Beadle's Dime Novels No. 316: Hurricane Bill — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

AN ENLISTMENT. 13 hair fell nearly to Mustang Sam’s waist, slightly curling at the ends. <A long, silken mustache, arched eyebrows and keen, lustrous eyes lent firmness to the otherwise effeminately beautiful face; for the mouth was small and arched, the red lips slightly pouting, the teeth even and white as pearls, and a spot of scarlet burned upon each cheek. Such was Mustang Sam—who was better known by the addition “ Mad Rider ”—a dandy in appearance, but one who proved himself every inch a man, on a thousand occasions. “You wished to witness our games, then, senor ?” observed Isidora, as Luis turned to obey a signal from his father from the plain below. ‘Yes, lady,” replied the borderer, mustering his best Span- ish, feeling strangely nervous under the bright, sparkling eyes, and trembling slightly as he felt the dainty little brown hand touch his arm. ‘“ We heard of it yesterday, and so rode this way, as we had no particular object in view, beyond passing away the time. But I’m glad that I came, now.” “ Yes—there will be glorious sport—we have some skillful horsemen here,” laughed Isidora, though the quick side glance told that she understood his thought. ‘“ But you will join them? We have heard much of your riding—of your noble black horse—you will gratify me—us ?” “As your knight, VJ] not fear to measure skill with even the gallant cavaliers yonder——but if I succeed, I shall ask you for the knot of ribbon at your breast.” Isidora hesitated for a moment, then removed the scarlet knot and fastened it upon Mustang Sam’s broad breast, saying, lialf seriously : “Thus I enlist you as my knight—do your devoirs gallant- ly, and Our Blessed Lady will smile upon you !” $ “Td rather have your smiles—what’re you laughin’ at, Hurricane Bill?” Mustang added, angrily, as a low chuckle Met his ear. “Who's laffin’? Cain’t a feller cough, ef so be he feels like it? But pard,” Hurricane whispered, “you kin go it! ’F I only hed your cheek—” : _ “Go to thunder!” muttered Mustang, turning aside. “ See ! the sport begins!” cried Isidora. _ The bars of the small inclosure were lowered, and # fine Comillclooks.COnm