to kill those brave men?”

“ Kain't say,” replied the man. “ Blessed if I
don’t think the old shaved head is going to marry
Ampudia to the senora.”

Harry Bliss bounded up the slope of the wall,
and looked over. He saw that Ampudia still
held Zada fast, while a black-robed priest had
taken his station in front of them.

“ You dog!” screamed Bliss, standing upright
on the wall. “ If you dare insult her, you shall

“ Stand there and witness my marriage, Cap-
tain Bliss,” retorted Ampudia, sneer-ingly.
“ Hal Come no nearer, for I have the the pistol
still, and will use it if you dare to come Within
the walls.”

“ You shall answer for this, one day, Ampu-
dial” cried the half-frantic lover. “This is a
mockery, for Zada del Solida will not marry
you of her own free will.”

“ I must ask you to leave the wall, captain.”
Am udia spoke quietly, raising his hand to a
leve With the heart of the girl. “ Beware! Do
not touch a. weapon, or you doom her to
death ”

“deardl However this may end, you will
yet see the day when you will call on the rocks
to cover you, for this wicked deed.”

“ Fool! I have set my life upon a. cast, and I
will stand the hazard. Go on, padre.”

“I will have you flayed alive if you go on,
priest; wait until I catch you.”

“I will have him flayed now, if he does not go
on, so you can perceive that I have the advan-
tage of you still. Bah! don’t be foolish, but
.yield to your disappointment as you may.”

“Remember one thing,, my dau hter.” cried
Senor del Solids. “ It you kill t is man in
defense of your honor, the good God will forgive
Kan. As for me, he dare not let me live, for he

ows that I would kill him like a wolf wherever

«I found him.” .

“And you, Captain Marco?” said Ampudia,
with a sneer. “ Have you no threats for me?”

“ I have an offer to make, colonel. You know
that I am the better swordsman of the two, but
I will make it to your advantage to give me a
meeting. Look you; I will have one hand tied

v behind me, the right hand at that, and fight
you the left hand against the right.”

“ Indeed! I will not fight you.”

, “Did I not tell you that he was a. cowardly
dog,” said Marco, looking at Del Solida. “ Why
even that base wretch Mendoza drew the sword
upon me, and would have fought me. But a
coward is‘ a coward, and cannot change his
nature, more than the leopard his spots.”

“You want the fusiladel” screamed Ampudia.
“Remove the bandages from their eyes, and let
them witness my marriage.”

7 The handkerchiefs were removed, and the two
, , gallant men looked unflinchingly into the muzzles
, ' 'otthe leveled weapons.

l

\

 

“ Senorsi” cried Harry, from the wall: “ I
can not give the word of command myself, but
if you say charge, I will do it.”

‘ At least ycu will take worthy vengeance,
capitomo min I” cried Marco. “ Hurrah for the
Lone Star! Three times three for the real:
United States! Confusion to Mexico, an her
vile rulers!”

“Another word, and I give the order to fire!”
shrieked Ampudia.

4 “ That is What he wants,” said Mendoza.
“ Bid the priest go on, and you punish him more
than if you planted a bullet in his heart.”

“ Oh. that I could get my hand upon you, in
dear Carlos!” hissed Marco. “ How it won d
deli ht me to close my fingers on your throat.”

“ ag him if he speaks again,’growled Am-
pudia. “Padre, go on.”

The priest, one of those humble servants of the
higher classes to be found in such countries as
Spain and Mexico, at once commenced the
service, and in spite of the protestations of the
girl. went through the ceremony, and Zada del
Solida was a wife, if such a ceremony could be
called valid.

“ You have done a cruel thing, Colonel Am-
pudia,” she said with flashing eyes. “ You have
done a. noble, a magnanimous deed. By force
you have conquered me. but it is one thing to
go through a mockery like this, and another to
force me to acknowledge it.”

“ You may go, captain i” cried Ampudia. “ I
am about to order these men shot, and unless
you wish to witness it, you may retire.”

Harry leaped down from the wall, and Am-
pudia turned to. the prisoners.

“ You were right when you said that I would
1:01;] pegmit you to live, senors. You are about

0 10.

“Then we will die like Spanish gentlemen. ‘

proud that no mongrel blood flows through our
veins.” was Marco’s retort.

“Make ready!” cried Ampudia.
arms—aim—f—” .

His lips had almost shaped the word “fire.”
when a rifle cracked from the growth of mes-
quit which row over the entrance to the secret
passage. hat rifle, aimed bya man who al-
ways did his work well, did not fail now. The
word of command was frozan upon the lip of
this wicked man. and a look of horror came
over his face. The hand which held that'of
Zada‘ dropped nerveless to his side, and he sunk
down in a ghastly heap, the ragged hole in his
temple, showing where the deadly bullet had
entered. Then came the charging cheer of the
rangers, and up from the mesquit bushes leaped
Zebra Zack and Cocheto, with their knives and
hatchets ready. The firing-party ran for the
ruins, but Mendoza knew that there was no
safety for him there, and he scrambled over the
wall. and plunged into the Chaparral. ,

“ Let no man follow!” cried Zebra Zack. “I
m self will hunt this wolf to his death.”

e was gone, and Zada was in the armsof
her lover, while the alcalde. after liberating the
captain and Del Solida, performed a war-dance
about them. The first transfirt over, they'
turned their attention to the exicans in the
ruins. A white flag was hung out, and they
surrendered without terms to the'Texans. This .

“ Present

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

r»... K.“-

 

 

Zebra. Zack, the Texan.

29

 

had scarcely been done, when Zebra Zack came
in slowly through the ruined gateway. He
walked straight to the spot where Ampudia lay,
and looked down upon his dead vface. Then
thrusting his hand into the bosom of the fallen
man, he took out the “ black list” which had
been taken from him when first captured.
Stooping, he dipped his finger in the flowing
blood, and erased the name of Ampuxlia; and
Harry, looking over his shoulder. saw him wipe
out the name of Mendoza in the same way.

“Boysi” he cried. “Let me tell you whoI
am. My name was Zachary Norton. and David
Crockett was my uncle. I loved that man bet-
ter than any creature upon earth, for he took
me when a little child, without father or mother,
and made a man of me. When he went to the
Alamo, 1 went with him. Stricken down at his
feet, I had sense enou h left to know what was
passing. I saw Croc ett and Bowie fighting
de rately. and many a Mexican fell before
their knives. It was the company of Am pudia
which assailed these two, and when they went
down, covered with wounds, these six men,
whose names are written here, trampled upon
the face of that glorious man, and stat upon
him. L ing under a heap of dead, saw all
this, an noted every man among them. I was
one of the few who were passcd over as dead,
and I escaped. I went out under the clear
Texan sky. and lifting my hands to heaven, I
swore that those six men should dieby my hand,
and that I would not live in the dwellings of my
people, or cut my hair or heard until the work
was done.”

“ I do not blame you,” said Captain Marco.
“ Not one of the men you killed but deserved a
worse fate. Take my hand, brave man, and
hear me swear that from this hourKI renounce
Mexico, and accept Texas as my home. And if
Mexico should assail you, I will do all my poor
arm can to drive back the invaders.”

“Shake!” roared the alculiie. “I never
thought that 01d Pap Bliss c’u’d love a Greaser,
but the time hez come. I’ll bet you ar’ the
smartest little rooster in Mexico. 1 cotton to
you, an’ I‘ll lift the ha’r of any man who sez you
ain’t a bu’ster."

The prisoners were releasod on parole and re-
turned to Mexico on foot, leaving their horses
and arms as the prey of the Texans. In the
brief but glorious Mexican war Harry
Bliss, Del Solida. Marco, the glorious old alcalde
and Zebra Zack, rode side by side. When the
war was ended, they came back to enjo the
sweets of life upon the breezy Texan pains.
Old Pap Bliss as boisterous as ever. but a fast
friend of the sedate Senor del Soliiia. And
Harry, Zack and Valdez Marco Wcre never
apart in the battle or the chase. The young
men took up stock ranches near each other. and
went three different ways, one to Tennessee.
one to Mexico and the other- to San Antonio;
but when thev returned each brought a partner
with him. Need I sav that Harry Bliss chose
Zada del Solida. and that she made him a noble
wife? And the black-eyed divinity whom Mar-

’ co brought, and the auburn-haired maid of Ten-

nessee, learned to love each other dearly.
' THE END.

 

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118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Chns. Morris.

119 Blonde Bill' or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Bum.

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156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Mon-ls.

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158 Deadwood Dick’s Dulm. By E. L. Wheeler.

159 lv’votent-Leother Joe’s Defeat. By Philip. S.
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180 Bulllo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. By Col. P.
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181 Bob Beckett, the Crscksmsn. ByC. Morris.
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179 mung,- Lame; or, T1... Mystic .\ nrksmnn. By
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182 Tile Dark-Skinned Burnt. By Lient. Chi.
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188 Jnhez Dart, Detective. By 01] Conmes.
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186 DnintyJ Lance nnd llis Pnrd. By Joseph E.

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189 Old Rocky’s Boys. By Maj. Sam. S. Hall.
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198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward L. Wheeler.
194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oil Coomes.
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198 Ebony Dnn’s Mask. By Frank Dnmont.
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D Bulalo Bill, Irom Boyhood to Menhood. By Col. Pren-
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I Kit Oareon, King of Gnidee. By Albert W. Aiken.

4 Gordon Lillie, the Boy-interpreter of the Pewneee. By
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18 Adrift on the Prairie. Ind Amateur Hunter-
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91 Yellow hair, the Boy Chiefo! ine Pewneee. By Col.
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95 A Rollin?!o Stone: Incioenu in the Career n Seeend
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is Red River Revere. By C. Dunning Clerk.

9? Plain And Plain or, Wild Adventuree of"Buehkln
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80 Paul de Leey. the Freuoh Bout Chemer. By C.
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I. White Beaver. the indlen Medicine Chief. By Col.
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u The Boy On'uooder. By Cepi. had. Whitteku.

84 The Chloe of the Greatwhite S d,
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85 old Ter Knuckle Ind Hie Boy Chum. By )1. sum“,

The lie-hing Dragoon; or These: olGen. Geo
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8'! Night—[law]: George. By Col. Preetiu imam,

88 The Boy Exiiee of Siberia. By T. C. Huhenzh.

89 The You" Beer iluntere. By Morrie mm.

40 Smart Bin. the Led with e Level Heed. By um
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ill The Settler’e Sol. ly “weld S. Elite.

48 Welt Fergueon’e Cruiee. By C. Dunning mun,

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44 The Lost Boy Whaler-r. Bv ‘i'. C. Kuhengh.

45 Bronco Billy, the Seddle Prlnce. By Col. lumehun.
46 Dick. the Stowaway. By Churlee Merrie.

4? The Colorado Roy” or, Lifeon en Indigo Plentetion.
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48 The Pumpue Hunter" or, New York Boy: in
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49 The Adfientnroue Life 1’ N h 0h. .
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50 Jack Harry and Torn, the Three Chunpion Brothere.
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51 The Young Lumi-Luhber. By C. Dannie. Clerk.
52 The Boy Detective» By T. C. i'ill‘blu‘h.

68 iioneet llarr 1 or. The Country Boy Adrift In the
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54 California Joe, the Myeterloue Plain-mu.
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55 Tip Treeeel. the Floetor. By Edwerd Wlllett.
56 The Snow Hunter” or, Winter in the Woods. By
me o

By Col.

Berry do he
67 Blurry Somere, the Seilor Boy Mlgieiln. By s. W.
once.

58 The Adventuroul Life of Oagtuin Junk, the
Border Boy. By Col. Prentlee lugrn em.

59 Lumei'i‘im, the Mule Boy of the Minn. By Chulee

on e.

60 The Young Trail lluniere; or, New York Boye in
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61 The Ti r Hunter-IfI or, The Coloredo Boye in Ile-
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69 Doctor Carver, the “ Evil Spirit " o! the Pleiee. By

Col. Pnntlee ingvehnm.

68 Bieek "one Bill, the Bendli Wrecker. By Roger
Sterhnck.

64 Young Dick Talbot; or A Boy- Roth end Tumble
Fight from New York to Celifornie. By A. w. Aim.

83 The Boy Pilot; or, The lelend Wrecker. By Col.
Prentlu lngrnhem.

66 The Deeert Rover
Aruba. By Charles 0

01 Texas Charlie, the Boy Burger.
lngmhem.

68 Little Rifle; or, The Young Fur Hunter; By Ceytein
“ Bruin " Ademl.

69 The Young Nihilieti or A Yenkee Boy Among the

‘ Runinne. 1y Cherlee It or e.

70 Pony the Cowling; or,'i'he Young Menhell’l Reid.
By .lnjor H. B. Sto derd, lit-Seoul.

11 R3: Robe wt and ilie Beer. By Clptein “ Bnie "

eme.

or, Bioeewey Dleh Among the
Me.

By Col. Prentiee

T8 The Ice Elepbene. By Capt. Frederick Whineim.

13 The Young Moose-nuner By Williun H.
Menuing.

14 The Boy Corel-l‘ilhere. By Roger Method.

75 Revolver Billy, the Boy Renpr of Tone. By Col.
Prentile Ingrehem.

76 The Condor Killere. By '1‘. C. Herheugh.

7'! Lu] Lionheele, the You. Tiger Fighter. By Roger
Bterhnch.

78 Flatbed. Fred. By ldwerd Will.“
'9 Boone, the Hunter. By Ceptein r. Whitaur.
MGM 30”! Library in for III. by ell Nmeme,
Ive some [in copy, or rent by mull on receipt of II: «hie eech.
3mm: AND ADAMS, Publiehlre.
08 William street. New You

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

- 87 The Men: crie Hunters.

0 EVERY SAW?”

80 Kentucky Ben, the Lunar Rifle of the Cnacndu. lir
Roger Starlnick. ’

81 The Kit Curran Clnh. By T. C. llnrlniugh.

82 Little Buck. the Iioy Gum... lly Iiun‘y liinggnhl.

hi3 Pony Bub, the Revkluas ltidur. My Uni. l‘. Ingrulmm,

84 Cnptnlll FIy-by-nght. By Jnarph E. nil-,1", Jr.

85 Captain lhilph, the Young Explurur. liyb. I). Clark.

86 Little Dun Rocha. My Morris Rudwing.

88 '1". B LT Aliy Mn'. H. Grenville.

e o ruin a or in won t e i ale . ‘

J. M. i ofl'mnn. M ' g 9 P ' 3“

Hi) ’Lon nhoro Lu». B ' t". D. Clark. .

90 Roving "lily. / ti “cont. ByT.C. Hnrbnnyrh.

9| ()rcgnn Jonh, llm \V By Roger Stnrbuck.

92 llurricnne Kit. 15) A. . Hair.

98 Jumping Jake, the Cnlurndo Cu-cna Buy. By Bryant
Bxunnridgu.

94 Sum Spence, Iin- ilrondlmrn Buy. By Ed. Willem.

95 Molcow tn filberln; or, A Ynnkue Boy to the Rescue.

. liy Clini'les Motrin.

96 Fighting Fred. By T. C. Harhangh.

97 Crnlue oflhe Flynwny. By (3. Dunning Clurk.

93 The Roy H iinnicu. M Ma]. . n. Stand-mi.

99 The white ‘laeru. lly Cnpt (‘ iarlas Hnward.

100 The Snow-Shoo Trnll. H) ‘t. Gvorze Rnthbom.

101 Mun-limo, the Unawa Girl 113 :dwnrd 5. Ellis.

1052 The Flyuwny Ailont. liy . Dunning Clark.

108 Pnt Mlllloncy’n Adv Inn-n: or, Silver Tongue
the Dnmlnlu Quren. By C . Etiw min.

104 The Boy PI'o-nector. By Roger Siarhuck.

105 Minonee. the \Vund \Vitnh. By l-Idwin Ennerlon.

6 The Boy Crui-‘eru. liy Edward \i'illrn.

10'? The Border Roveru. By .1 Milton Hoil'mnn.

108 Alnnkn. the \‘l’n'f-Qnann. Br (‘npt. llowurd Lincoln.

109 ChFrintIun Jim, the While Mnn’a Friend. By Edward

- - 4 l5.
1‘0 Plucky Joe, the Buy Avenger. By J. M. llnfiman.
Ill The Border filmmaker. By .lnmra L. Bowen.

2 Lemllanded Pete. ny .luaepll 1-1. nudzer. Jr.
The River Riiit-n. By Capt. J. F. C. Adama.
Alone on the l’lnina. ilv Edwnrd \Vilirtt.
Silver Horn, and Hi: Rifle Firedrnth. By Roger
Starbuck.

Explolil ofllezekinh Smith, the Backwoodamln.
llv Emerson Rorllnnn.
7 The Young Mnnumueru. By (‘. Dunning: Clurk.‘
8 Old Trapa; r, th-- liny iivnla. 8y Bun-y Ringgnld.
11 Center P‘llot live “'hiti- (‘rrmu Bv'l‘. C. ll-rhangh.

0 A [lot Trail; or, Clurk ClorerlyAinong the 'l'nrtnrl.

lTV Cliurlel Min-rim.

Ifuuter l’nrd lien. By Roger Starhuck.

The Enquimnnx’ Queen. lly G. Waldo Browne.
Tim, the Bar Al'rnlmt. By Chm-inn Morris.

Queen Bennie. ilw iii-rd. I. BvllnnryJ.Th0mu.
’I om Tubnr, Ilw iini‘ Fllzilive. B Barry Rlnnnid.
Mink Cont, tlm Darth-Shot. lly nu. E. Badger, Jr.
TinI Deer llnnlera. lly John J. Mnraimll.
\VoltLCn ; or, 'l‘lne Night-Hawks ol’ the Fire-141nm.
By Capt. (Jinn. llnwurtl.

Silvernpur; or, The Munnluln Heroine. By Edward
\Villrtt.

nl~.

keetnen, Quron o the Plainn. By Percy B. St. John.
\Vintuh, the Child Spy. By George Glealon.
The Inland Trnpm-r. liy (‘imrie- Howard.
he. Forest Hum-tar. By Edward Willem.
\Vllcl Nor. tin. 'I‘rtn-prr. By Win. R. Eylter.
The Silver Bugle. By Limt. Co'. Huelion.
I’ The Prairie Trapper. By (LDnnning Clark.
13 The Antelope Buy. By Geo. L. Aikan.
133 Long slum 4.r.'l‘ha hwnrmuida. gym LComIimk.
189 Colonel Crockett, tlm Bear King. By . E. LMnlle.
14f illd Poul, the. “nullinineel'. By Lewia ‘5'. Canon.
14! The Glnui. nter. ily Harry anzmi.
1-?) “inch I’nntl r. the Hnlrd‘snmd. By .1. E. Badger.
143 Cur-nun, illBGIlllle. ily idem .l. H. Rnndolph. /
144 Kent the Runner. lly Eduard S. Elll-.
145 “Ill linbhlnn, l’llllilvl‘. iiy Edward Wllieit.
14-“ The Ilnlf-Brced iiivnl. It. Jun. E. Badger, Jr.
4? The Mnnked Averill-r. ByCol. I’rentiulnurnham.
148 Not, the 'l‘rapper nud lurlian Fighter. By Paul J.
l'relcnlt.
149 The Elk Demonr or, The Giant lir-nhen. By T.
C. Harbuugh.

 

 

[50 The Boy Muninn Jinn! ' n
|<Imunill‘ul‘Annuznn. i' “Bruin-ierliil’iidE’itulnne’ “m
‘rnn 'utca llw Ynllu Tra.w- 0 ' -
Kali-Y» Warning. ’ By J: au-ph Ais}. limiéwi’Jr,“ Mmmmm.
r llil (Raven, til-e Still“. liy 0]] t ImIIII-ll.

. 'nx- ‘n ‘ or ‘our ‘iu- - ’ . ‘ .
rig.” “ihmp, , “are Among tn. Sioux. B)
‘ho Chum ion Texnn I!

and tin: rim-u .1 Hum-r ny min]: 8205:? BHMO'
D llk Illok'l Doe I. lly 5 E. Budge;- Jr
Fran ' Roll, the Boy py. By Oil Coonwa. ' I
nick Doyle. liw Gold iiun'u-r. n P. H. Mym.
kit‘lllllpllcd Dir-k; or, The Fate oft re Fire Flv B

159 ‘. .Sliinhi’v Henderson. ‘ ' y
.‘u a .on Tr or Th ‘ .

“m 1H“ mum“ A: nil; , eTwm icoutl. By W. J.
hulk Triplet’n Vow. ll ' Ha Ha: .

16l T‘lro Mad Skip or. liyR.’5lnr|:l:k. “d

('2 'l he ’l‘rnppi r 'luu. By Mnj. Max M rilne.

(53 Si: on kenton, limiter. By Emerson Rndman.

cl Boy Chief; or, Frnnh Bell's Compact. By Oil
AN ll 9|.

The Trader Traitor.

01d Jupc’n Clew. By Mrs. Orrin ‘unien

The Young Truiler. Bv W. J. Hamilton.

'1 he Spot-tor Spy. By hlnj. Lewis W. Carson.

ample Lute, the Old Colorado Hunter. By E. Vi’.
I'C lt‘l'.

The “'hite “'oli’. By Edwnrd Willett.

The Swamp Guide. By W. N. McNeil.

’l he Ynnkee Paddler. By C. Dunning Clark.

8 The Scout and Ill: Young Chum. By Warren

St. John.

4 Blue-kumith Toni’n Musk. By Geo. D. Gilbert.

r, The Buokahln Rider. lly Guv Greenwood.

I! The anuttnr’n flurprine. By Mn. H. J. ’l'nmnns.

1 Four Fellow Scouts. liy J. Stanley llrndnrann.

. llld Kit and “in Comrades. By Jr». E. lifldgur, Jr.

[Tm-lo Grill’n Ill-guinea. By Harry "ward.

The Marl; Minor. Hy Linn. (Bl. aneliina.

The “'ild III ire-a. By (‘npt. Bruin Adams.

The Du'nri'lN-coy. By Mare 0. R die.

Job llcnn’n Tut-Mon. Hy lnguldahy North.

Yankee E h’u lillemmn. By J. R. Wnrcuter.

The Wily 'itoh’n “'nril. My Edwin E. Ewing.

Frnnk, the Furrier. lly J. Stanlx-y llrnderaon.

Finns, the Fnir Mountaineer. i ' Cnpt. F. Whittaker.

Jm-k’n Snare. By Mn. Ann . r

Ram, the Swamp Swank. By W. J. Hniniltnn.

The Dnahhnr Trooper. Bv Frm‘lnriel H. Dewey.

The Boy Brave. By Jump: L. Bowen.

Bandy Bill, uil‘Tcxar. Br Edward Willett.

B Irlnrry Winkle’a Long Chase. By Wm. R.

'N PT.
1 Gret- or (into, the Shudow Swlmp Trailer. By
'llriimli’k Dump 1. n B H n a
‘5 e on er 0 no ve. any any.
ii Gypny .ang, the Mountain “yiich. By C. Dunning

Clar .
9'? The Branded Captain. By W. J. Hamllton.
198 Old Crouilre’n ('rialn. By Cast. Charle- Harvard.
199 Zohrn Zuek, (he Tenn. By W. . Hamilton.
200 The Nameleu Ilunter. By George W. Roblnwn. ,

Ruady February ii.
201 The Yankee Captive-i. By Edward Wlnm.
Randy February )6.

202 Teddy’n Long Trail. By Edvard S. Ellie.
Ready February 25.

208 Old llnnll, the Hermit. By Edvard W. Archer.
Randy March 3.

204 Goonehcnd'n Bani. Shot. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr.
Ready hlnrc l .

205 The Dutchman’s Brand. By Capt. Chu. Howard.
Ready March )7.

Beadle’n Boy’a Lihr-ry II fur nle hy All Newadealen,

five cents per copy, or rent by mail on receipt of II: cent: each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publish-n.
98 William Street, New York.

liy J. Stanley Hendermn.

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