ct they are all nearly alike--in their armour and
accoutrements. All are belted, pouched, and powder-horned. Each
carries a bowie-knife and a revolving pistol--some two--and none are
without a rifle. Besides this uniformity there are other points of
resemblance--extending to a certain number. It is noticeable in their
guns, which are jagers of the US army-brand. Equally apparent is the
caparison of their horses; these carrying cavalry saddles, with peaks
and cantles brass mounted. Among the men to whom these appertain there
is a sort of half-military discipline, indicated by some slight
deference shown to two or three, who appear to act with the authority of
officers. It is, in fact, a troop--or, as by themselves styled, a
"company"--of Texan Rangers.

About one-half the band belongs to this organisation. The others are
the people of the plundered settlement--the fathers, brothers, and
husbands, whom the Horned Lizard and his red robbers have bereft of
daughters, sisters, and wives.

They are in pursuit of the despoilers; a chase commenced as soon as they
could collect sufficient force to give it a chance of success. Luckily,
a troop of Rangers, scouting in the neighbourhood, came opportunely
along, just in time to join them. Soldiers and settlers united, they
are now on the trail of the Tenawas, and have only halted to breathe and
water their horses, eat some food themselves, and then on.

Not strange their hot haste--men whose homes have been made desolate,
their kindred carried into captivity. Each has his own painful
reflections. In that hour, at that very moment, his beloved wife, his
delicate daughter, his fair sister, or sweetheart, may be struggling in
the embrace of a brawny savage. No wonder that to them every hour seems
a day, every minute an hour.

Though with a different motive, not much less impatient are their
associates in the pursuit--the Rangers. It chances to be a company
especially rabid for defence against the incursions of the Tenawa tribe;
and more than once baffled by these cunning red-skins, they are anxious
to make up for past disappointment. Twice before have they followed the
retreating trail of these same savages, on both occasions returning
foiled and empty-handed. And, now that they are again on it, with surer
signs to guide them, the young men of the corps are mad to come up with
the red marauders, while the elder ones are almost equally excited.
Both resemble hounds i