Beadle's Dime Novels No. 309: Mountain Ned — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

A BARREN VICTORY. "3 “You aré prepared for every turn in the game, Ned,” she Said, admiringly. “T have mae it the study of my life. Go, and bring me Word as quickly as you can.” | isk d She found ber horse under the shelter of) the cliffs; where she had left him, loosed the lariat, mounted, and rodé away at a rapid pace upon the tracks of the rangers, It was a half-hour’s ride to the Comanche village, and as she neared it she heard the cheers which announced the triumph of the rangers. Riding boldly into the village, she found them in possession, bet it was an empty triumph, as far as prisorrers were concerneil. Silver Lance had reached the village enough in advance to give the alarm, and the women and children bad escaped, driving before them the great cavallada which always gath- ers about a village of the “horse Todians.” But the lodges were left in confusion, and the rangers Were ransacking them in search of plunder. There was little to be had, for the simple Indians do not Collect many articles of value to white men, and most of these had been carried away in their hasty flight. A great fire had been built in the center of the village, and about this the leaders of the expedition were grouped, form- ing new plans. ‘They had hoped that Silver Lance, rendered desperate by the calamities which bad fallen upon bim, would defend his village without further flight, but in this they were disappointed. TA “ Beyond punishing the scoundrels for their raids into Texas and Mexico,” said Campbell, “ I don’t see that wé have gained a great deal by the fighting we have done. We are further off than ever from the recovéry of your ‘daughter, Stnor Custelar.” ! 0 “It would seem so,’ replied the Mexiean, sadly. “I do not know what to counsel now. Ha; there is the girl who has done us such good service.” ~ 3 oa “Welcome, Blazing Star!” said Campbell, advancing, “ Will you alight and join us?” “No,” replied the girl; “I have no time to stay. I gee that you lave not been able to take any women and children prisoners.” | comlichooks.com