The Texan Firebrand

This 1896 Beadle and Adams dime novel, "The Texan Firebrand: or, Brazos Billy's Snap-Shot" by Lieutenant A. K. Sims, tells of a teenage boy-spy operating in Texas. Brazos Billy disguises himself as an Indian to infiltrate an outlaw camp and learns they plan to raid cattleman Brace Benson's house. Riding to warn Benson, Billy observes the outlaws attack the building with flaming arrows. Glimpsing a terrified girl's face at a window, he attempts a rescue but is captured. The outlaws discover silver coin in a box at the burning house, then carry Billy off as a prisoner, intending to execute him. Using a concealed knife, he escapes his bonds, slides from his horse during their ride, and whistles for his trained horse to follow. The narrative emphasizes outdoor action, espionage, and imminent danger.