Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 327

# Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards

This serialized frontier romance by "Buckskin Sam" (Major Sam S. Hall) follows Carlos Courtney's pursuit of Alice Arundale across Western Texas in the 1850s. After Captain Arundale and Charles Courtney's financial partnership collapses, the captain forbids his daughter from seeing Carlos and relocates westward to the Rio Llano region for cattle-raising. Carlos resolves to follow secretly. Meeting scout Perlow Cabase near the river, he learns Indians are encamped nearby. Carlos crosses the Rio Llano alone to investigate danger to Alice's party. The narrative describes his journey across the desolate, sun-scorched Texas plains, emphasizing the harsh landscape and ominous atmosphere. His detailed equipment—revolvers, bowie knife, carbine—and well-bred horse suggest preparation for frontier perils. The narrative voice warns of impending catastrophe, foreshadowing violent encounters on the plain before sunset.