Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1010) (1896 12 01)
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ft , i December 1, 1886. Vol AMS, by Copyrighted 1896, BEADLE AND AD ND ADA Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. ‘, XXXL s et Pric>, 5 cents. S. M K, > ‘ 1B A T, NEW YOE EADI B aE BY STRE > - 1D WEEKLY No. 92 WILLIAM SHE PUBLI ey yy Seas Wiad Tf T COW R POWK THERES.” Dal 4 r ; U WHat “TLL INFORM YO
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Jhave to contend, 2 Kit Bandy's Big The Rustlers of Jackson Basin. BY OLL COOMES, AUTHOR OF ‘KIT BANDY’S BRIGADE,” ETC, Six! CHAPTER I, THE RANGE PATROL, For years the great cattle-barons of the West held almost undisputed sway over the immense ranges of Montava and Wyoming, Their herds roamed in countless numbers over hills and val- leys and went pouring in steady streams into the markets an. the East. Despite the induce- ments of the National Government for the settle- ment of these Territories, the arrogant cattle- barons made life burdensome for the pioneer :.omesteader, and more than one, after locating a claim, disappeared from the stage of action and was heard of no more, But, notwithstanding these facts, the land- hunters continued to invade the self-possessed domains of the big ranchmen and in the course of time they gained a footing onthe rauges, and, in asmall way, became horse and cattle raisers themselves, much to the annoyance of the ** barons.” Naturally enough, a feeling of animosity grew up among their rival interests, and every effort was made by the big companies to force the homestead ranchmen from the country, and the latter, consequently, became all the more deter- mined to remain, This rivalry of the ranchmen proved a golden pe cog or the rustlers—thieves who iufest- ed the mountain fastnesses and preyed alike up- on both interests. The result of this wholesale stealing of cattle and horses widened the breach between the baron and the homesteader, The latter were openly, yet wrongfully, accused of being in league with the thieving rustlers. ‘o purge themselves of this charge, as well as to defend their personal interests, a score of ranchmen met one day at the Rosebud Rancb, owned by Captain David Adamson, to devise ways and means by which those things could be success{ully accomplished. An earnest denial of being in coliusion with the rustlers, br aeare’ 4 or indirectly, was drawn up, signed and published to the world. Fur- thermore, at that meeting, they decided to or- canize a party of mounted patrolmen to ride the range and hvht down the rustlers. In one week’s time the company was organiz- ed. It was composed of but six men, or, I might say, boys, for there was not one of the six over twenty-two years of age. But every one of them was selected with regard to his fitness for the dangers and hardships of the work and his knowledge of the hills and plains, And thisis theroster of the little band: Ralph Kirkman, twenty-two, noted for skill as a horseman, rifle and pistel-shot, and withal, for'courage, uncompromising honesty and sturdy manhood, } Joe Randolph and Tom Morgan, youths of twenty, and Billy Myers, eighteen. Peter Anderson, a young Swede, of twenty years, with the hysique ofa young giant, brave asa lion and a jolly, good-natured fellow, And last, but not least, George Washington Bee, better known as ‘* Buzzy,”—a coal-black darky of twenty years, a fearless horseman, a fine shot, and in some respects the most saga- cious and far-sighted of the entire rik Ralph Kirkman was selected by comrades as captain of the little band, with permission to recruit his ranks whenever deemed necessary for the good of those interested, All were armed and canara with the best- sare weapons, and provided with the best orses, On the day they left for the range all met at . Rosebud Ranch, and in the J ee of Captain Adamson’s home received their instructions from the ranchman, ‘* Boys,” the captain said, ‘* you, of course, are aware of the responsibilities, the hardships you have assumed in entering upon the duty of Those you are to watch have no for human life or human rights, You Do not attempt + enter the ——— Kit Bandy’s Big Six. Basin, for that would be ‘sure death to five times your number, The notorious Lurid Bill has sentinels at every point of ingress and egress, But, watch the hills and passes lying east of ,the Basin, and every reuskin, and every white man you find coming from direction of Jackson Basin arrest; and if you should ae ee them in the act of stealing from the range, with them as they deserve.” When the ranchman had concluded his in- structions, his daughter, Mollie, a beautiful girl of seventeen, came into the room, ber face wear ing a smile, and her dark-blue eyes sparkling with the geniality of a lovable womanhood, She had in hand six small packages, and ap- proaching the young patrol, she said: ‘“‘ Boys, I want to make a request of you. Perbaps you will find it difficult to comply: but, if you can, it will be gratifying to me, at least,” ‘¢ That,” said Captain Kirkman, who looked upon Mollie with no little favor, ** will be worth the effort certainly, If it is possible for us to comply with your wish we will do so.” “Thank you! My desire is that each of you keep a diary of your experiences—a brief record of what you sea, and hear, and do, and that I may be permitted to read them when you re- turn. Much of the time you may be separated, and one see and hear =e the others do not. From those daily records I hope to gain a pre- cise knowledge of the perils and incidents of life ontherange. I’m going to write a little book, and so wish to be well informed.” **Good! good!” exclaimed the boys, in uni- son. Mollie then gave each of them a new diary, which the recipient caréfully stowed awuy in an inner breast pocket as though it were a priceless treasure, Ten minutes later the young patrolmen were in their saddles ridigg away toward the south, From the porch Mollie and her father watched them out of sight, and then reéntering the house, the old ranchman said: ‘*My daughter, that diary business, it ssems to me,is a little scheme of yours that means more than data for a book.” Mollie glanced sharply at her father and then breaking into a little laugh said: ‘¢You must be a mind-reader, father; but— well, time will determine all.” ‘*To be sure, Mollie,” assented the father, but, in her slight agitation and laughing evasion, he surmised that more was implied then he could then divine, CHAPTER II, A RIDE FOR LIFE. On a little eminence—a spur of a Montana mountain range—within the shadows of a cluster of scrub-pines, stood a man gazing through a field-glass out over the prairie-range that rolled away from the foot of the hill on which he stood, toward the east. He was a young man, clad inthe garb of the range and armed with rifle and revolver, It was Ralph Kirkman, the leader of the little band of Range Patrols. Just back of him stood his horse with blanket, gum coat and lariat upon the saddle, He wasalone, Three weeks had passed since the band had left Rosebud Ranch, The Sep- tember sun hung half down the western sky. The air was soft and slumberous and stole lazily through the pines, Not a wing was astir; not a traveler in sight on all that vast plain. To young Kirkman the silence seemed fore- boding, and when, at length, a dark object—a mere speck—was limned against the eastern sky- line, an expression of relief lit up his bronzed ace, Through his glass he scanned the object for several moments, ‘It’s a horseman,” he finally said, to himself, lowering the glass, ‘‘and he’s riding as if the Old Harry was after him.” Again he raised bis glass, and then a cry escaped his lips, for ers a dozen horsemen now id Acai in sight, riding furiously after the rs Atleast two of the pursuers were Indians, but more startling, was the discovery that the pur- sued rider was a woman, In a moment Ralph wasin saddle, Riding to the edge of the thicket he took another look through his glass at tbe fleeing woman, “Td give my year’s wages ifthe boys were here now !” Ralph’s thought’s took words, ** but I must do my best, Whoever the woman may be, she shall not be taken by that gang, whoever they may be,” e rode down the hill and out of the timber into the prairie and then dashed away, Ce Tea Ned ken ON oe AO) Seu y tReet 0 Se {Fy : 5m rm) j PU POR ARR eat i 7 a I | is horse, fresh and swift, swep level expanse likea deer, The distance b® him and the fugitiverapidly diminished, and} they neared each other, Ralph waved his hat to assure her that he was a friend, and, as she came nearer he swung out to the right and cir- cling around came in alongside of her, checking the speed of his horse to the slower gait of the fugitive’s panting and almost exhausted mount. As he dashed alongside and glanced at the woman’s white face, acry of surprise and aston- ishment burst from his lips, The fugitive was Mollie Adamson, the daugh- ter of the Rosebud Ranchman! ‘Great heavens! Mollie Adamson! What does this mean?” The brave little girl, now that a friend was near, glanced back over her shoulder at her pur- suers and answered: ‘*Tt means that I have got myselfinto danger, Ralph; but how glad I am you have come!” ‘Would to God the other boys were within twenty miles of us!” Ralph exclaimed; ‘‘ this race then would be inanotber direction, They’re a gang of Jackson Hole cut-throats, I see,” ‘‘They’ve been gaining steadily on me ever since I jumped my horse over Groan Creek, The noble brute sprained himself in the leap and I cansee is growing lame: and fast failing!” Ralph saw that she spoke the truth, and the discovery filled his mind with apprehension. He knew the animal could never carry her tosafety. They were forty miles from Rosebud Ranch and a good twenty from the ranch of the home- steader on Groan Creek, No less thana dozen of the pursuers were now strung across the plain, the majority of them rid- ing together and momentarily gaining. The odds were too great to risk a fight, and the young trol knew there was but one chance for Mollie, and this he resolved to improve. Straight toward the point whence he had debouched from the wooded foot-hills he direct- ed their course. But, Mollie’s horse grew so lame that it fell when less than a hundred yards from the timber, Mollie was thrown from the saddle by the fall but not injured, Leaping to the ground, instantly, Kirkman stripped off his own saddle and as quickly re- placed it with Mollie’s saddle, saying, as he did so: ‘* Now, Miss Mollie, mount my horse and go on—go northward and swing in toward Shafer’s Ranch, The murderous hounds can never over- take you on that horse. Only maintain your splendid courage, Mollie, and trust in God!” As he thus spoke he lifted and seated her in the saddle, ‘*But, Ralph, what will you do?” the girl anxiously asked, ‘* Never mind me, Mollie,” he answered; ‘'T will find safety among these wooded hills where it would be impossible to take you. Now off! Don’t delay a moment more!” Bidding him good-by, Mollie rode away at full speed, not only for her own safety but to bring help to the brave young patrol. The pursuers by this time were not over forty rods away, and,as they saw she girl ride off they uttered a fierce yell that was answered by shot after shot from Ralpb’s fine Winchester rifle, and be had the satisfaction of seeing one of the ruffian’s horses turn a complete somerset, throwing his rider so violently to the earth that he did not rise again. This caused the outlaws to draw rein, but only for a few brief moments, which Ra]ph improved in gaining the cover of the woods. When the rustlers resumed the pursuit — divided their force, four going on after Mollie while the other three, two of them Indians, started to run down Ralph Kirkman, CHAPTER III. A QUEER OLD CUSTOMER, RALPH KIRKMAN had no difficulty in eluding the rustler gang. He pushed northward in the hills, and when the sun went down and darkness fell, he still pressed on to reach Pine Hollow, where the band was to meetthat night. It was a long run tomake on foot, but the trol, with seeming tireless footsteps, made his way on. f It was nearing morning when he entered a densely-wooded valley between two ranges of ru hills. Consent eae ‘way up the valley, inthe twilight, he suddenly caught the limmer of a light 1) the woods ahead, heart gave a leap of) oy: for he knew the light was in the camp of friends who were early astir. .A fow minutes later he stood ir their midst, : reece 4 Wis: 3 } Vedewhibnrs yr Pn ahs ee aiken EE) A 2 - -
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3 Kit Bandy’s Big Six. boys greeted their young captain with a wat of joy not unmingled with apprehension, hey had waited and watched for his coming all night, and his Jato erriveal, his cominr on foot, gone wrong. That such was really the case, they soon | learned from Ralpb’s lips, as ho tuld them of his acventures and Mollie Andamsow’s run for life, “*\¥ a. onearth could she have been doing away down there?” questioned Jove Randolph. ‘]T don’t know,” replied Captain Ralph; ‘tI had no time to ask her a single question, but I mistrust she was down at the Shafer homestead | on a visit, and, while taking one of her daily rides, was discovered and pursued by the out- laws that have come over from the Basin despite our vigilance, But, boys, I do not know whether she escaped the maraudersor not; if she kept her head and ber bearings, her horse would do the rest, It is our duty, however, to make sure she is safe, and toloseno time in doing so,” **'Then T’ll hurry up breakfast,” and Buzzy, ‘the colored youth who officiated as cook, bustled around thefire, ‘* And I'll see that the horsesare—” ** Achew! A-chew!” ** What in-wonder waa that?” exclaimed Joe Randolph, whose speech had been so suddenly cutshort by a peculiar, explosive sound as if of some onesneezing. — The young patrols gazed quickly around them, Day was breaking—in fact, it was almost broad daylight, ** Well, what in wonder was it, indeed?” Billy Myers repeated, gazing from one to the other of his companions, *TPllinform you what it was if I come down there!” was the startling answer that came from the boughs directly overhead. Instantly six faces were lifted upward, and six pect bulging eyes fixed upon an object that ara astonished the young patrolmen! And et, it was nothing more nor less than a comical, uman face—the face of an old man who was looking down upon them, He was stretched out in ahammock made of blankets, whose four cor- ners wére,tied to two convenient limbs of the tree, and was directly over the camp-fire of the Boy Patrols, ‘Ogres of horror-land!” exclaimed young Myers, ‘‘ what have we treed?” ‘*Name it,” answered Pete Anderson, the Swede, ‘‘ and you may haf the ole thang.” “A bull tree-frog |” declared Joe Randolph, ** Begobs!” added Tom Morgan, the Hibernian, “and i. the saints, it’s an ould jackass birrid widde wool ave a goat on his head. B’ys, shill I ruffle his feathersin hees nest?” and Tom raised his rifle, apparently in dead earnest, ‘* Look a-here, bogtrotter,” called out the old unknown from his gently swaying perch, ‘‘ you go alittle slow down there with that iron, or you'll get the brogue all mauled out o’ your system. It’s asweet, melodious how-de-do when an innocent pilgrim on the way to Jericho can’t top off his mornin’ sleep on account o’ a brood ©’ young robbers. Smarties, that smoke as- cended here and sot me to sneezin’, and woke me up. ‘* Well, suppose you come down, stranger, and let us take a look at you,” suggested Captain Kirkman, “Pll do it,” answered the old sneezer, - and [ don’t careif I do take breakfast with you, either, for the odor o’ that broiling meat, and the ’roma o’ your coffee create’ a desirous want inside my bosom.” The old man-of-the-treetop crawled from his blanket, poised himself on a limb, unfastened his hammock and dropped it to the ground. Then, with an agility remarkable for one ox bis my years, he descended from the tree to the ground, stretched himself and yawned drowsily. A smile was upon the faces of all the Boy Patrols, The old codger must have been five-and-sixty ear: of. age. He was tall, slender and angu- ar, witha thin beard and unkempt iron-gray hair, He was clad in the well-worn remnants of suits of various colors, A capa size or two too a oh hung carelessly upon his head, the peak behind. Altogether he had the dress and air of a veri- table old tramp; but, why such a person should ' ‘be there, passed the comprehension of the young ts, f Bere, now!” he exclaimed, ‘as he straight- ened up his six-foot form before the boys, ‘‘ look at me—take a good, square look and when we in I hope you’ll know me—know Ole meet Tim Glory—Treetop Tim Glory, the same which | Tbeand am.” ; " and bis haggard face told that somet.ing had | } | ** Never heard the name before,” declared Joe | Randolph, ** Didn’t, eh?” exclaimed the old man, sar- | castically; ‘‘did you ever hear o’ one George Washington? or Christopher Columbus? or Joan o’ Arkansaw? or Belzsbubb?” **O, yes; but not of Treetop Tim Glory,” an- swered Kirkman. ‘* Wheredo you hail from, Timothy? and whither bound?” ** From W hooper-Up Minin’-Camp in Knock- Down Gulch over fernenst the Yallerstun Park, and on my way to the refinement and luxury 0’ civilization down in the Moonshine dees- tricts o’ ole Kentucky.” **You have evidently seen hard times, Timothy,” Billy Myers observed. ** And Whooper-Up left without change of raiment, bag or baggage,” suggested young Randolpb. ‘*That’s exactly the size o’' it, my freckled- face cow-puncher,” asseverated: the old man, scowling fiercely upon Joe. ‘‘Tleft suddintly— didn’t have to be invited. There was a woman in the case as there alers—” ‘* A woman?” iterated Pete, the Swede, his eyes sparkling and a smile on his big face, ‘*'Yes, a woman! a female woman, Mr, Scan- dalnavian,” retorted Old Tim, ‘‘ The facr is the little heifer had too many lovers. I war oneo’them, Me and t’other one come together. Then she had but one, and him war me; but now, she hasn’t airy solitary one, for with lofty disdain I left her loverless, and to save their ex- cited souls, the committee app’inted to banquet me couldn’t overtake me,” ‘The Vigilante Committee, you mean,” put in Tom Morgan. **T did, didI, smarty? Mebbe you know more *bout that love affair than the survivin’ lover? You want to have some sport with me, don’t you? You take me for an original vagabone, don’t you? Be careful, bogtrot, and don’t step on an elephant’s tail. But, look here, boys: let’s have breakfast; I’m holler from sunshade to sandals and need nourgin’, I’m not back- ‘ards, a bit, I like to be social and alers eat hearty.” The little party sat down to a breakfast of broiled venison, hard-tack and coffee, Old Tree- top sharing the meal with them, Notwithstanding the old fellow's uncouth ap- pearance, and whimsical talk, there was some- thing about him that appealed to their better nature as well as curiosity. During the repast the young patrolmen discus- sed the situation, That the mounted ruffians who pursued Mollie Anderson were Jackson Basin outlaws there was no doubt. The only way to ascertain whether Mollie was safe was to go directly to the ranch; and just what course they should pursue, in case they found the girlsafe, they did not care to discuss in hearing of the old stranger. But, assoon as they had finished eating, Joe Randolph was left to entertain their guest, while the other five retired toward the northern side of the valley to discuss their plan of action. A smile was seen to pass over Treetop’s face as the five young men withdrew, and Joe Ran- dolph was nota little puzzled by it, The two sat down and entered intoa conver- sation, Old Treetop was more inclined to ask questions than to answer them, and this fact made Joealittle cautious. Suddenly, however, both were startled by the beavy tramp of feet, d, looking around, they saw two men emerge m the bushes south of the camp and walk toward them, Both were rough, bearded fel- lows, one of them a heavy-set, dark-faced man, whose very countenance bespoke the desperado, They were armed like arsenals, and as they stopped, suddenly confronting Joe and Old Tree- top Tim, their hands dropped to their belts as though they had been surprised by the presence of the old manand young patrol, ‘* Wal, whatin the nation have we struck?” exclaimed the burly stranger, glaring at the two men, ‘* A pair o’ youngsters, stranger,” answered Tim, rising to bis feet, with apparent indifference to the other’s presence; ‘‘ we're a pair o’ colts, frolicsome and free,” ‘‘A pretty pair, too—maavericks, I reckon,” said theintruder. ‘* What you doin’ here?” ** Rusticatin’—absorbin’ mountain air for our health,” confessed Treetop; ‘ but, say, who might you be?” ‘“* Did you ever hear o’ Range Police?” asked the burly intruder, ‘_ oots o’ times,” lied Old Tim; *‘ be you a pair o’ them fellers “That’s what we are; and we have orders to disarm and drive off the r and out of the bills every hunter and tramp that we find tres- rr a passing Within the domains of the great cattle companies, You fellows will hand over at once any and all weapons you may have about you.” ‘You don’t mean it, pard!” ejaculated Old Tim, halfsneeringly. ** [do, and I mean to be obeyed,” retorted the self-proclaimed patrol, advancing a step or two, his band on his revolver. “Stop! stop!” cried the old man, raising his hands and backing away. Joe Randolph, startled by the old man’s voice, glanced at his face, and butfor bisragshe would have sworn thatanother man stood in Treetop’s place. Theform and face of the old vagabond seemed to have beensuddenly transformed. He stood erect, gray eyes flashing and visage the very picture of undaunted courage. The desperado himself hesitated to advance, asif awed by the sudden change in the old man’s demeanor, Joe Randolph was completely at his wits’ end. He glanced at the ruffian, at Old Tim and in the direction his friends bad gone, He mentall prayed the boys mightreturn, but, instead of his prayers being answered, four more ruffianly- lookingjmen came from the bushes and stopped by the side of their confederates, ‘* You see,” the burly leader said, ‘* I am pre- pared ts enforcemy demands. Hand over your weapons!” ‘* Stranger,” assumed OJd Tim in an impassion- ed voice, stretching his long arm out and point- ing his long finger straight at the man, *‘ sg have no legal nor moral righttodisarm us, e are trespassin’ on no man’s claims or possessions, and we're ready to run or fight.” ** Old fellow,” retorted the ruffian, in a tone calculated to preclude further argument “« you're foolin’ with dynamite, I am Black Bill Bates, of Jackson Basin, and theseare my men, You surely know what that means!” The last of Black Bill’ssentence was delivered with the,vicious emphasis of a brigand, but even ashe spoke, Ralph Kirkman and his compan- ions appeared upon the scene and aligned them- selves a a Treetop Tim and Joe Randolph. ‘Black Bill Bates, if you be the scoundrel, let me tell you that you’ve run up ag’inst a litter o’ lurid wild-cats!” was Old Tim’s retort, again extending his arm, but, this time, with a cocked revolver in his hand pointing at the face of the outlaw; ‘‘and tobe plain with you”—he went on—‘'I am Kit Bandy, the Mountain Detective, and you know what that means!” CHAPTER IV, BLACK BILL BATES BEATEN, THE name of Kit Bandy, the Mountain De- tective, was not unknown to Black Bill Bates, the second in command of the Jackson Basin outlaws, and was familiar to the Boy Patrol. All had heard of his fearless nerve, his remark- able sagacity, and his eccentricities! and now, in the blazing eye, the firm jaws, the rigid form, and steady hand grasping the revolver that had been fished so suddenly from the depths of his seedy garments, the burly outlaw realized that the rags of the tramp could not hide the real character of the dangerous detective. * Billinvoluntarily recoiled before the old de- tective’s gaze, which was no less threatening than his cocked revolver; nor did one of his fol- lowers attempt to draw a weapon, socompletely were they paralyzed for the moment by Bandy’s attitude and the sudden appearance of the Boy Patrols. ‘*Scoundrel!” Black Bill finally found tongue to say, but not with his usual bravado, ‘‘do you for a moment think you can defy me, or in- timidate met Do you forget who I am and whom | represent?” ‘**Pouff! 1tis you and the men you represent that I am after!” retorted Kit Bandy, ‘‘and I demand that you surrender if you don’t want to die right here, in the early morning. These fel- lows are my Big Six, and every one o’ them a Greek, and—” “Count me in if it’s to be a shoot!” suddenly piped outa voice from the woods back of Band and his friends, and the next momenta little old man with a face smooth as a woman’s, a lit- tle bundle on bis back, and apistol in hand came up and took a position facing the outlaws, But, at the sound of his voice Kit Bandy never moved & muscle, but continued his searching gaze at the outlaw, and his speech: “And here,” he added as the little old man came up, “is my pard, Ichabod Flea. He’s death itself, so it’s no use now, Black W: for you to kick. There isn’t enough [o’ you folks to go around, so—ab-ka!” Bang!
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4A It was the crash of Old Kit’s revolver, An outlaw standing just behind Black Bill, and par- tially screened by his chiet’s body, attempted to draw his revolveranc shoot Bandy. But, Old Kit wasalleyes. He seemed to be watching the movements of the entire gang, and by the slightest deflection of his revulver, he had puta bullet through the ruffian’s shoulder, The bullet did double duty, for it plowed a furrow across Bill’s hairy cheek and instantly sent the proclaimed terror with a frantic curse upon his lips, back into the bushe:, This first blow was followed by a retrograde moveroent of the outlaw’s followers, but, as they stepped back, they drew their revolvers and opened fire, or rather attempted to return the broadside that the Boy Patrols and Ichabod Fiea peured intv them, There were shots enough exchanged and noise enough create to have killed a hundred men, but, as evidence of the uncertainty of death in an exciting battle, where men’s nerves are strung to such a tension as to preclu‘e deliber- ate aim, but one of the robbers was killed, and Billy Myers of tha Patrols wounded, Just how many of the Rustiers were wounde! could not be told for they made a hasty retreat and sought the friendly cover of trees. From this position they endeavored to continue the fight and began popping away with their revolvers at a lively rate. So uncomfortably near did some of the bullets whistle that Bandy and his friends deemed it pruient to take to the cover of trees, also, Too Rustlers then soon found out that their revolyers were no match for the Winchesters of tha P :trols, and at once made an inglorious retreat up the valley, leaving their dead com- rade on the field, The Boy Patrols would have followed the rob- bers but Bandy advised them not to for fear of an ambusb. **They’ve got enough,” he said, ‘‘to last em back to Jackson Hole, for I think ’bout half o’ them’s wounded, By the ram’s-horn o’ Joshua! didn’t Black Billiam get fooled? Didn't be butt up 'g'inst a stone wall? Didn’t he drap back when Kit Bandy put on his stormy-sky frown? Didn’t be spin into the bushes graciously when my popper popped? Didn’t them bullets sound musical ?Didn’t—but say, boys, tere’s my pard, Ichabod Fiea; he slept in a tree down the valley. He’s a little ripper—comes late for dinner and battle, bat alers in the nick o’ time,” Thea boys greeted Ichabod with a cordial hand- shake and found him » very genial and lhvely little old fellow. ‘** But the strangest thing of ail,” said Ralph Kirkman, ‘‘ is that Treetop Tim should be trans- formed into the redoubtable Old Kit Bandy.” ** By the born o’ Joshua!” averred Old Kit, *it dijn’t take much argument to convince bully Bill Bates, the rvarin’ tiger from Jackson Basia, that Treetop Tim Glory war loaded for Grizz'y b’ar.” Billy Myers’s wounded arm was dressed by Ichabod Flea, who had lost none of bis skill as a surgeon, The young patrol was not seriously hurt, but Flea decided that he would be unable to take further = in proceedings for some time to come, and advised him to retura at once to the Rosebud, where he could receive proper treatment and nursing. Old Kit and Ralph Kirkman took possession of thedead rustler’s private arsenal and searched the body for something by which to identify him. Matters having thus been straightened up about camp, Ralph Kirkman concluded to make a reconnoissance up the valley to ascertain whether the outlaws had departed or were pre- paring for another assault. He left his friends, promising to be back in an hour. He crosssd the valley, and, keeping close in along the base of the bluff, moved cautiously up tue valley. He soon came to where the blot became rocky and almoat perpendicular, and in places ledges of stone pushed out abrupt- ly from tbe wall and hung threateningly over the deer-path that wound along the base and in which Ralph was walking. Finally he reached a spot where one of those ledges bad broken from the face of the cliff lay in a great body inthe valley. Between thi dislodged mass and the bluff ran the deer-path, The way was narrow and perhaps ten steps in length. Tbe broken ledge was at least seven feet high and straight up and down next the bluff, Its top was overlaid with a mass of creeping vines, {Into this narrow way Ralph walked, He was mearly haif-way through when he was suddenly -wonfron ited by the tall, slender figure of a man Kit Bandy’s Big Six. who held a cocked revolver full in his face, and commanded: ‘*Captain Kirkman, stand! your days as a Range Patrol are numbered!” CHAPTER V, A SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE SITUATION, RALPH KIRKMAN recognized the man before bim as ove Kris Loafman,a rancher whom he bad met in W yoming @ year or two previous, That be was now a Rustler, and a member of the Jackson Basin gang, there was no doubt, The Patrol expected no mercy from the vil- lain, for Loafman was, when he knew him, one of those to whom outlawry was the merest ‘** business,” **K ris Loafman,” the young Patrol exclaim- ed, '‘ huve you turned outlaw-murderer?” ‘*Tarow up your bands, Captain Kirkman! was the only response, ‘‘and don’t dally ’bout it. Your gang got the drop on Black Biil, but it’s my turn—” The fellow’s words were here cut short by a most singular and sudden interposition, A bu- man hand, thrust from the vine-clad top of the broken ledge, snatched the villain’s revolver from his grasp! It was done so deftly that, as the astounded Rustler’s eyes followed his wea- pon he was fairly paralyzed with terror to find himself gazing into its muzzle, to see it grasped in a firm hand, back of which he beheld a pair of flashing eyes set in a boyish face! ‘* It’'smy turnnow!” came from the unknown, who lay prone upon the rock, his body wholly co: cealed by the vines, The outlaw stood motionless, fear depicted on every lineament of his face. To be towarted in tne moment of victory was bad enough, but, to have his revolver deliberately snatched from his fingers and thrust into his very face wasa crusher for the boastful renegade, Asa matter of fact, Ralph Kirkman, himself was astounded by the performunce, The truth, however, soon dawned upon the mind of tbe Rustler, and quickly throwing up his hand he attempted to strike the weapon aside. But, as the hand flew upward the pistol rang out and, with a cry, the renegade-rancher recoiled, staggered furward against the rock and then reeled away, out of the narrow 'pas- sage, glancing back over his broken shoulder like a bunted wolf, his eyes glaring, his teeth hard set, The unknown upon the rock now arose to his feet, the smoking revolver in his hand. He glanced after the retreating Rustler—watched him until he had staggered from sight around a point of rocks, then turning, he gazed down upon the astonisbed young Patrolman, a smile of triumph upon his face, saying: ‘Stranger, he brought you up standing; but he’s on the retired list now with a sore shoul- der,” Young Kirkman was as much surprised at his deliverer’s calm and unaffected manner of speech as he had been at his daring performance, and for a moment was at a loss for words to re- spond, The unknown was a youth of perhaps twenty years, with the slender, graceful figure, the symmetrical features and shor’ curling locks of a Greek athlete, ‘Well, stranger,” Ralph found words to re- spond, ‘‘ 1 must confess that you have somewhat confused me,” The new-comer'laughed softly, dropped his lithe form to the ground, saying: ‘Events did crowd on you with confusin’ rapidity for ’bout a holy minute, and it was a miraculous good thing that I war on that 9 and that the Rustler stopped where he id.’ ** Well, sir,” responded Ralph, himself again, ‘“*T am everlastingly obliged to you, for I wasin a narrow strait. My name is Ralph Kirkman and [ have a party of friends, including Old ow Bandy, down the valley a mile or 80, and— “Old Kit Bandy in these diggin’s?” broke in the young mountaineer, for such his garb de- noted, his handsome face lighting up with an expression of delight, “Yes, Kit’s in this valley,” answered Ralph, ** You know him?” «Know him? Well, I should remark!” em- ectbhasized the youth. ‘‘ Ralph Kirkman, my ‘,ame is Runkells—Jove Runkells, me forth to the presence of Kit Bandy, the Great!” Ralph turned, and together the twe hastened intocamp. As they approached Old Kit, Jove Runkells dashed forward and grasped the old deteetive by the hand, exclaiming: ‘* Kit Columbus Bandy! How are you, my dear old friend?” Ser Pieri ue Bandy gazed for a moment in silené beaming face of the boy atbiete; then, as of recognition Jit up his grizzled face, he ® claimed: ‘Little Jove, the Boy Thunderbolt! by the horn o’ Joshua! All hail to thee, my gallant friend! Tie Lo:d has kept you well since we campaigned in Colorado two years ago! Well, I’m delighted —rejoiced! Boys”—turning to the young Patrols—‘' come, wag the fist o’ my twin-brothcr, Little Jove, a veritable human thunderbolt o’ the mountains!” One by one the old detective’s new-found com- rades sheok the hand of Little Jove, and as soon as Old Kit’s exuberance could be suppressed, Ralph told the story of his meeting with the young mountaineer. **Toat’s jast toe kind o’ lark he is!” declared Bandy, ‘‘Jove has the heaven-born faculty o’” bobbin’ up somewhbar, and always he bobs at the rizhttime and place. But say, Jove, what are you doing over here, any bow?” ** Layin’ for Rustlers!” expounded Jove; ‘' and that reminds me, foiks, that l’ve got a horse over here in the hills which I robbed a band o” Rustlers of last night over in the mountain pass. I left the animal concealed and drifted down into this valley to inquire into a racket I heard that sounded a mighty sight like a Kit Bandy fight. The horse is a dark sorrel, medium-sized, —— one white hind foot and a star in the fore- ead,’ ** ‘hat’s the description of my horse exactly !” excluimed Ralph Kirkman, ** Butit couldn’t be yours, for it had a side- sadile—a woman’s saddle on its back,” ‘““ A side saddle? My-.Goc!” cried Ralph, ** then it was my horse, and Mollie Adamson, after all, is in the power of the Jackson Basin. outlaws!” CHAPTER V. OFF FOR JACKSON BASIN, EXCITEMENT reigned in the camp of the Range Patrols, That Mollie Adamson was a captive there was not a doubt; but, to make assurance doubly sure, Jove and Ralph proceeded to where the young Thunderboit had left the horse. They were gone sbout two hours, returning with the animal, It was Kirkman’s horse, and Mollie’s saddle was upon its back! ‘** That settles it,” said Joe Randolph, ** And our duty is plain. The girl must be rescued,” added Old Kit; ‘* but, Jove, didn’t you sev anything of thegal? How did you come by the hose!” ** Pll tell you,” explained the Thunderbolt, ‘** Theacd horses’ hoois coming toward me up the narrow 1 hid in the bushes, A caval- cade of eight cr ten white men and Ingins, rid- ing Ingin file, came insight, The foremost rider carried in his arms a burden wrapped in>a blanket. I s’posed at the time it wasasick or wounded companion they were totin’ home. But, it must have been the rancher’s girl, The hindmost feller was leadin’ that horse with the side-saddle, I was afoot. I had no horse and they had one more than they needed. I con- cluded I'd have tiet one. I didn’t want to shoot the feller leading the horse and raise a racket that'd bring the hull gang onto me, so I slugged him. You remember, Kit, how [ used to fling dornicks, don’t you! Well, my arm has not lost its cunning. At fifteen to twenty paces I can land a stone in a circle the size of a man’s face, ten times out of halfascore, Sol fetched that outlaw one right plump between the eyes that fairly lifted him out ofthe saddle. In fall- ing, the horse ‘he rode made a frightened jump forward, but the one he led went backward, A little excitement followed, of course. The fel- low I dropped groaned; the outlaws began fo call to each other and swear, and while they were thus occupied I slipped along, seized tho reins of this horse, jumped into the saddle an‘! was soon flying eastward. Toe Rustlers chased me for miles; this was a noble beast; and I finally a into a side canyon and give them the slip, Iamsorry I didn’t know it was a girl that feller had in bis arms, for then she’d never been taken into Jackson Basin alive; just thator else f’'d gone under,” ** Boys, you can count on Kit Bandy and pard to assist you in whatever you decide upon doin’,” Old Kit observed, ‘* And here, too,” added Little Jove. “ Good!” exclaimed Ralph Kirkman, ‘ we | will follow the villains to their den. Kit Ban- dy, you shall be our leader!” - t’s it! hurrah!” shouted the others, ‘* Lead on, Captain Bandy, and we will fol- .
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Jove. ‘* Your leadership will be Bnce of a mighty lively campaign.” bs, boys,” said Old Kit, seriously, ‘it will Bno pleasure excursion into Jackson Basin, and every man that goes in there takes his life in his hand. Jackson Basin war made ex- clusively for the seclusion of robbers, I am told itis a Death’s Valley for them as have un- dertaken to explore it and hunt down the thieves hiding there with hundredsof stolenhorses and cattle, Every approach, it seems, is guard- ed. The civil authorities have been baffled in every attempt to bring the scoundrels to justice, and the government authorities don’t seem to care, The ill-feeling exiatin’ between the cattle- barons andthe homestead ranchers is bein’ taken advantage of by the Rustlers, with whom the barons are tryin’ awful hard to implicate the homesteaders,” ‘* We are awore of that fact,” averred Ralph Kirkman, ‘‘and it was to prove the falsity of the accusation and to protect the interests of ail concerned that our baud was organized and sent into the field. But, now, until Miss Mollie is rescued, the range will have to take care of it- self. From this on we are Bandy’s Boy Brigade, and our destination Jackson Basin. But, boys, our horses will have to be abandoned, | sup- pose.” ‘* Yes, indeed,” answered Old Kit; ‘‘ we don’t want togo clatterin’ and jinglin’ into thatdevil’s den ou horses, We want to slip in on tip-toe— like a shadow,” After some discussion it was decided to send the wounded Patrol, Billy Myers, with the horses back to the nearest ranch, for it would be im- possible, much to Myers’s regret, for him to go on the perilous expedition, So the youth was at once started on his home- ward journey, leading his companions’ borses that were tied one behind another. Then Kit Bandy and his Salect Six—bis Big Six, as he jovially termed them—turned their faces mountainward and set off for Jackson Basin, determined to beard the mountain lions in their lair, CHAPTER VI. KIT AND JOVE MAKE A DISCOVERY, ‘“* HARKER, lad! harkee! Lie low, open your ears andshove your eyesight ’round and about as! The speaker, Old Kit Bandy, thus addressed — Runkells, the Young Mountain. Thunder- t. It was early morn, four days after that upon which Kit and his band had set off for Jackson Basin, The sun had just risen over the eastern range-of ‘hills, flooding the land of the lawless with light and dispelling the gloom under cover of which Bandy and his Big Six bad penetrated aimost tothe heart of the notorious retreat of the Rustlers, Iueaving the main party in the seclusion of a ravine, Kitand Jove had gone out on arecon- moissance, and had advanced to the foot of Kit named Castle Butte, From the northern extremity of the Basina long range of wooded hills trended southward, terminating in a great peak that rose high above the level ofthe range, On the summit of this peak were rock formations which, at a distance fooked like the ruins of a mighty castle, hence the name that Bandy gaveit. A dense growth of pine and cedar trees and undergrowth cover- ed the butte almost tu its very top, At the base of this peak, on the banks of a little brawling stream, Bandy and Jove lay con- cealed among the bushes in the early dawn, and it was the sound of hoof-strokes coming down from the wooded hillside that called forth his words of warning. Lying low, they listened and watched. A man of thirty, leading a horse, across the back of which were hung two casks, suddenly appeared insight. _ “By the horn o' Joshua!” Bandy exclaimed ‘in a whisper, “ we did see a light on the butte last night, andthet feller has come down from its whereabouts, He’sa water-carrier for some place that’s high and dry.” ‘¢ Taat’s exactly what the bullcat is,” respond- ea Little Jove, ‘* and tells us that a rustlers’ roost is not far away.” ‘¢ 8>me’ers up on the sideo’ that dome,” added Old Kit, ‘and it must be a relay, or a lookout station, or it might be the headquarters of Cap- ‘tain Lurid ‘himself. Whichever it is, the gal, Mollie Adamson, may be there; and if we find she is, we'll make the side o’ that butte lurid, See! the fellow’s goin’ to fill his casks at the ecreek,” a WKS Kit Bandy’s Big Six. “ Holy mist! Wouldn’t I like to sock a dor- nick through one of them casks when he gits it filled just to see the water squirt and hear the Rustler rustle?’ exclaimed Jove. ‘‘Hold your thunderbolts, boy!” warned the old detective; ‘‘ we are goin’ to find somethin’ before long that promises haydoogins o’ fun, and then you can bolt yer tnunderbolts.” **Do you really suppose, Kit, our entrance to this Basin has been discovered yet?” Jove ques- tioned. ‘*No; I think we made a beautiful sneak into this vailey, andif we'll jist hold the bits in our coltish mouths, lay low and go slow, we'll be able to give the Rustlers as magnificent a sur- prise as war ever dreamed of since Adam was a pappoose in his mother’s bark wickiup. So we’llcamp on this water-peddler’s trail till we see where he brings up.” They watched the man fill the casks, sling them across the horse and then start back up the butte, ‘* Now’s our time to do the snesk act,” whis- pered Old Kit, rising to his feet; ‘‘ but however great the temptation for you to throw a stone, don’t do it!” ‘‘Dll try and manage myself, uncle,” assured Jove, with a smile, as the two crept from their covert and began ascending the butte, keeping the water-carrier in sight. The ascent was in places steep and rough, but by following a well-defined though crooked path the water-carrier proceeded without diffi- culty, and finally landed upona terrace. But. on he went, following along the base of the biuff a fewrods toagain strike the path leading up the butte. Another bench or terrace was reached, cross- ed, and the third ascent continued. The scouts looking behind them could now see out over the Basin toward the east, and bad no difficulty ia locating the ravine where they had left the Big Six, five miles away, At length a third bench was reached, across which the scouts were following the water- carrier when they were suddenly brought to a halt on the edge of an opening into which the man and borse bad passed. Here they made a discovery that well rewarded them for thoir la- r. From the eastern side of the terrace back to the bluff it must have been two hundred paces, The opening ran the full length, narrowing from the bluff—where it was some eight rods wide— toward the east end, At the bluff end of the opening stood a long, low log house, or cabin, whose front and roof were overrun with yas which almost concealed the domicile from view, The clearing evidently had been made by the hand of man. It was level and smooth, but de- void of grass or vegetation of any kind, Up to the very edge of the clearing the undergrowth of the timber wasa dense mass of low pines and other bushes, through which it seemed as if oy a coyote coula creep, ** Behold!” said Old Kit, as bis eyes rested upon the cabin, “ the retreat of the Rustlers|” ‘*There don’t pear to be many ’bout there,” Little Jove edtel ‘* Boy, did you ever see many hornets ’bout a nest till you poked it up! That’s exactly the way with a robbers’ nest. Fire a pistol and you’d see the bearded, blear-eyed boogers— haydoogins o’ them—come swarmin’ from every d’rection above and below and around and about,” The water-carrier drew up in front of the cabin, and having deposited his casks on the ground, led his horse away and disappeared in the woods on the opposite side of the Plaza. Ono bands and knees Old Kit and Joye slowly worked ae the bushes to a point within thirty paces of the cabin, and there, lying along the ground like two lizards, they resolved to stay until they bad ascertained the character of the people who dwelt in that cabin, and to se- cure any other information which could further their work. So far they had seemingly been very fortu- nate: their presence in the Basin had not been discovered, although they had been there two days. Equally unfortunate were they in that they had been unable to find a single outlaw un- til they discovered the water-carrier, if outla . he really was, Of this, however, there could? } little doubt, and that the cabin was a statiow the Rustl-rs there was also small doubt in the mind of Kit Bandy. The seouts had occupied their new position about tei minutes when they were somewhat diverted by sight of a woman who came bustling from thecabininsome haste She was a low heavy-set woman with a full, florid face an - 5 frowsy head, Her sleeves were rolled up above her elbows displaying a pair of big, red armsin which she suatched up one of the water cacks and whisked back into the house as though it was a bag of feathers. “‘Horno’ Joshua!” exclaimed Old Kit, in bated breath, ‘‘ wasn’t that a solid ole block o’ human- ity, boy? Wasn’tshea Cleopatra? Jove, we've beheld the Queen o’ Jackson Basin!” At this juncture the water-carrier came from the woods, and approaching the cabin called out, loud enough for the scouts to plainly hear: ** Lucille?” ‘That's queeny’s name— Lucille,” whispered Old Kit, ‘* Not much-— look there!” exclaimed Jove, as he saw the graceful figure of a young woman emerge from the cabin and approach the man, She could not have been over five-and-twenty years old, she had a tall, graceful form, dark hair and eyes, and, so far as the scouts could de- termine, she was decided)y handsome, well and tastily dressed. ‘‘By the ram’s horn o’ Joshua! isn’t she a honey-goslush?”’ Old Kit whispered. ‘* And perhaps as wicked as she is beautiful,” suggested Jove. ‘I’m glad Old Tom Rattler isn’t in your place, boy. That pretty face ’d set the old fool crazy. Old Tom alers was a lofty old dunce ‘bout a pretty woman, But, she vanishes!” A few words had passed between the man and woman and then both disappeared in the cabin. For quite a spell nothing more was seen of any of tne three persons now known to be with- in the cabin; the scouts, however, held their position, Bandy declaring he must have another look at Lucille and ‘* queeny,” before he left, Their patience was finally rewarded by the appearance, not only of the dark-eyed Lucille, but a young girl of seventeen or eighteen sum- mers, beside whom the beaaty of Lucille was decidedly plain. ‘*A fairy, by jingrickas?” averred Jove, his eyes sparkling with admiration, ‘“‘but I'l! bet the earth all fenced that it’s Mollie Adam- son, ‘‘Keep cool, boy!” admonisbed Old Kit; ‘don’t git Old Tom Rattlered, I'll admit she’s a bummin’ little beauty, and I wonder how many o’ sich are in that shebang ?” The two women walked arm in arm to and fro across the Piaza. If they conversed at all it was ininaudible tones. The younger woman walked with her eyes cast down, asif depressed in spirit, but the elder, walking erect like a queen, kept her eyes turned eastward most of the time as if expecting some one from that di- rection, Finally the two sat down in front of the cabin and talked for sometime. Kit and Jove strain- ed every nerve tocatch the drift of their con- versation, but in vain, At — they arose and went in, Lucille casting another glance east- ward over the Basin as she crossed the thresh- old, ‘* By the horn o’ Joshua!” exclaimed Old Kit Bandy in an undertone of affected regret, ** the visions have vanished, and it makes every thing look bleak and desolate in that clearin’.” “They did help the appearance of the Jand- scape, L’ll confess,” the Thunderbolt respond- ‘* Yes, but, boy,” Old Kit continued advisedly, “don’t letthem pretty faces upsot Mrcrbeg A liberty o’ heart, Onc’t I was a young man full of hope and promise, but in one evil hour I per- mitted Ellen Sabina Frisby to win my boyish heart and abduct me to the hyeveal alter, and now, alas! who am I? wheream I? why am I? what am I—” ‘* An’ infernal, ole liar! and if you move & muscle I’!] splatter your head all over the side o” this knob!” It was a strange yet stern voice that thus spoke through the bushesalmost in Kit’sear, It was followed by a slight rustling of the branches, and ebony | his head to one side, the old detec- tive found himself gazing into the black muzzle of a revolver held in a hand whose ownér was thoroughly concealed behind the dense foliaget CHAPTER VIL HELIOGKAPH SIGNALING, Kit Banpy was not slow to recognize his | nminent peril. :The muzzle of the/inknown’sre- ‘trigger. yolver'was within siv inches of bi: head, and he could see that the assassin’s finger was upon the Along the barrel, back in the eben, he could discern a flaming eye glaring upon bim; but more than this he could not dis- tinguisb,
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rn 6 Kit Bandy’s Big Six. Little Jove was fully aware of the danger of his friend, but, lying as he was on his stomach, he was powerless to help Bandy without chang- ing his position so as to get hold of a revolver, and while doing this the other could shoot both of them, The situation was not only dangerous but » Judicrous as well, and Old Kit realized both con- ditions with a feeling of chagrin and humilia- tion. . He was for once, atleast, rendered speech- less, and as if to still aggravate him more, the assassin, after a moment’s silence said, in a hiss- ing voice: **'You’ve made your last sneak, Kit Bandy, and told your last he!” Old Kit pricked up his ears, as it were, and there was a sudden start of his whole frame. He regained his powers of speech, and in a sort of a stage-whisper said: ‘* Say that over, will you, stranger?” For an answer the unseen pushed aside the foliage, and through the opening thus made Kit Bandy beheld the smiling, triumphant face of that redoubtable old mountain tramp, Tom Rattler! An assumed look of indignation, coupled with genuine joy and surprise, overspread the fea- tures of Bandy, ‘* By the roarin’ ram’s-horn o’ Joshua!” he al- most exclaimed aloud, ‘‘it’s that miserable mountain vagrant, slippery Old Tom Rattler, as true as this old world’s aswirg!” The next moment the two old friends’ hands were grasped in a hearty shake that made the bushes around them rustle and tremble. Little Jove also crept around and greeted Old Tom, and then the three, with their heads close together, entered into low yet animated conver- sation, ‘Thomas Rattler,” said Bandy, ‘‘ by what dispensation of Providence have you been sent prowlin’ round herein Jackson Basin without a guardian?’ “The same dispensation, Kitsie,” replied Tom, *‘ that bas so often guided me to your assistance—to keep you outen danger, and from makin’a great ole fool o’ yourself bout some pretty woman, and from tellin’ that ole, pre- historic lié'bout you bein’ led to the hyeneal alter. Isaw you war struck on them female weemin, and I concluded to skeer you outen a year’s growth and so perceeded to hold you ap. ; Ms Yes, you scart Kit Bandy, you did! Thomas, some of these fine days you'll come up short o’ wind, and then you'll quit your boyish pranks with me, But say, Thomas, what are you lurkin’ round here for, anyhow?” “I’m prospectin’,” answered Tom; ‘and I don’t s’pose you'and Thunderbolt are here for yer health—snookin’ round for nothin’.” ‘*No, we wer’n’t snookin’ for you, Thomas,” Kit replied, with a silent chuckle at his con- ceit; ‘* but the fact is, we’re here for a purpose, and that purpose is to rescue one Miss Mollie Adamson, that the Rustlers carried into the Basin a captive, A secondary object is to size up'the Rustlers’ strength, locate their headquar- ters,and make a kind o’ a survey o’ Jackson Basin, and all such information as will belp to- ward finally roundin’ up the Rustlers for a neck- tie matinee.” : ‘“1t’s3 a plaguey wonder you didn’t git matineed to a limb gittin’ into the Basin,” de- clared Old Rattler. ‘‘Several days ago a party o’ tourists, includin’ an English duke, war doin’ the Yallerstun Park. For their guide they had a gal, Miss Hazel Bell, the darter o’ the old guide, Nick Bell, who was too rumatic to go out, 80 he sent his gal, who knows every wonder and every rod o’ the Park. ‘“‘Tt seems a gang o’ Captain Lurid’s_ cut- throats run across the party and carried the duke and Miss Hazel off captives—probably for ransom, ‘* Word war sent to the sheriff at Cinnabar and he put out Deputy Sherif? Crigger and three meno in pursuit o’the robbers, ‘hen I came along and they sent me to look for Crigger and his purty and help’em trail the outlaws to their den, In the pass leadin’ over from the Park I come onto the deputy sheriff and one of his men, swayin’ in the breeze from the limb of tree! They’d been dead two or three days. “{ thought the matter over and concluded to invade the Basin alone and sce what I could see, I trailed around till I struck this cabin, uod here [ tind the gal guide, Miss Hazel,” ‘*[adeed! Was that her with that woman the man calle! Lacilly?” asked Ol'l Kit, ‘*'Tnat war her, Kitsie.” Kitsund Jove exchanged glances as a look of Aisappuintment swept over their faces. ES SS insstsnsnsenssesssstssunssnnssn a ‘* We'd felt sure the gal was Miss Mollie,” said Bandy. ‘* Don’t you know the gal?” asked Tom. ‘* Neither of us ever saw her, Tom,” ‘*She may be in the house,” Rattler hinted; **T wouldn’t give up ill I knowed sure.” ** No, by the horn o’ Joshua! Il stay kere till snow flies but [ll know whether the gal’s there or not. If I warsure there war no others about but those we’ve seen, I’d boldly. walk forth and invade that fortress like a Trojan army, But say, Thomas; look there! Feast yer old eyes on that superb beauty!” It was the queenly furin of Lucille be referred to, She came io sight, and, standing in the doorway, raised a field-glass to her eyes and looked long and steadily eastward across the si- lent Basin lying far below, ‘*She’s expectin’ some one from that way, sure,” Bandy decided, ‘‘ for every time sue shows up she looks off that way kind o’ anxious- like,’ For several minutes the woman continued ber looking through the glass, then suddenly turn- ing she called out, in a clearly audible tone: **Tobe, bring out the machine—quick!” ‘*Rosycrusians!” exclaimed Oid Tom, ‘I wonder what the machine is? Can’t be an in- fernal machine, J hope.” Tobe—the water-carrier-—soon appeared from the cabin with something in hisarms that caused Kit to utter an exclamation of surprise. ‘* By tao great jingrickies!” ejaculated Jove, ‘it’s a surveyor’s compass and tripod!” **No, no, Jove,” protested Old Kit; ‘* that’s no compass, lad; it’s a heliograph—an instrument for telegraphing—signaling by means of the sun’s rays, Surveyors I’ve seen use ’em, and talk from mountain to mountain more’n fifty miles apart, That woman’s the operator. Now watch her ; she is goin’ to shoot.” The man, Tobe, placed the tripod a few rods in front of thecabin, On the top of the tripod was something covered with a black cloth which the girl at once removed, revealing a good sized mirror mounted with ball and socket ou the tripod, The woman how glanced at thesun, It was almost in the zenith. She adjusted the glass ac- cordingly. ‘* d give the earth, with Kit Bandy to boot, if [could read her signals,” averred Old Tom Rattler. , ‘*People sometimes learn by keepin’ their mouth buttoned, and eyes and earsopen,” whis- pered Old Kit, ‘‘ Unless these folks havea code of signals o’ their own, they’li use the Morse telegraphing Alphabet. All ever I seen did. They’ll turn the glass that’s an a pivot so’sit will catch and reflect a vivid ray of light into the air that’d fairly knock » man down ifit’d himin the eye, A quick flash, or two quick flashes, or three, stand for one, two or three dots in the Morse system. They represent cer- tain letters, Then come quick flash and a long flash, anda long flash and a quick one, andso on somehow that way allthrough from A to Izzard. here she goes!” The woman adjusted the glass on its pivot so that the rays of sunlight were caught and re- flected back into the heavens like a vivid flash of lightning in the darkness, For fully two minutes she continued to manipulate the glass in this manner; then she covered it with the cloth, turned her eyeseastward and with a note- book and pencil began making a record, ‘*She’s now takin’ notes,” said Kit; ‘‘ she tele- graphed to some one over east and’s now takin’ thereply. I’m going to git into a better posi- tion, and mebby I can see where the heliographer is located, anyhow.” : The three changed their ition to higher ground, back toward the bluff, from whence they could command a view eastward, and they had no sooner done so than they caught the flash of a light far away over on the range— more than twenty-five miles distant, hey knew by the continued flashes, that they were the reflected rays of the sun—the work of a heli- ograpber. ‘* By the great Rosycrusians?” exclaimed Old Rattler, ‘‘if we'd only the Rumption to read that silent talk we might git on to a big scheme.” by) ‘* ‘ne woman’s taking it all down,” said Iayse Jove; ‘* and mebby we can prevail on her to givo us a translation of the message.” ** I'd like’to see you prevail on a panther to give up one of her cubs,” replied Old Kit, ‘* The act is, boys, this is one of the signal stations 0’ ths Jackson Basin outlaws, and you can see they have aucther over joudex alwost ia tae very midst of the homestead ranch» ra, And there's no tellin’ how muny other telegraph stat.ons they have; nor is there any wonder tit so promptly and work their cussedness so 8 They’re organized, they are! That telegraph means somethin’, but what?’ ‘* Maybe they’ve got wind of our invasion and they’re telegraphin’ for troops,” opined the Thunderbolt. ** They may git some solid lead instead o’ wind before they git through with Bandy’s Big Six,” added Old Kit. ‘‘ One Black bill Bates o’ Jackson Basin undertook to tamper with us folks, and got terribly mussed up. But, see the lightnin? flashes way over you. That feller must have hadoogins o’ news to tell our Lucille.” For fully twenty minutes the signaling be- tween the two points was kept up, the girl not- ing every flash on the distant range in her book. W hen their work was fiually completed, Lucille hastened into the cabin and was followed by the faithful servant, Tobe, with the helio- graph, Immediately Joye came out again and walked away and disappeared on the opposite side of the plaza. In a few minutes he eame back mounted upon his horse. He rode up to the door of the cabin, when Lucille emerged there- from and handed him a note, saying: vi Deliver that to Captain Lurid, quick as you can! Tne scouts heard the order, and Old Kit re- marked: ** Boys, this isa robber’s siznal station! That message goes to the boss robber, Captain Lurid, himself, We must secure it and know what it means, if we have to destroy the faithful Tobe, If we don’t find out by the message where Mollie Adamson is, we'll soak in information o’ some kind that'll help us out, maybe. Boys, the mes- sage must be secured.” ‘** Leave it to me,” whispered Jove, “ and I'll bring that message back with me. I see he’s go- ing the way hecameup with the water.” **Go, lad!” commanded the Mountain Detec- tive, ‘‘ and let the Thunderbolt bolt.” The young mountaineer glided noiselessly away throughthe shrubbery. CHAPTER VII, A SHAFT FROM CUPID'S BOW, WHEN little Jove had disappeared the two mountaineer detectives settled down toawait his return and meanwhile, to watch the movements about the cabin. In a little while Lucille came from the hous:,, a jaunty sailor bat on her head, and a light staff in ber gloved hand, She was followed to the door by the fat woman, heretofore mentioned, who waved her hand to Lucille, shouting: ‘*A pleasint walk to yees, Lucillo dear, and may the saints presarve yees precious silf and bring yees back in safety to yees friends,” _ “Thank you, Bunty !” responded Lucille, with a toss of her head, asshe walked away. ‘‘ Bunty is ber name,” declared Old Kit, ‘‘ and a daughter of the !and of the Shamrock is— ‘Bunty.’ Tom, she’s just the woman for you, and I believe I could convince her that you are the mate for her, providin’, of course, she is single and free-hearted like you,” grim sinile passed over Old Tom’s face. He madeno reply to Kit’s badinage. Lucille crossed the plaza and disappeared in the woods beyond, and Old Bunty went back into the house. Ten minutes ‘perhaps had passed when the scouts were crag bog by a scream issuing from the cabin. It Was & Woman’s scream, and it gent the hot blood leaping through the veins of the scouts, and brought Bandy to his feet with the exclamation ; ‘““By the horn o’ Joshua! Tom, somethin’ ‘devilish is goin’ on in that cabin, and I mean. to know whatit is if 1 die in the attempt!” Dm with you, Kitsie!” rejoined Tom, spring-- ing to his feet, and taking up his big Win- chester. Out from the bashes brag v2 and strode. rapidly up to the cabin, The door was open and without ceremony Bandy, followed by Tom, entered the ein No one was then intheroom, butin an adjoin- ing apartment they heard the angry voice of a woman using somo threatening language. Bandy and Rattler took in the situation ata. glanee. The cabin had but a single outer door, it was divided into two rooms, and had evicent-. ly been built for defense as well as a residence, t was a wooden fort. Thedoor was of double. thickness hung on four massive iron hinges. It was provided with a loop-hole,and heavy bars: for fastenings, There were two windows in the room—one on the east side and one on the west. | They were nofover twelve inches square and | were without giass, Under each window was a o / ‘
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® adjoining room was'partially closed, 5 thick on hinges. This shelf fed 80 as coverand bar the window, B, cooking utensils, a table, chairs and household furniture were neatly arranged Fpout the room. The door leading into {the It wasa heavy affair with a wicket in the center, and bar and staple for bolting, This latter discov- ery was somewhat puzzling from the fact of the door being in the partition; and it finally occur- red to Kit’s mind that the adjoining room was used asa prison, _All this the two old shadowers took in ata single glance, asit were, and they had no more than done so when Old Bunty appeared from the other room, ber face flushed with anger. She could not have been over forty years of age, nor could she have weighed less than two hundred pounds. Atsight of the intruders her looks of anger gave way to surprise, as she stopped short and with hands raised, exclaimed: ‘‘ Howly saints kape me! and where from did yees bhloody owld spalpeens come from widout the manners of knockin’ at the door? ‘* Don’t git skeered, my dear lady,” answered Old Tom Rattler, doffing his cap, and bowing gracefully, ‘‘for we’re only a pair o’ harmless old hunters wanderin’ about to kill time and see the sights, My name is Job Brown, and my Loti nameis Jack Killgallon, a noble son of rish. descent, .Wesaw you in the dooras we war passin’, and says Jack,to me, says he, ‘ Job, look at that woman, I know she’s a good soul witha.kind heart and will give us a bite to eat and a.cup of water.’” : At this bit of flattering falsehood the woman’s face became overspread with smiles, and clos- ing and barring the partition door bebind her, she replied: ‘¢ And that I will, as shure as me name is Bunty McCorkle. Set yees down, Misther Kill- gullion, and Misthur Brown, and I'll give yees a good cold bite, for de little gintleman looks hol- ler and hungry, and a sup of cold coffee will do him good.” With a smile at Old Tom’s assurance, Kit sat down, but Rattler walked over near the parti- tion door and took a standing position, leaning upon his rifle, his face toward tho open door, Bunty McCorklosoon placedsome col victuals on the table and invited the men to help them- selves which they proceeded to do, Tom still maintaining his standing position with eye and ear on the alert, Ohce the old hunter was sure ho heard a low sob and the gentle murmur of voices in tho ad- pee room, and it was all he could do to keep is composure, A conversation was kept up with Bunty Mc- Corkle all the while, and finally old Tom asked: ‘¢ Whero’s your husband, Mrs. McCorkle?’ ‘“* May tho saints preservo his soul! tho poor, dear man has boen in hi3 gravo theso fivo years, and it’s @ poor lone widdy I am, Tam, Misthur Brown.” ““How strange and sad things be in this world,” Old Tom assumed, with a lugubrious look, ‘*Here’s my pard, Jack, who is a wid- der, too, He's often said the world wasn’t to him like it was before he lost his pardner, and—” ‘* Tho poor, dear man!” broke in the fat widow, with o sympathizing look at Old Kit, who began to fecl uneasy, “* Yes, yes, Mrs. McCorkle,” Tom went on, to pent Bandy from saying a word, ‘* you’re onely and Jack’s lonely, and there's no reason why youshould be, Jack was a good, kind hus- band, and I know you war a good wife, and each o’ you could fill the place o’ the departed one’and be happy. I know my pard, Kill- gallon, feels that way, for I am an old, old man, and have see’d lots o’ heart affairs, and I know from the way Jack acted and talked when he caught a Giteaphe of you floatin’ bout here it was a case o’ love at first sight, Mrs. ‘Job Brown, you ole foo—” began Kit, no lougee able to keep quiet; bnt he was cut short afr seg gp who exclaim oi es ch! yo naughty little s n ‘* Wal, now, fn’e it dag 70% McCorkle?” Rattler continued; ‘‘ wouldn’t you two make a splendid couple?” ‘Oh, dear!” ed Bunty, with a sigh, and a melting glance at Old Kit; ‘* yees set me head and me heart all aworry, yees do. It comes so suddint, Misthur Brown, Besides me nerves are all ashake, for Misther Barney McCorkle was a tall, illigant gintleman, and whin I comes in here and sees{Misther Kill- orra, I sez to meself, sez I, ‘It’s Barney eCorkle riz from the grave and come back to T+ 6f t ae Pe ee Kit Bandy’s Big Six. 7 me bosom,’ Then [ see’d it wasn’t dear Barney, but his very picture. Oh, wurra! wurra! Misther Killgolly, put pleoty sweet sugar in yer coffee, and ate and dhrink hearty!” ‘‘Thank you!” said Old Kit, evidently con- | fused, while Old Tom was straining every nerve to keep a sedate face. During the entire repast Rattler kept up match-making, and before Kit arose from the table he virtually had betrothed him to Bunty As for the old detective, he was for once help- less—virtually at Old Tom’s mercy, which was not at all sparing, He had been unable to get a word in edgewise, and so Bunty accepted his silence as an acquiescence in all that Old Tom arranged. There was only one thing Kit had to be thank- ful for, just then—which was that no priest was at hand, for there was no telling how far his friend would bave carried the joke in such a case, or, at least, have made the endeavor. Kit of course was desirous of keeping in the good graces of Bunty McCorkle, in hopes of gaining allthe information possible regarding the place and its inmates, but Old Tom, while enjoying the joke on Kit, was less politic, and as soon as Bandy arose from the table, he turned, unbarred and opened the partition door and boldly entered the adjoining room, whsre a sight met bis gaze that filled his heart with mingled surprise and sadness, CHAPTER IX. THEY TARRY TOO LONG, THE room into which Tora Rattler had bolted | so unceremoniously was, indeed, a prison, as well asa bedroom, It was somewhat larger than the other apart- ment. There was no way of entering it except by theinner door. There were two windows, or rather, holes in the walls, where ligkt and air were admitted. There was a small one on the / ) / | ; | McCorkle. west side not over eight inches square, but the one on the east side wasdoublethat size. Under each wasa hinged shelf that could be raised and the window covered. In one corner a little room was curtained off, the curtains hanging from ceiling to ground floor, and behind this was a bed. Along the op- pos to wall were half a dozen bunks, Near tho largest of tho windows sat the young girl tho scouts bad seen on tho Plaza with Lucille, Kneeling beforoc her was a second girl, with her head buried in the lap of the first, sob- bing bitterly. At sight of Oid Tom the girl in the chair uttered a littlo cry of surpriso, not unmingled with joy. Tko other girlraised her head and with streaming eyes gazed up into her friend’s face, and then at tho intruder, ‘Oh, Mollie!” burst from the lips of the girl in the chair, “it is a friend!—Uncle Tom Rat- tler!” Both girls arose to their feet. Tom recogniz- ed tho speaker es thogirl-cuide, Haz-] Bell, Tho other wasastranger. Ho was about to speak when Bunty McCorkle camo bounding into tho room like a tigress and, seizing Old Rattler by tho collar of his coat, whirled him out of the room liko an autumn leaf in tho wind. ‘* Yees dhirty little bla’guard!” tho irate wo- man exclaimed, ‘' Til tach yees how to poke yeo- self into tho little ladies’ private room!” and as she spoke sho drew back and landed her fat fist on Tom’s jaw with the deftness andforce of a pugilist, the blow sending him reeling across the room, And she would have followed up the at- tack had Kit Bandy not stepped between them, Laying his hand upon her shoulder, he said im an approving tone: ** Peace to you, my brave little women! You have taught the meddlesome ole Mattie a good lesson,” ** Oh, saints hilp me!” Bunty exclaimed, stag- gering forward asit about overcome with nery- ous exhaustion, and dropping ber head on Kit’s heaving breast; ‘‘it overtaxes me dilicate strength, Misther Killgolly! Oh, dear! dear!” She was, to all appearances, about to wilt down in Kit’s arms, and to avert such a disaster he wisely settled ber two hundred avoirdupois down upon a chair, where she went through alit- tle hysterical performance which Old Kit wit- nessed with some alarm, In the mean time, Old Rattler had got back into the room with the two weeping maidens, and approaching the stranjze girl, he said: “You're Miss Mollie Adamson, o’ Rosebud Ranch, be'ye not?” “Tl am,” the girl answered, hope kindling in her breast, ‘And you and Miss Hazel are both prisoners here?” ** Yes, sir.” ‘‘ That's what we thought,” “Ob, L hope you will save us!” Mollie ex- claimed, wringing her hands in the distress of fear. ‘‘That’s what we're here for, gals,” avowed the old mountaineer, in a low tone; ‘‘ that old felier in there is the great mountain Metective, Kit Bandy! That Irish wildcat has fallen in love with him, but she don’t seem to fancy my style.” ‘-She’s a demoness, Uncle Tom!” declared Miss Bell; ‘‘ only a few minutes ago she slapped and choked Mollie most cruelly because she de- clined to sit in this prison.” “The wench!” hissed Tom; ‘‘she desarves a good poundin’; but say, Hazel, what become of that English duke that was captured when you were?’ ‘*T donot know. He was taken somewhere else.” ‘t Have there been many men here since you gals were brougbt here?” ‘* No; but one hasstaid here. The two that brought me went away at once, and so did those that brought Mics Adamson. Miss Lucille Lake, an outlaw’s daughter, who has a cold, cruel heart, is mistress of this’ place: and that Old Bunty McCorkle has been our guard, and a cruel wretch sheis! She! as the strength of an elephant, and I believe she would take delight in strangling us.” ‘‘Have you gals overheard any—” Old Tom began, but was cut short by an imperious female voice in the main room, demanding: ‘“What does all this mean, Bunty Mc- | Corkle?” lt was the voice of Lucille, who had returned from her walk, ignorant of the presence of strangers in the cabin until she confronted Old Kit, y ‘* Please, Missus Lucille,” explained Bunty, ‘‘ and it’s two hunters that sthopped for a bite to ate, and this is Misther Jack Killgolly, so ‘ike me dear, blessed husband, rest his soul in peace, that 1 thought it wus Barney come back from the grave, so 1 did, so I did.” Kit saw that Lucille was an older person than first appearance indicated, and that she was a woman of will and courage was evident in the expression of her handsome yet colorless face. hat she w2s also of fh intelligence was manifested in the look of incredulity she gave the old detective and the McCorkle woman, “By what route did you enter Jackson Ba- sin?” she asked of Kit, in an imperativo tone, “Wo drifted in from the west, madam,” Bandy responded, considering that the situation would justify any prevarication. “ And what is your object in coming here?” Kit Bandy, now understanding that they had no ordinary woman to deal with now, and that nothing was to be gained by dailying further, resolved to bring thingstoa climax, and thus answered her question: ‘We're here to escort them runaway girls back bome!” ‘“¢ Then, sir, you are Old Kit Bandy, the Moun-' tain | Detective!” declared tho woman, turning ashy pale, her eyes flashing fire. “Now take it quiet, madam,” Old Kit calmly urged, ‘‘we’vo uo quarrel with you. We hold you in no ways responsible for the sins of otbers, but we’yoa duty to per‘orm. Thomas, bring out those girls and let us depart, Old Bunty had listened to the conversation be- tween her mistress and Old Kit like one in a trance; but when Bandy called to Rattler, she started up with a cry like a wounded tigress, and darted into the prison room, where she be- gan to belabor both Tom and the girls with dire- ful threats and anathema, But, already the girls had donned their hats and wraps for nae ea Discovering this the woman seemed all the more inflamed with rage, for she flew at Mollie and attempted to tear the shawl from her shoulders, Old Tom interfered and pushed her aside. This added fuel to the flame and turning, to make a rush upon ‘him, she aimed a blow at theold mountaineer to crush him down. But, Tom sprung aside, eluding her charge, and the momentum of her rush threw her flat upon the floor, fairly stunning her. Lucille, wild with excitement, ran to Bunty’s help. Tom pushed her aside and hurried Mollie and Hazel into the main room, cl and the door on the mistress of the cabin and her tigress. ‘This, gals,” said Old Tom, “is my pard, Kit Bandy.” ‘Pye heard my father speak of you,” said
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St SO rere Mollie Adamson, looking up into the face of the oid cetective; “*he has often wished that he mazht meet you, Mr, Bandy.” “ God willing, he shall, my child,” replied Kit; “Thope to have the pleasure of delivering his , daughter safe into his arms.” While Kit was thusspeaking Old Tom went to the door and looked out. As he did so hestarted back, a crg of alarm issuing from his lips, for, up toward, the cabin from the lower eud of the Piaza, he saw a dozen mounted white men and Indians, with Captain Lurid, the outlaw chief- tain, at their head, riding at a sweeping gallop. * Kitsie,” the old hunter said, ** we’ve tarried toolong! The robbers are on us! We're caught ir » death-trap!” CHAPTER X. LITTLE JOVE SECURES THE MESSAGE, WHEN Thunderbolt left Ki: and Tom he hast- ened away down the butte, following almost the very route by which be and Bundy had gone up, He saw that the dispatch-bearer, Tobe, was go- ing by the same path he had brought the water, end down in the valley was where he would in- tercept him, Wuen he reached the base of the butte Jove armed himself with threeor four rocks half the size of his fist, Then he selected a position from which he could operate when the messenger should come within range. To saoot down the Rvstler would bave besn an easy matter, but Jove Runkelis never took human life unless in self-defense. Moreover, he had such confidence in his trained arm that he never wasted powder when a “ell directed stone would better answer the purpose. Soon the dispatch-bearer approached, and, as he drew near, Jovc let fly one of the stonesin hishand. The Tounderbolt’s arm had not lost itscunning, for the man tumbled from pt saddle, stricken as if bya real thunder- t; Hastening to the prostrate messenger, Jove found him senseless, and bleéding profusely from a cat op the side of the head, At once he searched for the paper Lucille had given into the fellow’scare, He bad no difficul- ty in finding it, and, as he drew it from the man’s pocket, a thought struck bim: he would read the psper, then replace it in Tobe’s pocket, > tbat when be recovered his senses and found t' paper in his pocket, he might not mistrust ts: » purpose for which he had been stricken down, ner by whom, So opening the paper, he read as follows— neatly written in a feminine hand: TERRACE Nook, Sept. 15th. **CapTaIn LURID:— ‘* | conversed with ‘Tip-Top’ this noon. He says the homesteaders are in a fever of excite- ment over the abduction of Mollie Adaison, and thinks her imprisonment will do more barn: than good. Hesays a rescuing party, led by Old Kit Bandy, the Mountain Man-Hunter, is now in the Basin, and that every effort and speedy should be made to see that they stay Lere. Do not delay, captain, in throwing out scouts, and perhaps it would be well to send a guard to Terrace Nook fora few days. ‘** All’s well here. ** LUCILLE,” “That setties it!” mused the young moun- taineer. ‘‘ The Rustlers are onto our invasion of this valley, and when the news gets to bead- quartere, there’llbe musicintheair. Bandy’s Big S.x’ll have something else to do but rustle for rustlers and tell stories, and perform gym- nastics for exercise. But, if I'd destroy this message, and kill the messenger, it might bé days and days before the news of our presence would be known at headquarters, which might be miles from here. If 1 destroy the paper it will be evidence to this fellow when he comes around, that it was the wor’. of Bandy’s crowd, and would know that we were right here, The man no doubt knows all ’bout what’s in the message, and so Cap Lurid’d git the news any- how, To kill Tobe and hide his body is the only safe plan, but that would be murder, pure and simple. I might be justified by men in doin’ the deed, but not by God, No, I will not kill him— I will not commit deliberate murder, This fal- low has done me no harm, no difference what i would do, I'll replace, the message in bis pock et. Vl do nore; PH bind up bis wound, aua when he recovers and finds his paper safe, and ’ Hishead bandaged, he’ll think, perhaps, a friend didit allin an attempt to play a joke on him— bot a rough joke, by jingrickys!” With the Rustler’s own handkerchief, the big : EEE eee Kit Bandy’s Big Six. boy bound up the man’s head, and staunched the flow of blood. He caught his horse and hitched it near him, then he burried away and secreted himself where he could watch proceed- ings, ' In the course of fifteen minutes he saw the man throw up his hand and pass it over his head. Then be rose to a sitting posture and gazed around him in utter bewilderment, still fumbling about his bead. At length be rose to his feet, staggered to his horse, looked at the animal, the hitch-rein, and then around him again, He was in dire confu- sion, He acted like a drunken person, Saddenly a thought seemed to strike him, and he thru-t his hand into bis pocket and drew out & paper—the message, He opened it and read it, Again be looked around. Finally he untied his horse and climbed into the saddle, He turned the borse’s bead toward the butte and glanced up the heights. Then he headed the animal south and sat quiet in the | saddle, He was undecided as to whether to go, or return to Terrace Nook. But he finally got the matter settled, He rode on, With a smile the Boy Thunderbolt began re- tracing his steds up the wooded butte, and with- in two hours and a half from the {time he had departed on his mission he was back where he had left Kit and Tom. But the old men were gone, at which Jove was somewhat surprised. He sat down to await their return, for return they surely would to keep their appointment with him, He con- cluded they must have gone to reconnoiter the opposite side of the clearing, He kept his eyes upon the cabin. Half an hour had passed when the young mountaineer saw the woman Lucille come from the woods on the further side of the Plaza and go into the cabin, And, still a few minutes later, he heard within the house the sound of excited voices and what must have been the violent slamming shut of a door. ‘* By jingrickys!” mused Jove, ‘the folks 0’ Terrace Notch must be havin’ an old family jar—a reg’ler old Kit-Sabina-Bandy round-up, and if—” His musings were interrupted by the sound of hoofs. Horsemen were coming toward thecabin from the lower end of the clearing! He glanced toward the cabin and beheld Tom Rattler standing in the door! But only for an instant was the hunter in sight; he stepped back into the cabin, and the heavy door was banged shut, At the same moment a dozen ruffianly-looking horsemen, among whom Jove saw the bandaged head of Tobe, galloped up to the cabin, dismounted, and, with furious de- monstration, demanded that the door be opened immediately, But their demands or commands were not heeded, The door remained closed, and, after a moment’s hesitation, one of the men | .rought an ax and attacked with violent fury the strong oaken boards of the door, A deep, pent-up roar now came to the ears of the boy mountaineer, fromthe cabin, He knew what it meant, when he saw the ax-man stagger back and fall to theearth, And, sodid the band of desperadoes, for, half-carrying, half-dragging their groaning, cursing comrade they withdrew from the immediate vicinity of the cabin door. CHAPTER XI, LIVELY TIME AT TERRACE NOOK, Tue hope kindled in the breasts, of Hazel Bell and Mollie Adamson of rescue from Lucille and the vicious Bunty by Old Tom and Kit, was crushed in an instant by the startling words of Old Rattler—that they were ‘caught in a death-trap.” **Close the door, Tom, and we'll fight ’em till our veins run dry!” decided Kit Bandy, now a war-borse on his mettle, Tom closed the ponderous portal and shot its double bolts, while Bandy, by raising the hinged shelf under each window, closed the openings. The Rustlers, dashing up to the cabin, dis- mounted and demanded, with oaths and dire throats, that the door be opened. The defenders made no response, Then the door was attacked with an ax, the building trembling under each blow. Did Tom threw a cartridge into his Win- shestex 200 .entanr cunce-and-halt oall straight chrough ‘hy oeavy oanel A groan. burst of execrations, ano retreating footsteps told that the shot had passed through the plank and severely wounded the ax-man, At this juncture a fierce, ear-splitting shriek of mingled delight and rage pierced the very heavens, It came from the lips* Corkle, Sbe and Lucille having disct arrival of Captain Lurid and a numet friends, thrust her frowsy bead out at thee window of the prison-room and gave expression Mad her pent-up fury with all the power of her ungs. ‘* Rosycrusians!” exclaimed Old Rattler; ‘‘ Kit- sie, that was the screech o’ your sweetheart, Bunty! There’s no pulmonary trouble with her lungs!” The outlaws retired and consulted, They did not attempt to renew the assault, The cabin had been designed for defense and as they were not the defenders, they stood at bay. The cry of Old Bunty brought Captain Lurid around to the window where, crouching under the opening, he entered into conversation with the women. As that one window was large enough for a slender person, at least, to crawl through, Bandy kept a watch on the women through the wicket in the door for fear Lucille might attempt to escape. Thére was no danger of Bunty getting her robust form through the opening, although they would have been glad to be well rid of ber, As for Lucille, it was all important that she be kept with the besieged, for, aslongas she was there, the outlaws would hardly venture to shoot into the cabin, nor would they dare resort to fire to dislodge them, For several minutes Lucille conversed with the man under tke wiudow. The old detective could not hear much that was said, but enough to satisfy him that the woman were giving a full account of the situation inside, fand the character of the invaders, for he heard his own name mentioned. When the conversation finally ended, Bandy saw the women making such preparations as indicated an attempt to escape. As this could be only through the window he awaited results, whispering to Tom: “*They’re goin’ to attempt to crawl out at that window and gitaway. The hole’s bigger’n it looks if Bunty cau squeeze her sylphish form through it. I only hopesbecan. I’d ruther be shut up in bere with a she-grizzly, for she’s strong asa hell hag and as furicus, The vision o’ Barney McCorkle has vanished, Lucille has dispelled the visions o’ happiness that you, you ole pirate, inspired in her susceptible heart. But if she attempts to peel herself out o’ this cabin fu’st, why, let her peel; but Lucille must keep with us for protection ’g’inst Rustler bul- lets and fire. Ah! Bunty’s goin’ to crawl out fu’st!” Kit could only see with one eye, for the wicket was open but half an incb. He did not want the women to know they were being watched. A smile mounted his faceas he saw Bunty step onto a chair and thrust her head and shoulder into the opening, completely filling the space and excluding all light. . Then followed a scrambling, scratching sound, mingled with labored breathing, murmurs and imprecations, “Press through, Bunty! press througb!” Lu- cille was heard to say to her companion. *‘ Don’t get excited now, and get yourself into trouble, but work your body through.” But, Bunty had either underestimated her size, or overestimated the dimension of the win- dow for, after getting ber bead and shoulders out, she found it impossible to get any further. She wriggled and squirmed and pulled with her hands, and pushed and kicked her feet, but ber broad hips would not ge through, and witha cry of aisappointment she endeavored to back out into the room again. But, she could not get back, She wasas fast in the window as a cork pressed in a champagne bottle, ‘I'm fast! I’msthuck!” she yelled, and ended off with a scream that would have shamed a lo- comotive whistle, After getting her breath and ceasing her struggles, sho called upon her friends and all the saints in the calendar to “‘ hilp” her. Old Kit and Tom, now broadly grinning at the woman’s’ ridiculous situation, decided to relieve ber of the pinch she was in, so they opened the door and hastened to her assistance. ‘* What’s wrong here?” asked Bandy as they entered the room which was now lighted by only the little six-by-six air hole on the west side of the room, ‘‘ Mrs, McCorkle is fast in the window,” Lucille explained. ‘ Dohelp her back into the room, if you cap,” Old Kit endeavored to do so, He sought to pet her back, and he tried to push her through, be wonld move to and fro from hips to aim- pits, but no further,
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—-# a Re two Rustlers were on the outside they could to release the unfortunate Man, but the united efforts of friends and foes ere unavailing: Bunty was fast, and under the circum taacesthere was no prospect of immedi- ate relief, Lucilleseemed cast down and despondent over the mishap. It prevented her ownescape. She walked out into theroom where Hazel and Mol- liestood, Old Tom followed, to see that she did not attempt to unbolt the outer door; but, dis- covering that she was closely watched, she threw herself into achair, with an air of grim resigna- tion, and said: ‘* [can bide my time. It’s o ly a question of afew hours with you two old scoundrels, A fire on the peak will, in three bours, bring fifty white men and Indians t this spot!” ‘That may allbe, miss,” replied Tom placid- ly, ‘* but there’il not be fifty o’ them by the time they git hold o’us,. I hateall this, but our cause isjust. Wedon’t war ’g’inst weemen, but for them, and this fact enables us to throw a powerful sight o’ clear conscience, death and destruction into a fight with the minions o’ Sa- tan,” Lucille made no response, but with pale face, compressed lips, and knitted brows she turned her face away, nervously tapping the floor with her heel, Meanwhile, Old Kit on the inside, and two Rustlers on the outside, had renewed their efforts to release Bunty, and not until the unfortunate woman was so exhausted as to be unable to help herself in the least, did they give up their efforts for her release. And thus matters stood at Terrace Nook a the shadows of night settled over Jackson asin, ——— CHAPTER XII, A STORY ON OLD KIT. OvER in a densely-wooded ravine under the shelter of a rocky but vine-clad bluff, Bandy’s Big Six lay in concealment awaiting the return of Old Kit and Little Jove from their reconnois- sance of Castle Butte. Timo’would have nung heavy on their bands had it not been for the stories wich which they were ontertained by the oddestof mortals—little Ichabod Flea. Noon came and the sun swung over the line toward the west, Several fine deer passed within sight of them during the day, but Icha- bod forbade a gun being fired despite their desire for a roast of fresh venison, Finally, Buzzy, the young colored Patrol, arose to his feet, saying: ‘* Boys, dis child’s got to take a little prome- nade or die wif de stiffs.” ‘Then leave that gun and them revolvers,” ordered Ichabod, ‘tor you can’t go. There's to be no shootin’ in this Basin till we have to shoot, Then, I opine, itll be shoot to kill.” Buzzy stripped off his belt and threw it down ‘by his rifle and departed. ‘That nigger can’t be quiet to save his soul,” declared Ralph Kirkman, ‘“ He'll get himself into trouble yet.” ‘I hope when he’s had a stroll he'll be easier,” remarked Joe Randolph. ‘‘ He may meet with some of thesame trouble that perhaps is keeping Old Kit and Thunder- bolt away,” added Morgan. “Give Old Bandy time, boys,” urged Icha- bod; ‘* he’s prodigal of the hours, If he’d take a notion to, he’d stop on the way and use up half a day to tell Little Jove some all-fired story. You can’t count on Kit till you see him, for he “never makes a promise to do something within a given time, since the day, some fey ago, he failed to keep a promise as to the hour he’d be back to camp. Of course, it wasn’t his fault, for he met with one o’ the most ludicrous adven- tures that ever befell any man.” ‘Let's have it! Tell it!” exclaimed the boys, “Well,” began the little detective, leaning back against a rock, ‘' I'll tell it while Kit’s ab- sent for be won’t’low me to mention it when he’s around. Itoccurred years ago down in the Sioux country when the Ingins were in a great hair-lifting mood. Kit and I were doin’ scout- in’ for the military, We were out on a trip one day with a company of cavalry under Major Doyle. We a ga for dinner on Ked Willow Creek, While there we heard, off up the creek, the report of rifles, Ths sound came from the worst wooded hills inthe West, ‘*Old Kit was sent to reconnoiter, He push- ed north’ards bout two miles, and was feeling his way towards a point from whence came the ssouni of Ingin voices, when he was suddenly set upon by half a dozen ambushed red imps. i ——— Kit Bandy’s Big Six. Kitsie downed two o’ the varlets and then dash- ed away, the yelling braves after him. ‘‘ Right down through a little glade, in which half a dozen Ingin squaws were busy skinnin’ and cuttin’ up three or four deer their lords had slain, the old fugitive charged. Ho saw the equaws, it’s true, but what was an Ingin squaw, or half a dczen, to the great Mountain Detective? Ono he charged, never swerving an inch for the smoke-skin shemules. ‘* Now, among the squaws war a lulu, called Tall Sunflower She wasc six-footer, and large and powerful in proportion, and for savage oo ear she hadn’t an equal in all panther- om, ‘‘ You see, the Sioux were out on a hunt, and upon these occasions they always took their squaws with them todo the drudgery—that is, skin and cut up.and pack in the game to camp, which may be miles away. When it comes to earryin’a load on the back, them squaws can discount ea buck, and make a Mexican burro look small, I’ve see’d a squaw tote a quarter 0’ buffalo four miles, “* Well, bovs: this Tall Sunflower saw Kitsie spring into the glade and come toward them, and stooping, she picked up a club of yood size, and as Bandy came up she whacked him one on the head that knocked him galley-west- ward. u ‘+ Kitsie didn’t git up, either, for the blow had rendered him senseless as a basswood log, Sunflower gave him a rap after he was down, and the bucks comin’ up was goin’ to finish the she-giant’s work, when she brushed them all back with her club, givin’ them to understand that Kit was her captive, and thet if there was any scalpin’ to be done, she meant to do it, “And there the great, horrid wench stood gloatin’, and frothin’ and hissin’ like a crazy hell-hag over the motionless form of her victim —her eyes glarin’, her tongue lickin’ out as if in imagination she was lappin’ blood like a woif, ‘It war « good thing Kit didn’t see it or he'd % died with fright at the frenzied performance of the unnatural wench. But he wasn’t to die there, Tall Sunflower was goin’ to take him to camp that all might seo the victim of her prowegs, and show the camp how a squaw could torture a victim, ‘* The deer bein’ all dressed were loaded onto the backs of the squaws for removal to camp, aud as Kit hadn’t come to yet, he’d have to be toted, also. Sunflower was his self-elected beast of burden, He was lifted and placed, back to back, upon her shoulders, and was tied there by thongs cut from a green deerskin, ‘* Over and around her breast and waist, and the form of Kitsie, the thongs were passed, se- curely lashing the great detective to her back, and then the procession started, Bandy’s long legs dangling behind and his beels, almost drag- ging on the ground, striking those of thesquaw. His bleeding bead rolled be)lpless about the neck of tha giantess, the blood from his wound trick- ling down over her bosom. ** Sunflower led the procession; the squaws with the venison came next; the braves bring- ing up the rear—all moving, Ingin fashion, in single file, ‘* As Sunflower bent forward under her load Kitsie’s lithe form was considerably warped, but the easy,.swayin’ motion of his nag, and the balsamic odor of the pines, finally revived him; but it was a long time before he could get through his achin’ noggin the situation he was in—tbat he was lashed back to back upou a she savage, bis hands tied together in front of him, “He could not see forward or back, for, Sun- flower bendin’ forward, threw his face upward, and tree-tops and batches of sky was all he could see, But, he never let on that he had re- covered bis sensesand wasableto walk. He'd better opportunities for reflection ridin’, He figgered out correctly that he was bein’ toted to the Sioux camp and rememberin’ that he’d killed two of the bucks when they pounced upon him, he knew a special entertainment would be got- ten up for his sole benefit. “The next thing to be considered was as to how he could escape, His hang were securely tied, but his feet and legs hung dangling free. Now Kit Bandy’s got a quick, fertile brain; so he put the machine to work and soon had a plan of action mapped out, though be was still ig- norant of the fact that Lady Sunfl>wer was his jingrickasha. ‘But, all this time I wasn’t idle, by any means, ‘We heard Kit’s ‘racket with the red wolves, and with a dozen troopers on foot has- tened to inquire into the matter. We came to where he’d downed the redskins, We seen that 9 some one had been killed or badly wounded, for there was blood in plenty on the ground. You ae the Ingins carried their dead warriors with them. ‘‘ Their trail was plenty plain, and we hurried along after the varmints, eager to know the fate of our friend. We came in sight of the rear uard, Wesaw they were lugging two lifeless orms, but we knew neither of them was Bandy’s, We also got a glimpse of one or two fquaws on ahead, bending under a load of fresh meat, but not a thing could we see of the great scout, Still we followed up ‘*The head of the moccasin procession had de- scended into a very dark, deeply-wooded valley when we suddenly heard, quite a ways abead, an unearthly screamin’ and screechin’ that the echoes took up, and repeated, until it seemed that all the witches and warlocks in purgatory had broken from their retreat and were holdin’ high carnivalin that darksome valley. **Of course, we thought Bandy might be in the racket, and we charged upon the Ingins at double quick. Tbe noble bucks dropped their dead and fied like deer. The equaws threw down their meat and deliberately sat down by it, bué as we wasn’t warrin’ against women, we didn’t disturb them. We ran on but found no Bandy. ‘*Tne noise that caused us to charge on the fos had entirely subsided, We were disappoint- ed, surprised, bsfiled, We went back to the equaws and tried to question them about Bandy, but they were dumb as oysters, If vhey under- stood a word we said they played ignorance in great shape. A grunt, or a frown, ora shake of the head was all we got out of them, and in disgust we left the stolid wenches and started back. ‘* We reached the glade where Kit was cap- tured and began a more careful search for some traca of the misging man, While thus engaged the blamedest lookin’ thing I ever saw came from the woods into the glade! ‘* Boys, we bad to look the second time before wecould make out just whatit was, Then we saw it was the bent form of a man with some- thin’ on his back. We looked again and saw it was Old Kit Bandy with the limp, exhausted form of that lilly of the valley, Tall Sunflower, lashed upon his back! ‘¢* Here, men!’ he exclaimed as his blood-shot eyes fell upon us, ‘cut these thongs—quick! want to murder this blankety-blanked Ingin— destroy him)’ 7 **] cut the thongs that bound the two together and those that fettered Kit’s bands, Tall Sun- flower dropped to the ground apparently help- less, but she was notso. She quickly pence to her feet and glared around ber like a bewilder- ed tigress, “Old Bandy turned and theireyes met. The awfulest look of surprise I ever saw on any one’s mug then mounted to tbe face of the great Mountain Detective. [saw him swallow as if somethin’ was chokin’ him. He drew bis sleeve across his bloody, perspiring brow sert of con- fused. Then he turned to me, the personifica- tion of disgust, and asked: ‘** Ichabod, was that catamount on my back?’ ‘‘T answered in the affirmative, Kit fin- gered his belt as if feeling for a revolver, I actually believe he contemplated suicide. But the Ingins had taken all bis weapons. ‘The soldiers burst into a peal of laughter. Bandy frowned, Old Sunflower show her teeth and snarled like a wolf. Her long, bloody fingers closed, and opened, and closed egain nervously, She’d been baffled—cheated of her prey, had the old human terror. Finally she turned and slouched away into the bushes, The gorgeous flower faded from our view. ‘Tt was a long timebefore Kit told me all the particulars, °> far as be knew, of that adven- ture. He s.” that, after he’d recovered his senses, and found himself being carried along on a savage’s back, he planned escape. In going — down the hillinto that dark, wooded valley, his feet dragged on the ground. This was his op- portunity. ‘He made a lurch forward, with all his strength. This landed him on his feet and jerked his captor off of hers, The situatiou was exactly reversed. Sunflower was on his back, and he lit out down into the dark valley, the giantess screechin’, and kickin’, and _clawin’, and clutchin’ likea litter of hyenas. Her voice was sO masculine that he never dreamed of his burden bein’ a squaw until] their bonds of union had been severed in the glade.” “By Yove, that bane a good yoak on Kit Band!” said Pete Anderson, the young Swede laugbed uproariously.
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10 Kit Bandy’s Big Six. * Yes,” Ichabod went on, “and after we re- turned to camp and Kit’s wounded head had been— Ah, hist!—not a word, boys!” This sudden admonition trom the little detec- | tive was occasioned by something moving among the bushes on the opposite side of the | ravine. Instantly every eye turned in the direction Ichabod was gazing, when, to the surprise and | fear of all, they saw a big, burly, black-faced | Indian half-breed, who resembled a Patagonian giant, emerge from the busnes, holding in leash | & a gaunt, ferocious-looking bloodhound! PL road were upon the trail of Bandy’s Big ix! CHAPTER XIII, BUTTED TO DEATH, A DEAD silence reigned in the ravine, Ichabod Fiea’s hand dropped to his revolver, ‘ andkeeping his eyes fixed on the burly half- breed, and his dog, he whispered ; ** Look aharp, boys! They’re trailin’ us! They mustn’t escape alive if we’re discovered!” At the edge of the thicket the Rustler-scout stopped. His dog glared fiercely and uneasily around, sniffed the air and tugged impatiently at the leash. While the brigade was thus waiting further developments something whizzed through the air and crashed into the bushes behind the scout, Both man and dog gave a quick start, raised their heads and listened. Again there was a whirr in the air and a dull erack in the vicinity of the half-breed’s head, Witha groan tho giant reeled and fel! to the earth as though a bullet had pierved his brain. The dog uttered a deep bay and leaped for- ward, jerking the leash from his master’s hand. Straight across the ravine he came, lunged into the bushes and flew at the throat of Pete Ander- son! the jaws of the ferocious brute closed upon it like a vise. Ichabod Flea whipped a knife from Pete’s belt, reached around and drew its keen edge across the dog’s throat, half severing the head from the body. Thestrong jaws relaxed their hold; the fierce brute staggered bick with a gurgling growl, reeled away and fell in his death throes. Then the hurried see ° of feet came to the hearing of the Patrol, a lithe figure glided into the thicket and stood before them, ‘Little Jove, by the Jumpin’ Jalaps!” ex- claimed Ralph Kirkman. ‘*Bless you, my boy!” added Ichabod, grasp- ing Jove’s hand; ‘‘it’s all clear now; it was your , thunderbolt that smote that busbranger over ‘ there!” “T hit bim a crack, I guess,” responded Jove, “‘and I see you haveswiped the dog all right, They were a precious hard-lookin’ puir, I can tell you, but I know I didn’t kill that fellow, and before he comes ’round and gits his top cleared up, we want to be on our way to Castle Butte,” “Anything up? Make any diskivery? Old Kit Bandy in trouble?” asked Ichabod, in the ~ one breath. “We made a diskivery? water, and—” ‘Then he’s happy!” broke in Ichabod; ‘* but go on, Thunderbolt,” ‘““Westruck a Rustler at the foot of the butte and followed him to a log cabin on a terrace of ‘ the butte, away up in the atmosphere, There we diskivered two very pretty young women, and one very fat anid ugly old woman, and we evcap? one of them might be Miss Mollie, “*Good! good!” exclaimed Ralph Kirkman, ‘*Maybe not as good as you think, Ralph,” Jove continued; *‘ but, while we were watcbin’ the cabin, who should we run ag’inst in the brush—on the same mission as we were—but Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, as he styles himself.’ * Glorious tidings!” exclaimed Ichabod. **Tom was on the hunt for an‘abducted girl, too,” Jove went on, ‘‘and oneof the two we saw he said was his gal, he thought. ‘* We discovered that the cabin was a signal station, and, even while there,a message was received from away over East by the woman that seems boss of the ranch, They telegraph back and forth with sun-glasses that Kit called a hellograph or. somethin’, But, [ got the mes- sage, finally, and read it, and it was word to Captain Lurid that Kit Bandy, with a party, Old Kit’s in hot- was in Jackson Basin, and advised prompt 4 measures to round us up. Instinctively the Swede threw up his arm and aig = eda ‘* But, boys, they’ve already got Kit and Old Rattler rouuded up in that cabin, and, if they ever see to-morrow’s sun rise, we’ve got to get over there and lick *bout four outlaws apiece, and raise the siege if the old mountaineers ar’n’t done for before we can get there.” ‘‘ Then let us be eff,” urged Ichabod. ‘¢ But that confounded nigger’s not got back!” Ralph Kirkman reminded, ‘* Tbe darky’s all right,” assured Little Jove, | amiling; **I run onto him up the creek just as di tinished the last of thirteen raw grouse- eggs that he’d found in thesage-brusb. He will wait there for us.” ‘**Tha dem soag-egg!” exclaimed Pete, ‘‘ Aa get even with him for not bring ma some eggs.” In a few minutes the party under Jove’s guidance was on its way to Castle Butte, It was about a mile to where Joe had run across the Buzzy. They soon reached the place where he was to await their coming, but ho was not there, pile of egg-shells told Jovo he was not mistaken in the place. ‘*Well, now that’s provoking!” young Kirkman. ‘‘ Let tha fool nager go,” urged the Swede; “he not got plenty sense ’nough to pound sand. He snoop ’round Jake hound and soag eggs, I bet yug alcool,” s can’t go on without the darky,” de- clared Kirkman; *‘ he’s a brave fellow aud we'll | | Rustlers have fired the cabin and burnt Kit and we'll have to tie him up if we keep him in | need him, no doubt. Buthe is provoking, and sight.” ‘Say, look yonder! along that ledge?” Little Jove thus spoke, at the same time pointing across the creek to an object he saw crawling along the side of the opposite bluff. The brigade stood under cover of the low bushy pines on the bank of the stream. Oppo- site, a steep blaff ross to the height of about thirty feet. From the bottom to the top of the bluff there was a space, rough and rocky, of about two rods in width, entirely devoid of vegetation, but upon either side of it was a dense growth of pine scrub, From this cover, Little Jove had seen a figure emerge and start stealthily across the opening near the summit, ‘‘ By snakes! it’s an Ingin!” declared Icha- 1 And so it was—a supple-looking savage with bare shoulders and head, and a tomahawk half raised. His body was half bent forward, and his eyes were fixed ahead of him as if riveted upon something in the bushes, Aga cat steals upon a bird in the grass, softly | A | bod declared | | them, and the darkness, while it covered their What’s that creepin’ | into a peal of laughter that caus start up, and open his eyes with surp a confused smile again displayed his ivo: ‘Golly! you see me ram dat Ingin?” he ca to his friends, as they stepped into sight. ‘*We did, George Washington,” answered | Kirkman, ‘‘and it was a successful job, for I guess the redskin’s deader’n a smejt—never knew what hurt him. But, comeon; we mustn’t tarry here longer.” Buzzy descended the bluff, crossed the creek and received the congratulations of his friends on his success as a ‘ butter; then the brigade resumed its journey toward Castle Butte. CHAPTER XIV, SABINA BANDY ON DECK. CLOSE at the heels of the tireless young moun- taineer followed the Big Six and the wary Icha- a. With little deflection from a straight course Jove led the way toward Castle Butte; but, long before it was reached night settled «round movements, revealed, paradoxical as it may seem, a sight that filled their minds with the gravest fear. It was a red light up on the mountain-side, immediately in the vicinity of Terrace Nook. “T am afraid,” observed Little Jove, ‘‘ the Tom out.” Wo one could offer anything to the contrary and so the little band pressed on under the grav- est apprehensions, They finally reached the butte and began toil- ing up its heights, and when Jove at length landed upon the third terrace, he almust dreau- ed to approach the edge of the Plaza, As he did so, however, bis heart gave a bound of joy, for the cabin was standing, and the light which had given him so much uneasiness was from a big bonfire which the outlaws had light- ed in the Plaza about eight rods from the strong house, A survey of the situation was hastily made, The siege was still on. Of this there was no doubt, There were a score of outlaws in sight, one-third of them being Indians. Bunty McCorkle was still fast in the window and an outlaw stood on the outside holding her head while a second one was endeavoring to chop her out; butit was some time before the brigade could understand jast exactly what the trouble at the window meant, Little Jove left his friends to do a little scout- ing. Me madea detour of the cabin and gained raising his feet, step by step, tiie savage moved | the opposite side of the Plaza, Hecrawled as across the barren—the personification of mur- | close as he dare, but within earshot, of a group derous stealth. In almost breathless suspense the brigade watched for the climax. It soon came, The savage was about ten feet from the bushes when, with ths swiftness of lightning, a dark, half-doubled form rushed from the bushes and collided with the Indian’s head with a shock that was plainly heard across the creek, and with such violence that the Indian was sent whirling down the bluff, while the other was thrown backward fuil length upon the ground, ‘+ By heavens! it is Buzzy!” burst from Ralph Kirkman’s lips, ‘‘ and he’s butted the Ingin into Kingdom Come!” ‘¢ And his own brains out as well!” added Joe Randolph, ‘‘Bab! dim soag-egg nigger got no brain!” de- clared the Swede. Siowly the prostrate form on the bluff rose to a sitting posture and gazed around him. It was Buzzy, true enough! The situation explained itself, Having no weapons with him, Buzzy had called his ‘* but- ung” power into play, and rushed with lower- ed Bend upon the redskin, The collision of their bare heads had been terrific, and it was evident to the amused brigade that their comrade was somewhat confused by it, yet. He rubbed his head and gazed around him, the white of his eyes showing clear across the creek. Finally he rose to his feet, turned around a time or two, evidently looking for the redskin, At length he caught sight of a prostrate form at the foot of the bluff, and with his bands on his knees he peered down at it, for several moments. Then his teeth began to show across his face, and a smile overspread his countenance and broke into a chuckling laugh. ‘Say, Ingin!” be finally called down, to the motionless savage, “vid I butt youah brains out? Nigger’s head horder’n Ingin head, hey?” The brigade c puld bold in no longer, and burst eo A I, some other work that was in progress. But, what was that work? It must be sometu: g near the cabin, or why should its success depend upon the blows of the ax and the noise the wo- | man made? The Thunderbolt resolved to make further | investigations before he returned to his friends, | So, creeping along to the bluff, he passed | around and approached the cabin from the © rear, He got within twenty or thirty feet of the i and, lying flat upon the ground, list- en . In a moment he started, He heard very distinctly the click of something near the north- ‘
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Kit Bandy’s Bigs Six. of the building. It sounded likea ming in contact with gravel, and after fing his position slightly, he caught the Mutlines of men against the light beyond, work- ing near the base of the building. ¢ required no second thought to convince him of what the villains were doing—that they were digging a passage into the building under the foundation! ‘Just so, my worthies!” the young moun- taineer said to himself; ‘‘ ll see what can be done for you.” Without delay he retreated to the bluff and made his way back to the Big Six and Icha- bod and made known his discovery, The situation was earnestly discussed, but no plan of action that promised success, in face of the superior force of the enemy, could be set- tled upon. ** Boys, something must be speedily done,” Ichabod Flea finally said, ‘t and 1’m going to do it, Here, take care of my weapons until [ get back. Buzzy, give me my bundle—my blanket, Now, you fellers hold firm here until I show up again,” With these words of precaution he departed. ““What’s he up to?” questioned Ralph Kirk- man; ** he might bave told us what he meant to do so that, if he needed help, we could have act- ed intelligently.” A thought flushed through Little Jove’s mind as he recalled an incident of his sojourn with Ichabod, in the mountains of Colorado, a year or so,previous, ‘*Did that bundle he called for consist of a blanket only?” heasked of his companions, ‘* [ suppose that was all,” answered Kirkman, “though Lnever saw the bundle unrolled. I’ve thought, however, that if was rather large for a single blanket, and he may bave an infernal | machine rolled in it.” | Twenty minutes passed, and the Big Six were | still discussing Fiea’s conduct, when they sud- denly saw a strange figure emerge from the shadows upon the opposite side of the Plaza and move toward the group of outlaws, It wasthe form of a woman clad in a slimsy,, ill-fitting dress, a sun-bonnet, and a ‘thin, well- worn shawl. On her arm she carried a little gaunt bag. “By the great Jingrickys!” exclaimed Jove Runkells; ‘it’s Old Sabina, the wife of Kit Bandy!” ‘In other words,” suggested the quick- witted Kirkman, ‘‘Ichabod Flea, Old Kit’s de- tective pard!” “*That’s bim! the champion fraud of the | whole Northwest!” asseverated the Young Thunderbolt. CHAPTER XV. SABINA INTERVIEWS HER HUSBAND, THE ovtiaws were astounded by the appear- | ance of the strange old woman in their midst, at that place, and at that unseasonable hour. | Captain Lurid was the first to collect his | senses, and advancing toward her, asked: ) ‘*In the name of all creation, woman, who are you that comes here at this hour?” , The woman stopped, pushed buck her bonnet, revealing a haggard, careworn face, and draw- ing a long breath, she answered, in an earnest | but excited tone: “Tam Sabina Bandy, the legaily wedded and wrongfully desarted wife of Old Kit Bandy! Rie who [ be, please the Merciful, Mas- The outlaw stared at her a moment as if dum- founded. “* What?” he exclaimed: “‘ you the wife of Kit Bandy, the old Mountain Detective?” ‘**That’s what I said,” she retorted; ‘I’m the wife of Kit Bandy, Mountain Detective and lie- ; mulgator, and heartless ruinator of female “go Lg at on earth brin Bandy?” Captain Lurid cone | ‘** Vengeance!” she answered, fiercely. nee!” **On whom?” *On Kit Bandy!” emphasizing with uplifted arm. ‘* What makes you think he is about here?” Lurid asked, a little suspicious that something was wrong. _ “I don’t «now thas he is here,” Sabina re- ded, ‘' but I do know that he is in Jackson in somewhere, and if there’s another woman in the place besides his wronged wife, he’s flirt- in’ with her, the poor, silly fool!” * But I don’t understand how you found out be was in this Basin, Mrs. Bandy ®” ou here, Mrs, ded. ** Ven- **T only beard he was, and come to see,” she Bites, _ ES es he omy) rime ine ‘et ES SL answered, ‘*I was told at Rosebud Ranch, by a boy that was wounded in a fight with the Rus- tlers, that Kit and a party of men had come into this Basin to rescue some girl that'd been carried off here. I follered on horseback. I saw the light of this fire from tho valley, and I left my horse and climbed up here, hopin’ to find rest for the night, even if if wasn’t the camp- fire of my heartless husband and his gang. I have follered him from Fargo almost day and night, and I mean to trapse this Basin over but what I find him if he is here, dead or alive, I don’t care which!” The woman looked as though she was capable of doing all she claimed, and her answers were all so frank, and without the least evasion or hesitation, that Captain Lurid was disposed to accept her story. The Rustlers ali became interested in her— not through any feeling of sympathy, but for the amusement her manner of speech, as well as the vinegar-and-salt-expression of her face, af- forded them, ‘Well, madam,” the outlaw chief said, after some reflection, ‘* [have toinform you that your husband is in yonder cabin with no less than three handsome girls—” ‘*Oh, merciful heavens!” cried the woman, “Oh, good Lordy! Three gals? Ob, the old villain!” ‘But I am sorry to inform you,” Lurid went on, ‘that, in all probability, you'll be a widow before morning.” A wild, hysterical shriek burst from the wo- man’s lips, and she staggered and almost fell un- der the blow. ‘*Pat it mild, captain, put it mild!” whis- pered a well-dressed Rustler, with blond, mut- ton-chop whiskers; ‘*by Jove! you'll kill her. Don’t you know we may be able to use her to our advantage if we handle her carefully?” The captain admitted, with a nod of the bead, his friend’s politic suggestion, and acting upon it, he addressed Sabina in a more considerate tone, ‘‘There might be some mitigating circum- stances that would let your husband off with his life, but Vl not make a positive promise to that effect, now,” Lurid observed to her. ‘* What has be done to you, that you want to kill him?” Sabina questioned. ‘‘He’s an old Villain, (ll admit, but all the same he is very dear to me!’ ‘* Well, he’s treading and trespassing on for- bidden ground,” the Rustler chief answered. ‘*He has taken possession of my cabin there, locked himself and my family in, killed one of my men, and doubtless means to kill all cf usif he can, and will probably be the death of that woman stuck in the window there,” ‘*Did he stuff that woman in that winder?” exclaimed Sabina with a tragic air; ‘ why didn’t the old fooi stuff a pillow in? That’s the way he used to do, the wretch!” This was too much for the listening outlaws, and, despite the gravity of the situation, and the efforts of Lurid to look serious, they burst into laughter, This threw Old Sabina into a passion of rage, and for a minute or two no stage queen could have thrown more spirit into an effort than Mrs. Bandy did into the vituperative lecture she gave those outlaws, Captain Lurid appeared to indorse eve word she uttered by an approving smile, and, after she had run out of breath, and was forced to stop, he said: ‘* You know how to take care of yourself, I see, Mrs. Bandy, and I wish you'd been able to take care of your husband, If that woman should die,*and any more of my men are shot, | shall certainly have to hold him responsible, That woman has been stuck there over three hours, and she is 80 near gone that shecannot scream any more, and that means she is pretty near death’s door.” ‘“*The poor thing!” sighed Sabina glancing toward the cabin, ‘‘Ob! won't I give Kit Bandy a taste of torment for that mean, cow- ardly piece of work—stuffin’ the winder with a poor old woman to protect himself! I’m going into that cabin or [’)] know the reason why; and i a. right now! Oh, Vl make it hot for im “If they'll let you in, go ahead,” assented Captain Lurid, ‘‘but they’ll probably let usin as quick as they will you. Old Sabina failed to detect the irony of his words, aud turning, she started toward the cabin, saying: ‘“* Pl show him, the old villain!” Captain Lurid was a quick-witted villain when the situation called for prompt ction, but evidently be lacked a detective’s penetrat- etree 1L ing mind else he might have suspected some ruse or scheme on the part of Sabina Bandy, notwithstanding the perfectly natural manner in which she played the part of the wronged and heart-broken wife. But, the outlaw’s anxiety to dislodge and capture Bandy and bis companion, apparently quieted all suspiciox, and as the woman started toward the cabin, he said : ‘* Boys, move up toward the house, and if they do open the door to admit her, make a rush and burl yourselves against it before it can be closed and barred; that is our chance.” The idea seemed to strike all favorably—the opportuzity a good one, and they began moving up. Sabina reached the door and gave ita blow with foot and fist, at the same time shrieking out: ‘*Christopher C. Bandy! Are you in this house?” ; There was silence—no response, and the ques- tion was repeated with renewed emphasis. ‘* Yes, madam, I am!” was the answer elicit- ed through the port-hole in the door, ‘‘and I ‘mean to stay here for a while, at least, the Lord willin’,” ‘Open this door instanter, you heartless heathen!” Sabina commanded, “or I wifl call tue judgment of high Heaven down upon you !— I will set fire to the house and burn you all to death!” To this the outlaws heard Kit demurring in 4 low, conciliatory tone; then his voice sunk lower and they were unable to hear what he said. Finally Sabina turned to the waiting outlaws and said: ‘* You men must go back to where you were. He refuses to admit me while you are around the cabin.” The captain’s scheme had failed. Kit Bandy was too shrewd for them, and, with a look of disappointment, the gang walked back to their former position. Then the door was opened half-way and Sa- bina glided within. CHAPTER XVI. SABINA WARNS KIT AND TOM OF DANGER. THE only light.in the cabin was the feeble rays that shoae through the port-holes of the door and east window, and when Sabina whisked into the room it was like going from daylight into darkness. It was several moments before she could be accustomed to her surroundings, and discern the outlines of the others’ forms in the dim twilight, though her hand was seized in a friendly grasp the moment she entered, and a voice said: ** Good for you, my little pard!” ‘Ts it safe to speak out, Kitsie?”’ was Sabina’s first words. ‘*Pertectly,” was the answer; ‘‘ we had to gag our hostess, and tie her down in a chair, mucb as I hated to do seth a thing with a pretty woman, But, whatisit? Speak oat?” “They tell me Old Tom Rattler is in here,” said Sabina. ‘* Right here, Icha—I mean, Sabina!” Tom answered for himself, grasping her hand, ‘*That’s that same musical old voice, and that same clasp of the hand!” Sabina welcomed. ‘* Where’s the boys, pard?” Old Kit asked. ‘* Within hailing distance of here—ready to strike whenever the iron’s hot,” “Good! I told Tom Little Jove would not remain idle if he met with no trouble.” ‘*No, the young Thunderbolt has Seen hard at work ever since he left you fellows,” Sabina assured, ‘* He got that heliograph message and read it. It was to Captain Lurid infurming him that Bandy and a gang were in Jackson Basin. But, what 1 came here to tell you in ‘particular is that the Rustlers are digging into the cabin under the foundation at the northwest corner of the paiiging.* s that a fact?” exclaimed ** Horn o’ Joshua! t. ‘* Yes, Little Jove saw them at work.” “The lurid-livered varlets!” Old Tom growl-" ed; ‘‘ yousee, there’s no board floor in that room, aud the nor’west corner is curtained off into a bedroom, So, they mean to come up under that bed, the cunnin’ cusses! We'd never mis- trusted sich a move, and we've got to look sharp, That room may even now be full,v’ the sneak- in? jackals,” **That’s what they’re waiting on,” decided Kit; ‘ we thought it might be Ole Bunty’s re- lease they were holdin’ back for, but their scheme unfolds beauchifully to my mind: they meant to fill that curtained bedroom full o’ men, ,
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‘make a feint on the outside door with another | party todraw us there, while the bedchamber | assassins got in their work, But now, Tom, we'll fool ’6m, and turn their own plans s0’s they’ll work to our advantage or Kit Bandy’s cunnin’ can be voted a lurid fraud.” ‘*T knew if you understood thesituation you'd be able to plan escupe with the girls, and that’s ~what brought me here,” averred Sabina, “It?s well you come, pard,” responded Kit, “but it ll benecssary for you to get back to the boys and hold them in readiness to strike, and strike hard and wicked, when we fire a signal shot fromthat window, We’ll bar that middle door |so that them as enter that room ’jl not get itopen in a moment. When they do make the attack, Vl give the signal and you lead the bri- gade against the outlaws that remain on the outside, Then we'll open the outside door and oni That’s the plan o’ campaign!” aving thus decided upon their course of ac- tion, Sabina remarked promptly: ‘**Now open the door and let mo out, and I'll fret myself away to the brigade as quick as I can, consistent with safety, do so, If the out- laws detain methen we'll have to trust that | your Big Six will do their duty, anyhow.” Having made sure no Rustler was lurking near, Kit opened the door and Sabina walked out, and straight toward the Rustlers, in appar- | ent dejection of spirit. . Captain Lurid advanced to meet her. ‘* Well, how did you find your husband?” he questioned, ** [ found the old fool as I expected—happy as | alord!” she answered, showing some sighs of | anger, ] “ Toen Kit Bandy really is in the cabin?” ‘* Yes, with them doll-faced girls clingin’ to him like twinnits to a hair. On! 1 could have strangled the hussies!” ‘*Mrs, Bandy, you are insanely jealous,” Larid said, a smile upon his bearded face; ‘* but don’t let that trouble you. Those girls will not have the pleasure of clinging to him long.” ‘*Then you will allow my husband to depart with me?” and Sabina’s face brightened up. ‘*] cannot promise that,” answered the out- law; ‘tall will depend upon how matters ter- minate here. I can give you no hope, what- ever.” ‘Oh, deary me!” burst in grievous accents ‘from Sabina’s lips, and she began pacing to and fro wringing ber hands an! weeping. At every turn she lengthened her beat and, finally, when furthest from the outlaw, she rade a bee-line for the brush weeping bitterly. Captain Lurid called to her to stop, but she heeded him not, Shekept on intothe woods, An Indian was sent to bring her back, Near where both Sabina and he disappeared in the ~woods, the sound of a silent struggle might have been heard, while yet Captain Lurid stood watching for their re-appearance, - soy ten minutes passed and they came not in- to sight. A faint suspicion entered Lurid’s mind, and an anathema escaped his lips. The well-dressed outlaw with the mutton- chops came up, and, laying his hand on the chief's shoulder, said; ‘By Jove! captain, that woman has played us for a shoal of suckers!” Before Lurid could reply, their ears were greeted by a cry from the direction of the cabin and in the momentary excitement it occasion Sabina Bandy was quite forgotten, CHAPTER XVII, THE BLOW IS STRUCK. ‘THE cry that had attracted Captain Lurid came from the lips of Bunty McCorkle, It was a hysterical exclamation of joy. She had -at last been released from her imprisonment in the window, and wasagsisted to aseat near the bonfire, out in the Plaza, In the cabin all was very quiet, though Kit -and Tom had not of course been idlesince Sabt- na’s departure, They moved the stove and ‘placed it against the partition door, Every thin wasused asa barricade, Even the ‘tripod of the heliograph was converted into a brace which, ofitself, would have held the door untilit had been battered off its hinges, Every minute or two Olid Rattler applied bis ear to the wicket in thé'door and fstene. But allhe could hear was the ax-blows of the man trying to release Bunty, and the re groans and cries of the suffering woman, ~ It was a decided relief to all parties when she was finally cut loose and taken away. ab And now that all was still elsewhere, the out- sive | Kit Bandy’s Big Six. laws digging atthe corner of the house could be distinctly heard, and it was evident they had made an openipginto the room, The window vacated by Bunty now admitted a stream of light from the bonfire, and Tom pre- sently saw the curtain around the corner move, The outlaws were entering the room! Just how many of them were to enter the room Bandy had acuriosity to know. He had count- ed all he could see in the Plaza after Sabina left, making allowance for at: least half a dozen not within sight, and when Tom announced that they were gathering in the adjoining room, he noticed that the crowd outside had diminished about one half, By the movements of those remaining outside | Bandy was enabled to tell when the crisis was closa at hand, and he and Tom stood at their posts, ready for the worst, Itsoon came, A deafening yell from half a score of throats in the adjoining room fairly shook the building, and would have been appal- ling tothe old scouts had it not been expected, This apprisal was answered by ayell outside, mingled with a discharge of firearms. Then came a crash outside the middle door that fairly made the binges and bolts creak and groan, and dislodged a suower of dust and chinking from the walls. Kit Bandy discharged Old Tom Rattler’s rifle through the port-hole in the window barricade, By this time the Rustlers outside were thun- dering against the outer door, in combined at- | tack, and tue din it created was deafening, hor- rible, It seemed taat the house must come down whether the door yielded or not. But, suddenly as it had begun, the attack on the outer door ceased, and the crash and crack of rifles became a new element in the infernal din, to which were soon added shrieks and groans of agony! Kit gianced out through the port-hole in the door. His Big Six had come to the rescue! Their deadly rifles were playing into the ranks of the Rustlers! ‘“ Bring on the gals, Tom! Our time bas come!’ cried Old. Kit, unbarring and throwing wide the door, With a yell he dashed out into the plaza, to take a hand with bis boys, in the ‘fun,’ but, already the conflict was virtually at an end, Surprised by the sudden appearance of Bandy’s Big Six, half their numbers shot down by the first discharge of the Patrol brigade’s rifles, the dismayed outlaws broke and ran for cover, Captain Lurid taking the lead. eading Mollie and Hazel, Tom Rattler dash- ed from the cabin and started for the woods, ‘* Full back, boys! fall back to the woods!” shouted Old Kit when he saw Tom and the girls skurrying away. The brigade fell back to cover of the pines and there made a stand; but the demoralized Rustlers did not atternpt to follow, A minute or two later a dozen frantic red- skins and outlaws came pouring from the dvor of the cabin into the light of the bonfire, They had broken open the middle door, but had found the old mountaineers’ and maidens gone, and, ignorant of the defeat of their friends outside they: had rushed out into the deserted Plaza where another surprise greeted them, A broadside from the gun’s of Bandy’s Big Six sent the astounded ruftian crew back into the cabin, ‘* Now, boys, is our time to be goin’!” exclaim- ed Kit, ‘‘ but, I'll first call the roll to see that all are here,” : 'He called the neme of each of the Patrol. Every man answered to his name, ‘* Anybody burt in the fight?” “J No one answered, ‘Tom Rattler, where are you and the gals?” ** Here, Kitsie!” was answered. “Then, lead the way, Thunderbolt, for the ‘valley! ‘Mornin’ must find us miles from bere,” Ralph Kirkman escorted Mollie Adamson, and Old Tom pune Hazel Bell. Little Jove piloted and Old Kit and Ichabod brought up the itehy dark and everybody virtuall had to feel the way down the butte, though all trusted to Jove Runkells’s guidance to keep them from tumbling over a ledge or falling intoa washout, And well did the young mountaineer perform his task through an instinct born of a life of experience inthe mountains. After two hours of exhausting toil they reached the base of the butte. : / There they called a halt for a ‘few minutes. rest_and consultation, ** We, of course, will be followed in the morn- in’,” Bandy remarked; ‘tour destination is Rosebud Ranch, The foe will naturally expect ‘ wich the lignt and warmth of day. But, Ran- dolph came not! What did it mean? The party began to grow us to goin that direction and will that way.” ‘*Then, Kitsie, we should fool ’em; go opposité cuurse, and find our way out by sonts unfrequented pass if we can strike one,” sug- gestedOld Tom. ‘“ But, if wecan’t git outany other way we must fight our wey out. As long as we've two gals to defend it will give us eight boys the fightin’ inspiration o’ a jungle full o’ tigers, unless Kit Bandy, who’ssich a tormented old foc] sout a pretty woman, gits—” ‘* Button, Thomas, button that mouth!” in- .terrupted Old Kit; ‘and if you know the way that you’ve suggested, lead on, for you can beat any man in these hoary ole mountains blunder- in’ into safety.” Little Jove now became Hazel’s escort and Tom Rattler took the lead as guide. He headed westward, at once. They were still compelled to pick their way slowly through the darkness, though with far less difficulty than when descending the steep butte, They had not proceeded far when Joe Ran- dolph touched Kit Bandy on the arm saying, in an undertone; ‘‘ Here, Kit, isa bit of paper; I wish you would take care of it for me,” Bandy thought the request a very strange one, but, as there was no time then for ques- tioning, he took the paper, put it in his pocket and went on, soon forgetting the matter. Owing to the fact that the party was now traversing unknown territory, and the darkness being extreme, their progress was necessarily slow; but with untiring energies they kept on, and, even before they had hoped for morning, it began to grow red in the eastern sky, With the dawn of day it was discovered that one member of the party was missing. It was young Joe Randolph! A halt was made until he should come up for no one thought be could be far behind. The sun came up and flooded Jackson Basin uneasy. - Suddenly Old Kit happened to think’about the paper Joe had given him, In the darkness no one had missed him, and at the time he gave Bandy the paper was the last time he was heard tospeak, Taking the paper from his pocket, the old detective started at sight of it, for there were blond stains uponit, He unfoldedit. It was a leaf torn form a diary. Long-ways of the sheet was scrawled these words: : ‘‘T am wounded —was shot in the fight. I can gono further, I do not wish to detain you, May God deliver you all from danger. ** Jon RANDOLPH,” The little party was fairly shocked by this Sadness was upon every face, ’ * Boys,” said Old Kit Bandy seriously, ‘‘ that is a herole example of the ‘unselfishness of a brave boy! Rather than detain us and en- danger our situation, he has quietly laid down by the wayside wounded and bieeding—perbaps todie! But, boys, Kit Bandy never yet desert- ed a helpless friend, and never will! Joe Ran- dolph must be looked after, even though I go alone to his assistance!” ‘* Not alone, Kit! Count me in! We'll find Joe Randolph if we have to die for it!” It was Ichabod whospoke—true-heart Ichabod, startling disclosure, 4 nd CHAPTER XVIII. A NEW PERIL. Kit Banpy and Ichabod started to retrace their steps in search for Joe Randolph while Tom Rattler and the balance of the brigade, with the girls, continued on, due westward, At the base of a certain butte or ‘‘ bald knob,” as Kit designated it, they were to await the com- ing of the veterans, ’ : t was nearly noon when the point in question was reached, The distance was much greater than it hed at first seemed, and all were ready for a rest,and aquaff of the cool, rkling water that flowed in a little stream hard by, But,’a) new. difficulty was then made particu- larly apparent; it was the hunger-signal; they had not a morsel of food for breakfast! There were deer in plenty in the Basin, and they could have killed one or two on their way to the ‘‘ knob,” after Kit and Ichabod bad Toft : them, but fear of a report bringing a band of ye ga down upon them kept their guus sent, \ nis tine
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pr, after all had been seated awhile un- Sver of the woods at the base of ‘ Bald ob,” Little Jove, restless as a panther, rose to his feet, saying; * Folks, we’ve got to have somethin’ to eat, - Tdrather be killed by a Rustler and done with it, than die for wantof grub, J'll run back in the hills and try my hand with a dornick, and if I can’t down somethin’ that way, I’li try lead, You seeit’s a ground-bhog case, Does anybody want to go with me?” ; ** Aa go long with you,” volunteered the big Swede. ‘* Allright,” assented Jove, and the two de- parted, Rattler now had the first opportunity since the rescue at Terrace Nook, to converse freely with Miss Hazel, and turning the subject of conversation upon her capture, he inquired: -** Were you brought, Miss Hazel, directly to Castle Butte from the Park whar you war cap- tured?’ ** Yes, sir; we stopped nowhere on the way, but I could not tell you from what direction we epproacbed Castle Butte,” the little girl-guide answered, ‘* And I believe you told me that that Eng- lisher, the Duke of Oregon, or sometbin’ like that, who was captured when you were, was hustled off somevw here else, did you not?” ‘** Yes, sir; 1 did not see the Duke after our capture, He was taken away—I did not see, nor do I know, where,” ** Did it ever enter your mind, Miss Hazel, that the Duke was a lilly-lipped bummer o’ a fraud!—an Eaglishman all right enough, the Lord knows, but no duke?” _“*T had only one opinion of him,” the little, brown-eyed maiden answered, ‘‘ and that was that he was no gentleman,” ** Wasn’t he kind o’ sweet on you?” “Tdon’t exactly know what you mean by that, Uncle Tom,” Hazel replied, blushing sligbtly ; ‘‘ [know he was always endeavoring to force his attentions upon me, and I grew heartily sick of*his coarse, silly vaporings, He was like most Englishmen, though, that ever came to tour the Park,” ‘“* But, what I want to ask you, Miss Hazel, is this,” Old Tom went on; ‘‘ did it ever occur to your mind that the Duke o’ Oregon war himself an outlaw?” “Oh, dear! no, Uncle Tom!” Hazel protested. ‘* Wal, it’s arocky fact, Hazel!” Tom averred ; ‘* that pretended, mutton-chopped, English Duke is nothin’ more than a lurid-faced, Jackson sin outlaw!” ‘Dear me! maiden, ‘It’s so, Hazel Bell, and if the truth was known he’d be found at the bottom o’ your cap- ture. I met the feller—the Duke 0’ Oregon—at Cinnabar, a month ago. Last night I saw him in the Plaza in front of that cabin—always at the right hand of Captain Lurid, the outlaw chief, Whatdo you think o’ that?” ** Oh, it’s dreadful! awful, Uncle Tom!” Hazel responded, ““The brazen-faced Briton failin’ to win your hand by fair means, or what he’ call fair, con- cluded to try foul means, But I’m thinkin’ the hull scheme’s bu’sted, and the Duke’s been cut out by Kit Bandy and Tom Rattler and these gallant boys.” “Thank God!” cried Hazel, ‘‘for the brave friends that came to our rescue! Mollie and I prayed almost constantly for friends to come to our deliverance and He answered us,” ‘¢ Then you believe in prayer, Miss Hazel?” **-Yes, indeed. Do you, Uncle Tom?” ‘* My dear girl,” the old man said, a smile of happiness passing over his wrinkled face, ‘‘ I’ve lived on the peraroes, and in the woods and hills these forty long years. Death and danger and crime and wickedness has been ’reund and about me, yar have lived through all. The unseen hand o’ God has protected me, Faith in Him has been my shield. and do things men would call wicked, but, God ‘ Can it be possible?’ cried the -ismy judge, and some day—before long—I ex- pect to be called to the Judgment Bar. I’m not afraid to go, gals, I’m not afraid to go.” _ As be thus spoke the old man lifted his eyes toward the blue skies, his face aglow with the radiance of a Christian soul, Moments of deep, thoughtful silenee followed ; then Tom rose to his feet, saying: ‘Girls, don’t you want to take a little walk?” ‘*T should like to, very much,” replied Mollie, “And [,” echoed Hazel; “I'm getting tired sitting here.” . “Don’t go far,” warned Tom; ‘not beyont Mina in hand the girls str Hand in hand the girls strolled away along r : fi f Babyy are ere Be SRS i - r at hee AS ‘ » het Ott ss Ae CAE pias) alae ae BT a end ‘ £% ~~ | ed “ay Pe ht . ee ee a ! I may seem—I am rough— | has been concealed t Kit Bandy’s Big Six. will. About two hundred yards from camp they sat down upon a fallen pine. Back of them the undergrowth was thick and | the shadows lay deep. They had eat there but a few minutes when they beard a low, purring sound in the bushes bebind them. In an instant they were upon their feet gaz ing into the thicket with searching eyes, ‘My God!” gasped Mollie, but she could say no more. Crouching within ten feet of them, its eyes glaring like balls of fire, its gaunt, tawny body | and neck stretcbed at full length, its long tail quivering, was a huge mountain lion in the very act of springing upon them? Mollie Adamson staggered back, uttered a terrified scream, and turning, fled. As she did so she heard a rush of the big beast and a stifled cry, She stopped and glanced back over her shoulder, She saw neither Hazel nor panther, but, to her ears came,a wailing, despairing cry of anguish trailing off among the shadows along the base of Bald Knob" CHAPTER XIX, _ JOVE AND PETE’S HUNT FoR ‘ GRUB,” WHEN they left camp in’ search of game, Little Jove and the big Swede passed westward around Bali Knob, crossed some low, wooded hills, and finally cntered a narrow valley trend- ing away toward the north, This they fol- lowed for fully two miles, and seeing no signs of game, they turned west agsin, ascended a long wooded hill from the summit of which they made a very interesting as weil as surpris- ing discovery. At the foot of the hill before. them lay an open valley or basin of hundreds of acres covered with bunch grass and threaded by a beautiful little stream. Upon allsides it was surrounded by wall-wooded hills that in places rose high and bluffy. . Upon the bosom of this little Park no less than a hundred head of cattle were grazing! “* By the great jingrickys!” exclaimed Little Jove, ‘‘ there’s a herd of the Rustlers’ cattle!” i ‘*And Aa bet avery head ban stole,” added ete, ‘* Very likely, Pete; but the presence of these cattle convinces me thata few Rustlers are not fav away, if indeed, the headquarters of the gang itself is not near. We've got to goslow. Not a snot must we fire or our case will be investigated by a redskin scout. But, I’d like to take a fat steer to cainp. I tell you a hunk of roast beef, broiled liver, and baked tongue wouldn’t taste bad,” “By Yericho? you make ma mouth swaat!” declared the big Scandinavian, rubbing his ear vigorously; ‘‘say som’things what don’t baan easy too hard for hongray feller to got holt on his bands,” Little Jove smiied, and after scanning the val- ley and surronnding bluffs, said: ** Let's go on down to the edge of the valley, Pete, and then we can get a better view of this side along next to the timber.” ‘** Loogin’ at tham cattle doan't fill ma stomaick one hal bit, boy, Aa laik to feed ma mouth Bt ag hands not with ma eyes; but Aa go ong. : They started down the wooded hillside and carefully approached the edge of the Fark. As they did so, Pete suddenly came to a stop, at the same time poking Jove in the ribs with his thumb, ani bp ling ; ““Stap! Aaseea bear or something lay in weeds, right there over?” Little Jove took a look at the object pointed out and replied: f * Pete, it’s a calf lying down in the weeds, It ere by the cow, and she’s gone off grazin’, That’s the way cows do, It’s about a two-months calf, and roasted veal, and broiled veal, and calf’s liver, and sweet bread will make a banqueter’s dinner,” “Ob, you make ma mouth come full hot swaat more) Aa eat the whole thang maself without cook!” averred Pete, his hunger aggra- vated by Jove’s extravagancies. . I'm going totry my hand on that calf, Peter,” Jove declared, “‘ and if I can swat it as nicel: as I did that old Rustler yesterday, we'll take a carcass of veal back to camp witb us.” So saying, the young mountaineer searched until he found a-stone to his ey then, stealthily advancing to within ten feet of the hiding The animal calf, ho made a slight noise, ¥ * fart PEO Ra sg 3 13 / the base of ‘‘ Bald Knob,” chatting as girls | quickly raised its head above the weedsand as quickly Jove let go his thunderbolt, Nor did his: phenomenal sk#ll fail him. There was a dull crack as the missile came in contact with the ani- mal’s skull, and, without a groan, the head drop- ped andthe body lay as it had been, quivering in its death throbs, the blood was draining off, he made a gambrel with which he and Pete hung the carcass to the limb of a tree. All was ready now for the skin- ning, at which a life of experience had made the boy an expert, and the rapidity with which he flayed the little animal was astonishing to the wede. Just.as the youth threw aside the hide he heard a low howling sound that caused him to start and glance through the trees across the valley, “By jingrickys!” he exclaimed, ‘the cow’s comiu’ to her calf! We've got to git out of here, Pete, or she'll have that drove down on us!’ The work of evisceration occupied but a few moments, and then stepping back end wipin his bands with some green leaves, Jove enjoine action: ‘There, grab it, Pete, and line out!” The big Swede threw the carcass across his shoulder and started off vp the hill turough the timber, on a run, Jove following at his beels, By this time the cow was coming at a run bawling in a frantic. manner. She had scente the blood of her offspring and instinctively knew that’sometbing was wrong. Her bawls had reached to the remotest part of the valley and the wkole herd was quickly coming down the plain like an avalanche, bellowing with affright, By the time the hunters had reached the top of the hill the whole herd was gathered on the spot where the calf had been killed, crowding, trampling, svorting and bellowing—a:eething, surging mass of struggling forms, The hunters stopped and glanced back and not only saw the enraged beasts, but t*« horse- men, also, who dashed up to the struggling berd, and, with blows of their long whips, shouts and curses, endeavored to scatter the compact mass, ** Rustler cowboys, by jingrickys!” exclaimed Jove; ‘‘and now we have got to shin out over this bill! If them cattle don’t trample every trace of that dead calf into the earth, they’iI catch on to our scheme and look the matter up.” Viitbout further delay the hunters pressed on and were soon over the hill out of sight of cow- boys and herd, Keeping under cover of the pines they made their way back toward Bald Knob, anticipatious of a hearty meal of veal giving elasticity to their steps, Finally they reached the base of the knob. It was still a mile to where they had left their friends, A deer-path ran up the side of the knob and wound around the south slope. It was a neerer way and the hunters took it, Hurrying on they were nearing camp when they were startled by a piercing scream—a wo- man’s scream | With acry of fear Little Jove bounded for- ward like a deer. He was gatisfied there was something wrong at camp—that the cry had come from Haz or Mollie poe As he advanced be was suddenly brought to a halt by asight that transfixed him with hor- ror. It was a huge mountain lion dragging a hu- man form along the base of the knob below him! He saw it was one of the girls—Hazel Bell—in the jaws of the terrible beast! He waited for nothing more. He drew his knife, and, like a panther himself, leaped down the side of the knob, his feet scarcely touching the earth, and burled himself upon the beast, plunging his knife into its body as he cid so, With a terrible ery of pain and befiled rage commingled, the lion dropped its prey and whirl- ing like a writhing serpent, it struck Jovea terrific blow in the face with its paw, sending the youth backward into the busties, and then, with a short, convulsive cry, it reeled and fell dead at Hazel’s side, Jove’s well-aimed knife baving pierced its heart, f Pete Anderson dropped his meat and ran to Jove’s assistance, As hereached the side of the apparently lifeless Havel, Old Tom Rattler came “2 Ly nee Jaret staggeri from us) en ove came “4 ye to his face, his br ‘*My God!” burst from Tom’s lips, ‘the boy’s Tess is offi” Drawing his knife, Jove advanced, and en- tirely severed the head from the body, and while
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Kit Bandy’s Big Six. CHAPTER XIX. THE GLOOM HANGS HEAVY, THE dying panther had indeed dealt Little Jovea terrible blow, disfiguring him for life, evenif his life should be spared. His cheek was laid open to the bone, Theskin on theright of the forhead had been torn down and hung over his eye like acurtain, The blood was pouring from the wounds, , The brave lad presented a horrible spectacle, and yet, as he glanced at his friends, the dead lion, and the girl's body saved from mutilation, a faint smile of satisfaction wreathed his blood- stained lips, and withouta word he sat down, faint and weak from loss of blood. For onca Old Tom Rattler was confused—at his wits’ end; but there was providential relief sent at the critical moment in the person of Kit Bandy and Ichabod Flea, “Thank God, Kit, you’ve come!” the old man exclaimed, A glance at the dead lion, the motionless body of Hazel, the ghastly wounds of Jove, told its own awful story. *€ Oh, horn o’ Joshua!” the old detective fairly groaned. ‘* This is horrible! Pete, carry the girl to camp, and Tom and I’1l help Jove!’ Pete took up the limp form of Hazel and nest to camp, followed by the others with ove, Arrived at camp, Ichabod unrolled his blan- ket, revealing the garb of Sabina Bandy. He took up the little bag which the old woman al- ways carried, and diving into it he drew there- froma needle and thread, alittle roll of adhesive plaster and a bottle of ointment labeled ‘‘ cos- metic.” Ichabod’s long experience had taught him just what few articles were most needed in case of accident to body or limb,, and his knowledge of surgery enabled him to apply them with no little skill. He carefully stitched up Jove’s gaping wounds, and then reinforced the stitches with strips of adhesive plaster, .Then he had water ‘brought and the blood washed from his face and neck, and with strips torn from Sabina’s dress, the wounds wore neatly bandaged, In the mean time some of the gloom had lifted from over the party. It was discovered that Hazel Bell still retained a spark of vitality, and effort was now made tokindle that spark Tato a living flame. It was found that her right shoulder had been terribly bruised and lacerated by the paws of thelion, and but forthe heavy shawl she wore the bones would have been crushed, Ichabod, assisted by Mollie, dressed ber wounds, and un- der their ceasless administrations, she began to revive, and at length Ichabod announced that she would soon be herself again. This announcement acted like a stimulant upon Little Jove—not but what his splendid courage and will power had borne him well, but be was physically weak from loss of blood, and from the pain he endured, as well as by reason of anxiety over the supposed dangerous condition of Hazel. It was several hours, however, before Hazel fully recovered entire consciousness and was ao, to understand that she was safe—that she had been rescued from the lion’s jaws by the daring of Jove. The shock, however, had lett her weak, and the pain of the lacerated shoul- dey caused her intense suffering. Vhile the situation now was not as bad as it might bave been, it was not all encouraging. The camp had become a hospital, It would be impossible to resume their journey, perhaps for days, should fever and general prostration fol- Jow as the results of Jove and Hazel’s weakness and suffering. Up to this time Kit and Ichabod had remain- ed silent as to the result of their search for Joe Randolph; but, when Mollie Adamson finally asked them plainly before all, if they had seen or heard anything of Joe, Kit saw that evasion would only make matters worse, and so he frankly said: “T am sorry, Mollie, to have to tell you we found poor Joe’s body. He had been dead for sometime, He’d been shot through the right shoulder and if ners & bled to death. In his hand, when we found him, was held this little book, It’s a memoranda or diary with lots written in it. The last words written he’d scrawled in the dark and they read: ‘Send to Mollie Adamson, Rosebud Ranch.’” A little ery of anguish burst from Mollie’s lips, Tears filled her eyes as she took from Kit’s hand the little diary that she had given Joe less than three weeks before in her own home, She turned hurriedly through its pages and then as she piaced it in her pocket, she said: “ Poor Joe! I shall treasure it as a precious remembrance of him and his self-sacrificing heroism. CHAPTER XX. KIT AND TOM SUP WITH ROYALTY. ALL arrangements for spending the night at the foot of Bald Knob were made long before dark. The carcass of the calf which Jove and Pete had secured was brought in, and a portion of it broiled upon a fire kindled of dry wood that gave but little smoke, Bowers of bushes had been constructed for Mollie and Hazel, and for Jove, to protect them from the chill mountain night air. As evening approached, a reconnoissance of the country to the west and south was decided upon. Bandy went west and Old Tom and the darky, Buzzy, went south, Four or five miles from camp the latter struck a well-beaten cattle-trail entering the narrow mouth of a canyon, and while they were discussing the advisability of followin, it, they were joined by Old Kit Bandy, who, strik- ing the trail west of Bald Knob, had followed it around to that point. It was now dusk, and under cover of the shadows the three set off up the canyon, deter- mined to follow it to the end, for they were sat- isfied it led to a ranch far or near. The defile was narrow and deep, but broadened ep. ont as they advanced. ess than a mile'from the entrance a light suddenly burst on their view in a side canyon, off to their right. It was about forty rods away, and that it shone from a cabin there was not a doubt, Into this defile the three scouts turned and cautiously approached the light. They found the pass widened as they ad- vanced, and finally terminated in a little wood- ed park of five or six acres, surrounded by high and rugged bluffs, In the center of the park, and almpst concealed among the overhanging pines, wasalog cabin, From the open door ot this domicile the light was shining. Up to within ten feet of the building the scouts crept. An open window was on the side next to them, Bandy crept still closer and looked in, It was a large, commodious cabin, with but one room and but one door, A stove, tables, chairs and other furniture could be seen. It was a well-furnished room, and had an air of comfort about it, But a single occupant was visible—a middje- aged man whose limp revealed the fact that he was a cripple. Kit had scarcely made this survey of the in- terior of the hut when two horsemen galloped up to the door and dismounted, The scouts shrunk back into the shadows, ‘* Who's there?’ the man inside was heard to call out, as he limped to the door. ‘¢Tt’s all right, Peg,” was answered. ‘‘ Ah! it’s you, is it, Cap Lurid?” Peg was heard to say. ‘Yes, and the Duke of Argone,” Lurid re- sponded, ‘and we're starving—hav’n’t had 4 bite since morning—and I want you to knock up a supper fit for royalty—make us a cup of coffee strong enough to bear up a stone!” ‘*None o’ the other boys be here?” Peg asked, ‘¢ Not one; all that’s not dead or wounded are off eastward after Old Bandy and his cut-throat gang. Hurry up sapper!” was the captain’s answer, that provoked a bopeful feeling in the breasts of the three eavesdroppers, The outlaw and the Duke unsaddled their horses, and, turning them loose, entered the cabin. Kit resumed his position near. the win- dow, where he could watch proceedings, He saw Lurid unbuckle bis revolver-belt and han it on the wall, remove his coat and hat, an then throw himself into a chair with the ease and freedom of a man in his own house, But the villain was evidently ill at ease, for he was heard to declare: ‘* Stanley, Iam heartily sick of our infernal luck! If them fellows get away, I'd as well get out of Jackson Basin, and you'll lose your prize, that charming girl guide, Itseemsitis no use to buck against Old Kit Bandy.” ‘By Jove!” responded the Englishman, “you're discouraged, captain—out of sorts. You'll be all neue when you've hada erg sup- per. Shades of Bacchus! I wish I had some good old English rum to brace you up on!” ’Thus the two men conversed for an hour, Meanwhile Peg was busy preparing supper, and the odor of cooking viands and the aroma of coffee reache1 cutizio the night, whetting tle ea en a appetites of the scouts to a keennes almost uncontrollable, Finally Peg announced supper ready, an outlaw and his guest at once moved up to thé table, that was loaded with tempting edibles, They bad scarcely seated themselves, how- ever, when two figures glided into the room and confronted them! It was Old Kit Bandy and Tom Rattler, each with a revolver in his hand, At sight of them the outlaws seemed paralyzed with sudden fear, but, quickly recovering, Lurid attempted to rise, when Bandy raised his revol- ver, saying: ‘“Keep your seat, captain! Don’t mind us; but the fu’st one that attempts to draw a wea- pon ll git shot dead! I’m Kit Bandy, and it’s no use to buck me!” Lurid sunk back into his chair, the very pic- ture of baffled rage, while the Duke became speechless with terror, and Peg crouched in the corner with abject fear, Neither Lurid nor the Englishman had a wea- pon about him. In that retreat of the outlaw chief, danger such as confronted them was never dreamed of, “ Peg,” said Old Kit, after a moment’s pause, ‘¢ we'll sup with these royalnibs, Lay two more plates for Tom Rattler and me, and pour two more cups of that Juxurious coffee; and be spry *bout it!” Peg, trembling with fear, hastily complied, and Kit and Old Tom seated ‘themselves at the table, facing the two outlaws, laying their ro- volvers by their plates. Buzzy was left outside on guard. Mustering up some courage Captain Lurid finally said, attempting to make the best of the situation: . ‘Kit Bandy, there’s no need of you forcing an invitation to dine at my table, I hayenever refused even an enemy something to eat.” “You're generous, captain,” retorted Old Tom, ‘‘ with yer grub, but hard on the rancher’s cattle and gals, The Duke o’ Oregon, here, I met once before—” “Ah! indeed? By Jove! where?” the English adventurer exclaimed, endeavoring to appear calm and undaunted. “At Cinnabar,” answered Tom, ‘‘and I thought then you war a fraud,” ‘By Jove! you hare very hexpressive in your thoughts!” ‘Oh, very! please,” The old scouts helped themselves freely and appeared to relish the food beter than their companions, notwithstanding Lurid’s great bun- ger when he first arrived. The situation was both novel and ludicrous. Mortal enemies they were, the host at the mercy o! the guests, all eating at the same table and carrying on @ conversation—to all appearances enjoying a social supper! ut, not a move did Lurid or the Englishman, or even Peg, make but it was observed by Kit and Tom. This, however, the outlaws were not ignorant of, and the cocked revolvers lying by the intruders’ plates were ‘argument enough to convince them that it was useless to ‘‘ buck” against Kit Bandy. he meal was drawing to a close when, all of a sudden, a black face was thrust into the win- dow, and a voice said: “Golly | you folks gwine to bu’st youahseffs eatin’? Be you gwine to leab George Wasbing- ton Bee nuftin’ to eat same as l’se been eatin’ all night?” ‘NS ‘ Patience, Buzzy, you black rascal!” enjoined Old Kit. i The presence of the darky seemed to cast ad- ditional gloom over the spirits of the outlaws, Old Kit now arose from the table, took up his revolver, calmly saying: “ Now, gentlemen, I have to put you folks to the trouble of being escorted hence. Captain Lurid’s presence is greatly desired all over Mon- tana and Wyomirg, and the Duke will be enter- tained by the anthorities, also;and—” His words were here cut short by a desperate movement of the outlaw chief, Old Tom, who was still seated at the table, had turned his eyes to watch the lame man, Peg, when, wlth the quickness of a hawk, Lurid t rust his arm over the table and seized Rattler’s revolver by the muzzle, which was toward him. Tom, however, saw the movement, and grab- bed at the revolver, pulling the trigger as he did so. The weapon was discharged, the ball strik- ing Lurid square in the breast, killing bim in- stantly—dying, as_it were, by his own band! Terror-stricken, Peg under the table, and the Englishman endeav, to escape turough the open door, but received a shot in tue g Kitsie, pass me the sugar, a avs = ity
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Kit Bandy’s Big Six. from Bandy’s revolver and pitched for- nrl, mortaily wounded. No harm was dons the cowardly Peg, who bezged piteously for his miserable life. ‘’he Englishman was carried and placed on a bunk and everything done that was possible to ease his pain, Before he died he confessed that he was the de- generate son of a worthy English sire, but declin- ed togivehisrealname, He admitted that he had been engaged with the outlaws in stealing horses and cattle for somo two years—that he had met and fallen passionately in love with Hazel Bell, and finding his love unreciprocated, had finally resorted to her abduction, But death at length was the reward of his villainy and crimes, Old Kit made Peg hustle around and put up such provision as he had in the house already cooked, It was packed in a good-sized basket and given Buzzy to carry, that worthy having satiated his appetite at the outlaw’s table while Kit and Tom were listening to the Englishman’s dying confession, Having cautioned Peg to make no attempt, under penalty of death, to leave the cabin, or to give any alarm, the scouts appropriated Captain urid’s weapons and three blankets; then all took their departure for Bald Knob, CHAPTER XXI, OUT OF JACKSON BASIN, It was over a week before Little Jove and Hazel had so far recovered as to enable the par- ty to start on their retreat from Jackson Basin, although both continued to improve from the very first. They were not molested while at Bald Knob by the alarmed and discouraged rustlers. In fact, the death of Lurid, and the exag- gerated stories which the terrified Peg had to tell of the unknown numbers of the invaders, filled them with mortal terror and sent them into hiding among the mountain fastnesses, When the invaders finally started, they moved northward, and after days of slow journeying entered the Yellowstone Park, and at length reached the home of Haz] Bell, where she and all the party were welcomed with acclaims of JOYs When Bandy ani his Big Six with Mollie, started on for Rosebud Ranch the parting of the girls was an affecting one, Little Jove remained at the home of the tourist’s guide, and there, under the gentle care and ministrations of Hazel, his cruel wounds healed, Jove Runkells was disfigured for life; but it was a disfigurement of which he was proud, the reward that it brought him—the love of the beautiful Hazel—amply repaid him for all he bad done and endured. The journey to Rosebud Ranch was safely pursued, and Mollie was restored to the arms of her father, There was, of course, great rejvic- ing over all that great range when the news of the rescue became known, and the names of Kit Bandy, Tom, Rattler and Ichabod Flea—the terrible trio—and of the gallant Young Patrols were inscribed on honor’s roll in the minds and hearts of the homesteaders, At Rosebud Ranch Kit Bandy threw up his ‘*commission” as leader of that heroic little ae ae = a Pgh of his Big Six. ‘“‘)'d like to stay with you, boys,” be said one day while he and Ichabod and Ritiler were still sojourning at the ranch,“ but there is work for us three todo, We hav’n’t finished up that Jackson Basin ganyz, to my suiting, The death of Captain Lurid will soon be forgotten and his er filled by that howlin’ terror, Black Bill ates, No, I can’t rest while that Basin is the home of a single outlaw.” ‘ All this sounds well,” put in Old Tom Rat- tler, ‘‘ but the magnet—the loadstone 0’ Jack- son Basin that’s drawin’ Kit Bandy back there, boys, is Bunty McCorkle, the fat tigress o’ Ter- race Nook, She warbled off some nice things to Old Kit and her purrin’s melted his great heart, Kitsie’s a lilly-lipped hummer from away over on, . “Tom Rattler,” said Old Kit, ‘‘ you’re goin’ back, you say, with us tc the Basin, and just as sure as we run across Bunty McCorkle I'll give you into her keepin’ for @ slave, She'll teach you some manners, Bunty will.” Bandy and pard, and Old Tom, after a good week's rest, took an affectionate leave of all and departed mountainward, CHAPTER XXII. THE SECRET OF THE DIARIES, Ir was decided by the homestead ranchmen to continue the Range Patrol under Captain Ralph Kirkman, and that the posse be increased to ten men, The new company, including all the old mem- bers, except poor Joe Randolph, who was asleep in Jackson Basin, was organized at Rosebud Ranch, and was to depart ona certain day for the rarce. An b+ or two before they were ready to de- part, Mo! ., Adamson, now the betrothed sweet- miry of Ralph Kirkman, approached Ralph and said: ‘Ralph, I want you to go with father and me into the parlor.” ‘“‘ Ah! you want to give me another diary, eh?” inferred Ralph ‘* No; I want to tell you and father the secret of the diaries I gave you all when you started off, six weeks ago,” the maiden replied. ‘J'ogether the three entered the parlor, and when they were seated, Ralph said: ‘‘ Now lam ready to hear the secret of the Six Diaries,” ‘*Oh, you think there is nothin Ralph,” Mollie said, with a little laugh; ‘‘ but Tllshow youthereis. Of course you remem- ber that, whenI gave you the diaries, 1 told you I wanted data for a book I was going to write,” ‘© Yes: I remember that perfectly well, Mol- lie,” Ralph admitted; ‘‘but I presume your three weeks’ experience in Jackson Basin and the mountains is all-sufficient for a very inter- esting volume without our records,” ‘*T must confess I‘ yarned’a Jittle to you folks about wanting data for a book,” Mollie went on; ‘* but I think I was justified in doing so, and I'll now tell you why: One day, after the Range Patrols had been selected, and before you left, I was coming up from Shafer’s ranch, on one of my rides, when, at a certain point on the way, 1 noticed two flat stones lying one upon the other. Curiosity prompted me to dis- mount and move the top stone, when, to my surprise, I found a folded paper which had been concealed between the stones. I took it up, opened it and read it, I have that letterin my hand, and I will read it; ** September 2:1. ‘* Friznp TuG:— ‘* T hardly know how to commence this letter. I received your letter in due time, Yes, 1 have been selected as one of the Range Patrols, and I think ita compliment. You say tere aro par- ties who will give mea big sum if I will, while serving the homestead ranchers, also help them by keeping them posted as to the movements of the Patrol, so they—your friends—will run no risk in running horses and catile into the Basin, Now [am on the mske, but don’t want to agree to anything untill know whbat’sinit for me. I never did play double, and I bardly know how to go about it. Now I'll be out on therange be- fore you can reply, but I willdo this: I will meet you, in the timber at the Red Rock ford above Groan Creek Ranch, at noon on the twelfth day of September, and we will have an under- standing. Donot forget the place and date, ‘‘ONE OF THE Sx PATROLS,” ‘*Good heavens!” exclaimed Ralph, when Mollie had finished reading, ‘‘ That surely isa forgery!” ; ‘*T thought so at the time,” Mollie replied, “‘ but I copied the letter, and left tlie copy for ‘*Priend Tug,” and kept the original, I want- ed to compare the handwrite with thut of the Six Range Patrols, and if [could find out the traitor—” * Ah! you were doing alittle detective work!” exclaimed Ralph, laughing. ‘‘ I see, now, why you gave us those diaries—to get hold of our handwrite. That’s going along ways around. pe! you got the diaries, now who is the cul- rit? ‘* Let me read to you from one of the diaries,” _ Mollie, ‘‘and then you can judge according- y: “ Sept. 12th. **In campin‘Pine Hollow, This has been a ter- rible day withme. A temptation was-held out to me to unger A my trust as a Patrol, and the devil got ahold on me so far as to tempt me to to make an appointment with one of the Rustiers’ agents at Red Rock Ford, To-day I wasto have met him, but I thank God I have resisted the temptation and gen Adee ig from the ford. Cap- tain Kirkman is absent, but, as soon as he re- turns I mean to tell him all, and turn the whole thing to our advantage. Ido not know why I to my secret,, 15 was selected asone who would prove false to a trust, for I never cid such a thing in ry life, but suppose Tug Endson, whom I used to Know, presumed that I was weak and could be tempted, and he was pretty near right. How I wish Iirkman would come in! But, it’s bed-time. Alf but the guard are asleep.” ‘¢ Mollie!” exclaimed Ralph, when she had finished reading, ‘‘ irom whose diary are you reading?” ‘¢ Guess!” said Mollie, closing the book. *“‘T cannot—I cannot think who of all those brave boys any one would dare to tempt in such @ manner!” ‘‘ Joe Randolph isthe man. This is his diary, brought me by Kit Bandy,” Mollie announced, “Poor Joe!” sighed Ralph; ‘‘as brave as the bravest; and yet he nearly fell in the tempter’s snare! But his confession is an open, manly one. ‘* And fully exonerates him!” declared Cap- tain Adamson. ‘‘But the letter I intercepted,” said Mollie, smiling, ‘‘and my woman’s curiosity got me into trouble that finally cost poor Joe his life. I was not content to wait for the diaries to de- termine the traitor by his handwrite, but I mounted my horse and rode down into the vi- cinity of Red Rock Ford in hopes of seeing who of the Six Patrols came there. No Patrol came but I soon discovered a number of outlaws and Indians were there, and I suppose the man ‘Tug,’ was there, also, and when [ started to ride away they followed me and a race ensued. I met you, ahd you gave me your horse, but I was captured afterward—as to how, I have al- ready told you, This is the secret of the diaries, and a girl’s attempt at detective work! ‘*T can see now that if I had turned the inter- cepted letter over to father, or you, and let you have watched tho boys, I might have been spared much suffering, but—” ‘*But what, Mollie?” interrupted Ralph, see- ing ehe hesitated. * Oh! no difference now,” she replied, ‘“‘T understand, Mollie,” said Ralph; ‘you beh afraid I might prove to be the traitor, and— ‘But you were not, were you, Ralph?” she de- manded, her face radiant with joy. ‘‘ No; and I thank God none of the boys were guilty of any crime, butjas Range Patrols proved themselves faithful, and as Kit Bandy’s Big Six won the honor of heroes!” THE END, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY OLL COOMES. 146 Kit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 168 Kit Bandy tn Texas; or, The Young Mustanger. 208 Kit Bandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Hercules. 422 Kit Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Baby Sam,the Boy Giant 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur, 478 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler, 661 Kit Bandy’s Dellverance; or, Banner Ban. 680 Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance. ToL Kit Bandy Rattleds or, The Intant Giant. 795 Kit Bandy in Red Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind. 799 Kit Bandy’s Big Rustle; or, Saddle King Sam. 804 Kit Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide, 158 Jack Drew, the Nemesis; or, Eagle Kit the Boy Demon, 182 Jack Drew's Drop; or, Littie Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Jack Drew In Deadwood; or, Prospect Pete, 27 Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jow. 18 The Dumb Spy- 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 5S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 4 Hawk-evye Harry. the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress, 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 148 Scar-Face Saul, tie Silent Hunter, 178 Old Solitary, te Hermit Trapper. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dicks or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson De tective ; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, , 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy; or, Old Caleb Arbuckle, , 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. A1T Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarae Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 778 Highland Harry, the Wizard Rifleman. 828 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. A New Iasue Every Tuesday. ‘ The Half-Dime Library is tor sale by all Newsdealers, five eents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six conts eacn, ~ BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. ti
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| | Published Every Tuesday. ——— _ ——s : james BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Vouble Daggers. 2 ant ce ewe i as a or, BuffaJy Ben end wood ck in His Caatle. re Boadwoed a Foneunas or, The Phantom Miner. eadwoo ek in Danger; or, Omana Ol. 5&7 Deadwood Dick's Mantent or, The Pards ot Flood Bar. 3 4 veadwans oer ve) Peeks se Calamity 2 be ao Heroine ead wood ck’s Laat Aets or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. " 104 Deadwood Dick’« Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Kome Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold, ise ete da Diek 4g Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. b Deadwood Dick’a Prenms or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel 95 ne neo | ge 5 Ale t or, “ei ones Jane’s Adventure, 5 ead woo eka enc Pcal. 221 Dendwood Dick’s Neath-Plant. 282 Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Rough« and Toughs, jt et w sed 4 nen sl eet or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. ; cadwoo ehk’a Dbenth Trall. BOY Deadwood Dick’s Deal: or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. +t) ends tee He bad Pozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flate eadwood Dick’sa Ducata;: or, Days in the Diggings. aoe posew sor Bek Sensnnceds or, The Terrible Vendetta, ” end vw oo ¢ « ulim. 405 Deadwood Dick In Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Vorkys or, A “Cute Case, 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dusty; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.3 or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, 4485 Deadwood Dick, Jr«, Deflonce. 458% Deadwood Dick, Jr’« Full Hand. 459 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Biz Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick Jr.'s Racket at Clalm 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. A476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective. 451 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Deadwood, 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick Jr.'s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.s Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 615 Deadwood Diek Jr.’« Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 629 Veadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks, 534 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 5649 Deadwooa Dick, Jr., on Hi« Nettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, 667 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. S82 Deadwood Bick. wr... In Penver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’« Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick. dr. in Cincinnatl, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man's Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick Jr.. tn Buffalo. bt¥ Beokaees = ag > Alay poms meres the Continent WOO ok oe f . . 660 trend : ood Diek, Spa eektote — 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Tack in the Minea, 672 Dendwood Dick, dr., tn Purangoy or, “ Gathered In.” 253 ponceees a 9 ore a pad at ead y ek, Jr’. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Deadwood Nick, Jr.'s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., In San Francisco, 716 Deadwood Bick, Jr’« Still Hunt, 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Disguise, 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’*, Pouble Deal, 740 Deadwood Dick Jr.’ Deathwatch. TAT Deadwood Dick, Jr.’r, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Desperate Strait, 764 Deadwood IMek, Jr.’«, Lone Hand, 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. 7S2 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’ Dark Daya. TST Deadwood Dick Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Pouble Deyice, 7Z9T Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture, 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Hend-off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Boom, R28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. 884 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’#, High Morse. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil’s Gulch, oa? Read weed sg ! rey earn pele Ilustlo. eadwood ek, dr.’« Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket. 891 Deadwood Dick. dr.’s, Dead-Sure Gumeo, 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwoed Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Double-Decker. P2S Deadwood Dick, Jr/ at Dollarville. 984 Deadwood Dick, Ir... at Flush Flata, 940 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Shake-np, 9416 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Double Drop. PSL Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’*, Gold-Dust. 9TL Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath, PTT Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death-Doom 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Beat Card. 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at_Gold Duat. 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. BY WM. R. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Parkes or, The Tigers of High Pine, 210 Faro Frenk: or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pardes 818 The Huatler Rogue-Catcher. 888 Poker Pete’ Double Dodge S51 The Te-To "heort of High Hastling at Sinners’ Flat. 888 Monte Saul, the § e re : port. 901 Diamond Da ve, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, 914 Crack-Shot Datsy’s Drop, 981 The Sport in Velvet; or., Big Burk’s Blaft. 945 Billy Bird's Bonenza: or, The Rook-Ravona’ Root-Ont, age Flip Flap Fred at Hard Pan 9 The Girl Sport-Shadower ; or, Clark’s Close Shave. 988 Banty Billy’s Bonanea ; or, The Bear-Tamer's Disgaice, 3002 Mix-Foot Bol, the Sharp->heoter. ’ ' 1 oS ee ee BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.: Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Kosebud Rob on Hand; or, dy], the Girl Miner, S88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob's Ohalicages or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crosebones. | 285 Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen. BES VYrekn Jim, the Gold-Gatherery or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka sim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake Up, z 885 Yreka Jim's Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nese. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, | 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, 248 Slerra Sam™« Secret: or, The Bloody Footprints 258 Sierra Suw’s Pard; or, The Ange! o! Big Vista. 255 Sierra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-O 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. — 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective: or. Ar.bs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Cuptuin Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detcctive. 226 The Arab Detective : or, Snover, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. $25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watech Detective. 416 Wigh Mat Marry. the Base Bull Detective. 426 Sam Slabaides. the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffulo Demon: or, The Border Vultures 82 Bob Woolf's or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or. The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Ol! Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jaek Moyle the Young Spveculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, oF Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, . 1s1 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo BUll, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiater; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or. The Rival Heirs. B80 Little Quick-Shots or, Vhe Dead Face of Daggersville. BSS First-Class Fred, ‘he Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned or, The Sveret of Slnb City. B82 Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son's Vengeance. 426 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkier: or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Reve: ue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New_York Night-Hawk,. 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C. COWDRICK 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Cleaing aStrange Case 5686 Broadway Billy’ ‘Diiikilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Kacket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Bie Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’« Dead Acts or, The League of Seven 669 Brondway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Fraucisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway BIlly In Texane; or, The River Rustlers. 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. T11 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe} or, The Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’« Full Hand: or, The Gamin Detective. 785 Broadway Billy’« Business. 788 Broadway Billy’s Curious Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Rroadway Etily’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective. 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective, 77> Broadway Billy's Shadow Chase. 738 Broadway Blilly’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’« Teamyj or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Rilly’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, 796 Brondway BI ‘v's Queer Bequest, 800 Broadway Bill- 805 Broadway Bill.’« Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway bisty’s Wipe Out. S15 Brondway Billy’« Bank Racket. S21 Rroadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Broadway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. 888 Broadway Billy’« Raid. 889 Broadway Billy’« Big Boom. 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy’« #100,000 Snap. 856 Brondway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. 862 Broadway Billy In London. 868 Broadway Billy Shadows London Sluma. 874 Broadway Billy’s French Game. 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprensies | or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude &06 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, 5624 The Engineer Detective: or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Marr the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. 647 Tyrewrtter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgnp the * Pizenest ’ Man of Ante Bar, S87 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick's VW ipe-Out. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cycle Sport, 912 Train Boy Trist’s Wot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kuatler Ralph, the Roy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsrhoy Detective’s Chum. 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop, 944 Cowboy Charlie’« Double. 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy's Backer, 958 Paddy’s Trump Card; or. Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, 960 The Broadway Sport: or, Flyer Fred’s Clear Case, 987 81000 Reward; or, The Rival Reperters’ Sleek Sooop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat. the Streect-Boy Beteetive. 989 Bicycle Bob’s Hot Scorch, 99T Seorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels a “1 BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNE. PRA Nreekiyn Reb’s Buleet er, Dodeer Dot's Diamosid Rrop, PAF The FastFide Spettert or, Treniag Down the Big Thive 974 Old Rant’s Dark Deal: or, “ine Mat’e lnm Grip. , ‘ ¥ ud i pe lek Mi ak mb snide. Saunas ae alti? som - BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1006 Buffalo Bill's Decoy Boys. 995 Buffalo Bill's Drop; er, Dead-Shot Ned, the Kansas Kid. 988 Buffalo Bills Lasso Throwers. 981 Butfalo Bill's Fighting Five. t 975 Butfalo BUl’s« Rifle Shots, 968 Buffalo BPs Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer. 964 Butfalo Bil’s Decoy 3 or, The Arizona Crack Shot. 955 Buffalo Bill's Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Biffalo Bill's Snap-Shot ¢_ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bills Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bills Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard, 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Ksison Bll, the Prince of the Reims, 222 Bison BIU's Clune: or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Sccut; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Mood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. BY CAPT, ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. §, A. 791i Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet: or, The Gambler Guide. BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 982 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykee’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. 914 New York Naws ‘\hree of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’« Boxble. jew York Nat’s in Colorado. ; York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. y York Nat’*« Deadly Deals > bork Nat's Crook-Chase. York Nat’« Trump Card, » York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. y York Nat’s Masked Mascot. York Nat, the Gamin Detective. « Kidnapper Knock-Out, « Ten Strike. « Flush Hand. « Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, ; Poom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, » Doom: or. the Sharps and Sharks of New Yorks < Doom in Roston: or, A Man of Many Maske. in Chicago. {in the Wild Weat. ‘s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in s Clue - . ‘a Death Clue. 818 Dick Doow’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt, 85 Dick Doom’s Big Heul. é 749 Dashing Charlies or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’e First Trai}. 756 Dashing Charlle’s Restiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlie’ Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Ruck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 7ST Back Taylor, the (omanche’s Captive. 748 Ruck Taylor's Boyat cr, The Red Riders ot the Rio Grande, 660 Pawnee Bll, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bll: or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy, 719 Pawtee Bills Pledges or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bilht or, Daring Dick. 692 Redferw’s Curtous Case: , The Rival Sharps. 69% Kedtern at Pe vil’« Kaneh; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’« Wich Hand; or, Blue Jacket, } 707% Redfern’« Last ‘Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, And Fitty Others. — BY T, J. FLANAGAN, 909 Midshipman Pare, the Pirate Catcher. 925 The Loung Cowboy Captain. 988 The Two Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First Cruise. ’ 949 The Three Lieutenants 950 The Mascot Middy ¢ or, The Four Commanders, 966 Fighting Jack Shubrick ' 972 Fighting Jack's Midadtes 3 or, Dandy Dick's Dash 999 Jack Lamg, the Privateer hov. r. BY LIEUT, A. K. SIMS. 5S9 Tom-Cat and Pards or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’* Terrible Tasks or, The Cowboy Detectives 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph3 or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactur, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peypermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Videcg; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bildnd Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective, 676 Stenal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Rilly, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives 699 Rirnple Rim, the Broncho Buster: or, For Bie Stakes. 712 The Meamertat Sport: or, The Mystified Detective. 788 Toltee Tom, the Mad Prospector. 745 Kanana Jim, the Gross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, 77B The Rustler of Rolling &tone. 785 Lone Hand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete ctive in Texas. 872 Two Showmen Heteetives In Colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand or, Brazos Billy's Snap.Sho 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES. 1009 The Girl Cy cli<iv’s Winning Wand; or, Scorcher Sam’s Death-Hole Drop. By J. C. Cowdrick - 1010 Kit Bandy’s Big Six; or, The Kustlers of Jackson Basin, By Oll Coomes. 1011 b=~.d-0o-d Dek. Ir.’a, Dutch Pard; or, Rooting Out th» Rascals of Skeleton Gorge, By £. L, Wheeler. 1012 Th. Bo, Orippl-’« Big Balge; or, The Old Fraud’s <... Freese-Out, By Charles Morris. JUST ISSUED. 1004 Scercher Sam’s Sweep-Stakes; or, Bicycle Bess, The Bonlevard Bello Detectiveg By J. C. Cowdrick. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded; or, Red Rover at Powder Pocket. ‘By E. L.. Wheeler. 1006 Flipper Frank’s Flush; er, Tracking the Dedger from New York to New Orleans. By Charles Morris, 1007 Buffalo Bill's Sure-Shots; ©. Buck Dawson’s Big Draw. By Col. P. Ingraham. 1008 The Penver Deteetive in New Yerk. By How ard M. Boynton. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘s for sale by all newedenlers, five gonds por copy, or sent by mail on recerpt of six cents esch. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, _. 92 William Street, New York. ices th