Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 617 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

en, —_— . - nn eee ee wees ae and their Comanche pursuers. I see all now; the Bravo and his men were so fatigued they had to go into camp, and the three trails in one deceived me, and I struck the encampment of the Bravo, instead of that of his band that had gone on before, Nowlcan act with my eyes open,” mused, rather than said the scout, and then turning to Prairie Wolf, he continued: ‘*The Death Trailer must be off on the trail. One of these days he may come to the village of your people and see the Prairie Wolf and the Red Lily. He bids them farewell!” Grasping the hand of the young warrior and his sister, the scout sprung into his saddle and rode away, heading toward the stronghold of the Bravo of the Rio Grande. CHAPTER VI. ALONE ON THE TRAIL, By a short cut through the hills, with which he seemed perfectly familiar, the fort scout en- tered, toward evening, a large valley, sheltered upon one side bya high and rugged ridge of hills, and overhung upon the other by a lofty range of mountains, towering in plateaus to a considerable hight above the lowlands, Through the valley, which was more like a basin, or bowl, ran 2 rapid and deep stream of water, which guarded large pastures beneath the mountain-side, upon which were great num- bers of cattle and horses feeding upon the rich grass that grew in the river-bottom From the mouth of a ravine upon the hillside of the valley Ralph closely scanned the scene in his front, and beheld a guard of perhaps half a dozen outlaws, lazily lolling beneath the trees at the ford, the only place where the river could be crossed without swimming, and which was protected upon the mountain side of the vale by a stockade, pierced with musket-holes. Far above, on a plateau in the mountains, a dozen columns of smoke curled upward, and there the scout knew was the stronghold of the Bravo of the Rio Grande and his band. “It is a fearful risk, but I must take it, and God grant I be not too late,” muttered the Death-Shot Scout; and, dismounting, he un- saddled Comanche and lariated him to feed, while he took from his saddle-pockets various closely rolled bundles. Opening one of the packages, the contents exhibited were a number of paints of different colors, some beads, a belt of scalps, with various- hued hair, and the traps of an Indian warrior. Another displayed a headgear of feathers, with a mass of long, coarse black hair skillfully arranged in it to serve asa wig, while a third bundle contained the scanty attire of a Comanche chief. A horse-bair bridle, and blanket-saddle, with raw-hide stirrups was then placed upon Co- manche, who seemed to realize that he was be- ing disguised to play some important part. Then the Death-Shot Scout set to work to make his toilet, and in half an hour he presented the appearance of a Comanche chief, one who would pass muster in the presence of old Moo- choo bimself. Having securely cached his saddle, bridle and clothes, Ralph rolled his short repeating rifle and revolvers in his blanket, slung it upon his back, and arming himself with the rude weapons which Prai ie Wolf had given him—in exchange for the arms of the two outlaws the scout had slain—he rode boldly forth into the valley and headed for the ford, He was quickly discovered by the outlaw out- post, who sprung from their recumbent position to one of attention; but as he came alone, way- ing a belt of wampun as a ~— of peace, he was allowed to approach the stockade unmolested, **'Wal, Injin, I don’t rec’lect yer phiz, so I’}] jist ask yer biz,” said a rude-looking ruffian grunting an approval at his own wit, while one of his comrades said with a hoarse laugh: ‘*Durn my eyes, ef yer hain’t a poit, Bluster,” ** I know I is—I uset ter write varses fur my al, efore I tuk ter the prararie fur plunder; but, njin, what hev yer cum fur?’ ** Me big chief! Me come from the great chief of Comanche, Moochoo; me come for the Red Lily of Comanches,” replied the supposed chief, with a perfect imitation of an Indian’s manner of speaking. ‘What in darnation did yer come here fur? The Red Lily hain’t bin here, red-skin.” ‘* The tongue of the pale face is crooked. The pes of the hill took the Red Lily from her ople.’ ‘‘ Bluster, be says you lies,” laughed one of the outlaws, while the man addressed replied angrily: ‘Then, Ill hev his life. Ef Iisa liar, I don’t want a Injun to diskiver it,” **Hold!; Chief, what would you here?” and a ; Ralph, the Death-Shot Scout. eee eee horseman rode up—a mere youth, with a hand some, reckless face, and slender form, attired in | @ picturesque costume, half Mexican, half army uniform, At the appearance of the young horseman the | men fell back with an air of respect, and to the question put him, the disguised Death Trailer told his errand—that he came from the great chief Moochoo, to negotiate for the release of his daughter, the Red Lily of the Comanches. **The girlis not here; but she has doubtless been taken by some of our roving bands fhat will soon be in, sO you can wait in the strong- hold, chief. Come with me,” and the youth, who was an Officer of the outlaws, and the com- mandant of the stronghold in the absence of the Bravo, led the way across the lowlands dotted with the herds of stolen cattle and horses, and struck a steep pathway leading up the moun- tain to the plateau beyond. As they rode along Death Trailer’s quick eyes took in every advantage and disadvantage of an attack upon the outlaws, and he could not but admire the thorough discipline under which the Bravo Chief beld his raiders. A ride of half a mile, up the narrow path, brought the two to the plateau, a level shelf of land, bordered by trees, and overhung by lofty cliffs, towering far above. ; Here dwelt the outlaws, and their rude cabins bordered a small stream, which rushed bead- long over the shelf, and fell into the valley be- low, where it mingled with the river. Only a few outlaws were visible, which proved that the Bravo had the larger portion of his band away with him upon a raid: but witha joy that flushed his painted face, the scout recog- nized a white steed that had been ridden by Kate Linville, and near him, on the limb of a tree, hung a lady’s saddle and bridle, Without speaking more with his companion, the young officer led the way intoa clumn of trees, overhung by the lofty cliff, against the base, of which was built a cabin, larger and more comfortable looking than the others. ‘* Chief, you can lariat your horse yonder, and hang about here until the return of the Bravo: if you come with a wampum belt from Moocboo to lim, he will respect it, though he little loves your race. If you need food, ask yonder old negress and she will. give it to you.” The disguised scout grunted in reply, and the young officer rode away, going towar.t another cabin not far away, Left to himself, Ralph’s keen eyes et once roamed over the plateau, up the cliff-side, and about the cabin, Then he lariated Comanche, removed his Diemer ee ele, and bent his steps toward the cabin. Suddenly he halted. Not ten steps from bim, seated just inside the window, be bebeld her whom he believed to be Kate Linville. Unobserved by the maiden, the scout gazed in admiration upon her. The face was pale and haggard, yet very beautiful, and masses of golden hair were coiled around her head, while her e.quisitely molded form was clothed in a ee riding-habit, adorned with brass but- ons. Upon the table near her lay a pair of gauntlet gloves and a broad viding hat. ‘* The time to act has come—good fortune aid me,” and the spy-scout drew near the window. The maiden suddenly looked up and started back as her eyes fell upon the made-up Indian. Hancing quickly around the room, the scout saw that the maiden was the only occupant, and then said in a low tone: ‘* Have no fear—I am not an Indian. Are you Miss Linville.” The blood rushed over the pale face, the hands were clasped nervously, and a soft, sweet voice answered: ‘* Yes, Iam Kate Linville. Who are you?” **A post scout in disguise, I[ came to en- deavor to save you, for your father knows of your capture, as it was his detachment, going to meet you, over which the outlaws dashed two nights ago.” ‘And you have come to save me. It is noble of you to thus risk your life; but I suppose my father and his troopers are near.” ‘No; your father returned to the fort: there are not troops enough on the border to take this Stronghold. I am alone.” Alone! How can you save me?” ‘I will tell you. But first let me ask—is this your room, and when did you reach here?” .. During the past night. Yes, this is the room given me,” ‘ ‘Well, you observe that this cliff rises above the cabin a hundred feet—I will leave the stronghold now, and to-night will come here after you by way of the cliff,so be watchful, and I will save you. If anything should prevent my coming to-night, to-morrow night I will Le here—so keep up a brave heart.” Silently the scout turned away,and after hav- ing thoroughly reconnoitered the entire sur- roundings, be resaddled Comanche, mounted, and unobserved by any one, rode slowly back by the path he had approached the plateau—no, there was one watching him with anxious, hope- ful eyes, and as she saw his tall form disappear from view, she bowed her preud head and wept —yet in the strange man, disguised as he was, she felt a perfect confidence, and the hope of es- | Cape thrilled her heart with joy. A DARING RAID. HAVING observed that he was left pretty much to himself, to await the coming of the Bravo Chief, the Death-Shot Scout determined, now that he had seen Kate Linville, to at once escape from the stronghold, In a quiet trot he rode from the stronghold, past the sentinel stationed there, and who hav- ing seen him goin with the young officer, be- lieved bim a courier, and Jet him go by without a word, Descending the steep pathway, he viewed the cuttle-dotted low lands, and approached the river, where one of the guards called out, ** Well, Injin, did yer find ther gal?” “ The great chief of the pale-faces is away on the war trail of his enemies; me come back when the chief here, for the heart of Moochoo mourns for the Red Lily.” Others addressed the supposed warrior: but without a word of reply be rode on, reached the river, and was safe froin immediate danger, Returning to the ravine where he had cached his saddle and clothing, the Scout Jariated out Comanche, to feed upon the rich grass, and stripping himself of all extra clothing, he rolled his revolvers in an oil-skin, and leaving all else, he walked cautiously toward the river-bank, just as night cast its shadows upon the scene, Going to a point half a mile above the ford, be plunged boldiy in and swam with strong strokes toward the other shore, He was a skillful and strong swimmer, and soon reached the other bank, where he lay quiet- ly for a few moments, Then he wormed himself over the meadow in the direction of a herd of mustangs, among which he bad noticed in the afternoon several excellent horses, Witbout much difficulty he approached the drove, and after a careful search selected one of the animals, which be deemed the very pick of all for speed and endurance, and which allowed him to catch bim without any difficulty, anxious to leave such company as he was then in, for the steed had doubtless led an honest life before becoming the charger of an outlaw. As though the horse was quietly feeding, the scout allowei |.im to approach the river-bank, for be knew the eye of thesentinel on the bill commanded the drove, and also felt certain that the guard at the ford kept a close watch upon their cattle, as well as closély watched the river, fearing that some prowling Indian might be bold enough to venture acrcss in the hope of es- caping with a good steed. As if to aid the scout, the drove gradually fol- lowed toward the river, seeing which one of the guards mounted quickly, and rode forward to drive them back toward the hills. There was a new moon, and by its light Ran- dolph plainly saw bis foe approaching. He knew he could easily escape detection by going back with the mustangs; but then he would have to again approach the river, and if only with the horse he had selected, he knew discoy- ery was certain, so be determined toact at once, for, to make the circuit and gain the bills above the stronghold be bad no time to lose. Holding his steed perfectly ees while the others dashed away, as the horseman rode toward them witha yell, he waited until the guard dashed upto him, crying out: ‘* What ails yer, yer stubborn brute?” Suddenly the dark form of the scout darted out from the other side of the horse, and an iron grasp was on the rein of the guard, a revolver pointed at his breast. ‘‘One cry and you are a dead man.” said the stern voice of the Death-Shot Scout, but, doubt- less unnerved by surprise and fear the outlaw yelled out: ** Come, fellers! for God’s sake help me.” They were his last words, for a flash and re- port came, and the outlaw fell dead from his sad- dle, while his steed ran wildly across the prairie, There was no time to lose now, for the alarm: CHAPTER VII. | ——— rs — [fe 2001