Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1024) (1897 03 09)
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_.._. &:: DAR Go tl star Ta 0A Tal SS all — st! Ct oT! tH _ rT I> pa! (he Ge wl ass | Entered a as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copy righted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, March 9, , 1807. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 10: 1024. a Year. No, 9 92 2 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Vol. XL, PANDY fle, (DETECTIVE: ee o~-o BY ROBERT Ry RANDOLPH INMAN. ‘* UP WID YER HAN’S DHERE, ME DANDY!” WAS THE COMMAND.
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‘eyes, aus in their depths was a glow or glint some hours before. 2 Dandy Dick, Detective. Dandy Dick, Detective The Still Hunt at Burnt Match. BY ROBERT RANDOLPH INMAN, CHAPTER I. A MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY. ’ Many miles north of Denver, in a lonely, pic- turesque canyon, on the afternoon of a fair summer day, a horseman was proceeding leisure- ly southward, He was a man of six and twenty years, grace- fully formed yet powerful of build, and more than ordinarily good-looking. He had clear- cut features, dark eyes and hair, and a moustache to be proud of, Clad in rather dandyish style, be seemed astray in that wild region. A glossy silk hat was in keeping with his shiny ‘‘ b’iled ” shirt and immaculate high collar, as well as with his suit of finest black cloth. He sported a diamond pin and ring, and a pair of stylish low-cuts incased his feet. Mounted upon a superb coal-black horse, with handsome and valuable saddie and saddle-cloth, he would not have looked out of place on the bridle-path of some city park, bad it not been that he was equipped for traveling. A pair of neat saddle-pockets hung in front of him, a blanket was rolled up behind, and a short rifle | in its case within easy reach of his right and. He was riding along leisurely, as stated, as though his time was his own and he bad plenty of it, The bridle hung loosely in his left band, as he sat with the right resting idly upon the born of the saddle, His head was bowed, as though bis thoughts were far from his present surroundings. His lips were compressed, and his face wore a stern, set expression as of grim determination, A far-away look was in his suggestive of a smoldering fire, needing but a breath to fan it into a blaze, Presently he aroused from his reverie, a heavy sigh escaped him, and looking about, he urged his borse to a faster gait, “Is the trail never to end?’ he asked him- self. ye it ever to be thus? Am I never to— My Go toterragpted by a sudden stopping and rearin of bis horse, a sight met his gaze that might wei call forth that startled exclamation. He had just rounded a bend in the canyon, and right before him lay the carcass of a horse while beyond were the bodies of a woman and a child, cold in the embrace of Deatb The dandy rider’s horse bad turned sidewise as it reared and gave a snort of fright, and now stool trembling while its master surveyed the terrible scene—terrible indeed, for it mutely evi- denced a frightful tragedy, Neither the woman's face nor that of the child was presented to view, for the woman was lying face downward, and the child was in her arms and partly beneath her as she lay, On the wo- man’s back, plainly to be seen, were dark spots where bullets had entered, _ “My God!” the discoverer repeated, but this is borrible! And shot in the back, too, as she was evidently running to escape, Who can she be? Who can have done so fiendish a deed?” Slipping from the saddle, he led his horse around the carcass of the dead animal, and for- ward to the spot where the bodies reposed, Laying a hand upon the woman, he found that her body was cold, while the condition of the blood proved that the crime bad been committed Letting go of his horse, he took hold of the woman’s lifeless body and tenderly turned it so that he cou'd see the face. The moment he caught sight of the still, cold features, a cry of agony escaped him, and dro ping the body he eer tabk, covering his eyes with his hands, “‘ Anita!” was hisery, “ Anita! Anita!” a Rcd pee ade = Rog he could do big be e an moan, repeating that name over an over in bis uncontrollable grief. ey Car abs J dare ee RR DRS Oe ep eter rg 7 ot pn eas ty Pip al % - . * ————$—_—_——_—$———— drew the child from her arms, and then, with a pause as if to gather strength for it, gazed into its face. Another ery, a cry even more heartrending than the first, broke from his lips, and in a mo- ment tears were coursing down his cheeks, while he held the lifeless child and gazed at its face through the blinding mist. } “My God! oh, my God!” he moaned aloud, ‘this is more than J can bear. Anita! Anita! How I wronged you—how I wronged you! Can’t you speak to me? Can’t you utter just one word—the name of the wretch who did this thing? Oh! must I go mad—mad ?” Laying the little body down gently, he sprung to his feet, pressed his hands to his bead, and paced up and down. The dead woman was apparently no more than twenty years of age, very comely of face and form, though the face bore traces of either great anxiety or of deep sorrow and suffering. The child was a boy of five years or therea- bouts, and one who must have been strikingly beautiful in life, Its face was full and round, fair even in death, and a wealth of golden curls clung about the cheeks and neck. The boy, like the woman, had been shot, but the bullets that had taken his life had _ first passed through the woman’s body, which she must have offered as a willing, though unavail- ing shield! Tbe holes of no less than five bul- lets were in her back, two of which bad passed through. Up and down, up and down, the discoverer of this terrible crime paced, his hat off and lying in the dust, and his bands still pressed to bis head, while be could only groan aloud in his mighty anguish, Now and again he would cry out with wild accent—‘' Anita! Anita /” calling upon her spirit to come back and reveal to him the truth of the tragedy. Gradually bis grief spent its force, or rather, the outburst it had occasioned, and finally he be- came comparatively calm. Then staying his steps, bis hands clinched, be stood and gazed at the dead, ‘*Is this the end of that long, long trail?” he asked himself, ‘Is this my reward? No! as the high heavens hear my vow,” be cried, ‘‘ the end is not yet! Ye gods of vengeance, the wretch that did this deed shall meet his fate at my hands—I swear it! No rest will I know till this crime has been avenged. A sworn avenger before, I am now and henceforth a pitiless and inexorable Nemesis!” CHAPTER II, A TIMELY HELPING HAND. For a long while, then, the man stood silent, his hands clasped in front of him, gazing at the two forms at his feet. At last, with a heavy sigh, he roused up; and taking a knife from his pocket, bent over the body of the boy and severed two of the sbining curls, These he folded carefully and placed in his pocketbook, and having done that, next proceed- ed to search the body of the woman, In her pocket he found some money, cane not much, aud some scraps of paper, but nothing of impor- tance, While he was still engaged in the search he was suddenly startled by a challenging voice. “Up wid yer han’s dhere, me gallus dandy!” was the command, ‘‘ Av ye don’t, begobs it’s deine? av a mouse-hole t’rough ye Oi’ll be 8) The dandified stranger had sprung Bp at the first words to find himself covered by a huge gun in the hands of a young Irishman mounted upon « large mule, “* Aw—aw—my good fellow,” be gasped in ap- parent great aly hg at the same time adjusting an eyoglass to his eye; ‘don’t shoot! Don’t shoot, I beg! I have been doing nothing wrong, I assure you.” : “Up wid yer hands, ye spalpeen, I say, or niver a praste will save gat and the mule rider brougbt his gun to deadly aim. Assured that he was at the mercy of the Irish- man up went both arms, ‘* There, now, be aisy, an’ till me true pbras iu blazes is dhe m/’anin’ ay all dbis,. dhen?” the young Irishman demanded. ‘Who killed dhe leddy an’ dhe b’y, av ye didn’t do it yer- sel’? Begorra, but it is shootin’ av ye on sus- picion Oi had ought to be doin’, so Oi bad,” ‘On my word of: honor I had nothing to do with it,” the dandy protested with all earnest- ness, ‘They must have been dead for hours, as you can see for yourself if you look close. ‘ound them here, just as you see them, and was searching to find some clew to the mystery.” ** Are yez givin’ me chat shtraight?” a . I}. At the end of half an hour or so the “On my word I am telling you the truth. Do I look like a murderer of women and chil- dren?” ‘* Well, no, Oi must admit dhat yez don’t,” the young Irishman allowed, and he lowered the gun and rode forward. ‘‘ Let me warn yez not to thry any thricks wid me, dhough, fur av ye do Oi have enough lead pills in me gun to convart ye into a porous-plasther afore ye can ! wink.” ‘*T have no intention of trying any tricks up- on you,” was assured, ‘A horrible murder bas been committed here. See the cowardly way in which this poor woman bas been shot down, These bodies must be decently buried, and [ see you bave pick and spade with you. If you are av honest man, I am only too glad that you bappened along.” ** Barney O’Linn is dhat same, sor,” the young Irishman declared, now slipping out of the sad- dle, ‘‘Av dhere was wan dishonest hair in me bead, sure 1t is pullin’ av it out Oi would be doin’, an’ dhat instanter, so Oi would. But phwat do yez make ay dhis horrible shtate av tings sor?” The young Irishman looked to be about twenty years old, e was homely, but had an honest face and a pair of deep blue eyes that were full of strength of character. A close inspection res to inspire the stranger with confidence in him. ‘* What do I make of it?” the dandy repeated. ‘*T make of it just what it is, the most cold- blooded affair I ever heard of, It has been a murder, a heartless, fiendish murder.” ‘Sure Oi belave yez are roight, so Oi do,” the younger man agreed, ‘It looks loike dbe work av dhat murtherin’ villain, Devil Duval.” ** Devil Duval? Who is he?” , “Sure it is new ye must be in dhis part av dhe counthry, an’ ye have never heard of Devil Duval, sor.” ‘*T admit that I am a stranger here,” was the return, ‘Tell me who aud what this person- age is, of whom you speak, and why you think it was he that did this thiug. I am interested,” ‘‘He is dhe terror of all dhis part av dbe counthry, an’ dhat’s pbwat Devil Dvval is, sor. He is a murtherer at large, so he is, and a road- agent such as was never known before nor since, begob, An’ dbat’s phwy dhey call him Devil.” es But he must have some other name, I should say. ** Av he has, nobody knows phwat it is.” “« Then it isn’t Duval?” ““No more it is, sor, He began by callin’ himsel’ Claude Duval, or somet’ing av dhat shtyle; but be soon came to be known as such & ' monsther dhat folks called bim a devil, an’ , from dhat it was tacked onto him as Devil Duval.” ‘** Ah! now I understand, But, why do you think this is a specimen of his work? Is hea murderer of women and children?” ‘“* Begorra, he’s a murtherer av anybody, sor. No crime is too bad for bim, av Oi have gn av him is thrue. He isa devil indade, sor, **Then you have never seen him?” “No more Oi have, an’ never do Oi want to, , aythur,” “What more do you know about him? He has others with him, I imagine,” **So he bas, worse luck, Dhere is said to be sl av dhem, an dhey is called dhe Devil’s Half- ozen, ‘A fitting name for oo if this is truly the work of their hands. But let us perform the sad duty before us, if you are willing to assist mine re a SS TT SS er eS me, ’ “More dhan willing Oi am, sor, Sure dhe heart of me is hurted sore, so it is, at dke seight 2 av dbese two innocent wans a-lyin’ here in cold ‘| ood. With that he turned to his mule and set about getting bis pick and spade out for use. \ The keen eyes of the stranger were upon him and it looked as though the young Irishman had found favor in his sight, But few. words passed between the two during the next balf hour. Barney had to goalittle _ distance to find a suitable spot to dig @ grave, | and the unknown remained to prepare the bodies for burial. roe: 1a Taking the rolled blanket srom behind the = saddle on his horse, he unstrapped and unrolled = it, and then with his knife cut it in two pieces, one larger than the other, Inthesehe thenwrapped = the bodies of the dead, having first presseda . kiss upon the cold brow of each, oo) aes was ready, and the young Irish tu barbies vam » ay map returnedtO lend bis aid in carrying the bodiesito thie ine GPa | ee Tenderly they were lifted up, in turn, and cies ar,
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a { { . region, other point, and we will go on. - you say if I were to tell you I am going to bunt count me in wid ye. Never a more di f av business did Oi ever see nor phwat dhat same ty “was, » Dandy Dick, Detective. carried to their resting-place, where they were | as tencerly laid in thegrave, side by side. Then was a pause, the young man looking to his com- panion tora Word or signal before beginning the work of filling. For some seconds neither moved or spoke. Then the unknown gave a nod and a wave of the hand, indicating that the grave was to be filled, and turned hurriedly and sorrowfully. away, retracing his steps to his waiting horse. The young Irishman looked after him for a mo- ment, shook his head in a puzzled way, then set briskly to work. CHAPTER III. THE PROPER QUESTION PUT. ‘WHEN the young Irishman’s work was finished he shouldered his pick and spade, and went for- ward to the place where the unknown was awaiting him, The dandified but stern-countenanced stranger was leaning against his horse, his arms folded, evidently lost in deepest thought, and he did not look up uutil spoken to, ‘¢Dhe work is all done, sor,” the youvg Irish- man announced, “ita! [ bad almost forgotten you and what you were doing. I have let you do all the work it seem3, but L am going to pay you well for it,” ** Divil a cent av pay do Oi want, sor. Oicould see dhe sorry ye was in, an’ Oi was willing enough to do it all mesel’. Was dhe dead wans anybody to you, sor, av Oi may be askin’?” ** A question I cannot answer now,” was the response. ‘‘ But what is your name, my good fellow? I think you mentioned it awhile ago,” “Barney O’Linn is me name, sor,” ** And what is your business? But I take it you are a miner.” ‘* Suro me business at prisent is to be lookin’ fur business, sor, Sure it is prospectin’ fur a betther prospect Oi am,” ** And how much is it paying you, Barney? I bave taken a fancy to you, even on so short ac- quaintance, and if we can come to terms | be- lieve I wiil employ you.” “How much is it payin’ me, isit? Begorra, it is less dhan nothin’ Oi am makin’ every da av me loife, so it is; aud ont av dhe which Oi am expected to kape mesel’ an’ fade me mule, ee phwat do yous be wantin’ wid dhe loikes av me TP) tell you that presently. Are you much acquainted in this part of the country, Barney?” ‘* Forder north Oi am well enough acquaint- od, sor, but Oi was never here before in me loife. Oijwas headin’ fur dbe town av Burnt Match, lookin’ fur wurruk.” ‘That is satisfactory. I am on my way to that camp, too. Now [ll tell you what l'll do; ll give you a dollar a day, Barney, and find you and your mule besides,” *Oi’m Se terrapin, begob!” the young Irish- man cried. ‘“Oi’m yours to command, sor, an dhe service ye require av me is honest. Av it isn’t, begob Oi don’t want to have anyt’ing to do wid yez, an’ dhat is plain talkin’.” ‘“‘ That is even more satisfactory, Barney, It is a bargain, and here’s my hand on it. You will be my attendant; to take care of my horse ‘and perform other light duties, You'll probably have an easy time of it, Ibhope so, anyhow.” “Sure it is a ptzzle to me yez are,” the young Irishman suddenly exclaimed, ‘ Wuin ‘first Oi set me two eyes on yez, sure it was a soft fool av a dude Oi took ye to be. Now may Oi be hanged av Oi know pbwat to ti’nk av yez. Bat it’s no question Oi will be askin’? yez; phwat am Oi to be callin’ av ye, sor?” The unknown smiled, though sadly enough. ““T believe you are a diamond in the rough, “Barney,” he remarked, ‘‘My real name is ‘Richard Prince Darrel; but I prefer to be known as Darrel—Dick Darrel, to the people in this wild You understand?” “Dhat same Oi do, sor. As to my being a diamond in dhe rough, Oi don’t know; but it is a rough toime Oi have been havin’, all dhe same, ‘Sure it is glad Oi am to engage wid ye, fur dhe more Oi see av ye dhe better Oi loike ye. Oi only hope Oi can pl’aze ye, our Misther Prince c . Prince Dick! the title struck the other as a good one. ' ‘As I have no doubt you will. Now, one What would down the murderers of this woman and child?” “Do yezm’ane dbat, Misther Darrel?” was the -quick demand. ‘‘Av ye do, begorra ye may ‘ rthy piece Barney O’Linn is the b’y as says it.” b> we oe 2 hater ha bps * b a 7. Thee Sa eye See I os Spe a i hate buds ies dine Same p p y' WwW you bet,” pa “© T do mean it, Barney, and I want your help. Will you go in with me, and see it to tae bitter , end?” ‘‘ Dhat same Oi will, and here’s me hand, sor;. but, all dbe same it is a big conthract Oi Vink ye have taken, if it’s Divil Duval that is the murdherer.” They grasped bands for a moment in hearty pressure, after which they mounted their ani- mals and rode away. Passing the new-made grave, the man of mys- tery looked at 1t with mournful gaze, the firm lines of his face hard drawn, and inwardly he repeated the vow he had already taken, They had gone but a little distance when they were startled by the sound of a woman’s scream, Both drew rein at once, and Barney exclaim- ed, ‘* Phwat the divil was dhat?” The scream was repeated, It was not far away, but no one was in sight on the trail, and the view was open for some distance in both directions, Suddenly a horse and rider dashed out into the main canyon from a transverse gorge alittle distance abead, turning in the direction of the two travelers; and seeing them, the rider ap- pealed for help, Dick Darrel had his rifle in hand quickly. while Barney reached for his blunderbuss anc brought it to the front with admirable prompti- tude; and at the same time they drew apart to allow the approaching woman room to dash be- tween them, A woman the rider was, and it was she who had uttered the screams. A rather prepossess- ing person she proved, as she came nearer, but ber face bore an expression of terrer, and her eyes were wild and frightened. She looked to be not over twenty, was plainly but neatly clad, and could ride like one born to the saddle, ‘Save me!” she cried, as she dashed up and assed between *Dick and hisman, ‘ Save me from those devils who are pursuing me!” There was no time to question her, for just then two horsemen whirled out into the canyon, turning without slacking speed, and ina moment were almost at hand, At their appearance Dick brought his short rifle to bear upon them, Barney following suit witb his big gun, and by the time the fellows were straightened in the canyon they saw they were covered, They drew rein immediately, but their speed was such that they could not stop at once, and when they finally did stop, they were within a few yards of the threatening weapons. ‘*Up with your bands, cantlonnen !” Dick Darrel quietly commanded, *“‘ An’ be loively about it, too!” cried Barney. ‘* Ay yez don’t, begorra, Oi won’t be responsible fur phwat will happen!” The fellows hesitated but a second; their hands were raised, while they indulged in some choice execrations. Meanwhile the woman had checked her horse, and now rode back and stopped between Dick and his man, facing her enemies with a revolver in her grasp. Her demeanor bad wonderfully i “You may swear, you curs!” she cried. “Thanks to my timely rescue, I am ina position to defy you now!” : ‘‘We demands this ’ere woman, strangers!” one of the fellows blustered. ‘‘ She is ther wife of my pard byar, an’ we is goin’ ter bave her, 0 ‘*T don’t see bow you are going to get her,” Prince Dick quietly remarked. ‘* We will hear what she has to say about the matter, In the mean time, take care that your hands are kept well up.” “+ He tells a lie,” the woman fiercely cried, ‘I never saw either of them before tis hour, They camo out upon the trail behind me a little while ago, and ordered me to halt. I refused, and they tried to capture me, threatening to shoot me if I did not stop.” *‘ Dhat looks a good deal more loikely, begob!” exclaimed Barney O’Linn, ‘Oi have a notion to let dhrive at yez wanst, just fur hick, any- how. Av Oi did, begorra dhere wouldn’t be scraps enongh left av yez to hould a preachin’ over. Kape up yer fins, or Oi’m a gossoon av Oi dou’t pepper yez widout winkin’!” ‘You heard what the lady said,” observed ee in his quiet way, n panion, ‘“In course she are!” that unworthy affirmed, ‘‘What are more, I wants her, too. You had better give her up, strangers.” ~ tts ‘* Do not believe them, sir,” the young-woman I say she’s lyin’ to ye!” the fellow re- “« Ain’t she yer wife, pard?” to his com- ' | | appealed to Dick, * Does it look reasonatle that 1 am the wife of so foul a creature?” “ Divila bit it «loes,” decidedly declared Bar- ney. ‘Say but dbe wurred, miss, an’ sure 1! is | touchin’ off me musketoon Oj'il be doin’, an’ | blowin’ av dhe rascals clear out of dhe coun- thry.” ‘*Tt certainly does not look reasonable,” an- swered Dick. ‘'1 decline to take any stock in such a tale as that, What are you going todo about it, feUows?” CHAPTER IV. A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE, Prince Diok and his man had decidedly the vantage, There was only one thing the fellows could do and that was to make the best of a bad situa- tion, But, there was yet a good deal of bluster in them, as there generally is in knaves of their stripe, and in answer to Dick’s demand the spokesman of the pair blurted out: ‘© We'll show ye what we'll do about it, Mister Dandy, if yer gives us half achance, You has got no right ter chip in on this dea), This hyar woman are ther wife o’ my pard, an’ he wants her. That’s ther hull sarmount, text an’ title, Will yer give her up, an’ save furder trouble?” ‘‘T believe you—believe you to bea pair of recious liars and scamps,” returned Dick quiet- yenough, ‘ We will not give the lady up to you, so set your minds easy upon that point, As to my right to chip in—as you call it, lam responsible to no one but myself for that; and; as to furtber trouble, it is for you to decide whether there sball be any ornot. Again, what are you going to do about it?” ‘*Dhat’s dhe proper question, begob!” re- iterated the wild Irishman. ‘‘ Av ye onty was aware how me finger is itchin’ to tickle obe thrigger av me gun, sure it is faintin’ (esd away ye would be afther doin’, so ye went, Sure it is a double-barreled load av buckshot Oi have in dbe wan, an’ av ever Oi was to set bem loose, ityis prashus little dhere would be lett av ye, and moind phwat Oi’m sayin’, Phwat are yez gate: to do about it? Shpake out now, quick, ‘*Durn it, yer bas got ther best of us!” growled the mouthpiece of the pair. “I opines we'll bave ter give it up fer thistime, We'll meet yer again, though, me fine lady, an’ then—” ‘* Would it not be better to arrest them, sir?” suggested the woman, interrupting, ‘Secure them for me, and I will drive them to the near- est camp and make a charge against them.” ‘“ Yer hain’t got no right ter do that ’ere!” pro- tested one of the ruffians, ‘* We ain’t done noth- in’ ter you, an’—” ‘* Hould yer whist, will yez!” shouted Barney. “ Av yez don’t, it will be hailin’ av lead, an’ a good-by fer ye, ye villain!” _ : “ v ray camp are you heading for, miss?” Dick nquired, a1 am on my way to a place called Burnt Match, sir.” ' + Just where we are going. We will take the rascals along with us.” The pretty pair of course demurred vigorous- Wy and then began to try to beg off, but the ver- icc had been rendered, Dick and the young woman held them cover- ed, while Barney disarmed them under Dick’s directions, and jn a few minutes they were belp- less and at the mercy of their captors, ‘Now, then, face about!” Prince Dick order- ed, “And take care that you do not try to run away. ‘*Av ye do, may dhe good saints bave mercy on ye!” added Barney; ‘ divil a bit will I!” {n that manner the little company of five went forward, on their way to the camp mentioned, The afternoon was now waning, the town was several miles away—as they presently learned by a guide-post at the fork of the trail, and there was little prospect of arriving there before dark, Barney rode next behind the prisoners, his ugly looking gun in band ready for action, while Dick and the woman brought up the rear, They talked as they rode along, but Dick learned little concerning her. Her name, she told bim, was Viola Tazewell. It was just about dark when they rode into the town of Burnt Match, The camp was light- ed up, and from one building, one that shone out conspicuous among its neighbors, floated the — sound of music. As they rode forward into the street, Dick noticed that the young woman. drew a thick vail down over her See ee Se she did not . That was his impression. ant tobe ig rere wtbe three being strangers in the but natural that they should head for the Rios
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and looked on, having someth a Dandy Dick, Detective. ing mentioned, since there the center of local in- terest seemed to be; andin a few moments they halted before its open doors, All who were on the piazza of the saloon, as it proved to be, gave immediate attention to the new arrivals. Dandy Dick—as he was destined to be called— rode forward to the steps, and inquired: ‘*Have you a constable, sherilf, er anythin of the sort 1n this camp, friends? If you aaa, would like to see him,’ “‘That’s what we have, stranger,” one of the group spoke up, ‘‘ We've got a mayor hyar what are a whole team all in biniself. Hey, feller-citizens?” “That’s what we has,” was the immediate re- sponse. ** Well, who is he?” inquire] Dick. ‘‘ Where can we find him?” ““He’s ther Honorable Hampton Warde, ter answer yer first question; an’ ter tackle yer second, he’s right byar in ther Tin Horn,” That was the unique name of the saloon asa sign over its door indicated in staggering letters of various shapes and sizes, underscored by the rude drawing of along tin coach-horn,. * Will you request him to step out here for a moment?” Dick directed. ‘‘ Tell him astranger has a couple of prisoners to turn over to him, a pair of rascals of the first water, evidently.” The music bad stopped, and at that moment a ina fine-looking man stepped out upon the piazza. ‘* Hyar he are, now,” announced the ‘ citizen’ who was on the point of carrying out Dick’s re- quest. ‘‘ This hyar are Honorable Hamp, Mayor of Burnt Match, sir.” ‘‘ You want to see me?” the mayor asked, At his appearance Viola Tazewell had given a slight start, and her hand went up to her vail,. as if to make sure it was in place. ‘*- Yes, IL asked for you, sir,” responded Dick. ‘* Here are two rascals who made an attempt to capture this Jady this afternoon, and but for me and my wan might have succeeded,” ‘*'Tne scamps!” the mayor exclaimed, with a show of indignation. ‘I guess Burnt Match will know how to deal with them. We'll put them in the jug, and to-morrow we’ll give them a crial, with all the chances in favor of their necks being stretched,” “T think it is a clear case against them,” Dick pha and he gave an account of the matter n u . : ‘*A clear case!” echoed the mayor, with in- creased indignation; ‘‘I should say it is, If we don’t settle with you, my festive bucks, then I miss my guess.” Forthwith he ordered the prisoners to the lock-up, and several men aprons to do his bid- ding. The prisoners were hustled off without agen of words, in spite of their objections. hen they had been taken in charge, Dick made inquiry coucerning a hotel, and learned that the hotel of the town, the Mansion House, was just across the street. Accordingly the three turned in that direction, and Prince Dick sprung out of the saddle as soon as they stopped, and assisted the young woman to dismount, Barney at once took charge cf her horse, and thanking him, and with a gracious bow to Dar- rel, she tripped lightly up the steps and disap- peared into the house. Dick gave his deputy some brief instructions, and leaving him with the horses, went into the bar-room, which was also the office of the estab- lishment. The mayor had followed across the street, and entered just behind him, A rather fine-looking man, as said, Hampton Warde was. He appeared to be about thirty- five years of age, was dark complexioned, and wore a short, black beard, and attire was a rough, but well-fitting business suit. ‘He seemed to take an interestin Dick, As the latter passed into the light, and as he crossed over to the desk, the mayor had his eyes upon him. What his interest was did not then ap- pear, but he seemed to be Jooking at bim as noun wondering where he had seen him be- ore, Dick made his wants known to the landlord, ani being informed that they could be accom- modated, drew the register to him and affixed his name and that of his recently engaged ser- tor. While he was writing, the mayor stepped up further to say nerpecting ener ge es Dick had brought in. t was patent, though, that he was interested to learn the name of the Tr. Dick registered his name as ‘ R, Prince Dar- ke fang te ee When he had done he dropped the pen, fixed 1 ‘ the siping rong w his glass in his eye, and responded to the mayor’s remark, That eye-glass made a wonderful alteration in his looks, and if the mayor had been under the impression that be had seen him before, he ap- parently dismissed it from mind now. While they were talking, Barney O’Linn came in and announced that the horses had received proper care. woman, aud he spoke to tbe proprietor, That gentleman hastened out to see her, but in a few minutes returned to say sbe could not be found, The woman had disappeared. CHAPTER V. DICK MAKES A DISCOVERY. ‘‘ WHAT name did she give you, sir?” inquir- ed the mayor, ‘““She told me her name was Viola Tazewell,” Prince Dick made response, ‘‘Oh, well, she can’t be long missing; she'll appear after awhile, no doubt, See you later.” With that the mayor went out, going back across the street to the saloon, and Dick turned again to the proprietor of the house, Dick Darrel was of the same opinion as the mayor. He did not think then that the young woman had disappeared for good. And the proprietor, too, was of the same mind. Dick and Barney were hungry—hungry as famished pirates, as Barney put it; and supper being soon ready for them, they were shown into the dining-room, where they proceeded to do justice to the spread. While they were eating, another person was ushered into the room, This was a slender, rather dudish-looking youth of twenty or thereabouts; a fellow with his bair parted in tke middle, sporting a delicate mustache, : nd wearing student spectacles. Darrel and Barney glanced at him casually, but did not give him any particular attention, and he ate his supper in silence, He was still eating when Dick and his man arose from the table and passed out of the room, Dick stepped to the desk to inquire whether the missing young woman had yet made her ap- earance, and as he put the question, curiosity ed him to glance at the register to learn who the new arrival was. He found another name added to the list, that of E, Chauncey Howe, Much to his surprise be was told that the young woman had not returned, and what was more, that no one in the house had seen ber at all. If she bad entered (and Dick was positive on that point), then she must have gone out again immediately, or she would have been no- ticed by some one, There was something mys- -terious about it, and Dick was puzzled. “Sure it b’ates dhe divil hinisel’!” exclaimed Barney O’Linn. ‘‘ Phwere do ye imagine she can ’av’ gone to, Misther Darrel?” ‘‘ That is more than I can say, Barney,” Dick responded, ,‘* Suppose ke just go out to the stables and see if her horse is there yet, will ou?” me Oi will dhat same, begob!” and Barney start- ed. ‘Sure it is more av a puzzle to me dhe mer Oi tink av it, so itis, Oi don’t see phwy she should go off loike dhat,” As Barney left the room the mayor of the town came in, He crossed over to the desk and put the same inquiry Dick bad made, and naturally received a like answer. This seemed to puzzle bim even more than it had Prince Dick and his man, He looked at Darrel as though heéxpected him to offer an ex- planation forthwith. Dick had adjusted his ‘lass in hiseye, and was surveying the mayor with something of the same manner. Again that expression as of interest in Dick came for a moment upon the Honorable Hampton’s face. . ‘“‘ This is rather a strange thing, itstrikes me,” he, the mayor, observed, “I cannot account for it. Not that I am interested, you know, be- yond the fact that her adventure has awakened a passing interest; but it is strange what has be- comp of her.” ‘fT can’t believe that any barm has befallen her,” remarked Dick. ‘I think she must have gone away suddenly, with a good reason for it, or has merely stepped out to a store, intending to return later. y attendant has gone to the sing to ascertain whether her horse is there or not, The dude, E. Chauncey Howe, entered from Dick was speaking. Mayor Ward’s eyes fell upon bim as he’ came forward into the room, and the mayor looked at him in even a more searching way than he had at Dick Darrel. young man was idly picking his teeth, This reminded Dick of the young | ! . and gave no more than a passing glance at the mayor in.return, He seemed a very peaceable youth, evidently one who attends strictly to his own business. “Who is that fellow?” the mayor demanded of the proprietor. “More than I can tell you,” was the answer. s Alt know about him is his name, and there it is,’ He indicated the register as he spoke, and the Honorable Hampton glanced at it, The name caused a smile of contempt to part his lips. ‘¢ The name and the owner go well together,” he remarked. ‘‘One is about as dudish as the other.” The youth passed on, presently stopping to read a notice posted on the wall, ore which Dandy Dick had previously observed, It was a reward offered for the capture of the outlaw and road-agent, ‘Devil Duval.” The amount was a thousand dollars, and the notice was signed by the Mayor of Burnt Match. Barney O’Linn returned as the Mayor uttered the words last quoted, and informed his master that the young woman’s borse was in the stable. Some further comment was made upon her disappearance, and presently Dandy Dick turned the conversation in another channel, and not without an object, hidden though it was. ‘By the way,” be remarked, ‘I see you of- fer a reward for that outlaw, Devil Duval, and that reminds me to mention something of im- portance, At ay rate it is something that de- mands investigation.” ‘What is it?’ the mayor asked. ‘ Has this road-agent been relieving you of your money and valuables? But, I know I am wrong there, for he would never bave allowed you to retain your pip and ring. What is it, then? If it is anything that I should take hold of, rest assured that I will do it.” “T refer to a borrible discovery that I and my man bere made this afternoon. He is of the opinion that it was the work of tbis Devil Du- val,” : ‘‘ What was it? If a dead man by the way- | side, it is nothing new or startling tc us. We find one occasionally, where a pilgrim bas been £0 om as to resist this devil—this Devil Du- ‘“ Worse than that,” Dick declared, earnest: ly. And he proceeded to tell the mayor all about it, the mayor listening attentively to the end, ‘“‘ Heavens! but that was awful!” was the ex- clamation, ‘It must be investigated. Was there no means of identifying the woman or the child?” ‘¢‘ None whatever,” was the assurance. ‘‘ We searched the bodies, at any rate I did, but noth- ing of importance was to be found.” ‘Ugh! ejaculated Barney, ‘“‘me blood runs cold at dhe tought av it. Sure it was horrible indade.” : “And it looks like the work of that devil,” the mayor declared, ‘“I’ll double my reward this minute. His career must be cut short, and that as soon as possible. He has laughed de- fiance at us long enough.” He took a heavy pencil from his pocket as he spoke, and crossing the room, marked a large figure ‘*2” over the word ‘‘one,” and under- scoring his name at the bottom. And while he was doing this the dude, E, Chauncey Howe, made a keen and searching scrutiny of his face. Dandy Dick noticed tbis, and it led to bis tak- ing a more careful observation of the dude, He noted further that his hands were clinched tightly, and— But suddenly, with lightning quickness, a revelation came to him, and a smile half-parted his lips at the discovery, “There!” the Honorable Hampton Warde cried, as he stepped back, ‘‘ we'll see what the effect of that will be.” 7 ‘“Begorra,” commented Dick’s handy-man, “it won't have half dhe effect dhat a dose av buckshot at short range would have, an’ dhat Oi’m sayin’.” ‘Perhaps not, my man,” the mayor agreed, “but the trouble is, Mr. Devil Duval is very cautious, and never makes his appearance where there is a ghost of a chance of over-. coming him.” J The mayor talked for some time longer with Darrel, without any apparent point in view, so far as Dick could see. F Finally he took leave, and, as Dick noticed, returned to the Tin Horn Saloon across the way. — Dick had noticed that the dude had his eyes upon the mayor, and after a little while the youth followed after him, crossing the street and entering the saloon, est Again that suggestive smile half-parted Dick’s lips. What it meant, only he himself knew, but Spee alien yi? lee a ae : er ws
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Dandy Dick, Detective. it was not lost upon his keen-eyed attendant. Barney took note of it, and later on was not sur- prised when the Prince proposed going over to the saloon for a little while before retiring. “T’m wid ye, be gob!” he cried. ‘Sure it is ripe fur a little fun Oi am, an’ av dhere’s a ruc- tion afoot, begorra but it is Barney O’Linn dhat will take a hand in dhe same av he is called upon. I’m wid ye, cl’ane down to dhe boots, ‘ Mister Darrel,” CHAPTER VI. IN LADY TIGER’S LAIR. Burnt MatcH was a town of considerable importance in its own estimation. It boasted two or three hotels, any number of saloons—mark of advancing civilization! and several stores and shops of various sorts, Of the saloons, the Tin Horn” ranked first; as the ‘** Mansion House” held first place among the hotels, It had its bar, its dancing-hall, and its gambling-den, all under one roof, Gambling had always been a feature at Burnt Match. It had had its ups and downs, but on the whole the demand for that sort of thing had ever been active, and the market reasonably steady. Now it was avay “up;” enjoying quite a boom, This state of things had been brought about by tbe arrival at Burnt Match, a few months prior to the time of our story, of a gambler queen who made herself known at her table as **Lady Tiger.” She was a rather handsome woman, with many charms of person and man- ner, About thirty years of age, apparently, and certainly no older; handsome and charming, as stated; she had immediately become a popular feature, Her bank was well patronized every evening, from opening to closing, and her game certainly had the oae merit of being honestly conducted, One of her most constant patrons was the mayor of the town. Honorable Hampton Warde bad fallen a vic- tim to the Lady Tiger’s charms at almost first sight. And not being discouraged upon his first advances, had danced attendance upon her ever since. Nor did she seem in any wise adverse to his attentions, so far as the lookers-on were able to judge, The woman’s name, it came to be known, was Marian Athwood, No one knew anything further about her, unless it was the mayor, but if was understood that she was from the Parific Coast, As Dandy Dick Darreland Barney O’Linn left the botel to cross the street, the music in the Tin Horn struck up, and the shuffling of danc- ing feet was heard. ‘ “Sure it is dancin’ dhey are!” exclaimed the oung Irishman, ‘‘ Ay Oi can’t taych thim a *ing or two at dhat, begorra Oi’ll ate me head,” Ph a ys you willhave a chance,” remarked Dick. ‘1 suppose itis free to all, as they await their turn.” They went on, ascended the piazza and en- tered the open doors, passing around the screens. A scene of wild enjoyment instantly met their gaze, and they paused to look, On the left hand was the bar, with several customers ranged along its front, doing credit to the piace and injury to themselves, On. the right, in the corner, was a barrel organ, out of which a tough-looking citizen was grinding the lively strains of a waltz, On the floor were balf a score of couples, dancing with varying degrees of grace, Among the dancers were several women, for the most part hard-looking creatures with brazen faces, to be truthful about it; but, there was evidently not enough of these to go around, for in several instances men were dancing to- ci of partners, and seeming to enjoy it just as well, % Farther back was a partition, built up to with- in a couple of feet of the ceiling, with double doors in the center, Over. these doors was a sign indicating that beyond was the gambling _ room of the establishment. ’ Dick and Barney stood and witnessed th * dancing until the music ceased and the couples repaired to thebar, when they went forward across the floor and entered the apartment be- yond, Dick’s rather elegant attire had attracted a good deal of attention, and “‘ My! but ain’t hea dandy!” was heard whispered here and there among the crowd, On passing through the double doors the scene immediately changed, Here a carpet covered the floor, and there was some attempt at display in furniture and fittings. © ah ite Opposite the door was a long, gveen-covered table, behind which sat the Lady Tiger, like a queen upon her throne. She was richly dressed in velvet, and diamonds sparkled in ber hair and at her throat, She glanced up when the door opened, and gave a searching look at Dandy Dick as he stepped in. At first sight of her, Darrel felt himself give a slight start. He thought he recognized in her some likeness to some one he had known, But, the next instant seemed to convince him he was inerror. There was no outward sign of this, and no one could have guessed his thought Of the moment. He made no pause, but advanced to- ward the table, like any idle spectator. Behind the table, at the right hand of the queen, sat Mayor Warde. He was not playing just then, and gave Dick a sign of recognition, with tuat questioning ex- pression again in his eyes, In front of the table, and opposite the mayor, while yet behind the players seated on that side stood the dude, E, Chauncey Howe. He seeme to ba watching the game with intense interest. “Thought you would drop into the Tin Horn, did you, eh?” the mayor greeted, as Dick step- Beye. . ‘Yes, I thought I would come over for a few minutes and see what was going on, sir,” re- sponded Darrel, fixing bis glass in bis eye. That eyeglass again seemed to dispel whatever doubt had been trying to gain foothold in the mayor’s mind, if there really had been any such, The questioning look immediately vanished, ‘¢ Well, there’s nothing in the camp can hold acandle to the Tin Horn now,” he declared. “‘Our Lady Tiger here isthe attraction of our town at present. | Do you ever tempt the fickle goddess, Fortune?” ‘‘ Aw, no, sir; gambling is something that I know very little about,” Dick responded with an airish drawl. ‘No harm to look on, I sup- pose, eli?” ‘*No barm whatever, sir,” the Lady Tiger graciously made answer, ‘ Unless,” she added, ** by looking on you beccme tempted to play.” ‘© An’ divil a worse harrum could happen ye nor dhat same, says Oi,” chipped in Barney O’Linn. ‘* Here is one gentleman who will not agree with you, I am sure,” remarked the card queen, indicating one of the players, This fellow was a rough-locking customer, uncouth and unkempt, clad like a miner but armed like a pirate. He had a big pile of chips in front of him, and every play added to it, He had had an uninterrupted run of good luck ever since the bank opened, “ Right you are, Lady Tiger!” the fellow cried, “Tf there are any harm in a fcller’s makin’ his hay while ther sun shines, then I don’t know what I’m talkin’ about. Hyar goes fur ther tray, this time,” and ha put some chips on the card mentioned, and the draw was made. Again he bad won, and he howled with de- light over it. ‘*Call this hyar harm toa feller, do yer?” be cried, turning to Barney. ‘‘ Yer had better chip in an’ foller my lead for a leetle while.” ‘*Sure it is a long lane dhat has never a turn in it, so it is,” Barney philosopbized. ‘* Dame Fortune will be a-turnin’ av her face dhe other way, purthy soon, an’ dhen av ye don’t change yer chune Oi’m no prophet, dhat’s all.” The fellow was too busy with bis playing to make further response, and the game proceeded in silence for a time, his run of luck still re- maining unbroken. He had gone in with only adollar, as had been whispered around, and now was bidding fair to weaken the bank, if he kept on, ‘Your run of good fortune is remarkable, sir!” the card queen exclaimed, after the last draw. ‘Lucky for me you have nota large capitat at your command, or you would certain- lf ruin me.” — This was said in a smiling way, but Dandy Dick Darrel could see that there was much in the words, The remark had the genuine ring; it meant all that the words went to imply. ‘*Tf it keeps on pilin’ up, durn me if I won't have a capital afore long,” the fellow responded, ‘an’ then mebbe I'll clip your purty claws, Lady Tiger. Haw, haw, haw! That would be amusin’, now wouldn’t it!” “It would no doubt be highly amusing for you, sir,” was the laughing response, while the woman arranged the cards for another deal. hen she was reacly, she called upon the play- ers to make their play. . ‘How are you going to begin this time, Red- nose Mike?” the mayor of the camp playfully asked, addressing the lucky player. ‘I am in- terested to see how long this paying vein is go- ing to hold out.” Jone ‘*]’m goin’ ter do it jestso, Honorable Hamp,” was the answer, and with the words the fellow put down a goodly stack of chips upon the deuce. ‘*Let’er flicker, now,” he added, to the fair dealer, “Tf you don’t object, sir, spoke up a timid voice, “1 will follow your lead for a turn, and see how it will make a fellah feel to win a stake at cards, May L try, sir?” The man called Red-nose Mike wheeled to see who had spoken, and every one else in the room looked in the same direction, The speaker was none other than the youthful dude, E, Chaun- cey Howe, who stood with a bill in hand ready to make a purchase of some chips, CHAPTER VII. DICK TAKES A HAND, Many other players had dropped out of the game now, Too genteel, some of them, to follow the lead of such a man as Red-nose Mike, and not want- ing to play a losing game any longer, they had preferred to withdraw. Some others had taken their places, fellows of about Mike’s stamp, and these did nct hesitate to place their chances where Mike placed his. It was a condition of things that the card queen did not like, as could be seen, ‘* Kin yer foller my lead, leetle cuss?” Mike re- peated, after a survey of the dude; ‘ wal, I reckons yer kin, if yer has got thertin. Yer had better take them ’ar winder-lights down from yer eyes, though, afore yer begins, fer this hyar uin’t no game ter stand in ther house an’ play out o’ doors.” This created a laugh among the roughs in the room, and the hot blood came to the dude’s face, Dandy Dick noted this, and noticed also that the youth’s hand trembled slightly as he passed his money over in exchange for chips, When the chips bad been received, E, Chaun- cey placed some of them upon the deuce where the others had theirs, and the Lady Tiger proceeded with the business of dealing. Several cards came out, and finally a deuce— for the bank! ‘* Blazes!” cried Red-nose Mike, ‘* but I got it that time, an’ got it bad! But never say die, is my motter, an’ hyar goes fer another whack,” “*Pbwat did Oitell ye a minute ago?” remind- ed Barney O’Linn, “ Didn’t Oi say it is a long lane dhat bas never a turn in it, or soraet’ing to dhat effect? Begorra, but av ye are wise ye will call dhe halt roight phwere ye are,” **You jest tend to yer own business, young feller, and never mind mine,” Red-nose Mike turned half around tosay, ‘lam playing this game, J ruther opine.” : “*Divil a peep more will ye hear out av me,” was the good-natured rejoinder. ‘‘ Oi’masmum asaclam. Goon wid yer skport.” Having lost, the man doubled the amount be had ventured before, and tried his luck again, The dude took pattern after him, and followed his lead as before, Another turn was had, and againdid the bank win, Red-nose Mike fairly howled now, “Snakes an’ lizards!” he cried, “ but I guess I’m in fer it, sure! What in the blazes is ther matter with my luck? Here, we'll try it again, anyhow.” ‘ He made another play, this time taking an- other card, and again he doubled to make sure of recovering his lost groundif he won, The dude followed bis lead as before, Dick Darrel was observing him, and noticed that his band trembled still more as be laid the last of his chips upon the card. Barney O’Liun was eager to see the boasting fellow lose again, though he did not like the idea of the others losing with bim. That was their business, however, if they. would play. Once more the cards were drawn, and again did the bank win, Red-nose Mike swore roundly, using language far more forcible than polite, until the mayor ordered him to desist. The dude had turned away, with a sigh, the moment the card appeared, and to Dandy Die that sigh was in the manner of a revelatio He believed the fellow had lost all the money he had, Suddenly Red-nose Mike sprung up with a howl. , ‘‘ Whar’s that ’ar durn dude? he cried, ‘ He’s a durn no mascot, that’s what he are, a mascot of ther wrong sort, till he chipped in on my place, an’ then I lost. Hyar, you little jigger! come right back hyar, fur I'm goin’ ter spank yer.” se E. Chauncey had stopped, and now looked at — the bearded pirate in a frightened manner, **I—I asked you if I might follow your lead. *: I had a straight run o’ luck ©
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ar 6 Dandy Dick, Detective. sir,” he reminded. ‘‘I had nothing to do with | Dick sprung at him, turned him over so easily your change of luck; nothin whatever, Siz?’ ‘Yer is a liar, cuss yer! Yer must ’a’ knowed yer was a Joner. Come, take off them ’ar winkers, an’ let me give yer some stirrup oil wi’ ther leg o’ me boot. [ reckon I kin curse yer.” The dude backed away, in great alarm, *¢JJ—I assure you, sir, that I am not re- sponsible for your losing. I never played be- fore, and was tempted to it by seeing your luck. Please don’t punish me for it, sir; please don’t. I’m sorry, andifIhad—” “Haw, haw, haw! Please don’t spank yer, hey? That are good, durn me if it ain’t. Did e heer that, fellers?: Don’t spank him— Haw, aw, haw! That’s jest what I’m goin’ ter do, sonny, an’ don’t yer ferget it, It’s purty sartain that yer won’t ferget it wben I’m done,” \ With that he stepped forward to lay hands upon the trembling youth, ; Dandy Dick had been paying close attention to al) this, and was moving now to a place near- er the young man, Barney O’Linn, too, had been observing all, and in fact so had everybody; and in a whisper to Dick he had remarked: ' “Sure it is a shame fur dbat big blatherskite to be imposin’ upon a b’y loike dhat, Av he touches him, begorra but he’d ought to be lar- ruped himsel’, so he had,” ‘Let him alone,” Dick quietly responded. **Tll attend to him. fellow.” “You!” Barney exclaimed in amazement. ** Sure it’s eatin’ av ye up he’d bedoin’. Yehad betther be leavin’ av him alone, Misther Prince, an’ Oi’m tellin’ ye 80.” Dick smiled in a confident way. “Don’t let that worry you, Barney,” he said lightly. ‘I will take care of him, and you icy take a hand in unless you ses me down- There was no time to say more, for then it was that Dick moved forward to the place where the trembling dude was standing. Barney looked after him, with a shake of the head, and gave a hitch at his sleeves, prepara- Oe for business, d-nose Mike had noticed nothing of this, and it would have made no difference to him if he had, He stepped forward, assaid, and reach- ed out to grip the dude, whodrew back to es- I have my eye upon the cape. “Durn yer, come hyar!” the frowzy ruffian ree Na My If yer don’t, durn me if I don’t shake yer like— With the words, he sprung forward, making another grab to get hold of the object of his an- ger, but he was suddenly interrupted by having some one lay a hand upon his shoulder and jer him around with a quickness that almost dis- located bis neck, Ly The fellow found himself facing Dandy Dick, who, with his glass in his eye, stood coolly look- ing at him, : ‘or a moment Red-nose Mike was too amazed tospeak, It did not seem possible that it could have been this dandy who had dared to laya haud upon him. And yet it was the fact. “‘Durn your pictur’!” he exclaimed, ‘* was it what done that? Guess you don’t know who I be, do yer?” ; “No, I haven't ‘the honor of your. acquaint- ance,” Dick quietly responded, ‘‘but I’m the rson who presumed to draw your attention way. You ought to feel ashamed of your- self to threaten a youth like that.” __* Orter feel ’shamed of it, had I? Wal, now, ‘Mister Dandy, eye you are jest itchin’ ter - take it up fer him, You is jest a little bigger ’n he is; s’pose you let me spank you fu’st? That will git ay hand in good practice fur ther other feller, hat d’yer say about that?” “You are welcome to try it on, if you want to,” was the almost unconcerned response, “ You certainly shall not lay a band upon that oung man w ile I can lift an arm to defend The highest kind of excitement now prevailed. The mayor, Lady Tiger, and everybody else, were upon their feet, and trouble was looked for immediately. : Barney O’Linn had taken a he ust behind his master, ready to pitch in at the first sign of Dick’s getting the worst of it. ** Oh—ho!” mocked the bristling giant, “‘ that’s ther sort of a dandy you be, are it! Want folks ter think yer is somebody, does yer! Cause yer wears a Wiled shirt ai’ a stovepipe, yer thinks yer is a highfaJutin’ rip-snorter, mebby. Take that fur a starte:!” and reaching out quickly, | addressing _ he madea slap at Dick’s face, It was a smart blow, too, but Darrel] turned his bead and es- eaped the force of it, Quick as a wink, then, © man?” Se ee ee ee aE 4 A | that it did not seem to cost any effort whatever, and actually stood himon his head, holding him by one foot, the top of his head resting upon the floor, It was a surprise to every one who wit- nessed it, and must bave been more thon a sur- prise to the blustering ruffian. CHAPTER VIII, THE END OF THE FRACAS. Mayor Hampron WaARDE looked at Dandy Dick with almost paling face, that expression of recognition coming again into bis eyes with more distinctness than ever, and his gaze seemed riveted, Ta bis sudden exertion, Dandy Dick’s glass had dropped from his eye and bung dangling by its string, and his face had a new look, His expres- sion for the moment was not unlike it had been at the time of his terrible recognition of the mur- dered oneg in the wild canyon. And as the mayor looked at him his muscles swelled out, his hands clinched, and his jaws set themselves firmly, as though his leading thought was that of attacking the dandy stranger then and there, Noone noticed these ‘things, how- ever,and inanother moment it had al! passed away. Barney O’Linn was the most excited man present, perhaps, This revelation of his new- found master’s strength and courage surprised and delighted bim beyond degree. It was some- thing he had never dreamed of. ‘*« Whoop!” he cried, ‘* but you are dhe dandy, Prince Dick. Sure dhe man dhat picks yez up fur a flat will be afther droppin’ ye fur a sharp, moighty quick, so he will, Begorra, but dhis batesanyting dhat Oi ever set me two eyes on, so it does.” The disgraced Red-nose Mike was pebarene like an angry bull, demanding to be released an given a fair chance at his enemy. Dandy Dick was now smiling again, and tak- ing care that the fellow did not get hold of a weapon, held his foot with one band whilo he replaced his eyeglass, And that done, he gave the fellow a spin around on bis head, gave his heels a push, and let him fall to the ground, Red-nose Mike came down with a force that jarred the building, and with a roar like that of a wounded bison he immediately made a hasty scramble-to get upon bis feet. Oh, sir, you will be killed!” cried E, Chaun- cey Howe, in great alarm, as he ran forward, as though to lend his feeble assistance, “Thave little fear of that,” was Dick’s as- surance, ‘You keep back out of the way and look out for yourself.” “« Divil a bit will he be gettin’ hurted, no more he will!” shouted Barney. ‘* [Pll show yer whether he won’t or not!” screamed the enraged pirate—so to call him, “I’m goin’ ter see yer liver, dandy; d’ye on- derstand that? Yer liver /” And on he came with a rush, reaching for a knife as he came, f “Just hold on a little till we argue that point,” requested Dick, coolly, a brace of re- volvers springing into bis hands from—nobody could tell where, “‘ The company present might object to such an exhibition. Can’t you modify your intentions just a little, and not go to such a horrible extreme?” The rascal had stopped, with his face almost against the cold muzzles, and was staring at the cool dandy with mouth and eyes aenpe. Barney O’Linn almost went wild, He had his hat off and was swinging it wildly, while he executed a double-shuffle then and there, ‘‘Och! but you are dhe b’y, Misthur Darrel; sure ye are!” hecried, ‘‘ Divil a wan av me would have tought it was in yez, no more Oi would. Whoop! Come on, yez unwashed hyena, yez! Now is yer chance to show phwat yez can do, so it is, Phwat is dhe matther wid yez—anyhow!?” — ‘* See here, I think we have had about enough of this,” here put in Honorable Hamp, speakizg to Red-nose Mike. “If you know when you are well -ff, Red-nose, you will get out of here as soon as you can, ou bave met more than your match, it seems. Don’t be a fool now, but git. This was gall and wormwood to the fellow, but it seemed to be about the best thing that opened for bim at that moment, at “You have given hima lesson that he will probably re tee sir,” the mayor added, ick, aah “That remains to be seen,” observed Dick. ‘““What are you going to do abont it my \ to him with unusual fervor. During ‘‘Oh! I gives it up fer this time, I does,” the fellow blurted out. ‘‘ Yer has got ther dirty drop on me, an’ I ain’t got no show. Tl bear this in mind though you bet, an’ you'll bear from me later.” ‘¢ Allright, any time that suits you. Not that I want to have any trouble with you, but I have a way of chipping in on the weak side of a bad situation every time, and I warn you to leave this youth severely alone. He had nothing to do with your sudden change of luck,” “That’s my business, what I’ll do with bim,” was the growl, as the ruffian backed away from the threatening weapons, ‘‘Hyar, Lady Tiger, cash ther balance o’ my chips an’ I’ll slope fer ther present.” “With Micon sir,” was the gracious re- sponse, and the exchange was quickly made. ena, | his money into bis pocket, and giving ove look of hatred at Dandy Dick, the nba passed out into the other room of the ace. ar Sure, sor, but dbat was dhe n’atest Oi ever seen in me loife!” Barney O’Linn found it im- pocsible to help exclaiming. ‘Sure Oi never tought it was in yez,no more Oi did.” And, the weapons having disappeared out of Dick’s grasp, he seized his hand and shook it hearti- y- “Tam sorry that trouble should have occurred in my parlor,” remarked the card queen, ‘‘ but you were entirely in the right in ioterfering to protect this youth. I congratulate you upon your strength and nerve, Did you eversee any- thing to surpass 1t, Mr. Warde?” ‘* No, I never did,” was the hearty agreement. on the erg of the mayor. ‘* You are a team, sir, and no mistaking the fact. Men of Burnt Match, I propose that we give the stranger a suitabie badge to wear on his name, hat shall it be?” ale a howl of approval went up. The loud words, it must be understood, had at- tracted attention from the other room, and the gambler queen’s den was about full. *“ Hold.on a minute, before you go any fur- ther with that idea,” here Aas io the stranger, ‘‘T happen to have a handle to my name al- ready, and if it is aJl the same to you I don’t. care to have another,” “ What are it?’ was the demand, ‘“ What are it? Let’s hear what yer every-day name is, anyhow!” ** Well, I am known as seer 4 Dick,” was the explanation. ‘If you are satisfied with that—” “Jest ther ticket!” was the howl, ‘‘ Nothin’ better’n that, you bet! You isa dandy, fer a fact, an’ Dandy Dick it are.” re enough,” agreed the mayor, ‘‘ And now, boys, I would suggest that we give three cheers and a tiger for Dandy Dick. What do you say about that?” This struck approval immediately, and the cheers were given with a hearty expression, and with several tigers attached. And then was added a hiss for -nose Mike, wkose stock in the market had taken a sudden fall, Dick was the center of attraction in the saloon, and Mayor Warde seemed to have taken that time the laying at the table was at a standstill, and the y pee apperye seconded the mayor in extending good-will to Dick, © Gradually the excitement cooled down, The a ing was resumed, and Darrel turned his at- ention to the dude who had been the innocent cause of it all. Dick had kept an eye upon him, to see that he did not leave the room, for he desired to speak to him before he lost sight of him. : Leaving Barney looking at the playing, Dick stepped apart to where the dude was stand- ing. E, Chauncey ee to be decidedly duwn- cast, and eyed Dick curiously as he approached. Dick drew quite near before speaking, and then addressed the youth in whisper, almost. And the effect was magical. ith a start the pours man turned first white, then red, and asped: Yon know me, then?” ’ “Yes, I know you,” Dick assured. ‘‘ And I am going to ask you a plain question, too, I be- fieve you lost your last dollar at the table. Am Lright?” “Tt is the truth,” was the answer, the flush upon his face deepening, ‘‘ That fellow’s run of success tempted me to try to increase my funds a little, and I made the venture.”- * Accept this, then, from me,” Dick urged, extending some bills, secretly. ‘‘I insist upon it, Yes, as a loan, if you will; and never mind about when you are torepay it. If you want more, or need a friend, call upon me.” of, ~ ~ I TES ee ee : . | fs
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Mee as Fey And with that Darrel thrust the roll in the dude’s hand and turned away. Soon after he pee earner left the saloon to return to the otel, CHAPTER IX. A TRAGEDY AND ITS FRUIT, NATURALLY, the two thought their adven- tnres of the evening were over, but they were mistaken, Barney was dilating upon Dandy Dick’s great exploit, as he termed it, and they were half way pig the street when a shot was heard behind em, Before Barney could turn his head, Dick had wheeled, his weapons in his hands. With the shot, he had felt and heard a bullet dart through his tall hat, The next second another shot came, and the bullet that time just escaped hitting the Prince’s ear. Butit was not followed bya third, Dick saw the flash, and in the same instant his own revolver spit fire in that direction, The shot was followed immediately by a groan, and a man staggered out from the shadow of the Tin Horn, falling upon his face on tbe sidewalk, . ‘* May dhe divil fly away wid dhe omadhoun)” cried Barney O’Linn, ‘“ Av Oi had me muske- toon wid me, begorra it is dispersin’ av his car- cass Oi’d be doin’, so Oi would, Have ye killed him, sor?” “Tt is very probable that I have,” was the re- sponse, “I fired it to kill, In a severe and acute case like that, the remedy must be prompt and effective, I dido’t care to risk another of his shots; they were too close to be pleasant.” Dick was retracing his steps, now, toward the spot where the would-be assassin lay. Men were coming from every direction, at- tracted by the firing, and by the time Dick and his man reached the side of their fallen foe, quite a crowd was collecting. Dandy Dick pulled the man over upon his back, and saw that it was Red-nose Mike, “Ha! what's this about?” demanded the mayor, pushing his way to the front, “Tt means that | came near being murdered by this ruffian,” was Dick’s answer, ‘I checked him just in time,” ‘What! was Red-nose Mike trying to kill you?” “That be was. He sent one bullet through my hat, end another almost clipping my ear, _. and I thought it was about time to protest,” . proceedings instantly. _ Was neglected, _ Irishman cried, “Thunder! I shoujd say so, have fixed bim.” _ “Tt looks like it, Just look and see where he is hurt, or where the bullet took effect, will you, Barney ?”’ ‘*Dhat same Oi will, sor. Sure Oi reckon dhere will be a funeral here dhe morrow, an’ dhe town so much betther off fur dhe gone ay dhe spalpeen,” While speaking, he knelt beside the fallen man and opened his clothes, quickly but not roughly, and as he did so a very much soiled letter drop- ped out of a pocket in plain sight. They were right under one of two lamps that were in front of the Tin Horn, and light was plenty. As the letter came in sight, its super- scription was up to view, and what was the amazement of Barney O’Linn to see that it was addressed to himself! ‘“‘A lettber fur mesel’, be hivvins!” he cried, snatching it up and ending his Good Samaritan * Itis directed to Barney O’Linn, an’ dhat same is me, begorra! How in all batheration did a letther fur me come into dhe possession ay a gorilla loike dhat?” Barney’s amazement was too much for him, and every one else iooked on in the same sur- prise. Dick Darrel felt a keen interest in the matter, for he could discern that Barney was guess you ‘moved more deeply than the mere finding of ‘such a letter could account for, did it What mean? For the moment the man at their feet Barney looked at his find on all sides, and after that, hastily tore it open, He sought the signature immediately, and as soon as it met his ey an ejaculation broke from his lips, ** At last!” _That was his exclamation, him in a hoarse whisper, All standing immediatel and Dandy Dick looked at bh ing interest, near, overheard, begorra Oi want him to sbpake!” the young “He Ronidaia, sacret dhat O must have out av bim.” ‘* Av dhere isa shpark ay loife in dhat man, | the words escaping In another moment the wound was laid bare, The bullet had entered Red-nose Mike’s breast, and MY looked as though it had been immediately fatal, ‘*T guess he is done for, Barney,” Dandy Dick observed, ‘It’s too bad, for I hate to have blood on my hands, but in this case the fellow was to blame, and I would do the same again.” “Och, yez were roight enough in doin’ dhat same,” Barney agreed, ‘* but under dhe circum- stances Oi would loike yez hadn’t kilted him quite so dead all at wanst, Oi wonderay he bas anyting more about his clothes dhat belongs to me?” With the thengas search was made, but nothing more was found, About the time Barney was done, Red-nose Mike’s breast heaved, aud a sigh escaped him. ‘“‘Begorra but he is uloive yet!” the young Irishman cried, ‘‘Can yez heer phwat Oi am sayin’ at yez, ye spalpeen!” he demanded, shout- ing into the wounded knave’s ear, “You'll never get anything out of him that way, my man,” spoke up the raayor, now inter- fering, ‘‘ We'll carry the fellow into the saloon, and if he comes to so tiat he can speak, I will get out of him whatever be knows,” * But it is questionin’ av him mesel’ Oi want to be doin’,” Barney protested, ‘' Yez have no knowledge av phwat O1 would be askin’ kim, no more ye have. He houldssome knowledge phat Oi would be givin’ av me_roight band to be gettin’ out av him, and Oi hopa yez will lave bim roight phw’ere he is fur dbe prisent.” ‘* No, it won’t do,” the mayor objected. ‘‘ Mike is human, if he was a bad egg, and we won't let bim lie here like a dog. Pick him up, some of you, and carry him in, He must have care at once, “Tho mayor is right, Barney,” agreed Dandy Dick. ‘‘Let the man be carried in, and if a little liquor is given him it may revive him long enough to say something, if he will speak, ae won’t live, though; that hole is in a bad ace. » Men had already lifted the dying—almost dy- ing—man from the ground, and he was carried into the saloon, Dick and Barney followed, and as they en- tered the Irishman observed: ‘* Dhe mayor seemed to take intherest in dhe man moighty suddint loike. Never a wurred did he say till dhe man showed loife in him.” “Tt would have been of no use trying to do anything for a dead man,” Dandy Dick re- minded. **Come to think of it, dhat’s so,” Barney as- sented, ‘ Red-nose Mike was carried to the rear of the room, and there laid on a table, and the mayor called for whisky. Some of the article-—so called—was quickly brought, and when a little of the poison had been poured into the wounded man’s mouth, he presently opened his eyes, Barney had pressed bis way to the front, forcibly, and Dandy Dick was somewhat in the rear, the crowd having got ahead of him, When Mike opened his eyes, looking around bim and groaning, Barney quickly demanded: ‘Can ye shpake wid me, yez poor divil?” “You had better let me question bim,” the mayor interfered, ** Phwat’s dbe matther wid me doin’ av it me- sel’, sor?” Barney demanded of bim. a, ‘‘ Nothing, sir, nothing,” was the response, ‘The man will answer questions from me much more promptly than he will from you, thougb,” * Well, Oi want to know how he came by dhis letther, and how long it has been in his posses- sion,” Barney urged. ‘*Oi want to know who gave it to him, an’ phwere dhe writer av it is.” _ * Let me see the letter,” thé mayor parleyed, holding out his baad, Divil a see!” Barney demurred. ‘' Don’t be -wastin’ av toime, av ye are goin’ to be av any man with increas- | service to me,” “You needn't get huffy about it,” was the cool reminder. ‘‘ You seem to forget that I am at the head of affairs in this camp, and that I am offering to serve you,” ** Oi don’t m’ane to be huffy, sor, but ye can’t ondershtand dhe anxious way Oi am in, It is divil a bit ye are servin’ av me, an’ ye don’t be afther gettin’ av dhe infurmashun Oi am want- in _* Then you refuse to let me see the letter?” ‘** Av coorse Oi do, till Oi have read it mesel’ first, begorra!” , “Very well, then, do your own questioning. I'm of no use to you, I can see.” Lortea ls Pd eye Fes woud tes ig he aft ip > ye oO als . fo! . al ae etn! TEs Oe lta | | . - i i _— “ Divil a bit at all, at all,” and Barney turned again to the wounded man on the table, ' Red-nose Mike bad gone off into a faint and it looked as though be had breathed his last. The mayor had noticed this, and perhaps believed the man was dead, for he turned away and pass- ed out of the saloon, favoring Dick with another of his keen, suspicious glances as he passed him, CHAPTER X. MAYOR HAMP MAKES LOVE, RED-NOSE MIKE was not dead, but he was en- tering the Dark Valley. He bad come to a sudden and terrible end, but deserved it, and had brought it upon himself by his evil attempt upon Dandy Dick's life. Derrel bad now pressed to the front, and ag some more of the liquor between the fel- ow’s lips, wanting to aid Barney all he could, knowing that there was something back of it more than appeared. After some minutes the man opened his eyes again, uttered another groan, and looked about um, As he did so, his eyes rested upon Dandy Dick, and a look of hatred came into them. **Cuss yer,” he faintly grated, ‘yer has done fur me,” “ Your own fault,” said Dick, pityingly. “I’m sorry I didn’t—didn’t plug—” He choked, and did not finish, but bis mean- ing could be guessed. ““Yeare a dead man, ye poor divil ye,” Bar ney O’Linn impressed, bending over the fellow, holding the letter so he could see it, ‘ Will ye session?” The fellow tried to raise himself up, as though he would grab at the letter, but fell back weak and powerless, “1 want— want— want a— doc—doctur,” he panted, ‘*A doctor can’t do anything for you,” de- clared Dandy Dick. ‘‘ You are past all help, If you have anything to say, you bad better say it quick,” t this announcement a look of horror came into the rascal’s face, Perhaps he bad not full realized his position before, The fear of deat was upon him with all its awful force. ‘“‘T—I—the letter-—I—never read—” “Never moind dhat,” cried Barney. ‘“ Who gave it to ye?” . “ [—I—have been—a—a—bad man,” the dying wretch gasped, ‘ [—I—” Seconds were precious now, and Barney O’Linn was almost wild, Why would nct the man answer his question? **Sure we all know dhat,” Barney cried, “ Answer dhe question Oi am askin’ ye, an’ ye hope to be furgiven av yer misceeds, Whogave ye dbis letthur!” ““T—I—have been—one--one of Dev—Devil Duval’s men, There—there’s no ar, hag ness tur me, That cri—crime of this—this mor— morning sends me—to—hell!” ‘‘ What crime do you mean?” demanded Dan- dy Dick, quickly. ff Shoot—shootin’ that wo—woman an’ ther-+ ther—’ Again he choked and did not finish, Dick and Barney exchanged a glance, ‘* But, dhe letther!” Barney urged. ‘Tell mo abont dhat—tell me, Oi beg av ye!” The dying man tried to speak again, but now his strength was spent. Two or three attempts he made, and then suddenly a great gasp escaped ‘bim and he was dead, “That settles it, Barney,” remarked Dick, turning away, ‘The wretch bas gone to face the great Judge of all, Come, let’s go out, for I cannot remain in the same room wit You beard his confession.” **Oi did dbat same,” Barney responded, as he followed, ‘“‘an’ may dhe Judge have mercy upon his soul,” ‘He deserved the fate he met, and more. I am arney, between us and that hand,” ‘*Roight ye are!” cried Barney. now passed out of the saloon, and were crossing: the street, 1 somet’ing about dhis letther. But Oi am on dhe soon to come face to face wid dhe—” _. then, They entered the ho hittle while repaired to their room. There they bad a long and earnest conversation, following the reading of the letter Barney had found, in which” “You ask more than [ can,” Dick responded. — tell me phwere ye got dhis letther into yer pos- his body, - gad he fell by my band, It is war to the teeth, Mt They had “Oi only wish he had tould me — roight thrack at last, Vank hivvins, an’ Oi hope — Something interrupted, and he did not finish +} eer an tel, and in a littl | Barney told Dick his story in full, aud Dick = ry ate NY byl ri str ana ‘4 Poa i + aye tae , 1 Sop et —_——— - ‘ PSE: ’
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D5, 1A wal Pas : {3 t Be) a = rp tT 7 hes’. © ‘sa ee ape ae 2% Sp Ee a7*Ea a <a =~ “ mw — pledged him his aid in righting a wrong he had suffered. After the death of Red-nose Mike, the excite- ment gradually cooled, and the Tin Horn settled down to its natural condition. The body bad been carried away, to await its burial on the morrow, and in the minds of many the event bad made no impression what- ever, and the dead man was almost if not quite forgotten, Groups of men here and there, however, talked about him, and especially about certain words that had dropped from his lips in his last mo- ments, That he had been cne of Devil Duval’s men, was a surprise to them all. 1t was hard to realize that it was the truth. When his career was looked into, however, it was seen that it was easily possible that he bad played such a role, and his own dying statement bore such weight that it was soon accepted as the fact that he had figured as one of the Devil's Half-Dozen. But his career was at an end now, and the important question was, Were there ye more of the band harbored in the town? ayor Warde was gone for some time, and only returned to the saloon about the time when rr ad Tiger was closing her bank for the night. be Honorable Hampton made his way to her ‘*parlor” immediately, and finding ber there, smiled his pleasantest, as he remarked: ‘‘Hal I am glad I find you here. Was afraid I should find your bank closed, and you gone for the night.” ‘* A jittle later and you would have realized your fears,” was the pee reply. * Then i am glad [am no later. I want to talk with you, Lady Tiger.” “Which you are welcome to do, I am sure,” she returned. ‘“ Fire ahead, as the rough-and- ready invitation is.” ‘Yes, but I want to talk in private, May I accompany you over to the hotel, and will you stop a few moments in the parlor and give me an opportunity to say something of import- ance? “Why, yes, certainly, I shall be ready in a ict few moments.” hile speaking, the woman gathered up her chips and money, putting them into a band-bag, and took a brace of revolvers from a shelf just under the table and stuck them into a belt be- neath her loose velvet jacket. That done, she folded the table, drew a cloth over it, and was ready to go, The mayor conducted her out through the saloon, offered bis arm when they reached the street, and so led her across to the hotel and into the parlor. There the woman sat down, inviting the mayor to do the same, and accepting a chair near her, the Honorable Hampton came at once to business. - Miss Athwood. I have several times hinted that I love you. Now, I come right out bluntly and declare it, and ask you to marry me, What do you say to it? I hope you won't refuse.” ‘““T hardly know how to answer you, Mr. Warde,” the woman made response, and she held her eyes cast down, toying with the hem of her jacket. «Phen you don’t refuse outright, and that is a big point gained, | take it, Llove you Marian, and want you for my own. Can’t you bring yourself to think well enough of me to marry e? **T will be frank with you, Mr. Warde—” “Why not Hamp?” the mayor corrected, ‘Very well, Iwill befrank with you, Hamp- ton, I believe I do think well enough of you to marry you, but—” ‘“‘But what?’ the mayor interrupted, all smiles, ‘ Dast it, if that’s the case, Marian, it seems to me that’s all there is about it. Will you marry me?” 2, Wait; you have not heard what I have to y. ** Well, let’s bear it then,” “ You call me Miss Ath wood, and I have never corrected you; but the truth is, I am a widow.” **The dickens you are!” The Honorable Hampton opened his eyes wide, | with a brace of revolvers in hand, covering and whistled softly. Tris is news!” he furtber exclaimed. ‘ But, what’s the odds{” he immediately added. * You're free to marry, ain’t you?” **Ob, yes, perfectly free, and [ believe will- ing, too; but there 1s one point that I must weigh carefully before 1 give you your answer. I have a mission of vengeance to carry out, and J py to remain free-handed until that is e:ted, { * Ob, I don’t know about that,” argued the Dandy Dick, Detective. mayor. ‘‘ What is it? Maybe I will be able to lend you big help. We'll make a strong team, Marian.” Thus invited, the Lady Tiger told her story, not giving real names, however; a precaution the mood of the moment led her to take, And the mayor listened attentively to the end, He showed interest—more than passing interest. And finally they separated, and the mayor was to have his answer on the morrow. A smile, a cunning, significant smile, was upon the Honor- able Hamp’s face as he repaired to the bar-room. CHAPTER XI. DICK FACES HIS SWORN FOE, Danpy Dick DaRREL had by this time dis- covered that he had indeed found a diamond in the rough in Barney O’Linp. The assistant was jo:ly, and always ready, about twenty years of age, as he has been de- scribed. He was homely, but what he lacked in looks was made up in good sense. As a prospector, he was acting an assumed role, for in reality he was playing the detective, looking for a lost sister and the rascal who had wrecked her life, The particulars of the matter are not germane to the interests of our present story. Barney had last heard from her from a town in Colorado, Ln her letter she told bim ber sad story, an‘ asked him to come and take her home. Barney had set out at once, but on arriving at the place from which the letter had been sent, found that she was no longer there. No one could tell him where she had gone. She had been there some weeks, supporting her- self by washing and’ mending clothes for the miners, but had suddenly disappeared, Every- thing indicated that she bad gone off suddenly and without preparation. No one knew any- thing about her, and Barney was without aclow to her whereabouts. But he did not give up. This sister, Nora by name, was older than he, He knew that she was as trne as gold, and hav- ing sent for him to come to her, would not of her own free will have gone from the place as she bad without ieaviog some word from bim. He had written to ber that he would start im- mediately, and now this letter which be had found in the possession of Red-nose Mike was addressed to him at the camp where she had been. He bad immediately commenced search, going from town to town as a wandering pros- pector, But now this letter made everything clear. Nora had been discovered in her retreat, by the man who had wronged her, and had been forci- bly carried away by bim and some others as bad as himself. She was now in the power of the band of outlaws, the Devil’s Half-Dozen, a close prisoner, aad obliged to cook and wash for the rascals, A favor she had done for one of them had encouraged her to intrust a letter with him to be mailed to Barney. And that one, needless to explain, bad been Red-nose Mike, and the let- ter had never been out of his pocket, ; This was the story, in brief, which Barney told Dick, and, as said, Dick promised his aid to- ward effecting the rescue of the lad’s sister from the hands of the devils who bad her in their power. As he had previously said, it was to be war to the teeth between them and the out- law band, From this story, too, Dandy Dick saw that Barney was an ally whom Providence seemed to have sent to him, With the cause he had against this outlaw band, he would be worth two men serving merely for pay, Their interests at pres- ent were identical, or almost, Dick Darrel bad prided himself upon being a ood judge of faces, and the more he saw of arney thestronger became his faith in his first impression of him, It seemed clear that he had made no mistake in his case, It was quite late when the two finally retired to rest, and both being pretty well fagged out, they were not long in dropping into a sound sleep. ‘When they awoke, some time later still, it was with a start, and both sat up at the same instant and stared around. About the bed stood four masked men, each them. . _ “ Utter one word, make the least alarm, and you are dead men!’ So one of the four hissed in whisper, and Dandy Dick and Barney realized that they were in something of a dilenima, “Sure Oi'll not shpake,” whispered Barney, hoavsely, ‘but phwat is it yez do be wantin’ av “That’s the question,” added Dick, ‘To whom do we owe the honor of this unexpected visit? What is wanted, gentlemen?” © ‘+ Hold your tongues, or you will not live long enough to learn,” was the threatening retort. ‘* Out of that bed and dress yourselves, soon as you can doit, We'll stand no fooling.” ‘¢ As there seem to be no help for it, we'll have to do as y.u direct,” cheerfully agreed Dick, slipping out of bed, ‘‘Come, Barney, it seems we are in for a nocturnal adventure of some sort. Get up and get into your clothes,” But Barney was already moving, and was out ere Dick had finished bis order, They were about to pick up their clothes, when they were suddenly told to wait a moment, and one of the fellows took away their weapons, “You won't have any use for these for awhile,” the spokesman remarked, ‘‘so you may as well Jeave them rigkt here,” The weapons removed, they were allowed to dress, and in a few moments were in full attire, 2 Now,” whispered the leader, ‘‘ our order is to bind, gag and blindfold you, or kill you if you resist, You are not goin’ ter be harmed, an@ in about an hour you will be back here safe and sound.” ‘All right; goon with the funeral! There seems no help for it, and I suppose there is no use making a fuss about i'.” ““If you do make a fuss, it will be the worse for you.” ith that a signal was given to one of the men, who proceeded with the business of carry- ing out the proposed arrangements. na little while both Dick and Barney had been securely bound, gagged and blindfolded, “Now,” spoke the leader, ‘‘we are about to take you from this room, Walk with all the caution you know how tocommand. Make any noise, and—” But he stopped. Something evidently did not suit bim. ; ‘No, we will take the safe side,” he whispered to bis men. ‘* We'll bind their feet, too, and carry them out of the house. Tie their feet, same as you have their hands, and burry.” That was quickly done, and the prisoners were perfectly helpless. The door was opened quietly, and after listen- ing for a moment the rascals lifted their prison- ers up and bore them from the room. Almost without a sound they passed down the stairs, then along the hall toa rear door, out, down the steps, and away, When they had gone a little distance from the house, then the two were allowed the freedom of their feet again. The cords were taken off, and i were told to walk. - ith a man on each side of them, they were led away, in what direction they could not tell, and for twenty minutes not a word was spoken, Finally the stop was made, and a voicé broke the silence. , ; ‘‘Ha!l you brought them, did youf” was ex- claimed, ‘* You bet we did,” was the response, ‘‘ Well, free their mouths and eyes, and let them look about them.” ; The order was quickly executed, Dick and Barney took a survey of their sur- roundings. y They were standing in a dismal mountain gorge, narrow and rugged, a mere crack in the mighty rock. With them stood three men, masked, while before them, at a little distance, stood a fourth, whose face was revealed, and at sight of whom Dandy Dick uttered a cry of rage. ““Oraig Morgan! Would that I could get at your throat!” “Ha, ba, ba!” the man laughed. recognize me, Dick Darre],” ‘“‘Yes, I do, curse you! And I see that you know who 1 am. Release me, and I will fight you to the death.” i ‘‘ Well, hardly, I guess,” with mocking tone, ‘*T have no desire to grapple with you at pres- ent. But I have brought you here for a pur- “*T see you pose ” “What is your purpose? Do you mean to murder me, as you have already murdered others? You may sneer now, Craig Morgan, but unless you take my life while you have me iu your power, your doom is certain,” “Bah! I fear you not. What can you do, out here where every’ advantage is on my side? Didn’t I tell you that { would have sweet re- venge? And haven’t I bad it? I can laugh at you now as I have been laughing at you for some time. Ha, ha, ha! You are no match for me, Dandy Tick.” “Ob! Heaven curse you! Would that I~ could burst these bonds, and I would dash your brains out upon these rocks,” And Dick tugged 7 " ‘
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SS hhrteiad eX aa ‘ and then look out. ' other disputed. Dandy Dick, hoists dooce a a mm RE 9 madly at his bonds, until hands were laid on him, ‘It is your hour now, curse you!” he panted, ‘‘but mine will come, A crime like ours will not be allowed to go unavenged, and t have taken the oath of vengeance against you. I will hound you to the ends of the earth, if need be, for I swear that your life’s blood shall be mine!” é CHAPTER XII. DANDY DICK DERIDED. THE other laughed in derision. Barney O’Linn looked at Dandy Dick, too amazed to speak yet. The more he saw of him, the more he thought that something like “Tiger ” Dick would be a more appropriate name for bim, lt was a tableau unique, that which these six men went to make, and the scene was lighted by a torch that was sticking in a cleft in the rocky wall of the narrow defile. And it puzzled Barne "4 to understand why there were not seven of them, all told, since there had been four of their captors, at the out- set, while now there appeared but three. What had become of the other mar? He could not answer the question. As for Dick Darrel, he was trembling with passion, and his face was pale anddrawn, His nerves were twitching, his muscles were stand- ing out like knots upon his athletic limbs, and his every thought and instinct was centered upon the one idea he had uppermost in mind— revenge! “That was a pretty speech, truly,” Craig Morgan—as Dick had called the man—sneered, “but it will avail you nothing. Talk will not saw wood, Dick Darrel, and when you set your- self up to oppose me, you take more than you can handle. ou came into this part of tke country as Richard Prince, and no doubt thought that your dudish make-up would serve you asa disguise. But you could not fool me, ? “Te is your time now,” returned Dick, with forced calmness. ‘ Mine ‘will come, unless you murder me while you have me in your power, The fury of hell will be tame as compared witb mine, when the hour comes.” “Bah! Your talk makes me despise you the more, Would I kill you? Not by any means! It isa part of my revenge that you shall live, knowing that Craig Morgan has kept bis oath and despoiled you of every earthly happiness, Ha, ba, ha! Oh, you may grate your teeth; iN like to see you do it. This is the hour lL have looked forward to for many a day.” ** Why have you brought me here?’ Dick de- manded, forcing down the anger that only made him the laughing-stock of his foe, ‘* What do you intend doing with me?” **Why have I brought you here?” was the mocking repetition; ‘‘why indeed, except to taunt you. When I am done, then you will be taken back to the hotel at Burnt Match, baby, that you are!” “Coward that you are, you dared not come there and face me like a man, and give me the satisfaction that should be mine!” **You mistake, Dick Darrel. I have been with you at the camp; have been close enough to you to touch you.” “You lie! You could not appear there, no matter what your disguise, and I not know you.” ‘‘ Ha; ha, ba!” “When have I seen you there?” Dick hotly de- manded, ‘““No matter, but take my word for it, It delights me to puzzle and baffle you like this,” “But you shall pay for this hour’s torture, Craig Morgan. I will scour these hills but I hunt you out of your hole, and when I have found you—” The sentence was left unfinished, evidently for want of language strong enough "for the oc- casion. “No, you will do nothing of the kind,” the “You will not remain ‘three days in this part of the couutry.” “Won't I! The powers below could not drag me away, Craig Morgan. It must be your life or mine. We cannot breathe the same air, and botb live, Why think you I will go away?” ** Because I have had you brought here, secon- darily, to warn you that you must go. You are een three days, in which to take your leave. f you are not gone at the end of that time, a horrible fate will be yours.” “TI thought I was to be allowed to live, as a of your tigerish revenge.” * And so you are; but do you want to be buried alive in these mountains, to drag out theramain- der of your existence in chains?” - ** Would you dare to put me to such a fate?” **Do youdoubt that I would? But Is speak not for myself in this; I speak for another.’ ‘And who is that other?” ** Devil Duval,” “ Begorra!” suddenly broke in Barney O’Linn, ‘*but Oi have it! Ye are wan an’ dhe same, so ye are, P fe Satan’s Imp! Oh, I knows ye now-— so I do!” ‘“*My own thought,” assented Dick. ‘ Craig Morgan, you are the outlaw upon whose bead a price is set. It was you who murdered that in- nocent—” ‘*Say no more about it,” the knave interrupt- ed, with a wave of the hand. ‘ You have been warned, andif you do not heed the warning, your fate awaits you. You will be chained ina mountain cavern, there to rot.” “Then you don’t deny that you are Devil Duval.” “Tf itis any satisfaction to you, [ am that gentleman, These are some of my men,’ ‘* Dhen be hivvins it is a bcne Oi have to pick wid ye mesel’,” cried Barney. ‘t Never a shtep do Oi move out av dhese bills till Oi have found yer den and—and—” ‘“Say no more, Barney,” interrupted Dick. ** Silence is better.” ‘‘Oh, I can finish what he would say,” the outlaw. spoke up. ‘‘He means to find our re- treat and rescue that black-eyed relation of his who is witb us. Better not re it on, my Jad.” ‘* How did ye know dhat?” Barney demanded. “Basily enough, I was in town to-night when Red-ncse “Mike was kilied, and know all about the letter you found upon bim, Only that by that fact 1 know he was as good as a traitor, [ would avenge his death upon both of you.” Ae Begorra, but it is dhe royal liar ye are, an’ dbat Oi'm sayin’ to yer bead, so Oi am. Av Oi had seen dhe face av ye dbere, sure Oi would know ye now, which same Oi’ll be hanged av Oi do.” Barney’s meaning was plain, even though ex- pressed in cloudy language, Like Dandy Dick be would not believe that this human devil had been so near them. ‘‘Tt makes little difference whether you be- lieve it or rot,” the outlaw returned, ** You have heard what the result will be if you don’t get away from bere within three days.” * An’ do ye m’ane to serve me dhe same way as me master!” demanded Barney. “No; we'll bang you to the first convenient limb, ‘And if you don? t be mighty civil Tl order that done at once.” “ Divil a peep more will ye héar out av me,” peetren Barney, and he shut up like a wakened clam, Dandy Dick, believing that his enemy bad a spy in the camp, was now trying to guess who it could be, Of course his short time there ren- dered this a difficult thing to do, And then, too, he wasin no frame of mind for calm reflection, With the man before him whose life he sought, and with righteous justice on his side, too, it was not easy to think care- fully, though he could think TAY: sf Vell, what do you intend to do, Dick Dar- rel?” the outlaw demanded. ‘You have already heard what I intend to do,” was the answer. “ All right; it’s your own funeral, A man of mine will watch you, night and day, and. will let me know whether you heed my advice or not. “Tecan plainly see that you want to get me away from here, But let me tell you, Craig Morgan, and once for all, that Dick Darrel is no man to be baffled, He will hunt for you to your oom!” ‘“T laugh at such talk from you, Dick Darrel. But, when I threaten, as you have good cause to know, my threats are executed. If you are not away from this country within three days know what to expect. Men, bind the fellows and take them back,” Dick retorted, hotly, but it brought forth only laughter and derision. And he was speedily cut short, for the gag was forced into his mouth, and his eyes were blindfolded as they bad been at first, Take them | back ! the voice of the outlaw chief order and leavethem in their room, gagged and sus as they arenow. It will be a good warning to the whole town of the power of Devil Duval,” No other word word was spoken, and the re- turn march was begun immediately. Finally the town was reached, and a halt was made while the prisoners’ feet were secured, That done, Lig the house, as were taken up and carried int» they had been carried out, the same number of men being again with them, In the room, there tha bandages were removed from their eyes, and they beheld four men as before, All were closely masked, and their identity could not be guessed, CHAPTER XIII. DICK GETS A SMALL CLEW, BARNEY O’LINN would undoubtedly have of- fered some remark, but he was not given oppor- tunity, And it was the same with Dandy Dick. He had now guessed the truth, that one of these four was his arch enemy, Craig Morgan himself, Such was tke fact, At the place to which Dick and Barney had been taken, the rascal had merely stepped apart from the other 8s, removed his mask, and then addressed the others as a fifth personage, ‘* Well, bere you are again,” the outlaw now whispered, ‘Cand here we will leave you, with the compliments of our chief,” The voice was so changed, that Dick could hardly believe he had guessed aright, positive as he had’been of bis discovery. If this was Craig Morgan, his power to alter his voice was remarkable, ‘“* And you had better heed the warning Devil Duval has given you,” headded, ‘He isa man who never breaks his word, in a matter of this kind, and you have heard what your fate is to be if you disregard the warning,’ The four now moved toward the door, but the leader stopped and turned back, glancing around the room, Some paper was lyin ng on a table near at hand, and stepping to the table he drew a heavy pencil from bis pocket and printed something on one of the sheets, When he had done this he laid down the pen- cil, and, taking up the sheet, spat upon the back of it and clapped it up on the wall opposite the door, The print was lar arge and plain, and these were the words display “BEWARE THE DECREE OF “DEVIL DUVAL,” Stepping back, the rascal pointed to this, look- ing at Dandy Dick, and in the same voice as before, said: “Feast your eyes on that till morning. We'll leave the light so that you can see it, As I’m the Devil’s lieutenant I am authorized to use his name when I think it suitable, Digest it well, and don’t fail to heed the warning.” With that, then, he turned to the door, and the four passed out of theroom, A slight click was heard when the door bad closed, and the key, in the Jock on the inside, was turned, bis explained to the prisoner how entrance had been gained in the first instance, for they had locked the door upon retiring, with nippers, from the outside, Dandy Dick Darrel was in a fever to get free, now that the rascals had gone, for they had left a clew—one that the leader might think of at any moment, and return to secure, Both his hands and Barney’s were tied bebind their backs, their feet were securely bound, and they were still gagged, as we have seen. Dick’s thoughts flew rapidly, seeking the means of accomplishing his object, but for a time did not succeed in giasping the right idea, But, presently, it came like a flash, Turning himself over, and working up a little higher on the bed, which it did not take long to do, he brought his fingers to play upon the knot that held the gag in Barney’s mouth, and it was speedily untied. ‘“Begorra, but dbat was foine!” Barney ex- claimed when he had shaken the thing out of his mouth, ‘Oi was thryin’ to t’ink av dhe how to do it, but hang me av Oi had dhe wit, no more Oi had. Hould yer whist, now, an’ orn do dhe same fur yersel’ in jest wan minute,” He was as good as bis word, and Dick, too, soon had the use of bis tongue, ““Good for you, ie pa he complimented. | ‘¢'You have served me well, Now try and free my hands in the same way, and we shall soon have our liberty, The warfare has opened in earnest, it seems,” ‘*Begob, but ye are roight, 80 so ye are, Av dbere ain’t blue shmoke in dhe air before another moon, dhen ye may kick me fura jackass, dbat’s lt shtroikes me we are in fur it, an’ dhat ores is goin’ to be some throuble in dhe near beyanst!” ;
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_ now held quite a gonsultation, Barney set at work immediately, and after eve little time succeeded in getting Dick’s bohds ose, That point gained, all the rest was easy. Dick rolled out of bed, crept over to where his weapons lay, and with his kuife cut the cords that held his feet, then doing the same for Bar- ney. ** ree again!” Dick exclaimed. lesson for us, Barney.” ** Roight yez are!” Barney agreed, *¢ A lesson for us never to lay aside our weap- ons again, while such foes as ours are at large.” ““Yis, begorra; and never fur dhe both av us to go aslape at wanst, aytbur. Oi intind to watch «bile you slape after dhis,” ‘* That may not be necessary, for we can take better precaution about securing our door here- after. But, Barney, here is a clew the devils left for us.” As he spoke, Dick reached to the table and aren up the pencil which the outlaw had left ying there, Barney gave vent to an exclamation, and jum with delight, snapping bis fingers. ‘Not too lond!” Dick bad to caution. ‘‘ We don’t want to be overheard,” ** Roight yez are, but Oi was dhat.tickled Oi couldn’t help it, But, Bay his ardor suddenly cooling, ‘* phwat good will it do yez?” ‘*Tt may do much good, and againit may not do any,” was the response. ‘*That remains to be seen. But if I am not greatly mistaken I have seen this pencil before.” ‘*Dhe divil yesay! Phwere have ye seen it? Begorra, but av ye can foind dhe owner av it ye will lay hands onto dhe man phwat left it here, whoever he may be, an’ Oi dunno.” Dandy Dick was now studying the printed letters on the notice the outlaw had posted up. Barney asked no questions, but he could see that bis master had some idea in mind, or was tryin to study up apoint ‘ Well,” Dick finally remarked, taking the no- tice down and destroying it, ‘‘ I guess the excite- ment is over for to-night, Barney. We will fin- ish our sleep.” 2 ‘* Never a wink more will Oi. be afther takin’ dhis noight,” Barney declared, “Sure av we o to slape again we may wake up in dhe morn- in’ to foind oursel’s kilted intoirely so we may.” ‘* We will lie down, anyhow. e can secure the door better, and no one can get in without our knowing it.” ** But how will ye be doin’ av it? ‘* We'll move the bed against it.” Accordingly, this was done, and they threw themselves upon the bed, boots and all, — But there was no more sleep for either of them. The excitement through which they had passed, and their active thoughts forbade. They talked but little, and when coming day- age caused their lamp to pale, they got up, They were rested, even though they bad had little sleep, and were ready for the events of the day. Dandy Dick made his toilet with his usual care, and except for the bullet-bole in his hat, was not much the worse for the exciting scenes through which he had passed. Hoe and Barney Bat it was im- sible to arrange details. They must be guided ve vents as they came. inally, when the household was astir, and the street was beginning to waken into life for another day, they went down. “This is'a They had Serena to say nothing whatever about their night’s adventure, Honorable room when they entered, and greeted them heartily. 2 Such, at any rate, was his manner toward Dick, He had little or nothing to say to Bar- ney, The young Irishman had evidently hurt his dignity on the previous evening. ‘Haven't seen anything of that missing wo- man Pigg have you?” the mayor asked, presently. “No, not a thing,” returned Dick, And he was eying the man keenly. **T was just asking the, landlord here if she had put in an appearance, He has seen nothin of her. Mighty Danecs isn’t it.” . “It certainly is strange,” Dick agreed, ‘I do not see what can have become of her. She disa foul _ Their conversation ran on till breakfast-time. Little was said of interest to ovr story, but all a, though I can’t see how that has been e, | the time Dandy Dick was eying the mayor in a curious way, Something about the man seemed to bave awekened a new interest, What was it? It was a question he put to himself, and did not answer, amp, the mayor, was in the bar- peared suddenly, and may bave met with | Dandy Dick, Detective. CHAPTER XIV. ANOTHER WOMAN IN THE CASE, BREAKFAST cione, Dick returned to the bar- room. He had made a short stay in the dining-room, and left Barney still at the table. Few persons were in the bar-room, and this was what Dick had figured upon. He bad a point to play, the first move of which had to be carefully made, Approaching the cftice desk, idly picking his teeth, he stooped suddenly and io geht to pick something up from the floor, he object was a lead pencil, which he had in hand at the time. It was the one that had been leftin his room by the outlaw. Displaying it, as he rose, to the landlord, he observed; ‘** Somebody has lost a pencil.” ** Not mine, sir,” the landlord declared, “And it certainly isn’t mine,” added Dick. * Just stick it up there where it will 2be plainly seen, and its owner may notice it.” This the laudlord did, putting the pencil up on the top of a bottle where it was shov nin bold outline against a silvered box. No one could belp seeing it, looking in that direction. Not another word was said about it, and Dick passed on to the piazza, where he took a few turns up and down, After a little while Barney came out and joined him, Dick asked concerning his horse, as others were near by, and Barney went off to the stables. When he returned he reported that the horse was all right, and had received the best of care, and there being no one at hand then to overhear, Dick was able to say what he had been unable to say before, ‘* That pencil is on a bottle behind the bar, I have had my eye on it, Now you take charge of it, watch it every moment, and if any une gives any attention to it, do not fail to find out who he is, at the same time not letting bim kpow you are watching.” ‘Sure, ye may trust me fur dhat,” Barney declared confidently, ‘‘Oi can do dhat same, and divil a wanst will any wan set his two eyes upon dhat pansil widout me knowin’ av it,” With tbat he sauntered into the bar-room, and picking up a paper, dropped into a chair as though he bad come to stay. A little later and the dude, E, Chauncey Howe, came in from the dining-room, and seeing Barney, asked where Dick was, Barney direct- ed him to the piazza. a The youth passed out, and joining Dick, the two fell into anearnest talk, «A new chapter in the series of events was unfolded to Dick during their conversation, and the youth wanted his advice, Dick gave thaf, freely. Light was beginning to dawn, though Dandy Dick was still in the dark, There was much that puzzled him; every- thing that baffled him. Yet, the end was com- ing now—rather the beginning of the end. hile these two were talking, something else of interest took place in the tar-room, ‘ Barney O’Linn was at his post, Siem buried in the columns of bis paper, but really keenly on the alert, with an eye upon that pen- cil, Honorable Hampton Warde came into the room, looking at peace with himself and all the world, aud, stepping to the bar, asked for a cigar. Barney was watching him, as he bad watched every one else who had approached the r. Suddenly, and most lg abet his vigi- lance was rewarded, He saw the mayor glance at the pencil, and at the same instant give a start, as of surprise, and his hand flew to his vest cket. Immediately he looked around, but Barney was deeply interested with the news. And Barney was not the only one who had noted it. .The landlord, too, bad observed the mayor's action, “© Your port, Mayor Hamp?” the landlord asked, takingitdown. No, it isn’t mine,” wastheanswer, ‘‘ Where did you get it, though?” He spoke in low tones, and Barney could no ey than catch his words, but his ears were een. “ Why,” the landlord explained, ‘‘ that young sport you call Dandy Dick picked it up bere on the floor a little while ago,” _“ Picked it up on the floor? Are you sure about that?” : “Certainly; saw him do it. It was right down there,” pointing wut the spot. ‘Ob, well, it don’t matter,” the mayor lightly a over; “ it isn’t mine, so I’m not intert ~ | S od With another turn of his eyes in Barney's direction, then, the mayor passed out, puffing away at his cigar, easily, coolly. The Lady Tiger was late in coming down to breakfast. When she entered the dining-room no one was there, the last one except herself having break- fasted. But this seemed to be not an unusual thing for her, and the quality of the repast placed before her was none the worse for her tardiness. She seemed in a bright mood, however, which had not always been the case in the morning, and the young woman who waited upon the table noted that she was dressed with unusual finish for that hour. When she bad finished the meal she did not return to her room, as usual, but entered the parlor. , She had not been long there when tbe door opened and the Honorable Hampton Warde looked in, and seeing her, entered quickly and hastened toward her, (rage answer,” he exclaimed, ‘‘ what is it to She smiled upon him favorably, and motioned him to a seat. “Tt is not going to be unfavorable,” she re- ed, **So I thought, the moment I caught sight of your face,” he declared. ** But it must be conditional,” she added, ‘Ha! But, nomatter. 1 accept the conditions, provided they are not too severe,” ‘Of that you must be the judge. Are you ready to hear them?” : ‘* Yes, yes, let ne have tbem,” “Tast night I told you much about myself, particularly concerning my mission of ven- geance, ‘Yes, yes, I recollect well.” “‘Tt is upon that mission of vengeance the condition rests,” ‘“You have but to name it, then, and I'll agree to whatever terms you impose, You have got the drop on me, if you will permit the ex- pression.” The Lady Tiger smiled. ‘* Very well; you are taken at your word, [I will become re wife, Hampton, on condition tbat you will not only not interfere with my vengeance, but that you will aid me all in~ your power toward bringing the mission to a close,” It was now the mayor’s turn to smile. Aud smile he did, a cunning, meaning smile, scmetbing like one that bad appeared upon his face at his parting with the woman on the pre- vious evening. But she evidently noticed nothing of tbat. The mayor had found favor in her sigbt, and the smile was taken es indicative of the willingness with which he was ready to comply with ber demands, ** How can you call so simple a request as that a condition?” the mayor asked, ‘' I agree to it, ef course, Why would I not? You may count upon me for that, every time. I will make the cause my own.” ‘*No, I do not ask that; all I require is your support,” ' ‘ Well, you shall have it.” **T will marry you.” : The mayor glanced around, saw that no one 4 else was present, and catching the woman to his breast, kissed her, . ** And now,” be further demarded, “when will you make my bappiness complete?” ‘*Whenever you will,” was the answer, ‘Then it shall be the day after to-morrow. The boys will want to make a big time, natur- ally. so Dll let it be known at once.” Do just as you think best about that; Iwill be ready.” — } , “That settles it. You aregoing to make me the proudest man in the country, Lady Tiger!” ** And I hope I shall be a happy woman,” was the honest response, ‘I love yop, as you bave the right now to know, and will be a true wile to you.” . : Their talk was quite a long one, after tbat, but nothing that needs be quoted here, Finally they parted for the time being. the woman going to her room, and the mayor going forth to let out the secret so that the news would / soon be heralded, rs (hit Some time later be had occasion to go to his room in the hotel, a room which he usually kept locked, carrying the key with him, He un- locked the door and entered leaving the key in the lock, Hearing a noise a moment later, he a neo” <7 Coe Te tr eS * rae 7 ee
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i rts ne I eee Sh PSE ere mee = ; caee tes oe _ rivel she will let you For the last time, Charles turned, to find himself covered by a revolver in the hands of a woman who stood just within the room, her back braced against the door. CHAPTER XV. THE MAYOR CORNERED. Tum Mayor of Burnt Match turned pale for the instant. He stared as though at one risen from the dead, The woman was the missing Viola Taze- well! There she stood, in appearance the same as when she had last been seen, except that now no vail covered her face. * You!” the mayor cried. ‘* Yes, I,” was the rezponse. 4 Well, and what do you want with me, my ? ““T will tell you what I want, Charles Mason,” was the answer. ‘‘I want you to keep the promise made to me.” ‘‘Ha, ha, ha! And I suppose you mean to force ine to do it, eh? Do you think 1 am afraid of a toy like that you hold in your band? Put away the weapon, and I will then talk with you.” ‘‘{ prefer to keep itin hand. You have got to listen to me, whether you want to or not. If you attempt to leave the room I will kill you, I swear it,” The Honorable Hamp frowned impatiently. He was not used to being talked to thus, evi- dently. “« Well, say your say, then,” hesnapped, “‘ and have done with it.” ‘*Do you mean to ‘keep that promise, Charles Mason?” *“T do not.” ** And why not?” *¢ Because it does not suit my fancy.” “You think you have found some one whom you love better.” “Well, perhaps that is it, I won’t deny it. What will you do about it?” ‘*T will show you what I will do about it, Charles Mason, You are engaged to this gam- bler woman, Lady Tiger, I hear said.” ‘* Such is the fact, I assure you.” ** You shall never marry her, that 1 swear.” “Oh, yes, [ shall, too. It is all arranged for, Miss Spiteful.” ‘* Beware how yu taunt me, or I will kill you where you stand. I will not see another take the place that is mine by right.” ‘* And how is it yours by right? Simply be- cause of a little flirtation I had with you? You are crazy, woman, crazy. Go away and forget that you ever saw me,” *Crazy,amJ? And you demand to know by what right I claim the place this other woman now holds. I will tell you. You met me, won my heart’s affection, asked me to marry you, and [ said I would,” | ; “Well, I guess you have got it straight, so ar. “Heavens! [am tempted to kill you! You do not know that [am utterly desperate,” ** Never mind that part of it; go on with your tale of wrongs, and let me see what kind of a case you can make out.” Tears appeared in the woman’s eyes, but she did rot fail to keep the man covered with her weapon. ~ “This is the kind of case I make ont of it,” she wernton. ‘‘I learned tolove you. Promised to marry you, Gave you every token of my love that a woman can give. Suddenly you were gone, and I knew not where. But I re- solved to find, and hold you to the promise you Iam now bere to claim it. Will you marry me, Charles Mason, and retain my love? Or will you drive me to desperate deeds?” * You talk as if you mean business,” nee you will find that Ido mean business, _“* Where have you been since you arrived bere with that young fellow?” “ Rest assured that I have been where I have been able to watch you. And I shall continue to watch you, too,” * Well now see here, Pearl Mayne, you are _ making a fool of yourself in the very worst kind ot way.. I don’t care for you as | thought I did, and of course can’t marry you.” _ “ Then you shall never wed that other, I have ‘sworn it!” “ You had better be sparing of your threats, Lady Tiger has claws, and if she finds she has a feel them,” “T fear ber not, I hold ber life in my hands, and yours, too. Beware of me! You do jnot know what a fury I can be, if I am driven to it. 1 Mason, will you keep good your promise ?” No, Pearl Mayne, I will not, Tiaat was an . ‘and you will save me from desperate deeds,” | LOW as Dandy Dick, Detective. idle promise, foolishly made, and it is not bind- ing upon me, You had your share of the pleas- ure of our flirtation; let that suffice you.” The woman’s pistol came higher, her finger pressed nervously upon the trigger, and the wonder was that she did not shuot, The man faced her, calmly. He felt safe, He knew her passionate love for him, and trust- ed to that alone in the moment of peril. It was but a moment, and the tightening finger relaxed. ‘‘T spare you now,” the woman spoke, ‘ You may think the better of it when I am gone. Remember, Charles Mason, that Pearl Mayne loves you, would willingly lay down her life for ou; but she will not see you married to another. eware!” ‘‘That was prettily spoken, Pearl, and I ad- mire you, I swear | do; but, what am I going todo about it? Here I am pledged to marry this Lady Tiger, and the announcement has been made.” There was just the shade of a surrender in the man’s tone. ‘“* Be true to me,” was the firm answer, ‘‘ and do me justice. I love you, and am willing to be a slave to you; but you can drive me to hate you, Again, beware! Now I go, and upon your action will depend everything. After the day set for your wedding with that other wo- man, I will appear again, if you have been true tome, Attempt to be false, and your life will y for it,” ; “111 think about it, Pearl, Put away your weapon, now, and let me escort you down.” “No, I go alone, and will take care that you do not follow me immediately, I intend paying a visit to this Lady Tiger, too, and give her the same warning I have given you,” ‘Don’t do that!” “Why not?” ‘* She’s a devil, if you rouse her, She might kill you on the spot, We must deal otherwise with her, if you expect me to keep my promise to you, These words brought a gleam of hope into the young woman's eyes, “Then you will keep your promise to me?” she cried. ‘*T will see what can be done. Go, now, be- fore you are discovered, but do not give this matter away to Lady Tiger.” ‘‘Then you will tell her yourself?” **T may; or we will elope and leave her to wonder.” “Yes, yes, She has noclaim upon you, while I bave every claim, Let her suffer, though I imagine her grief will not kil) her,” ** Well, put up that weapon, then, Pearl, and let us be friends, I admire you more and more, every moment you stand there before me.” ‘No, I will not yield a single point to you. You played me false once; you might do it again, NowI go. Keep your promise to me, Her hand reached behind her and turned the knob, and she opened the door and backed out of the room, closing it after her, With a bound the mayor sprung across the floor to fling it open and watch to learn where hrc yc to, but she had turned the key in the ock, In another moment she was out of sight in the hall, and the mayor was left to take the matter as he would. He oad been neatly tricked this once in his life, if never before, ‘*Curse tbe jade!” he cried. ‘*Whet has brought her here at this time? She is going to spoil everything for me, if I don’t succeed in finding ber and doing away with her, Where can she keep herself?’ He tugged at the door furiously, but it would not open, and he began to pound upon it and shout for help. ‘*She shall pay for this trick!” he cried, ‘She shall repent that she ever came here, She don’t know the man she has to deal with, I guess, but she will know soon,” Again he pounded furiously, shouting bis loud- ye and soon running steps were heard in the a e ‘Here, curse it! come this way!” be cried, ‘Unlock this door!” , The key was soon turned, and the mayor was let out, when he bounded into the hall, and demanded to know who had played such a trick upon him—who had dared to play such a trick upon him! Bi CHAPTER XVI, ; A SHOCKING CRIME, , In the mean time Barney O?Linn bad reported, He told Dandy Dick about what he bad ob- served regarding the peneil, 11 EET Dick took the information quietly, and whem Barney had done, offered the remark: “T am not greatly surprised, Barney. You know I told you I thought I had seen that pen- cil before.” ‘But bow and phwere had ye seen it .be- fore?’ Parney demanded. ‘‘Oi would loike to be at dhe bottom .av dhe facts wid ye, begorra I would, Misther Dick!” “As T am perfectly willing you should be, too. It is the same pencil with which the mayor altered the figure upon this notice of reward, if Lam not greatly mistaken,” ‘** An’ mistaken ye may be, don’t ye t?ink?” Dandy Dick was thoughtful. “You are right,” he agreed. ‘‘ There ma many pencils of this kind around here, half-inclined to believe I am mistaken.” ** And so am Oi, begob,” y m what grounds do you argue, Barney ?’” “Well, Oi’ll be tellin’ ye, Ye see, supposin’ dhe mayor had a pencil loike dhis wan, an’ ye say he had, Supposin’ he came along, saw_dhis wan on dhe bottle, an’ felt to see av he had lost his.’ ‘‘ Natural enough, Barney, I admit.” ‘¢ Av coorse it would be. Dhen he found he had his all roigbt, and av coorse dhat would settle dhe point, And dhe mayor said dhis wasn’t. his, ye see,” Vou are right, Barney. But the point must not be lost sight of that he recognized the pencil. Keep up the watch upon it!” : It was some time later, some time after the mayor had got out of bis room, when a woman's screams caused the citizens of Burnt Match to rush out into the street, Coming down into the town, from the west, was a woman on horseback, riding without a saddle, her bair flying loosely in the wind, and scream after scream coming from her lips as she advanced, Behind her thundered another horse, upon Yen was a man wearing a black mask over bis. ace, ‘* Save me! save me\” was the woman’s cry, Her arms were outstretched toward the crowd on the street, appealing to them for protection, On came the horseman, using bis spurs wicked- ly, but he evidently soon realized that the pur- suit was useless, The woman could reach the center of the town before he could overtake her, and whatever his design was it would be balked, Suddenly eyes rein, be whipped a revolver from his belt and fired, Down went the woman’s horse, but she, springing clear, by good. luck, ran on. Another shot, with no effect, Then yet an~ other, and throwing up her arms the woman — staggered forward a few paces and fell upon her fece in the dust of the road, the masked man at the same time giving a wild laugh, ** Devil Duval!” was the immediate cry. With another wild laugh, the horseman wheel- ed and dashed away in the direction from which he had come, ! For one moment no action was taken, but the next the crowd made a rush for the spot where the woman lay. The witnesses were almost chilled with horror at what they had seen. Mayor Warde, leading the way, was scon at the side of the poor victim of the cruel murder, and turning the woman to catch a view of ber face, an exclamation escaped bim, an exclama- tion which those who heard took to be one of re- cognition. ; d andy Dick was not far bebind, ** Do you know the woman, mayor?” be asked, ‘* No, poor soul, I do not,” was the response, ** 1s she dead?” pred **No; but I think she is done for,” “ And was it Devil Duval who killed her?” “1 don’t see who else it could be. It must. have been,” é' ‘* Well, let’s see what can be done for her, If she can be revived so as to be able to talk, she may tell us something.” At that instant a cry was heard, a man’s ery, and Barney O’Linn, just having come up, forced be am his way to the center of the growing crowd and - : iia threw himself upon the ground at the woman's side, : ‘My sister! my poor sister!” he cried, “Your sister!” exclaimed Dandy Dick. this she?” vc ‘Yes! long.” ao ’ Bre: Ae’ ‘Heavens! but it is horrible!” Dick mut- tered. ‘Come, we will carry her to the hotel, and see what can be done toward saving her na life,” _*Ivs no VE “te yes! Barney wailed, “it’s me poor sister Nora, chat Oi have been lookin’ fur so mle use,” declared the mayor, ‘She ee ee =< ie 55 ae ‘te py roe aA “ae es \ ings a bn b iS ae, y en ® ; +i Pee ra
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- ‘ne ,peace where she is. tobea Dandy Dick, Detective. hhasn’t two minutes to live. Better let her lie ia Poor soul, don’t disturb, don’t move her; it is of no use,” ‘Use or no use, to dhe hotel she is goin’,” de- clared Barney, rising. **T forbid it,” cried the mayor, ‘I will not allow it. It would be cruel to take her up to carry her.” “Sure it would be dhe more cruel to lave her here ou dhe ground to be dyin’ loike a dog,” re- torted Barney. ‘ Will ye help me wid her, Mis- ter Darrel?” ‘Tt shall not be done!” the mayor now flatly declared, stepping forward, ‘‘Il am mayor of this camp, and I forbid any man to lay hands upon this body, Men, see that my orders are wae e bad stepped one leg over the body, and eicod with his foot planted there, defying them all, . “You are going a step too far, mayor,” re- minded Dandy Dick. ‘¢ What business is it of yours?” was the demand. cas! am going to be obeyed in my own town, I ess. “Not in this instance you won't,” Dick quiet- ly disclaimed. ‘‘Remove your foot from this body, so the lad oat ee bis sister up!” “Who are you, Mister Jackanapes, anyhow, that you dare talk like this to me? 1 want you to understand that I am mayor of—” ** Out av me way!” cried Barney, presenting a revolver at his head, ‘‘or by dhe powers Oi’ll drill ye!” : Several others reached for weapons, to side with the mayor, but they were too late, Witha quick move Dandy Dick had picked the mayor up and pitched him over the heads of the crowd, with ashow of strength that seemed superbuman, almost. And, in the same instant, a pair of re- volvers gleamed in his fists, ‘* Back!” he cried, ‘* Any man who draws a weapon will get something be wiil not relish, Take up your sister, Barney, and carry her to our room, I will protect you in it, mayor or no mpyor.” At that moment the wounded woman opened her eyes, ‘‘ Save me!” she gasped. ‘‘Save me from—” ‘Nora! Nora, darlint!” cried Barney. ‘* Don’t ye know me?” Her eyes sought his face, guided by his voice, and the next moment, with a glad smile upon her face, she swooned. The young Irishman took her tenderly up and bore her away, Dandy Dick standing with his revolvers bearing upon the crowJ, holding them in check. By this time the mayor had gathered himself up, and was howling. He ealled upon his fol- jowers to put Dick under arrest at once, but he called in vain, They had seen a sample of bim- : ‘Your owe fault, mayor, that you got rough- ly hundled,” Dick coolly reminded. ‘* You were going too far this time, and somebody had to take you down,” ‘Tt was a bad thing for you to do,” the mayor growled, ‘* You may live to repent of it, if you live long.” ‘** Maybe, but 1 doubt it.” The two tmp at each other fiercely, and as Dick looked into those eyes he recognized some- thing that had baffled him before. In spite of his effort, his face paled a little, and his hand twitched upon the revolvers ner- vously. The mayor evidently saw something, too, for he quickly turned his back to the weapons and walked away without further talk. Dandy Dick still held cover over the crowd, nor did he let the men move from there until Barney had reached the piazza, “Now,” be then said, “* you may go, I haven’t the least ill-will against one of you, but circum- stances forced me to show my teeth, Hope it won't happen again,” ‘*It won’t happen no more, fur ez I am con- sarved,” one fellow cried out, ‘1 don’t want ter hook no horns with you, Mister Dandy!” And that seemed to be the sentiment of the crowd, the mayor having gone. - CHAPTER XVII. DICK AND BARNEY DRAW OUT. Dick moved away as soon as he could, yet kept his eyes well about him. oing straight to the hotel, he hastened to the room occupied by himself and Barney, where he sq mee to find the Irish lad now. arney was there, A doetor, who had ‘been sent for, had just arrived—a fellow who claimed ctor, The wound of the woman was being examined. ‘ to’ their eyes. ** Tt will prove fatal before two hours pass,” the doctor announced, Barney uttered a groan, and his tears fell hot and fast upon the form of her he loved with true Trish fervor, “ A curse rest upon the wretch that did the deed!” muttered Dandy Dick. ‘ His blood shall yet answer for the crime, Barney.” ‘*By dhe heavens above, it shall!” Barney echoed, ‘“‘ By all dhat is good I swear dhat Oi will know no peace or rest till Oi have had me revenge fur dhis crime. Can’t ye do not’in’ fur her, docthor?” ‘** Not a thing, my poor fellow, She is beyond all help,” ‘* An’ won’t she be comin’ to no more, to shpake wid me?” i Yes, she will probably revive before she *“Mank Heaven fur dhat! She can tell us dhe name av dhe fiend dhat kilted her, bad luck to him!” Just then the woman opened ber eyes again, uttering a moan as she did so. Barnéy had her hand in his, in an instant, and was calling her name, fondly, sorrowfully. She turned her gaza upon him, and the light of recognition was seen in her eyes. For a few seconds only their hands’ pressure spoke. ‘* Barney!” the sister presently exclaimed. ‘*-Yis, Nora, dear; mesel’ it is!’ was the re- sponse, Dandy Dick and the doctor were about to withdraw from the room, but Barney asked Dick tc remain. ** Sure ye will want to be witness to phwat- ever me poor sister has to say, so ye will, he re- minded. ‘* Ye may hear much dhat will interest This Dick knew, and turned back, motioning the doctor to do the same. Only a moment later there came a furious rap at the door, and Dick, weapon in hand, stepped to upen it. lt was opened promptly, but no one was in sight—no one was to be seen in the hall! ick looked up and down, but could see no one, and turned a questioning gaze upon his companions, What was the meaning of this? “Dhe door!” Barney suddenly exclaimed, ee ‘* Look on the door!” Dick looked quickly, and there on the door was a notice, in penciled letters, large and bold. “BEWARE DEVIL DUVAL! “FIVE HOURS! “Get Out!” Dick snatched the paper down and closed: the oor A moment later loud shouting was heard be- low in the street, Looking out, those in the room saw a masked and cloaked horseman dashing out of the camp with the speed of the wind, a Devil Duvall” was the shout. ‘ Devil Du- val! ‘ EO he a cry, Barney sprung back and seized isgun, . i hivvins! but it’s mincemeat Oil] be makin’ av him!” he exclaimed, ‘ Let me geta crack at him wid me musket,” Darrel was already trying to raise the window but it refused to open, and a basty examination showed that it had been nailed down. In an- other moment the horseman was out of range, A volley of sbots was heard below, then, but it was too late: the rascal was away in safety. In the middle of the street, weapons in hand and gazing after bim, was the mayor. 2 Dandy Dick looked in astonishment. This certainly did not tend to mies the suspicions, he had so recently entertained. ‘What means this warning notice that was left for you?” asked the doctor, He was a young man, who had not been long at the place, and was known as the Tenderfoot Doctor, but whose real name was Howards, John Howards, ‘Tt means that I and my man here are told to make ourselves scarce,” Dandy Dick respond- jed. ‘Advice we hardly think of following, however. story.” Barney was again bending over his sister, fondly and anxiously, listening to her story, which she had already uD, The others drew near and listened, bearing a tale of wrongs and suffering that brought tears Avd more than that, hearing a revelation that filled them witb horror and fired them all for vengeance, About an bour later Nora died, and Dick gave But, this woman; let us hear her Fa his hand to Barney over her body. There was a pressure of hands that was full of fearful im- port Late in the afternoon was a funeral. The body of the poor Irish gir] was laid to rest, with all the tenderness a fond brother’s love could show. That sad duty done, Dick and Barney went back to the hotel, and to their room, to lay their plans of action. The matter was now in their bands, fully. How was the affair going to ter- | minate! In their room, which they had left locked, was another notice from the outlaw, purporting to be signed by his lieutenant, warning them that their time of grace was growing short— that, if they wanted to escape the fate which had been threatened they must leave the camp at once, Dandy Dick smiled scornfully. ‘“*T would not go,” he vowed determinedly, ‘Seven were it certain death to remain here, so long as there is a hope of vengeance against this fiend!” ‘‘Nur me aythur, begob!” echoed Barney. “It’s war to dhe knife, now, and Oi have a sister’s death to avenge. Wanst let me lay me two: bands onto dhe villain dhat killed ker, an’— Words failed him. Suddenly a new thought struck Dandy Dick. ‘*Barney,” he spoke, ‘‘I have changed my mind, We will heed this warning and go away from here immediately.” | ‘*Never!” tlie young Irishman cried. ‘Sure ye can’t be meanin’ dhat! It is no coward ye are, dhat Oi have found out; but pbwat dhe divil has bit ye?” Dick smiled, ‘* You see I have changed my mind suddenly,” he added in a low tone. ‘‘ A new icea has come to me, and I believe it is the very one for us to bes upon. Yes, we will go away as soon as pos- sible. They sat dewn, and Dick unfolded his plan which, when the Irishman had heard be agreed to quickly. “Begorra, we'll go,” he cried, “ Sure it is froightened half-out av me seven senses Oi am, an’ Oi wouldn’t stbay bere anotber hour fur dhe wurreld, no more Oi would, sor.” And, as he uttered the words Barney picked up his gun, put on bis bat, gathered up his other personal effects and made for the door, Dick laughed. The more he saw of the real character of his man, the better he liked him. ‘“*T am with you,” he declared. ‘Hold on long enough for me to get what belongs to me.” This it did not take him long to do, and in a few moments they went down to the bar-room. There Dick showed the landlord the notice he had found ia the room, ‘*No use kicking against business like that,” Dick observed, carelessly; ‘‘I’m going. Ive seen enough of the work of this outlaw of yours to satisfy me, and I don’t want to sample him aby further, What’s our bill?” ; The landlord exhibited genuine surprise over the matter, and knew not what to say. He could not offer anything in excuse or ex- planation; nor could be claim that his house was a harbor of safety, since the outlaw seemed to come and go as he pleased. Darrel settled the score, while Barney went for the horses—or horse and mule, And, a little later, they rode out of the town, while the news was passed from lip to lip tbat they had shown the white feather, having been “ea off by the note of warning of Devil Dav CHAPTER XVIII. SPRINGING A SURPRISE. Burnt Marcu was all excitement. It was the day set for the wedding of the mayor, Hovorable Hampton Warde, to the Lady Tiger. A big time was being planned, and arrange- ments were in progress for the jubilee such as the town had never had before and might never see again. : The wedding was to take place early in the evening, in the parlor of the Mansion House, and immediately after the ceremony, a hig su pot bar in the Tin Hor at the same time, There was no minister or priest at Burnt Match, but there was a parson ata town twenty miles away, and he had been sent for. As the evening drew on apace, however, and he did not appear, the mayor began to show anxiety. : : ‘- i But, finally, just at dusk, a stranger in clerical garb rode up to the door of the Mansion House, r was to be disposed of—a free lunch and — : +> gee >, = + a vale 7 “) ; = eae * - +. :
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dismounted, entered and inquired for the mayor. he mayor was right on hand, and welcomed him at sight. There was no mistaking the man’s rofession; he looked ‘** preacher” allover. But e was certainly not the one who had been expected. The man was armed with a letter, however, from the minister who had been sent for, in- troducing him and recommending him to the Dandy Dick, Detective. _ their chief, but I had planned for that move, also, and this is the result. No doubt they are known to you, every one of them.” There were exclamations of surprise. The men were well known, and it could hardly be believed that they were indeed the dreaded out- laws. This doubt was expressed by some, ‘“‘ There is no mistake about it,” assured Dick, ‘That poor Irish girl who was shot the other day while trying to escape from them, gave us mayor’s favor, as a new-comer from the East. | their names, every one, She was shot to pre- Circumstances, the parson explained, prevented his coming himselt, so he did the next best thing. The stranger, whose name was given as Theophilus Jones, was heartily welcomed, and was presently introduced to the prospective bride. Time quickly passed, and the hour for the ceremony was at hand, The parlor was filled with invited guests, those citizens of the town who held first rank. Rey. ''heophilus Jones was in his place, and, at the proper moment, the mayor entered with his bride-elect upon his arm, They took their places, and the service was commenced, When that part of the ritual was reached in which it was demanded of the pair if they knew of any reason why they might not be lawfully wed, both answered promptly, No, Instantly the preacher’s book fell from his hands, and a pair of deadly revolvers were in its place, covering the mayor’s heart! ‘* Tf you know of no obstacle, J do!” the par- son cried, in changed voice, ‘* You are under arrest, Craig Morgan, charged with the crime of murder ! “ Craig Morgan !” screamed Lady Tiger, and she sprung from his side in greatest horror. “‘ Dhat’s phwat’s the matther wid Hanner!” put in a strong Irish voice; and Barney O’Linn sprung forward, grabbing the mayor’s arms from behind, tae ““Tt is a lie!” the mayor cried, struggling to ee himself. ‘“Itisa lie! I defy you to prove i “Stop your struggling,” ordered the parson, quietly, ‘* or I will drop oy with a bullet with as little compunction as I would kill a wolf, for wolf you are!” “‘ And afther dhe which,” supplemented Bar- ney, *‘ Oi will make sassage av ye wid me own \hand—ye villain av the earth!” _ Who are you?” the mayor demanded, speak- ing to the parson. ‘Who am I? Look and see!” _With one hand the assumed parson tore off his wig, whiskers and spectacles, and stood re- vealei—Dandy Dick Darrel! ** Dick Darrel!” the rascal exclaimed. Lady Tiger, who had been standing as if chilled with horror at the situation, and at the lig she had yg Toa: og age bl gave another scream, repeatin @ name spoken— Dick Darrel. ie Dandy Dick glanced at her, questioningly. She was pressing her hands to her head, her eyes were dilated, and she was fairly dazed. tt EAP meres na Dick apbed. y the woman cried, “ is it possible?” Dandy Dick stared at hor in utter a aiiles: ment. Who was she ? “Oi tink, begob, dhat Oi will make sure av dbhis gossoon before he takes it into his head to thry to get away,” here broke in Barney. ‘* Lend a hand, some wan!” : ‘‘ Never!” the rascal cried, and he began a struggle immediately. ; But one of Dick Darrel’s steel-nerved hands was laid upon bim, the other eden a revolver against his head, caused him to desist. *¢ Citizens of Burnt Match,” Dick spoke, then, *T call upon you to make this man a prisoner until you have heard my pie! against him. In him you see the notorious outlaw, evil Duval! Your mayor and the outlaw fiend are one and the same person, as I will prove.” Exclamations of amazement were heard on all sides, and men were present who were will- angie obey Dick’s directions. : ; The mayor was soon bound, in spite of his struggles and imprecations, - About this time a loud scuffling was heard in the hall and on the piazza, intermingled with oaths and angry exclamations. This lasted only a short time, however, when comparative quiet was again restored. Soon after a rear door opened and four bound men were d into the room, iu custody of half a dozen others well armed. ~ “Behold the Devil’s Half-Dozen,” announced Dandy Dick, with a wave of the hand toward them, “They were coming to the rescue of mr vent her revelations,” This statement caused tho rascals to pale, and their looks went to prove the case against them, Just then a groan was heard, near at hand, and some one sunk down senseless to the floor. A look showed it to be the dude, E, Chauncey Howe. ‘‘Please take that woman up and carry her from the room,” Dick asked. ‘* Woman!” was the exclamation, ‘Yes: it is the missing Viola Tazewell,” Dick explained, *‘Ourse her!” ejaculated the surprised mayor, The **dude” was lifted up and taken away, and Dandy Dick turned to the crowd to tell bis story. ‘¢ Citizens of Burnt Match,” he addressed the people, “‘ you have a rignt to an explanation which I am only too willing to make, will tell you my story, and when I have done, if you find that justice and right are on my side, all I ask is the privilege of meeting this human devil face to face in a fair fight. Will you grant me this favor?” ‘* We will, we will,” cried some; while others demanded the story. ‘ The Lady Tiger had dropped upoa a chair, and, her face buried in her hands, was weeping. ‘*My name,” Dandy Dick went on, ‘‘ is Richard Prince Darrel. Iam from the East, as is also this knave, whose true name is Craig Morgan, Six years ago I had a rival for the hand of one of me fairest girls who ever lived, one Rose Mer- rick. At mention of this name the Lady Tiger sob- bed aloud. ** My rival,” the narrator continued, ‘‘ was this man— No; he is not worthy the name! My rival was this wolf, Craig Morgan. He had no hope of winning, for Rose Merrick despised him; but he persisted, and when finally Imade the fair girl my wife, he vowed that he would ruin our happiness. He went away, and fora time nothing was seen or heard of him, ‘“* My wife bore me a child, a bright-eyed boy, who—” . A great sob broke from Dick’s breast, and for some moments he could not proceed, “My boy was named after myself,” he pre- sently continued, ‘‘ With my wife and child my happiness was complete, and Craig Morgan’s threat was forgotten. About a year after the birth of the child my wife suddenly disap ed, Where she had gone, what had become of her, I could not guess. I wasnearly crazed. I searched night and day for weeks and months, but no trace of her was to be found. ‘One day, about a year after her disappear- ance, she returned as suddenly as she had gone, but she was only a shadow of what she had been, She was broken down, was ill, was dying. She told me her sad story, and pledged me to avenge her wrongs and herdeath. She had been carried off by Craig Morgan, and had been in his power all that time, suffering everything. Curse him! Havel not the right to demand satisfaction? Have I not the right to claim vengeance? The hour is at hand, Craig Morgan. But, citizens, there is more to be told.” CHAPTER XIX. THE LADY TIGER’S STORY. Lapy TIGER was weeping as only a woman can, under a heavy sorrow. Craig Morgan stood unmoved, a satanic smile curling his sinister lips, and his eyes burning with wicked fire, As Dandy Dick paused for a moment, there was a how! for the life of this outlaw, this devil in human shape. He would have been lynched in short order, but for his enemy. “No, no! His life is mine!” Dick cried, waving the crowd back, ‘ Hear me to the end, and then let me meet him face to face, with cold steel to settle the score between us. I will fight ue eee te a SK a e impulse, ck was ur; to tell the rest of his story.” » ‘* My wife died,” he proceeded, ‘and over her dead body I swore that my life’s work should be wrongs and sufferings, “I had a sisuar insotons a sister, in whose keeping I left my baby boy, when I set out upon my hunt, following such directions as my dying wife bad been able to give me. But, I Lad ouly fairly begun the task when word from my sister called me home. My boy had been stolen! ““T returned home in all haste, and heard my sister’s story. The child had been stolen from the house, and by Craig Morgan, as she be- lieved, though she had notseen bim around. I was beside myself, In my great anguish I cursed my sister, laying all the blame upon ber, Ay, more! I even accused her of playing me false, for Craig Morgan had been ber lover, previous to his meeting with Rose Merrick, My words cut her to the heart, asnowI know. She disappeared, and I was mean enough to think she had gone to join my enemy. Poor Auitot How I wronged her! > 1s “‘T begun my search anew, with the firm re- solve never to give up until either victory was mine or I was cut down by death, ‘lhe trail was a Jong one, but finally it bad come to the end. On my way to this camp, the other day, I came suddenly upon a horrible discovery in a canyon some miles to the north, There lay the bodies of a woman and a child, murdered! I dismounted and looked at the faces of the dead, when, oh! my God! I found them to be my sis- terand my missing boy! Five bullet-holes were in my sister’s back, two of the balls having pass- ed F be through her body and struck death to my child whom she evidently had clasped to her breast.” With a sudden scream the Lady Tiger sprung up, a knife flashed in her hand, and the next in- stant it descended, aimed straight for the heart of Craig Morgan. “Woman!” cried Dick. ‘Would you rob me of the only thing I have to live for? "Would you rob me of my righteous revenge?” “‘Revenge is mine!” she cried, ‘Let me free! Let me drive this blade to the monster’s heart!” ‘‘ Never!” Dick exclaimed, taking the knife from her, and ber other weapons as well, “I know you not, Lady Tiger, but you shall not balk me when revenge is so near.” Excitement such as this was something that. wild camp had never known, Dandy Dick had now to stand with weapons it hand, covering the crowd, in order to keep the citizens from cutting the detestable wretcl in, pieces. “ Again, citizens,” he cried, “have I not first claim upon the life of this veritable devil? Ought not his life’s blood to belong tome? Don’t cheat me of the sweet revenge have looked forward to for so long—so long! “Your story, your story!” was thecry. ‘‘Go on, and let’s hear the rest of it! You shall. have the satisfaction you demand!” “There is but littl more to tell,” Dick con- cluded, ‘It was there in the canyon I fell in with my man, Barney O’Linn. Together we laid the murdered ones to rest, and over their grave I renewed my vow. We came on to this camp, and what followed our arrival is known to you.. The letter Barney found upon the body of Red- nose Mike, gave him a clew to the finding of a missing sister, for whom he was searching, and we were planning her rescue when she rode into camp, pursued by one of the villainous gang whose prisoner and slave she was, ‘From Nora, in her dying bour, we learned: all we needed to know, It was she who had aided my sister in recovering the child, my boy, when Anita had penetrated to the outlaws’ rendezvous, Through her I learned that Anita — was indeed innocent, and had devoted ber life to. the task of recovering the child, She was able: to give us the name of every one of the Half-. Dozen, and you can see the use to which we have put the information, That, and the notice of this wedding, which I have balked, gave me the: right upon waich to act, “Inquiring carefully, I ‘earned where lived the nearest minister, and went to him, as soon as: I was sure he was the one to be called upon to: come here to perform the ceremony. To him I told my story, and he aided me in assuming the role you have seen me play. Not only that, but | we brought help with us, well knowing that. Devil Duval’s men would not be far away. And I was not mistaken, as their arrest has cae A pores What more canI say? The restisa nown to you, or can be readily understood or guessed. And now for my revenge! Itmust be a fight to the death between me and this heinous villain who bas ruined my whole life’s ba —— : and whose very soul is reeking with the blood his innocent victims,” There was instantly a wild howl of approval, and was a rush made for the now pale but. still defiant mayor. But, Lady Tiger was upon her feet, now, mo- ee hed ee ; 5 4 "eS Se De
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ae ae re prs ST se a a Dandy Dick, Detective. tioning the crowd to silence. A revelation from her was necessary to a clear understanding of tbe total depravity of the outlaw chief, ‘* You must hear my story,” she cried, as soon 2s she could make herself beard at all. ‘1, too, have a claim upon the life of this subtle, this in- _fernal, this well-named Devil.” Kager curiosity soon caused silence to fall, and . turning to ber, Dandy Dick inquired: ‘* Who and what are you, Lady Tiger?” ‘*T am she who was Mary Merrick,” was the answer; ‘‘ your dead wife’s sister, Dick Darrel!” ** Impossible!” ** No, uot impossible, but the fact. Hear my story, and then say whether or not I should share in your revenge upon this—this loathsome thing!” That story was called for with loud acclaim. ‘*My maiden name was Mary. Merrick, as I have said,” the woman responded, ‘*I was several years older than my sister Rose, and married and went away from home before this entleman, Mr. Darrel, was known to our emily, Inever saw him until we met at this place. I married and came West, and my mar- riage was not what I had imagined it would be, ‘My husband turned out to be a gambler, and shame deterred me from ever returning home, or letting my whereabouts be known. My hus- band was Joe Warne, the notorious gambler of the Pacific Coast. When he died I was left helpless, and naturally took up the business you find me engaged in, having learned it thorough- ly, at my husband’s command, ‘*T had heard of my sister’s marriage to Dick Darrel, and of ber sad end and all the particulars aboutit. I pledged myself that I would avenge my dead sister’s wrongs, and going from place to place, as I was, I hoped sooner or later to fall in with Craig Morgan, whom I bad known years before, and thought 1 would te able to recognize him again at sight. How terribly mis- taken [ was! When I came hereI was thrown into contact with him, knowing hlm as Hamp- ton Warde, and under the influence of his attentions to me, learned to love him. Heavens! I shiver with horror at the thought now! I promised to marry him, but on condition that he would help me to carry out my Cat oa of re- venge. I told him my story; told him the name of the wretch I was seeking; and he agreed to belp me in the task, Where is the end of his diabolical villainy. Knowing me to be the sister of the woman he bad wronged—murdered! he would have made me his wife!” Covering her face with her hands, she sunk down upon her chair, again bursting into rs. “*T grant that you havea just cause against the brute, Mary—Lady Tiger,” spoke Dick, “but you will bave to admit that my right comes first. Do not regret it, for I assure you the utmost satisfaction in the manner of my dealing with him, A little longer and the score will have been settled. “Yes, citizens, such a man is your mayor—a knave of wy ae dye; a very devil. He isa disgrace to his kind. Defeated by me in win- ning Rose Merrick, as I have already told you, be stole her from me, treated her shamefully, and when she was dying, almost, allowed her to escape and return to me, he sending his com- pliments to me through her! Ah, but my re- venge will be sweet, when I take it, It was by his order that my sister was shot down, when she was trying to escape with my boy, as that poor Irish girl told me; it was the bullets of his minions that took the two lives at once, that of ny poor sister and the-boy I loved as I love my life, Craig Morgan, the hour is come!” ‘“*Hould yer whist jest wan minute,” put in Barney O'Linn, bobbing up into view in the background. ‘Sure it is mesel’ dbat has a wurred to chip in roight here, so Oi have. D’ye see dhis murtherin’ villain, here?” indicating one of the other prisoners, ‘He is dhe wan dhat brought ruin an’ death to me poor sister Nora, he is, an’ by dhe_powers he has got to answer to me fur it all. His name is Owen Maron, but divil only knows how many more names he has bad in bis loife, Im dhe band dhey called him dhe Devil’s Roight Bower, an’ begorra he was worthy dhe name. An’ now ay me masther claims dhe loifeav dhe Divil fur himself, begorra _ itis Barney O’Linn dhat claims-dhe same av dhe Roight Bower. It shall be a foight to dhe death, an’ dhe best man av us to live; both av us can’t _live, far dbe wurreld won’t hold us, no more it will!” . , The ned CHAPTER XX. . | NEARING THE ENDING. SHOvuTING greeted Barney’s closing words, ery for the ending act was heard on every side; but Dandy Dick had more to say be- fore the closing scene, He wanted to present the proof for every- thing that bad been offered, and the doctor was called as a witness to the story Nora O’Linn had told upon her deathbed, That story was given at length, and it was a chapter of horrors from beginning to end. Nora’s personal wrongs was the ojd, old story, old yet ever new; foolishly confiding woman anid heartless knave! And it was a story not to be doubted with tha other proof to support it. It was a revelation into the true characters of the prisoners such as had never been imagined possible. Owen Maron had been Craig Morgan’s tool for a long time, and they had worked together in their mutual villainy. Maron had lent his aid to Morgan in carrying off Dick Darrel’s wife, and in return Morgan had given his vassal assistance in his evil de- sigus against the confiding Irish girl. Taking others in with them, they had formed them- selves into an outlaw band, the Devil’s Half- Dozen, and it is needless to add that a more vil- lainous set of rogues was never cliqued. Crimes were brought home to every one of the prisoners, supported by proof that it was impossible to gainsay, crimes for which the just penalty was death; and the impatient crowd murmured for their hanging. To set forth the expose at length is needless. The reader has been made acquainted with the leading facts, and his imagination can supply the vent, While this was going on, and while the crowd was thus being held in excited suspense, some- thing else was in progress that was destined to have important bearing on the finale, When the * dude” was carried from thescene, after falling in his faint, ** he” was taken to bis room and thrown on the bed, and the people little suspecting the person was none other than the missing woman, Viola Tazewell, whose dis- ap pearance had been the occasion of consider- able curiosity and remark. She was Jeft alone immediately, to come-to as best she might, those who had brought her there hastening pack to the room below. When the woman revived, 48 she soon did, she opened her eyes, ana the next instant sat up, with a wild, excited expression, ‘““Where am I? What bas happened?” she questioned, half aloud. She looked around bewildered for a moment, but presently it all came back to her, and she sprung to the floor, ‘ ‘“He is in danger!” she cried, pressing her hands to her head, ‘‘ They will hang him, unless : oe fate him! Oh! whatsball I do—whatcan ) She wrung her hands in despair, and walked excitecly up and down the room, of some means of saving the life of the villain whom she loved, loved madly—insanely, Presently she snatched a weapon from a pocket and sprung toward the door. ‘*T will kill them!” she hissed. ‘TI will kill them both! If the man I love must die, they shall die first, and—” But, with her hand on the door, she stopped. **No, no! It will not do,” she reflected. “That will not save him, but will cost my own life, 1 must rescue him, I must save him, some- how. Besides, I owesome gratitude to this man, Darrel,” Again she paced the floor, the weapon still in hand, and the hum of voices below ringing in her ears. ‘I must save bim, [ must save him!” she re- peated. “I will save bim!—though it be at the “ea my life! He shall know how I love im Suddenly a thought seemed to strike her, for she at once became calm and put away the wea- poo. | ; Closing and locking the door, she proceeded to lay off her disguise, assuming her proper garb instead. This done, she left the room, passed along the hall to the rear, descended a back staircase and was soon out of the house, Without a moment’s hesitation she burried off in the direction of the stables behind the hotel. No one was there to binder her, and she entered, in the dark, and saddled two horses, She had m around the stables in daylight, and knew about where to seek for the best ani- mals, and those she took were the best the stables boasted, led them out and away, finally | stopping with them in the shadow of a shed im- mediately in the rear of the hotel kitchen. There for the time being she left them, well knowing that they would not be discovered wh to think | | every man’s attention was drawn to the exciting events of the hour, Entering the rear hall, she passed threvel to a point where she could overhear what wus gu- ing on in the main room, ‘Phere the time for action was about at hand. Dick Darrel had finished his work of proving everything he had charged, and the crc wd was growing more and more impatient for the finish. **Now, gentlemen,” spoke Dick, ‘‘ the time for my revenge hascome. I hold you to your pro- mise that I am to deal with this inhuman fiend in my own way. Do you still assent to this?” ‘*' Yas, yas!” was the shont, ‘¢ An’ hegob it is mesel’ dhat houlds ye to dhat same, too,” putin Barney O’Linn. ‘* Jack must be as good as his masther fur dhis wanst, and Oi claim dhe roight to meet me own inemy dhe same as Misther Darrel meets his, Phwat do ye say to dhat, me friends?” ‘Yas, yas!” was shouted again. ‘* An’ these hyar other cusses we’ll hang rigbt off soon,” some one added. ‘‘ They are yours,” assented Dick; ‘‘do with them as you will, They deserve the fate you name, if not indeed a worse, The world is well rid of such human wolves,” Strong hands were immediately Jaid upon these wretches, and they were dragged from the .room by the almost frenzied mob, Excitement had been wrought to the highest pitch, As the men were dragging them through the crowd in the,hall, a thought came to one of the mat and he communicated it to the others. hey stopped, and one turned back to inquire: ‘Will yer put off that fight till we bas done fer these bad cnes, boss? We don’t want ter miss any of that, you bet.” ‘Tt shall be put off till you have done your work,” Dick promised, ‘* Nuff sed! We'll be on band.” They went on with their prisoners, and as soon as they were out upon the piazza a how! was set up by the crowd_ outside, Begging for mercy, that mercy they had never shown their own victims, the miserable ruffians were dragged away to the nearest tree, and there ropes were speedily placed around their necks. ‘A little time only was allowed them; then a score of willing hands Jaid bold upon the ropes, and the bodies were swung as high as the limb over which the ropes bad been thrown, And the ropes having been made secure, a little pistol practice was indulged in by the infuriated citi- g-ns—the swaying bodies being the targets at which they fired. Horrible! you say, Think of the place, and the crimes of which the wretches bad been found guil'y! Murder could not be called the greatest of the evils that bad been proven against. them, and Wild West justice is sum- mary and ey the point, every ttme, The root ag r was positive, and a gular course of trial would have sent them to the same fate—hanging. Perhaps a hundred ‘shots were fired in all, when the crowd turned away in the direction of the hotel, leaving the corpses swaying in the «night breeze. ; CHAPTER XXI. CHEATED AT LAST. MEANWHILE, in the hotel, the plans concern- ing the life and death struggle between the re- maining outlaws and their bitter foes were be- ing discussed. Dandy Dick had laid down the only demand he had to make-—thbat it should be a fair fight, man to man. He wanted to meet his foe on even terms, each armed with a knife only, and so settle the score. Further than that, he was willing to leave everything to the management of the crowd. The arrangements were finally completed, Morgan was to be kept bound until the time came to release him for the fight, 4 At a given signal he was to be freed, a knife put in his band, and he would have to defend himself, There would be no quarter shown bim, and no other condition wasnamed, It must be a fight to the death for one or the other. The combat was to take place in the street, the combatants to be stationed a certain dis- tance apart, and at a given signal they were to approach each other and begin the deadly fray. To all these arrangements the concealed wo- — man in the rear of the hall was an attentive listener. is A weapon was was tempted to rush in and shoot the enemies of the man she loved; but she checked the desire— first, because it would take away the only hope still in her hand, and often sbe ee
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Dand had done her favors she could not forget. ** No, no,” she kept saying to herself; ‘* I must not do that, I must not do that. It would ruin the only chance I have, It is working well to suit my plans, and I must wait, If I give my life for his I shall not have lived in vain, and then he will know what my love meant.” Barney O’Linn insisted upon following the same plan as his master, He would meet his enemy at the same time and in the same manner, and so the douvle score would be settled, Dick tried to dissuade him from this purpose, as his enemy was a larger man, and had seen more years, but the young Irishman was deter- mined, Knowiug by his own experience how Barney felt about it, Dick did not offer peremptory ob- jection, It was better t» die in such a cause of honor, he argued, than to live under the wrong unavenged, Both were willing to lay down life for the honor of those they had loved. Tne time for action had now come, and the ex- citement was Intense, With the coming of the crowd from the hang- ing of the other rascals, a general howl went up for the fignt to begin, The rooms were speedily cleared, and all ad- journed to the street. At the same time the concealed woman left her place and stole out at the rear of the room. Making her way quickly to the point where she had left the horses, she stopped there, all atremble, handling nervously the weapon still in ber hand. For her it was a crucial time. ‘*T could fire and kill bim from out the shad- ows,” she muttered, ‘‘ but that would not save Mason, The mob would hang him—will ey him, anyhow, unless I can save him, No, no; must risk all—all!” Putting away the weapon, she untied the ‘horses, mounted one, held the rein of the other tin hand, and waited. What she intended to do may be guessed. It was like undertaking a forlora hope, There was bu! one chance in a thousand that she would succeed. When the men filed out of the hotel, the mob in the street set up a shout of applause, and cries of every sort filled the air. ; Craig Morgan was pale but determined. He ‘had no hope for his life, for he knew there could ‘be no escape for him, even did he kill his enemy; and that one last stroke was all be looked for- ward to, He was determined that Dick Darrel should die, and by his hand. And it was the same with Owen Maron with respect to Barney O’Linn. With no hope for himself, all he looked forward to was the satis- faction of killing his foe before he died. Many lights had been provided, lanterns, ‘torches, etc. ; so the street was well illuminated. A dense crowd was on each side, which would yrobably form into a ring as soon as the fight ad begun. ; Dick and Barney took their places opposite the hotel, while Morgan and Maron were placed at some distance away, where they were to be set free, when Dick and Barney were to advance and meet them. Seed Dick had laid off his coat and vest, his right sleeve was rolled up to the elbow, and bis knife was in his grasp, ; The outlaws had not yet been permitted to prepare, but Dick now gave the signal for their ease, ; Immediately their bonds were severed, and i were told to make ready. ; heir preparations were soon made. Casting off coats and vests, and rolling up the ea sleeve, as Dick and Barney had done, they called for their weapons, Knives were given them, and they awaited the signal from Dandy Dick, The final moment had come, and the dense crowd of lookers-on held their breath in the { awful suspense. The horrible conflict was at n } Dandy Dick was seen to take one or two full, deep breaths; then he gave the signal for the “ethers to be released, | It was done immediately. The men who had been removed their hands and drew Aa : Dick and Barney clutched tightly their weap- ous, gave an exchange of glances, and advanced, Devil Duval and his Right Bower were seen to brace themselves for the encounter, but they _ did not offer to draw any further into the crowd | than they were, Perhaps they had a they came off victors, good reason for this, If t was possibly their in- | 15 she had of saving the rascal; next, Dick Darrel | tention to try to cut their way out of the throng, and thus escape. The shouts from the crowd were no longer heard, the bum of lower talk’ was dying away, and it was a moment of almost breathless sus- pense, Every sympathy was with Dandy Dick and Barvey, and it was questionable whether the outlaws would receive fair play, did it appear that they would win. Dick had pledged the crowd upon this point, however. It must be a fair fight to the finish, he had declared; no one to interfere, Let the best man win, the other meet bis fate, And to this the crowd had agreed: But, would they live up to it? It was, as said, doubt- ful. In any event, there was no hope for the outlaws. Even should they succeed in over- coming tbeir antagonists, their fate was a fore- gone conclusion, Dick and Barney stepped forward, when, sud- denly, Craig Morgan raised his hand and cried —‘* Stop ! sD interrogated Dick, as he and Barney halted. “I want one thing understood,” the outlaw said. “ What is it? Speak your mind I am in no mood to waste time,” The woman with the two horses had just start- ¥ a: the corner of the rear sheds of the otel, Her eyes and ears had been taking in every- thing, and she believed the moment had come for her toact. She now stopped and waited to hear the outcome of this, ‘ft is this,” the outlaw set forth: “If your man overcomes mine, or mine yours, the win- ner is not to help either you or me.” * Decidedly not!” Dick forcibly answered, ‘“‘[ want no help from any mau! It is your life or mine, Craig Morgan, and that here and now. Citizens, let no man interfere on either side.” The hand of the outlaw was still raised. ** Citizens,” he demanded, ‘in case I win the fight, what then?” ‘* Death!” was the shout on every hand, He knew well enough before asking. The question was indeed needless, f His hand was lowered; he turned and said something in a low tone to his Bower and again they braced themselves for the inevitable. Dick and Barney stepped forward again, and now the crowd was hushed with the excitement of the moment, The knives flashed in the light; their cold, keen blades were soon to cross in deadly con- flict, and blood was was soon to stain the glitter- ing steel, The distance between the antago ee consid- erable at first, had now nearly balf of 1t been traversed by Dick and Barney, when, suddenly, another actor appeared upon the scene, Two horses broke through the astounded crowd, knocking persons right and left as they plunged forward, goaded by wbipand spur, and upon the back of one was a woman! “Quick!” sbe cried. ‘t Quick! Your only hope, Charles Mason! I risk my lite for yours!” © that assembled crowd it was a revelation, It was the forgotten ‘dude ”—the missing Viola Tazewell! Craig Morgan saw and accepted the chance, and even before her words had been fully utter- ed he had vaulted into the saddle and was off like the wind! ; The woman had started after him, but she was too late, : The other villain, no slower than bis leader to see their one forlorn hope, caught bold of her, as she passed, hurled her to the grovnd, and springing upon the horse as Morgan had done, dashed away after him. Y It had all taken place in fewer seconds than it has taken to pen the words telling of it. The crowd: had looked on, apparently too spellbound to think or act. Dandy Dick, however, bad sprung forward at a run, but he was too late. His hand mechanically sought the place where his revolver ought to have been, but the weapon had been laid aside, ; “Great heavens!” he cried, ‘‘am I to be cheated after all? Fire after them, men! Fire! ” quickly, for holding the outlaws | Fire And fire the citizens did, but the gap had widened and their aim was no aim at all, Bullets flew thick and fast, but not one took effect, so far as could be seen, and with yells of derision the two devils in human form plunged headlong down the street and quickly disap- _ - Dick Darrel had gazed after them like a man é Hae . eee ee ee ee eee ee i in utter despair, standing as one turned to stone, He had seen his foe slip from his grasp, and was powerless to prevert, It was the same with Barney O’Linn, With the disappearance of the flying outlaws, Dandy Dick dropped upon his knees right there in plain sight of all, and raising his clinched fists above his head, cried: ““My God! why was this allowed to be? Why was the man who has ruined my life thus allow- ed to escape my just vengeance? Here, in the sight of the heavens and in the presence of these witnesses, do ITrenew my vow! No rest will [ know, no rest can I know, till I have avenged the wrong that bas been dove me and mine. By my band Craig Morgan shall die; J swear it /” ** An’ it is mesel’ dhat chalks me name down to every wurred av dhat same wid ye!” cried Barney O’Linn. ‘ May dbe roight band av me wither, av Oi ever give up me task till dhat murtherin’ villain phwat kilted me poor sisther Nora has settled his account wid me!” Dick had risen quickly, aud stepping forward to where the woman was just regaining her feet, be caugbt her by the wrist, crying: **Woman! what have you done? Is this the way you repay the favors [ have shown you?” ‘* Forgive me, oh, forgive me!” was the pitiful plea, “I loved him; I love him yet; I could not see him die and not try to savehim, He was my promised husband, and I could not give him up, not even when he was so false to me. Forgive me; Iam not forgetful of your kind- nesses; I can never do you harm; but I could not allow you to take the life of the man I love,” Dick could hardly contain himself. Casting the woman from him he wheeled around, to find himself face to face with the Lady Tiger and Barney, No word was spoken, at first, and Dick offer- ed a hand to each, crossing his arms in order to give the right to the woman, offering the left to Barney, And hamds were clasped in hands, silently, firmly, ‘ “We have been foiled,” spoke Dick, ‘ We have been cheated of our righteous revenge. But the end is not yet. Let us here pledge our help to one another to carry out our common cause against these thrice accursed villains, even to the bitter death, Do you agree?” Both answered promptly in the affirmative, and their oath was taken. When next’ they looked, the other woman was gone, The succeeding morning the bodies of the lynched outlaws were taken down and decently interred, There were none to mourn, and the town of Burnt Match felt well rid of that many dangerous characters, It was a wholesome lesson to some others of her denizens, bint: A search was made that day for the Dozen’s rendezvous. A horse of one. of the band was made use of to guide the searchers, It was ridden out of the camp in the direction its owner had been in the habit of going—the rest of the party following. ay Au bour’s ride had brought them to a cavern in the hills, where every proof was found to establish the truth of the story the poor Irish girl had told. No one regretted the part Judge Lynch had played, The only regret was that the chief of the band and bis lieutenant had not shared their confederates’ fate. eu The woman who had assisted their escape — was not seen again. Where she had gone no — one could tell, And, in truth, it waslittlecared, a: In the afternoon three persons set out in com- pany from Burnt Match, the three sworn avengers—Dandy Dick, Mary Warne and Barney O’Linn. Whither they were going they hardly knew, then; whither they went, finally, Oe it is for the future to determine and perbaps record, and GORE, > Cpa Teeny THE END. Ase tly?
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5 - > ee ee Reet i re Oe ee —a ee eS « ™ : mae Sh ee ee RE mr AO ot eet A Sagig Re a TR TE gad BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME«[ IBRARY. * at “= ts oe od — —— ars Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. ee 8 CRS ATO et ee BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick's Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffas Ben. B85 Deadwood Dick lo His Castle. 868 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’s Bombshell. 870 Deadwa-* *" ky Jr., In Meco. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket. 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dead-Sure Game, , 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive. / 904 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark, 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Double-Decker. 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. at Dollarville. 984 Dendwood Dick, Jr.. at Flush Flats, 998 andwood « Big Play. 100 Fey page Diek, Jr.» a 1011 Dsadwo od Dck, Je.’s. Dutch Pard. BY T, J. FLANAGAN, 909 Mieebipman Dares. ee Riraie Catcher, 925 The tou w a ns 988 The Two Widsbipusens. or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First Cruise. 949 ten pi et eee ‘Widay ea Four Commanders, 950 M t i 24 ish ng jut. Whidies t or, Dandy Diek’s Dash. od the Privateer Rovcr. 14 y Ned, tke Runaway, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. os peccous Reb $: Mand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. osebuc ob’s Reappenarance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Kob’s Uhallenge; or, Cinnamon Chip, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee's Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jilin, the Gold-Gatherery or, The Life Lottery. 8T2 Yreka dim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, ‘ B85 Vreka 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 Slerra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 245 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sterra Sam’a Pard; or, The Ange! ot Big Vista, 255 Sierra Sam’a Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kanguroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Oaptain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ; or, Suoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. B25 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High tat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jilin Bludsoe, Ir., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Billy or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Oli Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Kill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agont; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, Vhe Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. B78 Nabob Neds; or, The Secret of Slab City. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten, 918 Kit Keith, t e Revenue Spotter. . 922 Sol Sharpe, the New_York Night-Hawk. 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. Cc. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 614 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing aStrange Case 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Ditikilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’« Peath Racket. 5679 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 628 Brondway Billy’« Yead Act or, The League of Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Beats or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. T11 Brondway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. Broadway Billy’s }'ull Wand; or, The Gamin Detective, 785 Broadway Billy’s Business. 788 Broadway Billy’s Curious Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Lilly’s Bargains or, The Three Detective. 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. 775 Broadway BRilly’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Brondway Billy’« Teamy or, The Combine’s Big Pull, 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 796 Broadway HBilly’s Queer Bequest. . 800 Broadway Billy Baffled, 805 Brondway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. $15 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. 821 Broadway Billy’s Blof. 826 Brondway Kitly Among Jersey Thugs. 888 Broadway Billy’« Raid, 889 Broadway Billy’« Big Boom. 844 Broadway Billy’« Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy's Tate, 000 Bnap. 856 Broadway Billy's 31inds or; The Bootblack Stowaway. 862 Broadway Billy In London. 868 Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. 874 Broadway RBilly’s French Game. 880 roadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 860 A&llver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 869 Shasta, the Gold Ying or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name. 484 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 46T Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. B06 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 534 The Dnatnver Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 871 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Ont. 615 Fighting the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Rareback Heth, the Centaur of the Cirele, 647 ao renee” Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the “ Pizenest ”’ Man of Ante Bar, 887 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick’a Wipe-Out. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Satety Sams the Cyele Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Wot Hustle, 918 The Trump Rockey: 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kuatler Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’sa 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. 967 81000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Boy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob's Hot Scorch, 997 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Seorcher Aam’s Sweep-Stake s. 1009 Tne Girl Cycliat’s Winning Hand, BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNE. 956 Brooklyn Bob's Bulge; or, Dodger Dot’s Diamond Snap. 968 The East-Side Spotter: or, Turning Down the Big Three 974 Old Sant’s Dark Deal; or, Miner Mat’s Iron Grip. The Reporter- tive’s Big Pull, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 1018 Buffalo BUV« Texas Team, 1007 Buffalo Bill's Sure-Shota, 1006 Buffalo 11's Decoy Boya. 995 Buffalo Bill’« Drop; or, Déead-Shot Ne, the Kanans Kid. 98S Buffalo BIl’s Lasso Throwers. 981 Butfalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill’s Rifle Shots, 968 Buffalo BUlsa Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer, 964 Buffalo Rill’s Decoy 3 or, The Arizona Crack Shot 95s Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill’s Snap-Shot 3_or, Wild Kid's Texan Tally 942 Buffalo BUPs Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bil’s Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo Bills Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bison BIll, the Prince ot the Reins. 222 Bison Bill’s Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport. BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trost. BY CAPT, ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. 5S. A. 191 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 Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret, 920 New York Nat Trapped, 914 New York Nats Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’ Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado, 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. 889 New York Nat’s Deadly Deal, 888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. S77 New York Nat’s Trump Card. S87 New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Natv’s Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. 2 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, 7 Dick Doom’s Destiny; cr, The River Blackleg’s Terror. A Dick Doom; or, Ihe Sharps and Sharks ot New York. 8 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Maake. 98 Dick Doom tn Chicago. ‘ 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. : 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue, 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot, 829 Dick Doom’« Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Heul. ‘ 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Traii. 756 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’a Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buek Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 5660 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; ors Carl, the Mad Cowboy. v 719 Pawnee BiVa« Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curtous Caset 01, The Rival Sharps. 697 Kedtern at Devil's Kaneh; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s Wigh Hand; or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangets. And Fifty Others. BY LIEUT. A. K, SIMS. 689 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’a Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’a Tetum phy or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. 5646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 5668 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport: or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 6SS§Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bil a Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowbo Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling Williem the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gyps Spys_ or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Simple Sim, the Rronctio Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 212 The Meamertat Sports or, The Mystified Detective. %88 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. > Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 741 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone, 785 Lone Nand Joe the Committee of One, 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete ctive in Texas, 872 Two Showmen Tetectives in Colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand: or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot. 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES. 1021 Doctor Pau’, Detective. By Leon Lewis. 1022 Dare Sloan’s (lose Call, By Maj. Dangerfield Burr, 1028 The Cowboy Clan in Cuba. By Col P. Ingrabam, | 1024 Dandy Bick, Detective. By Robert R, Inman, 1025 The Flying Yankee; ory The Ocean Outcast. By Col., P. Ingraham. / JUST ISSUED. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba; or, The Cowboy Clan On Deck. By Col. P. Ingraham. 1017 De'ective Ma‘t’« Man-Hunt’; or, Downing the Des- perate Dezel. By Ned St, Meyer. 1018 Deadwoed Bick, Jr.'s, Big Four. By E. L. Wheeler 1019 Burd Bayard’s Close Call. By Capt. Hawthorne. 1020 Barn y Blake, the Boy Privateer. By H. Johnstone, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1s for sale by all newadealers, fve sents per eopy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York, sy ~~ BR ORS a Rtas cae “Leis eA ' ' - ”