Beadle's Dime Novels No. 300: The Crested Serpent — page 33: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

) Eye To Bree) 87 ‘there and then their doom will be sealed, and Jose Vallejo — avenged.” “Come, Humfredo, we must to Vega motte.” They rode along in silence, until a challenge warned them that the camp of the Comargo rifles ‘had been reached, and fires showed their fitful, twinkling lights among the trees and chaparral. “Ah, welcome, Senor Vidal. Dismount, both of you, and be seated,” and Captain Tristan spread a blanket before a blazing fire. Their talk was long and confidential. They finally bade turned to the hacienda. Harly next morning, Vidal and Humfredo were boldly ri- ding toward the mountain, which they skirted upon reaching, until the guarded pass, to the Tigers’ camp was gained. Slowly they wended their way upward until a gun was pre- Sented at them, and a challenge followed. “We wish to see Colonel Arnaud Boussard,” replied Vidal, in answer to the challenge of the guard. The gun was lowered and they passed on, and at intervals were challenged, as at the first, until they reached the plateau ~ Where the marquee stood. Boussard was summoned and Quickly made his appearance. RS “ Why am I indebted to you, senor ””—speaking to Vidal— “ for this early and unlooked-for visit ?”” “ I came from the city of Mexico, and bear papers addressed to Colonel Arnaud Boussard,” replied Vidal, at the same time © handing him the commission. “Hernando Vidal! commissioned as Meee SESE Pe in my regiment !” and he glanced from the paper he held in his | band to the face of Vidal, who sat upon his horse erect and dignified, No tremor betrayed his feelings, nor tell-tale flush tainty suspicion. “ Dismount, and give your horse into the bands of your | attendant. Cont in,” ni They entered the tent. The Arab woman arose from are- — clining position, and her glittering eyes looked into the dark orbs of Hernando Vidal. What was it that cansed her to : ahauder: as though a core wind from thé north, laden with the e each other adicu in quiet tones, and Vidal and Humfredo re- Comicbooks.< com a