Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 442 — page 3: what you’re looking at

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

wee ew 8 ee we eee ee em ee ome 2 me + ween ae ee eee o? the man who was destined to become so noted, be felt sure that his ranch and himself would soon be in danger; for Cortina would probably find out the location in the bend, and make araid to fulfill his oath. The abode of our friends was a strongly-built log structure, suitable for a block-hou:e fort, with loop-holes pierced for rifle an:! lookout; the same being built in the central portion of the swell of the bend, ‘and within a iarge, natural ** open.” everal extensive corrals were in the near vicinity, and in the rear of the dwelling were huts of logs, which were the quarters of the slaves; the kitchen, including a huge bake-oven, being near the dwelling. The culinary depart- ment was presided over by an old negro, who prided himself on his skill in his profession. There was not a female at the ranch—indeed, it was not a safe place for women. Several of the blacks were experienced in hunting cattle, and were excellent drivers; in fact, they understood the stock business in all its branches. Besides these there were Mexi- cans, who were skilled mustangers. These last had charge of the equine stock. The dwelling was well furnished, and had a large stock of everything required in the cattle business, as well as food and ammunition, and a plentiful supply of arms. The house consisted of two large rooms, one on each end, the central portion being open to the east and west, or front and rear; this space being used as a dining- room, No one would be able to find the buildings and corrals without close search near the same, but the presence of the cattle, horses and herders would have indicated that a ranch must bs in the vicinity, as also the stock-trails through the timber to the water. The person of most consequence at the ranch, after the proprietor and his nephew, was a little negro hunchback of about the same age as Leon, but not much over three feet in hight. He was very badly deformed, having been thrown from a horse when a mere child, But, in spite of this, Humpy, as he was called, was remarkably strong and active; indeed, he was little more than bone and muscle, and from constant exercise on horseback had become as agile as a baboon. This darky dwarf fairly worshiped Leon, and the two often sped over the prairie, afar from the ranch, together, Humpy being always ¢reat- ly worried when his little ‘* Mars’ Leon” left him by himself. There were frequent visitors at Bend Ranch, as the home of our friends was called, and every one was made welcome by the hospitable host; but especially so—indeed it was considered a great honor, and a time for unusual feasting and enjoyment—when the most intimate friend of Cap’n Lem and little Leon arrived. This friend being the noted scout and ranger, Big Foot Wallace. CHAPTER III. THE BANDIT’S VOW. THE cause of Cortina’s having taken an oath of vengence against Captain La Grange we will now explain, The old ranchero, about one month previous to the death of his brother and that brother's wife in Corpus Christi, had visited the town of Helena, for the purpose of purchasing some saddle-horses for the use of his vaqueros. There he had lingered for two or three days, the guest of John Littleton, a man of gigantic frame and stature, and who was destined to be- come quite noted in after years. Butit is pro- bable that Captain Lem would not have re- mained away from his ranch, then near Oak- ville, for so long a time had not Big Foot Wallace put in an appearance on the day fol- lowing his arrival. The three old pards, all being above the ordinary hight,and having also far beyond the average strength of most men, formed a trio in the little town that drew the attention of all the residents, and also caused quite a crowd to congregate in the leading bar and billiard-room of the village. The presence of Big Foot alone being sufficient to cause considerable excitement and much interest. They indulged in liquors to rather a free ex- tent, in fact went in fora jolly time together, and, strange to say, one night when engaged in playing cards in a saloon, Juan Cortina, with a party of Mexicans, entered and called for drinks. Cortina was, at that time, an associate of various parties of professed mustangers, but who were in reality horse and cattle thieves on a small scale. He was seldom at his mother’s pe ae om" a - . SS a rr sss Bluff Bill. | ranch, and had more than once been hunted by | the Vigilance Committees of the neighboring | towns, but had always escaped them. He was | a large man, powerfully built, and of much | lighter complexion than the ordinary Mexican; having Castilian blood in his veins. Many a man had he killed treacherously, but it was generally conceded that he was fearless and desperate, and that he had never shrunk from a fair and open ** shooting-match,” or bor- | der duello, with any Texan when circumstances forced him into such a fight. But he was a crack shot, and had always killed his opponent. It was a most desperate and daring move for Juan Cortina thus to enter Helena, for there were several indictments against him for homi- cide even at that time. But he had eight of the most reckless Greaser cut-throats with him, and doubtless felt confident that he could run that small burg, for a short time at any rate. It was a strange thing to happen, as it was considered in after years, this meeting in the saloon; but little did Cortina then dream that, within a short time, he would become the most noted bandit chief’ America had ever known, and that the trioat that card table were destined to become his most bitter and determined ene- mies—two of them being fated to do much to- ward annihilating his force of marauders. Cortina was partially disguised, having his sombrero pulled low over his brow, and a serape wound about his neck. The instant he stepped into the saloon he recognized Big Foot, although the back of the old scout was toward him, and he also knew Littleton and La Grange. He knew, too, that either one of them would arrest him, did they recognize him; but he betrayed no concern, and evidently had none, for his safety. This manner of his, whether real or as- sumed, had made many of the Texans believe that the bandit chief bore a charmed life. It was noticed, however, that, in his desperate feats, he did not appear to care in the slightest degree how many of his followers were slain. Cortina and the low-browed crew who ac- companied him drank their liquor unnoticed by the little party at the card-table, who were intent upon their game, although but small stakes were up. After settling the score, a few muttered words passed between him and the Greasers. It was as yet too early for the usual crowd of townspeople to be present, but a few came strag- gling in. These paid little attention to the group of Mexicans, as more than half of the residents of that section of the country were Greasers; and, besides, all were interested in the trio at the card-table, Cortina and his comrades strolled into the dim- ly lighted billiard room, there being no players as yet, for consultation. He appeared to have some difficulty in persuading those who were with him to carry out a plan which he proposed, but eventually he succeeded. It was evident, he thought, that none of the Texans knéw him, His own resolution was taken. He would kill Wallace, his most dangerous foe, and also Littleton, who was little less to be feared. He ordered one of the Mexicans to leave the building, repair to the point where the mustangs of the party had been left, untie and coil the neck-ropes, securing them to the horns of the saddles, and then lead the animals to the south side of the building, holding them in readiness for the riders.” The man departed to do the bidding of Cor- tina, who, being of noted cunning and intelli- gence in comparison with those with whom he associated, was always recognized as a leader. As it happened, however, and most providen- tially, the gigantic trio finished their game at just the right moment to save their Lives; in- deed, they all arose from their chairs as the out- law followed by his band, stepped again into the bar-room. When it was too late for retreat, Cortina re- alized that he was being scrutinized by the keen- eyed scout, and he felt positive from the expres- sion on the old man’s face that he was recog- nized. He was right. Big Foot Wallace clapped his hand to his re- volver, and yelled: ** Cortina! Or I’m a bald-headed liar! Whoop up, boyees, fer ther door, an’ pick triggers live- ly! We've kerral’d ther wosjod, cut-throat an’ his rds. Don’t ‘low one ter jump his critter. issors! Hyer they come!” And come the Greasers did. They answered promptly to a signal yell from their leader, who jerked his revolver, and fired ee EEE eee ag * oh» & ees ee ee ante 3 ss — = int-blank at the old scout; but the latter bent ow, and avoided the bullet, It was a wild scene that followed! The Greasers jerked their cuchillos, and rushed headlong, led by Cortina, upon the Texans, who outnumbered them. But, so astounded were nearly all the men of Helena at the daring reck- lessness and audacity of the bandit chief, that for the moment, they were incapable of mo- tion. Cap’n Lem, Littleton, and Big Foot, however, were equal to the emergency, and at once the rattle of revolvers sounded through the saloon. Cortina hurled all before bim, until within striking distance of his three foes. He had sown death in his path, and the trio had shot down half of his comrades. All were now mingled together in terrible confusion. Not a soul engaged in the fight could have attempted to describe it. The outlaw leader was thrown directly against Captain Lem, and the latter, having lost his weapons, at once delivered several terrific blows with his huge fists into the face of Certina, but soon fell senseless, having been struck by one of the Greasers with the butt of his revolver. In what manner it occurred none of the Texans could tell; nevertheless it was beyond dispute, as the absence of the outlaw leader, and the fast galloping of steeds ath Bae" with two of his band, escaped from the wrang- ling mass, rushed through the billiard-room, bounded upon their horses, antl away they went into the darkness, being soon lost amid the post- oaks, beyond the rear of the line of dwellings. A more bewildered and dumfounded party of men could scarce have been found than the few Texans within the bar-room, when they regained their feet and looked at each other. Five Mexicans lay, either dead or dying, while two Texans were corpses and four others severe- ly wounded. All this had occurred so unexpectedly, and in so short a space of time, that it was no wonder the survivors were astounded, especially at the miraculous escape of Cortina, Both Littleton and Big Foot were stabbed, and Captain Lem lay as one dead, his head being greatly bruised and swollen. Chase was at once given by several of the men of Helena, Wallace and Littleton taking the lead, but without success. The darkness favored the outlaws. ; It became known afterward that Cortina had been fearfully bruised, and that his arm was dis- located by the powerful blows delivered by Ca tain La Grange, and the bandit leader was laid up for several weeks before being able again to mount a horse. Soon after Captain Lem received at his ranch a letter from Cortina, swearing that the writer — would have revenge upon the only man who had ever disgraced him by a blow in the face; and vowing that he would, at no distant day, tie a rope around the captain’s neck, and jerk him up a limb with his own hands. At first the old ranchero was somewhat anx- ious and alarmed, for he knew that the outlaw chief was capable of any crime, and he had many lawless followers who might make a de- scent upon the ranch at any time, and thus enable Cortina to fulfill his oath to the letter. But, as months passed, and he had not been known to have been in the vicinity of Oakville, or even Helena, the captain became free from apprehension; and, soon after, Leon came to cheer his life, when Cortina was, for the time, forgotten. : e was reported, however, to be in command of a large force, made up of the very scum of Mexico, and about to invade Texas, This was after he had shot dead the sheriff of Brownsville, who had attempted to arrest him; that officer having no less than fifteen indict- ments against him for murder, Cortina escaped across the Bravo, and at once began to collect escaped peons, ladrones, and small bands of outlaws; forming quite an army having their rendezvous in the mountains of Mexico, near the Rio Grande, from which their intention was to devastate the American side of the river, burning the ranches, slaying the people, and stealing all the stock they could secure. Then it was that Lemuel La Grange became again much concerned and apprehensive—and, indeed, he was now more so than ever, for little Leon was with him, and he feared Cortina might capture the youth, rack his heart through the boy and hang him later on. Thus, too, the property of both would go to the captain’s ruffianly and disreputable brothers for, at that time, the old ranchero had become con that Bill was still alive. comic!