The Blue Band

This dime novel, published by Beadle & Adams, follows Major Thomas Wharton and his son Philip who arrive at a remote Colorado River house in Texas during spring. The owner, Nathaniel Orcutt, warns them the house will be attacked by outlaws calling themselves regulators, expecting thirty to fifty men. The Whartons decide to defend the property rather than leave. Orcutt's household includes his wife and daughter Perdida—who is armed and preparing for combat. Additional defenders include his nephew Leonard Zeveley and overseer Marcus Bowman. Two darkly-complexioned newcomers arrive: siblings Leon and Leona Zavala, described as appearing Indian, dressed in scarlet cloth and deerskin. Perdida recognizes Leon as a figure from her dream. Leon claims a mysterious woman named Ladona told him to come, saying he'd find "the trail" he was seeking. As Major Wharton directs defensive preparations, a servant rushes in with urgent news.