THE THREE TRAPPERS; OR, THE APACHE CHIEF’S RUSE. BY SEELIN ROBINS, Author of “The Specter Chief.” NEW YORK: BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, 98 WILLIAM STREET. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by FRANK STARR & CO., In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. CONTENTS I Comanches 9 II In Camp 22 III The Comanches and Their Prize 27 IV The Emigrant Party 33 V Leonidas Swipes, Sheep Dealer 39 VI Florence Brandon 45 VII Fort Mifflin Institute 52 VIII An Apache Courtship 58 IX An Audacious Proceeding 64 X Preparing for the Pursuit 71 XI Pursuit 78 XII The Apache Gorge 84 XIII The Rescue 90 XIV Conclusion 97 THE THREE TRAPPERS. CHAPTER I. COMANCHES. It was now quite late in the afternoon, and Fred Wainwright reined up his mustang, and from his position took a survey of the surrounding prairie. On his right stretched the broad dusty plain, broken by some rough hills, and on his left wound the Gila, while in the distance could be detected the faint blue of the Maggolien Mountains. But it was little heed he paid to the natural beauties of the scene, for an uncomfortable fear had taken possession of him during the last hour. Once or twice he was sure he had detected, off towards the mountains signs of Comanche Indians, and he was well satisfied that if such were the case they had assuredly seen him, and just now he was speculating upon the best line of retreat if such were the case. “If they are off there, and set their eyes on me,” he speculated, “the only chance for me is towards the Gila, and what can I do there?” He might well ask the question, for it was one which would probably require a speedy answer. The Comanches, as are well known, are among the most daring riders and bravest red men on the American Continent, and when they take it into their heads to follow up an enemy, one of three things is certain—his destruction, a desperate fight or a skilful escape.