THE WHITE SCALPER.

A Story of the Texan War.

BY

GUSTAVE AIMARD,

AUTHOR OF "INDIAN SCOUT," "FREEBOOTERS," "BORDER RIFLES" ETC.

LONDON:

WARD AND LOCK,

168, FLEET STREET.

MDCCCLXI.

ADVERTISEMENT.

With the conclusion of the present series of GUSTAVE AIMARD'S tales, it may be advisable to inform the readers in what succession the eleven volumes already published should be read. It is as follows;—

First Series.

1. BORDER RIFLES.
2. FREEBOOTERS.
3. WHITE SCALPER.

Second Series.

1. TRAIL HUNTER.
2. PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.
3. TRAPPER'S DAUGHTER.
4. TIGER-SLAYER.
5. GOLD-SEEKERS.
6. INDIAN CHIEF.

Third Series.

1. PRAIRIE FLOWER.
2. INDIAN SCOUT.

These, three Series are now complete, and in the ensuing volumes the Author intends to introduce an entirely fresh set of characters.

Encouraged by the unexpectedly favourable reception these volumes have met with, the Publishers have determined on producing a Magnificent Illustrated edition. Each volume will contain twelve page Engravings, drawn and Engraved by the First Artists of the Day, and be published at a price which will place the series within reach of all classes.

These engravings will necessarily enhance the pleasure of the reader; as the most careful attention has been paid to correctness of costume and scenery, and a perfect idea can be at once formed from them of the peculiarities of the country in which the scene is laid. In all Indian novels that have hitherto been published with illustrations, this important point has been neglected; but the purchasers of the Illustrated Edition of GUSTAVE AIMARD'S works may feel assured that whatever is offered them in the way of elucidating the text is strictly true to Nature. When it is stated, for instance, that the Indian dresses have been obtained from CATLIN'S elaborate work, and the distinctive costumes of each tribe faithfully adhered to, the Publishers trust this will prove a sufficient guarantee that no idle boast is intended. At the same time, artistic value has not been neglected. The engraving has been intrusted to Mr. EDMUND EVANS, who has surpassed all his former efforts in the elaboration of these, the most perfect specimens which have yet issued from his studio.

The Publishers, therefore, confidently anticipate that this enterprise will render GUSTAVE AIMARD'S works of Indian life the universal favourites they deserve to be, for the volumes will be appropriate as gift books at all seasons of the year. For it should not be left out of sight that, although the Author has thought proper to write his tales in different series, each volume can be read with equal interest separately. As he only records the incidents of his own life under assumed characters, it is but natural that the same Individuals should appear on the scene in a succession of volumes. But in this GUSTAVE AIMARD merely follows the example of his master, FENIMORE COOPER, and no complaint was ever, to our knowledge, raised to his introduction of the same hero through a lengthened series of volumes. On the contrary, the readers were pleased at it; and the same kind indulgence is asked for the present Author, who, if he may have erred in an artistic sense, has a brilliant example to fall back on.

The first volume of the New Illustrated Edition will be published in October next, and procurable of all Booksellers throughout the kingdom. As the demand, however, is anticipated to be very large, intending Subscribers are requested to send in their orders early, so that any delay or disappointment may be avoided.

August, 1861.

CONTENTS.

I. A RECONNOISSANCE
II. A BARGAIN
III. THE RETREAT
IV. JOHN DAVIS
V. BEFORE THE BATTLE
VI. THE BATTLE OF CERRO PARDO
VII. TO THE ATEPETL
VIII. HOSPITALITY
IX. THE MARRIAGE
X. RETURN TO LIFE
XI. THE PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES
XII. IN THE CAVERN
XIII. A CONVERSATION
XIV. TWO ENEMIES
XV. THE AMBUSCADE
XVI. THE SCALP DANCE
XVII. THE MEETING
XVIII. A REACTION
XIX. A PAGE OF HISTORY