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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..049fba5 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #69119 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69119) diff --git a/old/69119-0.txt b/old/69119-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ca65eba..0000000 --- a/old/69119-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3583 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of An outlaw's pledge, by Col. Spencer -Dair - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: An outlaw's pledge - or, The raid on the old stockade - -Author: Col. Spencer Dair - -Release Date: October 8, 2022 [eBook #69119] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Graeme Mackreth and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN OUTLAW'S PLEDGE *** - - - - - AMERICAN - INDIAN - WEEKLY - - BY COLONEL SPENCER DAIR - - VOL. I THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY, CLEVELAND, OHIO, U.S.A. NO. 1 - - Copyright 1910 by the Arthur Westbrook Company, Cleveland, Ohio. - - - AN OUTLAW'S PLEDGE - - OR - - THE RAID ON THE OLD STOCKADE - - By COL. SPENCER DAIR - - - - -PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS. - - - RED ROGERS--A daredevil outlaw, who has broken from jail, killing four - men in his escape, and returns to the scenes of his early crimes, that - he may carry out a pledge made to a dying member of his gang, being - pursued and eluding hundreds of troopers before he is finally sent to - his doom, at the Old Stockade. - - ROSE LANDON--Daughter of the man to whom Red Rogers made his pledge, - who helped the outlaw to break jail and then accompanied him on his - dash into the Bad Lands to carry out his vow. Repenting of her vicious - life, she finally marries a young trooper whom Rogers has captured. - - PEDRO--A former member of Red Rogers' gang, who also assisted in his - escape from jail, and, after accompanying the outlaw to the mountains, - is captured by the troopers. - - JENNINGS, SHAW, SCOTTY--Members of the Mounted Scouts, who have their - horses stolen by the outlaw, and are afterwards taken prisoners by him - and held as hostages. - - ALKALI--A half-breed scout, who eventually tracks Red Rogers to his - doom. - - COLONEL EDWARDS--Commandant of Fort Griswold, the officer who takes - charge of the pursuit of the outlaw. - - Troopers, Deputy Marshals and Sheriffs and their posses. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL. - - -"His-s-t!" - -With startling suddenness, the cry shattered the stillness of the night -that lay upon the foothills of the "Bad Lands." - -As they heard it, three men who, rolled in their army blankets, were -sleeping in the protecting shadow of a huge boulder, rose to their -elbows and peered into the darkness, at the same time whipping out -their "Colts" with their free hands. - -But only the silence of the night, seeming more intense as the echo of -the strident cry died away, greeted them. - -"That must have been a signal," breathed one of the trio, after several -minutes of listening. - -"If it was a signal, it would have been answered," rejoined a companion. - -"Sure it would," asserted the third member of the party. - -"Then what was it?" demanded the first. - -"May have been a snake, or a mountain lion," suggested the man who had -doubted the startling cry being a signal. - -"Snake? Mountain lion?" repeated the other, in disgust. "Say, you'd -better go back to the recruits till you learn the difference between a -human voice and an animal's cry." - -The three men were members of the Mounted Scouts, out on patrol duty -from their station at Fort Griswold. - -Two of them had been in the service three years, while the other was -on his first detail, having only just been promoted from the band of -recruits at the Fort. - -Consequently, the sneering allusion to his inexperience cut deep, and -he was about to retort fiercely, when the third scout prevented. - -"Jennings is right, Scotty. It was a man's voice uttered that cry," he -whispered. - -"Then what does it mean?" persisted the youngster. - -"Just keep yer tongue in yer head and yer eyes and ears open, and we -may find out," grunted Jennings. - -This reply had the intended result of effectually silencing the -recruit, and, with every sense alert, the three men awaited some sound -that would explain the mysterious signal. - -Unlike most details of mounted scouts that patrolled together, there -was no affection, bred by perils and dangers shared, between the men. -Indeed, there was not even good feeling. The veterans, Jennings and -Shaw, had long been rivals for the honor of being the best shot at the -Fort, and both resented being sent out with a "rookie." - -The personnel of the patrol, however, had been arranged by Colonel -Edwards, commandant of the Fort, with a purpose. - -So many had become the raids and robberies that the officers began to -suspect connivance between the outlaws and some of the scouts, and the -names of Jennings and Shaw had been linked with these rumors. - -Knowing the rivalry existing between them, the colonel had decided to -send them out together, confident that each would be only too willing -to report any suspicious actions of the other, and, to prevent such -an anomaly as an alliance in wrong doing, he had added the recruit, -instructing each to report in detail all that his companions did. - -The surprise of being awakened from his sleep had driven the memory -of these orders from the youngster's mind. But as the monotony of the -watch grew, they recurred to him. - -"I'll bet that was a signal for either Jennings or Shaw," he said to -himself, "and whichever it is, is afraid to answer because I'm here. -I'll have to keep my head about me all right, all right." - -But the recruit's suspicions did his fellow members of the Mounted -Scouts injustice--as he was soon to learn. - -With a suddenness almost as startling as the mysterious signal, came -the thumpety-thump of a stone as, dislodged from its resting place, it -bounded down the mountainside. - -"That's above us," breathed Jennings, leaping to his feet and feeling -his way cautiously to the edge of the boulder, whence he strove to -penetrate the inky darkness that enveloped crags and trees alike. - -As their companion jumped to his feet, Shaw and Scotty did likewise, -following him as he crept along the rock. - -"What do you make of it?" queried the veteran of his fellow. - -"Somebody's discovered us and is either trying to get away or to warn -others," asserted Jennings, with positiveness. - -"But how could any one see us in the shadow of the boulder?" demanded -Scotty, resenting the indifference of his companions to his presence. - -"Men who can travel these hills in the night, don't have to see a man -to know he's around, they can smell him," returned Shaw. - -"Say, you fellows might as well cut this jollying out right -now," flashed the youngster. "I'm not going to stand for it any -longer--either you'll treat me decently or I'll mix it up with fists or -guns, whichever you like. Smell a man, rats!" - -"Now don't get het up, rookie," rejoined Jennings. "Shaw's right. A -good woodsman or an Injun can scent a man as easy as you can a grizzly. -Besides, if they didn't scent us, they could the horses." - -"Queer we ain't heard a whimper from the cayuses," exclaimed Shaw, as -his comrade's mention of their mounts recalled their existence. "My old -Bonehead usually don't like these night surprises." - -"You don't suppose whoever it was has stolen 'em?" suggested Scotty, to -whose excited brain nothing seemed impossible. - -"What, take three iron shod horses and me and Shaw not know it?" -snorted Jennings. "It would be easier to have 'em run off with one of -us." - -"Just the same, I'm going down to see if they're all right," declared -the recruit, moving away. - -"Hold on. We'll go with you," whispered Shaw. "Being nervous, as they -will, you may scare 'em--and we'd be in a pretty fix fifty miles from -the Fort and no ponies." - -And, placing the youngster between them, the veteran scouts crept -cautiously down to the plateau, some fifteen yards from the boulder, -where they had left the horses to feed on the sweet grass. - -Already, the heavy darkness in the east was giving way to the -grey-greens of dawn, enabling the three scouts to make out the outlines -of the rocks and trees above them. - -But, as they turned a crag whence they could get a glimpse of the -plateau, they stopped in amazement. - -Not a horse was to be seen! - -"So they couldn't steal our ponies with you and Shaw 'round?" grinned -Scotty. - -"Keep your tongue in your head," growled Jennings. "That cry probably -frightened 'em, and they've gone down the trail. Come on. It won't be -hard to track them." - -Again were the scouts destined to be surprised, however. - -Though the steadily-increasing light enabled them to find the -shoe-prints, where the animals had moved about during the night and -those made when they entered the plateau, not a trace could they find -indicating the direction of their departure! - -With blank faces, the two veterans stared at one another. - -As they stood in baffled perplexity, of a sudden, from above, there -rang out a mocking laugh. - -Whirling, Colts ready, the scouts looked up. - -Outlined against the sky, stood a powerfully-built man, red of hair and -beard, wearing a scarlet shirt. - -"Red Rogers!" gasped Jennings and Shaw, in chorus. - -Another jeering laugh greeted the exclamation, then with a defiant wave -of his hand, the figure disappeared. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -SCOTTY LEARNS SOMETHING ABOUT THE "SERVICE." - - -"No more mystery about what's become of our ponies," growled Shaw, -giving relief to his feelings in a torrent of curses. - -"You mean Red took them?" queried Jennings. - -"My, but you're getting to be the quick little thinker." - -"Well, if he did, I'd like to know the trick. Red's cute, I know, yet -it's some stunt to get three horses up a mountain on a dark night -without leaving any trail." - -"Oh, we'll be able to learn how it was done when it gets lighter. Now, -let's get back to the boulder before Red swipes our rifles, blankets -and saddles while our backs are turned." - -"Lot of good our saddles will do us now," grunted Jennings. "Red might -as well have taken 'em."' - -The silence of his comrades, deeply ashamed that they should have been -tricked of their horses without even knowing it, gave Scotty the first -chance to speak since the discovery of the man on the rock and he lost -no time in making the most of it. - -"But that can't be Red Rogers, he's in jail!" he exclaimed. - -"_Was_, you mean," corrected Shaw, with a feeble attempt at raillery. -"I didn't know he'd got out. But no other man than Red Rogers ever had -hair and beard like that." - -"What would he want of our horses, and how'd he know we were here -anyway?" asked Scotty. - -"Scented us," asserted Jennings, positively, answering the last -question first. "I told you a good woodsman or an Injun can always -scent a man--and Red Rogers can give any Injun or woodsman cards and -spades and then beat him at his own game. As to why he took our ponies, -he probably wanted 'em." - -"I have it!" cried Shaw, slapping his thigh. "I'll bet Red has just -broken jail. He's probably hiking it to his old hiding place, and, -coming across our ponies, helped himself." - -"But they're army horses. They'll be recognized by any one who sees -'em," objected the youngster. - -"Little Red cares," returned Shaw. "Possession is no nine-tenths, it's -the _whole_ law to him--and he's quick enough with his gun to defend -anything he decides is his." - -"I suppose we ought to be thankful Red didn't need shooting irons, or -he'd probably have helped himself to our rifles," exclaimed Jennings, -as they found their weapons and blankets undisturbed. - -"Oh, cut it out," retorted Shaw. "We'll have to stand enough joshing -from the boys at the Fort, without your trying to get funny. - -"Scotty, start a fire and put on the coffee pot--there's enough water -in it." - -And, while the youngster obeyed, the others rolled up their blankets. - -"What are you going to do with the saddles and bridles?" asked Scotty, -as he joined them. - -"Leave 'em in the cave yonder, so's they'll be waiting when we get our -horses back," declared Shaw, picking up his own and carrying it to a -crevice in the rocks, some ten feet away, into which, after a short -examination, he placed the now useless accoutrements. - -"Then you're going to track Red?" asked the youngster, in surprise. - -"Surest thing you know, kid. We've not only got to trail him, _but -we've got to get back our ponies_!" rejoined Jennings. "If it should -get out how Red tricked us, and then we didn't recover the cayuses, -the Mounted Scouts would never be able to hold down the gun men, horse -thieves and outlaws ever again. - -"_It's the knowledge that the Mounted Scouts never let up when they -want a man that makes 'em feared!_" - -"That's what!" chimed in Shaw. "You're working for the honor of the -Mounted Scouts now, not merely for Uncle Sam, Scotty. Remember, if you -get done to death, there'll be another to take up the task from where -you dropped." - -This forceful explanation of the simple but unrelenting code of the -Service impressed the youngster as nothing else could, and he grew -silent in contemplation of the dangers entailed. - -Of all the Outlaws who made the "Bad Lands" their hiding place, -dashing forth to raid an isolated settlement, rob a bank or hold up a -train, there was none whose name caused such terror or who had such a -reputation for daredevil fearlessness as Red Rogers. - -It had taken the Mounted Scouts three years of ceaseless trailing to -run him down--and the presence of a full squad to effect his capture. - -Indeed, his arrest had done more to inspire a wholesome respect for the -Mounted Scouts in the breasts of desperadoes and renegade Indians than -any other of their acts. - -And here the notorious bandit was back in his old haunts after serving -less than five years of his life sentence--and he had given notice of -his liberty by running off with three horses belonging to his mortal -enemies, from right under their very noses. - -"How do you suppose he broke jail?" asked Scotty, as the three -crest-fallen men squatted cross-legged about the fire eating their -beans and sipping the coffee. - -"We'll hear--if we ever see any one from the Fort again. But, I'll -stake my saddle against a blanket pin he left a trail of blood if any -one was in his way," responded Jennings. - -This suggestion that they might never live to return from the pursuit -sent Scotty's heart into his throat. - -"If we ever see any one from the Fort?" he repeated in dismay. "Aren't -we going back to get horses and reinforcements?" - -Their eyes twinkling, the veterans looked at one another and laughed. - -"Say, have you forgotten your 'rules and regulations' so quick?" -demanded Shaw. "Don't you remember that only in 'cases of dire -emergency may a scout give up a trail and return to the Fort?'" he -added, drawling in imitation of the colonel when quizzing the recruits. - -"Well, isn't this such an occasion?" returned the youngster. - -"Hardly," rejoined Jennings. "We're not dead, we're not injured, -we're----" - -"But we've lost our ponies," interrupted Scotty. - -"And it's up to us to get 'em back," declared the veteran. "To save you -a 'twigging' by the colonel, the sooner you get it into your noddle -that 'dire emergency' means only when you're so wounded you can't get -back to the post, the better. - -"So, as soon as you've finished grub, we'll be starting." - -"I'm game," rejoined the youngster. "It seems to me, though, we ought -to get some word to the Fort that Red Rogers is loose." - -"They'll hear of it, right enough. Don't worry about that," declared -Jennings. "I'll stake my Colt they knew it before we did." - -"Still, as this is the trail the others will have to hit to get to -Red's hang out, it won't do any harm to leave word we're without -ponies," suggested his fellow veteran. And, no objection being made, -the scout produced a stub of a pencil from his breeches and wrote -laboriously on a piece of paper torn from a can label. - -"Read it," commanded Jennings, as the task was completed. - -Willingly Shaw obeyed. - -"Red Rogers lifted our ponies early Thursday morning. We're hitting the -trail. All well. Shaw, Jennings, Scotty." - -"But you didn't say anything about the saddles," exclaimed the -youngster, as the reading was completed. - -"Sure not. Whoever follow us won't need two saddles, and besides, -we'll want 'em ourselves when we get back our ponies," returned Shaw. - -"Then, if we're going, let's be on our way," said Jennings. - -And, getting to their feet, the Scouts quickly packed their outfits. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -TRAPPED. - - -Having adjusted their blankets to their shoulders, Shaw set about -finding a suitable hiding place for his note, while his fellow comrade -made ready a "broken staff"--a sign which, seen by any Mounted Scout, -told him that important information had been hidden by a fellow member -of the service. - -The preparation of the symbol was simple. - -Cutting a green branch from a near-by shrub, Jennings broke the top, -letting the end hang down, and then set the "broken staff" in the -middle of the trail, with the hanging tip on the side toward the spot -where Shaw had hidden the note--which happened to be under a stone -placed against the boulder. - -Interestedly the youngster watched the placing of this signal that -served as a method of communication between the scouts not in the -"rules and regulations," being one of the many signs that had been -devised by the men themselves and, therefore, only to be learned by -experience. - -"Suppose some one else sees the signal. Won't they remove it or read -the note?" asked Scotty. - -"Not much," returned Shaw. "That the 'broken staff' is one of the -Scouts' signals is known to most travelers of the trails. But, just -what it means, they don't know, and they have a mighty wholesome -respect for it. Why, I've seen men ride ten feet around one of 'em so's -to be sure not to interfere with it." - -"But, hasn't any scout told what it means?" - -"Not yet!" returned Jennings, with an emphasis that was significant. -"And there's a bullet waiting for the man who betrays the secret -signals of the Mounted Scouts. It's a part of our unwritten code. -You'll find, kiddo, after you've served a bit, that there's more in our -unwritten rules than in the ones the colonel beat into your noddle." - -"But, how can I learn them?" the youngster inquired, his eagerness to -master the mysteries of his calling evident in his voice. - -"By keeping your eyes and ears open when you're on patrol," replied -Shaw. - -During the latter part of this conversation, the trio had made their -way, for a second time, down to the plateau, whence their horses had -been spirited away. - -And, as Shaw had predicted, the sunlight enabled them to learn the -manner of their silent departure. - -Dropping to his knees with a sudden exclamation, the veteran studied -intently for a few minutes the ground surrounding a spot where the shoe -prints showed where one of the horses had stood, then got up, a look of -utter disgust on his face. - -"Say, Jennings, you and me ought to go back to the 'rookie' school," -he snorted. "Red worked the old game of binding the hoofs in rags, and -here we never thought of it." - -Without reply, the other veteran scanned the marks discovered by his -fellow, evincing his confirmation by a corroborative nod of his head as -he rose to his feet. - -But his next move showed that he did not take the trick calmly. - -"You may have caught us napping this time, Red Rogers!" he hissed, -shaking his fist menacingly. "But, before Andy Jennings is through with -you, you'll wish you'd never lifted his pony!" - -"Same here," grunted Shaw. - -And without more ado, the three scouts who had been so humiliated by -the notorious outlaw, took up the task of recovering their horses and -bringing the desperadoes to justice. - -Cautiously, with eye and ears alert, they followed the tracks up the -mountainside. - -Far above them, on a plateau to the right of the trail, a different -scene was presented. - -At the back of the shelf of land, which was some forty feet wide, -rose a wall of rock, severed by a wide cleft. Deep within this, the -fitful flare of a camp fire glowed, disclosing the forms of two men -and a woman, while browsing contentedly near the entrance, but on the -plateau, were the three army horses. - -Fairly bristling were the men with guns and knives, while only by her -skirts did the girl differ in appearance from her companions, for she, -too, wore a cartridge belt about her waist, into which were thrust two -six shooters and a bowie-knife. - -"It was worth all the risk to hear the scouts cry 'Red Rogers,'" -declared the outlaw, as he recounted the incidents of his discovery to -his companions. - -And jeering were the comments made upon the stupidity of the scouts by -the others. - -"What do you suppose they'll do now, go back to the Fort for -reinforcements?" asked the girl. - -"Most likely," asserted the other man. - -But the outlaw held a different opinion. - -"I'll bet all the gold in my belt against a pebble they're on our trail -now. That's why I left the horses on the plateau where they could be -seen." - -"But what's the use of running the risk of a gun shot so soon, Red?" -demanded the girl. - -"There won't be any risk, Rosie," returned the desperado. "But, even -if there was, I'd take it. I need those scouts as bad as we did their -horses." - -This statement puzzled Red's companions. For a few moments they sought -to reason it out, then gave it up and asked, almost in the same breath. - -"Why?" - -"Because with them in my power, I can make some sort of terms in case -the other scouts surround me. If I'd had a couple of hostages, I'd -never have been caught the last time." - -Readily recognizing the advantage such a capture would give them, the -girl jumped to her feet. - -"Let's go out and see if they're trailing us," she exclaimed, hurrying -to the mouth of the cave. - -But, before she could pass out onto the plateau, Red halted her. - -"Come back here, Rosie," he commanded. "If you're so keen to know, I'll -find out. While I'm willing to let the scouts see the ponies, I want -them to think I'm asleep." - -These words showed plainly the calculating cunning of the bandit. - -As he reached the mouth of the cave, Red dropped on his belly and with -infinite caution wormed himself across the plateau to the edge. - -And the sight that greeted his eyes almost caused him to shout with -glee. - -Climbing steadily, came the three scouts. - -Easily could the outlaw have picked them off with his rifle. But, as he -explained to Rosie, he wanted them alive. - -Stealthily working his way back, Red re-entered the cave. - -"Come on. They're almost here," he chuckled, grimly. "Pedro, you take -the first man. Let him get far enough onto the plateau so the second -one won't turn back. I'll take him. Rosie, you cover the third fellow -with your six shooters. When Pedro and I have bound our men, we'll -attend to yours. - -"Careful, now. Pedro, bring the lariats. Down on your bellies. There -are some rocks we can hide behind. Remember--a sound may spoil the -whole game." - -With consummate stealth, the desperadoes gained their hiding places -and, every sense alert, awaited the scouts' appearance. - -In utter ignorance of the trap laid for them, Jennings, Shaw and Scotty -toiled up the trail, in the order named. - -Without difficulty, they had traced the route taken by the horses -because the iron shoes against the rocky trail had cut the rags, -leaving telltale prints here and there. - -With the sun, the wind had arisen and as a gust blew down from the -direction of the plateau, Jennings stopped in his tracks, sniffed the -air excitedly, then threw his rifle to a "ready." - -"Our ponies are close at hand. I smell 'em;" he breathed to his -companions. "Watch out, now. Don't shoot until you can make your shot -count." - -Cautiously the trio resumed their ascent. - -And as Jennings' head rose above the level of the plateau, again he -stopped. - -But this time he did not speak. - -Holding up three fingers, he nodded toward the shelf of rock, then -beckoned his companions to join him, placing his fingers on his lips to -enjoin silence. - -With rifle butts at their shoulders, the scouts mounted the plateau in -single file. - -The sight of the ponies brought grins of delight to their faces. - -"Where can Red be?" breathed Scotty. - -"Asleep, probably," returned Shaw. - -But scarce had the words left their lips than the scouts were made -aware of their falsity. - -With yells, bloodcurdling in their ferocity, the outlaw and Pedro -leaped upon the backs of Shaw and Jennings, respectively, carrying them -to the ground, while Rosie, boring the muzzles of her six shooters into -Scotty's back, hissed: - -"Move a muscle, and I'll pump your carcass full of lead!" - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -JENNINGS' ATTEMPT ON RED'S LIFE IS FOILED. - - -So utterly unexpected was the attack that neither Jennings nor Shaw -were able to resist as they were borne to the ground. - -Their anger, however, at being tricked by the notorious outlaw a second -time--for that their captors were none other than Red Rogers and his -band the scouts did not need to be told--gave the frenzy of fury to -their strength and they grappled with their assailants desperately. - -Naturally powerful, the trained muscles of the scouts enabled them to -pitch and toss the outlaws about the plateau. But, strive as he might, -neither could break the vice-like hold about his neck. - -Summoning all his strength, with a mighty effort, Jennings managed to -get to his knees. - -Like a maddened bull, Red Rogers snorted and puffed as he strove to -force his captive down again. But the years of confinement in prison -had sapped his former titanic strength, and it flashed to his mind that -only by trickery could he overcome the wiry Scout. - -Realizing the outlaw's lack of condition, as he felt his grip relax -when he gained his knees, Jennings took courage. - -But his joy was short lived. - -With tremendous force, Red Rogers drove his knee into the spine of the -Scout, at the same time jerking him backwards. - -Powerless to resist, Jennings was flat on the plateau, and in a trice -the outlaw was kneeling upon his chest, his flushed face grinning in -triumph. - -Shaw, however, had been no match for Pedro, and, cursing and squirming, -was being securely roped by the bandit. - -Fascinated, Scotty and the girl had watched the men struggling for -mastery as they rolled about the plateau. - -As it became evident that his fellows could not overcome the advantage -gained by the outlaws in their rear attack, the youngster gritted his -teeth at his impotence, then suddenly whirled upon the girl, swinging -his arm in an attempt to knock the six shooters from her hands. - -But Rosie was not to be caught napping. - -Dodging the blow cleverly, she levelled her guns at the scout's head. - -"Don't try that again," she exclaimed, quietly. "It's lucky for you, -Red didn't see your move, or he'd make me drop you in your tracks. I -suppose I'm a fool for not doing it, but you seem so young," she added, -whimsically. - -But bitterly was Red destined to repent the girl's soft-heartedness. - -Pedro, however, noticed the changed position of the scout as he got to -his feet after putting the last knot in Shaw's bonds and with an oath -he was upon him. - -"I'll fix you so you can't do any damage," he grunted, as he slipped a -noose over Scotty's right hand, passed the rawhide lariat behind his -back, took a turn about the left wrist and jerked both arms behind his -back. "Rosie, you ought to have dropped him. He might have got you, and -then things wouldn't have been so easy for Red and me." - -"Well, he didn't," smiled the girl, "so there's no harm done. Besides, -he's worth more to us alive than dead." - -This remark, audible to all three of the captives, set them to -wondering to what purpose the outlaw intended to put them, and it did -not improve the tempers of the veterans to think that members of the -Mounted Scouts should be made to serve Red Rogers' ends. - -The task of binding Jennings was finally accomplished, and, exhausted -by their efforts, the bandits squatted near the edge of the plateau to -rest. - -Pedro's method of binding the prisoners had been thorough. Tying the -hands of each behind his back, he had taken two turns of the lariat -about the upper arms, made a knot and then run the rawhide down the -prisoner's back to the ankles, which he bound with a half dozen turns. - -In this manner, the captives were rendered powerless to get to their -feet or to work their arms. - -One way of motion was left to them, however--they could roll. - -In silence, the outlaws gazed out upon the panorama of rocks and trees -below them. - -"Wonder how long it will take for news of your escape to reach the -Fort," mused Pedro, at last, looking at his chief. - -"They probably knew it six hours after we got away," returned Red. "It -ain't like the old days before there were telegraphs. Then, a man could -break jail, get to cover and maybe pull off a raid before the news -could be received. Now you can't more'n get out before the alarm has -been sent to every Fort, sheriff and marshal. - -"That's why I told Rosie to have you cut all the wires out of Keno -before you came to the jail. Then I took the precaution to put the -jailer's son out of commission before I left. He was the only -telegraph operator in town." - -This bit of information as to the manner of the outlaw's escape was -eagerly listened to by the prisoners, and from it they learned that at -least one life, that of the operator, had been sacrificed by Red in -obtaining his freedom. They realized, also, that his cunning in having -the wires all cut before the escape was attempted would delay the alarm -being sent to the Fort and they were wondering as to the other details -of the jail delivery when their attention was once more attracted to -their captors. - -"That was two nights ago," exclaimed Rosie. "By this time, that old -turkey gobbler of a colonel at Griswold has probably ordered out a -regiment on our trail." - -This suggestive nickname for their superior caused the scouts to smile, -but intently they waited upon Red's reply. - -"Sure thing. I'll stake the gold in my belt against an empty cartridge -shell there are more than two hundred troopers within ten miles of us -this very minute," the notorious bandit declared. - -"Then let's get away from here quick," returned the girl, getting to -her feet in evident alarm at the thought of so many pursuers in such -proximity. - -"Don't worry, Rosie," comforted Red. "We're practically safe because -they don't know where to look for us. That's why I shot our ponies last -night and shoved the carcasses into Ten Mile creek. They won't find 'em -and, learning from Keno we had horses, they'll never think of looking -for a foot trail. Still, we'll be going as soon as you've cooked some -grub. It won't be safe to have a fire after to-day till we get to the -old Stockade." - -"Then I'll get busy right away," asserted the girl. "Somehow, I don't -feel safe here, and if our going depends on me, it won't be long before -we start." - -Even as she spoke, Rosie walked toward the entrance of the cave and -soon disappeared within the gaping maw of the crevice. - -At the mention of the outlaw's destination, the scouts had been amazed. -Often had they heard of the Old Stockade, but, as none of the Mounted -Scouts at the Post had ever seen it--or knew it's location--it had come -to be regarded by the Service as a myth. - -But Red's announcement was evidence of its existence, and excitedly -Jennings and Shaw strove to recall the stories they had heard about it. - -So far as either could remember, it was supposed to be a fort built in -the mountain fastnesses of the "Bad Lands" as a refuge against attacks -from Indians by a score of men who had discovered a gold mine. - -That Red knew its whereabouts surprised them, and bitterly they cursed -their inability to compare notes as to the place, due to the distance -their captors had left them apart. - -To Jennings, in particular, the thought of being carried into captivity -by the desperado was torture. In his heart, he believed he could have -overpowered the fellow if he had been attacked anywhere than from -behind. And the more his mind dwelled on this, the more furious he -became. - -Suddenly, an idea occurred to him, and, raising his head, he surveyed -his captors. - -Red Rogers, he saw, was sitting about a yard from the edge of the -plateau, while his companion was some ten feet to his left, both -intently searching the land below for a glimpse of any pursuers. - -"Red Rogers may think he's rendered us powerless, but I'll show him the -only time a Mounted Scout is powerless is when he's dead!" muttered -Jennings to himself. - -And, as he spoke, he put his plan in operation. - -With infinite stealth, he rolled to his side, then turned completely -over, and, when he looked at his captors again, he was a foot nearer -the notorious outlaw. - -Slowly, cautiously, he rolled nearer and nearer. - -How desperate his scheme of hurling Red Rogers to his doom was can -be realized from the fact that, were it successful, the bandit would -probably clutch and drag the scout over the edge of the plateau with -him, or, if the rattle of a stone or a glance backward betrayed his -purpose, a bullet would doubtless be the penalty for his daring. - -But the danger did not daunt Jennings. - -"It's for the good of the Service," he bravely told himself. - -At last, scarce a yard separated him from his victim. - -Determined to risk all on a final roll, the scout summoned his strength -and turned over and over with increasing rapidity. - -Fearful lest the thumping of his heart would warn the outlaw, Jennings -saw that another roll would bring success or failure to his attempt on -Red's life. - -But, before he could take it, he was foiled. - -"Look out! The scout's on you! Oh, Red!" rang out the voice of the -girl. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE DASH FOR LIFE. - - -Cursing frightfully, Red and Pedro leaped to their feet, whipping out -their six shooters, as they faced about. - -At a glance, the notorious outlaw took in the situation and as he -realized the narrow margin of his escape, he glowered at the heroic -scout, his face hideous from fury and hatred. - -But Red never allowed his emotions to dull his brain. - -Scarce a second had elapsed since Rosie's cry had warned the outlaw -of his danger, and, realizing that the scout's impetus was so great -he would be unable to stop himself from rolling over the edge of the -plateau, he stepped over the body and started toward the cave. - -Their attention attracted to their comrade by the girl's warning, Shaw -and Scotty managed to turn so they could see what was transpiring. And -as they beheld the bandit fiend step over their companion's body, their -eyes became transfixed with horror. - -So atrociously wanton was Red's act that the girl could not stand it. - -"Seize him! Grab him!" she pleaded. "If you want to kill him, put a -bullet into him--not that way." - -But the outlaw's fury knew no bounds. - -"Get into the cave--if you don't like it," he hissed. - -With a shudder, Rose clapped her hands to her face while the scouts, -unable to bear the sight of their comrade going to so awful a death, -turned their heads away. - -But Providence did not desert the brave Jennings--though his plan to -send the terrible outlaw to his well deserved fate had been foiled. - -For seconds that seemed eternal, the others awaited the crackling of -the brush along the edge and the thump that should announce the fall of -the prisoner. - -At last, unable longer to bear the strain of suspense, Rosie peered -between her fingers. - -"He's saved! He's saved!" she shouted, exultantly. "Pedro, get him and -bring him to the cave." - -At the cry, the outlaws and scouts alike had faced about. - -In a declivity, whose existence had been hidden by grass, lay Jennings, -midway between where Red Rogers had been sitting and the edge of the -plateau! - -As he realized the miracle of the scout's escape, the outlaw blanched. - -"Get me some whiskey, Rosie," he stammered. - -But the girl did not move. - -"Tell me first what you're going to do," she retorted. - -"What? You dare disobey me?" thundered the desperado, glad to have some -one upon whom to vent his rage and disappointment. "I'll show you----" - -Yet, as he wheeled, his threat died upon his lips. - -With steady hand and determined face, the girl was standing in front of -the cave, her six shooters levelled at the outlaw's head. - -"Now, don't get excited, Red," she exclaimed, quietly. "I'm running -this show for a few minutes. That scout's escape is a warning. His life -wasn't saved for nothing. If you do anything to him now, bad luck will -follow you. - -"Pedro, fetch him to the cave!" - -The calmness and presence of mind of the girl, as she faced the -desperate outlaw, won the admiration of the scouts, while her reference -to the supernatural struck the one vulnerable spot in Red's make-up. - -And, as the fiend who laughed at physical danger, struggled to overcome -his superstition, the others watched him breathlessly. - -Upon the phlegmatic Pedro alone did the dramatic scene fail to have -effect. - -Glancing from girl to outlaw, he shifted uneasily. - -"Shall I fetch him?" he finally demanded of his chief. - -Breathlessly the others awaited Red's reply. - -But, ere he could speak, there rang out a sharp "ping"--and a bullet -flattened itself against the cliff above Rosie's head. - -"Where's that from?" roared the desperado, wheeling. - -One glance from the edge of the plateau answered him. - -Seeming no bigger than ants, a file of men wound in and out among the -rocks far below. - -"It's the troopers! Quick, saddle up!" commanded the bandit. "They're -shooting at such an angle they can't hit us here. But this is no place -to stand a siege. - -"It'll be hot work reaching the Old Stockade, _now_!" - -In the face of this unexpected danger, the stress of the past few -moments was forgotten. - -Quickly Rose dashed into the cave, returning with a canvas bag and some -blankets, while Red and Pedro hurriedly caught the stolen army horses, -thrust bridles, rudely improvised the night before from pieces of -rawhide, into their mouths, and then, with other pieces of thong, laced -the blankets brought out by the girl upon their backs. - -"How about the scouts? Shall we leave 'em?" inquired Pedro. - -"Not much!" returned the outlaw, once more the calculating bandit whose -resourcefulness was his greatest strength. "The troopers will be sure -to come here, and if they find our prisoners, there'll be just three -more against us." - -"But we can put them out of the way," suggested the girl, her former -compassion vanished. - -"Sure, whenever we want. Just now, we need 'em. We'll each put one -behind us. They'll serve as a bullet shield." - -By this time the patter of the bullets against the wall of rock had -become a veritable hailstorm and the wisdom of the bandit's plan was -evident for, once on the trail, there was no telling when some trooper -might get the exact range. - -The work of placing their prisoners upon the ponies and binding their -legs tight beneath the animals' bellies was the work of only a few -minutes. - -In order to get the greatest service from the horses, Red had placed -the two lightest of the band, Rose and Scotty, upon the smallest horse, -assigning Pedro and Shaw to the next smallest, and reserving the most -powerful, which was none other than Jennings' own Bonehead, for himself -and his human shield. - -"We'll ride from the plateau one at a time," instructed the outlaw, -when all was ready. "The troopers don't know how strong we are, and -when they see one after another dash out, we'll gain time, because -they'll wait to find if there are more. - -"Ride close to the cliff and at a run. Turn to the right at the end of -the plateau and go down the mountain. Rosie, you go first. I'll follow. -Bend low. _Now!_" - -Rapidly the desperado had uttered his instructions, and as he gave the -word, the girl leaped her horse forward and, at what seemed foolhardy -speed to the scout at her back, gained the edge of the shelf of rock, -then dashed down the trail, which quickly carried them into the -protection of the woods. - -Taken by surprise, the troopers had sent not one bullet at the girl. -But, when Red Rogers and Jennings appeared in the open, as they raced -for the shelter of the trees, shells whistled and spat as they sped -over their heads or flattened themselves against the rocks below. - -"Swing your man round to your side, Pedro. They'll have the range on -you," shouted his chief, drawing rein to wait for his pal. - -Unfortunate for Shaw proved the warning. - -Quickly obeying his master, Pedro jerked the scout to his side, then -clapped spurs to his mount. - -As the horse gained the trail, there was a volley of shells, one of -which caught Shaw in the shoulder and another ploughed through his -breeches, just escaping his thigh. - -"Lucky there are no more of us," grinned the outlaw, as he hurriedly -bound up Shaw's wound. "Even _I_ shouldn't care about crossing that -clearing again. You men at Fort Griswold shoot well, I'll say that -much. But when you're on patrol, you act like kids." - -This allusion to the ease with which he had first stolen their horses -and then captured them grated deeply upon the two veteran scouts. - -"Wait till this fun is over. You'll sing a different tune," flashed -Jennings, unable to restrain himself longer. - -"Think so, eh?" grinned Red Rogers. "Say, I'd make a bet with you if I -wasn't opposed to taking money from a child. - -"Just to show you I'm right, my doubling on my tracks will give me at -least six hours' leeway. - -"Your troopers will think I've ridden up the mountain and before they -learn their mistake, it will be dark." - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -ONE HUNDRED AGAINST ONE. - - -Chuckling as he saw the angry flushes his taunts brought to the faces -of his prisoners, the desperado wheeled his mount and once more resumed -his way. - -Not far had he ridden, however, when he met Rose, who, alarmed at the -whistling and patter of the shells, had started back to learn if her -pals had been injured. - -"Any wounds?" she asked, surveying Red and Pedro, anxiously. - -"Narry a scratch. Pedro's shield stopped a couple of pills, though. But -they didn't hit him in the vitals. - -"I'll take the lead, now. Keep your eyes and ears open, but don't shoot -unless I give the word." - -And with Red in the van and Pedro bringing up the rear, the outlaws -resumed their ride down the mountainside. - -And, while they descended, the troopers were swarming up the trail, -just as the notorious outlaw had anticipated, eager to close in upon -the fugitives. - -When word had been received at the Fort, thirty hours before, that Red -Rogers had literally shot his way to freedom, leaving three corpses -besides that of the telegraph operator to mark his departure, the -excitement had been intense. - -Summoning his officers, the colonel had bidden them each to take an -hundred men and, riding in the form of a half moon, to scour every nook -and cranny of the foothills, keeping in touch with one another during -the day by heliograph signals and at night by rockets. - -Quickly the orders had been given and as the troopers assembled, -Colonel Edwards had addressed them. - -"Remember, you have no rum-crazed Indian to deal with," he said. "The -man you are after is not only an expert in woodcraft and familiar with -every section of the 'Bad Lands,' but one who knows no fear and brings -down his men when he shoots. - -"The Governor has offered ten thousand dollars reward for Red Rogers -alive. The sheriff and the United States marshal, with their deputies, -are leading posses in pursuit. - -"I want the honor of the capture to come to Fort Griswold. As an -incentive, I promise that the reward shall be divided equally among the -men who catch Red Rogers. - -"_Don't come back without him!_ Captain Smythe, you may start now." - -And as the command had rung out, columns of cavalry had galloped from -the post. - -During the forenoon of the previous day, runners had informed each -column that the outlaw had been assisted in his escape by Rose Landon, -his sweetheart, and Pedro, a former member of his gang of cut-throats, -and that the trio had headed straight north from Keno. - -Believing that the escaped desperado was striving with all speed -possible to reach the border and cross into Canada, the colonel had -ordered three of the columns to ride by forced marches to the boundary -and then to form a cordon; three other columns had been instructed to -enter the foothills at the "Death Trail" and beat the forests as they -worked North, while the seventh, as a precautionary measure, had been -detailed to start the man hunt at the Southern end of the "Bad Lands." - -As the outlaw's destination was the Old Stockade, which was in the -Southern portion of the mountains, it was this seventh column, whose -men and officers had cursed their luck at being kept from the Northern -dash, that had so unexpectedly sighted the quarry. - -The officer in command was Lieutenant Harry Fox, and with him at the -head of the troops rode a half-breed scout whom the soldiers had dubbed -Alkali, because of his insatiable thirst. - -"Funny we ain't seen nothing of Jennings' patrol," the scout was -saying, when suddenly his keen eyes discerned the "broken staff" signal. - -Quickly communicating his discovery to his superiors, the two men -spurred their horses forward and soon were in possession of Shaw's note. - -"Well, if that ain't just Red's luck," growled Alkali, as the -lieutenant read the message aloud. - -"It strikes me it's our luck. What do you mean?" demanded Fox. - -"I mean six hundred troopers and goodness knows how many posses are -hunting for Red to the North and here he is to the South with only a -hundred--and them the boniest heads in the bunch--to dodge." - -The lieutenant was young, and this contemptuous allusion to the -scouting ability of his command and the half-breed's assurance that the -outlaw would elude them, angered him. - -"Well, if my hundred men can't run one outlaw to cover, especially -when our three mounted scouts are trailing him, I'll shoot the whole -blooming lot!" he retorted, hotly. - -"Keerful! Steady in the ranks! Don't go to making no rash promises!" -cautioned Alkali. "Remember, you ain't been up against Red before. - -"By the time you're through with him, you're liable to know you've been -on a real manhunt." - -"That may be. But, I'm not going to begin by whining because I haven't -a man for every rock and tree," rejoined the young officer. "If Red -Rogers is such a tricky customer, here's the chance for you to show -some of your cleverness, Alkali--and win fame and money into the -bargain." - -Before the lieutenant had ceased speaking, several of the troopers -had come up and as they heard their superior's sarcastic words, they -grinned appreciatively, for the half-breed was not popular, and was -always boasting of his prowess on the trail. - -With the arrival of his men, Fox became every inch the officer. - -"Sergeant, tell the signal man to flash his heliograph and say we've -located Rogers," he commanded. "Alkali, pick up Jennings' trail." - -And as the men obeyed, he drew forth his field glasses and swept the -mountainside. - -Stung by the lieutenant's taunts and the troopers' glee, the half-breed -employed his woodcraft to the best of his ability, and in less than ten -minutes returned to the boulder, announcing that he had found the trail. - -Surprised, but delighted at such quick work, the young officer gave the -command to advance and the troopers, elated to think that they had a -chance at the prize money after all, took up the trail eagerly. - -But the going was rough and the trail tortuous. - -At the end of three hours' toilsome climbing, the troopers were -rewarded by a shout from Alkali, who was pointing excitedly to the -plateau where the outlaw had come so near death at the hands of the -brave scout. - -Quickly the lieutenant focussed his glasses upon the shelf of rock. - -"It's horses! Yes, cavalry horses!" he exclaimed, excitedly. - -"Boys, give 'em a few shots. We may be able to scare 'em out." - -And how well the troopers succeeded, the reader already knows. - -As the outlaw had anticipated, Rose's dash had taken the cavalrymen by -surprise, but they were prepared for Red and Pedro when they appeared. - -After the girl's escape, the lieutenant had trained his field glasses -on the trail. - -"It's Red, all right! It must be from his shirt! He's got some one -behind him. A hundred dollars to the man who drops him!" cried Fox, -excitedly, as the outlaw raced along the trail. - -After Pedro had passed, the troopers waited several minutes. - -"There's no more of 'em," opined Alkali. "We're only losing time here. -Better strike for them woods, sir." - -But the young officer was of a different mind. - -"That's just what Red would expect us to do," returned the lieutenant. -"Up the trail, men." - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE QUARREL. - - -Peering constantly to the left, right and ahead of him, the cunning -outlaw descended the trail, now raising his hand for his companions to -halt while he rode ahead to reconnoiter, now beckoning to them to ride -faster. - -His calmness, woodcraft and absolute fearlessness could not but rouse -the admiration of the scout who was made his unwilling companion, yet -as each minute passed without any sound indicating the approach of the -troopers, thereby corroborating Red's statement that the cavalrymen -would never think of his doubling on his tracks, Jennings could barely -restrain his anger and disappointment. - -And that the same thoughts were in the mind of his veteran comrade was -soon made apparent. - -As the trail swung toward the edge of the woods nearest the troopers, -Shaw turned his head. - -"Help!" he started to bellow. - -But the alarm that might have ended the notorious outlaw's career then -and there never rang out. - -As the first sound came from the scout's lips, Pedro whirled with -lightning rapidity and, seizing his prisoner by the throat, stifled the -cry by choking him until his tongue protruded from his mouth. - -Ignorant of what had been their comrade's purpose, Jennings and Scotty -turned their heads to learn the cause of the commotion--and this act -lost to them the precious opportunity to attract the attention of the -troopers. - -Seemingly divining what had occurred, even as the scouts turned their -heads, Red and Rose jammed kerchiefs into their mouths and in a trice -they were effectually gagged, after which, the girl repeated the -operation upon Shaw. - -"Say, you dubs want to remember it's Red Rogers who has captured -you--not some fool trooper or Mounted Scout," jeered the outlaw. -"Slicker men than you have tried to trick me--and failed. But, don't -try my patience too often. Much as I enjoy your company, you may force -me to part with it." - -And, with this statement, so sinister in its significance, the -desperado resumed the descent of the trail. - -When Pedro's powerful hand had choked off Shaw's attempt to hail his -comrades from the Fort, he had expected death would be the penalty for -his failure. Accordingly, when he found that the only consequence was -the increased discomfiture to himself and fellows occasioned by the -gags, he fell to wondering more than ever as to the use Red Rogers -intended to make of them. - -But he was soon to learn. - -Instead of following a straight course to the foot of the mountain, -the outlaw zigzagged back and forth, sending his horse across stretches -of rock, whenever they cropped from the earth, that his trail might -suddenly stop, causing the manhunters following it delay and difficulty -in picking it up again. - -At last, however, just as twilight came upon the land, the cavalcade -rode out upon the level at the base of the foothills. - -But, to the amazement of the scouts, they were in a region of the "Bad -Lands" never before seen by them. - -For several minutes the notorious desperado watched the expressions on -the faces of his prisoners as they vainly sought some familiar landmark -that would give them an inkling as to their whereabouts. - -"If I had time, I'd make a map of these hills and send it to the -commandant at Griswold," he chuckled. "It's beyond reason to expect a -Mounted Scout or any other soldier to catch a man in a country he don't -know anything about. - -"But you'd be more surprised than you are now if you knew how close to -Griswold you were. I could get there and back in ten hours." - -"Careful, Red," cautioned Rose. "Don't boast." - -"Did you ever hear me say anything I didn't make good?" demanded the -outlaw, turning fiercely upon the girl. - -"No-o--not exactly. I've never known you to fall down _yet_." - -"You mean I haven't carried out my pledge to your father?" queried -Rogers, irritated by the emphasis Rose placed on the word "yet." - -"Uhuh." - -This answer aroused the bandit's anger, sending hot flushes to his -cheeks. - -"That ain't fair, Rose, and you know it. I'd never been caught if I -hadn't stopped to place your father where the manhunters could not find -him to claim the five thousand reward, dead or alive. Here I've set the -whole state by the ears by getting out of jail at Keno so's I could -keep my pledge to your daddy--and there ain't been a day during the -five years I was behind the bars, I ain't watched my chance--and now -you accuse me of laying down. 'Tain't fair, Rosie, 'tain't fair." - -Eagerly the scouts drank in the bits of intimate history disclosed by -Red's passionate outburst, hoping against hope that he would let fall -more of his life's secrets. - -But the girl's actions prevented this. - -Placing her hand soothingly on the outlaw's arm, she looked into his -face. - -"Don't talk that way, Red," she breathed. - -"I had no right to say what I did. 'Course, you've had no chance to -keep your pledge. I know that. I didn't mean it the way you took it. -Why, you're the only friend I've got left in the world. How do you -suppose I'd lived if you hadn't sent Pedro with that bag of gold to me -the night they--the night daddy was killed? - -"_Please_ don't be angry with me, Red." - -The pleading tone and soulful eyes with which the girl sought -forgiveness appeased the huge desperado's wrath. - -"Guess I couldn't if I wanted to," he returned, the tone in which he -uttered the words sounding silly from such a man. - -But, as he spoke, he reached out an arm, and lowered his bearded face, -with the evident intention of drawing Rose to him and kissing her. - -With a movement of well-feigned embarrassment, the girl avoided him, -and so grotesque was the expression that spread over Red's face at the -failure of his uncouth attempt at love-making that the scouts grinned. - -Unluckily for them, the outlaw saw their mirth. - -"You would mock me, would you?" he thundered. "I'll teach you to laugh -at Red Rogers!" - -And drawing back his fist, he drove it full into the helpless Jennings' -face, causing the blood to spurt from his nose. - -Abashed by this act of wanton cruelty in striking a man bound hand and -foot, the others cowered. - -Chuckling at the evident pain he had caused the scout, the desperado -snatched the canvas bag from where Rose had been carrying it in front -of her, drew forth a flask, and took a long pull at it. - -Cursing horribly, the bandit shook the flask at his prisoners. - -"If I can't have love, I can have whiskey and blood--and I'll have -'em!" he hissed. - -Rose's repulse had transformed the outlaw from a good-natured giant to -a fiend incarnate--and none of the awed group seemed to realize it more -fully than the girl herself. - -"Oh, Red, don't talk like that. I'll kiss you, if you want me to. I--I -only didn't like to have all these men see me," she exclaimed, suddenly -determined to sacrifice herself for the safety of the people in the -region upon which this terrible bandit had been loosed. - -"Too late!" chuckled Rogers, taking another pull at his flask. "I'll -keep you by me till I've fulfilled my pledge to old Barney--and then -you must shift for yourself. Not a sou will Red Rogers give nor a -finger will he lift again to help Barney Landon's daughter!" - -Horrible to behold was the desperado as he uttered these words and -gloatingly he noticed the shock they caused his hearers. - -Cursing his helplessness, Scotty longed to avenge the insult, or to let -the girl know he would protect her--for the scout was young and Rose -was of a wild beauty which had captivated the boy's heart the moment he -had seen her--but he was forced to content himself with an attempt to -convey his meaning by pressing against her. - -Yet the girl seemed to understand, and, turning her head, smiled -gratefully at her prisoner. - -Fortunately for the two, the outlaw was too absorbed in his thoughts to -notice them. Indeed, so engrossed was he that it was obvious to all he -was planning some deviltry. - -Suddenly his face broke into a hideous smile. - -"Pedro, get off that horse!" he commanded. "Put your scout on the one -the girl's riding. Tie him fast, so he can't get loose. Then take the -man from behind me and put him, together with the kid, on your horse. -I'll take the girl with me." - -To the others, it seemed nothing could have been more significant of -the change that had come over the desperado than his refusal to call -Rose by her name. - -Yet Red's next words gave evidence that there was. - -"Better give her guns and knives to me before you begin transferring -the scouts, Pedro," he commanded. - -"Am I a prisoner?" demanded the girl, her voice defiant, though in her -heart she was deeply alarmed. - -"Not _yet_!" returned the outlaw, grinning as he made use of the very -words of Rose--words which had caused his metamorphosis. "It depends on -how you behave. Get a move on, Pedro, it will soon be dark." - -As his pal, too familiar with his chief's moods to dally, stepped -toward the girl, she determined upon a last appeal. - -"Shame on you, Red Rogers, to order her weapons to be taken from your -old pal Barney Landon's daughter!" she flashed. - -"And shame on you for refusing a kiss to the only friend you or old -Barney Landon ever had," mocked the outlaw. - -"I didn't refuse. I was embarrassed. Of course, you can have one or -twenty, Red." - -Into her words and the expression on her face, Rose put all her -persuasiveness. - -Breathlessly the others watched the effect upon the outlaw of her -apparent surrender. - -A moment Red scanned her face searchingly. - -"Go ahead, Pedro," he growled. - -And, turning his back, he took another pull at his flask. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -RED ROGERS SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE FORT. - - -In tense silence, Rose watched the bandit approach to carry out his -master's orders. - -An instant the girl thought of defying both the notorious outlaw who -had spurned her and his minion. A slash of her bowie-knife would sever -the bonds of the scout at her back and then she could cover both Red -and Pedro with her six shooters. - -The thought of having the desperado in her power and the pleasure it -would be to humble him by forcing an apology from his lips proved -irresistible, and stealthily she dropped her hands to the pistol butts. - -Pedro, however, was watching her intently, and as he saw the movement, -leaped upon her, catching her wrists in his powerful hands. - -"No you don't, my lady!" he hissed. "Hey, Red, this she-devil was going -to shoot you." - -"I'm not surprised. The Landons never were strong on gratitude," -returned the bandit. "Hurry and take away her shooting irons so she -won't have another chance, and then transfer the prisoners as I told -you." - -These words were spoken by Rogers without taking the trouble even to -turn his head, and his utter indifference to her contemplated act of -treachery effected Rose as nothing else could have done. - -"Oh, Red, forgive me! Forgive me!" she sobbed. "I didn't mean to -quarrel with you. The excitement of your breaking out of jail and our -escape from the troopers have been too much for my nerves. I know you -were a friend to daddy--and you've been to me. Please for----" - -"Bah! Cut it out," interrupted the outlaw, savagely. "You've showed -your real nature. It's lucky for me you did. Now that I know you, I -can make my plans accordingly." - -Even the scouts were amazed at the bitterness of this reply, and they -awaited with many misgivings the next move of their strange captor. - -That he was doing something, they could all see from the motion of his -right arm, but not until it suited his pleasure did they learn what it -was. - -"Are the men ready, Pedro?" he inquired at last. - -"Uhuh!" - -"Good. Keep a close watch on the girl and the young and the old -prisoners. I'll be back in a little while. Remember, I hold you -responsible for the girl and the others. If you try any tricks or leave -this spot, I'll hunt you down--if I have to follow you into the jail at -Keno!" - -These words showed plainly the desperateness of Roger's mood, and the -others followed his every move with apprehension. - -Suddenly reining his pony alongside of Shaw, he unwound the sash about -his own waist and bound it about the scout's head, blindfolding him. - -This done, he seized the horse by the bridle and started to lead it -down the canyon. - -"Remember, your lives will pay the forfeit if I do not find you all -here when I return," he snapped, in warning. - -Believing that his end had come, Shaw listened for the slightest sound -that might give an inkling as to the fate in store for him. But only -the tramp of his horse could he hear. - -For minutes that seemed interminable, his suspense continued. Now he -thought he caught the sound of rushing water, and feared he was about -to plunge into some swirling stream, then, as the sound died away, -he told himself that his captor was probably leading him toward some -precipice from which he would fall to a horrible death. The uncertainty -was maddening. It seemed to him that his head would burst and in his -mental agony he writhed and squirmed. - -But at last his suffering came to an end. - -"I'm going to send you with a message to the Fort," exclaimed Rogers, -suddenly, as he stopped the horse. "That is, I'm going to start you -with a message. Whether you live to deliver it is another matter," he -added, grimly. "However, if anything happens to you, the message will -be probably found, because within three hours you ought to be on a well -traveled trail." - -In amazement, the scout listened to his words, then felt something -being thrust under the cords that bound his arms. - -As this motion ceased, there ensued an absolute silence, then a -resounding slap rang out and Shaw felt his mount leap forward--whither, -he did not know. - -And as his horse dashed ahead, Rogers mocking laugh rang in his ears. - -Diabolical, indeed, was the plan the terrible outlaw had adopted. - -Absolutely helpless, even his powers of speech and sight cut off by a -gag and bandage, and bound fast to a horse, the scout was sent at a -gallop into the night. Should the animal stumble, he might be crushed -to death. Unfamiliar with the trail, in the darkness the horse might -step off a precipice or, should the animal take it into his head, he -might wander among the foothills, browsing in the sweet grass while the -man on his back, tortured by flies and mosquitoes, slowly went crazy -from thirst and hunger. - -Little, however, did Rogers reck what fate overtook the scout, -though he hoped the horse would return to the Fort, finding his way -by instinct, well knowing that the sight of the soldier, bound and -wounded, would rouse the colonel to fury, while his crude note was -intended to strike terror by its threats. - -But not long did the outlaw have to gloat over his deviltry. - -As he stood listening to the hoofbeats of the army horse grow fainter -and fainter, his eyes wandered over the dim outlines of the mountains -surrounding him. - -Suddenly he saw a ball of flame shoot into the air from the hill -directly ahead of him, followed almost immediately by other balls from -right and left. - -"Rocket signals!" exclaimed Rogers. "By the blood of old Barney! it -won't do for me to delay getting to the Stockade. Judging from their -rockets, the manhunters must be closing in on it. If I'm going to reach -there at all, it must be to-night. I can never get through in the -daytime." - -Rose and the others also beheld the signals, and in the face of the -danger all the girl's anger against the outlaw vanished. - -"Oh, Red! Did you see those rockets?" she inquired, with her old time -interest in his welfare, as he rejoined his anxious companions. - -"Sure I saw 'em," he replied. "Couldn't very well help it--unless I was -blindfolded, like the scout." - -At the mention of the luckless man he had led away, the girl drew her -breath sharply. - -"What did you do to him?" she demanded. - -"It's none of your business, but I don't mind telling you," responded -Rogers, his anger at Rose apparently forgotten. "I sent him with a -message to the Fort." - -"But he'll never get there!" protested the girl. - -"Why not?" - -"The horse doesn't know the way." - -"Never you worry. An army horse will always find his way back to his -post--provided nothing happens to him." - -"But, if he doesn't go quickly, the man may die!" gasped Rose, in -horror. - -"So much the better. It'll give more force to my terms." - -At this announcement that the desperado had not only sent a message to -the Fort, but had dictated conditions, the others were amazed. - -"What in the world did you say?" queried the girl, voicing the -curiosity of the rest. - -"Not much." - -"But what?" - -"Say, you're asking a good many questions, did you know it?" demanded -Rogers. - -His tone, however, indicated that he was not displeased and so Rose -persisted. - -"How can I help it since you won't tell without my asking?" she -returned. - -"If you ain't just like old Barney," mused the bandit, smiling at the -girl good naturedly. "I've seen Barney ready to shoot a man down, then -something would excite his curiosity, and he'd forget what he was -holding his guns for. Many a time he----" - -"Never mind about daddy. What did you say in your message?" interrupted -Rose, impatiently. - -"But it was about your daddy." - -"About daddy? Oh, Red, tell me." Then a shrewd thought flashed into her -mind and she added: "You're wasting valuable time teasing me." - -The words produced the desired effect upon the bandit, recalling him, -as they did, to the danger of his position. - -"I guess it would be better for me if we stayed mad," he rejoined. "I -forget everything when I'm talking to you, Rosie." - -"Then I won't say another word to you, _ever_, unless you tell me what -message you sent to the Fort," pouted the girl, aware that the breech -between them had been healed. - -"Oh, it was nothing much. I just told the colonel I'd come back to keep -the pledge I made to Barney the night he was killed, adding that I -had two more of his men beside the messenger, I was keeping so's he'd -behave. Oh, yes, and I told him if he didn't get a safe conduct for you -and leave it at old man Quint's before to-day week, I'd run down and -burn up his old Fort." - -In contemplation of the effect such a message from the man for whom his -troops were scouring the "Bad Lands" would have upon their choleric -colonel, the scouts forgot the precariousness of their position. - -"But old turkey gobler won't do it," exclaimed Rose, with the evident -wish of being contradicted. - -"No-o. I don't suppose he will," admitted the outlaw, reluctantly. "But -it will give me a chance to make 'em sit-up and take notice. It'll show -'em they've got some job on their hands to catch me when I can run -through their lines, call at old man Quint's and get back again." - -"Nobody with any sense would try it," grunted Pedro. "What would become -of Rosie and me if you got caught? You ought to think of others besides -yourself when you're planning these daredevil raids." - -"That's just what I am doing," retorted Rogers. "Didn't I tell you I -asked the colonel for a safe conduct for Rosie? If I can only get it, -she can go to Old Mex. and you can go where you please." - -"And where'll you go?" demanded Pedro, suspiciously. - -"I? Oh, I'll just carry out my pledge and then travel for my health." - -The matter-of-fact manner in which the outlaw, who was, even as he -spoke, being hunted by hundreds of men, talked of eluding his pursuers -and fulfilling his promise, gave the scouts an idea of his absolute -fearlessness which they could not but admire, while at the same time -his contempt for the Service galled them. - -The girl, however, received Red's words in silence. - -"What is the pledge you made to daddy?" she suddenly demanded. - -"Something that doesn't concern you, Rosie." - -"But it _does_. I don't see why you should run such risks of being -captured, now you're safe, just on account of a promise. _Please_ -tell me what it is. I'm Barney's daughter, and as such--if it seems -foolish--I can absolve you from your pledge." - -Though they had known that the outlaw had made some sort of promise to -his pal as he lay dying in his arms, neither Rose nor Pedro were aware -of its exact nature. Moreover, the constant reference to it since their -capture had whetted the curiosity of the scouts. - -Consequently it was with keenest eagerness the four listened for the -bandit's answer. - -"It's generous of you, Rosie, very," he finally declared. "But Red -Rogers never broke a promise yet!" - -And with these words, the outlaw mounted his horse and, followed by -Pedro with the prisoners, set out for the Old Stockade. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -A DESPERATE RUSE. - - -Despite the fact that the man who spoke these words was a villain of -the deepest die, wantonly cruel, who had not hesitated to take the life -of man or woman when his doing so meant the saving of his own, there -was an impressiveness about his refusal to foreswear his promise to his -dead pal. And, respecting his attitude, regardless of how perverted it -was, the girl made no further attempt to dissuade him from his purpose. - -Indeed, no opportunity could she have found even had she desired to -make the attempt. - -As the horses bore them up the trail, the outlaws and their prisoners -were able to obtain a better view of the surrounding hills and what -they beheld amazed them. - -The rocks seemed alive with scores of bobbing lights, giving to the -mountains, huge in their outlines, the appearance of strange monsters -with innumerable glowing eyes. - -In silence, Rogers contemplated the spectacle. - -And as he watched, there suddenly leaped into the air a great -semi-circular wall of flame. - -"By the blood of old Barney! there'll be hot work to-night," snarled -the outlaw. "I'd calculated the manhunters would go into camp for the -night and instead they're searching with fire and torches!" - -If the activity of the troopers alarmed Rogers and his pals, it raised -the spirits of the scouts to the highest pitch of exultation and -excitement. - -Just where the Old Stockade was located, neither Jennings nor Scotty -knew, but so enormous was the semi-circle of flame they believed it -would be impossible for Rogers to reach it and his next move made their -belief certainty. - -"You all stay here," he exclaimed. "I'm going to reconnoiter." - -"Please don't, Red," pleaded the girl. - -"But I must, Rosie. If it's a possible thing, we must get through to -the Stockade, and the flare from those fires is so deceptive, I can't -tell whether or not the trail is blocked unless I get close." - -And without giving the girl the opportunity to make further protest, -the outlaw disappeared in the darkness. - -Yet scarcely did it seem to the anxious group that he had gone than he -was back. - -"Quick! Blindfold the prisoners!" he commanded. "We can't get to the -Old Stockade. The fire wall runs clear round the loop, and when I -turned 'Look out' rock, a score of lights were just starting up the -very mountain we're on." - -"Where are you going, back?" queried Rose, the only indication of the -desperateness of their situation being in the tenseness of her voice. - -"Don't talk direction," warned Rogers. "We're going to the 'Breathing -Cave.' It's our only chance--and it's going to be lively work. Dismount -and walk, Pedro. We can make better time and help the horses more." - -Instantly the outlaw's commands were obeyed, and the dash for the -"Breathing Cave" and temporary safety, at least, was begun. - -Maddened to think they were powerless to disclose the whereabouts -of Red Rogers, the scouts racked their brains for some expedient by -which they could manage to retard the fugitives. But in vain. And to -their helplessness was added the inability even to see how close their -comrades were. - -When the heliograph signal had been received at the Fort and by the -three center columns that Lieutenant Fox and his men had not only -picked up the outlaw's trail, but had actually got near enough to shoot -at him, there was great excitement and jubilation among the troopers in -the saddle and the men left at the Post. - -What the colonel and civil authorities had feared it might take weeks, -perhaps months, to do had been accomplished in less than forty-eight -hours, and their joy was corresponding. - -Instantly word was telegraphed to deputy marshals and sheriffs as to -the general whereabouts of the fugitives, and they were urged to press -into service every man who could carry a gun and ride to the foothills -without mercy to their horses. - -Assurances received that the request would be obeyed, the colonel -ordered four hundred of the five hundred troopers left at the Fort to -race to the scene, and he himself rode at their head. - -Thoroughly aware of their quarry's resourcefulness, the colonel had -struck upon the scheme of throwing out the great semi-circle of fire -as an effective stop to the fugitives getting through to the North or -West. The East needed no protection, for it was self-evident that the -outlaw would not come out on the plains where capture was certain. Only -the South--the direction from which the civil posses would come--would -be left dark, for the reason that there were none among them who could -read the heliograph signals. But the colonel hoped they would see the -fires of his troopers and divining their purpose complete the circle. - -Fox's men, by reason of their being on the scene, were ordered to the -West, together with such of the middle columns as could be got there in -time, while the men from the Fort were to take the Northern position. - -Sparing neither themselves nor their mounts, the troopers rode, and the -exchange of rockets Rogers had seen were the announcements that the men -were in position, followed in due course by the signal to touch off the -wall of fire. - -To Rogers and the girl, it seemed as though the torch-bearing troopers -must have wings, so rapidly did they advance, and the voices of the -manhunters approaching from the direction of "Look Out" rock soon -became audible, as they shouted encouragement to one another. - -The course followed by the outlaw and his companions was almost due -Southwest. - -"Can we make it?" breathed Rose, as the shouts became more and more -distinct. - -"We've _got_ to make it," returned Rogers. - -"Don't talk that way. Tell me the truth," pleaded the girl. - -"Fifteen minutes will tell the tale, Rosie. Keep your eye on Pedro. -Don't let him lag." - -In an agony of suspense, the girl kept her head turned toward the -manhunters while she maintained a whispered outpouring of encouragement -and exhortation at the bandit who was leading the prisoners. - -Nearer and nearer, the fugitives approached the haven selected by the -notorious outlaw. - -"I reckon we're safe, Rosie," breathed Rogers, at last. "We have less -than a hundred yards to go." - -"Glory be!" returned the girl. - -But their rejoicing was premature! - -Barely had the words left the outlaw's lips than his keen eyes -discerned the form of a man skulking ahead of them. - -Suppressing an oath, Rogers bade Rose halt and dismount. Then, -crouching low, he glided with wonderful swiftness upon the moving -figure. - -As he drew himself together for the leap that would bring him upon the -man, Red's foot crunched a pebble. - -Apprised by the sound that there was some one near at hand, for the -outlaw had managed to hide his advance in the shadow of the brush and -rocks lining the trail, the man stopped. - -"Who goes there? Friend or foe?" he gasped. - -"Friend," returned the outlaw, advancing boldly. - -Relieved at the thought he had run across a fellow manhunter, the other -exclaimed: - -"I'm glad you're here. I've heard hoofbeats coming up this trail for -several minutes. I don't believe any one else but Red and me knows of -the 'Breathing Cave,' so I suppose it's him. By standing one on each -side of the trail, we ought to get both him and Pedro. - -"We'll shoot Pedro. But we won't get the ten thousand reward unless we -get Red alive. I asked Sheriff Black to-day. When I found that out and -heard where Red had been located and the plans the soldiers were making -which would cut off his going to the Old Stockade, I hit the trail for -the Cave. I'm----" - -But the fellow never finished his sentence. - -With a shocking oath, the terrible outlaw seized him by the throat and -shook him as a terrier does a rat. - -"You would betray me for a reward, would you, Faro Pete?" he hissed. - -An instant Rogers waited until the shudder which ran through his -captive's body told him the fellow had recognized him. Then he raised -his pistol butt and crashed it down with terrific force upon his -would-be betrayer's head. - -Precious time had been lost, however, in listening to, Faro Pete--time -that Red spared only because he wished to learn all he could as to -the manhunters' plans and the reward. As soon as he had acquired this -information, he had ended his former pal's life, and dropping the body -beside the trail, the outlaw hastened back to his companions. - -"There's some one over there to the North of us, I think," breathed -Pedro, when his master rejoined him. - -Pressed on all sides, Rogers and his comrades were, indeed, in -desperate straits. One false move and their fate would be sealed. - -A moment, the outlaw pondered. - -"Quick, Rosie! Take this knife and cut the thongs binding the scouts to -the horses. Pedro, grab the smaller one. Choke him so he'll be quiet. -When I give the word, dash with him for the Cave. I'll tote the other. - -"Rosie, when I say _now_, turn the horses and send them down the trail -on the run!" - -These directions were uttered with as little noise as possible. Yet -they were overheard. - -"Here they are! Here they are! Close in on 'em!" yelled four or five -voices from the direction Pedro had said he heard suspicious sounds. - -Under the crackling of the bushes and the crunching of stones as the -manhunters advanced, Rogers whispered: - -"Now!" - -Frantically Rose jabbed the horses with the knife the outlaw had given -her. - -Snorting with pain and fright, the animals dashed down the trail, the -beat of their iron shoes upon the rocks ringing out loud and clear. - -"Watch out!" - -"Down the trail!" - -"They're mounted!" - -"Shoot 'em!" - -"Don't let 'em escape!" - -In a babel of voices, these warnings and commands were roared. - -"Crouch down!" breathed Rogers. "If they shoot, we'll dash for the -Cave. If they don't, we'll----" - -Bang! crashed a volley. Then another and another. - -With all speed possible, the troopers rushed up the mountainside while, -as the reports rang out and reverberated among the mountains, wild were -the wavings of torches by the manhunters too far away to join in the -pursuit. - -And under cover of the confusion, Red Rogers and his comrades gained -the entrance to the "Breathing Cave." - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -BESIEGED. - - -So deadly had been the aim of the troopers as they poured their volleys -of lead at the horses dashing down the mountain that the animals were -quickly stopped in their mad run. - -"Close in! Be careful, Red is a dead shot!" yelled the manhunters as -they leaped and scrambled over the rocks, hurrying to gain the spot -where the horses had dropped before the fugitives, whom they supposed -to have been riding the animals, could have the chance to seek cover in -the underbrush. - -The flare of the torches made the mountainside almost as light as day. - -In the excitement, the manhunters poured volleys of lead at everything -that moved, determined not to let the outlaw escape again. - -But as the foremost of the pursuers gained the side of the disabled -horses, they knew that they had been outwitted by the resourceful -Rogers. - -"He's fooled us!" yelled a trooper. - -"What makes you think so?" demanded Lieutenant Fox, who was the first -officer to reach the scene. - -"Because the horses and their blankets are riddled with bullets," -replied one of his men. "No person could have been on their backs and -have lived." - -"Then where _is_ Rogers?" returned the young officer. - -"The old Nick only knows," grunted a veteran. "One thing's certain, -though." And then the trooper grew silent, as if repenting of his words. - -"What is certain? Why don't you speak, man, instead of standing there -like a dummy?" flashed Fox. - -"I didn't want to seem to be meddling, sir," rejoined the trooper. -"But I was going to say that Red can't be far away or he wouldn't have -resorted to the ruse of turning his horses loose." - -"Then get busy and find him. Don't waste precious time standing round -here," snapped the lieutenant. And at his words, the group about -the fallen horses melted away and disappeared among the rocks and -underbrush, the men's course being indicated by the glow from their -torches. - -A moment the young officer stood, debating whether he should go with -his men or report to the colonel, and before he had made up his mind, -the members of the sheriff's posse who had caused the outlaw to abandon -his horses, came upon him. - -"Who are you?" demanded the lieutenant. - -"We came with Sheriff Black," replied one of them. - -"Well, get into the brush. Don't dally round here. Rogers has tricked -us." - -"Ain't that just like him?" exclaimed another member of the posse. "I -told Black, while we were waiting up the trail yonder, that I'd bet Red -would get away, and now he's done it. One or a thousand men, it don't -make no difference to him. If he has any chance at all, he can wriggle -through them. Now I----" - -But the young officer, reminded by the fellow's words of the manner in -which the outlaw had eluded him during the day, turned on his heel and -was walking away, when a shout sounded from ahead. - -"This way! This way!" yelled a voice. "Red's gone this way! Here's the -body of a man he's killed!" - -Instantly the troopers who had been scouring the mountainside -surrounding the horses gave up their efforts and hastened up the trail. - -"That's Faro Pete," announced Sheriff Black, after an examination of -the body. "I'd rather have lost a dozen other men than him." - -"Why?" demanded Captain Smythe, forcing his way through the group about -the man whom the outlaw had killed. - -"Because, as a member of Red's old gang, he knew all his haunts. When -he heard where the cuss had been located, he 'lowed that Red would -probably make for the Old Stockade, and if he found the trails cut off, -for the 'Breathing Cave.' Pete was the only man, so far as I know, who -was ever with Red in the Cave. And now he's gone and we're likely to be -gray headed before we can find out how to get into it." - -"Breathing Cave? Breathing Cave?" repeated the captain. "What in the -world are you talking about, man? Who ever heard of a Breathing Cave?" - -"I have, sir," replied a voice. - -In surprise, the officers and sheriff turned toward the speaker and -beheld Alkali. - -"Then tell us what it is and where it is," commanded Smythe. - -"It's a crack in a rock, barely large enough for a man to squeeze into, -and when you stand beside it, you can feel it breathe." - -"Feel a rock breathe," sneered Lieutenant Fox, contemptuously. "Have -you been drinking, Alkali?" - -"No, sir. What I'm telling you about that Cave is the truth. And I can -prove it." - -"How?" demanded Smythe. - -"By taking you to it." - -"You know where it is?" exclaimed the sheriff and the officers, in -pleased surprise. - -"Sure I do. You ain't more than three rods from it this very minute." - -"Then take us to it," ordered the captain. "Beyond a doubt, that's -where the man we're after is hiding. Fox, go down and report to the -colonel all we have learned. You might suggest that it would be well -for him to come up here. He'll probably wish to take charge of the -prisoner." - -With no attempt to conceal his disappointment and displeasure at being -sent by his superior to carry a message to the colonel that might just -as well have been entrusted to a private, especially when the capture -of the notorious outlaw who had led them such a merry chase seemed -imminent, the lieutenant turned on his heel without replying, starting -down the mountainside at a run. - -Shouting and yelling in jubilation at the thought they would soon have -the notorious outlaw securely bound and on his way back to the jail -from which he had escaped, leaving a trail of Corpses behind him, the -troopers swarmed after the half-breed. - -"I wish you'd hold 'em back, sir," exclaimed Alkali to the captain, who -with several other officers was following close at the scout's heels. - -"Why?" - -"Because I want to examine the entrance to the Cave to find if Red is -really in there. But if them troopers, crowd round, they'll spoil any -tracks there may be." - -Realizing that Alkali spoke sound sense, the captain faced about. - -"No man can come nearer the Cave than twenty feet until I give -permission," he shouted. - -Amazed at the command, the troopers asked one another what new -development could have transpired. But their curiosity was quickly -allayed by the sight of the half-breed creeping about on his hands and -knees. - -Interest in the scout's discoveries was forgotten for the moment by -the officers as they felt a sudden outpouring of air, followed several -seconds later by a sucking downward of the atmosphere. - -"What in the world can that be?" they asked one another. - -"It's the 'Breathing Cave,'" grunted Alkali; in explanation. - -"It sure is just like a person breathing," asserted Captain Smythe, -after he and several of his companions had dropped to their knees near -the crevice in the rock and felt the outward and inward rush of air -against their faces. - -"How did you know about it, Alkali?" demanded another officer. - -"Injuns." - -"Did they give any explanation of the mystery?" - -"Some did, some didn't." - -Further discussion of the wonder was prevented for the moment, at -least, by the arrival of Colonel Edwards. - -"Have you got the devil cornered, Smythe?" he asked of the officer. - -"I believe so, sir." - -"Believe? Don't you _know_?" thundered his superior. - -"No, sir. I'm waiting for Alkali to determine whether Rogers has -entered that opening in the rock or not." - -"Well, I guess the surest way to put an end to him is for the earth to -swallow him," chuckled the colonel. "What do you find, Alkali?" - -"He's in there, and there are two others with him. I----" - -"Any sign of the three Mounted Scouts they captured?" interrupted -Captain Smythe. - -"They was dragging something with them. You can see where the dirt over -there is scraped. But whether it's the Scouts, I can't say, sir." - -"We'll probably find their bodies somewhere down the trail," opined the -colonel. "It isn't likely they would have bothered with them when we -were pressing them so close. But you're sure Red Rogers is in there?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Any other way to get into the Cave?" - -"Not as I know of, sir." - -"How big is it?" - -"Never was inside." - -"Well, there's one sure thing. Rogers and his companions can't find any -food in there." - -"Captain Smythe, you will pick thirty-men and stay here, camped about -the opening to this Cave, until you either starve Rogers out or to -death." - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE OUTLAW BECOMES SUSPICIOUS OF ROSE. - - -After the captain had selected the troopers whom he wished to keep with -him, all of whom were chosen because of their fearlessness and deadly -marksmanship, the colonel gave the command for the rest of the men to -return to the base of the mountain and camp for the night. - -"Shall you want Alkali?" he asked, as he prepared to follow them. - -"No, sir. That is, I don't think so. You said there was no other -entrance to the Cave, didn't you, Alkali?" the captain asked, turning -to the half-breed. - -"None as I knows of," repeated the scout. - -"Then I don't see how Alkali can be of any use to me, Colonel Edwards." - -But the officer was soon to regret his decision to dispense with the -services of the half-breed. - -Wearied with the labors of the strenuous day, now that they felt they -had the notorious outlaw in their power, or at least where he could do -no more harm, the troopers rolled themselves up in their blankets and -were soon fast asleep, while a solitary sentinel stool guard over the -crevice, at the two ends of which fires had been kindled. - -Within the Cave, however, all was activity, though the outlaw and his -companions had passed through an even more nerve-wracking day than -their pursuers. - -The haven which Rogers had reached barely in time to save his life was -one that he and his former gang had chiselled from the solid rock. -Scarce twenty feet long was it, but it extended back for at least -twice that distance. The phenomenal breathing of the crevice afforded -a constant change of air, thus enabling them to burn candles which had -been left when it was one of Rogers' regular hiding places before his -capture. - -Lighting several of these, he bade Rose prepare some food, while he -stood as near to the entrance as he dared in order that he might hear -what transpired among the troopers in the event of their trailing him -to the Cave. - -And could they have seen the smile that spread over his face as the -half-breed declared he was ignorant of any other means of departing -from or getting into the retreat, Colonel Edwards would never have -called off the manhunt. - -"It's a lucky thing for me that I ran across Faro Pete and put him out -of the way," chuckled the bandit to himself. "If I hadn't, old 'turkey -gobler' would have had me like a rat in a trap. As it is, I'll be able -to pull off a few stunts that will give him an awful jar." - -From where he lay, he could hear almost every word that the manhunters -said, and again he grinned as the order to lay siege to the Cave -was issued. And when all was quiet and only the guard was astir, he -returned to his companions, to whom he quickly related all that had -transpired. - -"Let them keep up their old siege, if they want to," exclaimed Rose, as -the outlaw concluded. "We've got food enough in that bag for a couple -of days, anyhow, so we can just stay here and get a good rest. I sure -do need it, and I guess you and Pedro do, too, Red." - -"Sleep won't seem a bit bad, especially as it will be the first I have -had outside a jail for five years," agreed the outlaw. - -"But what are you going to do with the scouts?" demanded Pedro. "It -won't do to take the gags out of their mouths or to let 'em loose." - -"And they'll lower our supply of food," interposed the girl. - -"It looks as though old 'turkey gobler' would starve his own men and -not us," chuckled the outlaw. "Still, there's no hurry about deciding -what to do with them. They can't do any damage, that's certain. After I -take a look round to-morrow and see how the land lays, we can attend to -them." - -Preys to all sorts of hopes and fears, Jennings and Scotty had passed -through an ordeal during the last hour such as seldom falls to the lot -of any human. The sight of their comrades beating the mountainside -for their captors had inspired them with hope for their own rescue. -When Rogers had decided to take them with him, they still clung to -this hope. But as the pursuit grew closer, they were in terror lest -the outlaw put a bullet into each of them and thus rid himself of the -handicap they were to his escape. With the realization that they would -probably be kept to serve the purpose of their captor, after they heard -from his lips that there was a different place to enter the Cave than -the one the troopers were besieging, they lost heart, however. And as -their hunger increased with the savory odors coming from the food that -Rose was preparing, they wished that the notorious outlaw had, indeed, -ended their suffering. - -But they were to find that Rogers was not utterly without feeling. - -As Rose announced that their meal was ready, the desperado walked over -to where the scouts lay. - -"I reckon you fellows are a bit hungry," he chuckled. "Now, I tell you -what I'm going to do. I'm going to take the gags out of your mouths -and give you something to eat. I'll also remove the bandages from your -eyes. It won't do you any good to yell or cry out, because we've got -enough shells and bullets in this Cave to hold it against a regiment. -Besides, if any of your friends up above tried to get in here, unless -they struck one particular place, they'd fall way down, clean to -hell, I guess. So you see, it won't do you any good to try to start -something." - -"But they might let 'em know' there was another way to get into the -place," interposed Pedro. - -"Little good it would do 'em," returned his chief. "They could search a -month of Sundays and never find it." - -"Still, they might get word to the Fort and then old 'turkey gobler' -would order the men out again, which would interfere with our going -where we pleased," objected Rose. - -"Reckon you're right, girl. It will be a big sight easier for me to -carry out my plans if I don't have a bunch of manhunters to dodge for a -while. - -"Say, you fellows," he exclaimed, turning toward his captives, "if you -make any attempt to communicate with the guard up there, I'll chuck you -down that crack in the rock--and no one ever comes back from there. So -be good and you'll be a big lot happier. Perhaps, if you're real good, -after I've carried out my pledge, I'll let you loose. You're a mighty -entertaining couple of chaps, but I can't say I should care to have to -tote you about with me all the rest of my days, especially as the way, -you're togged up is something likely to attract attention." - -His words disclosing that the outlaw was in rare good humor, the scouts -wisely decided not to bring down his wrath upon them, and accordingly -when they were placed at the table and the gags and bandages were -removed, they made no outcry, eating gratefully the food which the girl -and even Rogers fed them. - -But the outlaw's leniency would go no further, as Rose found when she -pleaded with him to remove the thongs from their arms and ankles and -allow them to stretch their aching limbs. - -Indeed, the request seemed to revive his earlier suspicion of the girl. - -"Say, what's the matter with you, anyhow, girl?" he demanded. "Here, -just because I fed the poor devils, you seem to think I should turn -'em loose. Pretty soon, I suppose you'll be asking me to go to that -guard pacing back and forth and give myself up." Then an idea seemed -to strike him, and, with a disgusting leer, he said: "I believe this -doll-faced kid here has hypnotized you." - -"Well, I know _he_ isn't the kind of man that would make you sleep -all trussed up the way you've got him," flashed Rose, blushing at the -outlaw's words. - -"You're dead right, he ain't," retorted Rogers, "because he ain't the -sort of chap who would ever catch a man to bind him." - -And laughing at his words, evidently considering them mighty clever, -the bandit got up from the table, ordered Pedro to place the prisoners -on some straw, and threw himself down upon a pile of blankets, keeping -his eyes upon Rose, however, till her breathing indicated that she was -asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A CLOSE CALL. - - -Despite his bravado evinced before his prisoners and the girl, Rogers -did not feel as secure in the "Breathing Cave," as his words made him -appear. Consequently, though he was wearied by his unusual exertions -after his long confinement behind the bars, he was awake early the next -morning. - -Arousing Pedro, he bade him keep a close watch on the girl and the -scouts, and not to let them converse unless he was within hearing -distance. - -"I'll watch 'em, never fear," promised the bandit. - -"See that you do. Your life is responsible for their safety," returned -his master. And with these words, the outlaw walked to the end of the -cave opposite the crevice by which he had entered, placed his shoulder -against what seemed part of the solid wall of rock and, after several -attempts, pushed out a block about three feet square. - -Cautiously sticking his head through the trap door, Rogers listened -intently for several minutes and then, apparently satisfied it would be -safe for him to go forth, squeezed through the hole, closing it behind -him. - -But he was by no means out of danger. - -The spot where the second entrance to the Cave was located was less -than a hundred yards from where Captain Smythe and his troopers had -established their siege camp, and was in full view from the valley -below where the rest of the troopers had bivouaced. - -Yet, unless they had chanced to see him suddenly appear from the rock, -he ran little risk of detection from the latter, for he quickly gained -the shelter of a crag, where he waited to learn if an alarm was raised. - -When some five minutes had passed and the silence which enveloped the -mountains and valleys was unbroken, he began his descent. - -With all the cunning of which he was master, the daredevil outlaw crept -down the hillside, crossed the level land and then went up the other -mountain in order that he might learn whether or not any troops had -been stationed to watch the trail to the Old Stockade. - -As he found the way entirely open, he was sorely tempted to pay a -hurried visit to the place which had been his headquarters and the -scene of many a wild orgy before he had been captured, but he told -himself there would be plenty of time to live over the old days when he -had fulfilled his pledge and accordingly he retraced his steps. - -But the outlaw found that it would not prove so easy a matter to regain -the Cave as it was to leave it. - -When he reached a spot on his return whence he could survey the valley -where the troopers had camped, instead of finding it deserted, as he -had expected, he found it alive with cavalrymen. - -Wondering as to the cause, yet aware that it effected him, Rogers -sought out a rock from which he could watch the manhunters. - -Had he returned an hour before, however, he would have found his -progress unimpeded. - -After breakfast, Colonel Edwards had given the command to break camp -and return to the Fort, ordering the men to keep a sharp lookout for -the bodies of the three Mounted Scouts, who had been captured by the -outlaw. - -When the search failed to reveal them, as the reader knows, both -officers and men came to the conclusion that Rogers had kept them with -him, and many were the speculations as to his reason for so doing. - -About an hour had they been on the march, when a solitary rider was -sighted. More out of curiosity than anything else, Colonel Edwards -trained his field glasses upon him. But as he did so, his manner -changed. - -"By all the gods of war, that's our man Shaw!" he gasped, "and he's -bound, gagged and blindfolded. That's the work of that devil, Rogers! -Lieutenant Hastings, take three men and see what's the trouble." - -Like wildfire, the identity of the horseman had spread among the -cavalrymen and eagerly they watched as the detail dashed on its mission. - -The strain of the terrible night when he knew not what moment might -be his last had proved too much for the Scout, however, and when his -comrades gained his side, he was jabbering to himself, a raving maniac. - -Calling down all the curses of which they could think upon the head of -the desperado for his treatment of their fellow, the officer and his -men quickly, but tenderly, removed the gag, bandage and rawhide, then -lifted the scout from his horse and laid him on the plain, forcing -some brandy between his swollen lips, all the while plying him with -questions. But it was no use. Shaw could only jabber. - -Realizing from the troopers' actions that something serious was amiss, -Colonel Edwards and his aides rode up just as one of the men picked up -the message Red Rogers had written, which had passed unnoticed in the -endeavor to restore the Mounted Scout to his normal self. - -"A communication for you, sir," said Hastings, handing the rough scrawl -to his superior. - -Adjusting his glasses, the colonel began to read it, then burst into a -towering rage. - -"Listen to this! Listen to this!" he roared, addressing all within -earshot. "'Colonel Turkey Gobler. I cum bak to keep my promise to a -ded man. Yu no whu i mene, barney Landon, the man you cudnt get the -reward for becoze i hid his body. im going to fix evry man who helped -do barney. I am kepeing 2 of yure men. if yu get after me, ill send em -bak to yu in peces. if yu wil leve a safe conduk for rosie landon to -ole man quints friday i wont turn no tricks on yure post. Red Rogers.'" - -As he proceeded, the colonel grew madder and madder, fairly screaming -as he finished. - -"Think of it! That to me!" he chortled. "We'll go back and smoke that -devil out, if it takes every man on the post. Hastings, give the -orders. Send two men to the Fort with Shaw." - -Not a man was there who did not consider Red's message a personal -insult, regardless of poor Shaw's treatment, and never were commands -more willingly obeyed than those to ride back to the Breathing Cave and -capture the daredevil bandit. - -Pitching camp in the valley, the troopers quickly swarmed up the -hillside to the Cave, and it was almost at the moment of their arrival -that Rogers had caught sight of them. - -As the officers reached the spot where the outlaw was supposed to -lie hidden, they immediately held a council of war, discussing the -quickest means of bringing the desperado to book. Many were the schemes -suggested, but it was finally decided to begin by trying literally to -smoke him out. - -The men were ordered to collect piles of dry branches which were jammed -as tightly as possible into the crevice in the rock and then set afire. - -At the sight of the flames and the realization of the troopers' -purpose, the outlaw leaped to his feet. - -"Daylight or no daylight, I've got to save Rosie and Pedro!" he -muttered, and, never thinking of the danger to himself his act -entailed, he began to work his way to the Cave. - -With marvellous skill, he descended the hill, crossed the valley in -which was located the camp, and crept up the other side. But every -trick of which he was master he was obliged to use. Indeed, no less -than three times, troopers passed within pistol shot of him, yet never -even a suspicion did they have of his presence. - -But when he seemed to have success within his reach, he was balked. -Less than thirty yards was he from the secret entrance to the Cave -when some of the men began to gather brush just above it. And, cursing -frightfully, Rogers was forced to seek cover. - -Fortunately for the girl and men within the Cave, the mysterious -breathing of the crevice kept the greatest part of the smoke from -entering the excavation in which they cowered. - -Surprised to awake and find the outlaw gone, Rose grew more and more -uneasy as time went by without his return, and when the men began to -jam the brush into the crevice, she was beside herself with fear. - -"There's no use of worrying," declared Pedro. "If they'd caught him, -they wouldn't be trying to suffocate him." And, so self-evident was -this argument that the girl took courage. - -It was not until dusk, however, that Rogers finally found the -opportunity to re-enter his hiding place. And his arrival was just in -time, for his comrades were all but overcome with the smoke. - -The sight of the outlaw unharmed, inspired them with hope, and eagerly -they followed him from the Cave. - -And, because of the darkness, they experienced but little difficulty in -reaching the trail to the Old Stockade, and in due course arrived at -that nigh-impregnable fortress. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -A REIGN OF TERROR. - - -Perched almost on the top of a rock-crowned mountain, from a distance -the Stockade looked like a boulder, a fact that doubtless accounted for -its never having been discovered by any of the Scouts or plainsmen. -Not a tree was there within rods of it, so that surprise was out of -the question, a condition that had made it so valuable to the gold -miners who had used it as a refuge against Indians, and one that had -recommended it to the notorious outlaw as the headquarters for his -band, and the strong box for his ill-gotten gains. - -So jealously had Rogers guarded the secret of its whereabouts that he -had always insisted that members of his gang should be blindfolded -before he would lead them to it, and thus no one but himself knew the -exact trail which he had learned from an old Indian squaw whom he had -helped to get revenge upon the chief of her tribe. - -Even Pedro did not know how to reach it, and it was, therefore, with -deep disappointment that he heard Red order him to bandage the eyes of -the prisoners and Rose, and was in turn blindfolded himself. - -When these precautions had been taken, the outlaw took a turn with a -rope round the waist of each, and thus kept them together and guided -them. - -On pain of death for any attempt to run away, the Scouts had been -allowed the use of their legs by Rogers, in order to facilitate the -escape from the Cave. But, because of the numbness caused by the length -of time their ankles had been bound, Jennings and Scotty found it -difficult to climb the tortuous trail, and it was after midnight before -the creaking of a door told them they had reached their destination. - -"Stay where you are for a few minutes while I see that all is right," -commanded Rogers, dropping the rope. - -Wondering whether this was the preface to some terrible deed of -treachery, the four stood still, fearing to move. - -But their alarm was unfounded. - -Lighting a torch, of which there were many in this lofty stronghold, -the outlaw went from window to window, making sure that the shutters of -iron were in place, that no rays of light might be radiated and thus -disclose the location of the Old Stockade. - -So well had his gang, who were practically his slaves, fashioned them, -however, that they were still sound, and, returning to his companions, -he removed their bandages, revealing to their eyes a scene of barbaric -splendor. Rugs of finest weave and costly furs covered the floor. -Exquisite tapestries adorned the walls, and scattered here and there -were glorious statues and ornaments of rarest stone, silver and gold, -all the loot of Red Rogers' raids which had often carried him into -Mexico. - -In speechless amazement, Rose and the Scouts gazed about them. - -"Like it?" asked the outlaw, enjoying their surprise. "If you will be -good and do as I say for a few days, until I finish my business, I will -divide them among you. I'm going away, and shall not have any use for -them. - -"Pedro, go and bring some wine. You fellows give me your word you won't -try to run away, and I'll sever your bonds. Will you do it?" - -"Oh, do," implored the girl. "It will seem just as though we were -living a fairy tale in some enchanted palace to be up here--only if -your arms are bound, it will spoil the illusion." - -"And if we don't?" demanded Jennings. - -"It won't make any difference to any one but Rosie. I shall give Pedro -orders to shoot any one of you who tries to run away. So it's up to you -to decide whether you'll be comfortable or not." - -"Sort of heads I win, tails you lose, eh?" returned Scotty, to whose -youthful imagination, Rose's play-dream appealed strongly. - -"That's about it, I reckon," grinned the outlaw. - -For several minutes, the Scouts were silent, both loath to give their -word to a man than to kill whom nothing would bring them more pleasure. -But, at last, solacing themselves with the thought that a promise given -to a desperado was no promise at all, they agreed, and Red cut their -bonds. - -Almost at the same time, Pedro returned bearing a cobweb-covered flagon -and some goblets wrought from pure gold, which he filled and passed -about. - -"We'll drink to the success of my pledge," exclaimed the outlaw, -raising the goblet to his lips. "I'm going away to-night," he -continued, as he set the golden cup upon a stand. "When I'll be back, I -can't just tell. Until I do, you are all to stay here. Pedro, I shall -make your life pay forfeit for any escape. If any or all of the three -try it, drop them in their tracks. Keep all the weapons in the chest, -and don't let the key leave your person." - -"But suppose you don't come back?" asked Jennings, significantly. "Do -you think we are going to spend the rest of our lives here?" - -"Oh, I'll be back, right enough," returned the fearless bandit. "Yet, -if you think some of Turkey Gobler's men may get me, I'll leave it -this way--if I'm not back again in three days, you may go back to your -Fort. I may send you, anyhow, if your colonel is reasonable. That's why -I brought you, to make him reasonable. You can divide the stuff here. -There's only one condition that I'll make. You must agree to keep Rosie -from arrest because of her assistance in getting out of jail." - -"I'll agree to that," exclaimed Scotty, with an eagerness that made the -other men laugh, and sent a flush to the girl's cheeks. - -"Good! But don't bank too heavily on it, for I shall return." - -"How about food?" inquired Rose, as the outlaw walked toward the door. - -"There's enough in that canvas bag. I helped myself to some of the -troopers' stores while I was waiting to get back to the Cave. When I -come back, I'll bring more." - -And opening the door, the desperado stepped forth into the night. - -Familiar with every rock and pebble in the trail, Rogers descended -rapidly to the valley. - -"Guess I'd better have a mount," he muttered to himself, as he came -upon a dozen or more of the cavalry horses. - -Having a wonderful power over animals, the outlaw was able, by speaking -soothingly, to pick out a horse, just as he had done to the Mounted -Scouts, and was soon threading his way up the trail down which he had -fled the day before. - -Riding with caution until he was out of danger of discovery by the -troopers, Rogers headed his mount for the cabin of old Quint, which he -reached just at daybreak. - -"Go into the woods and up to the spring," piped a shrill voice from -behind a half-opened window shutter, in response to Rogers' three taps -on the door. "I'll follow right along." - -Quickly the desperado obeyed, and was soon joined by a small, -hunched-backed man with long gray hair and beard. - -"I've been expecting you ever since I heered the news," said he, -without any word of greeting. "But you can't stay here." - -Though Quint had always been a man of few words, he had, nevertheless, -been the one friend in whom Rogers placed implicit reliance. Indeed, -the old man had planned many of his raids, sharing royally in the loot, -and the brevity of his greeting piqued the outlaw. - -"Who said anything about staying here?" he demanded, angrily. "I've got -other business." - -These words seemed to bring great relief to the old man. - -"Just come to say good-bye, eh? Well, I wish you luck. Anything I can -do for you? Need any money?" - -"Not a cent. But I tell you what I _do_ want. I want to know where I -can find Jerry Hooper, Zeb Cross and Al Bender." - -These were the names of the three plainsmen who had killed Barney -Landon, and as he heard them, Quint looked at the bandit keenly. - -"Take my advice, and you'll leave well enough alone. This region is -getting mighty hot for you. Better get out before they carry you out," -he exclaimed, significantly. - -"Thanks, I don't want advice," grinned Rogers. "I want to know where I -can find those three fellows." - -"You'll find them on their ranches, jest as they used to be." - -"Much obliged. Oh, there's another thing you can do for me, Quint. You -can go to the Fort and tell Edwards, with my compliments, that he's -wasting time trying to smoke me out of the 'Breathing Cave.' Also tell -him I'm sorry I had to take another one of his horses." - -"So Edwards thinks you're in the Cave?" asked the old man, chuckling. -"Sure, I'll be glad to get word to him. I wish he'd been mixed up with -Barney. I don't know a man I hate more'n I do Hiram Edwards. Yes, I'll -sure let him know." - -"Thank you. Good-bye." And with a wave of his hand, Rogers dashed away -through the woods. - -For a while, he smiled as he pictured to himself the scene between the -pompous colonel and the little old man; then became grave as he thought -of the mission upon which he was riding. - -Though Barney Landon had been a desperado, he had been accused by Zeb -Cross of lifting some cattle--and wrongly. Cross, however, lured by a -reward, had persuaded Hooper and Bender to waylay the outlaw. This they -had done, wounding him grievously. But Landon had managed to ride to -where Rogers was spending the night, and died in his arms, after which -the outlaw hid his body so that no one could collect the reward. - -Before his pal's death, he made him a pledge, and in attempting to -carry it out, traveled to the city of Keno, where he had been arrested -by twenty Mounted Scouts, but only after he had shot down ten others. - -And now, at his first opportunity, this man, whose mind and ideas were -so perverted that he preferred a life of crime to one of honor, was -taking up the quest again. - -Nearest of any of the three was Al Bender's ranch, and thither Rogers -rode, recking not that it was broad daylight. - -To his delight, Bender was standing in the doorway as the outlaw dashed -up. - -"Your time has come, Al Bender!" he hissed. And, before the -terror-stricken man could escape, Rogers put a bullet through his heart. - -"There's one, Barney!" he murmured, as he rode away. "Now, for Zeb -Cross!" - -Night had fallen before the outlaw reached his destination. Riding -boldly to the door, he banged on it with his gun butt. - -"_You?_" gasped the ranchman, as he beheld the red-bearded desperado. - -But the bark of a pistol was his only answer. - -Never heeding the cowboys who rushed to learn the cause of the shot, -Rogers raced to the horse corral, hastily cut out one of the ponies, -and was away before the people on the ranch had realized what had -happened. - -"That makes two," he chuckled, grimly. "I only hope Jerry Hooper is at -home." - -Unfortunately for the man, Red found him returning from a tour of -inspection of his cattle at noon the next day. - -Recognizing the outlaw from afar, Hooper tried to race away from him. -But in vain. - -"Now, I can face Barney," exclaimed Rogers, setting his pony toward the -Old Stockade. - -As the reports of the murders were received, people who had ever been -concerned in any trouble with Rogers or Landon feared for their lives, -and a veritable reign of terror seized the region. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE RAID ON THE OLD STOCKADE. - - -Although posses were formed and troopers thrown on the outlaw's trail, -he managed to evade them, though several times they got near enough to -shoot at him. But, with that perversity of Fate which seems at times -to guard and protect wrongdoers, bring suffering upon the honest, he -escaped to his fortress on the rock-crowned mountain unscathed. - -Yet, in his very hour of gloating, his nemesis was stalking him. - -When they awoke the morning after Rogers' departure, Scotty sought out -Rose. - -"What claim has Red Rogers got on you, that you stick to him?" he -demanded. - -"No man has any claim on Rose Landon!" flashed the girl, flushing at -the question. - -"Then why do you go round with Red?" - -"Because he has been good to me. He stood by me and gave me money so I -could live an honest life when no one else would have anything to do -with me, because I was Barney Landon's daughter." - -"But it's no way for you to live, girl," exclaimed the Scout. "He's -sure to get caught. It's only a question of time--and not so very long -a time at that, and then you'll be branded as his sweetheart." - -"It's a lie! I'm no one's sweetheart!" - -"But people won't believe that--and then what will you do?" - -"Oh, don't! What right have you to talk to me like this, anyway?" -demanded Rose. - -"The right my love for you gives me." - -"How dare _you_ talk to _me_ of love?" - -"Because I mean it. You're too fine a girl to have your life blasted by -Red Rogers. I want to save you." - -There was that in the passionate tone in which the young Scout spoke, -and in the expression upon his handsome face that drew Rose to him, -irresistibly--and then the thought of taking her place among the good -women of the world--a thought that always strikes hardest the woman who -sees the opportunity being closed to her, flashed to her mind. - -"How can you help me?" she asked, in a voice scarcely more than a -whisper. - -"I can make you my wife. Then I shall have the right to protect you. -Oh, Rose, think what joy it would be. Don't say we haven't known each -other long enough. Think what we've been through." - -"But what would Red say?" - -"What can he? We can go before he gets back and be married." - -"But you gave him your word not to. And there's Pedro. He would shoot -you." - -"A man isn't supposed to keep his word to a murderer and robber. As for -Pedro, I guess Jennings and I can fix him. Will you, girlie? Tell me -quick before we're interrupted." - -A moment Rose hesitated. - -Then, with a happy little catch in her voice, she breathed: - -"Yes." - -But, before they could seal their betrothal with a kiss, Jennings -appeared. - -Keeping his secret, Scotty said: - -"Let's lay for Pedro and do him up. Then we can get away, obtain -reinforcements from the camp in the valley and raid the Old Stockade -when Red Rogers gets back." - -With a scowl, the scout nodded his head toward the girl. - -"Don't worry about her. She's going with us," smiled the youngster. - -"Really?" - -"Yes," answered Rose. - -"Good. Then let's start right now. I just saw Pedro sneaking off down -the trail. By keeping our eyes open, we can get out of this place and -hide until he returns, and then go on our way without danger." - -No sooner had the plan been suggested than it was agreed upon. - -"I wish we could take some of these things," sighed the girl, as she -took a parting survey of the costly furnishings. - -"Never mind, now. We'll come back for them." - -And, without delay, the trio fled from their prison. Cautiously they -advanced until they found a rock behind which they could hide, and -there they remained until Pedro passed them. - -Deeming the chance unequaled to learn the trail, the outlaw's trusted -man had gone down the path, noting its every wind and turn. As this had -taken longer than he had anticipated, he made all haste possible to get -back. - -And when he found his prisoners flown, he was panic-stricken. - -"Red said my life would pay if they got away!" he wailed. Then suddenly -the thought flashed into his mind that he, too, could make his escape -and thus avoid the wrath of his master--and packing up everything he -could carry, he fled. - -With untoward incident, the Mounted Scouts reached the camp of their -comrades with Rose. Their story was quickly reported to the colonel, -and they were immediately summoned before him. - -Upon the young Scout's statement of his engagement and as a reward for -the information in regard to Rogers' retreat, the commandant of Fort -Griswold agreed not to have the girl arrested. - -"There's one thing I should like to ask, sir," stammered Scotty, as -they started to leave the presence of the colonel. - -"What is it?" - -"That I be allowed to act as guide when you raid the Old Stockade." - -"All right, you may. Now, leave me." - -The story of the young Scout's romantic wooing was soon spread among -the troopers, and they all clustered to congratulate him--and when they -beheld the beauty of the girl, they envied him. - -But Scotty's love-making was cut short. - -Word of Rogers' murders was received by the colonel, together with the -information that the outlaw was heading for the foothills again. - -Selecting fifty powerful, dead-shot scouts, the commander put them in -charge of Lieutenant Hastings, with Scotty as guide. - -"You best start right away," he added, after announcing the detail. "If -you get there before Rogers, you can hide in the Stockade and seize -him when he comes in. Remember, I want him alive!" - -But though they made all speed, the Scouts found that the murdering -outlaw was before them. - -Sighting a light from a door of whose existence he had not dreamed, -Scotty crept toward it. - -In a trice he whipped out his "Colts" and aimed them within. - -Wondering that he did not shoot, his comrades glided to him, and the -sight that met their gaze astounded them. - -With chin resting upon its hand sat a skeleton across a box of gold, -seemingly staring at the Scouts. And before them both stood the outlaw, -evidently having just entered. - -"I have kept my pledge, Barney!" cried Red Rogers. "I've sent your -murderers to hell! _Now_, I can take my gold and bury you." - -As he spoke, Red Rogers stared at the skeleton, then ran his fingers -gloatingly through the gold coins. - -This mercenary act shattered the spell that held the Scouts immovable. - -"Hands up!" yelled Scotty. - -Like a flash, the outlaw wheeled. - -"The tables are turned!" smiled the young Scout, grimly. "You're _my_ -prisoner, now!" - -Realizing that resistance was vain, Red Rogers chose the end that -suited his terrible career. - -With a mocking laugh, he dashed past Scotty, straight toward the -muzzles of the fifty rifles. - -"Fire!" rang out the lieutenant's voice. - -Crash! went the guns, and Red Rogers pitched forward, his body riddled. - -The raid on the Old Stockade had been successful! - -Rose and Scotty were soon married, and the girl was later awarded a -large portion of the gold found in the outlaw's lair. - -For a few days Pedro managed to escape the troopers, but he was finally -caught and sent to prison for the rest of his life. - - -THE END. - - - - -THE THREE OLD WITCHES' DREAM BOOK - - -Latest edition. Completely revised. - -Many new features added. - -[Illustration] - -This is the original, world renowned BOOK OF FATE, that for one -hundred years has held intelligent people spell-bound. Its correct -interpretation of dreams has amazed those who have been fortunate -enough to possess a copy which they might consult. The accuracy of the -accompanying numbers has made it invaluable to all policy players. - - -NAPOLEON'S ORACULUM - -Which it contains and which is printed complete, is an absolutely true -copy of that strange and weird document found within a secret cabinet -of Napoleon Bonaparte's. - -The fact that dozens of worthless and unreliable imitations have been -placed on the market demonstrates it to be a fact that THE OLD THREE -WITCHES' DREAM BOOK stands to-day as always the original and only -reliable Dream Book published. - -It is for sale by all newsdealers, or it will be sent postage paid upon -receipt of ten cents. - - - THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY, - Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. - - - - -NEW TOASTS AND MAXIMS - -ALSO A FEW PROVERBS - - -If you want the best book of TOASTS that has ever been published; if -you want new Toasts to spring upon your friends instead of the hoary -with age, moss grown assortments published in the so called "Toast -Books" of other publishers buy this book of NEW TOASTS which has just -been published in our MAMMOTH SERIES. It is not only the best book but -the largest book ever sold for ten cents. - -[Illustration] - -For sale by all newsdealers or sent postpaid upon receipt of ten cents. - - - THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY, - Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. - - - - -The New and Complete - -LETTER WRITER - - -The latest book. The most complete and best book ever published upon -the important subject of THE ART OF LETTER WRITING. - -[Illustration] - -It is the largest book ever offered for the money. - -It contains all the modern forms of correspondence and gives all the -information needed by those desiring to write Love Letters or Business -Letters. - - -FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND COURTSHIP - -In all its phases up to marriage are carefully provided for by letters -covering every possible subject that might arise; and by using this -book as a guide it is impossible to go astray. - - -THE BUSINESS LETTERS - -Contained in this book are invaluable to those engaged in mercantile -pursuits. - - -THE NEW AND COMPLETE LETTER WRITER - -is for sale by all newsdealers or it will be sent postage paid to any -address upon receipt of ten cents. - - - THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY, - Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. - - - - -Riddles and Conundrums - -Hard Nuts to Crack - -All New and Up-to-Date - - -[Illustration] - -One thousand brand new up-to-date RIDDLES AND CONUNDRUMS that you have -never heard before, instead of the old chestnuts that make your victims -want to hit you on the head with a sand bag when you get them off. - -This is the best Riddle Book and collection of Conundrums ever -published, and the biggest one ever sold for ten cents. - -For sale by all newsdealers or sent postage paid by the publishers upon -the receipt of ten cents. - - THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY, - Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. - - - - -_STANDING ALONE AT THE HEAD OF ITS CLASS_ - -The American Indian Weekly - -PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY - - -This great weekly is a radical departure from all other five-cent -weeklies that are now being published. - -It has the greatest stories of frontier life, of Indians and of the far -West that have ever been issued. - -The stories are longer than those published in any other five-cent -library, except the celebrated Old Sleuth Weekly. - -They are all edited by Colonel Spencer Dair, the most celebrated Indian -Scout, Bandit Tracker and Gun Fighter of modern fiction. - -A new number is issued every Thursday. - - -LIST OF TITLES - - December 1--No. 1. THE OUTLAW'S PLEDGE or The Raid on the Old Stockade - December 8--No. 2. TRACKED TO HIS LAIR or The Pursuit of the Midnight - Raider - December 15--No. 3. THE BLACK DEATH or The Curse of the Navajo Witch - December 22--No. 4. THE SQUAW MAN'S REVENGE or Kidnapped by the Piutes - December 29--No. 5. TRAPPED BY THE CREES or Tricked by a Renegade Scout - January 5--No. 6. BETRAYED BY A MOCCASIN or The Round-Up of the Indian - Smugglers - January 12--No. 7. FLYING CLOUD'S LAST STAND or The Battle of Dead Man's - Canyon - January 19--No. 8. A DASH FOR LIFE or Tricked by Timber Wolves - January 26--No. 9. THE DECOY MESSAGE or The Ruse of the Border Jumpers - February 2--No. 10. THE MIDNIGHT ALARM or The Raid on the Paymaster's - Camp - February 9--No. 11. THE MASKED RIDERS or The Mystery of Grizzly Gulch - February 16--No. 12. LURED BY OUTLAWS or The Mounted Ranger's - Desperate Ride - -The AMERICAN INDIAN WEEKLY is for sale by all newsdealers and -booksellers, or it will be sent to any address postpaid by the -publishers upon receipt of 6c per copy, 10 copies for 50c. All back -numbers always in stock. - - - THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY - CLEVELAND, OHIO, U.S.A. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN OUTLAW'S PLEDGE *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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Spencer Dair</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: An outlaw's pledge</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>or, The raid on the old stockade</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Col. Spencer Dair</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: October 8, 2022 [eBook #69119]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Graeme Mackreth and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN OUTLAW'S PLEDGE ***</div> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph3">AMERICAN -INDIAN -WEEKLY</p> - -<p class="ph5">BY COLONEL SPENCER DAIR</p> - -<p class="ph5">VOL. I THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY, CLEVELAND, OHIO, U.S.A. NO. 1</p> - -<p class="ph6">Copyright 1910 by the Arthur Westbrook Company, Cleveland, Ohio.</p> - - -<p class="ph1">AN OUTLAW'S PLEDGE</p> - -<p class="ph5">OR</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE RAID ON THE OLD STOCKADE</p> - -<p class="ph4">By COL. SPENCER DAIR</p> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS.</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><span class="smcap">Red Rogers</span>—A daredevil outlaw, who has broken from jail, -killing four men in his escape, and returns to the scenes of his early -crimes, that he may carry out a pledge made to a dying member of his -gang, being pursued and eluding hundreds of troopers before he is -finally sent to his doom, at the Old Stockade.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rose Landon</span>—Daughter of the man to whom Red Rogers made his -pledge, who helped the outlaw to break jail and then accompanied him -on his dash into the Bad Lands to carry out his vow. Repenting of her -vicious life, she finally marries a young trooper whom Rogers has -captured.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Pedro</span>—A former member of Red Rogers' gang, who also assisted -in his escape from jail, and, after accompanying the outlaw to the -mountains, is captured by the troopers.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jennings</span>, <span class="smcap">Shaw</span>, <span class="smcap">Scotty</span>—Members of the -Mounted Scouts, who have their horses stolen by the outlaw, and are -afterwards taken prisoners by him and held as hostages.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Alkali</span>—A half-breed scout, who eventually tracks Red Rogers -to his doom.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Colonel Edwards</span>—Commandant of Fort Griswold, the officer who -takes charge of the pursuit of the outlaw.</p> - -<p>Troopers, Deputy Marshals and Sheriffs and their posses.</p></blockquote> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER I.</p> - -<p class="center">THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL.</p> - - -<p>"His-s-t!"</p> - -<p>With startling suddenness, the cry shattered the stillness of the night -that lay upon the foothills of the "Bad Lands."</p> - -<p>As they heard it, three men who, rolled in their army blankets, were -sleeping in the protecting shadow of a huge boulder, rose to their -elbows and peered into the darkness, at the same time whipping out -their "Colts" with their free hands.</p> - -<p>But only the silence of the night, seeming more intense as the echo of -the strident cry died away, greeted them.</p> - -<p>"That must have been a signal," breathed one of the trio, after several -minutes of listening.</p> - -<p>"If it was a signal, it would have been answered," rejoined a companion.</p> - -<p>"Sure it would," asserted the third member of the party.</p> - -<p>"Then what was it?" demanded the first.</p> - -<p>"May have been a snake, or a mountain lion," suggested the man who had -doubted the startling cry being a signal.</p> - -<p>"Snake? Mountain lion?" repeated the other, in disgust. "Say, you'd -better go back to the recruits till you learn the difference between a -human voice and an animal's cry."</p> - -<p>The three men were members of the Mounted Scouts, out on patrol duty -from their station at Fort Griswold.</p> - -<p>Two of them had been in the service three years, while the other was -on his first detail, having only just been promoted from the band of -recruits at the Fort.</p> - -<p>Consequently, the sneering allusion to his inexperience cut deep, and -he was about to retort fiercely, when the third scout prevented.</p> - -<p>"Jennings is right, Scotty. It was a man's voice uttered that cry," he -whispered.</p> - -<p>"Then what does it mean?" persisted the youngster.</p> - -<p>"Just keep yer tongue in yer head and yer eyes and ears open, and we -may find out," grunted Jennings.</p> - -<p>This reply had the intended result of effectually silencing the -recruit, and, with every sense alert, the three men awaited some sound -that would explain the mysterious signal.</p> - -<p>Unlike most details of mounted scouts that patrolled together, there -was no affection, bred by perils and dangers shared, between the men. -Indeed, there was not even good feeling. The veterans, Jennings and -Shaw, had long been rivals for the honor of being the best shot at the -Fort, and both resented being sent out with a "rookie."</p> - -<p>The personnel of the patrol, however, had been arranged by Colonel -Edwards, commandant of the Fort, with a purpose.</p> - -<p>So many had become the raids and robberies that the officers began to -suspect connivance between the outlaws and some of the scouts, and the -names of Jennings and Shaw had been linked with these rumors.</p> - -<p>Knowing the rivalry existing between them, the colonel had decided to -send them out together, confident that each would be only too willing -to report any suspicious actions of the other, and, to prevent such -an anomaly as an alliance in wrong doing, he had added the recruit, -instructing each to report in detail all that his companions did.</p> - -<p>The surprise of being awakened from his sleep had driven the memory -of these orders from the youngster's mind. But as the monotony of the -watch grew, they recurred to him.</p> - -<p>"I'll bet that was a signal for either Jennings or Shaw," he said to -himself, "and whichever it is, is afraid to answer because I'm here. -I'll have to keep my head about me all right, all right."</p> - -<p>But the recruit's suspicions did his fellow members of the Mounted -Scouts injustice—as he was soon to learn.</p> - -<p>With a suddenness almost as startling as the mysterious signal, came -the thumpety-thump of a stone as, dislodged from its resting place, it -bounded down the mountainside.</p> - -<p>"That's above us," breathed Jennings, leaping to his feet and feeling -his way cautiously to the edge of the boulder, whence he strove to -penetrate the inky darkness that enveloped crags and trees alike.</p> - -<p>As their companion jumped to his feet, Shaw and Scotty did likewise, -following him as he crept along the rock.</p> - -<p>"What do you make of it?" queried the veteran of his fellow.</p> - -<p>"Somebody's discovered us and is either trying to get away or to warn -others," asserted Jennings, with positiveness.</p> - -<p>"But how could any one see us in the shadow of the boulder?" demanded -Scotty, resenting the indifference of his companions to his presence.</p> - -<p>"Men who can travel these hills in the night, don't have to see a man -to know he's around, they can smell him," returned Shaw.</p> - -<p>"Say, you fellows might as well cut this jollying out right -now," flashed the youngster. "I'm not going to stand for it any -longer—either you'll treat me decently or I'll mix it up with fists or -guns, whichever you like. Smell a man, rats!"</p> - -<p>"Now don't get het up, rookie," rejoined Jennings. "Shaw's right. A -good woodsman or an Injun can scent a man as easy as you can a grizzly. -Besides, if they didn't scent us, they could the horses."</p> - -<p>"Queer we ain't heard a whimper from the cayuses," exclaimed Shaw, as -his comrade's mention of their mounts recalled their existence. "My old -Bonehead usually don't like these night surprises."</p> - -<p>"You don't suppose whoever it was has stolen 'em?" suggested Scotty, to -whose excited brain nothing seemed impossible.</p> - -<p>"What, take three iron shod horses and me and Shaw not know it?" -snorted Jennings. "It would be easier to have 'em run off with one of -us."</p> - -<p>"Just the same, I'm going down to see if they're all right," declared -the recruit, moving away.</p> - -<p>"Hold on. We'll go with you," whispered Shaw. "Being nervous, as they -will, you may scare 'em—and we'd be in a pretty fix fifty miles from -the Fort and no ponies."</p> - -<p>And, placing the youngster between them, the veteran scouts crept -cautiously down to the plateau, some fifteen yards from the boulder, -where they had left the horses to feed on the sweet grass.</p> - -<p>Already, the heavy darkness in the east was giving way to the -grey-greens of dawn, enabling the three scouts to make out the outlines -of the rocks and trees above them.</p> - -<p>But, as they turned a crag whence they could get a glimpse of the -plateau, they stopped in amazement.</p> - -<p>Not a horse was to be seen!</p> - -<p>"So they couldn't steal our ponies with you and Shaw 'round?" grinned -Scotty.</p> - -<p>"Keep your tongue in your head," growled Jennings. "That cry probably -frightened 'em, and they've gone down the trail. Come on. It won't be -hard to track them."</p> - -<p>Again were the scouts destined to be surprised, however.</p> - -<p>Though the steadily-increasing light enabled them to find the -shoe-prints, where the animals had moved about during the night and -those made when they entered the plateau, not a trace could they find -indicating the direction of their departure!</p> - -<p>With blank faces, the two veterans stared at one another.</p> - -<p>As they stood in baffled perplexity, of a sudden, from above, there -rang out a mocking laugh.</p> - -<p>Whirling, Colts ready, the scouts looked up.</p> - -<p>Outlined against the sky, stood a powerfully-built man, red of hair and -beard, wearing a scarlet shirt.</p> - -<p>"Red Rogers!" gasped Jennings and Shaw, in chorus.</p> - -<p>Another jeering laugh greeted the exclamation, then with a defiant wave -of his hand, the figure disappeared.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER II.</p> - -<p class="center">SCOTTY LEARNS SOMETHING ABOUT THE "SERVICE."</p> - - -<p>"No more mystery about what's become of our ponies," growled Shaw, -giving relief to his feelings in a torrent of curses.</p> - -<p>"You mean Red took them?" queried Jennings.</p> - -<p>"My, but you're getting to be the quick little thinker."</p> - -<p>"Well, if he did, I'd like to know the trick. Red's cute, I know, yet -it's some stunt to get three horses up a mountain on a dark night -without leaving any trail."</p> - -<p>"Oh, we'll be able to learn how it was done when it gets lighter. Now, -let's get back to the boulder before Red swipes our rifles, blankets -and saddles while our backs are turned."</p> - -<p>"Lot of good our saddles will do us now," grunted Jennings. "Red might -as well have taken 'em."'</p> - -<p>The silence of his comrades, deeply ashamed that they should have been -tricked of their horses without even knowing it, gave Scotty the first -chance to speak since the discovery of the man on the rock and he lost -no time in making the most of it.</p> - -<p>"But that can't be Red Rogers, he's in jail!" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"<i>Was</i>, you mean," corrected Shaw, with a feeble attempt at raillery. -"I didn't know he'd got out. But no other man than Red Rogers ever had -hair and beard like that."</p> - -<p>"What would he want of our horses, and how'd he know we were here -anyway?" asked Scotty.</p> - -<p>"Scented us," asserted Jennings, positively, answering the last -question first. "I told you a good woodsman or an Injun can always -scent a man—and Red Rogers can give any Injun or woodsman cards and -spades and then beat him at his own game. As to why he took our ponies, -he probably wanted 'em."</p> - -<p>"I have it!" cried Shaw, slapping his thigh. "I'll bet Red has just -broken jail. He's probably hiking it to his old hiding place, and, -coming across our ponies, helped himself."</p> - -<p>"But they're army horses. They'll be recognized by any one who sees -'em," objected the youngster.</p> - -<p>"Little Red cares," returned Shaw. "Possession is no nine-tenths, it's -the <i>whole</i> law to him—and he's quick enough with his gun to defend -anything he decides is his."</p> - -<p>"I suppose we ought to be thankful Red didn't need shooting irons, or -he'd probably have helped himself to our rifles," exclaimed Jennings, -as they found their weapons and blankets undisturbed.</p> - -<p>"Oh, cut it out," retorted Shaw. "We'll have to stand enough joshing -from the boys at the Fort, without your trying to get funny.</p> - -<p>"Scotty, start a fire and put on the coffee pot—there's enough water -in it."</p> - -<p>And, while the youngster obeyed, the others rolled up their blankets.</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do with the saddles and bridles?" asked Scotty, -as he joined them.</p> - -<p>"Leave 'em in the cave yonder, so's they'll be waiting when we get our -horses back," declared Shaw, picking up his own and carrying it to a -crevice in the rocks, some ten feet away, into which, after a short -examination, he placed the now useless accoutrements.</p> - -<p>"Then you're going to track Red?" asked the youngster, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Surest thing you know, kid. We've not only got to trail him, <i>but -we've got to get back our ponies</i>!" rejoined Jennings. "If it should -get out how Red tricked us, and then we didn't recover the cayuses, -the Mounted Scouts would never be able to hold down the gun men, horse -thieves and outlaws ever again.</p> - -<p>"<i>It's the knowledge that the Mounted Scouts never let up when they -want a man that makes 'em feared!</i>"</p> - -<p>"That's what!" chimed in Shaw. "You're working for the honor of the -Mounted Scouts now, not merely for Uncle Sam, Scotty. Remember, if you -get done to death, there'll be another to take up the task from where -you dropped."</p> - -<p>This forceful explanation of the simple but unrelenting code of the -Service impressed the youngster as nothing else could, and he grew -silent in contemplation of the dangers entailed.</p> - -<p>Of all the Outlaws who made the "Bad Lands" their hiding place, -dashing forth to raid an isolated settlement, rob a bank or hold up a -train, there was none whose name caused such terror or who had such a -reputation for daredevil fearlessness as Red Rogers.</p> - -<p>It had taken the Mounted Scouts three years of ceaseless trailing to -run him down—and the presence of a full squad to effect his capture.</p> - -<p>Indeed, his arrest had done more to inspire a wholesome respect for the -Mounted Scouts in the breasts of desperadoes and renegade Indians than -any other of their acts.</p> - -<p>And here the notorious bandit was back in his old haunts after serving -less than five years of his life sentence—and he had given notice of -his liberty by running off with three horses belonging to his mortal -enemies, from right under their very noses.</p> - -<p>"How do you suppose he broke jail?" asked Scotty, as the three -crest-fallen men squatted cross-legged about the fire eating their -beans and sipping the coffee.</p> - -<p>"We'll hear—if we ever see any one from the Fort again. But, I'll -stake my saddle against a blanket pin he left a trail of blood if any -one was in his way," responded Jennings.</p> - -<p>This suggestion that they might never live to return from the pursuit -sent Scotty's heart into his throat.</p> - -<p>"If we ever see any one from the Fort?" he repeated in dismay. "Aren't -we going back to get horses and reinforcements?"</p> - -<p>Their eyes twinkling, the veterans looked at one another and laughed.</p> - -<p>"Say, have you forgotten your 'rules and regulations' so quick?" -demanded Shaw. "Don't you remember that only in 'cases of dire -emergency may a scout give up a trail and return to the Fort?'" he -added, drawling in imitation of the colonel when quizzing the recruits.</p> - -<p>"Well, isn't this such an occasion?" returned the youngster.</p> - -<p>"Hardly," rejoined Jennings. "We're not dead, we're not injured, -we're——"</p> - -<p>"But we've lost our ponies," interrupted Scotty.</p> - -<p>"And it's up to us to get 'em back," declared the veteran. "To save you -a 'twigging' by the colonel, the sooner you get it into your noddle -that 'dire emergency' means only when you're so wounded you can't get -back to the post, the better.</p> - -<p>"So, as soon as you've finished grub, we'll be starting."</p> - -<p>"I'm game," rejoined the youngster. "It seems to me, though, we ought -to get some word to the Fort that Red Rogers is loose."</p> - -<p>"They'll hear of it, right enough. Don't worry about that," declared -Jennings. "I'll stake my Colt they knew it before we did."</p> - -<p>"Still, as this is the trail the others will have to hit to get to -Red's hang out, it won't do any harm to leave word we're without -ponies," suggested his fellow veteran. And, no objection being made, -the scout produced a stub of a pencil from his breeches and wrote -laboriously on a piece of paper torn from a can label.</p> - -<p>"Read it," commanded Jennings, as the task was completed.</p> - -<p>Willingly Shaw obeyed.</p> - -<p>"Red Rogers lifted our ponies early Thursday morning. We're hitting the -trail. All well. Shaw, Jennings, Scotty."</p> - -<p>"But you didn't say anything about the saddles," exclaimed the -youngster, as the reading was completed.</p> - -<p>"Sure not. Whoever follow us won't need two saddles, and besides, -we'll want 'em ourselves when we get back our ponies," returned Shaw.</p> - -<p>"Then, if we're going, let's be on our way," said Jennings.</p> - -<p>And, getting to their feet, the Scouts quickly packed their outfits.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER III.</p> - -<p class="center">TRAPPED.</p> - - -<p>Having adjusted their blankets to their shoulders, Shaw set about -finding a suitable hiding place for his note, while his fellow comrade -made ready a "broken staff"—a sign which, seen by any Mounted Scout, -told him that important information had been hidden by a fellow member -of the service.</p> - -<p>The preparation of the symbol was simple.</p> - -<p>Cutting a green branch from a near-by shrub, Jennings broke the top, -letting the end hang down, and then set the "broken staff" in the -middle of the trail, with the hanging tip on the side toward the spot -where Shaw had hidden the note—which happened to be under a stone -placed against the boulder.</p> - -<p>Interestedly the youngster watched the placing of this signal that -served as a method of communication between the scouts not in the -"rules and regulations," being one of the many signs that had been -devised by the men themselves and, therefore, only to be learned by -experience.</p> - -<p>"Suppose some one else sees the signal. Won't they remove it or read -the note?" asked Scotty.</p> - -<p>"Not much," returned Shaw. "That the 'broken staff' is one of the -Scouts' signals is known to most travelers of the trails. But, just -what it means, they don't know, and they have a mighty wholesome -respect for it. Why, I've seen men ride ten feet around one of 'em so's -to be sure not to interfere with it."</p> - -<p>"But, hasn't any scout told what it means?"</p> - -<p>"Not yet!" returned Jennings, with an emphasis that was significant. -"And there's a bullet waiting for the man who betrays the secret -signals of the Mounted Scouts. It's a part of our unwritten code. -You'll find, kiddo, after you've served a bit, that there's more in our -unwritten rules than in the ones the colonel beat into your noddle."</p> - -<p>"But, how can I learn them?" the youngster inquired, his eagerness to -master the mysteries of his calling evident in his voice.</p> - -<p>"By keeping your eyes and ears open when you're on patrol," replied -Shaw.</p> - -<p>During the latter part of this conversation, the trio had made their -way, for a second time, down to the plateau, whence their horses had -been spirited away.</p> - -<p>And, as Shaw had predicted, the sunlight enabled them to learn the -manner of their silent departure.</p> - -<p>Dropping to his knees with a sudden exclamation, the veteran studied -intently for a few minutes the ground surrounding a spot where the shoe -prints showed where one of the horses had stood, then got up, a look of -utter disgust on his face.</p> - -<p>"Say, Jennings, you and me ought to go back to the 'rookie' school," -he snorted. "Red worked the old game of binding the hoofs in rags, and -here we never thought of it."</p> - -<p>Without reply, the other veteran scanned the marks discovered by his -fellow, evincing his confirmation by a corroborative nod of his head as -he rose to his feet.</p> - -<p>But his next move showed that he did not take the trick calmly.</p> - -<p>"You may have caught us napping this time, Red Rogers!" he hissed, -shaking his fist menacingly. "But, before Andy Jennings is through with -you, you'll wish you'd never lifted his pony!"</p> - -<p>"Same here," grunted Shaw.</p> - -<p>And without more ado, the three scouts who had been so humiliated by -the notorious outlaw, took up the task of recovering their horses and -bringing the desperadoes to justice.</p> - -<p>Cautiously, with eye and ears alert, they followed the tracks up the -mountainside.</p> - -<p>Far above them, on a plateau to the right of the trail, a different -scene was presented.</p> - -<p>At the back of the shelf of land, which was some forty feet wide, -rose a wall of rock, severed by a wide cleft. Deep within this, the -fitful flare of a camp fire glowed, disclosing the forms of two men -and a woman, while browsing contentedly near the entrance, but on the -plateau, were the three army horses.</p> - -<p>Fairly bristling were the men with guns and knives, while only by her -skirts did the girl differ in appearance from her companions, for she, -too, wore a cartridge belt about her waist, into which were thrust two -six shooters and a bowie-knife.</p> - -<p>"It was worth all the risk to hear the scouts cry 'Red Rogers,'" -declared the outlaw, as he recounted the incidents of his discovery to -his companions.</p> - -<p>And jeering were the comments made upon the stupidity of the scouts by -the others.</p> - -<p>"What do you suppose they'll do now, go back to the Fort for -reinforcements?" asked the girl.</p> - -<p>"Most likely," asserted the other man.</p> - -<p>But the outlaw held a different opinion.</p> - -<p>"I'll bet all the gold in my belt against a pebble they're on our trail -now. That's why I left the horses on the plateau where they could be -seen."</p> - -<p>"But what's the use of running the risk of a gun shot so soon, Red?" -demanded the girl.</p> - -<p>"There won't be any risk, Rosie," returned the desperado. "But, even -if there was, I'd take it. I need those scouts as bad as we did their -horses."</p> - -<p>This statement puzzled Red's companions. For a few moments they sought -to reason it out, then gave it up and asked, almost in the same breath.</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"Because with them in my power, I can make some sort of terms in case -the other scouts surround me. If I'd had a couple of hostages, I'd -never have been caught the last time."</p> - -<p>Readily recognizing the advantage such a capture would give them, the -girl jumped to her feet.</p> - -<p>"Let's go out and see if they're trailing us," she exclaimed, hurrying -to the mouth of the cave.</p> - -<p>But, before she could pass out onto the plateau, Red halted her.</p> - -<p>"Come back here, Rosie," he commanded. "If you're so keen to know, I'll -find out. While I'm willing to let the scouts see the ponies, I want -them to think I'm asleep."</p> - -<p>These words showed plainly the calculating cunning of the bandit.</p> - -<p>As he reached the mouth of the cave, Red dropped on his belly and with -infinite caution wormed himself across the plateau to the edge.</p> - -<p>And the sight that greeted his eyes almost caused him to shout with -glee.</p> - -<p>Climbing steadily, came the three scouts.</p> - -<p>Easily could the outlaw have picked them off with his rifle. But, as he -explained to Rosie, he wanted them alive.</p> - -<p>Stealthily working his way back, Red re-entered the cave.</p> - -<p>"Come on. They're almost here," he chuckled, grimly. "Pedro, you take -the first man. Let him get far enough onto the plateau so the second -one won't turn back. I'll take him. Rosie, you cover the third fellow -with your six shooters. When Pedro and I have bound our men, we'll -attend to yours.</p> - -<p>"Careful, now. Pedro, bring the lariats. Down on your bellies. There -are some rocks we can hide behind. Remember—a sound may spoil the -whole game."</p> - -<p>With consummate stealth, the desperadoes gained their hiding places -and, every sense alert, awaited the scouts' appearance.</p> - -<p>In utter ignorance of the trap laid for them, Jennings, Shaw and Scotty -toiled up the trail, in the order named.</p> - -<p>Without difficulty, they had traced the route taken by the horses -because the iron shoes against the rocky trail had cut the rags, -leaving telltale prints here and there.</p> - -<p>With the sun, the wind had arisen and as a gust blew down from the -direction of the plateau, Jennings stopped in his tracks, sniffed the -air excitedly, then threw his rifle to a "ready."</p> - -<p>"Our ponies are close at hand. I smell 'em;" he breathed to his -companions. "Watch out, now. Don't shoot until you can make your shot -count."</p> - -<p>Cautiously the trio resumed their ascent.</p> - -<p>And as Jennings' head rose above the level of the plateau, again he -stopped.</p> - -<p>But this time he did not speak.</p> - -<p>Holding up three fingers, he nodded toward the shelf of rock, then -beckoned his companions to join him, placing his fingers on his lips to -enjoin silence.</p> - -<p>With rifle butts at their shoulders, the scouts mounted the plateau in -single file.</p> - -<p>The sight of the ponies brought grins of delight to their faces.</p> - -<p>"Where can Red be?" breathed Scotty.</p> - -<p>"Asleep, probably," returned Shaw.</p> - -<p>But scarce had the words left their lips than the scouts were made -aware of their falsity.</p> - -<p>With yells, bloodcurdling in their ferocity, the outlaw and Pedro -leaped upon the backs of Shaw and Jennings, respectively, carrying them -to the ground, while Rosie, boring the muzzles of her six shooters into -Scotty's back, hissed:</p> - -<p>"Move a muscle, and I'll pump your carcass full of lead!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER IV.</p> - -<p class="center">JENNINGS' ATTEMPT ON RED'S LIFE IS FOILED.</p> - - -<p>So utterly unexpected was the attack that neither Jennings nor Shaw -were able to resist as they were borne to the ground.</p> - -<p>Their anger, however, at being tricked by the notorious outlaw a second -time—for that their captors were none other than Red Rogers and his -band the scouts did not need to be told—gave the frenzy of fury to -their strength and they grappled with their assailants desperately.</p> - -<p>Naturally powerful, the trained muscles of the scouts enabled them to -pitch and toss the outlaws about the plateau. But, strive as he might, -neither could break the vice-like hold about his neck.</p> - -<p>Summoning all his strength, with a mighty effort, Jennings managed to -get to his knees.</p> - -<p>Like a maddened bull, Red Rogers snorted and puffed as he strove to -force his captive down again. But the years of confinement in prison -had sapped his former titanic strength, and it flashed to his mind that -only by trickery could he overcome the wiry Scout.</p> - -<p>Realizing the outlaw's lack of condition, as he felt his grip relax -when he gained his knees, Jennings took courage.</p> - -<p>But his joy was short lived.</p> - -<p>With tremendous force, Red Rogers drove his knee into the spine of the -Scout, at the same time jerking him backwards.</p> - -<p>Powerless to resist, Jennings was flat on the plateau, and in a trice -the outlaw was kneeling upon his chest, his flushed face grinning in -triumph.</p> - -<p>Shaw, however, had been no match for Pedro, and, cursing and squirming, -was being securely roped by the bandit.</p> - -<p>Fascinated, Scotty and the girl had watched the men struggling for -mastery as they rolled about the plateau.</p> - -<p>As it became evident that his fellows could not overcome the advantage -gained by the outlaws in their rear attack, the youngster gritted his -teeth at his impotence, then suddenly whirled upon the girl, swinging -his arm in an attempt to knock the six shooters from her hands.</p> - -<p>But Rosie was not to be caught napping.</p> - -<p>Dodging the blow cleverly, she levelled her guns at the scout's head.</p> - -<p>"Don't try that again," she exclaimed, quietly. "It's lucky for you, -Red didn't see your move, or he'd make me drop you in your tracks. I -suppose I'm a fool for not doing it, but you seem so young," she added, -whimsically.</p> - -<p>But bitterly was Red destined to repent the girl's soft-heartedness.</p> - -<p>Pedro, however, noticed the changed position of the scout as he got to -his feet after putting the last knot in Shaw's bonds and with an oath -he was upon him.</p> - -<p>"I'll fix you so you can't do any damage," he grunted, as he slipped a -noose over Scotty's right hand, passed the rawhide lariat behind his -back, took a turn about the left wrist and jerked both arms behind his -back. "Rosie, you ought to have dropped him. He might have got you, and -then things wouldn't have been so easy for Red and me."</p> - -<p>"Well, he didn't," smiled the girl, "so there's no harm done. Besides, -he's worth more to us alive than dead."</p> - -<p>This remark, audible to all three of the captives, set them to -wondering to what purpose the outlaw intended to put them, and it did -not improve the tempers of the veterans to think that members of the -Mounted Scouts should be made to serve Red Rogers' ends.</p> - -<p>The task of binding Jennings was finally accomplished, and, exhausted -by their efforts, the bandits squatted near the edge of the plateau to -rest.</p> - -<p>Pedro's method of binding the prisoners had been thorough. Tying the -hands of each behind his back, he had taken two turns of the lariat -about the upper arms, made a knot and then run the rawhide down the -prisoner's back to the ankles, which he bound with a half dozen turns.</p> - -<p>In this manner, the captives were rendered powerless to get to their -feet or to work their arms.</p> - -<p>One way of motion was left to them, however—they could roll.</p> - -<p>In silence, the outlaws gazed out upon the panorama of rocks and trees -below them.</p> - -<p>"Wonder how long it will take for news of your escape to reach the -Fort," mused Pedro, at last, looking at his chief.</p> - -<p>"They probably knew it six hours after we got away," returned Red. "It -ain't like the old days before there were telegraphs. Then, a man could -break jail, get to cover and maybe pull off a raid before the news -could be received. Now you can't more'n get out before the alarm has -been sent to every Fort, sheriff and marshal.</p> - -<p>"That's why I told Rosie to have you cut all the wires out of Keno -before you came to the jail. Then I took the precaution to put the -jailer's son out of commission before I left. He was the only -telegraph operator in town."</p> - -<p>This bit of information as to the manner of the outlaw's escape was -eagerly listened to by the prisoners, and from it they learned that at -least one life, that of the operator, had been sacrificed by Red in -obtaining his freedom. They realized, also, that his cunning in having -the wires all cut before the escape was attempted would delay the alarm -being sent to the Fort and they were wondering as to the other details -of the jail delivery when their attention was once more attracted to -their captors.</p> - -<p>"That was two nights ago," exclaimed Rosie. "By this time, that old -turkey gobbler of a colonel at Griswold has probably ordered out a -regiment on our trail."</p> - -<p>This suggestive nickname for their superior caused the scouts to smile, -but intently they waited upon Red's reply.</p> - -<p>"Sure thing. I'll stake the gold in my belt against an empty cartridge -shell there are more than two hundred troopers within ten miles of us -this very minute," the notorious bandit declared.</p> - -<p>"Then let's get away from here quick," returned the girl, getting to -her feet in evident alarm at the thought of so many pursuers in such -proximity.</p> - -<p>"Don't worry, Rosie," comforted Red. "We're practically safe because -they don't know where to look for us. That's why I shot our ponies last -night and shoved the carcasses into Ten Mile creek. They won't find 'em -and, learning from Keno we had horses, they'll never think of looking -for a foot trail. Still, we'll be going as soon as you've cooked some -grub. It won't be safe to have a fire after to-day till we get to the -old Stockade."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll get busy right away," asserted the girl. "Somehow, I don't -feel safe here, and if our going depends on me, it won't be long before -we start."</p> - -<p>Even as she spoke, Rosie walked toward the entrance of the cave and -soon disappeared within the gaping maw of the crevice.</p> - -<p>At the mention of the outlaw's destination, the scouts had been amazed. -Often had they heard of the Old Stockade, but, as none of the Mounted -Scouts at the Post had ever seen it—or knew it's location—it had come -to be regarded by the Service as a myth.</p> - -<p>But Red's announcement was evidence of its existence, and excitedly -Jennings and Shaw strove to recall the stories they had heard about it.</p> - -<p>So far as either could remember, it was supposed to be a fort built in -the mountain fastnesses of the "Bad Lands" as a refuge against attacks -from Indians by a score of men who had discovered a gold mine.</p> - -<p>That Red knew its whereabouts surprised them, and bitterly they cursed -their inability to compare notes as to the place, due to the distance -their captors had left them apart.</p> - -<p>To Jennings, in particular, the thought of being carried into captivity -by the desperado was torture. In his heart, he believed he could have -overpowered the fellow if he had been attacked anywhere than from -behind. And the more his mind dwelled on this, the more furious he -became.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, an idea occurred to him, and, raising his head, he surveyed -his captors.</p> - -<p>Red Rogers, he saw, was sitting about a yard from the edge of the -plateau, while his companion was some ten feet to his left, both -intently searching the land below for a glimpse of any pursuers.</p> - -<p>"Red Rogers may think he's rendered us powerless, but I'll show him the -only time a Mounted Scout is powerless is when he's dead!" muttered -Jennings to himself.</p> - -<p>And, as he spoke, he put his plan in operation.</p> - -<p>With infinite stealth, he rolled to his side, then turned completely -over, and, when he looked at his captors again, he was a foot nearer -the notorious outlaw.</p> - -<p>Slowly, cautiously, he rolled nearer and nearer.</p> - -<p>How desperate his scheme of hurling Red Rogers to his doom was can -be realized from the fact that, were it successful, the bandit would -probably clutch and drag the scout over the edge of the plateau with -him, or, if the rattle of a stone or a glance backward betrayed his -purpose, a bullet would doubtless be the penalty for his daring.</p> - -<p>But the danger did not daunt Jennings.</p> - -<p>"It's for the good of the Service," he bravely told himself.</p> - -<p>At last, scarce a yard separated him from his victim.</p> - -<p>Determined to risk all on a final roll, the scout summoned his strength -and turned over and over with increasing rapidity.</p> - -<p>Fearful lest the thumping of his heart would warn the outlaw, Jennings -saw that another roll would bring success or failure to his attempt on -Red's life.</p> - -<p>But, before he could take it, he was foiled.</p> - -<p>"Look out! The scout's on you! Oh, Red!" rang out the voice of the -girl.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER V.</p> - -<p class="center">THE DASH FOR LIFE.</p> - - -<p>Cursing frightfully, Red and Pedro leaped to their feet, whipping out -their six shooters, as they faced about.</p> - -<p>At a glance, the notorious outlaw took in the situation and as he -realized the narrow margin of his escape, he glowered at the heroic -scout, his face hideous from fury and hatred.</p> - -<p>But Red never allowed his emotions to dull his brain.</p> - -<p>Scarce a second had elapsed since Rosie's cry had warned the outlaw -of his danger, and, realizing that the scout's impetus was so great -he would be unable to stop himself from rolling over the edge of the -plateau, he stepped over the body and started toward the cave.</p> - -<p>Their attention attracted to their comrade by the girl's warning, Shaw -and Scotty managed to turn so they could see what was transpiring. And -as they beheld the bandit fiend step over their companion's body, their -eyes became transfixed with horror.</p> - -<p>So atrociously wanton was Red's act that the girl could not stand it.</p> - -<p>"Seize him! Grab him!" she pleaded. "If you want to kill him, put a -bullet into him—not that way."</p> - -<p>But the outlaw's fury knew no bounds.</p> - -<p>"Get into the cave—if you don't like it," he hissed.</p> - -<p>With a shudder, Rose clapped her hands to her face while the scouts, -unable to bear the sight of their comrade going to so awful a death, -turned their heads away.</p> - -<p>But Providence did not desert the brave Jennings—though his plan to -send the terrible outlaw to his well deserved fate had been foiled.</p> - -<p>For seconds that seemed eternal, the others awaited the crackling of -the brush along the edge and the thump that should announce the fall of -the prisoner.</p> - -<p>At last, unable longer to bear the strain of suspense, Rosie peered -between her fingers.</p> - -<p>"He's saved! He's saved!" she shouted, exultantly. "Pedro, get him and -bring him to the cave."</p> - -<p>At the cry, the outlaws and scouts alike had faced about.</p> - -<p>In a declivity, whose existence had been hidden by grass, lay Jennings, -midway between where Red Rogers had been sitting and the edge of the -plateau!</p> - -<p>As he realized the miracle of the scout's escape, the outlaw blanched.</p> - -<p>"Get me some whiskey, Rosie," he stammered.</p> - -<p>But the girl did not move.</p> - -<p>"Tell me first what you're going to do," she retorted.</p> - -<p>"What? You dare disobey me?" thundered the desperado, glad to have some -one upon whom to vent his rage and disappointment. "I'll show you——"</p> - -<p>Yet, as he wheeled, his threat died upon his lips.</p> - -<p>With steady hand and determined face, the girl was standing in front of -the cave, her six shooters levelled at the outlaw's head.</p> - -<p>"Now, don't get excited, Red," she exclaimed, quietly. "I'm running -this show for a few minutes. That scout's escape is a warning. His life -wasn't saved for nothing. If you do anything to him now, bad luck will -follow you.</p> - -<p>"Pedro, fetch him to the cave!"</p> - -<p>The calmness and presence of mind of the girl, as she faced the -desperate outlaw, won the admiration of the scouts, while her reference -to the supernatural struck the one vulnerable spot in Red's make-up.</p> - -<p>And, as the fiend who laughed at physical danger, struggled to overcome -his superstition, the others watched him breathlessly.</p> - -<p>Upon the phlegmatic Pedro alone did the dramatic scene fail to have -effect.</p> - -<p>Glancing from girl to outlaw, he shifted uneasily.</p> - -<p>"Shall I fetch him?" he finally demanded of his chief.</p> - -<p>Breathlessly the others awaited Red's reply.</p> - -<p>But, ere he could speak, there rang out a sharp "ping"—and a bullet -flattened itself against the cliff above Rosie's head.</p> - -<p>"Where's that from?" roared the desperado, wheeling.</p> - -<p>One glance from the edge of the plateau answered him.</p> - -<p>Seeming no bigger than ants, a file of men wound in and out among the -rocks far below.</p> - -<p>"It's the troopers! Quick, saddle up!" commanded the bandit. "They're -shooting at such an angle they can't hit us here. But this is no place -to stand a siege.</p> - -<p>"It'll be hot work reaching the Old Stockade, <i>now</i>!"</p> - -<p>In the face of this unexpected danger, the stress of the past few -moments was forgotten.</p> - -<p>Quickly Rose dashed into the cave, returning with a canvas bag and some -blankets, while Red and Pedro hurriedly caught the stolen army horses, -thrust bridles, rudely improvised the night before from pieces of -rawhide, into their mouths, and then, with other pieces of thong, laced -the blankets brought out by the girl upon their backs.</p> - -<p>"How about the scouts? Shall we leave 'em?" inquired Pedro.</p> - -<p>"Not much!" returned the outlaw, once more the calculating bandit whose -resourcefulness was his greatest strength. "The troopers will be sure -to come here, and if they find our prisoners, there'll be just three -more against us."</p> - -<p>"But we can put them out of the way," suggested the girl, her former -compassion vanished.</p> - -<p>"Sure, whenever we want. Just now, we need 'em. We'll each put one -behind us. They'll serve as a bullet shield."</p> - -<p>By this time the patter of the bullets against the wall of rock had -become a veritable hailstorm and the wisdom of the bandit's plan was -evident for, once on the trail, there was no telling when some trooper -might get the exact range.</p> - -<p>The work of placing their prisoners upon the ponies and binding their -legs tight beneath the animals' bellies was the work of only a few -minutes.</p> - -<p>In order to get the greatest service from the horses, Red had placed -the two lightest of the band, Rose and Scotty, upon the smallest horse, -assigning Pedro and Shaw to the next smallest, and reserving the most -powerful, which was none other than Jennings' own Bonehead, for himself -and his human shield.</p> - -<p>"We'll ride from the plateau one at a time," instructed the outlaw, -when all was ready. "The troopers don't know how strong we are, and -when they see one after another dash out, we'll gain time, because -they'll wait to find if there are more.</p> - -<p>"Ride close to the cliff and at a run. Turn to the right at the end of -the plateau and go down the mountain. Rosie, you go first. I'll follow. -Bend low. <i>Now!</i>"</p> - -<p>Rapidly the desperado had uttered his instructions, and as he gave the -word, the girl leaped her horse forward and, at what seemed foolhardy -speed to the scout at her back, gained the edge of the shelf of rock, -then dashed down the trail, which quickly carried them into the -protection of the woods.</p> - -<p>Taken by surprise, the troopers had sent not one bullet at the girl. -But, when Red Rogers and Jennings appeared in the open, as they raced -for the shelter of the trees, shells whistled and spat as they sped -over their heads or flattened themselves against the rocks below.</p> - -<p>"Swing your man round to your side, Pedro. They'll have the range on -you," shouted his chief, drawing rein to wait for his pal.</p> - -<p>Unfortunate for Shaw proved the warning.</p> - -<p>Quickly obeying his master, Pedro jerked the scout to his side, then -clapped spurs to his mount.</p> - -<p>As the horse gained the trail, there was a volley of shells, one of -which caught Shaw in the shoulder and another ploughed through his -breeches, just escaping his thigh.</p> - -<p>"Lucky there are no more of us," grinned the outlaw, as he hurriedly -bound up Shaw's wound. "Even <i>I</i> shouldn't care about crossing that -clearing again. You men at Fort Griswold shoot well, I'll say that -much. But when you're on patrol, you act like kids."</p> - -<p>This allusion to the ease with which he had first stolen their horses -and then captured them grated deeply upon the two veteran scouts.</p> - -<p>"Wait till this fun is over. You'll sing a different tune," flashed -Jennings, unable to restrain himself longer.</p> - -<p>"Think so, eh?" grinned Red Rogers. "Say, I'd make a bet with you if I -wasn't opposed to taking money from a child.</p> - -<p>"Just to show you I'm right, my doubling on my tracks will give me at -least six hours' leeway.</p> - -<p>"Your troopers will think I've ridden up the mountain and before they -learn their mistake, it will be dark."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER VI.</p> - -<p class="center">ONE HUNDRED AGAINST ONE.</p> - - -<p>Chuckling as he saw the angry flushes his taunts brought to the faces -of his prisoners, the desperado wheeled his mount and once more resumed -his way.</p> - -<p>Not far had he ridden, however, when he met Rose, who, alarmed at the -whistling and patter of the shells, had started back to learn if her -pals had been injured.</p> - -<p>"Any wounds?" she asked, surveying Red and Pedro, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Narry a scratch. Pedro's shield stopped a couple of pills, though. But -they didn't hit him in the vitals.</p> - -<p>"I'll take the lead, now. Keep your eyes and ears open, but don't shoot -unless I give the word."</p> - -<p>And with Red in the van and Pedro bringing up the rear, the outlaws -resumed their ride down the mountainside.</p> - -<p>And, while they descended, the troopers were swarming up the trail, -just as the notorious outlaw had anticipated, eager to close in upon -the fugitives.</p> - -<p>When word had been received at the Fort, thirty hours before, that Red -Rogers had literally shot his way to freedom, leaving three corpses -besides that of the telegraph operator to mark his departure, the -excitement had been intense.</p> - -<p>Summoning his officers, the colonel had bidden them each to take an -hundred men and, riding in the form of a half moon, to scour every nook -and cranny of the foothills, keeping in touch with one another during -the day by heliograph signals and at night by rockets.</p> - -<p>Quickly the orders had been given and as the troopers assembled, -Colonel Edwards had addressed them.</p> - -<p>"Remember, you have no rum-crazed Indian to deal with," he said. "The -man you are after is not only an expert in woodcraft and familiar with -every section of the 'Bad Lands,' but one who knows no fear and brings -down his men when he shoots.</p> - -<p>"The Governor has offered ten thousand dollars reward for Red Rogers -alive. The sheriff and the United States marshal, with their deputies, -are leading posses in pursuit.</p> - -<p>"I want the honor of the capture to come to Fort Griswold. As an -incentive, I promise that the reward shall be divided equally among the -men who catch Red Rogers.</p> - -<p>"<i>Don't come back without him!</i> Captain Smythe, you may start now."</p> - -<p>And as the command had rung out, columns of cavalry had galloped from -the post.</p> - -<p>During the forenoon of the previous day, runners had informed each -column that the outlaw had been assisted in his escape by Rose Landon, -his sweetheart, and Pedro, a former member of his gang of cut-throats, -and that the trio had headed straight north from Keno.</p> - -<p>Believing that the escaped desperado was striving with all speed -possible to reach the border and cross into Canada, the colonel had -ordered three of the columns to ride by forced marches to the boundary -and then to form a cordon; three other columns had been instructed to -enter the foothills at the "Death Trail" and beat the forests as they -worked North, while the seventh, as a precautionary measure, had been -detailed to start the man hunt at the Southern end of the "Bad Lands."</p> - -<p>As the outlaw's destination was the Old Stockade, which was in the -Southern portion of the mountains, it was this seventh column, whose -men and officers had cursed their luck at being kept from the Northern -dash, that had so unexpectedly sighted the quarry.</p> - -<p>The officer in command was Lieutenant Harry Fox, and with him at the -head of the troops rode a half-breed scout whom the soldiers had dubbed -Alkali, because of his insatiable thirst.</p> - -<p>"Funny we ain't seen nothing of Jennings' patrol," the scout was -saying, when suddenly his keen eyes discerned the "broken staff" signal.</p> - -<p>Quickly communicating his discovery to his superiors, the two men -spurred their horses forward and soon were in possession of Shaw's note.</p> - -<p>"Well, if that ain't just Red's luck," growled Alkali, as the -lieutenant read the message aloud.</p> - -<p>"It strikes me it's our luck. What do you mean?" demanded Fox.</p> - -<p>"I mean six hundred troopers and goodness knows how many posses are -hunting for Red to the North and here he is to the South with only a -hundred—and them the boniest heads in the bunch—to dodge."</p> - -<p>The lieutenant was young, and this contemptuous allusion to the -scouting ability of his command and the half-breed's assurance that the -outlaw would elude them, angered him.</p> - -<p>"Well, if my hundred men can't run one outlaw to cover, especially -when our three mounted scouts are trailing him, I'll shoot the whole -blooming lot!" he retorted, hotly.</p> - -<p>"Keerful! Steady in the ranks! Don't go to making no rash promises!" -cautioned Alkali. "Remember, you ain't been up against Red before.</p> - -<p>"By the time you're through with him, you're liable to know you've been -on a real manhunt."</p> - -<p>"That may be. But, I'm not going to begin by whining because I haven't -a man for every rock and tree," rejoined the young officer. "If Red -Rogers is such a tricky customer, here's the chance for you to show -some of your cleverness, Alkali—and win fame and money into the -bargain."</p> - -<p>Before the lieutenant had ceased speaking, several of the troopers -had come up and as they heard their superior's sarcastic words, they -grinned appreciatively, for the half-breed was not popular, and was -always boasting of his prowess on the trail.</p> - -<p>With the arrival of his men, Fox became every inch the officer.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant, tell the signal man to flash his heliograph and say we've -located Rogers," he commanded. "Alkali, pick up Jennings' trail."</p> - -<p>And as the men obeyed, he drew forth his field glasses and swept the -mountainside.</p> - -<p>Stung by the lieutenant's taunts and the troopers' glee, the half-breed -employed his woodcraft to the best of his ability, and in less than ten -minutes returned to the boulder, announcing that he had found the trail.</p> - -<p>Surprised, but delighted at such quick work, the young officer gave the -command to advance and the troopers, elated to think that they had a -chance at the prize money after all, took up the trail eagerly.</p> - -<p>But the going was rough and the trail tortuous.</p> - -<p>At the end of three hours' toilsome climbing, the troopers were -rewarded by a shout from Alkali, who was pointing excitedly to the -plateau where the outlaw had come so near death at the hands of the -brave scout.</p> - -<p>Quickly the lieutenant focussed his glasses upon the shelf of rock.</p> - -<p>"It's horses! Yes, cavalry horses!" he exclaimed, excitedly.</p> - -<p>"Boys, give 'em a few shots. We may be able to scare 'em out."</p> - -<p>And how well the troopers succeeded, the reader already knows.</p> - -<p>As the outlaw had anticipated, Rose's dash had taken the cavalrymen by -surprise, but they were prepared for Red and Pedro when they appeared.</p> - -<p>After the girl's escape, the lieutenant had trained his field glasses -on the trail.</p> - -<p>"It's Red, all right! It must be from his shirt! He's got some one -behind him. A hundred dollars to the man who drops him!" cried Fox, -excitedly, as the outlaw raced along the trail.</p> - -<p>After Pedro had passed, the troopers waited several minutes.</p> - -<p>"There's no more of 'em," opined Alkali. "We're only losing time here. -Better strike for them woods, sir."</p> - -<p>But the young officer was of a different mind.</p> - -<p>"That's just what Red would expect us to do," returned the lieutenant. -"Up the trail, men."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER VII.</p> - -<p class="center">THE QUARREL.</p> - - -<p>Peering constantly to the left, right and ahead of him, the cunning -outlaw descended the trail, now raising his hand for his companions to -halt while he rode ahead to reconnoiter, now beckoning to them to ride -faster.</p> - -<p>His calmness, woodcraft and absolute fearlessness could not but rouse -the admiration of the scout who was made his unwilling companion, yet -as each minute passed without any sound indicating the approach of the -troopers, thereby corroborating Red's statement that the cavalrymen -would never think of his doubling on his tracks, Jennings could barely -restrain his anger and disappointment.</p> - -<p>And that the same thoughts were in the mind of his veteran comrade was -soon made apparent.</p> - -<p>As the trail swung toward the edge of the woods nearest the troopers, -Shaw turned his head.</p> - -<p>"Help!" he started to bellow.</p> - -<p>But the alarm that might have ended the notorious outlaw's career then -and there never rang out.</p> - -<p>As the first sound came from the scout's lips, Pedro whirled with -lightning rapidity and, seizing his prisoner by the throat, stifled the -cry by choking him until his tongue protruded from his mouth.</p> - -<p>Ignorant of what had been their comrade's purpose, Jennings and Scotty -turned their heads to learn the cause of the commotion—and this act -lost to them the precious opportunity to attract the attention of the -troopers.</p> - -<p>Seemingly divining what had occurred, even as the scouts turned their -heads, Red and Rose jammed kerchiefs into their mouths and in a trice -they were effectually gagged, after which, the girl repeated the -operation upon Shaw.</p> - -<p>"Say, you dubs want to remember it's Red Rogers who has captured -you—not some fool trooper or Mounted Scout," jeered the outlaw. -"Slicker men than you have tried to trick me—and failed. But, don't -try my patience too often. Much as I enjoy your company, you may force -me to part with it."</p> - -<p>And, with this statement, so sinister in its significance, the -desperado resumed the descent of the trail.</p> - -<p>When Pedro's powerful hand had choked off Shaw's attempt to hail his -comrades from the Fort, he had expected death would be the penalty for -his failure. Accordingly, when he found that the only consequence was -the increased discomfiture to himself and fellows occasioned by the -gags, he fell to wondering more than ever as to the use Red Rogers -intended to make of them.</p> - -<p>But he was soon to learn.</p> - -<p>Instead of following a straight course to the foot of the mountain, -the outlaw zigzagged back and forth, sending his horse across stretches -of rock, whenever they cropped from the earth, that his trail might -suddenly stop, causing the manhunters following it delay and difficulty -in picking it up again.</p> - -<p>At last, however, just as twilight came upon the land, the cavalcade -rode out upon the level at the base of the foothills.</p> - -<p>But, to the amazement of the scouts, they were in a region of the "Bad -Lands" never before seen by them.</p> - -<p>For several minutes the notorious desperado watched the expressions on -the faces of his prisoners as they vainly sought some familiar landmark -that would give them an inkling as to their whereabouts.</p> - -<p>"If I had time, I'd make a map of these hills and send it to the -commandant at Griswold," he chuckled. "It's beyond reason to expect a -Mounted Scout or any other soldier to catch a man in a country he don't -know anything about.</p> - -<p>"But you'd be more surprised than you are now if you knew how close to -Griswold you were. I could get there and back in ten hours."</p> - -<p>"Careful, Red," cautioned Rose. "Don't boast."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever hear me say anything I didn't make good?" demanded the -outlaw, turning fiercely upon the girl.</p> - -<p>"No-o—not exactly. I've never known you to fall down <i>yet</i>."</p> - -<p>"You mean I haven't carried out my pledge to your father?" queried -Rogers, irritated by the emphasis Rose placed on the word "yet."</p> - -<p>"Uhuh."</p> - -<p>This answer aroused the bandit's anger, sending hot flushes to his -cheeks.</p> - -<p>"That ain't fair, Rose, and you know it. I'd never been caught if I -hadn't stopped to place your father where the manhunters could not find -him to claim the five thousand reward, dead or alive. Here I've set the -whole state by the ears by getting out of jail at Keno so's I could -keep my pledge to your daddy—and there ain't been a day during the -five years I was behind the bars, I ain't watched my chance—and now -you accuse me of laying down. 'Tain't fair, Rosie, 'tain't fair."</p> - -<p>Eagerly the scouts drank in the bits of intimate history disclosed by -Red's passionate outburst, hoping against hope that he would let fall -more of his life's secrets.</p> - -<p>But the girl's actions prevented this.</p> - -<p>Placing her hand soothingly on the outlaw's arm, she looked into his -face.</p> - -<p>"Don't talk that way, Red," she breathed.</p> - -<p>"I had no right to say what I did. 'Course, you've had no chance to -keep your pledge. I know that. I didn't mean it the way you took it. -Why, you're the only friend I've got left in the world. How do you -suppose I'd lived if you hadn't sent Pedro with that bag of gold to me -the night they—the night daddy was killed?</p> - -<p>"<i>Please</i> don't be angry with me, Red."</p> - -<p>The pleading tone and soulful eyes with which the girl sought -forgiveness appeased the huge desperado's wrath.</p> - -<p>"Guess I couldn't if I wanted to," he returned, the tone in which he -uttered the words sounding silly from such a man.</p> - -<p>But, as he spoke, he reached out an arm, and lowered his bearded face, -with the evident intention of drawing Rose to him and kissing her.</p> - -<p>With a movement of well-feigned embarrassment, the girl avoided him, -and so grotesque was the expression that spread over Red's face at the -failure of his uncouth attempt at love-making that the scouts grinned.</p> - -<p>Unluckily for them, the outlaw saw their mirth.</p> - -<p>"You would mock me, would you?" he thundered. "I'll teach you to laugh -at Red Rogers!"</p> - -<p>And drawing back his fist, he drove it full into the helpless Jennings' -face, causing the blood to spurt from his nose.</p> - -<p>Abashed by this act of wanton cruelty in striking a man bound hand and -foot, the others cowered.</p> - -<p>Chuckling at the evident pain he had caused the scout, the desperado -snatched the canvas bag from where Rose had been carrying it in front -of her, drew forth a flask, and took a long pull at it.</p> - -<p>Cursing horribly, the bandit shook the flask at his prisoners.</p> - -<p>"If I can't have love, I can have whiskey and blood—and I'll have -'em!" he hissed.</p> - -<p>Rose's repulse had transformed the outlaw from a good-natured giant to -a fiend incarnate—and none of the awed group seemed to realize it more -fully than the girl herself.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Red, don't talk like that. I'll kiss you, if you want me to. I—I -only didn't like to have all these men see me," she exclaimed, suddenly -determined to sacrifice herself for the safety of the people in the -region upon which this terrible bandit had been loosed.</p> - -<p>"Too late!" chuckled Rogers, taking another pull at his flask. "I'll -keep you by me till I've fulfilled my pledge to old Barney—and then -you must shift for yourself. Not a sou will Red Rogers give nor a -finger will he lift again to help Barney Landon's daughter!"</p> - -<p>Horrible to behold was the desperado as he uttered these words and -gloatingly he noticed the shock they caused his hearers.</p> - -<p>Cursing his helplessness, Scotty longed to avenge the insult, or to let -the girl know he would protect her—for the scout was young and Rose -was of a wild beauty which had captivated the boy's heart the moment he -had seen her—but he was forced to content himself with an attempt to -convey his meaning by pressing against her.</p> - -<p>Yet the girl seemed to understand, and, turning her head, smiled -gratefully at her prisoner.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the two, the outlaw was too absorbed in his thoughts to -notice them. Indeed, so engrossed was he that it was obvious to all he -was planning some deviltry.</p> - -<p>Suddenly his face broke into a hideous smile.</p> - -<p>"Pedro, get off that horse!" he commanded. "Put your scout on the one -the girl's riding. Tie him fast, so he can't get loose. Then take the -man from behind me and put him, together with the kid, on your horse. -I'll take the girl with me."</p> - -<p>To the others, it seemed nothing could have been more significant of -the change that had come over the desperado than his refusal to call -Rose by her name.</p> - -<p>Yet Red's next words gave evidence that there was.</p> - -<p>"Better give her guns and knives to me before you begin transferring -the scouts, Pedro," he commanded.</p> - -<p>"Am I a prisoner?" demanded the girl, her voice defiant, though in her -heart she was deeply alarmed.</p> - -<p>"Not <i>yet</i>!" returned the outlaw, grinning as he made use of the very -words of Rose—words which had caused his metamorphosis. "It depends on -how you behave. Get a move on, Pedro, it will soon be dark."</p> - -<p>As his pal, too familiar with his chief's moods to dally, stepped -toward the girl, she determined upon a last appeal.</p> - -<p>"Shame on you, Red Rogers, to order her weapons to be taken from your -old pal Barney Landon's daughter!" she flashed.</p> - -<p>"And shame on you for refusing a kiss to the only friend you or old -Barney Landon ever had," mocked the outlaw.</p> - -<p>"I didn't refuse. I was embarrassed. Of course, you can have one or -twenty, Red."</p> - -<p>Into her words and the expression on her face, Rose put all her -persuasiveness.</p> - -<p>Breathlessly the others watched the effect upon the outlaw of her -apparent surrender.</p> - -<p>A moment Red scanned her face searchingly.</p> - -<p>"Go ahead, Pedro," he growled.</p> - -<p>And, turning his back, he took another pull at his flask.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER VIII.</p> - -<p class="center">RED ROGERS SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE FORT.</p> - - -<p>In tense silence, Rose watched the bandit approach to carry out his -master's orders.</p> - -<p>An instant the girl thought of defying both the notorious outlaw who -had spurned her and his minion. A slash of her bowie-knife would sever -the bonds of the scout at her back and then she could cover both Red -and Pedro with her six shooters.</p> - -<p>The thought of having the desperado in her power and the pleasure it -would be to humble him by forcing an apology from his lips proved -irresistible, and stealthily she dropped her hands to the pistol butts.</p> - -<p>Pedro, however, was watching her intently, and as he saw the movement, -leaped upon her, catching her wrists in his powerful hands.</p> - -<p>"No you don't, my lady!" he hissed. "Hey, Red, this she-devil was going -to shoot you."</p> - -<p>"I'm not surprised. The Landons never were strong on gratitude," -returned the bandit. "Hurry and take away her shooting irons so she -won't have another chance, and then transfer the prisoners as I told -you."</p> - -<p>These words were spoken by Rogers without taking the trouble even to -turn his head, and his utter indifference to her contemplated act of -treachery effected Rose as nothing else could have done.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Red, forgive me! Forgive me!" she sobbed. "I didn't mean to -quarrel with you. The excitement of your breaking out of jail and our -escape from the troopers have been too much for my nerves. I know you -were a friend to daddy—and you've been to me. Please for——"</p> - -<p>"Bah! Cut it out," interrupted the outlaw, savagely. "You've showed -your real nature. It's lucky for me you did. Now that I know you, I -can make my plans accordingly."</p> - -<p>Even the scouts were amazed at the bitterness of this reply, and they -awaited with many misgivings the next move of their strange captor.</p> - -<p>That he was doing something, they could all see from the motion of his -right arm, but not until it suited his pleasure did they learn what it -was.</p> - -<p>"Are the men ready, Pedro?" he inquired at last.</p> - -<p>"Uhuh!"</p> - -<p>"Good. Keep a close watch on the girl and the young and the old -prisoners. I'll be back in a little while. Remember, I hold you -responsible for the girl and the others. If you try any tricks or leave -this spot, I'll hunt you down—if I have to follow you into the jail at -Keno!"</p> - -<p>These words showed plainly the desperateness of Roger's mood, and the -others followed his every move with apprehension.</p> - -<p>Suddenly reining his pony alongside of Shaw, he unwound the sash about -his own waist and bound it about the scout's head, blindfolding him.</p> - -<p>This done, he seized the horse by the bridle and started to lead it -down the canyon.</p> - -<p>"Remember, your lives will pay the forfeit if I do not find you all -here when I return," he snapped, in warning.</p> - -<p>Believing that his end had come, Shaw listened for the slightest sound -that might give an inkling as to the fate in store for him. But only -the tramp of his horse could he hear.</p> - -<p>For minutes that seemed interminable, his suspense continued. Now he -thought he caught the sound of rushing water, and feared he was about -to plunge into some swirling stream, then, as the sound died away, -he told himself that his captor was probably leading him toward some -precipice from which he would fall to a horrible death. The uncertainty -was maddening. It seemed to him that his head would burst and in his -mental agony he writhed and squirmed.</p> - -<p>But at last his suffering came to an end.</p> - -<p>"I'm going to send you with a message to the Fort," exclaimed Rogers, -suddenly, as he stopped the horse. "That is, I'm going to start you -with a message. Whether you live to deliver it is another matter," he -added, grimly. "However, if anything happens to you, the message will -be probably found, because within three hours you ought to be on a well -traveled trail."</p> - -<p>In amazement, the scout listened to his words, then felt something -being thrust under the cords that bound his arms.</p> - -<p>As this motion ceased, there ensued an absolute silence, then a -resounding slap rang out and Shaw felt his mount leap forward—whither, -he did not know.</p> - -<p>And as his horse dashed ahead, Rogers mocking laugh rang in his ears.</p> - -<p>Diabolical, indeed, was the plan the terrible outlaw had adopted.</p> - -<p>Absolutely helpless, even his powers of speech and sight cut off by a -gag and bandage, and bound fast to a horse, the scout was sent at a -gallop into the night. Should the animal stumble, he might be crushed -to death. Unfamiliar with the trail, in the darkness the horse might -step off a precipice or, should the animal take it into his head, he -might wander among the foothills, browsing in the sweet grass while the -man on his back, tortured by flies and mosquitoes, slowly went crazy -from thirst and hunger.</p> - -<p>Little, however, did Rogers reck what fate overtook the scout, -though he hoped the horse would return to the Fort, finding his way -by instinct, well knowing that the sight of the soldier, bound and -wounded, would rouse the colonel to fury, while his crude note was -intended to strike terror by its threats.</p> - -<p>But not long did the outlaw have to gloat over his deviltry.</p> - -<p>As he stood listening to the hoofbeats of the army horse grow fainter -and fainter, his eyes wandered over the dim outlines of the mountains -surrounding him.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he saw a ball of flame shoot into the air from the hill -directly ahead of him, followed almost immediately by other balls from -right and left.</p> - -<p>"Rocket signals!" exclaimed Rogers. "By the blood of old Barney! it -won't do for me to delay getting to the Stockade. Judging from their -rockets, the manhunters must be closing in on it. If I'm going to reach -there at all, it must be to-night. I can never get through in the -daytime."</p> - -<p>Rose and the others also beheld the signals, and in the face of the -danger all the girl's anger against the outlaw vanished.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Red! Did you see those rockets?" she inquired, with her old time -interest in his welfare, as he rejoined his anxious companions.</p> - -<p>"Sure I saw 'em," he replied. "Couldn't very well help it—unless I was -blindfolded, like the scout."</p> - -<p>At the mention of the luckless man he had led away, the girl drew her -breath sharply.</p> - -<p>"What did you do to him?" she demanded.</p> - -<p>"It's none of your business, but I don't mind telling you," responded -Rogers, his anger at Rose apparently forgotten. "I sent him with a -message to the Fort."</p> - -<p>"But he'll never get there!" protested the girl.</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"The horse doesn't know the way."</p> - -<p>"Never you worry. An army horse will always find his way back to his -post—provided nothing happens to him."</p> - -<p>"But, if he doesn't go quickly, the man may die!" gasped Rose, in -horror.</p> - -<p>"So much the better. It'll give more force to my terms."</p> - -<p>At this announcement that the desperado had not only sent a message to -the Fort, but had dictated conditions, the others were amazed.</p> - -<p>"What in the world did you say?" queried the girl, voicing the -curiosity of the rest.</p> - -<p>"Not much."</p> - -<p>"But what?"</p> - -<p>"Say, you're asking a good many questions, did you know it?" demanded -Rogers.</p> - -<p>His tone, however, indicated that he was not displeased and so Rose -persisted.</p> - -<p>"How can I help it since you won't tell without my asking?" she -returned.</p> - -<p>"If you ain't just like old Barney," mused the bandit, smiling at the -girl good naturedly. "I've seen Barney ready to shoot a man down, then -something would excite his curiosity, and he'd forget what he was -holding his guns for. Many a time he——"</p> - -<p>"Never mind about daddy. What did you say in your message?" interrupted -Rose, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"But it was about your daddy."</p> - -<p>"About daddy? Oh, Red, tell me." Then a shrewd thought flashed into her -mind and she added: "You're wasting valuable time teasing me."</p> - -<p>The words produced the desired effect upon the bandit, recalling him, -as they did, to the danger of his position.</p> - -<p>"I guess it would be better for me if we stayed mad," he rejoined. "I -forget everything when I'm talking to you, Rosie."</p> - -<p>"Then I won't say another word to you, <i>ever</i>, unless you tell me what -message you sent to the Fort," pouted the girl, aware that the breech -between them had been healed.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it was nothing much. I just told the colonel I'd come back to keep -the pledge I made to Barney the night he was killed, adding that I -had two more of his men beside the messenger, I was keeping so's he'd -behave. Oh, yes, and I told him if he didn't get a safe conduct for you -and leave it at old man Quint's before to-day week, I'd run down and -burn up his old Fort."</p> - -<p>In contemplation of the effect such a message from the man for whom his -troops were scouring the "Bad Lands" would have upon their choleric -colonel, the scouts forgot the precariousness of their position.</p> - -<p>"But old turkey gobler won't do it," exclaimed Rose, with the evident -wish of being contradicted.</p> - -<p>"No-o. I don't suppose he will," admitted the outlaw, reluctantly. "But -it will give me a chance to make 'em sit-up and take notice. It'll show -'em they've got some job on their hands to catch me when I can run -through their lines, call at old man Quint's and get back again."</p> - -<p>"Nobody with any sense would try it," grunted Pedro. "What would become -of Rosie and me if you got caught? You ought to think of others besides -yourself when you're planning these daredevil raids."</p> - -<p>"That's just what I am doing," retorted Rogers. "Didn't I tell you I -asked the colonel for a safe conduct for Rosie? If I can only get it, -she can go to Old Mex. and you can go where you please."</p> - -<p>"And where'll you go?" demanded Pedro, suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"I? Oh, I'll just carry out my pledge and then travel for my health."</p> - -<p>The matter-of-fact manner in which the outlaw, who was, even as he -spoke, being hunted by hundreds of men, talked of eluding his pursuers -and fulfilling his promise, gave the scouts an idea of his absolute -fearlessness which they could not but admire, while at the same time -his contempt for the Service galled them.</p> - -<p>The girl, however, received Red's words in silence.</p> - -<p>"What is the pledge you made to daddy?" she suddenly demanded.</p> - -<p>"Something that doesn't concern you, Rosie."</p> - -<p>"But it <i>does</i>. I don't see why you should run such risks of being -captured, now you're safe, just on account of a promise. <i>Please</i> -tell me what it is. I'm Barney's daughter, and as such—if it seems -foolish—I can absolve you from your pledge."</p> - -<p>Though they had known that the outlaw had made some sort of promise to -his pal as he lay dying in his arms, neither Rose nor Pedro were aware -of its exact nature. Moreover, the constant reference to it since their -capture had whetted the curiosity of the scouts.</p> - -<p>Consequently it was with keenest eagerness the four listened for the -bandit's answer.</p> - -<p>"It's generous of you, Rosie, very," he finally declared. "But Red -Rogers never broke a promise yet!"</p> - -<p>And with these words, the outlaw mounted his horse and, followed by -Pedro with the prisoners, set out for the Old Stockade.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER IX.</p> - -<p class="center">A DESPERATE RUSE.</p> - - -<p>Despite the fact that the man who spoke these words was a villain of -the deepest die, wantonly cruel, who had not hesitated to take the life -of man or woman when his doing so meant the saving of his own, there -was an impressiveness about his refusal to foreswear his promise to his -dead pal. And, respecting his attitude, regardless of how perverted it -was, the girl made no further attempt to dissuade him from his purpose.</p> - -<p>Indeed, no opportunity could she have found even had she desired to -make the attempt.</p> - -<p>As the horses bore them up the trail, the outlaws and their prisoners -were able to obtain a better view of the surrounding hills and what -they beheld amazed them.</p> - -<p>The rocks seemed alive with scores of bobbing lights, giving to the -mountains, huge in their outlines, the appearance of strange monsters -with innumerable glowing eyes.</p> - -<p>In silence, Rogers contemplated the spectacle.</p> - -<p>And as he watched, there suddenly leaped into the air a great -semi-circular wall of flame.</p> - -<p>"By the blood of old Barney! there'll be hot work to-night," snarled -the outlaw. "I'd calculated the manhunters would go into camp for the -night and instead they're searching with fire and torches!"</p> - -<p>If the activity of the troopers alarmed Rogers and his pals, it raised -the spirits of the scouts to the highest pitch of exultation and -excitement.</p> - -<p>Just where the Old Stockade was located, neither Jennings nor Scotty -knew, but so enormous was the semi-circle of flame they believed it -would be impossible for Rogers to reach it and his next move made their -belief certainty.</p> - -<p>"You all stay here," he exclaimed. "I'm going to reconnoiter."</p> - -<p>"Please don't, Red," pleaded the girl.</p> - -<p>"But I must, Rosie. If it's a possible thing, we must get through to -the Stockade, and the flare from those fires is so deceptive, I can't -tell whether or not the trail is blocked unless I get close."</p> - -<p>And without giving the girl the opportunity to make further protest, -the outlaw disappeared in the darkness.</p> - -<p>Yet scarcely did it seem to the anxious group that he had gone than he -was back.</p> - -<p>"Quick! Blindfold the prisoners!" he commanded. "We can't get to the -Old Stockade. The fire wall runs clear round the loop, and when I -turned 'Look out' rock, a score of lights were just starting up the -very mountain we're on."</p> - -<p>"Where are you going, back?" queried Rose, the only indication of the -desperateness of their situation being in the tenseness of her voice.</p> - -<p>"Don't talk direction," warned Rogers. "We're going to the 'Breathing -Cave.' It's our only chance—and it's going to be lively work. Dismount -and walk, Pedro. We can make better time and help the horses more."</p> - -<p>Instantly the outlaw's commands were obeyed, and the dash for the -"Breathing Cave" and temporary safety, at least, was begun.</p> - -<p>Maddened to think they were powerless to disclose the whereabouts -of Red Rogers, the scouts racked their brains for some expedient by -which they could manage to retard the fugitives. But in vain. And to -their helplessness was added the inability even to see how close their -comrades were.</p> - -<p>When the heliograph signal had been received at the Fort and by the -three center columns that Lieutenant Fox and his men had not only -picked up the outlaw's trail, but had actually got near enough to shoot -at him, there was great excitement and jubilation among the troopers in -the saddle and the men left at the Post.</p> - -<p>What the colonel and civil authorities had feared it might take weeks, -perhaps months, to do had been accomplished in less than forty-eight -hours, and their joy was corresponding.</p> - -<p>Instantly word was telegraphed to deputy marshals and sheriffs as to -the general whereabouts of the fugitives, and they were urged to press -into service every man who could carry a gun and ride to the foothills -without mercy to their horses.</p> - -<p>Assurances received that the request would be obeyed, the colonel -ordered four hundred of the five hundred troopers left at the Fort to -race to the scene, and he himself rode at their head.</p> - -<p>Thoroughly aware of their quarry's resourcefulness, the colonel had -struck upon the scheme of throwing out the great semi-circle of fire -as an effective stop to the fugitives getting through to the North or -West. The East needed no protection, for it was self-evident that the -outlaw would not come out on the plains where capture was certain. Only -the South—the direction from which the civil posses would come—would -be left dark, for the reason that there were none among them who could -read the heliograph signals. But the colonel hoped they would see the -fires of his troopers and divining their purpose complete the circle.</p> - -<p>Fox's men, by reason of their being on the scene, were ordered to the -West, together with such of the middle columns as could be got there in -time, while the men from the Fort were to take the Northern position.</p> - -<p>Sparing neither themselves nor their mounts, the troopers rode, and the -exchange of rockets Rogers had seen were the announcements that the men -were in position, followed in due course by the signal to touch off the -wall of fire.</p> - -<p>To Rogers and the girl, it seemed as though the torch-bearing troopers -must have wings, so rapidly did they advance, and the voices of the -manhunters approaching from the direction of "Look Out" rock soon -became audible, as they shouted encouragement to one another.</p> - -<p>The course followed by the outlaw and his companions was almost due -Southwest.</p> - -<p>"Can we make it?" breathed Rose, as the shouts became more and more -distinct.</p> - -<p>"We've <i>got</i> to make it," returned Rogers.</p> - -<p>"Don't talk that way. Tell me the truth," pleaded the girl.</p> - -<p>"Fifteen minutes will tell the tale, Rosie. Keep your eye on Pedro. -Don't let him lag."</p> - -<p>In an agony of suspense, the girl kept her head turned toward the -manhunters while she maintained a whispered outpouring of encouragement -and exhortation at the bandit who was leading the prisoners.</p> - -<p>Nearer and nearer, the fugitives approached the haven selected by the -notorious outlaw.</p> - -<p>"I reckon we're safe, Rosie," breathed Rogers, at last. "We have less -than a hundred yards to go."</p> - -<p>"Glory be!" returned the girl.</p> - -<p>But their rejoicing was premature!</p> - -<p>Barely had the words left the outlaw's lips than his keen eyes -discerned the form of a man skulking ahead of them.</p> - -<p>Suppressing an oath, Rogers bade Rose halt and dismount. Then, -crouching low, he glided with wonderful swiftness upon the moving -figure.</p> - -<p>As he drew himself together for the leap that would bring him upon the -man, Red's foot crunched a pebble.</p> - -<p>Apprised by the sound that there was some one near at hand, for the -outlaw had managed to hide his advance in the shadow of the brush and -rocks lining the trail, the man stopped.</p> - -<p>"Who goes there? Friend or foe?" he gasped.</p> - -<p>"Friend," returned the outlaw, advancing boldly.</p> - -<p>Relieved at the thought he had run across a fellow manhunter, the other -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I'm glad you're here. I've heard hoofbeats coming up this trail for -several minutes. I don't believe any one else but Red and me knows of -the 'Breathing Cave,' so I suppose it's him. By standing one on each -side of the trail, we ought to get both him and Pedro.</p> - -<p>"We'll shoot Pedro. But we won't get the ten thousand reward unless we -get Red alive. I asked Sheriff Black to-day. When I found that out and -heard where Red had been located and the plans the soldiers were making -which would cut off his going to the Old Stockade, I hit the trail for -the Cave. I'm——"</p> - -<p>But the fellow never finished his sentence.</p> - -<p>With a shocking oath, the terrible outlaw seized him by the throat and -shook him as a terrier does a rat.</p> - -<p>"You would betray me for a reward, would you, Faro Pete?" he hissed.</p> - -<p>An instant Rogers waited until the shudder which ran through his -captive's body told him the fellow had recognized him. Then he raised -his pistol butt and crashed it down with terrific force upon his -would-be betrayer's head.</p> - -<p>Precious time had been lost, however, in listening to, Faro Pete—time -that Red spared only because he wished to learn all he could as to -the manhunters' plans and the reward. As soon as he had acquired this -information, he had ended his former pal's life, and dropping the body -beside the trail, the outlaw hastened back to his companions.</p> - -<p>"There's some one over there to the North of us, I think," breathed -Pedro, when his master rejoined him.</p> - -<p>Pressed on all sides, Rogers and his comrades were, indeed, in -desperate straits. One false move and their fate would be sealed.</p> - -<p>A moment, the outlaw pondered.</p> - -<p>"Quick, Rosie! Take this knife and cut the thongs binding the scouts to -the horses. Pedro, grab the smaller one. Choke him so he'll be quiet. -When I give the word, dash with him for the Cave. I'll tote the other.</p> - -<p>"Rosie, when I say <i>now</i>, turn the horses and send them down the trail -on the run!"</p> - -<p>These directions were uttered with as little noise as possible. Yet -they were overheard.</p> - -<p>"Here they are! Here they are! Close in on 'em!" yelled four or five -voices from the direction Pedro had said he heard suspicious sounds.</p> - -<p>Under the crackling of the bushes and the crunching of stones as the -manhunters advanced, Rogers whispered:</p> - -<p>"Now!"</p> - -<p>Frantically Rose jabbed the horses with the knife the outlaw had given -her.</p> - -<p>Snorting with pain and fright, the animals dashed down the trail, the -beat of their iron shoes upon the rocks ringing out loud and clear.</p> - -<p>"Watch out!"</p> - -<p>"Down the trail!"</p> - -<p>"They're mounted!"</p> - -<p>"Shoot 'em!"</p> - -<p>"Don't let 'em escape!"</p> - -<p>In a babel of voices, these warnings and commands were roared.</p> - -<p>"Crouch down!" breathed Rogers. "If they shoot, we'll dash for the -Cave. If they don't, we'll——"</p> - -<p>Bang! crashed a volley. Then another and another.</p> - -<p>With all speed possible, the troopers rushed up the mountainside while, -as the reports rang out and reverberated among the mountains, wild were -the wavings of torches by the manhunters too far away to join in the -pursuit.</p> - -<p>And under cover of the confusion, Red Rogers and his comrades gained -the entrance to the "Breathing Cave."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER X.</p> - -<p class="center">BESIEGED.</p> - - -<p>So deadly had been the aim of the troopers as they poured their volleys -of lead at the horses dashing down the mountain that the animals were -quickly stopped in their mad run.</p> - -<p>"Close in! Be careful, Red is a dead shot!" yelled the manhunters as -they leaped and scrambled over the rocks, hurrying to gain the spot -where the horses had dropped before the fugitives, whom they supposed -to have been riding the animals, could have the chance to seek cover in -the underbrush.</p> - -<p>The flare of the torches made the mountainside almost as light as day.</p> - -<p>In the excitement, the manhunters poured volleys of lead at everything -that moved, determined not to let the outlaw escape again.</p> - -<p>But as the foremost of the pursuers gained the side of the disabled -horses, they knew that they had been outwitted by the resourceful -Rogers.</p> - -<p>"He's fooled us!" yelled a trooper.</p> - -<p>"What makes you think so?" demanded Lieutenant Fox, who was the first -officer to reach the scene.</p> - -<p>"Because the horses and their blankets are riddled with bullets," -replied one of his men. "No person could have been on their backs and -have lived."</p> - -<p>"Then where <i>is</i> Rogers?" returned the young officer.</p> - -<p>"The old Nick only knows," grunted a veteran. "One thing's certain, -though." And then the trooper grew silent, as if repenting of his words.</p> - -<p>"What is certain? Why don't you speak, man, instead of standing there -like a dummy?" flashed Fox.</p> - -<p>"I didn't want to seem to be meddling, sir," rejoined the trooper. -"But I was going to say that Red can't be far away or he wouldn't have -resorted to the ruse of turning his horses loose."</p> - -<p>"Then get busy and find him. Don't waste precious time standing round -here," snapped the lieutenant. And at his words, the group about -the fallen horses melted away and disappeared among the rocks and -underbrush, the men's course being indicated by the glow from their -torches.</p> - -<p>A moment the young officer stood, debating whether he should go with -his men or report to the colonel, and before he had made up his mind, -the members of the sheriff's posse who had caused the outlaw to abandon -his horses, came upon him.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" demanded the lieutenant.</p> - -<p>"We came with Sheriff Black," replied one of them.</p> - -<p>"Well, get into the brush. Don't dally round here. Rogers has tricked -us."</p> - -<p>"Ain't that just like him?" exclaimed another member of the posse. "I -told Black, while we were waiting up the trail yonder, that I'd bet Red -would get away, and now he's done it. One or a thousand men, it don't -make no difference to him. If he has any chance at all, he can wriggle -through them. Now I——"</p> - -<p>But the young officer, reminded by the fellow's words of the manner in -which the outlaw had eluded him during the day, turned on his heel and -was walking away, when a shout sounded from ahead.</p> - -<p>"This way! This way!" yelled a voice. "Red's gone this way! Here's the -body of a man he's killed!"</p> - -<p>Instantly the troopers who had been scouring the mountainside -surrounding the horses gave up their efforts and hastened up the trail.</p> - -<p>"That's Faro Pete," announced Sheriff Black, after an examination of -the body. "I'd rather have lost a dozen other men than him."</p> - -<p>"Why?" demanded Captain Smythe, forcing his way through the group about -the man whom the outlaw had killed.</p> - -<p>"Because, as a member of Red's old gang, he knew all his haunts. When -he heard where the cuss had been located, he 'lowed that Red would -probably make for the Old Stockade, and if he found the trails cut off, -for the 'Breathing Cave.' Pete was the only man, so far as I know, who -was ever with Red in the Cave. And now he's gone and we're likely to be -gray headed before we can find out how to get into it."</p> - -<p>"Breathing Cave? Breathing Cave?" repeated the captain. "What in the -world are you talking about, man? Who ever heard of a Breathing Cave?"</p> - -<p>"I have, sir," replied a voice.</p> - -<p>In surprise, the officers and sheriff turned toward the speaker and -beheld Alkali.</p> - -<p>"Then tell us what it is and where it is," commanded Smythe.</p> - -<p>"It's a crack in a rock, barely large enough for a man to squeeze into, -and when you stand beside it, you can feel it breathe."</p> - -<p>"Feel a rock breathe," sneered Lieutenant Fox, contemptuously. "Have -you been drinking, Alkali?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir. What I'm telling you about that Cave is the truth. And I can -prove it."</p> - -<p>"How?" demanded Smythe.</p> - -<p>"By taking you to it."</p> - -<p>"You know where it is?" exclaimed the sheriff and the officers, in -pleased surprise.</p> - -<p>"Sure I do. You ain't more than three rods from it this very minute."</p> - -<p>"Then take us to it," ordered the captain. "Beyond a doubt, that's -where the man we're after is hiding. Fox, go down and report to the -colonel all we have learned. You might suggest that it would be well -for him to come up here. He'll probably wish to take charge of the -prisoner."</p> - -<p>With no attempt to conceal his disappointment and displeasure at being -sent by his superior to carry a message to the colonel that might just -as well have been entrusted to a private, especially when the capture -of the notorious outlaw who had led them such a merry chase seemed -imminent, the lieutenant turned on his heel without replying, starting -down the mountainside at a run.</p> - -<p>Shouting and yelling in jubilation at the thought they would soon have -the notorious outlaw securely bound and on his way back to the jail -from which he had escaped, leaving a trail of Corpses behind him, the -troopers swarmed after the half-breed.</p> - -<p>"I wish you'd hold 'em back, sir," exclaimed Alkali to the captain, who -with several other officers was following close at the scout's heels.</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"Because I want to examine the entrance to the Cave to find if Red is -really in there. But if them troopers, crowd round, they'll spoil any -tracks there may be."</p> - -<p>Realizing that Alkali spoke sound sense, the captain faced about.</p> - -<p>"No man can come nearer the Cave than twenty feet until I give -permission," he shouted.</p> - -<p>Amazed at the command, the troopers asked one another what new -development could have transpired. But their curiosity was quickly -allayed by the sight of the half-breed creeping about on his hands and -knees.</p> - -<p>Interest in the scout's discoveries was forgotten for the moment by -the officers as they felt a sudden outpouring of air, followed several -seconds later by a sucking downward of the atmosphere.</p> - -<p>"What in the world can that be?" they asked one another.</p> - -<p>"It's the 'Breathing Cave,'" grunted Alkali; in explanation.</p> - -<p>"It sure is just like a person breathing," asserted Captain Smythe, -after he and several of his companions had dropped to their knees near -the crevice in the rock and felt the outward and inward rush of air -against their faces.</p> - -<p>"How did you know about it, Alkali?" demanded another officer.</p> - -<p>"Injuns."</p> - -<p>"Did they give any explanation of the mystery?"</p> - -<p>"Some did, some didn't."</p> - -<p>Further discussion of the wonder was prevented for the moment, at -least, by the arrival of Colonel Edwards.</p> - -<p>"Have you got the devil cornered, Smythe?" he asked of the officer.</p> - -<p>"I believe so, sir."</p> - -<p>"Believe? Don't you <i>know</i>?" thundered his superior.</p> - -<p>"No, sir. I'm waiting for Alkali to determine whether Rogers has -entered that opening in the rock or not."</p> - -<p>"Well, I guess the surest way to put an end to him is for the earth to -swallow him," chuckled the colonel. "What do you find, Alkali?"</p> - -<p>"He's in there, and there are two others with him. I——"</p> - -<p>"Any sign of the three Mounted Scouts they captured?" interrupted -Captain Smythe.</p> - -<p>"They was dragging something with them. You can see where the dirt over -there is scraped. But whether it's the Scouts, I can't say, sir."</p> - -<p>"We'll probably find their bodies somewhere down the trail," opined the -colonel. "It isn't likely they would have bothered with them when we -were pressing them so close. But you're sure Red Rogers is in there?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Any other way to get into the Cave?"</p> - -<p>"Not as I know of, sir."</p> - -<p>"How big is it?"</p> - -<p>"Never was inside."</p> - -<p>"Well, there's one sure thing. Rogers and his companions can't find any -food in there."</p> - -<p>"Captain Smythe, you will pick thirty-men and stay here, camped about -the opening to this Cave, until you either starve Rogers out or to -death."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XI.</p> - -<p class="center">THE OUTLAW BECOMES SUSPICIOUS OF ROSE.</p> - - -<p>After the captain had selected the troopers whom he wished to keep with -him, all of whom were chosen because of their fearlessness and deadly -marksmanship, the colonel gave the command for the rest of the men to -return to the base of the mountain and camp for the night.</p> - -<p>"Shall you want Alkali?" he asked, as he prepared to follow them.</p> - -<p>"No, sir. That is, I don't think so. You said there was no other -entrance to the Cave, didn't you, Alkali?" the captain asked, turning -to the half-breed.</p> - -<p>"None as I knows of," repeated the scout.</p> - -<p>"Then I don't see how Alkali can be of any use to me, Colonel Edwards."</p> - -<p>But the officer was soon to regret his decision to dispense with the -services of the half-breed.</p> - -<p>Wearied with the labors of the strenuous day, now that they felt they -had the notorious outlaw in their power, or at least where he could do -no more harm, the troopers rolled themselves up in their blankets and -were soon fast asleep, while a solitary sentinel stool guard over the -crevice, at the two ends of which fires had been kindled.</p> - -<p>Within the Cave, however, all was activity, though the outlaw and his -companions had passed through an even more nerve-wracking day than -their pursuers.</p> - -<p>The haven which Rogers had reached barely in time to save his life was -one that he and his former gang had chiselled from the solid rock. -Scarce twenty feet long was it, but it extended back for at least -twice that distance. The phenomenal breathing of the crevice afforded -a constant change of air, thus enabling them to burn candles which had -been left when it was one of Rogers' regular hiding places before his -capture.</p> - -<p>Lighting several of these, he bade Rose prepare some food, while he -stood as near to the entrance as he dared in order that he might hear -what transpired among the troopers in the event of their trailing him -to the Cave.</p> - -<p>And could they have seen the smile that spread over his face as the -half-breed declared he was ignorant of any other means of departing -from or getting into the retreat, Colonel Edwards would never have -called off the manhunt.</p> - -<p>"It's a lucky thing for me that I ran across Faro Pete and put him out -of the way," chuckled the bandit to himself. "If I hadn't, old 'turkey -gobler' would have had me like a rat in a trap. As it is, I'll be able -to pull off a few stunts that will give him an awful jar."</p> - -<p>From where he lay, he could hear almost every word that the manhunters -said, and again he grinned as the order to lay siege to the Cave -was issued. And when all was quiet and only the guard was astir, he -returned to his companions, to whom he quickly related all that had -transpired.</p> - -<p>"Let them keep up their old siege, if they want to," exclaimed Rose, as -the outlaw concluded. "We've got food enough in that bag for a couple -of days, anyhow, so we can just stay here and get a good rest. I sure -do need it, and I guess you and Pedro do, too, Red."</p> - -<p>"Sleep won't seem a bit bad, especially as it will be the first I have -had outside a jail for five years," agreed the outlaw.</p> - -<p>"But what are you going to do with the scouts?" demanded Pedro. "It -won't do to take the gags out of their mouths or to let 'em loose."</p> - -<p>"And they'll lower our supply of food," interposed the girl.</p> - -<p>"It looks as though old 'turkey gobler' would starve his own men and -not us," chuckled the outlaw. "Still, there's no hurry about deciding -what to do with them. They can't do any damage, that's certain. After I -take a look round to-morrow and see how the land lays, we can attend to -them."</p> - -<p>Preys to all sorts of hopes and fears, Jennings and Scotty had passed -through an ordeal during the last hour such as seldom falls to the lot -of any human. The sight of their comrades beating the mountainside -for their captors had inspired them with hope for their own rescue. -When Rogers had decided to take them with him, they still clung to -this hope. But as the pursuit grew closer, they were in terror lest -the outlaw put a bullet into each of them and thus rid himself of the -handicap they were to his escape. With the realization that they would -probably be kept to serve the purpose of their captor, after they heard -from his lips that there was a different place to enter the Cave than -the one the troopers were besieging, they lost heart, however. And as -their hunger increased with the savory odors coming from the food that -Rose was preparing, they wished that the notorious outlaw had, indeed, -ended their suffering.</p> - -<p>But they were to find that Rogers was not utterly without feeling.</p> - -<p>As Rose announced that their meal was ready, the desperado walked over -to where the scouts lay.</p> - -<p>"I reckon you fellows are a bit hungry," he chuckled. "Now, I tell you -what I'm going to do. I'm going to take the gags out of your mouths -and give you something to eat. I'll also remove the bandages from your -eyes. It won't do you any good to yell or cry out, because we've got -enough shells and bullets in this Cave to hold it against a regiment. -Besides, if any of your friends up above tried to get in here, unless -they struck one particular place, they'd fall way down, clean to -hell, I guess. So you see, it won't do you any good to try to start -something."</p> - -<p>"But they might let 'em know' there was another way to get into the -place," interposed Pedro.</p> - -<p>"Little good it would do 'em," returned his chief. "They could search a -month of Sundays and never find it."</p> - -<p>"Still, they might get word to the Fort and then old 'turkey gobler' -would order the men out again, which would interfere with our going -where we pleased," objected Rose.</p> - -<p>"Reckon you're right, girl. It will be a big sight easier for me to -carry out my plans if I don't have a bunch of manhunters to dodge for a -while.</p> - -<p>"Say, you fellows," he exclaimed, turning toward his captives, "if you -make any attempt to communicate with the guard up there, I'll chuck you -down that crack in the rock—and no one ever comes back from there. So -be good and you'll be a big lot happier. Perhaps, if you're real good, -after I've carried out my pledge, I'll let you loose. You're a mighty -entertaining couple of chaps, but I can't say I should care to have to -tote you about with me all the rest of my days, especially as the way, -you're togged up is something likely to attract attention."</p> - -<p>His words disclosing that the outlaw was in rare good humor, the scouts -wisely decided not to bring down his wrath upon them, and accordingly -when they were placed at the table and the gags and bandages were -removed, they made no outcry, eating gratefully the food which the girl -and even Rogers fed them.</p> - -<p>But the outlaw's leniency would go no further, as Rose found when she -pleaded with him to remove the thongs from their arms and ankles and -allow them to stretch their aching limbs.</p> - -<p>Indeed, the request seemed to revive his earlier suspicion of the girl.</p> - -<p>"Say, what's the matter with you, anyhow, girl?" he demanded. "Here, -just because I fed the poor devils, you seem to think I should turn -'em loose. Pretty soon, I suppose you'll be asking me to go to that -guard pacing back and forth and give myself up." Then an idea seemed -to strike him, and, with a disgusting leer, he said: "I believe this -doll-faced kid here has hypnotized you."</p> - -<p>"Well, I know <i>he</i> isn't the kind of man that would make you sleep -all trussed up the way you've got him," flashed Rose, blushing at the -outlaw's words.</p> - -<p>"You're dead right, he ain't," retorted Rogers, "because he ain't the -sort of chap who would ever catch a man to bind him."</p> - -<p>And laughing at his words, evidently considering them mighty clever, -the bandit got up from the table, ordered Pedro to place the prisoners -on some straw, and threw himself down upon a pile of blankets, keeping -his eyes upon Rose, however, till her breathing indicated that she was -asleep.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XII.</p> - -<p class="center">A CLOSE CALL.</p> - - -<p>Despite his bravado evinced before his prisoners and the girl, Rogers -did not feel as secure in the "Breathing Cave," as his words made him -appear. Consequently, though he was wearied by his unusual exertions -after his long confinement behind the bars, he was awake early the next -morning.</p> - -<p>Arousing Pedro, he bade him keep a close watch on the girl and the -scouts, and not to let them converse unless he was within hearing -distance.</p> - -<p>"I'll watch 'em, never fear," promised the bandit.</p> - -<p>"See that you do. Your life is responsible for their safety," returned -his master. And with these words, the outlaw walked to the end of the -cave opposite the crevice by which he had entered, placed his shoulder -against what seemed part of the solid wall of rock and, after several -attempts, pushed out a block about three feet square.</p> - -<p>Cautiously sticking his head through the trap door, Rogers listened -intently for several minutes and then, apparently satisfied it would be -safe for him to go forth, squeezed through the hole, closing it behind -him.</p> - -<p>But he was by no means out of danger.</p> - -<p>The spot where the second entrance to the Cave was located was less -than a hundred yards from where Captain Smythe and his troopers had -established their siege camp, and was in full view from the valley -below where the rest of the troopers had bivouaced.</p> - -<p>Yet, unless they had chanced to see him suddenly appear from the rock, -he ran little risk of detection from the latter, for he quickly gained -the shelter of a crag, where he waited to learn if an alarm was raised.</p> - -<p>When some five minutes had passed and the silence which enveloped the -mountains and valleys was unbroken, he began his descent.</p> - -<p>With all the cunning of which he was master, the daredevil outlaw crept -down the hillside, crossed the level land and then went up the other -mountain in order that he might learn whether or not any troops had -been stationed to watch the trail to the Old Stockade.</p> - -<p>As he found the way entirely open, he was sorely tempted to pay a -hurried visit to the place which had been his headquarters and the -scene of many a wild orgy before he had been captured, but he told -himself there would be plenty of time to live over the old days when he -had fulfilled his pledge and accordingly he retraced his steps.</p> - -<p>But the outlaw found that it would not prove so easy a matter to regain -the Cave as it was to leave it.</p> - -<p>When he reached a spot on his return whence he could survey the valley -where the troopers had camped, instead of finding it deserted, as he -had expected, he found it alive with cavalrymen.</p> - -<p>Wondering as to the cause, yet aware that it effected him, Rogers -sought out a rock from which he could watch the manhunters.</p> - -<p>Had he returned an hour before, however, he would have found his -progress unimpeded.</p> - -<p>After breakfast, Colonel Edwards had given the command to break camp -and return to the Fort, ordering the men to keep a sharp lookout for -the bodies of the three Mounted Scouts, who had been captured by the -outlaw.</p> - -<p>When the search failed to reveal them, as the reader knows, both -officers and men came to the conclusion that Rogers had kept them with -him, and many were the speculations as to his reason for so doing.</p> - -<p>About an hour had they been on the march, when a solitary rider was -sighted. More out of curiosity than anything else, Colonel Edwards -trained his field glasses upon him. But as he did so, his manner -changed.</p> - -<p>"By all the gods of war, that's our man Shaw!" he gasped, "and he's -bound, gagged and blindfolded. That's the work of that devil, Rogers! -Lieutenant Hastings, take three men and see what's the trouble."</p> - -<p>Like wildfire, the identity of the horseman had spread among the -cavalrymen and eagerly they watched as the detail dashed on its mission.</p> - -<p>The strain of the terrible night when he knew not what moment might -be his last had proved too much for the Scout, however, and when his -comrades gained his side, he was jabbering to himself, a raving maniac.</p> - -<p>Calling down all the curses of which they could think upon the head of -the desperado for his treatment of their fellow, the officer and his -men quickly, but tenderly, removed the gag, bandage and rawhide, then -lifted the scout from his horse and laid him on the plain, forcing -some brandy between his swollen lips, all the while plying him with -questions. But it was no use. Shaw could only jabber.</p> - -<p>Realizing from the troopers' actions that something serious was amiss, -Colonel Edwards and his aides rode up just as one of the men picked up -the message Red Rogers had written, which had passed unnoticed in the -endeavor to restore the Mounted Scout to his normal self.</p> - -<p>"A communication for you, sir," said Hastings, handing the rough scrawl -to his superior.</p> - -<p>Adjusting his glasses, the colonel began to read it, then burst into a -towering rage.</p> - -<p>"Listen to this! Listen to this!" he roared, addressing all within -earshot. "'Colonel Turkey Gobler. I cum bak to keep my promise to a -ded man. Yu no whu i mene, barney Landon, the man you cudnt get the -reward for becoze i hid his body. im going to fix evry man who helped -do barney. I am kepeing 2 of yure men. if yu get after me, ill send em -bak to yu in peces. if yu wil leve a safe conduk for rosie landon to -ole man quints friday i wont turn no tricks on yure post. Red Rogers.'"</p> - -<p>As he proceeded, the colonel grew madder and madder, fairly screaming -as he finished.</p> - -<p>"Think of it! That to me!" he chortled. "We'll go back and smoke that -devil out, if it takes every man on the post. Hastings, give the -orders. Send two men to the Fort with Shaw."</p> - -<p>Not a man was there who did not consider Red's message a personal -insult, regardless of poor Shaw's treatment, and never were commands -more willingly obeyed than those to ride back to the Breathing Cave and -capture the daredevil bandit.</p> - -<p>Pitching camp in the valley, the troopers quickly swarmed up the -hillside to the Cave, and it was almost at the moment of their arrival -that Rogers had caught sight of them.</p> - -<p>As the officers reached the spot where the outlaw was supposed to -lie hidden, they immediately held a council of war, discussing the -quickest means of bringing the desperado to book. Many were the schemes -suggested, but it was finally decided to begin by trying literally to -smoke him out.</p> - -<p>The men were ordered to collect piles of dry branches which were jammed -as tightly as possible into the crevice in the rock and then set afire.</p> - -<p>At the sight of the flames and the realization of the troopers' -purpose, the outlaw leaped to his feet.</p> - -<p>"Daylight or no daylight, I've got to save Rosie and Pedro!" he -muttered, and, never thinking of the danger to himself his act -entailed, he began to work his way to the Cave.</p> - -<p>With marvellous skill, he descended the hill, crossed the valley in -which was located the camp, and crept up the other side. But every -trick of which he was master he was obliged to use. Indeed, no less -than three times, troopers passed within pistol shot of him, yet never -even a suspicion did they have of his presence.</p> - -<p>But when he seemed to have success within his reach, he was balked. -Less than thirty yards was he from the secret entrance to the Cave -when some of the men began to gather brush just above it. And, cursing -frightfully, Rogers was forced to seek cover.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the girl and men within the Cave, the mysterious -breathing of the crevice kept the greatest part of the smoke from -entering the excavation in which they cowered.</p> - -<p>Surprised to awake and find the outlaw gone, Rose grew more and more -uneasy as time went by without his return, and when the men began to -jam the brush into the crevice, she was beside herself with fear.</p> - -<p>"There's no use of worrying," declared Pedro. "If they'd caught him, -they wouldn't be trying to suffocate him." And, so self-evident was -this argument that the girl took courage.</p> - -<p>It was not until dusk, however, that Rogers finally found the -opportunity to re-enter his hiding place. And his arrival was just in -time, for his comrades were all but overcome with the smoke.</p> - -<p>The sight of the outlaw unharmed, inspired them with hope, and eagerly -they followed him from the Cave.</p> - -<p>And, because of the darkness, they experienced but little difficulty in -reaching the trail to the Old Stockade, and in due course arrived at -that nigh-impregnable fortress.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XIII.</p> - -<p class="center">A REIGN OF TERROR.</p> - - -<p>Perched almost on the top of a rock-crowned mountain, from a distance -the Stockade looked like a boulder, a fact that doubtless accounted for -its never having been discovered by any of the Scouts or plainsmen. -Not a tree was there within rods of it, so that surprise was out of -the question, a condition that had made it so valuable to the gold -miners who had used it as a refuge against Indians, and one that had -recommended it to the notorious outlaw as the headquarters for his -band, and the strong box for his ill-gotten gains.</p> - -<p>So jealously had Rogers guarded the secret of its whereabouts that he -had always insisted that members of his gang should be blindfolded -before he would lead them to it, and thus no one but himself knew the -exact trail which he had learned from an old Indian squaw whom he had -helped to get revenge upon the chief of her tribe.</p> - -<p>Even Pedro did not know how to reach it, and it was, therefore, with -deep disappointment that he heard Red order him to bandage the eyes of -the prisoners and Rose, and was in turn blindfolded himself.</p> - -<p>When these precautions had been taken, the outlaw took a turn with a -rope round the waist of each, and thus kept them together and guided -them.</p> - -<p>On pain of death for any attempt to run away, the Scouts had been -allowed the use of their legs by Rogers, in order to facilitate the -escape from the Cave. But, because of the numbness caused by the length -of time their ankles had been bound, Jennings and Scotty found it -difficult to climb the tortuous trail, and it was after midnight before -the creaking of a door told them they had reached their destination.</p> - -<p>"Stay where you are for a few minutes while I see that all is right," -commanded Rogers, dropping the rope.</p> - -<p>Wondering whether this was the preface to some terrible deed of -treachery, the four stood still, fearing to move.</p> - -<p>But their alarm was unfounded.</p> - -<p>Lighting a torch, of which there were many in this lofty stronghold, -the outlaw went from window to window, making sure that the shutters of -iron were in place, that no rays of light might be radiated and thus -disclose the location of the Old Stockade.</p> - -<p>So well had his gang, who were practically his slaves, fashioned them, -however, that they were still sound, and, returning to his companions, -he removed their bandages, revealing to their eyes a scene of barbaric -splendor. Rugs of finest weave and costly furs covered the floor. -Exquisite tapestries adorned the walls, and scattered here and there -were glorious statues and ornaments of rarest stone, silver and gold, -all the loot of Red Rogers' raids which had often carried him into -Mexico.</p> - -<p>In speechless amazement, Rose and the Scouts gazed about them.</p> - -<p>"Like it?" asked the outlaw, enjoying their surprise. "If you will be -good and do as I say for a few days, until I finish my business, I will -divide them among you. I'm going away, and shall not have any use for -them.</p> - -<p>"Pedro, go and bring some wine. You fellows give me your word you won't -try to run away, and I'll sever your bonds. Will you do it?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, do," implored the girl. "It will seem just as though we were -living a fairy tale in some enchanted palace to be up here—only if -your arms are bound, it will spoil the illusion."</p> - -<p>"And if we don't?" demanded Jennings.</p> - -<p>"It won't make any difference to any one but Rosie. I shall give Pedro -orders to shoot any one of you who tries to run away. So it's up to you -to decide whether you'll be comfortable or not."</p> - -<p>"Sort of heads I win, tails you lose, eh?" returned Scotty, to whose -youthful imagination, Rose's play-dream appealed strongly.</p> - -<p>"That's about it, I reckon," grinned the outlaw.</p> - -<p>For several minutes, the Scouts were silent, both loath to give their -word to a man than to kill whom nothing would bring them more pleasure. -But, at last, solacing themselves with the thought that a promise given -to a desperado was no promise at all, they agreed, and Red cut their -bonds.</p> - -<p>Almost at the same time, Pedro returned bearing a cobweb-covered flagon -and some goblets wrought from pure gold, which he filled and passed -about.</p> - -<p>"We'll drink to the success of my pledge," exclaimed the outlaw, -raising the goblet to his lips. "I'm going away to-night," he -continued, as he set the golden cup upon a stand. "When I'll be back, I -can't just tell. Until I do, you are all to stay here. Pedro, I shall -make your life pay forfeit for any escape. If any or all of the three -try it, drop them in their tracks. Keep all the weapons in the chest, -and don't let the key leave your person."</p> - -<p>"But suppose you don't come back?" asked Jennings, significantly. "Do -you think we are going to spend the rest of our lives here?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'll be back, right enough," returned the fearless bandit. "Yet, -if you think some of Turkey Gobler's men may get me, I'll leave it -this way—if I'm not back again in three days, you may go back to your -Fort. I may send you, anyhow, if your colonel is reasonable. That's why -I brought you, to make him reasonable. You can divide the stuff here. -There's only one condition that I'll make. You must agree to keep Rosie -from arrest because of her assistance in getting out of jail."</p> - -<p>"I'll agree to that," exclaimed Scotty, with an eagerness that made the -other men laugh, and sent a flush to the girl's cheeks.</p> - -<p>"Good! But don't bank too heavily on it, for I shall return."</p> - -<p>"How about food?" inquired Rose, as the outlaw walked toward the door.</p> - -<p>"There's enough in that canvas bag. I helped myself to some of the -troopers' stores while I was waiting to get back to the Cave. When I -come back, I'll bring more."</p> - -<p>And opening the door, the desperado stepped forth into the night.</p> - -<p>Familiar with every rock and pebble in the trail, Rogers descended -rapidly to the valley.</p> - -<p>"Guess I'd better have a mount," he muttered to himself, as he came -upon a dozen or more of the cavalry horses.</p> - -<p>Having a wonderful power over animals, the outlaw was able, by speaking -soothingly, to pick out a horse, just as he had done to the Mounted -Scouts, and was soon threading his way up the trail down which he had -fled the day before.</p> - -<p>Riding with caution until he was out of danger of discovery by the -troopers, Rogers headed his mount for the cabin of old Quint, which he -reached just at daybreak.</p> - -<p>"Go into the woods and up to the spring," piped a shrill voice from -behind a half-opened window shutter, in response to Rogers' three taps -on the door. "I'll follow right along."</p> - -<p>Quickly the desperado obeyed, and was soon joined by a small, -hunched-backed man with long gray hair and beard.</p> - -<p>"I've been expecting you ever since I heered the news," said he, -without any word of greeting. "But you can't stay here."</p> - -<p>Though Quint had always been a man of few words, he had, nevertheless, -been the one friend in whom Rogers placed implicit reliance. Indeed, -the old man had planned many of his raids, sharing royally in the loot, -and the brevity of his greeting piqued the outlaw.</p> - -<p>"Who said anything about staying here?" he demanded, angrily. "I've got -other business."</p> - -<p>These words seemed to bring great relief to the old man.</p> - -<p>"Just come to say good-bye, eh? Well, I wish you luck. Anything I can -do for you? Need any money?"</p> - -<p>"Not a cent. But I tell you what I <i>do</i> want. I want to know where I -can find Jerry Hooper, Zeb Cross and Al Bender."</p> - -<p>These were the names of the three plainsmen who had killed Barney -Landon, and as he heard them, Quint looked at the bandit keenly.</p> - -<p>"Take my advice, and you'll leave well enough alone. This region is -getting mighty hot for you. Better get out before they carry you out," -he exclaimed, significantly.</p> - -<p>"Thanks, I don't want advice," grinned Rogers. "I want to know where I -can find those three fellows."</p> - -<p>"You'll find them on their ranches, jest as they used to be."</p> - -<p>"Much obliged. Oh, there's another thing you can do for me, Quint. You -can go to the Fort and tell Edwards, with my compliments, that he's -wasting time trying to smoke me out of the 'Breathing Cave.' Also tell -him I'm sorry I had to take another one of his horses."</p> - -<p>"So Edwards thinks you're in the Cave?" asked the old man, chuckling. -"Sure, I'll be glad to get word to him. I wish he'd been mixed up with -Barney. I don't know a man I hate more'n I do Hiram Edwards. Yes, I'll -sure let him know."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. Good-bye." And with a wave of his hand, Rogers dashed away -through the woods.</p> - -<p>For a while, he smiled as he pictured to himself the scene between the -pompous colonel and the little old man; then became grave as he thought -of the mission upon which he was riding.</p> - -<p>Though Barney Landon had been a desperado, he had been accused by Zeb -Cross of lifting some cattle—and wrongly. Cross, however, lured by a -reward, had persuaded Hooper and Bender to waylay the outlaw. This they -had done, wounding him grievously. But Landon had managed to ride to -where Rogers was spending the night, and died in his arms, after which -the outlaw hid his body so that no one could collect the reward.</p> - -<p>Before his pal's death, he made him a pledge, and in attempting to -carry it out, traveled to the city of Keno, where he had been arrested -by twenty Mounted Scouts, but only after he had shot down ten others.</p> - -<p>And now, at his first opportunity, this man, whose mind and ideas were -so perverted that he preferred a life of crime to one of honor, was -taking up the quest again.</p> - -<p>Nearest of any of the three was Al Bender's ranch, and thither Rogers -rode, recking not that it was broad daylight.</p> - -<p>To his delight, Bender was standing in the doorway as the outlaw dashed -up.</p> - -<p>"Your time has come, Al Bender!" he hissed. And, before the -terror-stricken man could escape, Rogers put a bullet through his heart.</p> - -<p>"There's one, Barney!" he murmured, as he rode away. "Now, for Zeb -Cross!"</p> - -<p>Night had fallen before the outlaw reached his destination. Riding -boldly to the door, he banged on it with his gun butt.</p> - -<p>"<i>You?</i>" gasped the ranchman, as he beheld the red-bearded desperado.</p> - -<p>But the bark of a pistol was his only answer.</p> - -<p>Never heeding the cowboys who rushed to learn the cause of the shot, -Rogers raced to the horse corral, hastily cut out one of the ponies, -and was away before the people on the ranch had realized what had -happened.</p> - -<p>"That makes two," he chuckled, grimly. "I only hope Jerry Hooper is at -home."</p> - -<p>Unfortunately for the man, Red found him returning from a tour of -inspection of his cattle at noon the next day.</p> - -<p>Recognizing the outlaw from afar, Hooper tried to race away from him. -But in vain.</p> - -<p>"Now, I can face Barney," exclaimed Rogers, setting his pony toward the -Old Stockade.</p> - -<p>As the reports of the murders were received, people who had ever been -concerned in any trouble with Rogers or Landon feared for their lives, -and a veritable reign of terror seized the region.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XIV.</p> - -<p class="center">THE RAID ON THE OLD STOCKADE.</p> - - -<p>Although posses were formed and troopers thrown on the outlaw's trail, -he managed to evade them, though several times they got near enough to -shoot at him. But, with that perversity of Fate which seems at times -to guard and protect wrongdoers, bring suffering upon the honest, he -escaped to his fortress on the rock-crowned mountain unscathed.</p> - -<p>Yet, in his very hour of gloating, his nemesis was stalking him.</p> - -<p>When they awoke the morning after Rogers' departure, Scotty sought out -Rose.</p> - -<p>"What claim has Red Rogers got on you, that you stick to him?" he -demanded.</p> - -<p>"No man has any claim on Rose Landon!" flashed the girl, flushing at -the question.</p> - -<p>"Then why do you go round with Red?"</p> - -<p>"Because he has been good to me. He stood by me and gave me money so I -could live an honest life when no one else would have anything to do -with me, because I was Barney Landon's daughter."</p> - -<p>"But it's no way for you to live, girl," exclaimed the Scout. "He's -sure to get caught. It's only a question of time—and not so very long -a time at that, and then you'll be branded as his sweetheart."</p> - -<p>"It's a lie! I'm no one's sweetheart!"</p> - -<p>"But people won't believe that—and then what will you do?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't! What right have you to talk to me like this, anyway?" -demanded Rose.</p> - -<p>"The right my love for you gives me."</p> - -<p>"How dare <i>you</i> talk to <i>me</i> of love?"</p> - -<p>"Because I mean it. You're too fine a girl to have your life blasted by -Red Rogers. I want to save you."</p> - -<p>There was that in the passionate tone in which the young Scout spoke, -and in the expression upon his handsome face that drew Rose to him, -irresistibly—and then the thought of taking her place among the good -women of the world—a thought that always strikes hardest the woman who -sees the opportunity being closed to her, flashed to her mind.</p> - -<p>"How can you help me?" she asked, in a voice scarcely more than a -whisper.</p> - -<p>"I can make you my wife. Then I shall have the right to protect you. -Oh, Rose, think what joy it would be. Don't say we haven't known each -other long enough. Think what we've been through."</p> - -<p>"But what would Red say?"</p> - -<p>"What can he? We can go before he gets back and be married."</p> - -<p>"But you gave him your word not to. And there's Pedro. He would shoot -you."</p> - -<p>"A man isn't supposed to keep his word to a murderer and robber. As for -Pedro, I guess Jennings and I can fix him. Will you, girlie? Tell me -quick before we're interrupted."</p> - -<p>A moment Rose hesitated.</p> - -<p>Then, with a happy little catch in her voice, she breathed:</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>But, before they could seal their betrothal with a kiss, Jennings -appeared.</p> - -<p>Keeping his secret, Scotty said:</p> - -<p>"Let's lay for Pedro and do him up. Then we can get away, obtain -reinforcements from the camp in the valley and raid the Old Stockade -when Red Rogers gets back."</p> - -<p>With a scowl, the scout nodded his head toward the girl.</p> - -<p>"Don't worry about her. She's going with us," smiled the youngster.</p> - -<p>"Really?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Rose.</p> - -<p>"Good. Then let's start right now. I just saw Pedro sneaking off down -the trail. By keeping our eyes open, we can get out of this place and -hide until he returns, and then go on our way without danger."</p> - -<p>No sooner had the plan been suggested than it was agreed upon.</p> - -<p>"I wish we could take some of these things," sighed the girl, as she -took a parting survey of the costly furnishings.</p> - -<p>"Never mind, now. We'll come back for them."</p> - -<p>And, without delay, the trio fled from their prison. Cautiously they -advanced until they found a rock behind which they could hide, and -there they remained until Pedro passed them.</p> - -<p>Deeming the chance unequaled to learn the trail, the outlaw's trusted -man had gone down the path, noting its every wind and turn. As this had -taken longer than he had anticipated, he made all haste possible to get -back.</p> - -<p>And when he found his prisoners flown, he was panic-stricken.</p> - -<p>"Red said my life would pay if they got away!" he wailed. Then suddenly -the thought flashed into his mind that he, too, could make his escape -and thus avoid the wrath of his master—and packing up everything he -could carry, he fled.</p> - -<p>With untoward incident, the Mounted Scouts reached the camp of their -comrades with Rose. Their story was quickly reported to the colonel, -and they were immediately summoned before him.</p> - -<p>Upon the young Scout's statement of his engagement and as a reward for -the information in regard to Rogers' retreat, the commandant of Fort -Griswold agreed not to have the girl arrested.</p> - -<p>"There's one thing I should like to ask, sir," stammered Scotty, as -they started to leave the presence of the colonel.</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"That I be allowed to act as guide when you raid the Old Stockade."</p> - -<p>"All right, you may. Now, leave me."</p> - -<p>The story of the young Scout's romantic wooing was soon spread among -the troopers, and they all clustered to congratulate him—and when they -beheld the beauty of the girl, they envied him.</p> - -<p>But Scotty's love-making was cut short.</p> - -<p>Word of Rogers' murders was received by the colonel, together with the -information that the outlaw was heading for the foothills again.</p> - -<p>Selecting fifty powerful, dead-shot scouts, the commander put them in -charge of Lieutenant Hastings, with Scotty as guide.</p> - -<p>"You best start right away," he added, after announcing the detail. "If -you get there before Rogers, you can hide in the Stockade and seize -him when he comes in. Remember, I want him alive!"</p> - -<p>But though they made all speed, the Scouts found that the murdering -outlaw was before them.</p> - -<p>Sighting a light from a door of whose existence he had not dreamed, -Scotty crept toward it.</p> - -<p>In a trice he whipped out his "Colts" and aimed them within.</p> - -<p>Wondering that he did not shoot, his comrades glided to him, and the -sight that met their gaze astounded them.</p> - -<p>With chin resting upon its hand sat a skeleton across a box of gold, -seemingly staring at the Scouts. And before them both stood the outlaw, -evidently having just entered.</p> - -<p>"I have kept my pledge, Barney!" cried Red Rogers. "I've sent your -murderers to hell! <i>Now</i>, I can take my gold and bury you."</p> - -<p>As he spoke, Red Rogers stared at the skeleton, then ran his fingers -gloatingly through the gold coins.</p> - -<p>This mercenary act shattered the spell that held the Scouts immovable.</p> - -<p>"Hands up!" yelled Scotty.</p> - -<p>Like a flash, the outlaw wheeled.</p> - -<p>"The tables are turned!" smiled the young Scout, grimly. "You're <i>my</i> -prisoner, now!"</p> - -<p>Realizing that resistance was vain, Red Rogers chose the end that -suited his terrible career.</p> - -<p>With a mocking laugh, he dashed past Scotty, straight toward the -muzzles of the fifty rifles.</p> - -<p>"Fire!" rang out the lieutenant's voice.</p> - -<p>Crash! went the guns, and Red Rogers pitched forward, his body riddled.</p> - -<p>The raid on the Old Stockade had been successful!</p> - -<p>Rose and Scotty were soon married, and the girl was later awarded a -large portion of the gold found in the outlaw's lair.</p> - -<p>For a few days Pedro managed to escape the troopers, but he was finally -caught and sent to prison for the rest of his life.</p> - - -<p class="center">THE END.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph4" style="margin-top: 15em;">THE THREE OLD WITCHES'<br /> - -DREAM BOOK</p> - - -<p>Latest edition. Completely revised.</p> - -<p>Many new features added.</p> - - - -<p>This is the original, world renowned BOOK OF FATE, that for one -hundred years has held intelligent people spell-bound. Its correct -interpretation of dreams has amazed those who have been fortunate -enough to possess a copy which they might consult. The accuracy of the -accompanying numbers has made it invaluable to all policy players.</p> - - -<p class="center">NAPOLEON'S ORACULUM</p> - -<p>Which it contains and which is printed complete, is an absolutely true -copy of that strange and weird document found within a secret cabinet -of Napoleon Bonaparte's.</p> - -<p>The fact that dozens of worthless and unreliable imitations have been -placed on the market demonstrates it to be a fact that THE OLD THREE -WITCHES' DREAM BOOK stands to-day as always the original and only -reliable Dream Book published.</p> - -<p>It is for sale by all newsdealers, or it will be sent postage paid upon -receipt of ten cents.</p> - - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.</span><br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph4">NEW TOASTS AND MAXIMS<br /> - -ALSO A FEW PROVERBS</p> - - -<p>If you want the best book of TOASTS that has ever been published; if -you want new Toasts to spring upon your friends instead of the hoary -with age, moss grown assortments published in the so called "Toast -Books" of other publishers buy this book of NEW TOASTS which has just -been published in our MAMMOTH SERIES. It is not only the best book but -the largest book ever sold for ten cents.</p> - - - -<p>For sale by all newsdealers or sent postpaid upon receipt of ten cents.</p> - - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.</span><br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph4">The New and Complete<br /> - -LETTER WRITER</p> - - -<p>The latest book. The most complete and best book ever published upon -the important subject of THE ART OF LETTER WRITING.</p> - - - -<p>It is the largest book ever offered for the money.</p> - -<p>It contains all the modern forms of correspondence and gives all the -information needed by those desiring to write Love Letters or Business -Letters.</p> - - -<p>FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND COURTSHIP</p> - -<p>In all its phases up to marriage are carefully provided for by letters -covering every possible subject that might arise; and by using this -book as a guide it is impossible to go astray.</p> - - -<p>THE BUSINESS LETTERS</p> - -<p>Contained in this book are invaluable to those engaged in mercantile -pursuits.</p> - - -<p>THE NEW AND COMPLETE LETTER WRITER</p> - -<p>is for sale by all newsdealers or it will be sent postage paid to any -address upon receipt of ten cents.</p> - - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.</span><br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph4">Riddles and Conundrums<br /> - -Hard Nuts to Crack</p> - -<p>All New and Up-to-Date</p> - - - - -<p>One thousand brand new up-to-date RIDDLES AND CONUNDRUMS that you have -never heard before, instead of the old chestnuts that make your victims -want to hit you on the head with a sand bag when you get them off.</p> - -<p>This is the best Riddle Book and collection of Conundrums ever -published, and the biggest one ever sold for ten cents.</p> - -<p>For sale by all newsdealers or sent postage paid by the publishers upon -the receipt of ten cents.</p> - - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.</span><br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph4">STANDING ALONE AT THE HEAD OF ITS CLASS<br /> - -The American Indian Weekly</p> - -<p>PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY</p> - - -<p>This great weekly is a radical departure from all other five-cent -weeklies that are now being published.</p> - -<p>It has the greatest stories of frontier life, of Indians and of the far -West that have ever been issued.</p> - -<p>The stories are longer than those published in any other five-cent -library, except the celebrated <span class="smcap">Old Sleuth Weekly</span>.</p> - -<p>They are all edited by Colonel Spencer Dair, the most celebrated Indian -Scout, Bandit Tracker and Gun Fighter of modern fiction.</p> - -<p>A new number is issued every Thursday.</p> - - -<p>LIST OF TITLES</p> - -<p> -December 1—No. 1. THE OUTLAW'S PLEDGE or The Raid on the Old Stockade<br /> -December 8—No. 2. TRACKED TO HIS LAIR or The Pursuit of the Midnight -Raider<br /> -December 15—No. 3. THE BLACK DEATH or The Curse of the Navajo Witch<br /> -December 22—No. 4. THE SQUAW MAN'S REVENGE or Kidnapped by the Piutes<br /> -December 29—No. 5. TRAPPED BY THE CREES or Tricked by a Renegade Scout<br /> -January 5—No. 6. BETRAYED BY A MOCCASIN or The Round-Up of the Indian -Smugglers<br /> -January 12—No. 7. FLYING CLOUD'S LAST STAND or The Battle of Dead Man's -Canyon<br /> -January 19—No. 8. A DASH FOR LIFE or Tricked by Timber Wolves<br /> -January 26—No. 9. THE DECOY MESSAGE or The Ruse of the Border Jumpers<br /> -February 2—No. 10. THE MIDNIGHT ALARM or The Raid on the Paymaster's -Camp<br /> -February 9—No. 11. THE MASKED RIDERS or The Mystery of Grizzly Gulch<br /> -February 16—No. 12. LURED BY OUTLAWS or The Mounted Ranger's -Desperate Ride -</p> - -<p>The AMERICAN INDIAN WEEKLY is for sale by all newsdealers and -booksellers, or it will be sent to any address postpaid by the -publishers upon receipt of 6c per copy, 10 copies for 50c. All back -numbers always in stock.</p> - - -<p> -THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY<br /> -CLEVELAND, OHIO, U.S.A.<br /> -</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN OUTLAW'S PLEDGE ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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