Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 59: The Texas Hawks

About this issue

The Texas Hawks; or, The Strange Decoy by Jos. E. Badger, Jr., published by Beadle and Adams. A hunting party encamped on the Texas prairie debates the existence of a mysterious woman in the wilderness. Fred Hawksley recounts his recent encounter with a striking brunette wearing fur cap, eagle feathers, and fringed deerskin, riding a spotted mustang and carrying a rifle. She appeared near the red rock, spoke to him briefly, then rode away teasingly. While the hunters discuss this account, the woman suddenly appears at their camp on horseback, her dress adorned with beads and silver, her long black hair flowing. She laughs at their questions and invites pursuit. Hawksley mounts his yellow horse and chases her across the prairie; the other hunters saddle quickly and follow, fearing he is being lured into danger. The novel concerns a mysterious frontier encounter and ensuing chase across open rangeland.