Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1036) (1897 06 01)
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SYA: tipd todd tt INS Aa il Coy 1a (Mal) (ides soya =o POT } \ \mal | | I | | | (ia Lp (hat! @ Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. A f ; J} dl : it QS untae Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, June 1, 189 No. 1036. sven: PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, No. 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Dy PIGK'S JPOUBLES «rete ; BY_ ROBERT BR, INMAN, nn AMUN ee ~~ HIS SHOUTS SOON BROUGHT MEN INTO THE STREET FROM EVERY DIRECTION, y é ’
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9 : ‘Dandy Dick’s Double: The Severed Head of Paradise Pocket. BY ROBERI RANDOLPH INMAN, AUTHOR OF “DANDY DICK, D&TECTIVE, OR, THE STILL HUNT AT BURNT MATCH.” OPENING SCENE. «‘ Drox DARREL, we'll settle that score now!” The hour is dask—the scene a wild, mountain canyon; three men the actors. One of the three is mvunted on a spirited horse, while the other two are on foot. The one mounted holds the others under the cover of a pair of grim revolvers. Of the two on foot, one is a rough-looking character of the usual Western type; the other, in a high silk hat and patent-leather boots, an | clad in 2 suit of finest broadcloth, may be effee- tively described by the one word “ dandy.” It bas been an unexpected meeting. These two and the horseman have come suddenly face to face at an abrupt bend in the canyon, and in an instant the horseman has flashed forta his revolvers, at the same time giviag voice to the exclamation we have quoted. He holds the vantage hand, Hot words immediately follow; tie ‘‘ dandy” accepts the challenge—since he must either fig't or be shot down like a dog, and casting aside his revolvers he grasps a kuife and steps boldly for- ward, At this moment his rough-lookivg com- panion, seeing, as he believes, a possible chance, attempts to draw a weapon to fire a shot at their common enemy; but, quick as the lightning the horsetnan’s revolvers speak, and the man drops fn his tracks. At once, then, the horseman dismounts, puts away his revolvers and draws @ knife, and at each other the two rush, like tigers. It is a short, sharp fight, and it ends as suddenly as , begun. The “dandy” falls, the knife of his foe having pierced his heart, and a satanic smile lights the face of the victor, Fora moment he stands above the body, gloatiog with malignant exultation over his fallen foe, and then, as though actuated by a sudden thought and fierce desire, falls again upon the body and—severs.the head from the trunk! That done, he grasps the head by the hair, holds it up in the fast fading lizht, a hellish smile upon his face, as he exclaims: “Dick Darrel, this settles your case! It was of no use your kicking against Devil Duval. Pil take your head to the nearest camp, and there set it up as an example, a warning to others who may hanker after my scalp. It will show thom a splendid specimen of my handiwork! Ha! ha! ha!” Putting down the head, he lifts the body and hurls it behind some bowlders lying near, and after dragging the other body to one side, takes up the head, mouats his horse and rides away, be pot object hanging by its hair in his left and, CHAPTERI. ”® A STARTLING DISCLOSURE. PARADISE POCKET was horrified. A wild camp though it was, and full of roughs and toughs, this was a little too much for its nerve. " . The man wko had made the discovery, one *‘Hafd-head Hugh,” had been just about knock- ed out by it, as the ‘‘ boys” expressed it; and Hard-head Hugh was one of the toughest meu the camp could show. He made it his boast that he was always the first man up, of a morning, at Paradise Pocket; and as nobody disputed bis claim to that honor, much less trying to vie with him for the laurels, what he claimed was about the fact of the case, But if Hard-head was the first man up, Tony Gallagher, proprietor of the Round-up Saloon was always second; for Hugh was no sooner out than he struck a bee-line for Tony’s place to get his morning nip, and Tony had to respond with test alacrity in order to save the door from ing kicked down. On this particular morning Hugh had over- slept himself a little, and the chances were that somebody would be abead of him on the street if he didu’t bustle. So he hustled accordingly, bounding out of his cabin in a half-dressed con- dition, aiid starting across the Plaza toward the Round-up Saloon, finishing as be ran, It was Dandy Dick’s Double. 7 ’ WS od P broad dayligkt, but he was the first man on the | street and his honors were safe. He he “oceede 7 half-way across the ; t He had proceeded nearly half-way across the | honor the spot with stick or Plaza, and was adjusting the last sixpenny nail in his raiment, when he came to a sudden stop, and stared at something just ahead of him in the middle of the Square. For the first second Hard-head Hugh, hard of head as he was reputed, was almost chilled to the marrow, and was entirely unable to speak or move, His eyes bulged, he craned his neck like a flamingo, and he could not believe that he saw aright, He even questioned in mind whether it could be possible that he had ‘‘ got em.” But this state lasted only a few nioments, for as soon as he had satisfied himself that there was no mistake about what he saw, then he began to bellow aloud like a maniac, calling upon the peo- ple of the camp to turn out in all haste to share with him the horror of his frightful find, ‘* Hull >!” he howled, ‘‘ hullo, citerzens! Hustle out hyar, ye lazy lunks, an’see ther gol-darned- édest fiod of ther season! Use me fer a bootjack if 1 ain’s erbout ready ter go inter a fit over it! Waugh! it’s ther horriblest thing I ever did see! Come! ye lazy galoots! git a mow on yer, fer this byar beats ther general from ther warm clime—it does, by tarnel! Hullo! bullo! hudlo!!” The horrified Hard-head’s shouts soon brought men into the street from every direction, and as they appeared upon the scene the discoverer stood pointiug at the hideous find. Therein the center of the Square as near as may be, was a human head, resting upon—or better, in—a high silk hat that stood crown dowuward on the ground. It was a discovery well calculated to horrify even a worse place than this wild camp of Para- dise Pocket. As the citizens came running to the spot they formed a circle around tke dread object, and there they stood, speechless at first, gazing at it in silent awe, The head was that of a young man, and one who, in life, had been good-looking. The fea- tures were clear-cut, the bair dark, and a Llack mustache graced—had graced in life—the face, Tne hat was one that apparently had been Te- cently new aud elegant, though if was now some- what soiled and battered, and there was a bullet- hole through the crown of it, front and \back, Bat there was no evidence that the bullet had struck the man’s head. And this was the discovery that had taken the nerve ou! of Hard-head Hugh when he came up- on it so unexpectedly. ** What does yer think of it?’ that early riser deman led, turning to the crowd he had been successful in bringing to the spot. ‘‘ Don’t it make yer blood feel like milk in yer veins? It did in mine, at first blush, an’ sour milk at that, by tarnel!” ‘Ts are enough ter give a feller ther creeps, an’ that I’m sayin’ myself,” declared one of those who had been among the first upon the scene, ‘Does anybody know the face?’ asked an- other, ‘*Seems to me he’s’ a stranger about hyar.” ** Poor cuss! he have lost bis think-box, any- how,” another sympathetically put in. “But who hev done ther nasty work?” cried Hard-head. ‘ That’s ther question what_have got ther court by ther years jest now. What p'iz2h galoot hev killed the led, cut off his head, an’ then put ther town of Paradise Pocket to theshame by bringin’ it byar an’ settin’ it right down byar under our noses? That's what we wants ter find out, pards; by tarnel!”’ “Take it up, somebody, an’ let’s look at it,” suggested Tony Gallagher, who had been the ae first to respond to, Hard-head’s call, ““Mebbe somebody will rec¥ernize it if it’s held up ter sight,” _ This was something, however, that no one con- sidered a desirable thing to do, and for a few moments no one volunteered. ‘Wal, if ye are all afraid of it,” cried Hard- head Hugh, who had now regained his nerve to a degree, “I'll do it meself. Hyar it are,” stooping an lifting the awful object by the hair, like a beadscoan of bygone times, ** Anybody know ther gent?” Nobody did, and Hugh was about to replace the head upon the hat again, when something in the bat caught his eye. “Hyar is somethin’,” he announced, putting tbe head on the ground and taking a piece of paper out of the hat, ‘* Hyar 1s what tells ther tale.” And be read aloud: “TO THE CITIZENS OF PARADISE POCKET:— GREETING: — “Here is the head of one who pitted himself against Devil Duval. His body has filled the maws of coyotes. Let this be a warning to aspiring avengers. Plantthe thing if you want to, and if you stone. mark on it— “Dick DARREL.” CHAPTER II. DEVIL’S PICKED DOZEN. IF the citizens of Paradise Pocket were thrili- ed with horror at the finding of a severed bead on the public Square of their lively camp, the mention of that dreaded name,‘ Devil Daval,” gave them another shock that proved almost as bad as the first had beem Only a few days previous to the time of which the opening of our story treats, a band of a dozen borsemen, all armed to the teeth and com- pletely masked, had dashed into the camp one evening, just when dusk was giving place to darkness, and bad literally taken the town by force of arms. Foran hour or more they held high revel in the Round-up Saloon, having everything their own way. On the wall of the saloon was a posted placard, cffering a thousand dollars reward for the capture of the outlaw, ‘‘ Devil Duval,” as he was called; with an additional sum of five hundred for bis “ lieutenant,” who was known as the ‘Devil’s Right Bower.” And at that placard, after the twelve had helped themselves toa liberal supply of Tony’s liquid lightning, the dozen fired several shots from their re- volvers, filling it full of holes. They bad come into the saloon mounted, all of them, to the danger of sinking the floor, and as their animals stamped and plunged about it seemed as though the whole building must come down, But the beams under the floor rested upon the ground, so it was\ safe, though the strain was something it could not otherwise have resisted, And when these shots had been fired and the placard pretty thoroughly perforated, the leader of the band, under the protection of the weapons of bis followers, made the an- nouncement that he was the outlaw. “Citizens of Paredise Pocket,” bad been bis words, ‘J am tbat Devil Duval, and these are my men. We have styled ourselves the Devil's Picked Dczen, and we are going to make our- selves worthy the name, My first band of six, called the Devil’s Half-Dozen, got wiped out, all save me and my Right Bower. They were banged at Burnt Match, asyou must bave beard, Now we are going to avenge the death of those oor fellows, aud we mean to begin right bere, Devil Duval is going to be worthy the name that has been given hini, and the man who fries to earn that reward. dies! Be warned of that; and beware of the Devil’s Picked Dozen.” With tbat, then, several more shots were fired into the plecard, and the band made a dash for the open door, shooting as they went, right into the crowd, while. with yells and screams worthy of demons from below, the cutlaws dashed away up the street. 5 Two men bad been killed by their brutal fusil- ade, while balf a dozen others were more or less burt; and the evil having been done and the outlaws gone, the camp rose in arms and bowled its impotent how] of rage, vowing vengeance undying against Devil Duval and bis Dozen, swearing they would bring their career to a speedy termination. It was the unanimous verdict that Devil Duval and his band must be wiped out. The outlaw bad been beard of there before, of course, for bis name bad Lecome the terror of all that section of country; but. the citizens of Paradise Pocket bad little drenmed what a devi) he really was. The news from Burnt Match, that the band had been broken up, anid three or four of the rascals hanged, had given a feeling of security to all the towns and camps for many miles eround, end especially to this. distant camp of Paradise Pocket, A But now from that feeling of security against _ the visitations of the outlaws had come this rude awakening, and the Pocket was wild— more than wild, as can be imagined. The rest of that night was oue long-continued uproar, and the citizens went around carryip all the weapons they could individually find an buckle on. But nothing further was seen of the outlaws, and gradually the excitement cooled down as much as could be expected. sy Next day thé dead were buried, but vigilance was in no wise relaxed. By the time several days had passed, however. and nothing further had been seen or heard o the cut-throats, the camp Was relapsing again into its state of fancied safety. ‘ Now had come the second rude reminder the* Devil ‘Duval, the hunted and proscribed outlaw,
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a a Dandy DICE ® s Double, 3 was not asleep. The finding of this severed head alone ought to have told them this, with- out the additionol proof of the note in the bat. After the reading of that note, to turn again to our point of starting, the crowd stood for some seconds in speecbless awe, each man look- ing at his elbow neighbor as if mutely asking the question—What is coming next? And for as many seconds no one offering to answer it. Har. -head Hugh was the first to speak, ‘* Feller pards,” he said, ‘‘ this hyar are just a leetle wuss than awful, it are, by tarnel! What is goin’ ter be done about it? Isthere any crime on ther calendar that he wouldn’t do?® I think not, by tarnel! Look at this hyar pore cuss what he have deprived of his head; don’t it make yer want ter weep fer him—fer this feller whose head this is, 1 mean? Wonder who he has been when ther rest of him was attached? But, by tarnel! \‘ Dick Darrel’ are ther name what’s on this hyar paper what was in ther hat, an’ ain’t that ther name of ther feller what had ther tussle with the oullaw over at Burnt Match? It be, sure’s ye’r’ born; it are ther same, by tarnel |” CHAPTER IiT, ARRIVAL OF A STRANGER. PARADISE PockET was mi any miles from the camp of Burnt Match, and, if possible, its sur- ruundings were even more wild and rugged, It was certainly a good deal further away from any town of considerable size, and in most affairs was a law unto itself, But, distant as it was, the exciting events at Burot Match had speedily been rumored there, soon to be confirmed by the arrival of a man who had been a witness of it all. That man was one Henry Hoyke, better known as ‘‘ Hikey Hen,” a citizen of Paradise Pocket, | who had happened to be at Burnt Match at the | time. He was in the habit of taking ‘‘ periodi- cals,” as he called them; that is, periodically he would go upon a ‘tea r,” filling bimself with ‘lightning influence” and fizurativ ely ‘“‘ paint- ing the town red” for several days. Then, to sober up, be would wander away, sometimes a full hundred miles, returning in the course of two weeks or a month, He was at hoine now, and no sooner had Hard- head Hugh fiuished speaking than there was a general cry for ‘* Hikey Hen,” and the citizens looked around to see if he was anywhere in the crowd, “ FHe’s ther galoot we wants,” assumed Hard- head, ‘‘He was thar at ther time of ther diffi- kilty, an’ seen ther feller himself. He'll know whether this is ther same Dick Darrel.” ‘But yer will have ter go an’ kick ther door off ther hinges ter git bim out at this early hour,” was declared. “T reckon that’s about 80,” coincidea Tony Gallagher. ‘‘ He’s never up as ’ar ly as this, on- Jess he’s on a periodical, an’ then he don’t go ter roost er tall,” This being the case, several mien set off in all baste to roust Mr. Hoyke out and bring him to the scene, It took considerable pounding to awaken him, but finally be responded with a growl, and presen'ly opened the door of his shanty and came forth, He was a rough-looking customer, clad in “stogy” boots and slouchy hat, between which was a lengthy stretch of dirty red shirt and greasy-looking trowsers, divided at the middle by a belt in which was a ‘monster revolver and a knife to match, Bushy red hair and beard were his most strik- ing adornments of head and face. His com- plexion was rusty, what little was to be seen, except his nose, which had a tendency toward redness; and his eyes had that watery, paley look about them that is characteristic of alcohol in the system. ulloo!” he exclaimed, at sight of the men assembled around his door, ‘ What is ther trouble, feller-citerzens?” His hand fell upon his revolver, and he glared around in something of a half-frightened man- ner, as though he imagined there might be trouble ahead. ** You is wanted out hyar,” was the response, “We hev diskivered ther head of a mau, an’ we wants ter see if you knows ther lad by ther looks of his physiog.” ‘* Ther head of a man?” echoed Mr, Hoyke. “Git out; you’re jokin’. This hyar are some sell ye are tryin’ ter git onter me, 1 won’t go, Yer don’t git Hikey Hen onter no sech fool busi- ness'as this byar, you bet!” ‘* But it ain’t.no ketch er tall,” he was earnest- ly assured, ‘See ther crowd out thar, will yer. Hard-head Hugh diskivered ther find when he got out 0’ roost, an’ now ther bull blame camp are out thar gazin’.at it, It’s a man’s head, shaved right off clean from his shoulders, Come on!” Thus reassured and urged, the fellow saw that | something unusual was in the wind, and went | with the others back to the scene of the excite- } ment, When they came up, dressed Hikey, saying: “Hikey Hen, we has found darnededest find of ther season, an’ we wants ter know if you ever see’d ther feller in life. Now we won’t mention no name, but hyar’s ther head, an’ now you name it if yer kin.” With that he stepped back from in front of the dread object, and pointed at it with a finger. Hard-heal Hugh ad- Atsight of the dead features the rough-looking | Hoyke gave a start. ‘Great gophers!” he exclaimed, if it ain’t— ain’t—ain’t—” ‘*Tf it ain’t who ?” demanded Hard-head, “Spit it out, man,” urged Tony Gallagher. “Durn it! what wur his handle?” Hikey Hen cried. ‘‘t means ther feller over ter Burnt Match—ther same one us I told yer had ther hook-to with Devil Duval—” ** Does yer mean Dick Darrel, him as yer said was called Ds andy Dick ?” “That’s it! That’s ther name! ‘Yes; this hyar are his cabe za, or I’m blind in one optick an’ cross-eyed in t other, It’s bim, feller pats, fer rocks, But, how did it come hyar? Ten ter adime it hey been ther work of ther Devil Dozen!” Mr. Hoyke’s evidence was conclusive in the matter, and the great volley of remarks and so forth that immediate ly followed would defy all attempts at quoting, even were it essential, While the crowd was still there, and while the excitement was yet high, and the flow of talk un- ending, a bcrseman was seen approaching from up the v alley, “ Hullo!” exclaimed Hard- head Hugh, hev we byar?” With the words he po inted in the direction of the coming horseman, and every eye was turned that way. The traveler was yet a. little distance away, but near enough for careful inspection, He was clad in black, with coat buttoned to the chin, | and bad the appearance of a preacher, He wore a low, black hat with broad, stiff brim, his face was clean shaved, and he he vd on a “choker” collar of spotless white. Gloves | were on his hands, anda pair of spectacles part- ly concealed his eyes, Mounted upon 4 very small mustang, his legs were not far from the ground, and he did not appear to be riding with either ease or comfort. As he drew nearer, it was seen that bis age must be something in the thirties, and he ap- peared to be tired and worn with his jourrey. ‘A gospel sharp, by tarnel!” Hard-head quickly added to his first exclamation, answer- ing his inquiry bimself. “That’s what he are, fer a ten ter a dime!” agreed Hikey Hen, ‘‘I1f he have tooken a con- tract ter convart this hyar camp, be hey got a lifetime job.” ‘** An’ if he sets his mill a-runnin’ too close ter my place,” finished Tony Gallagher, * he'll £0 meanderin’ up their golden stairs afore he is aware of it, and bis career of usefulness will be cut short,” By this time the stranger was at hand, and drawing bis little mustang to a stop, he said: ‘*Sinners, now is the aig je time! How many of you can read your titles clear to man- sions in the skies?” ‘Beg yer parding, parson,” spoke up Hard- head, “ but we have got something else ter think about jest now. Jest look hyar, an’ tell us what yer thinks o’ this ” As he spoke the words he reached to the ground, lifted the severed head by its hair, and held it aloft for the good man’s inspection, while every eye was upon the stranger to see how he would stand the shock, The man stared at it with eyes at their widest and mouth agape. His whole appearance was indicative of the greatest horror. And indeed it was enough to horrify anybody, as had been well proven in the case of Hard-head Hugh. The ccna object was more. hideous in the re- ality than the imagination can conceive, CHAPTER IV. A SUGGESTION FROM THE STRANGER, ALL remained silent. It was some seconds before the stranger spoke; ** Hardened sinners,” he presently demanded, -- what is the meaning of this?” ni 3 means that this hyar are ther calabash of : what jest ther gol- | some pore cuss what fell inter ther hands of Devil Duval,” explained Hard-head. o Devil Duval?” the stranger repeated, is he? es _ ev er heerd o’ him?” in great surprise. *T believe | never have,’ “her whar d’ye hail trom? He’s known ter wie man fer five hundred miles around, by repertation anyhow. Ever hear of ther Devil’s Picked Dozen? ‘“"No, no, The only devil J know anything about is the Eyl One himself. Him Iam waging a warfare against, continually. But is it possi- ble that there lives a man so vile as to do a deed like this?” ‘Bet yer life it are!” exclaimed Hikey Hen, ‘* An’ say, parson, if yer w ants ter win a leetle glory as yer goes along, an’ at ther same time add a clean thousand to your pile, jest let up a bit on ther Old Gent an’ chip in with us against this hyar cuss.’ This caused a titter to run through the crowd, and the stranger held up his hands with a show of horror, **Tempt me not!” he cried. ‘Iam not seek- ing worldly distinction. I have a higher mis- sion to perform. But it seems to me that face has been familiar to me at some time or other in the past. Will you oblige me, sir, by holding it a little nearer?” ‘Yer is welcome ter squint at it at as close range as yer wants ter,” answered Hard-head, and he stepped nearer, ‘“‘Think yer ever knowed ther gentleman?” The stranger took a critical: look at the dead features, and there came upon his own face an expression difficult to define, It would be bard to'say whether it was one of recognition or of uncertainty. ‘“*No, I don’t think I ever did,” he finally re- sponded, slowly, ‘‘ Poor fellow! Amd what a text for a sermon! Alas! how short the brittle kp of life is at best, and how easily broken! Sinners, now is the accepted time! How many of you can read your titles clear to—” “Beg yer parding, parson, as I said afore,” interrupted Hard-bead Hugh, ‘* but we has got other things ter think about. This hyar Devil Duval, as we speaks of, an’ his Devil’s Picked Dozen, is ther curse of ther country byarabouts, an’ we have got ter bring ’*em up with a round turn. We won’t feel in ther sperret fer much sarmonizin’ till after that leetle. job heve been done,” “Then they are a band of outlaws, if { un- derstand you aright.” “Jest so. An’ ‘they holds human life as of no more vally than a chaw of terbakky.” ‘* And are you sure that this was their work? What proof have you that it was done by them? May it not have been done by others—” ‘“Great. gopbers!” broke in Hikey Hen, ‘‘don’t it speak fer itself? Ain’t it jest erbout horrible enough ‘ter ho’ been ther doin’s of that Devil Duval? Yer don’t know him, parson, Besides, a note in ther hat proves it wur him,” “Hal that isdifferent. There was a note in the hat, eh? What was it? -Yousee I am inter- ested, and [ don’t know who wouldn't be. It is the most horrible thing I ever saw in my life, Is it a note from the outlaw, acknowledging it to have been done by himself and his evil fol- lowers?” “ That’s about ther sizeof it, parson,” affirmed Hard-head. ‘‘ An’ byar are what ther note has ter say: With that, he read the note aloud again. “Dick Darrel,” the stranger repeated, musing- ly; ‘Iam not sure that I have not heard that- name before.” “That's who it are,” spoke up Hikey Hen. ‘I see’d ther feller over ter Burnt Match, where he had ther set-to with ther outlaws, an’ this hyar are him, sure as can be.” ‘“*You are sure of that, my man?” and the stranger turned upon him with quick interest. “You saw him yourself, you say?” ‘*Great gophers! In course I’m sure!” cried para ““Wasn’t I right thar, on one of my ryoddykill round-ups? An’ didn’t I see him, tn’ er outlaw, an’ ther hull blame kit of ’em? That being the case, there seems to be no mistake about it. Not that I care one way or the other, you know, fellow-sinners; but I sup- pose you will want to | ear me preach a funeral over, this poor fellow’s bead, and it is just as well to know who he wa:.” **] opine that would be about the ay r a8 per,” agreed Hard-bead, ‘‘ an’ mebby t will allow ye to orate "when we gets si psom plant it.” ‘‘ But in ther mean time,” observed Tony Gal- lagher, ‘Id say = ther thing on exhibit fer ther day, in some ’spicuous place,” ** Who
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4 Dandy Dick’s Double. ‘ ee : : aa . ‘“‘That’s ther racket!” agreed Hikey a “ Mebby you’d like ter have it in yer saloon windy fer ther day?” ‘* Nixey!” objected Tony, premptly. ‘It are plenty clost enough, right whar it is now.” ‘“*Then how would it do,” the stranger sug- gested, *‘ to stand it on a tall box and leave if right here for a time? What could be more sug- gestive of the uncertainty of life and the cer- tainty of death? It would be a silent sermon all day long.” “* That’s ther proper caper, by tarnel!” agreed Hard-head. ‘‘ That’s what we'll do, feller-pards. An’ we'll put this hyar note on ther box, an’ if it don’t create a big stir against Devil Duval, then I miss my guess, that’s all, What do yer say to ther propperzishun, boyees?” The plan was agreed to at once, and immedi- ately they set about carrying it into effect. And the stranger, having dismounted, hitched his mustang to a post before the saloon and watched the proceedings with a show of in- terest, Had any vne noticed closely, there was the suggestion of a smile about his lips, with a turn at the corners of the mouth that might have been taken to be cynical, sneering. From in front of the one store of the camp, not far away, were taken three boxes, one quite a large case, the next about half as large, and a small one for the top. And these were speedily brought to vhe middle of the Plaza and arranged in that order, and the severed head placed on top. That done, the note was posted on the side of the middle box, on the side toward the saloon, in which direction the face of the severed head was set, An’ now,” suggested Hikey Hen, ‘ how would it do ter put ther hat on topof ther head?” There were a few reckless spirits who were in favor of this, but it was ruled down. By this time the first horror was past, but that was carrying things too far, “Tt won’t do,” declared Hard-head. ‘‘ It’s makin’ too light of a grave subjeck, Don’t yer think so, parson?” ‘* Yes,” the parson promptly agreed, ‘‘ I do, Nothing in life is sosolemn as death, and it would be a disgrace to your town to have that head standing there with a bat on.” Suddenly Hard-head Hugh recollected that he bad not yet had his morning bitters, or bracer- up, and turning to Tony, exclaimed: “Come, Tony, I’m tate, Had almost forgot my regulator. I thought there was a feelin’ of goneness in my middle regions. I must take my bitters at once. Parson, s’pose thar’s no use invitin’ you” **Tempt me not!” the stranger exclaimed, in- terrupting, “I look not upon the wine when it is red, hat I need just now is a place of re- se. “Then ther Round-up Saloon are jest ther piace yer wants,” assured Tony, ‘‘fer it are otel and salcon combined, an’ can’t be beat,” : a you are the proprietor of the place, sir **That’s what I am, stranger.” ** And you can give me lodging for myself and beast?” ** You bet.” ** Then I look no further. [I will put up with yr and will retire to rest as soon as you can et me have aroom, I have been out most of the night, and am tired almost to death.” Leaving the main portion of the crowd still surrounding the hideous object on the Plaza, these and others repaired to the saloon, where Tony Gallagher shoved out a homely, home- made register for the stranger to inscribe his name, This the stranger did, and those who looked at the name he wrote—and they all looked, as soon as he bad done, read—‘t Rev, Ra Wallyngton, Pennysylvania.” And while Hard-head was imbibing, and the others were inspecting the register, the parson was shown to his room. Once there, and the door closed, he looked out from the window at the crow on the Plaza, A hard, grim smile came upon his face, but it soon gave place to that other expression, that ex- ression of which it has already been said that t was hard to define. For some minutes he stood looking at the severed head, but presently turned away, threw himself upon the bed, and was soom sound asleep. CHAPTER V. ANOTHER NEW-COMER. PARADISE POCKET was a mining-camp, and owed its existence to the fact that the Gilt-edge Mine was a paying institution. This mine was a stock concern, was paying big dividends, and employed something over a hundred men, It was considered the best pay- | ing mine in that section, with no exception. Besides this mine, there was panning in the creek below the camp that paid fairly well, and altogether the camp numbered perhaps three hundred souls, It was a lively place, for its size, as has been hinted, and a wild one, too, full of rougbs and toughs. Indeed most of its citi- zens were as untamable as tigers when there was occasion for them to “ show their teeth.” And of these tough customers, Hugh Hogan, him whom we have introduced as. ‘“‘ Hard-head Hugh,” was about the toughest, Next to him, as a‘thard customer,” stood Tony Gallagher, familiarly known as ‘‘ Tony the Tough,” Now these ‘‘tough” citizens of an acknow- ledged ‘‘ tough” camp had always considered themselves invincible, and having cherished that idea so long, they had become thoroughly and truly convinced that it must be so; hence, deep was their secret chagrin and bitter their reflec- tions at the defiance of Devil Duval and his Devil’s Picked Dozen, At the head of affairs at Paradise Pocket was Colonel Jim Hoxley, manager and superintend- ent of the Gilt-edge Mine—not only manager and superintendent, but held that relation to the camp as well, with respect to his standing and influence there, for he was the conceded ‘‘ boss.” He it was who had offered the reward for the outlaw, following the example of other camps at the time. And so it was, after the coming of the outlaw band, and the bigh-handed manner in which they bad flung defiance into the teeth of the citizens, that Colonel Jim was the sorest man of them all, Immediately after that night’s excitement he had raised the reward another thousand, And if any citizen of the camp was determined that Devil Duval should suffer for the ruin wrought there, and be brcugbt to the “ business end” of a rope, he was the man. Colonel Jim was not an early riser, He had rooms furnished over the’ office of the mine, and that was a little distance out of the camp, It was his rule to reach the Round-up Saloon in time for breakfast every morning, however, and he never missed. So it bappened that about half an hour after the severed head bad been placed in position on the Plaza, he came up from the mine, and as he turned into the Plaza, the boxes immediately caught his eye, and when he saw the horrible object that rested upon them, an imprecation of anger escaped him. Runaing forward, be was soon in the crowd, demanding: “What in ruin does this mean?” acne facts of the case werespeedily laid before im, When he bad heard all, Colonel Jim raved around like a mad hornet. “By ruin!” he shouted, ‘‘ but this business has got to be stopped! This isa dirtier insult than the other was, by long odds! Men of Paradise, are we going to put up with it? Not if Jim Hoxley knows himself!” Into the Round-up he rushed, snatched down from the wall the placard he bad posted there, the same one that had been filled full of holes by the outlaws, and the figure of which he had already once raised; and over the ‘‘2” he now printed a big ‘* 5.” “There!” he cried. ‘There! We'll see if that will do any good, If it don’t I'll lift it another notch, el) show the cut-throat that he can’t come any of bis Burnt Match games with this camp. I don’t want yeu to be without your guns a minute, men, not even when you're asleep, If the cusses come here again we'll give ‘em the warmest reception they ever had, by ruin!” Carrying the placard out of doors, and to the boxes on the Square, Colonel Jim tacked it to the top box, just below the head, ** Dick Darrel,” he said, looking at the severed head pityingly, ‘‘you shall be avenged, if this eamp has. the power and grit to do it. Let our enemy show his head here just once more— f he dare!” This met the approval of the crowd, and all together they echoed their determination to a out to the letter the vow their leader had en, * Let him come hyar only wuhst more,” cried Hard-head Hugh, as he bristled up and glared around, ‘an’ be'll come ter ee ** Bet yer life on’t!” assented Tony the Tough. ‘He'll never ketch us ergain in ther like way “0 he did ther t’other time. We'll be p’pared fer m, ‘Great gophers!” chipped in Hikey Hen, “fT should say so! Hyar’s five pills in this hyar gun 0’ mine, each one as big as a barrel in p’portion ter weight, an’ if they wouldn’t do bad mischief I'd like ter know why.” These and various other observations and treats went the rounds of tbe crowd, and the men of Paradise Pocket meant it, too. Their blood was up to the seething point, That bideous object on the top of the boxes: had a fascination about it, and the crowd could not seem to get away from it. Instead of grow- ing less, it had been considerably augmented, until nov almost if not quite the whole popula- tion of the camp was congregated on the Plaza in front-of the saloon, staring at the dread spec- tacle with morbid curiosity, And so intense was the interest that the’ arrival of another stranger was not noticed un- til he had advanced almost upon them, He was a young man, not over twenty-five, apparently, and looking perhaps even younger than that, He had a smooth face, with a clear, soft skin, and hands as smal], white and soft as. a woman’s, Mounted vpon a superb animal, with rich ca- parison,-horse and rider made a handsome ap- pearance as they drew near, the horse at a walk and the rider with his left band resting upon his. thigh in an easy, careless, graceful manner, In point of attire this stranger was simply ele- gant, A suit of the finest blue-black silk velvet covered bis shapely form, a shiny silk hat rested upon his curly head, and diamonds flashed upon the bosom of bis spotiess shirt and on the fingers. of his left hand. His feet, too, were equally well equipped with a pair of finest patent-leather Loots, and from top to toe he was as ‘‘new” and spotless as: theugh he bad just stepped out of a bandbox, His coat was of the jacket pattern, bis vest was. low-cut, and a silk sash of brightest red was around his waist, falling in short loops over his. left hip. The moment be was observed, and attention called to him, every pair of eyes in the crowd was upon him. And the next moment, almost in the same in-- stant, it may be said, the stranger caught sight of the severed head, and a great change came over him, With a frightful start he straightened up in the saddle, leaned forward with staring eyes, and the blood receded from his face, even from the lips, leaving him as-pale as death. The tightening of his right hand upon the rein bad brougbt his horse to a stop, and for some seconds horse and rider were as motionless as a statue, ‘* Do you recognize the man’s bead, stranger?” inquired Colorel Jim Hoxley. * No,” was the answer, with an effort at try- ing to recover trom the shock, ‘I don’t; but IL was almost knocked over at the horrible sight.” ‘*1t looked a good deal more as ae you recognized the face,” Colonel Jim declared, “ It. seemed to take hold fof you a good deal worse than just the natural start it. would give any- body.” ‘1 will admit that it looks like some one I have seen,” was the response to that, ‘ bit now I can see it is not the person. But, ci izens, what is the meaning of sucha horrible display as this? What’s up, citizens?” This was in atmore cool ard collected manner. and the horseman looked around over the crowd inquiringly. “If yer will ride jest er leetle closter an’ look at ther dokkymint¥on ther middle box, it wild tell ther hull tale,” apprised Hard-head Hugh. ‘* Make way fer ther gent, boyees, let him sat- tersfy bis curiosity. Ther otber notiss yer kin read at longer range.” “Yes, lam taking note of that. Five thou- sand for the capture of Devil Duval, eh? I bave heard of him. Do you mean to tell me this is some of his work?” “‘That’s what's the matter, mister,” in?ormed Hikey Hen, ‘He's ther galoot what done it an’ ther dead one are ther feller what tackled him over at Burnt Match; one Dick Darrel by right of handle, so called.” ey, The new-comer was seen to close his lips bard, and there was a suspicious verry look about his eyes as he rode nearer to read the notice on the box, the note that had been found in the hat. Who was be? and what was bis interest? These were questions the crowd was interested in, points upon which enlightenment was wanted. CHAPTER VI. THREE, BUT NOT OF A KIND, -““WuHoaP! Batberation to yez! Phwat is it is ailin’ av ye, anyhow?”
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- Dandy Dick’s Double. 5 A young Irishman mounted upon a big mule, roughly clad and armed with a big, old-fashion- ed blunderbuss. He was riding along through a dismal and narrow canyon, and had experienced no trouble until now, when the mule was showing a decided aversion to proceeding any further. The animal was standing with its fore feet braced, tnule fashion, its neck arched and its | ears set forward as though Jistening, and about every half-second was kicking up its hind legs in a way that threatened the rider’s safety. ‘* May dbe divil fly away wid the loikes av ye!” the young Irisuman cried. ‘‘ Oi don’t see anyt’ing dhat should make yez to be caperin’ up loike dhis, no more Oi do. Begorra, an’ yez don’t be shtoppin’ av it, sure it is gettin’ down from here Oi’ll be doin’ an’ lambastin’ dhe stuf- fin’ out av yez.” This did not seem to help matters a bit, and the Irishman evidently came to the conclusion that there was danger ahead, for he took his blunderbuss in hand and prepared for busi- ness, A little distance ahead was a bend in the trail, beyond which nothing could be seen from where the rider of the bybrid was standing. ‘Bad luck to yez!” the rider cried, ‘* phwy don’t ye be goin’ on? Phwat is it yez have got scint av, begob!” but at that moment the cause of the mule’s un- easiness appeared around a point of rock. It was a typical Jew pack-peddler, with a pack on his back and staff in bis band, His eyes were bent upon the ground, and he ws trudging along briskly. *“‘Hould on there, Solomon!” cried the Trish- man, bringing his big gun to bis shoulder, ‘‘ Av ye don’t, begorra Oi’ll empty more buckshot into ye dhan ye could put in yer pack.” i ** Mine gootness!” gasped the Jew, looking up at the first sound of the challenging voice. And when the man on the mule had ended, adding: ‘Vas it von robber you peen? So hellup me gootness I hafe not von toller mit mine bocket. Unt v’at I hafe in mine pack vas not vort tain saints!” ‘* No, begorra! it is not a robber Oi am, Sol- omon,” responded the rider of the mule; ** but iv’'s a martherer Oi will be, an’ ye don’t hurry along an’ get yersel out av dhe soight an smell av me mule critter. Sure it is a dilicate sinse av smell he has, an’ dbe scint av ye almost par- alyzes him, soit does, Don’t yez be movin’ now, or it isa porous plasther yez will be instanter!” The poor Jew looked perplexed, _ “So hellup Yacoop!” he ejxculated, ‘* v’at vas { to do? If I don’t burry me along I vas von murtered man, unt if I move me von step I vas a borous blaster!’ Pones of Chuseph! v’at vas I to do?” The young Irishman’s conflicting orders were rather puzzling, and now that be saw it he had to smile, “Sure dhe only safe ting is to be doin’ av both,” he responded, ‘ But me mule is quieter mow, 80 Oil] talk a bit wid ye. Phwat is dhe bandle av ye? Phwere are ye goin’? An’ phwat are ye goin’ fur?” ‘* Mine gootness! mine gootness!” the peddler exclaimed, ** v’at peesuess of mi1.e vas dot? You ton’t vas look like von robber, but py chin id vas information you vas after, ain’t it? V’at for you vant mit mine name?” ‘“ Begorra! but yenade not get on yer ear about it,” cried the Irishman. ‘Oi only wanted to be sociable wid ye, while me mule got enough ac- customed to ye so dhat Oi moight pass ye by in safety todhe neck av me, dhat’s all. Oi don’t ‘want to know yer name, an’ ye don’t want me to, begob!” He had lowered his gun, and was still smiling broadly, even while be spoke so bluntly. “Veil, vell, I ton’t vas got mat, if you ton’t,” the peddier conceded, ‘* You tolt me yourn name uot [ giff you mine,” and the peddler backed up to a bowlder and rested bis pack on it, while he ¢rosséd his hands on the top of his staff in front of bim, “ Dhat’s fair enough, begob!” agreed the man op the mule. ‘‘ My name is Barney O’Linn, at ‘yer service. Oi have just come from forninst,” with a jerk of bis thumb over his Shoulder, ‘an’ Ovw goin’ beyanst,” pointing abead: ** Dot vas a good enough name’ ver an Irish- man, py chin id vas!” the peddler exclaimed, * But | pet you I can peat him von unt go him some petter, My name vas Abraham Yacoo Isaacs, How high vas dot vor a name, hey? tells you 1 vas broud I vas a Chew, “it such a mame asdot!” —. ‘* Begorra, but Oi should t’ink yez would be!” exclaimed Barnev. ‘*Sare Oi woud have to galimesel’ Saint Patherick Sbamruck Oirlaud, to hold a candle to ye. Puwere are ye headin’ fur, Mr, Isaacs?” ‘* Pless me, mine frient,” the Jew returned, ‘I hope you can told me dot py mine self. to go py a blace named Baradise Bocket. You know viere id vas?” ** Begob, Oi am in dhe same fix mesel’, so Oi am!” Barney exclaimed. ‘* Oi want to go dhere, but don’t know pbhwether Oi am on dhe roight | road or not,” ‘Den id vasacase of a plind man lead a plind man, I dake id. Jd vas pco.y sure von of us must peen wrong, hey?” ‘*That is dhe way it looks. Oi don’t Vink Oil change me direction, however.” “* Yoost der same like dot I vas, too,” declared the Jew. ‘I hafe come me py seex goot miles, it I hafe come von, unt I don’t turn me back no- how.” ‘‘Dbat is jest phwat’s dhe matther wid me, too,” cried Barney. ‘‘ Oihave come foive moiles in dhis hole av a canyon av Oi have ccme wan, an’ Oi wouldn’t turn back fur adollar, no more Oi would,” ‘“Unt you vill hafe to go yoost so much fur- der pefore you gits him out mit, too,” the Jew informed. ‘I. bafe peen lookin’ vor der eend of der hole vor an hour or more, unt now you delis me id vas yoost so fur as id ves pefore I started. Py chin, dot makes me veel tired!” At this comical way of expressing what he meant, Barrey O’Linn had to laugh. And as we pause, a word of description con- cerning the Jew peddler may not be out of place. Concerning Barney O’Linn, something has been said already, and he bas added enough more by his own doings, to make it needless to say anything furtber, The Jew was a man of uncertain age, be- ing anything between twenty-five and forty. He was dark, bad black hair and eyes and a beard to match. His apparel consisted of a worn suit of rough texture, much too large for bim, He was a sturdy-looking fellow, strong of limb, evidently, and well proportioned, There was oothing strikiog about bis appearance; he was simply a Jew peddler of the usual type, without anything strongly in bis favor and with nothing in particular against him. His appear- ance told the story. ‘‘Begorra you'll feel a good dale nore tired before ye come to dhe end.” the young Irishman exclaimed, in response to the last remark. ‘‘ Yez had bettber turn about an’ come along wid me.” ‘¢ Mine gootness, no!” the Jew exclaimed, ‘I vould not go back ofer mine tired stebs vor tain tollars! It vould preak mine heart if 1 had so, I am yoost so likely to be right as you vas, unt I goes me mine own vay. You had petter come along mit me, unt I peen gompany vor you.” ‘+ Nixey!”’ Barney cried. ‘‘ Not dhat Oi would object to it mesel’, ye know, but me mule here would never agree to it in dhe wurreld, Av dhere is wan ting more dban another dhat me mule critter” don’t loike, it is to turn about and take dhe back trail. Pbwy, av Oi was to thry dhat, Solomon— No, beg yer pardon; I mean Abrabam. Av Oi was to thry dhat, sure he would balk, so he wonld, and Oi’d be unable to make bim go ayther wan way or dhe other.” ‘Vell, if dot vas so ve must bart gompany, 1 suppose.” “It looks dhat way, begob. Shoulder yer pack an’ mosey on, now, while me mule critter is behavin’ av himsel’.” The Jew obeved, and bad risen with his pack and taken a firm: grip upon bis staff, preparatory to trudging on his way, when the sound of hoots was heard, Looking up the canyon in the direction from which the young Irishman had just come, the two men beheld a horse and rider advancing to- ward them at a walk, and the rider was a wo- man in black, closely vailed. Neither spoke, but waited for the woman to come up. She soon reached them, and drawing her horse to a stop, and without lifting her vail, in- quired; ‘*Can you tell me the right direction to Para- dise Pocket, gentlemen?” Immediately Barney and the Jew began to dispute about the matter, soon proving to the woman that neither of them knew any more about the trail than she knew herself. “*T see you are both strangers here, like my- self,” she presently interrupted, -‘' As you are mounted, however, sir,” to Barney; ‘Il will go along with you, if you do not object, since I see you are headed in my direction, We must come out somewhere, sooner or later,” To this Barvey immediately agreed, and when I vant | some further words had been exchanged with the | Jew, they set forward, leaving the Jew gazing | after them until they had disappeared around the bend. / CHAPTER VII. | BARNEY OLINN’S RECOGNITION. WHEN they had passed out of sight the ped- dler shook his head. ‘Py shimminy!” he muttered, ‘‘ dot vas von creat Irishmans! Unt dot vomans—v’ot I makes out mit her? I pelief me 1 hafe heard dot voice somedimes pefore alreaty.” For some moments he stood gazing blankly at the place where he had last seen the pair, and then with a sigh he adjusted his pack upon his shoulders, took a firm hold of his staff, and went off up the canyon. And for the present we take our leave of him, as well as of Barney O’Linn and his unknown companion, and return to the camp for which they were aiming, taking up the thread of our romance at the point where it was laid down at the closing of a preceding chapter. When the handsome stranger-sport—for a | sport his appearance bad immediately stamped | him in the minds of the citizens of the camp | —had satisfied his curiosity regarding the no- tiee on the box, and bad taken a long and searching look at the features of the severed head, he turned away, backing his horse out of the crowd. “ Well, do you recognize the face?’ Colonel Jim Hoxley inquired again. ‘“No, I do not,” was the answer, as before. ‘« By the notice, though, I learn it is the bead of ene Dick Darrel.” ‘Jest as I told ye,” Hikey Hen chipped in, “J was thar at ther time of ther diffikilty, an’ see’d bim. He's ther feller, an’ no mistake about that.” The stranger turned an inquiring look upon Mr. Hoyke, but offered no response to him di- rect, “Well, it is a pity that such work as this must be tolerated,” he remarked to the crowd, ** How much longer are you going to allow this | reign of terror to continue, citizens?” “ But a mighty little while, I can tell you, if there is any way of bringing it to-an end!” cried Colonel Jim. ‘We had just taken the vow, as you came up, that we would avenge this poor fellow if possible,” ‘“‘Good for you!” the “‘ What is your idea, though, citizens, in putting the horrible thing up here in this fashion? But perhaps this is the way you found it. What are stranger approved. you going to do with it? It’s a terrible sight, where it is.” ‘* We know it are,” agreed Hard-head Hugh, ‘““an’ we has got it thar with a purpose. e wants ter git this hyar camp roused rigbt up ter p’izen fever pitch against ther outlaw an’ his oin’ crew, an’ if they comes hyar again we're ter sallyvate ’em wuss ’n yer kin think, Hey, Coionel Jim?” ‘¢'That’s the idea,” the colonel agreed. ‘‘ We will leave it bere to-day, though it will undoubt- edly create a terrible excitement when the stage arrives, But,as Hugh says, it will serve rouse public indignation to the highest pitch against the outlaw, and with this reward I have offered, something may be done toward winding up bis career of crime.” ‘An’ then we're goin’ ter plant it with all honors,” added Hikey Hen. ‘* We has got a gospel sharp hyar, an’ be’s goin’ ter spout a sar- mount over it when we,git ready ter put it under ther sod.” ‘* A gospel sharp—a preacher you mean?” the elegant sport inquired, looking again at Mr, Hoyke. ‘“‘ Whois he? This is the last place in the world where one would expect to find a par- re) « Ra ‘+ He’s a stranger,” explained Tony Gallagher — came into the camp only a short while ago, an’ is now abed. Was purty well tuckered out when he arrived.” “Thought it must be a new arrival, one I hadn’t beard about,” observed Colonel Jim, who had shown interest in Hikey Hen’s statement, ‘‘Yas; he kem erlong afore you got hyar,” in- formed Hard-head. ‘Sot his name down as Rev. Ray Wallyngton, I b’lieve.” ; “'Thet war it,” attested Tony, ‘But, come, Colonel Jim,” he added, ‘thar’s ther call ter breakfast.” The time, from the first discovery of the sev- ered head to the then present, had passed so quickly that it had seemed wo more than a few minutes, In truth if was more than two hours, Now the loud sound of the breakfast tocsin,
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i ——- aoe from the rear of the saloon, reminded the crowd of the flight of time, and there was an immedi- ate breaking up, the citizens going off in various directions to fortify themselves with their morn- ing rations. There still remained a goodly number on the Plaza, bowever, for the bideous object at the apex of the pyrami| of boxes had such a fasci- nation for many that they were loth to break a es aire A saa +a a away. Canal Jim and several others followed Tony into the saloon, and after them rode the stranger sport, and entered the place, still mounted. Hearing the heavy tread of the horse’s hoofs on the floor bebind them, Tony and the others turned in surprise. “Don’t mind a little thing like this, gentle- men,” remarked the stranger, with a smile. © But we does mind it, though,” Tony com- plained. ‘This hyar ain’t no stable.” ~ ‘* Well, we won't argue the point,” was the smiling return. ‘‘If you can accommodate me ‘with food and lodging, and care for my horse, you may have him led outto his proper quar- ters.” **T can do that,” Tony assured. The stranger slipped from the saddle, deliver- ing the rein to a fellow who stepped forward to Y receive it, and at the same time giving him a ts piece of money, with the injunction to see that the animal was well cared for, His horse was led out and away, Tony assur- ing him that it was in good hanc¢s, and when it had left the room the sport turned to the register which Tony had shoved out toward bim, Taking up the pen, be held it idly for a mo- ment while be glanced at the names already re- corded, The latest on the list seeming to claim his attention, His pause, or hesitation, was only brief, how- ever, and dipping the pen he put his signature fe 2? on the page with a bold flourish. ee) No sooner was it down than those around bim a craned their necks to learn what hisname might be. In this they were disappointed, for the sport had not written his name, but a sobriquet— * Blue-velvet Burt.” s “ Durn meif ther handle don't fit yer well!” exclaimed Hard-head, who had almost looked over his shoulder as he wrote it out, ** What are ther title be pives himself, Hard- bead?” sung out Hikey Hen, who held a less favored position, ‘* Spout it out, so’s we'll know what ter call ther gent.” “Tam called Biue-velvet Burt, gentlemen,” the velvet sport announced, speaking for him- self. ‘*‘ And further, if you bave any curiosity to know what my calling is, I’m,a card-sharp of the first water. Look out for me.” This was ended with a light laugh, and the sport turned away from the end of the b “where he had registered, asking in the ne breath the way to the breakfast-room, The way having been pointed out, the sport went from the bar-room, leaving those there assembled to comment upon him as they pleased. ' -gafely guessed, though little of it was worthy of being repeated bere, At the table Colonel Jim Hoxey fell into con- versation with the stranger sport, sounding him. . Before he had done he was satisfied that the young man was no ‘“ tenderfoot.” After breakfast, as Colonel Jim did not go to the mine, and as everybody else was waiting fcr ‘him to lead, nobody went, and the mine did not start up. _ . Excitement at Paradise Pocket was too ‘great for business or work to ke thought of that morn- ing. Within half en hoar the whole population of the camp had reassembled on the Plaza. And there the citizens remained, a crowd around the boxes upon which reste _. horrible “* find,” others in groups not fur away, cat hy all within plain sight of tue dread object. reat geance agi Devil’s Picked Dozen, Some time passed, without much change in _ the situation, when somebody called attention _ to two new arrivals who were approaching. _ One was a man, mounted upon a big mule, - and armed with a formidable-looking apojory for a gun, while the other was a woman in black, closely vailed and riding upon a horse. _ They were Barney O’Linn and his strange -. companion, as the reader need not be told. As they tanie nearer, their curiosity was awakened at sight of the crowd, and when they mation fell from Barney’s lips, . He had caught sight of the severed head, and _ recognized it immediately as that of Dick Dar- A, » ‘ SUP ap ay mere Parone And comment was lively enough, as may be | the. nd the main drift of talk was toward ven-- had approached nearer still, an excited excla-| And while erry ye speaking, out of “fe Fe, the master whom he served, and for whom | 2 Dandy Dick’s Double. he would almost have laid down his life. With an almost cry, he urged his mule forward to within a few paces of the boxes, and looked long and earnestly at the face. CHAPTER Vil. ANNOUNCING THE FUNERAL, THE woman had stopped further back. She, too, appeared to take interest in the | awful thing. It could not be guessed, though, whether hers was more than a natural thrill of horror at the sight. As she was so completely vailed, no one could form any opinion as to what she was like, much less guess what her emotions were at sight of the head. She stood only a moment where she had stopped, and only for a moment looked upon the dead face, but turued her horse toward the saloon, rode up to its door and dismounted and entered, but Barney O’Linn remained, still staring at the severed bead. At bis first sight of it, an expression of keen- est horror had come upon his face. When he drew nearer, however, that expression had sud- denly changed—changed to one which it was not easy to interpret. For some moments he was silent and motion- less, his expression gradually resolving into one of keenest sadness, and presently he turned away with a sigh. “T takes it you knowed ther defunct, hey?’ Hikey Hen addressed him. ‘Oi did dhat same,” Barney dolefully de- clared. “Sure, it is all dhat is left av me mas- ther, Dick Darre}.” *“ Durn it, I thought I knowed you,” Hikey Hen cried, ‘Ain't you ther feller what was with bim at Burnt Match? If yer ain’t I’m a galoot, that’s all.” “Oi am dhat same, sor,” Barney acknowledg- ed, ‘An’ sorry dhe day dhat brought me here to see him at such an end as dbis. It is too bad, too bad, soitis, Poor b’y, ho was as thrue, as gold an’ as bould as a lion, so he was.” With that Barney drew his sleeve across his eyes as though to mop away his tears, though no one had noticed any. ‘‘Then you had parted company with bim, hey?” inquired the questioning Hoyke. ‘‘ How comes it he drifted over this way?” ‘Sure he was p’izen death afther dhat mur- therin’ villain av a Devil Duval, so he was, an’ Oi suppose he has follyed him up to his sorry, Och! it is too bad, too bad, an’ him so young and so fuine a lad as he was.” ‘And with that the other sleeve went across his eyes, and Barney certainly looked as though he had lost his bést and only friend. ** You are sure about your identity of the man, are you?’ demanded Colonel Jim, he being right athand. © * ; “Do yer think Oi wouldn’t know Dick Dar- rel, dead or aloive?? was Barney’s quick coun- terdemand. ‘‘ Begorra, Oi would know him av he was naythur!” This provoked a smile, but Barney looked arcund as sober as a judge, asif seeking some one who might be willing to challenge him fur- ther upon that point. is assertion was cer- tainly positive, : ‘So then yer had parted company, had yer?” Hikey still insisted. ; ‘© Ay coorse Oi had, ye hairy gossoon!” Baruev retorted, somewhat snappishly, ‘Av Oi hadn't, wouldn’t Oi be wid him? Phwat’s dhe matter wid ye?” : ‘Can you tell us anything about him, Lf man?” asked Colonel Jim, more quietly. ‘* We want to learn when and fwhere he was killed, if wecan, We are determined upon avenging his death,” oer tg “Dhere, now dhat is somet’ing loike!” Barney cried. ‘Sure we had parted company, so we bad, an’ he tould me to meet him up in dhis last end av dhe wurreld in about two weeks, an’ here Oiam. But, dhe poor b’y, sorry dhe meet- in’ it is fur him, to be here alone widout any av dhe rest av himsel’, an’ dead at dhat, och hone!” : er It was not to be doubted that the young Irish- man’s grief was genuine, for his manner, tone, and every action went to prove it; but his od- dities of speech provoked smiles at his expense. « The blue velvet sport, standing on the vas tha stoop—rather platform, was paying close atten tion to all that was passing, the tones being plenty loud enough to reach his hearing. Rey. saloon stepped the arrival of the day, Wallyngton, who had finished bis rest and At sight of Barney, a flash 4 he Breet } oe noon was quite far acrapotd, when the sport. i Ra oe | also just takoninasolid repast. . -—'|, colonel, face peared for a moment in his eyes, but if was gone — again immediately, and he was a seemingly idle observer, nothing more, B But he had an interest of some sort in this i) severed head, as we know. What was his in- terest? Barney had many other questions to respond to, but presently there was a break, and he de- | manded to know the meaning of the awful ex- > hibition, j £3) The matter was explained to him, and the reason given for the keeping of the head there on the Pleza in such plain sight. { ** Well, ye may be roight,” he reluctantly ac- } quiesced, ‘* but it goes against dhe grain av me rs to be seein’ av me masther’s head exposed to dhe } public\gaze loike dhat, Oi will ave ye have it dhere till four o’clock, however, an’ dhen it is dacintly buried it must be. Moind dhat, citi- zens, every wan av ye.” ‘* Your wishes shall be respected,” promised Colonel Jim. ‘‘ At four o’clock, boys, the sev- } ered head shall be taken down for burial.” “And I will hold myself in readiness to preach ; the serrcon, as I have promised to do,” spoke up the parson, having stepped forward from the \ front of the saloon. | Instantly Barney O’Linn turned his gaze upon ' him, and for a moment searched bim keenly, as } though he thought the voice was familiar. \ If be had so thought, bowever, he evidently H decided that he had been mistaken, for he soon turned away, \aa With another sorrowful look at the severed ~ head, he turned his mule to the saloon, rode for- ward and dismounted, and throwing the rein d over a post, entered the place, 1 ‘* Begorra,” he saluted there, ‘‘av ye have ; anyting to ate, Oi want it. And Oi suppose it is. ie dhe same wid me mule, Can ye be doin’ av any- } t’ing for us in dhis respect, Misther Landlord?” Tony allowed he could, and Barney and the mule wera soon being cared for in the manner that best answered their needs, In the mean time the vailed woman had regis- tered and gone to the room. that had been as- signed to her. The Round-up Saloon, by the way, had quite a number of rooms over the saloon proper. These rooms were eight by ten, in point of size, except those in front, which were a little lar- er. It was one of these latter that had been given. the vailed sojourner, another of them being al- ready occupied by the recently arrived ‘ gospel- sharp.” And there being only three of the lar- J ger rooms, only one remained, the middle one, + Mey ae the blue-velvet sport held right of title. The woman had registered as Mrs, Chintley,,. of Denver, and had incidentally let fall the in-~ formation that she was a widow, and that she ‘ was looking for some information concerning f property ber husband had “held somewhere in | that wild region, } She had not drawn much attention, for her somber attire was rather Gb agra than other- wise, and after she had gone to her chamber little thought was given ‘her. e It was not so with tke elegant sport, Blue- velvet Burt, who was the center of attraction wherever he moved. Serr It was some time after the arrival of Barney © O’Linn-and the strange woman, and the fore- was in the saloon, toying i re COIGRS >: cn Fo We GL ADS YM Several of the habitues of the place werelool:- _ ing on, watching to see what he intended to da, = But nothing seemed to be in thesport’s mird, and he merely toyed with the cards, shifting © them deftly from hand to hand,as if uncon- — | sciously. a a ay cre | Ne Finally Colonel Jim Hoxley remarked: “rae “T believe you made the statement, sir, thab. | » ie are a card-sharp. I suppose you must be = andy with the boards.” ‘ 3 = j, SER The spert smiled, Wastin ht ‘Well, I know a thing or two about them,” pe eet affirmed. ‘‘Icando a fewclumsy — icks with them, and as to playing—well, that is my rbot business, and I do not look. ly with a pack of). * 7 like a beggar, do I?” Bal ‘ “Well, no, hardly,” Colonel Jim had to admit. _ “But you say you cau do some tricks with the ~ papers; let’s see one or two, if you don’t mind to pass the time till the arrival of the stage.” _ *: ap hi me oblige,” was the ready a: ment, ‘Just favor me by drawing a pond, 5 the pack, will you, sir?” \ a hile | veg » the sport bad. shuffled th cards brisk] sen now presented them tc own and pn ad, 00 abit > colonel drew one out and look eS fi ‘ shee . a e rots
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\ card | i ‘sport requested him to take the pack, put the ~» ecard back into it and shuffle them, And these directions Colonel Jim followed, replacing the card and giving the pack a thorough shuffling. CHAPTER 1X. | THE CARD-SHARP’S SKILL, / THE sport was now the ceuter of interest. Everybody in the room had pressed forward to where he sat, and a circle was formed around him and Colonel Jim, j In the crowd were Hard-head Hugh, Hikey | Hen, Barney O'Linn and others, and even the | stranger parson was looking on from the outer edge. } Tony Gallagher was interested, too, and was | viewing tue proceedings from the end of his bar, | All were auxious to see what was coming, and | as the colonel had challenged the sport, some- | * thing goo was expected, When Colonel Jim bad done shuffling the cards, he handed them back to the velvet sport, remarking: . **T don’t know what the trick is, Blue-velvet Burt,” with a confident smile, ‘* but if you can pick out that card you are a god one.” “Tam not going to try to pick it out,” was the respouse, as the cae gave the cards a swift running over, ‘1 will let it jump out of the pack of its own accord, trouble.” Without pause, then, he held the cards a little distance above the table, allowed vhe pack to drop, and as it struck the board one of the cards was seen to turn over, face up. This card was the ace of spades, ** That is the card you drew out, sir,” the sport observed, positively. “Right you are!” the colonel exclaimed in acknowledgment. ‘‘How in the deuce did you do it?” ! ‘* By a simple twist of the wrist, sir,” was the cheerful response. “But, that was hardly worthy to be called a trick. We will try it again, Please draw out another card, and take careful note what it is.” He held the cards outinvitingly as before, and the colonel drew one, holding his band over it in such a way that the sport had no opportunity to see the back of it, if that was the secret of his trick; but it was not, for the cards were new and “ straight.” Having drawn a card, Colonel Jim looked at it, and allowed some of those behind him to see what it was, ‘Take the pack and shuffle as before,” directed the sport. : . This wasdone, The colonel replaced the card, giving the pack 4 desperate mixing, “T defy you to find 1t out this time,” he said, as he gave the cards back. ‘I guessit will! puz- zle you a little,” Tbe only response smile. " Shoffling the cards idly for a moment, the sport suddenly clapped the pack between bis . hands, crying: “Presto, change! ) and save myself that .was the same confident Begone!” ' ‘‘ Hal” exclaimed the colonel, “I guess we’ve got you.” ‘* Not by any means,” was the answer, quietly. “The card was the two of clubs,” \ The look of amazement om the faces of the colonel and those to whom he had exhibited the card proved that this was correct. ; _ “By tarnel!” cried Hard-head Hugh, “ but you are ther dickens with ther flippers. I'd give a dollar ter know how yer does it; I would, by tarnel |”, ‘‘Great gophers! I should say hedo!” chimed Hikey Hen. ‘Thet ’ar isther best I ever did see. Stuff me fer a wild turkey if I ever see’d ther beat o’ that, an’ I guess none o’ ther rest of yer ever did.” “Tt is certainly astonishing,” agreed Colonel Jim. ‘Tl give you ten dollars, sport, if you'll teach me these two tricks, Yes, I'll give you twenty-five. You told us you area sharper at cards, and it looks like it. “I wouldn't care to play against you for money.” “Sorry I can’t oblige you,” was the respouse, ut I do not sell my tricks at any price. But do it. _ The cards were na 4; ag the sport, receiving the the aatural question is—W here is | * He 4 te ‘ 4 , ed, He had jerked off his bat while speaking, and | gave the pack to its owner, on = an Dandy Dick’s Double. that card? I will tell you whereit is. It is in that he wanted the chance to try it, anyhow, this gentleman’s hat.” He indicated Colonel Jim Hoxley. Colonel Jim looked amazed, as well be might, | “*Get out!” he cried. *‘ That’s impossible. I know better.” ‘** But 1 tell you it is, sir,” the sport quietly in- sisted; smiling, ‘* Lock and see if it isn’t.” ‘* This is carrying a joke pretty far,” the col- onel parleyed. ‘' How could that card get in my hat, and the hat on my head all the time?” ‘“That’s. what we all want ter know,” cried Hikey Hen. pile on it.” ‘Show us yer hat, anyhow, Colonel Jim,” re- ) quested Hard-head. ‘ That will settle the p’int,” | ‘* Yes, that is the only proof,” said ‘the sport. ‘Tt will settle if one way or the other.” ** Well, I'll settle it, then,” the colonel consent- ““T know it can’t be there—” glancing into it, suddenly stepped. There, under the inner band of the hat, was the missing card! | ‘* Be it thar?” inquired Hikey Hen. ‘* Be it?’ urged Hard-hbead. It certainly is here,” the colonel had to ad- ; satisfy you all. mit, drawing it out. ‘*My man,” to the sport, ‘*“vou must be in Jeague with the devil!” Blue velvet Burt laughed lightly. ** Nothing of the sort, gentlemen,” he assured. “Tt is very simple when you know how todo it. Are you satisfied with what [have shown you of my skill with the wicked pasteboards?” | ‘Yes, IL am thoroughly satisfied,” declared Colonel Jim. ‘You bave a right to the title | you claim—a card-sharp.” ‘Jest let te draw a kyard out’ thet ’ar pack, will yer? Hard-head Hugh requested, ‘*T want ter see if yer kin do thet ar again, by tarnel!” ) “* Anything to be obliging,” was the resp: nse. | “Draw out One, si; any One you please, ann | show it around among your friends, and satisfy yeuif I can, in-my poor way.” He had shuffled the curds anew, ancl beld them out to Hugh in fan-shepe, es on the other trials, ' Hard-bead was particular, and made his choice with care, se!ect-hg a curd from near the cree of the pack, having to part the pack to get at it, He took goo? care.nut to let the sport see any part of it, and after looking at it bimself, show- ed it to others, tue sport idly shuffling the pack while he waited for its return, When Hard-head turned to give it heck, the sport opened the pack and told him to slip the card in, and Hugh obeyed, Then, not satisfied, he took the cards and mixed them, same as Colonel Jim had done, endeavor, ; That done, the cards were handed back .to the sport, who gave them still another shi file, after. which he proceeded to run them through his hands, looking at the faze side as he did so, ‘*No harm to look at the faces of familiar friends, I suppose,” he remarked, | ‘tI want to see that my little family are all here, Yes, here we are, ali togetber; and now watch me closely, for I'm géing to send one away, Presto!” He held the pack up, and with that word, blew hard upon the back of the deck, at the same time giving a jerk with his hand, “There, it is gone,” he said. ‘* You will find it in the inside pocket of our reverend friend’s coat, Ile indicated now the Rev. Ray Wallyngton, who was still looking on. { “Impossible!” that individual cried. “ A card | in my pocket! Never! I must deny it!” A waste of time and The sport smiled confidently, as betora, but ; phwether dhe card is dhere or not, said nothing further, and there was an imme- diate cry for the parson to turn out his pocket. Mr. Wallyngton strongly objected at first, but the pressuré was 80 great that he had to yield at last, and opening his double-breasted frock, thrust his hand into the inner pocket, The expression of his face immediately told that he had found something, and when the hand came forth it held the queen of hearts, “That’s ther kyard, by tarnel!” ejaculated Hard-head Hugh, ‘I give it up, { does, sport!” “Sure it’s not in leagve wid dhe divil ye are,” cried Barney O’Linn, “ but it is dhe divil himsel’ ye be! Give mea chance to thry me luck wanst, an’ let me see ay O% can’t puzzle ye a bit.” CHAPTER X. pe IN THE JEW’S PACK, aR sport glanced at Barney, and hesitated. “*T don’t claim to bea wizard,” he said. ‘ You a fom, baffle my skill.” arney had met his glance, and responded ! in dhe middle av yer pack, and—” i | all I ask in avy case.” ** Tt can’t be did, an’ 1’m bettin’ m the young Irishman. ’ y young I wil try | have no more to do Wid ye. It is dhe Ould Boy 7 we : ¥ pr Page, é yD Sy fe ye whether he could or not. * TJave me take dhe flippers into me own hands,” be requested, **and Pave me select me own card, wid me back turued to ye, an’ divila bit will yezever know phwat wan it was.” “ Well,” agreed the sport, ‘* P11 do that on condition that you'll show the card you select te several persons, so that you can’t deny it if I de find the right one. I want fair play, and that’s t ‘*Dbat is raysonable enough, begob,” declared - “Dhat is phwat Oi ex- ' pected to do, anyhow. Give me die pack, an* av Oi’ don’t shtick yez, me name shall be Mud, an’ dhat’s all.” The cards were given into his hands, and turning his back to the sport be shuffled them, selected one, showed it to several of thuse around him, and then replacing it, shuffled again and “Show me dbat card,” he cried, ‘‘an’ begorra itischief ye are!” The sport smiled, as ~he received the cards, saying: Es “¢ Well, I will try to do so, and this trick must : Let your card appear, sir.”4 With that, he held the pack of cards a little : above the table, as in the first instance, and let a it drop, when the ace of hearts appeared face up op top. oe It was like the first trick he had performed, and yet in one respect it was greatly unl'ke it. In this instance be had not shuffled the cards at all, but held them exactly as he had received them from Barney, The crowd looked on in open-mouthed amaze- ment. \ Here was something they could not under- stand, ; ; It was the card that Barney had selected; tke faces of all whohad seen it proved that. ‘A chief ye are, sure!” Burney cried, ‘‘ O7'll himsel’ ye are, sure enough.” be sport smiled, “Nothing of the kivd,” he asserted again. “ As I said, yentlemen, this will be my Jast trick. Now, sir,” to Berney, “ I will cause this car’ to disappear, and it shall be for you to say where it shall be found, after it has gone. Now, resto |” He bad taken up the pack, and with a quick motion with it the ace of hearts was «ut of sight. ‘*Begorra, but itisin dhe pack.it is,” cried Barney. ‘‘Take the pack and satisfy yourself as te— that,” was the invitation. The young Lrishman did so, running through from the first card to the last, but the one he bad chosen was missing. * Just then attention wes drawn to on indi- vidual who had entered the saloon; a Jew ped- — ets with a pack on his back and a staff in bis band. iS ‘* Bedad,” Barney exclaimed, Ovll see how smart ye are wid dhe t’ings, so Oi will, Avye can make che card appear in dhe middle av dhe pack Ghat wanderin’ son av Jerusalem is carry- in’, begerra ye can tell me dbe moonisadish- pan in dhe sky, an’ Oi’ll be’ave ye!” a ‘“ Ag ensy to put it thereas into. man’s hat,” was the quiet response, ‘It is as you desire. Make the fellow cpen bis pack, and there youll | _ find the card. Ifit is not there I will treat the — bouse, Go for bim,” eee: ‘: Oi will dhat same,” Berney declared, “Sore Oi met him on de trail as Oi was comin’ here, © ‘ an’ a Jong walk te inust bave bad avit, dhe way he was goin’. Comé on, me lads, an’ we'll se@ The sport having declared that his last trick, ~ the crowd turned from bim and all ‘attention =. = was given to Barney andJew. ee The latter had dropped his pack to the for, 1 ; and dropped bimself into a chair, as though = tired out. oo Le ee ‘ Hello, Abraham, Oi see ye have got kere!” Barney saluted. mee “‘Yesh, I hafe got me here after von long age dime,” was the weary response. | ey “i. “Oi tould ye ye was on dhe wrong stretch, — but ye wouldn’t belave me. But come, open yer — pack, will yez?”. USE iy ean “You vish to puy somedings?” and the fellow — brightened up quickly at the prospect. ‘‘I re Ls fine azortment to show you, shentleman 4 **Oi’ll tell ye phwat is the matther wid Han- ner,” Barney broke in. ‘A man here, dbat— fancy sbport over dhere, has been a-showin’ us av some thricks wid cards, an’ he says dhe last card he made to disappear, dhe ace ay hear . ae 3 ‘ hg 7 ae oi + * t at Ra ea se con at
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Oy ty 7 Ta RS Ie, aa, Po FSA - SE s% se pie ye Dandy Dick’s Double. *° Wat for a kind of fool peesness vos dot!” the peddler cried, sinking back upon bis cbuir again. ‘Dot cart vas vod in mine pack; how cuuld he peen? Dot vas von shnide game,” “Begorra, but dbat is’ piwat we all say,” agreed Barney. ‘‘Wewant to prove it, all dhe same, an’ dhe only way to prove itis to have dhe pack opened, Come, now, let’s be seein’ av dhe inside av it, Av dhe card isp’t dhere dbe sport is to threat dhe whole house, an’ av it isdhere— well, maybe you’ll sell some goods when dhe boys * gee phwat ye have got.” Yaw, maybe dot vas so,” the peddler agreed, | getting up and preparing to open his pack, ‘I know me plame vell dot cart vas not in him, yust so goot pefore I look asI know id some - by passing into the background with the advance o railroads throughout the Western wilds, Drawn by four sturdy mules, it came rattling and clashing along as though it weighed but lit- tle and was empty at that, neither of which con- dition was true on this occasion. The Jehu was perched upon his’ box “like a thing of life,’as Barney O’Linn expressed it, noting how easily he bandled the ribbons and whip as he came into the Plaza and cut a neat curve toward the Round-up Saloon. “Whoa!” the driver sung out, throwing the ‘Ss ribbons” from bis hands rightand left. ‘‘ Hyar we is, citizens of Parrydise! Hyar we is, an’— | Great heavens!” at sight of the severed head on top of the pyramid of boxes, ‘‘ what is that? | oder dimes; but if | make von Jeedle sale, vy dot vas all righd anyhow, maype; don’t id?” He proceeded forthwith to unbuckle the straps | that held his pack in shape, and presently it was open to the public gaze. His assortment was well chosen, There were red shirts, rough trowsers, under farments, etc., such as were suitable to men 4n the wild campe. ** Vhere vas dot cart?” he demanded, cxulting- ly, as he opened the pack further and further and it did not appear. ‘‘Id vas not here, yust like I said. Dot vaz von fool peesuessto— Ho! Py ebin! Id vas here, yust. so gwick like my name vas Abraham Yacoop Isaacs!” True enough, there the card was, and the Jew drew it forth and held it up to view! “Great gophers!” cried Hickey Hen, “ but this byar beats ther horned toads, It do, by ther great unwashed! arson?’ to that reverend gentleman, giving im-a familiar slap on the back, “My Christian friend,” was the stoic] re- sponse, “ the hand of the devilis in it, Cards are the devil’s tools, and in th’s you see his band plainly.” That's ther way it hits me too,” agreed Hard- | head Hugh. ‘Bat then, Vm willin? ter go further an’ say it beats ther devil.” ** Well, you are satisfied, sir?’ asked the sport, speaking to Barney. “Oi am, begob!” Barney cried. never saw dhe loikes av dbat.” Unt py chin I vould like to know how dot cart come mit mine pack in,” the peddler ques- tioned, still gazing at the card he had found, ‘“Dot peats my dime. Dot vas someding v’ot I don’d vas understood. You told me how you done dof drick, mister, unt py chinI giff you yon new bair socks!” Tuis raised a laugh immediately. The offer was so generous, and the sport look so badly in need of such a gift, that the Jew couldn’t have said anything more funny if he bad tried, There was no denying that the sport’s tricks had greatly mystified these men of Paradise Pocket, and they looked upon him as sometbing just a little more than human, in his skill with the cards. Colonel Jim raised his offer to a clean bundred, if he would reveal only one of the tricks to him, It was no use, however, for the sport wouid not sell his secret, and ali were left to wonder over it, or think of it as they would, And the most puzzled man of all seemed to be the Jew.. He shook bis head again and again, muttering: ** Dot v’as peat ter tuyfel, how dot cart come mit mine pack in, unt me not to know id.” But his attention was sovn called to business, for his pack open, customers were soon found for some of the wares, And while he was thus busy, others were talk- ing about the tricks they had so recently wit- nessed, speculating upon the manner and ‘‘ how” of what they had seen but could not under- stand, The crowd iu the saloon was growing larger, too, for it was about time for the arrival of the semi-weekly stage, and the arrival of the stage was always an event of importance at Paradise Pocket, though it frequently rolled into the Pocket without a passenger aboard, For a time the Jew was kept busy, for he had many things the denizens of the Pocket were in need of, and the size of his pack was rapidly re- duced, while the size of his money-bag increased. But finally the cry was heard that the stage was coming, and everybody made a rush for the Plaza, to be on hand at its arrival, and the Jew mace haste to d> up his pack and follow their example, “Sure Oi ; CHAPTER XI. \ ANOTHER WOMAN APPEARS, THE stage was 4 little behind time, and came rolling into the Pocket at a lively gait. It was the typical Overland coach, now fast What d’yer think of it, | ee ee Ther work of Devil Duval, do yer say?” Some one responded and explained the gitua- | said, | brother if he has arrived. a et oe “Tt was awful!’ she mused, “I thought I saw a head, his bead, standing high up on some- thing, and—dand—” ‘* Whose head?” asked the sport, quietly. There was silence all around, for everybody wanted to catch ber words, “Why, his, the man we are in search of,” she ‘**Isn’t my brother here? I must see my On!” * With the last exclamati nu she clapped her band to her side, as if with pein, and swooned | again, tion, while everybody else looked to see who was | getting out of the stage. Tue first to alight was a young woman, rather | | Clared, fair looking but with a saddened expression. She was plainly but serviceably dressed, and carried a small hand-bag, Behiod ber followed a portly man, well-dress- ed. The woman was astranger at Paradise Pocket, the man, | He was one Sidney Harcroft, and held the | | office of president of the Gilt-edge Mine, onel Jim Hoxley bad been expecting him for | scme days, When the woman and he were out of the stage, it could be seen that she was no com- panion. of bis, for she started at once for the satoon, on the front of which”was the sign “HOTEL,” Colonel Jim had sprung forward to. greet severed head, and a loud exclamation escaped bim. Col- | This time, as could be seen, it was more than a faint, ‘*The woman is ill,” the sport announced, ‘¢She must have a room at once, Mr. Gallagher, What can you doferher? But Vil tell you, we will take her up to my own room, which I Will give up to her.” ‘* Which is all I could do, bein’ ter ask some- body ter make room fer ber,” the proprietor de- “ *‘T haven’t a single eight-by-ten left in my place, The Jew took the last one I bad, We'll carry ber up at once, and my wife will see to ber,” No sooner agreed upon than put into execu- | . *¢ | tion, and the young woman was lifted and car- aS was seen at a glance, but it was not so with | “Cold horrors!”“he cried, “‘ what are you , doing with that dead. man’s head up there, Hox- ley?” So loud were his words that the woman turned to look, and as she canght sight of the face a | scream came from ber iq)s, and she crembled as if ready to fall. For one moment she stood gazing at the hideous thing, and then, with another wild cry, she dropped her hand-bag and ran forward with | ¢,. outstretched afms, her eyes wild and her face like death, Yet another scream she uttered, more wild, more piercing than the others, and fell forward upon her face, in a dead faint. Heady bands picked ber up immediately, and se was carried off in the direction of the saloon, ‘*Who is the woman, Mr, Harcroft?”? asked Colonel Jim, quickly. *T don’t know her name,” was the answer. a She. told me she expected to meet her brother bere. ‘*By ruin!” Colonel Jim cried, ‘maybe the dead man was ter brother. She was cut up at sight of the face, anyhow, and must have recog- nize it, ‘* Yes, no doubting that, man? Anybody know anything about him? W..t’s this they’re saying concerning the work of Devil Duval? ‘Let ine hear about it, It’s simply awful!” The pair drew apart from the crowd, and Col- onel Jim proceeded to inform Harcroft of all that had taken place, | : Meanwhile the young woman had been carried into the saloon, and every means was being tried to bring her to, but without avail at first, Blue-velvet Burt pressed bis way through the But who is the dead ! | Mrs. | given, as will be remembered. - , person—tbe face, I mean. Harcroft, when the latter caught sight of the | : ¥ ried up-stairs, When they reached the floor above, the strange vailed woman opened the door of her room and looked out, still vailed, ‘¢ What is the matter with the lady?” she in- quired. “She fainted at sight of that head on the Plaza,” answered the sport, ‘‘and now is ill’be- sides—in a deep swoon.” ‘*f saw her fall, when she caught sight of the horribla thing. Jt must be she recogrized the Bring the poor child right into my room, and J will help care fer her,” $ ‘Perhaps that is even better,” the sport as- sented, ‘We'll turn bet over to the care of Chirtley "the name the woman had q ** And if there is a doctor in the camp, landlord,” to Tony, ** wé had better have him here.” : There was a fellow in the camp who answered to that calling, and when the unfortunate young | woman had been laid on the bed, the landlord crowd, to the front, and took the matter in hand | peremptorily. ‘* Make room, citizens,’ he ordered, in firm, even tone, ‘* Don’é crowd too near} please,” The woman had been laid on a blanket hastily thrown on the fivor, The blue-velvet sport seerned to know just the right. thing to do, and proceeding coolly and oo decision, the crowd allowed him full privi- ege, After a time the young woman opened her eyes, staring about with a look full of horror, her eyes still wild with the shock she had ex- perienced. At first she was at a loss, It soon came back to her mind, and with ° cry she partly raised herself, gazing at the faces around ber, ** Where is it?’ she asked, excitedly. ‘‘ What was it] saw? WasI dreaming?” “*T guess you were dreaming,” assured the sport. ‘‘Are you better now? Here, take a drop of this,” The helpless young woman obeyed, and her strength speedily came back to her. | and the sport withdrew and the doctor was sent That this individual was—or at avy rate had been—a doctor, was not to be doubted, but he had degenerated, Still he was better than none, and responded to the enll. When he came from the room, after seeing the patient, he announced that if was a complica- tion of bysteriaand nervous something-or-other, and that the woman was likely to remain partly unconscious for hours, and might die, This was not liked, fencuriosity was great to know what this woman knew about the person to whom the severerl head had belonged in life, and to learn the name of the brother she bad mentioned, The doctor’s diagnosis. seerned to be about right, however, for as time passed the young woman only partly recovered her consciousness, raving inher talk like a person in a high fever sometimes will, though she bad no fever. And in the me&n time the excitement in the town bad scarcely abated and. all work was suspended, x ; Sidney Harcroft, the mine president, had issued another offer of reward in addition to that offer- ed by Colonel Jim Hoxtley, making the combined sum ten thousand dollars. ‘ These two, and in point of fact the whole town with them, were determined that the career of the outlaw must be brought to an end, The mine had an immense quantity of bullion to ex- press, but it was unsafe to attempt it while this bend of cut-throats was on the roads. This was tbe business that bad brought the president to the Pocket. The reign of terror which Devil Duval had inaugurated had de- terred Colonel Jim from shipping the output, and now it bad accumulated until 1t was a large amount, Nor was the excitement idle and without definite object. Colone) Jjm and Harcroft had organized the employees of the Gilt-edge into a Vigilance Committee, with the one object of doing battle with the rascals at first oppor- tunity, if not indeed going for them at their rendezvous, if it could be discovered, and bunt- ing them out, And so matters stood. as the time passed on, but it did not look likely that the outlaws would venture into such a hornets’ nest if they bad any means of knowing what their reception would be if they did. \ Te
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—— ‘ ter,” was the solemn response. - CHAPTER XII. THE FUNERAL AND FOLLOWING, THE hour announced for the funeral came round, Barney O’Linn was promptly on hand to carry out his intentions. Those who had promised him support and as- sistance, were prompt to render it. The severed head was removed from the py- ramid of boxes, folded in a sheet and carried away. It was carried by four men, each holding a corner of the doubled sheet, and was taken across to the south side of the pocket. The procession was headed by the Rev. Ray Wallyngton, who carried an open ritual in hand, reading from it as he led the way—the whole population, nearly, following after. Immediately behind the severed head Walked the young Irishman, his face wearing an ex- pression that was mournful enough. He was chief mourner—iv fact the only mourner, and played his part with all proper respect, ° Arriving at the little burying-place, the par- son stopped by the side of a hole which had been dug, and facing the crowd, prepared for his work of the hour, Before he had begun, howaver, Barney O’Linn demanded to know whether he was a genuine minister or not. ‘* Av ye ain’t dhe r’ale article,” he declared, ‘*begorra it is betther dhat ye have nothin’ to say. Av ye are, dhen it is all roight.” ** What reason have you to doubt my word?” the parson asked. ““No more rayson dhan Oi have, not to doubt it,” was the ambiguous response to that. ‘Sure it isastranger to me ye are, and by askin’ Oi have found dhat ye are a stranger here as well. All Oi want is dhe assurance dhat ye are phwat ye claim to be; nothin’ more.” ** Which is perfectly fair and reasonable,” supported Mr, Harcroft. ‘‘ It doesn’t pay to accept any man on the strength of his appear- ance, bere in the wilds, reverend sir.” **T agree with that,” put in Colonel Jim. ‘* We must have proof that you are what yon claim to be, siace the young man demands it,” * Yaw, dot vas pooty mooch gorreck,” fin- ished the Jew peddler, who was present out of evident curiosity, *“*My friends,” the parson returned, ‘‘had I imagined that my good intentions would have been 30 doubted, I would never have offered my services for this occasion. Since I have done go, however, { will not back out, but will furnish the proof you ask, and so satisfy you.” Sticking his rituc! uuder his arm, be unbut- toned his coat and drew out some letters from a pocket, These were all dated from Pennsylvania, and ajl agreed in a hearty recommendation of the Rev. Ray Wallyngton to the respect and confi- dence of people and preachers, wherever he might present,them, “There,” the man asked, as he’ended reading the last one, having read them aloud, ‘is that satisfying? If not, it is the best I can offer,” “Yaw, yaw,” spoke up the Jew peddler, quickly, *‘ dot vas all righdt, Go ahead mit der peesness of der funeral, Mister Breacher, unt let us hear vat kindt for a whouper-up you ‘vas, anyhow.” i oar of: the oceasion, that remark raised a augh. “Yes,” Barney added, ‘‘go ahead, but don’t make it too long. Oi can’t shtand it too heavy, aytbur, moind ye,” “ All right, I will touch lightly upon the mat- ‘*T will merely mention the virtues which I know must have been characteristic of the one before us—what there is of him, and lay him to rest with short service,” With that, then, he went ahead, speaking of the dead in terms that must bave tickled the ears of mourning relatives, had there been any; and then winding up with a prayer and the regular ritual service. It was a funeral such as Paradise Pocket had never had before, even if there ‘‘ wasn’t a whole de aha ter spout over,” as it was strikingly put. The service ended, the head was rolled up in ba sheet and laid in the grave, and the task was one, around these parts till we git our claws onter Devil Daval, an’ we'll plant him in sich small bits that ther general trump-call won’t never be able ter bring bim together.” ** Unt id vill serve him righdt, py shimminy id vill!” the peddler cried. ‘‘ I veel almost vraid to trafle vid mine pack, vor fear dot schamp he go vor me unt make me mine bands holt up like dot,” illustrating, ‘‘ unt den go him through mit mine pack und bocket like 1d vas von tose salts I peen, maybe. He vasa pad mans, unt I like to see him hang, py chin!” ‘*That’s what’s ther matter,” supplemented Hard-head Hugh. ‘* Let him come here, or show his nose within five miles of here, an’ he’s as good as dead,” So passed the remarks all around, while the grave was being filled, everybody having some- thing to offer. W hen the hole bad been filled, a board was set to mark the spot, and on it was printed:— “DANDY DICK DARREL, * Killed by the Outlaw - Devil Duval.” “Poor Dick, poor Dick!” sighed Barney O’Linn, as he turned sorrowfully away, ‘‘no betther man ever lived nor phwat he was. And to’ think dhat he should ever lived to see himself | lanted loike dhis, wid nothin’ but his head! -90r Dick Darrel!” Such a tangled manner of expressing what he meant, provoked smiles at Barney’s expense, but he noted ‘it not, being evidently too much in earnest to care anything about it, The crowd filed. back to tie Plaza, from which the boxes had been cleared, many going on across and int . the Round-up Saloon, There the ducior made the announcement that the sick young woman was better, and in her right'mind, * Yes, an’ she is askin’ fur her brother again, too,” added Tony Gallagher. ‘Bat, who is her brother?’: aske? the blue- velvet sport, “Dot vas v’at Hannah vas der matter of!” interjected the Jew. ‘‘ Who he peen, anyhow?” “You. bave got too much lip, Jew,” cried Tony. ‘‘Jest see if yer can’t hold it down a little. Nobody asked you to chip in” ** Vat vas dot you said? I hafe me too much lip? I can’t help me dot, vor I vas porn so, Py skiminy, I vbuld pe von creat Chew yidout any hp! But you tink J hafe me some lip! Py chia, you shust ought to seen mine vadder! He vas all lip, v’at vasn’t curled up into noge; he vas, py creat!” Tony paid no further attention to that, but re- sponded to the sport’s question, ‘* Why, she tells us it’s ther Rev. Wallyng- ton,” he announced. That gentleman entered just in time to hear his name spoken, ‘* Who is that asking “Ther sick woman, “The sick woman!” ‘* Yes; says you're her brother.” For a moment the parson’s face was a study. He looked surprised, if not, indeed, greatly startled, « ‘* Her brother!” he repeated, some great mistake!” ““Yez bad ought ter know, begob,” declared Barney O’Linv. ‘' Ye have seen her.” ‘*Beg pardon, but I haven’t seen ber face at all,” the parson corrected. ‘‘I was not near enough when she came,” No one could say whether this was strictly true or not, for no one had paid any attention to where the man bad been standing at the time in question. ‘“Maype vou vos never had von seester,” ob- served the Jew. ‘If dot vas so, den, of course, id vas a mistook, ain’t id? How tender vas dot shtrike you in some hard blaces, hey?” “You are wrong there,” was the short re- sponse. With that, the parson dropped the Jew and turned to Gallagher. “Has this woman registered?” he asked. “No, I haven’t got her name down yet,” was the response, ‘* Have you beard her name?” **T believe she’s a Mrs, Wistner.” This bit of information seemed to enlighten the stranger immediately. His face lighted up, though there was still something puzzling about it to a close cb- server, \ about me?” he inquired. answered Tony. * There must be \ ‘She inquired for me, it seems, and I have a sister who is Mrs, Wistner. Yes, there is no doubt about it. I will go and see her.” CHAPTER XIII. CONFLICTING STATEMENTS, THE blie-velvet sport left the room suddenly. Few noted this, but he went direct to his room up-stairs. He had one of the three front rooms, as will be remembered; the middle one. Going up with quick steps, he was in the apartment and had closed the door before the parson came up, The partitions being only of boards, it looked as though the sport wanted to hear what was said when the brother and sister met. Tony Gallagher having informed the man that the young woman was in the room on the side of the house opposite from bis own, the parson went up and knocked at the door. The door was opened by the woman in black, who. had a short vail over ber face even there, so that it was impossible to see her features. What her motive couid be in keeping thus dis- guised did not appear. “T am Ray Wallyngton,” the parson an- nounced, ‘I am told this sick woman wants to see me.” ‘* Yes, so she does,” was the answer, ‘* Step in, sir. You are the brother she expected to meet here, undoubtedly.” **T suppose so, though she is here earlier than I looked for her.” So speaking, the man passed into the room. The blue-velvet sport, in his apartment, bad hif ear glued to the wall, metaphorically. Entering, the parson saw the woman reclin- ing on a chair near the one window of the apart- ment, leaning slightly forward, and with a look of eager anticipation upon her face, But the instant she caught sight of him ber expression changed in one of amazement and questioning wonder, and she sat up straight, staring at bim with eyes at their widest, Some- thing was amiss, truly. For a few seconds they looked steadily at each other, neither speaking. The young Woman was the first to break the silence, ‘Who are you?” she demanded. ‘““] am your brother, sister Ruby,” was the quiet answer, The young woman’s face took on a more puzzled look than ever, and her eyes held a strange light in their depths. ‘ “You are not my brother,” she positively averred, By this time the velvet sport had discovered a small hole, a nail bole it appeared to be, through which he could command a view of the situa- tion. He saw the reverend gentleman smile, a smile that seemed to behalf pitying. ‘‘But Iam your brother, Ruby,” was insisted. “T tell you you are not!” the young woman cried, now indignantly. The vailed woman stood looking on, silently and apparently unmoved, as the watcher could see ‘*Poor child,” the man spoke soothingly, ‘I see your mind is not right yet. I see you do not know me.” ‘““What are you talking about?’ the young woman demanded. ‘*Do you mean to say 1 do not know my own brother well enough to be sure that you are not he?” “Tt speaks for itself,” was the return. “I have come to you,am willing to do for you whatever you may desire, but you will ‘not own me. Ican:do no more than I have done to as- sure you.” The young woman was nervous, trembling, end pale to the lips. ‘““ Why do you insist that you are my brother?” shecried. ‘J tell youyouare not. But I believe you know where he is, for truly I believe you are dressed in his clothes. Tell me; sir, where is my brother ?” At this a strange, a peculiar smile, came upon the man’s face, which the vailed woman seemed to notice, for she gave‘a great start, barely es- caping being observed, ** You see how it is,” the parson observed, tura- ing to her. ‘‘ Poor Ruby’s mind has not been Ae for some time. Partly deranged, you <DOW, ; “Py chin!” cried the peddler, ‘ but dot peat} ‘It must be she!” be exclaimed, ‘I badn’t'| ‘‘Helies! Oh! he lies / the young woman ex- p anyt’ings vot I ever seen! Id vas somet’ings | looked for ber so soon, though. I will goupand | claimed, springing up. ‘ d new to blant only a man’s headt, like id vas von | see her at once,” ‘Now, Ruby, be calm,” the man gently re- * botato.” ““Dben she is yer sisther, afther all?’ queried | monstrated, ; “Right ye are, Dutchy Jew,” agreed Hikey Hen. Re It don’t often happen; but you jest wait “No! I will not be calm!” she protested. Barney. ys Why, it must be so,” was the civil reply. ‘ ‘‘ You tell a lie when you say that you are my te = re
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‘ r AEDS EE Dre ests See T te EI Se HT Kat, Pe ae SEs es Sy ae ~¥ s 10 Dandy Dick’s Double. eaeiosee —_—— ae brother, and another when you say that my mind is not right.” The vailed woman had one hand upon the foot- board of the bed, where she had taken a standing position, and the watcher could see that she was holding to it with a grip of iroa, “ Buc did you not ask for Rev. Ray Wallyng- ton? and have [ not come at your cail as scon as it reached me?” So the parson argued, but it was wasted breath, “1 care nothing for that,” was thecry. ‘** You are an impostor. What bave you done with my brother? [ recognize now bis studs on your shirt and bis chain on your vest, and I demand to know.” ‘‘How very unreasonable,” the man sighed. ‘6 What a strange halluciaation for you to be un- der, Ruby. How isit that you will still insist upon denying me? -You know I am your brottl- er, There is butone Ray Wallyngton, and Iam he.” “You lie! You utter a fearful lie! You are no more like my brother than darkness is like light. I never saw you before in my life.” ** Never saw me before! But, it is your poor weak mind again. It is the same story you told at Denver, when [ came to you there—-when—” ** You lie! Ob! how you lie!” the young wo- man almost screamed. ‘*‘ How can you tell me this? Whereis my brother? How came you by his clothes?” “see it is of no use,” the parson observed aside to the vailed woman, “Her mind is not right, as you can see. I will go down, and it will hardly be worth while for me to come to her again, I fear an asylum will be the best—” “Are you aidevil?’ the woman. screamed, ‘¢ Will you drive me mad? Whereis my brother? and why are you masquerading in his attire and under his name? Tell me, or I will shoot you where you stand!” and with the words she whip- ped a small pistol from her pocket, leveling itat his breast. With a ery the vailed woman sprung forward and snatched the weapon away. “T really believe you are insane!” she cried. “T can see that this gentleman must be your brother. | have no doubt of it, judging by what [ have heard botb of you say.’ “ Are you against me, too? You in whom I thought I had a friend?” “JT am your friend still. I am doing this to keep you from killing your brother.” “But, he is not my brother! I never saw him before this bour.” ‘And yet you admit that he has on your brother’s clothes, and he certainly acknowledges the name of the man you asked for.” ‘But he is false—false! He is an impostor! He is—” “T will withdraw, madam,” the man spoke, with the door open to pass out. ‘I hope you will calm her if you can, and then some measure must be taken to get her to her home,” and at once he closed the door, and hurried down- stairs, The young woman sprung up to follow him, but the other blocked her way. “You must not go out, in your present state of mind,” she said determinedly. “‘* It will never do. “But I will go!” cried the young woman, “You shall not detain me! -I will unmask this fellow who has assumed my brother’s name and character,” “And I say you shall not leave the room!” still more determinedly, and presenting the weapon she had taken from the other. “It is as your friend that I insist upon this.” “You are making yourself my worst foe, by the action you are taking. Out of my way, I rot for I am going to face this fellow, and tell what an impostor he is. I never saw him before, I tell you; I do not know who he is, but I do know that be is clad in my brother’s own clothes.” With a bound, as. she finished, she sprung upon the vailed woman, thrust her aside, all uomindful of the threatened pistol, and dashed from-the room. The blue-velvet sport, during all this had stood with his eye fixed to the hole in the wall, and was greatly excited, and as the young woman made this bold dash, and the vail of the other was for a second brushed partly from her face, an almcst exclamation escaped his lips. Quickly the vailed woman readjusted the vail, and ran out after the escaping young woman, following her down-stairs, and, a moment later, the sport came from his room and went after them. His face was flushed and excited, but bis man- ner was cool, now that be was about to enter the saloon again, Down the young woman bad rushed, and into the saloon, crying: ‘‘ Where is that man who claims to be my brother—the fellow who is passing bere as the Rev. Ray Wallyngton! Men of this camp, 1 charge Lim with being, an impostor for he is not the person he cluims to be, though be is clad in my brother’s clothes and has taken his name. Will you bear my story, gentlemen?” : CHAPTER XIV. THE YOUNG WOMAN’S STORY, THE sport eutered in time to catch the last words, With a swift glance around the room he took in the situation, noting who was there, The parson was at the front end of the room, as though he had been on the point of going on out, but had paused at the woman’s coming. Nearly all whose names have been men- tioned so far in our romance were there, and every eye was upon the young woman, whostood puinting at the parson witb accusing finger, her eyes flashing. “Yaw, yaw,” quickly exclaimed the ready Jew peddler, “dot vas id. Let us alreaty peen hear your shdory, mine tear.” “Yas, spin us ther yarn,” followcd Hikey Hen. “If ther parson isa fraud, you bet we'll bounce him out of this’ byar camp in short order.” ‘“‘Or yank him up ter a limb,” added Hard- bead Hugh. ‘Let us hear what yer has ter say, an’ then we’lfsee what answer ther parson has ter make to ther charge. You stay right hyar, Mr. Gospel Sharp.” At this the parson came back toward the others at the center of the room. ; ‘‘T have no desire or intention otherwise,” he spoke. ‘‘ This woman is my sister, gentlemen of Paradise. Pocket, but she is not in her right mind. She is subject to fits of insanity, and this is one. If she continues to grow worse, you will find that you will have to bind her until she is better.” “« He lies! he lies /” the young woman cried in frenzy. ‘“*Heis not my brother! I never saw him before! But he is clad in my brcther’s clothes, as I have told you, and has assumed his name, He must know something about my brother, and I call upon you to arrest him and make him tell where my brother,is! Ray was to meet me bere at this place, and | know some- thing has bappened to bim.” “What answer do you muke to that, sir?” de- manded Sidney Harcroft, the mine president. ‘© You have heard my explanation already, sir,” was the quiet, easy response. ‘‘f have shown you who [ am, and I know of but one way of proving that I speak the truth and lie not.’ ‘“* And what way is that?’ asked Colonel Jim Hoxley. ‘“Wiy, to hold us here, and send for some person who knows us both, and aj] about us.” ‘‘ Where is thre such a person?” inquired Harcroft. ““That’s tho worst of it. There is no one nearer than Pennsylvania, that I know of.” “Unt py chin dot v’as gwite a stretch of vays off! exclaimed the meddling Jew peddler. **Ton’t id v’as bossiple d’ot somepody nearer py hafe seen you unt dot oder veller, mees? Dot veller vot you say dis mans yasn’t unt he say he vas, | means,” This was addressed to the excited young woman, ‘Yes, it is possible,” she declared. ‘‘ We stopped a day or two ata hotel at Denver, and any one who saw us there will tell you this is not the man who was with me there.” ‘* There is nothing very insane about that sort of talk,” declared Colonel Jim. ‘*So I think,” agreed Harcroft. ‘I believe this matter ought to be looked into,” ‘Gentlemen, allow me a word,” here spoke up the vailed woman. ‘“ You know this poor girl —so I will call her, for she is little more than a child; you ‘know she has been for some hours with mein my room, and I have bad a chance to study ber. I bad come to the conclusion that she was not right, in her mind, even before her brother told me,” “Oh! how can you say that?” the young wo- man cried, reproachfully. ‘ You know it is false! You have now spoiled all the kindness you showed me,” ‘“My kindness to you, my child, was fr" of pity,” was the response, The parson was looking at this vailed w:...-n in a wondering sort of way, as a close observer might have noticed, “And you remember her shock at sight of the severed head,” he now reminded. ‘‘ Does it not was that, no doubt, that brought on this fit.” ‘* Listen to me, gentlemen,” tbe girl cried ouf, *“ Here is further proof that be is not the person he claims to be.” ‘* What is the proof?” asked Colone] Jim, ‘* He speaksof the severed head. Were be my brother, he would know that it was the lead of the man we’re searching for, Thatman was ny husband !” ‘* Your busband!” so more than one exclaimed, The parson’s face was troubled for a second, but he immediately brought a smile to play. “Further proof of what I charge,” he insisted, “The poor child was never married in her life. She never saw that dead face before; certainly I pever did, I tell you she is crazy.” “ But dot shdory,” put in the inquisitive Jew. “We vants to peen, beard apoudt dot shdory. Ain’d dot apoud id, shentlemans?” ‘That’s what’s ther matter!” cried Hikey Hen. ‘‘ Let’s have ther yarn. We'll jedge how crazy she is.” “ Yes, miss, let us hear what you have to say,” requested Colonel] Jim, kindly; * Very well, I will tell you all about myself,” the young woman agreed. ‘‘It will not take long. I will tell everything.” “Tf she can keep her thoughts together,” sneered the parson, aside. ‘‘ She will soon prove to you the truth of what I assert.” “Well, well give her the chance, anyhow,” responded Siduey Harcroft. ““T invite you to weigh every word I shall utter, and say whetler it is the idle talk of an insane woman or not,” the young woman ad- dressed them. ‘I leave it for you to say.” “ An’ yer shall have ther verdick of ther court, straight an’ squar’,” vowed Tony the Tough. ‘© All I ask is fair play, anda fair hearing. I believe I shall be able to convince you that I am not insane, as this impostor would have you believe.” ‘Dot vas gorreck!” cried the peddler, stick- ; ing in hisoaragain. ‘‘ Youdon’t vas dalk pooty much like a crazy vomans, py shimminy. If der breacber vas a sclnide, py chin ve hengs him pooty gwick!” “Vou shut up, Jew!” ordered Tony. ‘ What right bev you ter chip in byar? If you ain't keep yer head closed we'll ride ye out of town,” ‘“Dot vas peesness, maype, eh? I geep mine headt shut up yust so tight like von glam.” ‘See that you do,” warned Hard-head Hugh; while at the same time Colonel Jim told the young woman to goon with her stcry. ‘'My name is Mrs, Ruby Wistner,” the young woman began, ‘*My maiden name was Wal!- lyngton, and [ have a brother who is the Rev. Ray Wallyngton, Our home is in Pennsyl- vania. I married a year ago much against my father’s wishes. My husband, Allan Wistfer by name, turned out to bea rascal, After get- ting my signature to some papers, which I was foolish enough to give unquestioningly, he sud- denly left me, and I found then that he had robbed me ofa fortune I bad in bank, More, I henrd that he had another wife living.” The young woman had now the attention of every person in the room, and was talking with a forced calmness. ‘My father, in his anger,” she went on, ‘“turned me out of doors, and I was homele:s and almost friendless. But my brother, Ray, who had some means, came to my help, and vowed that he would assist me to bunt down the rascal who had so wronged me, After a little preparation we came West, having got a clew to the whereabouts of my evi) husband, and wos tracked bim to this part of the country. At a town some miles from here we parted company, to visit separate places, agreeing to meet avaiu at this camp of Paradise Pocket.” Looks were being cast upon the man who claimed to be the young woman’s brother, byt he minded them not, standing with a confidens smile on his lips, “You know about my arrival here, end whos’ followed,” the narrator went on. “ At sight of that severed head I thought I would die, for {i recognized the head of the man we were in search of, as I have told you. It was tne head of Allan Wistner, my husband. Do you wonder that I fainted? Not that I loved him stil), for he had made me hate him; but the shock was so terrible and so unexpected that I was avercome by it. This is my story, gentlemen, and I leave it to you to see that justice is done me, and some steps taken to find, out what has become of my missing brother. Will you arrest this man, and make him answer?” 4 The accused man made it a point to be the first to speak, all go to prove that her mind is unbalanced? It. a =
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ies PP Dandy Dick’s Double. : SI RR GR RN RET PR TE SE OSM ther Nees Ie ee “Isn't tbat a most improbable story,” he re- marked, ‘* Why, if true, would I not have recognized the severed head at sight? On the other hand, it bas been positively idéntified as the head of one Dick Darrel. I tell you, men of Paradise Pocket, the poor girl is not in her right mind. It is a question of truth between us, and L invite the fullest investigation, if you deem it necessary. Hold us here till you can send for some one who knows us both, and so get. satis- factory proof, If you won’t. do that, then do what you please, but du not let my sister come to harm. If she becomes violent, as she is likely to do at any moment,-then, of course, I shall take her in hand myself, as I have the right to do, being her brother.” CHAPTER XV. THE PARSON IN TROUBLE. For a few moments no one spoke. undecided as to what ought to be done, The Jew peddler took it upon himself to break the silence. “Py sbimminy!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ but dot vas von gweer gase, unt nopody hafe a lie tolt, Id vas somedings I could not understood.” “Got your trap open ergain, have yer?” cried Tony the Tough. ‘‘ W’at did I tell yer be- fore?” “Yaw, dot vas so,” the peddler admitted, “but I vorgot mineself dot times, I didn’t heard nopody else say somedings, so I thought cat iy I said somedings mineself to open der mill. ** Well, don’t open your mill any nore, that’s all,” he was warned. “What ought to be done in such case, Colonel’ Jim?” it iy Wa Harcroft, puzzled, All were [don’t know what can be done,” the colo- nel declared. ‘It isa hard nut tocrack.” ‘Then you don’t believe my story?” agked the young woman, 5 " ** We're willing enough to believe it,” Colonel 4 Jim answered, ‘‘ but we don’t see our way clear k- to arrest the parson.” ty ‘* But can’t [ have him arrested somehow?” If the young woman insisted, ‘Can’t I take out 2S e warrant against him, and proceed in that way? » I tell you something bas happened to my brother, ab and this man must know what.” ti agaist the parson smiled, smiled pityingly. “The fact is, lady,” explained Colonel Jim, ne ¥ we haven’t any law machinery here at Para- dise Pocket.. The nearest justice isa dozen miles hs away.” : he ** An’ Jedge Lynch ar’ ther only sort 0’ law we knows much about, anyhow,” added Hard-head ng Hugh. eke ** Will you_allow me to offer a suggestion?” Ve spoke up the Rev. Wallyngton. vi- Shall be only too glad to have you do so,” re- by sponded Sidney Harcroft. er ‘Well, it is this: You can never decide at- whose story to believe, so proof is the only as thing that will count. Now I am willing to re- id- main here, if my sister—” ad “Don’t call me your sister!” cried the young Eee woman, “Ido not know you, and will not es allow you to call me so.” ofr Motioning her to be still, the man went on, th “If she is willing to remain here, I am, and she may.send for any one she may desire, to mm, prove hor statement. I am not afraid to trust cs the decision, All I ask is that you will belp 3 ah? me 10 seeing that no harm comes to her.” ' n ret No speech could have worked more in his be . “yeas favor, and most of the crowd at once gave bim tle =) ) ©. their support. ; a A Meta, “*T agree to that,” was the young woman’s wo. gesponse. ‘‘ All I ask, citizens, is that you will 2 Ta keep an eye upon him and see that he does not LY», 17 eae break his word and run off before the proof idk) )-@omes.” Tatu ‘ |!" And there were those who readily promised bo ) |. ‘this too. It,was a divided question, though the ub [65 2. odds was in favor of the parson. n> 7 + he vailed woman had had much to do with \ LE} ome giving weight to the story that the young woman LOG” 4 M's \ wasinsane. | en 4 = ss Barney O’Linn now took it upon himself to ¥¢ a ak up. ype in) Lang! ee Dhere is wan ting dhat Oi would loike to ad _ ‘be askin’,” he remarked, — ler a “And what is that, my friend?” inquired Col- for nel Jim, Cee a } - " Bedad, Oi would loike to be afther hearin’ in’ us,” Barney @ ] lair “That's about 90,” cried Hard-head Hugh, not his’n, Speak up, Mr. Sky Pilot, au’ let's er leetle tale.” sau rfectly right that you should do so,” the mine president, “Tot us hear aks Rely ey » “ mo , et ims pees - - 4 Ni answered, still holding him coyered, his foot into own tongue,” offer further objections to the eh P aches koind fur & sntory dhe p rson w’u'd be | immediately. “We have bad the gal’s yarn, your side of the case, as fully as the young lady has stated hers, and we can understand the situ- ation better.” **Dot vas id, py chin!” from the peddler. **'You yust shtoot oop unt—” You shut up!” ordered Tony Gallagher, *Fand don’t chipin again,” The peddler said no more then, ‘*T am perfectly, willing to oblige you, gentle- men,” the stranger declared. ‘I will teil you everything Ican. But I suppose she will inter- rupt me—” 7 ‘¢T will not interrupt you,” the young woman quickly promised, There was nothing insane about her just now, that was plain, unless it was upon the one point in question. “Thank you, Ruby,” the man ecknowledged, bowing to her. ‘‘The lady is my sister, gentle- men, and weare from Pennsylvania, as she has said. But that is the only point, about, upon which she is right. She has been insane for some time, by spells, and has cost us untold trouble, Her marriage troubles have no doubt—” He checked himself suddenly, but the slip had been made, f “ Begorra,” Barney O’Linn quickly took him up, ‘but ye don’t talk as straigntas a praycher should. It wus only a mcment ago dhat yez said she bad never been married in her loife, so ye -, “Dot vas so, py chin id vas!” cried the ped- dig, ‘Unt you ton’t vas got me to shut oop so gwick, like some oder dimes, landlort. T hafe righdt to open mine head, unt I vill, But dot vas all v’at 1 say dis dimes,” : ; sene fur you it is,” cried Tony, threaten- ingly. *“You see how he has caught himself!” the young woman had already exclaimed. ‘Now are you not ready to believe me?” The man had stopped short, eas said, and fora Single instant his face showed the mistake he had made, But now he had recovered, and was cool and calm, ready to fight it out, and it was hard to pig whether he was an impostor, as charged, or not. ‘Is that not easily understood?’ he demanded, “*T would have spared my sister the pain of re~ ferring tothe unfortunate affair, but now she has made it all known herself, and I must admit the truth—” - He was interrupted at that point, and in a sur- prising way: The blue-velvet sport had taken a hand in the proceedings, and had stepped forward facing him with drawn revolver. ; This caused great excitement, and the preach- er fell back, bolding up his hands as though in greatest genuine fear, and it certeinly looked genuine, A ‘Don’t point that thing at me! Don’t!” he shouted, ** But, that is what I prefer to do,” the sport ‘*T believe you are a fraud,” “Thank Heaven there is one who will stand by me!” cried the young woman, and she moved nearer to the sport in blue. ‘‘I tell you he is a fraud, sir; I swear to you he is.” : “I believe it, fully,” the sport declared, ‘1 have been observing him, and it is my opinion that he is no yb a Besides, he has just put t, aud tangled himse!f up with bis ‘* But, you did not hear me out,” the man re- minded,’ ‘It’s not necessary,” the sport retorted. ‘* You said you would have spared your sister the pain of referring to the affair, when in fact she had ree it all known before you uttered your lie at all.” } ‘ Tao man’s face flushed painfully, but it was more with rage than with shame or confusion. ‘* Yaw, yaw,” cried the peddler, ‘dot vas 80, unt I dakes sides mit der shbort in der matter. You vas von schnide, unt you yould look pooty hangin’ py a tree mit your neck a rope arouhdt, gg Goa a he events were crowding too fast and ex- citing now for the proprietor of the place to ‘ Jew's ‘ chip- ping in.” - Barney O’Linn had moved around to the end of the bar, where he had left his unwieldy gun and now had it in hand. ~ ; hwat’s dbe matther!” ; * Dhat’s ler” | he. cried. ‘Begorre, Oi had some suspicion ‘dhat ve was not phwat ye claimed to be, me laddy, but Oi had nothin’ dhen to back me up. Now ye have been caught in a lie, and praychers ain’) .»- sa Seg lie, begob!” what are you going todo about i: | a- eee? nn LA Ss tlenen?” the man now quietly asked. ‘* Wasn’t: . my offer all right?’ Ph ‘* The offer was all right,” assured the sport, “ and ’m ouly going to see to it that you carry out your part of it, Citizens cf the Pocket,’” to the erowd, ‘* don’t you think there is enough against this fellow in appearance, to give you the excuse for making him a prisoner till this young lady has a chance to prove her case?” ; “It begins to louk that way, decidedly,” na agreed the mine president. . * And that’s wrat we'll do,” declared Colonel ' Jim, the president’s opinion being enough to de-- cide him. ‘ Take him, boys, and disarm him, if he is armed,” * Quick as a wink, then, the parson’s hands: J flew under bis coat, but, quicker still were those if of the Jew peddler. He sprung forward, clear- ing a dozen feet in the leap, seemingly, and poked a pair of revolvers under the fellow’s nose. * Py chin!” he cried, “‘ you traw dose bop- pers, mister, unt town gces your shanty so gwick you vas tink id vas hit py lightning, maype!. You vas a schnide, unt ve bas got der i pulge on you in der vorst kindt of vay.” : ** And av yez don’t be houldin’ av yer breath,” added Barney O’Linn, ‘sure it is makin’ mince- m’ate av ye Oi’ll be doin’, so Oi will!” e CHAPTER XVI. re. 4 CROWDING EVENTS, THIS, ee NEED it be said excitement prevai'ed? os But, greater was soon to follow—greater than: could be imagined. The face of the Rev. Wallyngton bad assumed another change. He had become as pale as death, . And this had taken place at the instant when the Jew peddler had sprung upon him so unex- pectedly, balking his design of drawing his weapons, To those around it seemed but_natural, under ' the circumstances, for with the weapons of the blue-velvet sport and the peddler aimed at him, backed up by Barney O’Liun’s formidable arma- ment, he was in a bad fix. But there was something deeper than these things, and sometiing which had for the mo- ment caused the parson’s heart to quake with fear. His eyes and those of the Jew had met, and a light of recognition had appeared in both, with the result shown respecting the parson, ‘“My goodness, gentlemen!” the parson cried, ‘**do you mean to kiJl me right on the spot?” ** Dot vas id, you vet!” agsured the Jew, “If you so mooch as viggle von vinger, town you goes! Dot’s vat Hannah vas der matter of.” ‘‘Begorra, ye may bet yer s’wate loife on dhat!” added Barney. ‘* Up wid dhe two bands . av ye, or it is spattberin’ av yer carcass all over dhe place Oi'll be doin’, sooner dhan quick,” — ** Men of Paradise,” the parson appealed, “I demand protection. You have seen enoughof = = © me to know the kind of man Iam. Shoulda — | mere slip of the tongue put my life in such jeop- ee ardy asthis? 1 bavesignified my willingness to a remain here, as aprisoner if you desire,butIL want protection.” { ‘*Seems ter me ther Jew is too mighty pre- _ vious with hi Popperty spoke up the proprieter — of the saloon, ‘‘Put’emup, Al raliam, an’give ther man a show,” mS gris The parson was holding up bis hands, now, having obeyed Barney’s order to that effect. _ ‘*Not py vou plame sighdt!” the peddler cried. ‘He vas say you hafe seen so mooch mit him dot you vas know der kindt of mans he vas. — Dot vas von peeg misdakes, shentlemens, You — vas not seen der half mit dot veller yet, py shim- - miny! Maype you like me toldt you whodot — maus vas, ein’d it? Dot vas der creat oudlaw yen him v’at you vas call der Tuyfel Teu- vall! : ‘* What!” was the loud cry. . ** Devil Duval! You don’t mean it!” - Weapons were in every band, and the ‘‘par- — son” was covered from eel side. min, He was now even more pale than he bad bee a perspiration was eu starting upon i at all, and his face, ‘ ** What nonsense is this?” he gasped, a. ‘“* Py chin, it vas no nonsense!” cried the ped- dler. “ Yust somepody shdeb oop unt pull dem viskers mit his chaws off.” ? whee op: “¢ Treat nothin’!” cried Tony the Tough. ‘ he’s makin’ a false charge ’gainst ther gent he deserves ter be hanged, fer it’s no small ’fense ter make a charge like that,” \ + tees But, there was no mistake, for even while 2h SS EE
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ne re ee ane ee ee 12 was speaking, the sport had stepped forward and given a pull at the whiskers and they came off in his hand. : “Wat I pecu wldt you, hey?” cried the Jew. “Great gophers!” exclaimed Hikey Hen, “‘ but that’s who it ar’, sure!” ‘Be yer sure, Hikey?” demanded Hard-head Hugh. ** Course [ be. Match?” * Then by tarnel he’s got ter swing! Come on, boys, an’ we’ll—” “ Yust holt bardt mit your deam hosses Jeedle vile, shentlemans!” interrupted the peddler. “‘ Dis veller vas mine mutton, py righdtof dis- covery, maype.” “To ther doose with that!” cried a voice in the crowd, ‘Bring him out and string him up, without any foolin’ about it.” % And how ’bout that reward?’ added some- body else. ‘‘ Bs we goin’ ter “low a Jew peddler to come in hyar an’ walk off with that, boyees? Reckon we’ll claim it ourselves, hey?” “You bat! You bet!” from otbers. ‘‘He couldn’t never took him ’thout our aid, an’ ther boodle "longs ter us!” ““Geep gool, shentlemans, geep gool,” spoke the peddler, waving one of his revolvers to- ward the crowd threateningly. ‘‘] ton’d vant dhe monish, not von pitof id. All I vants is der mans, unt him I means to have, py shimminy!” The excitement that now prevailed defies description. The outlaw, for there was no mistake, was helpless, for every weapon was aimed at him, “What have you got to say for yourself?’ de- manded the blue-velvet sport. ‘Only this—that there is a great mistake,” was the response. ‘' Iam forced to admit that Iam not what I seemed, but that I am Devil Duval—it is simply impossible, I defy you to prove it.” “Great gophers!” cried Hikey Hen again, *tit are proved already. Don’t J say yer is that cuss? An’ wasn’t I at Burnt Match ter see ye?” **You are only one,” was the retort, ‘* and my word is as good as any other man’s, I guess.” “Yaw, yaw,” put in the peddler; ‘but I said you vas der oudlaw, too, unt dot vas two ’g’inst von, maype.” “ But, prove it,” was the challenge. ‘‘ You can’t hang me without proof, men of Paradise Pocket.” ‘That is certainly so, boys,” spoke up Sid- ney Harcroft. ‘‘ Go slow, and make no mis- take,” “Yes, go slow,” added Colonel Jim. “We must be sure about this thing, you know.” “Dot vas righdt,” acquiesced the Jew ped- dier, ‘* You vants der broof, unt now I broceed to gife id mit you. You say you vas seen dot mans at Purnt Match, hey?” to Hikey Hen, ‘* Bet yer life T did,” was the assurance. ** Unt you say he vas der oudlaw, ain’d it?” ** You bet he ar?!” ‘Ver’ goot. Now, if you seen him, maype ‘you must seen der shbort be had der drouble mit, yust der same.” ** You mean Dick Darrel, ther feller what he killed an’ brought his head hyar to ther disgrace of ther camp?” ‘Yaw, yaw. Now vould you know d’ot mans if you seen him, maype?” * Know bim! Why, of course! Didn’t I know ther head at sight? Poor cuss! he are done fur. What is yer gettin’ at, anybow?” ‘“Dot vas yust id. See who you tinks I vas mit mine self.” With that, and a quick motion, the peddler tore a false beard from his face, Every person in the room uttered a cry of amazement, for there stood revealed the double of the severed head. ‘“Dick Darrel, by gophers!” cried Hikey Hen, immediately. “Thank you, sir, Yes, citizens, I am Dick Darrel, and this fellow is no other than Craig Morgan, alias Devil Duval the outlaw.” Tne blue-velvet sport and Barney*O’Linn bad taken the prisoner in band, and there was no chance for bim to offer resistance, or to, attempt to escape. Great was the excitement, and the taany re- marks exchanged simply set quotation at de- fiance, “ But if this hyar is Dick Darrel,” cried Hard- head Hugh, ‘* who was ther feller whose head we diskivered on the Plaza?” “Haven't 1 told you that?” reminded the young woman who had first exposed the pre- nding parson, ‘It was the head of the ™a9n husband.” is byar euss sartainly must know Didn't I see ther cuss at Burnt who was m “Then i ——————— Dandy Dick’s Double. somethin’ erbout your brother, if he ar’ wearin’ his duds an’ sportin’ his name.” ** Which is what I have claimed,” the young woman urged, ‘ Will you not force him to tell what he knows of my brother’s fate, gentlemen?’ “7 will make it my business to find out about that, lady,” declared Dandy Dick, who had now cast off his disguise completely. ** Your brother’s fate shall be made known.” A sneering smile turled the lips of the steel- nerved outlaw, as though he was resolving that he would have something to say about that bim- self, At this moment a sudden commotion was beard near the door, and a man broke through the crowd, exclaiming: —‘* Al Wistner, hy ther gods 0’ war!” He made straight for Dandy Dick, but, sud- denly stopped, doubting. A rough looking fellow he was, with one arm in a sling, and looking as though he had recent- ly been sick. ‘““Do you mean to say I am that person, sir?” asked Dick, ‘“‘Durn it, I thought so at first sight,” an- | swered the map, ‘‘ but d orter knowed better, seein’ as I witnessed poor Al’s head cut off clean, | But, who ther dickins be you? ‘You looks enough | like my pard to be a twin to him.” CHAPTER XVIL SOM& DISCLOSURES MADE, Danby Dick now took the leading band. Freed from his disguise, he appeared for what he was, Casting off the clothes he had had on, over his own, he was a hew person, Clad in a natty dark suit, he was the same good-looking and graceful man we hays seen be- fore. His disguise had been almost perfection, for no one had suspected for a moment that he was anything other than he seemed, But further explanations later. Now had ap- peared a new actor upon the scene, and one who quite evidently bad a story to tell, judging by the words dropped. ‘No, I am not your dead pard, that is certain,” Dendy Dick assured, ‘‘ My nameis Dick Darrel, since you have asked, Now let me put a question or two to you, if you don’t mind,” ‘* Fire ahead,” wasthe invitation. ‘‘I see you has got ther cuss what done it fer poor Al, an’ that’s all I keer about. [ want ter square %eounts with him, or anybow see it done, fer I ain’t in trim ter doit myself now.” “That answers one question I meant to put to you,” said Dick. ‘tI was going to ask if you recognized this man as the one whokilled your pard. “ Yas, he’s ther feller what doneit, sure. Aw’ now I kin see how it was he mistook my pard fer you.” ‘¢ Ha! that wasit,eh? It was asI thought it must have been. But, tell us all about it.” Meanwhile two persons hud left the room, un- noticed, One of these was the mysterious vailed woman, and the other a man, The Jatter had taken a horse, and was now riding leisurely out of the valley to the west. ‘It are soon told,” said the man, in response to Dick’s request, ‘‘ Tl give ye the whole stery, so’s yecan grip yer onderstandin’ onto it ther better. Yer see, me and A] Wistner was paris, We had knowed each other fer some time, That was ther name I knowed him by, an’ I s’pose it was his kerrect handle, though he might of bud another fer all I know. Anyhow, there was somethin’ he kept shady from me, but I never worried over that,” be re come to ther pint,” urged Hard-head Lugh. “All right; merely stated them facks ‘as a beginnin’?, As I say, Al had somethin’ he didn’t never let me inter. There was some reason why he was out byar in the wilds, an’ laterly be has been keepin’ ruther shady. ‘The other afternoon, as we was walkin’ along a trail some miles from hyar, we ‘spied somethin’ by ther side of ther way, in ther bushes a bit, that looked like a hat, We went in, an’ durn meif thar wasn’t a hull dandy outfit of ther finest sort: hat, boots, an’ everything else, An’ what does Al do but put 7em on, ‘* Well, that mought ’a’ been all right if it badn’t been all wrong, but it appears now that them ar duds cost ther poor devil his life. After he had made ther exchange we went, on our way, Al lookin’ like ary Jim dandy, you bet, with his high hat an’ patent-leather’ boots, An’ every- thing went all right till it was jest about dusk, when all of a suddent this byar cuss peared afore us, with bis barkers in hand, an’ be says, | wouldn’t do, says he: ‘Dick Darrel, we'll. settle that score now.” ““f see it all,” Dandy Dick broke in. ‘He mistook your pard for me. But, goon, and let’s hear the rest.” “Well,” the fellow continued, ‘I won’t try ter repeat all that was said, but my pard he tried to deny that he was Dick Darrel, but that This feller was sure of his man, as he looked at it, ay’ nothin’ would do but Al must fight him. It was either fight or be shot right down, so Al agreed ter fight. I tried ter chip in ashot on ther sly, but blame meif tker feller didn’t plug me afore I could do it, pluggin’ this hyar arm an’ sendin’ ther ball right inter my spareribs. Down I went an’ my poppers fell out o’ reach, an’ thar I was, “T was dazed like, but could notice what was goin’ on, after a fashion, an’ I seen him an’ Al vo at it with their knives, an’ purty quick Al got the worst. of it an’ down he went.. An’ then, ther wu’st of it all, dast meif ther hyena | didn’t bend down an’ cut off his head, slick an’ clean! An’ when he had done that, he held it up, lookin? at it with a wicked smu, that made him look like the devil bimself, and he said, says he: ‘Dick Darrel, this settles your case. It was no use your kicking against Devil Duval, ll make use of your head, now, as a warnin’ to others. Pll take it to ther nearest camp,’ says he, ‘an’ make a zample of it for the benefit of others who may hanker after my scalp.’ An’ about that time I must ’a’ fainted, fer I don’t remember no more till I kim to, next mornin’, Then ther head war gone, an’ the body too,” While he was talking, Barney O’Linn had securely bound tke prisoner, no one offering to interfere, and he was disarmed of every weapon. ‘‘The truth of this man’s story,” spoke Dick Darrel, when the feliow bad ended his narration, ‘is not to be doubted, I will make some state- ments which will serve to make everything clear to you, men of Paradise Pocket. And when I have done I will leave it for you to say whether this human monster should answer to me for the wrong he bas done me, or whether your claim upon bis life is the stronger. But,’remerber, by my hand he dies, even if I have to shoot him , here in his tracks.” Dick’s voice was ringing, and his words so stern, that every one drew back a little from him and his foe, In calm and even tones, then, Dick went ahead, telling his story in full, as it was made known to the reader in Popular Library No, 1. Want of space will not allow its reproduction here, The necessities of the case, however, com- pel’us to quote from a certain point. ** So ended the first struggle,” Dick proceeded, after a pause, *! This rascal and bis lieutenant, aided in their escape by the woman, disappear- ed, and our revenge was for the time balked. But, we then ‘and there took oath that we would bunt them to the earth’s ends, if necessary, and bring them to the fate they so richly deserve. The woman, I may remark, disappeared, and we have not seen her since, unless ”—and at that point Dick looked around the room, as if in search of some one. ‘A little time passed,” Dick went on, ‘‘ and finally we heard that Devil Duval and a new band had been seen bere at this camp of Para- dise Pocket, so we prepared to pay you a visit, with the hope of meeting them. and working out our vengeance, This,” indicating the blue-vel- vet sport, ‘‘ is my poor wife’s-sister; and this, as I need not tell you now, is Barney O’Linn, my faitbful belper and partner, as I may call him. We came to within a little distance of your town, camped over night, and nextday came on separately, pretending not to know one another, as you have seeu. ‘*[ had previously laid off my other disguise, leaving it at the place where this man has told us his unfortunate companion found it, and bis story is not to be doubted in any particular. This outlaw certainly must have believed he had laid me low, but be was mistaken,, And now I leave it for you to decide. Am | not justly entitled to the revenge { demand? [ do not want you to hang bim, citizens, but I do want to meet him face to face, in fair fight, and have no fear concerning the outcome, I wait for you to decide,” - The crowd in the saloon broke into one ac- claim in Darrel’s favor, “You shall have what you ask,”declared Col- onel Jim. ‘* Tbe infamous villain is bound to give you the satisfaction you demand, J only wish he had ten lives. that we could give him ten deaths for bis deviltry and crimes!” “T am willing to fight this man upon condition that I be allowed to leave the campif. 1 am the victor,” the rasct1 had tbe nerve to propose,
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- Dick admitted. *Veave the camp—alive? Never!” cried Col- onel Jim, ‘* Your life shall pay the forfeit for your @rimes in any event, Even if yon kill this brave young man, you do not escape your fate, for J will fight you, you detestable cut-throat!” And I!” ‘And I!” ‘ And I!’ shouted sev- eral others, “You need have no fear,” said Dick to tho men around. ‘I will have his life as surely as he lives this moment. Think of my wrongs! Do you imagine for a moment that I would fail in my revenge?” “You might fail, nevertheless,” reminded Colonel Jim, ‘ But if you do, be assured that he shall not escape the fate he deserves. I my- self will end his vile career, if you fail,” ‘¢ Well,” cried Dick, with grim determination, “Tam ready. This 13 as good a time as any, and—” * Are you forgetting my brother?” the young woman at that moment cried out. ‘If you kill this man before you make him tell what he knows, I may never hear of my poor brother again.” A frown came upon Dandy Dick’s face, and he put away the knife he had already taken in hand, ‘‘T beg your pardon,” he said, ‘In my ex- citement I forgot my promise to you. Dick Darrel does not break bis word. [ will put off my revenge till we have made every effort in your behalf.” ‘* Thank you,” the woman returned, feelingly. ‘¢ Will you tell what you know about this matter, Craig Morgan?” Dick demanded. The outlaw smiled bis diabolical smile, and a ligbt of triumph sbone in his eyes, ‘“[ might be induced to tell,” he drawled in answer. ‘I will say that the man is alive, but he is a close prisoner, and I alone know where heis. Kill me, and he is fated to die of the tor- turesof slow starvation. No human being can prevent that!” CHAPTER XVIII, ‘ ESCAPE OF A PRISONER, Danvy Dick bit his lip with vexation. Here must be a delay, if nothing worse, and he fretted at the thought, The hour of revenge was his, and nothing ought to come between him and the man who had so deeply wronged him, But, here was his promlse to this young wo- man—a promise which he was bound to respect, for the fate of her brother hung perhaps in the balance. ; There was no knowing whether the detestable wretch was 1 haga the truth or a clever lie. It was possible that the woman’s brother was already dead: an«, indeed, Dick thought it quite probable, The doubt was there, none the less, and noth- ing could be done except to try to force the truth out-of the prisoner, keeping him secure against escape in the mean time. tt was a situ- tion Dick detested, Nor did his companions relish it. ‘* What, then, is ter be done with ther wolf?” asked Hard-head Hugh. ‘*That’s what’s ther matter,” cried Hickey Her. ‘‘ He’s likely ter escape yer, same as he did afore, ef ye don’t nip him ter once.” ‘*He shall not have any chance to escape,” assured Darrel, ‘‘ for he shall not go out of my sight a moment. But Iam puzzled to know how to force him to talk,” That smile gave a still more scorning turn to the outlaw’s sinister lips. “Perhaps I can suggest something,” spoke Colonel Jim Hoxley, ? ‘¢ What is it?” Dick asked, ‘« Let’s make believe he is merely our prisoner, and so try to force terms witb his band.” “ Just what was running inany own mind,” “Tf may work, for the fellow undoubtedly has one or more of his men near at hand.” ; t “Allow me a word,” the prisoner spoke up. “T have men near me. The man who made the attempt to kill me, would die in his tracks in- stantly, If you don’t believe it, try iton, If you want to make terms, make them with me,” ‘*What would you agree to,in the way of terms?” asked Dick. . **T will tell you. You let me write and seal what I know about this young woman’s brother, telling you’ where to find him. Then give me one hour in which to make my escape if I can. At the end of that time you may follow me, and the fight will be n anew.” ** Never!” cried Dick. ‘‘ You shall not go out of my sight!” “ All right, then; that settles the fate of the Rey, Ray Wallyngton. rn At this the young woman began to weep, silently, and Dandy Dick was puzzled what to-| young woman. ‘There is but one way open, that I can see,” | 13 ‘““Te has just come in, sir,” explained the ‘He is nearly dead with ex- haustion, as you can see. He has managed.to tell. of his escape from outlaws, with barely his life, spoke up the blue-velvet sport—as we may still | Ob! I fear he will die!” call the woman who was Dick’s sworn coadju- tor. ** And whatis that?” Dick asked. “To lock the man up, let the whole camp guard him, and sooner or later something will come from his followers.” ‘* A good idea,” sneered the prisoner; ‘ but, in the mean time, the parson will be starving to death, and may be a goner before you gain your ends,” ** Begorra, but ’ave me put ina wurred roight here,” cried the young Irishman, ‘ Shtand dhe spalpeen up furninst dhe wall ever dhere, lave me have soight on him wid me musketoon, an’ by dhe powers av he don’t shpake in wan min- ute it is makin’ a coroner’s subject av him Oi’ll be doin’!” This was greeted with approval and much laughter, but it did not fill the requirements of the case, ‘It won’t do, Barney,” Dandy Dick objected. “We will try another plan.” Turning to Colonel Jim Hoxley, he asked: **Ts there a place where he can be securely im- prisoned?” ‘* We have some strong cabins here,” was the answer, ‘‘ Nodoubt any of the boys will lend his cabin for the purpose.” Several voices were immediately heard, offer- ing the service of a cabin for the safe keeping of the prisoner. ‘* An’ mine are jest ther one yer wants!” cried Hikey Hen, ‘It kin be sealed up as tight as ary jug, an’ it would be jest ez hard ter break in ez it would ter break out. Everybody knows that; hey, fellers?” “That’s so,” agreed Hard-head, ‘‘ Hike’s coop are a good one, an’ he'll never git out 0’ thar,” “Then that point is definitely settied,” spoke Darrel. ‘ Now let us selecta guard. We want at least a dozen men, and men who are to be trusted.” r A woman had been listening in the hall, where the door was ajar, the same one who had gone out shortly before. Her hands were clasped, and her whole manner was indicative of the greatest anxiety and excitement. At this point she silently withdrew and hastened away. Colonel Jim Hoxley quickly named the men, and they stepped to the front willingly as their names were called, **You are to guard this prisoner with your lives,” Colonel Jim told them. ‘“‘ If he'gets away I will hold you to account for his escape, remem- ber that, The hell-hound is never to leave this camp alive. If Darrel doesn’t finish him J wiil, that [ swear. He is too vile to live,” ‘Never fear that he will escape his fate at my hands, once we meet,” reassured Dick, ‘I will take his life or give up my own, one or the other. It must be death for one of us, for noth- ing but death can ever settle the score between us, after’ the wrongs he has done me. But, come, now that the place bas been fixed upon and the ee picked, let’s put the prisoner there, and then I will unfold a plan to you.” A shout of approval greeted the proposal, as considerable time had already been consumed in planning, This decided upon, the prisoner was led out and away, nearly the whole crowd following, and was left in & cabin, securely bound, with a dozen men or more to guard against even the chance of bis escapes. Dick left Barney as chief of the guard, and re- turned with the crowd to the saloon, where he intended to unfold his plan to a few citizens oh go: Brees Jim Hoxley, Hard-head ugh, and others. But, when they entered the place there was new excitement. On a chair was seated a young man, pale, hag- gard, and only half-clad. Before him, her hands clasping his, knelt the young woman who bad arrived by the stage. The man was used up, almost completely. He was bleeding in a dozen places, the few garments he had on were torn, and it was plain that he had been having a rather rough experience, — ““Who is this?’ Darrel demanded, hurrying forward. ** Oh, sir, it is my poor brother!” the young woman answered, ‘*He has made his escape, but almost at cost of his life.” ‘Where has he been? Can you talk, sir? Can you give replies to a few questious?” The man ninda the attempt, but was almost too weak to make his words distinct enough to be understood, Dick had made a motion to the barkeeper, and that wortby hurried with a dose he had been preparing. anding the glass to Dick, the contents was hurriedly passed to the wounded man’s lips, and some of the stuff was taken. It was a case where liquors would do some good, and its effect was speedily noticed. An eager crowd had gathered around, every- body anxious to hear what the man would have to say when he could tell his story—for thst he bad a story to tell, was plain. “This will give yer ther chance ter gofu. ‘r enemy, after all,” spoke up Hikey Hen. “Yes, and I am thankful, too,” answered Dick. ‘It was gall and wormwood to let him have any respite from my vengeance,” ** But yer had better Jet us hang him, and not run any risks,” advised Hard-head Hugh. ‘*Thar’s a possible chance that yer may git ther wu'st of it, ye know.” ‘*T am willing to assume the risk,” answered. Dick, ‘I want the satisfaction of fighting him, —of taking his life with my own hand. Andd you wonder, you who have heard my story?” ‘*No one’ can wonder at it, sir,” declared the mine president. ‘‘He deserves the worst fate you can bring him to suffer,” ‘““The only thing to excite wonder,” added Colonel Jim, ‘is that you could resist killing: him when you had bim here face to face,” By this time the wounded man showed signs: of recovered strength, and spoke, ‘He is a devil incarnate!” he gasped, ‘* And you do not know half what a devil he is, sir,” Dandy Dick averred, ‘My story would chill your blood, to say nothing of his daring audacity in preaching a funeral sermon over one of the murdered victims,” At mention of such a thing, the young preacher’s face turned even more deadly pale than it had been, * Did be do that?” he asked, ‘‘ Did he play such a part, pretending he was myself?” *¢ Yes; and that is arhong the least of his mis- deeds,” assured Colonel Jim. “ But, your story,” urged Dick. The young man now had hold of his sister’s hands, and his strength gaining he said: “*T suppose my sister has told you something of our business here?” ‘*T have told them everything, Ray,” was the- response. ‘They know all about us. And our search is over, for Allen Wistner is dead.” ac Dead!” That matter was explained in full, and whem it had been told, then the young man proceeded. with what he had to disclose, He neec not be quoted at length. Coming along the canyon trail, on the previous day, he had come suddenly face to face with the outlaw and his Dozen. The chief had put some ques- tions to him, and when he had answered them, ordered his capture, saying he wanted to borrow his outfit and name for a little while. He had been taken to a cavern where the outlaws had their rendezvous, there made to exchange his clothes for the rags he now had on, and had been a prisoner since. On this afternoon, seeing a chance for escape, he had taken it; but ha been discovered, fired after, and had suffered a fall over a ledge into a ravine, where he had no doubt been left for dead, He escaped without broken bones, however, and finally crawled to. the camp. CHAPTER XIX, FOREWARNED FOREARMED, Svon in brief, the young clergyman’s story; and when he had done, Dick Darrel ordered him taken to a room and cared for. He was badly but not fatally wounded, and Tt mee every chance that he would come out all right. His coming freed Dick Darrel’s bands, and now nothing remained but for him to meet his foe in deadly combat, as was his strongest desire. By this time the day was fer spent,.and night was coming on, Supper was ready at the saloon, but Dick did not md to the call, His nerves were too tightly strung to allow any relaxation yet. e was the center of interest, and the crowd watched his every move, wanting to be sure not to miss the fight which all knew must soon take place, He had the sympathy of every man in the camp. “*When is yer goin’ ter tackle ther cuss?” Hard-head Hugh finally put. -%
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nee + OS —— aeons ae ee ~—e a ee entire time. him, though he said but little to her. Long before the hour had expired the crowd | was back again, and the saloon was filled, while outside on the Plaza all was bustle and excite- ment. Torches were being provided, and a lighted circle was formed in which the battle was to be fought. About the time the hour was up, a man came running breathlessly into the Round-up. “Call out yer melishy, pards! he cried. “‘Buckle on yer guns, an’ git ready fur biz! Ther Devil’s Dozen ar’ a-comin’, bot foot!” Nothing could have occasioned a greater stir. A bundred questions were fired at the man at once, in eager haste. ‘Yas, it’s ther fact!” the fellow assured, “Pve got it right from headquarters! They is comin’ hyar, on ther run, ter try an’ rescue | their chief! No time ter fool about it!” Colonel Jim Hoxley todk the matter in hand immediately, ordering every man to be pre- pared, and every one who had a horse to be mounted. And the orders given, it was then looked to ‘the messenger for an explanation ia full of what he had learned, and his story was listened to eagerly by every one in the room. “ Yer see, pards,” he narrated, ‘‘ I was comin’ over this hyar way through ther Goose-neck Canyon, not a great while ago, an’ I comed sud- denly upon a feller asleep on ther ground at ther Fork. He was armed like ary man-o-war, an’ I was besitatin’ what ter do erbout it, when an- other feller suddenly pops inter sight on ther run. This feller was him we knows as Bummer Boza, ther galoot what drifted inter this camp a couple o’ weeks ago, An?’ he’s one of ther Dozen, too.’ ‘* Ther doose he are!” ‘Sure enough, fer a fack! Well, he runs up, gives ther sleeper a kick, an’ he jumps up with poppers ready fer biz. Scein’ who it was, though, he cooled down, an’ then Bummer Boze let out his news. He told t/other feller that Devil Duval had been made a prisoner at ther Pocket by Dandy Dick, an’ that a rescue must be made at once, or it would be a heap too late. An’ then they planned ter come hyar a little after dark, come inter ther camp with a whoop an’ a yell, kill everybody who got in their way, an’ makea big fight of it, thinkin’ ter rescue ther prisoner while ther scrimmage are goin’ on. An’ then they parted, Bummer Boze comin’ back hyor an’ other feller hurryin’ of ter git ther men, Av’ Bummer Boze are goin’ ter be on hand ter try ter let ther boss devil out when the fun be- gins, That’s ther hull of it.” ‘That man must be arrested immediately!” eried Dandy Dick. ‘‘Go for him, some of you who know him, and make sureof him, And double the guard at the cabin.” Men hastened off to obey these directions, while Dick and Colonel Jim set about heading the forces who were to meet the outlaws, Hard-head Hugh, Hikey Hen and others .were they who had set off to arrest Bummer Boze, and he was soon discovered. He was acting as guardsman at the cabin. “Look hyar, you infarnal p’izen whelp!” Hard- head cried, as his revolver and half a dozen more covered the fellow’s head, “ Wh— wh— what’s ther matter?” the traitor gasped, pale as death, “You is wanted, that’s what’s ther matter,” was the answer; and forthwith he was seized and securely bound. {t was much to bis surprisé and more against his earnest protest, but protest was useless, and without much ceremony be was bastened away toa — of safe-keeping till wanted. A little later and the forces were ready for the reception of the outlaws as soon as thay chose to make their appearance, Everything had been prepared for a hot fight. Two forces were in waiting, one mounted and the other on foot, and every man was fully armed. Once let the outlaw band get between them, and it was not likely that a man would remain alive to tell the tale. Further up the valley outposts had been sta- tioned, to announce the approach of the band by secret signal, and the mounted force, divided in two companies, waited for that sign, Finally the signal was heard, and every man was on the alert. It was repeated, and horse- men were seen coming. ; Dandy Dick’s Doubls. Nearer they came, stopped for a moment, and then with loud, wild yells, made a bold dash into the camp. Yelling and shooting, enough to have struck terror to the camp had it been a surprise, on they spurred, wanting to draw every attention to themselves, They were allowed to proceed until they were in just the right position, and then of a sudden a storm of fire and leaden hail burst upon them from two directions, with death-dealing, destruc- tive effect. Down they went, horse and rider, almost the entire band, appearing to be struck dumb by the unexpected calamity. Immediately another broadside burst upon them. Two more went down, but the third and last had turned to éscape just before the fire burst forth, and was not bit. With a yellof fright, as it must have been, he dug his spurs into his horse and was off like the wind. But faster flew the bullets after him, though for a few moments not one seemed to hit the mark; but, presently, the horse was seen to stumble and fall, throwing the rider far over its head. With cheers of victory the citizens of the Pocket dashed forward to learn the results, and going to themain body of the fallen first, they found not aman alive, Where the last man had dropped, however, only the horse remained, The rider bad made his escape, and perhaps unhurt. It wasa victory, but it was not complete so long as onehad got away, One out of a dozen, though, could well be spared, if was reasoned. Dandy Dick, torch in band, was going from body to body, as thongb in search of some par- ticular one, and when he had done he was heard to say to himself, in a toneof anger: “Tt isas I feared. It was the lieutenant that got away, and Barney’s time for revenge is not yet. But we will have you, Owen Maron, or *Devil’s Right Bower,’ as you are.called. You sha)] meet your doom before we give up.” The town was whooping itself hoarse, and was wild over its signal victory. 3ut it was not forgotten that the chief rascal | of all was yet to be dealt with, and when the up- roar had a little subsided the crowd began to drift in the direction of the cabin prison. Presently Dandy Dick and the blue-velvet sport appeared there, and a cheer was given. ow was the time when the long-deferred re- venge was to be had, the desire for righteous vengeance satisfied, or— But there was no doubt in Dandy Dick’s mind. ‘Did ye kill dhat. murtherin’ gossoon?” asked | Barney, as soon as Dick came up. “‘ NO, Barney,” was the answer, Dick know- ing whom he meant; ‘‘he got away—the only one.” ‘““Dhe curse af Heaven upon him!” Barney cried, ‘*But Oi don’t give him up, for Oil folly him to dhe ind av me days but phwat Oi’ll give him phwat he deserves.” To this Dick echoed a vow of support, and turning to the crowd, addressed the citizens of the Pocket in these words: *“‘ Now, men of Paradise Pocket, victory has been yours, and vengeance must be mine. I will fight this outlaw fiend to the death, with knives —the only way I desire to meethim, Let every- thing be arranged as you first intended, and then bring kim to the Plaza to face me,” A loud cry of approval greeted this, and when Dick had cautioned Barney again not to permit the man toescape, he and the sport in velvet started toward the Plaza. Only half the distance had they proceeded, when a great cry arose behind them. ‘CHAPTER XX, THE VAILED WOMAN’S STRATEGY, MEANWHILE something else of vital import- ance had taken place. 1t will be remembered that mention was made of the vailed woman's leaving the saloon soon after the exposure and arrest of the outlaw. Lingering in the hall, with the door ajar, as told, she heard all that followed, and no sooner had she learned the place in which the prisoner Raber to be locked up, than she went there in mad aste, - No one noticed her, and she was safe in the cabin before the crowd set out from the saloon with the prisoner; and once there, fortune fa- vored her, The’ownerhad a bigjchest in one cor- ner, and raising the lid of that and finding it empty, she got in and lay down. he had taken the precaution to put something under the lid, toadmit air, and there she was when the prisoner was brought in. \ The two or three who remained | | Her heart almost ceased beating then, so fear- | ful was she that she would be discovered, | The seconds passed. No one opened the chest; | and finally, when the prisoner had been made | secure, his captors withdrew and the cabin was locked, She now drewa breath of relief, but not a | sound escaped her, To Jet her presence be known, ' even to the prisoner himself, might defeat the | very end she had in view. At Jast, when it was dark without as well as within, so that it would be impossible for any one to discover ber presence witbout the aid of a light, she lifted the lid of the chest and crept forth. She was 80 cramped, at first, from her long continuing in the one position in the close con- fines of the chest, that she dared not trust herself to move for fear of making some blunder that would arouse suspicion. While she waited she listened attentively, to make sure that no one but the prisoner was in- side the cabin. Being assured on that point, and finally having better command of her limbs, she advanced to the corner where the rascal.was bound, laid a hand on him gently, at the same time whispering: “99h! Not a word—not a sound above a whisper!” | «Who are you?” was the whispered demand. ‘‘ She who joves you as she loves life itself,” the answer. ‘I am here to save you if I can.” ‘But, who are you? How came you here without being discovered?” “Do you not know me, Charlie?” ‘¢ Not Pearl Mayne!” ‘“¢-Yes, Charlie Mason—if that be your*name, Iam Pearl Mayne; I am the one who Jovestyou | better than all else in the world—more than I | love my life. I saved you once, at peril of my | / : | own life, and I am here to do it again—if possi- ble.” It wag too intensely dark for them to see each other, But the outlaw could feel the woman’s warm breath fanning his face, as ber arms em- braced him. Here was an exbibit of love and unselfish de- votion such as he was incapable of understand- ing, much less appreciating. For the moment it seemed to paralyze his power of thought. *‘Bless you, Pearl,” he exclaimed in whisper, imprinting a kiss on the face so close to his own, ““bless you! I love you for your bravery. If nothing more, Help me out of this and Pll make you my bride—I swear it!” “That is all I ask,” was the glad cry, “But, you bave not told me bow you came here. In what manner of disguise are you? I cannot understand how you got in, Tell me everything.” «¢j will do so, but I must hasten. Time is precious, for your life is in the greatest possible danger, Perbaps I shall be unable to save you, but if so I will die with you.” “But, your story, Pearl. What became of you after you helped me to escape at Burnt Match?” i ‘¢Tt was owing to that man of yours, your Bower, that I did not go with you. That was my intention, but he hurled me from my horse and took the animal himself, and I was left there.” ** Yes; I know, and he deserved to die for the dastardly trick; but it was a matter of life and death with him.” ‘Yes; and I did not blame him so much after- ward, when I could think it over, for, as you say, it was his only hope—his only chance, and he took it.” ** And what became of you then?” ““T escaped, as quickly as possible, for I did not know but the crowd would do me harm for the mischief I had.worked totheir plans, Then, after my escape was assured, 1 began anew my search for you.” “* And you have found me in time to render me another service, Still you have not an- swered one of my questions, How are you diguised? How did you get in here? What is your—” : ““ Why will you waste time so? I will tell you in few words, and then you must follow my di- rections and take the only chance that offers, You may possibly escape.’ A ‘*But, what is your plan? How is it to be dove? Let me hear that first of all, and then your story afterward. As you say, time is precious, for they may come for me at any mo- ment. Cut these cursed bonds, and do it quick- ] 2 a a moment her keen knife had severed the bonds, and he was freed. ‘“*Now, listen,” she commanded, as he stood up: ‘* We must exchangeclothes, and you must
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wre @ YO ftrOnRn™ jcctrr eer ee a ‘conceal y - have not got out of the cabin. . around him. 27s & : ourself in that big chest, where I bave been— ? , -** In the chest! Were you in that thing all the time? It will never work—it is impossible, You will be recognized, and they will know I f No, it can’t be—” * But it is your only chance. We must ex- change clothes, and when that is done you must bind me here where you have been. Then you must get into the chest, and when they come they will probable hurry me out quickly, before the cheat is discovered, and you must take ad- vantage of the opportunity and make your es- cape in the darkness,” “Pearl, you area jewell I see it is the only chance I have, and 1 must not throw it away, for it is certain death for me to remain here, Let us hasten to carry out your plan.” It was speedily done. There in the total darkness they exchanged garments, and when that had been done the outlaw boufid the woman securely in the"place where he had been, ‘*T hope the plan will not fail,” he remarked. “Once let me get off with my life, and Dick Darrel shall pay for all this, and with interest. I will trap him, if it takes six months to do it.” ‘‘ Had we not better go far away, you and I, if lam not banged for this night’s work?” the woman -suggested. ‘Remember, you have promised to make me your bride.” In the darkness his diabolical smile wreathed the villain’s face. _ Little intention bad he of fulfilling the prom- ise it. had been to his interest to make. “Perhaps you are right,” be said, in gentle tone, ‘If you escape, and escape you will, cer- tainly, meet me at Denver as soon as possible, and together we will disappear forever from this part of the country.” ‘“*] will do it—gladly will I doit. Iam the -vailed woman who came here as Mrs. Chintley. I had heard of your raid here, and hoped to find. you. I recognized you when you came to my room to see that young woman who claimed at first to be your sister, but I did not let you know me then, I tried allin my power to help you out of that trouble, as you can see now. ailing, I came here, as soon as I learned where - you were to be imprisoned, hid in the chest, and ‘here I am. But, into the chest yourself! must not delay another instant!” An ominous stillness reigned without, and they knew not at what moment the door of the cabin would be opened. Barely had helet down the lid of the chest over him, when loud shouting and firing were heard in the valley without. The outlaw lifted the lid again and listened. His men had come to his rescue! Filled with hope anew, he sprung from the chest, weapons in hand, awaiting. But that hope faded away. The battle was short dnd decisive, and by the cries of victory You _that followed, Craig pe 8 learned the fate ) tla that had overtaken bis outlaw band. Nothing remained for him but this one last hope, and in a mood of commingled despair and desperate Pande he returned to his hiding-place—the big chest, | CHAPTER XXL AN ORDERLY HANGING, Wuen Dandy Dick turned away, after his final word of caution to Barney O’Linn against allowing the prisoner a chance to escape, Bar- ney turned to the cabin where the outlaw was confined.; } “Tt is now for it, me lads,” he said to those ** We'll take dhe b’aste ava skunk out an’ march bim to dhe place av his death— fur death it will’be, an he wanst faces me mas- ther Dick Darrel in fair foight. No power will save him an wanst they meet,” ““It will be death to him anyhow!” was the shout. “If Dandy Dick don’t settle him, Col- onel Jim will! Out with him! Bring ther hyena out byar!” : The door was speedily opened and the crowd pressed in, aide It was semi-dark there, the only light being from the torches without. Barney and others pressed forward to the cor- | mer where the prisoner was bound, laying hold , upon him with no a ( entle hands, Yez are wanted, ye spalpeen!” cried Barney, ““Dhe toime is up for ye, an’ now is dhe hour of in bir 8 retribution for the dirthy crimes ye have | sir CMT a Oe “Bet yer life it are!” was the echo. ‘Out with ther cuss,” Jerking the prisoner up and soar ard the door, * 5 Rees to the man who to ‘inverters. No escape fer ye this hyar e Dandy Dick’s Double. y But ho sooner had the prisoner been taken through the door, than the lid of the chest was raised and the outlaw was out, armed and ready to fight for his life, if need be. A moment’s pause, then out the door he sprung, turaed, and / in another moment was lost in the darkness be- hind the cabin, Nor was he a second too soon, for barely had he turned the corner of the cabin when the crowd halted, and loud and angry exclamations were heard. For the first few moments the light bad been dim, but now those who had torches pressing close, the cheat was discovered, and greatest ex- citement prevailed immediately. ‘¢ under an’ turf!” cried Barney, the first to diseover the deception, ‘* pbwat thrick is dhis?’ ‘* A woman, by ther gods!” “An? ther p’izen critter hev gi’n us ther slip, after all!” And then arose a shouting such as the valley had not heard that night, wild, vengeful cries of hottest rage. When that ery arose, Dandy Dick and the blue-velvet sport stopped short and looked back. ‘¢ What can that mean, I wonder?” Dick ques- tioned. “¢T can not guess,” the woman responded. Louder and more excited grew the uproar, and knowing that something must be wrong, Dick started back, running, the sport following him, ; At alittle distance from the cabin they were met by the excited crowd, with the prisone:— rather a prisoner, and Barney O’Linn in the van acting like a crazy man. ‘*What is it, Barney?’ Dick hurriedly de- manded. “Look an’ see, sor,” the young Irishman an- swered, flaring his torch around so that the light fell full upon the prisoner’s face. + “My God!” Dick gasped, ‘*Am I balked again?” “ Vis, begorra, balked again it is!” exclaimed Barwey, in rage. ‘An’ it is by dhis Jezebel, too! “Woman!” cried Dick, fiercely, ‘‘ what have you done?’ Why have you come again between me and the object of a just vengeance?” ‘‘'You know well enough what [I bave done,” was the response. ‘‘I have saved the life of the man Llove. Do with meas you will. If my own life must pay the forfeit, I shall die happy.” .“* Rool--fool /” Dick cried in passion. ‘‘ Were it not so plain that you are mad, it would serve you right to hang you. But, tell me! how did you do this?’ How came you within tat cabin? But, men—quick! It may not ba too late! Search the place, ani all around it!” A dark form, high up the rocky mountain-side, looked down upon the blazing torches. It was the escaping prisoner., And while he paused a moment for breath, bé shook his fist defiantly at | the excited crowd. ‘* Howl, curse you!” he panted. ‘‘ Craig Mor- gan is not dead yet, as you, Dick Darrel, shall learn to your sorrow !” At Dandy Dick’s words, the men around him had sprung to the search, ; Leading them, he ran on to the cabin and sprung within, weapons in hand. But it was empty. The prisoner was indeed gone, and a big chest, now wide open, gave a probable ex- planation of how the escape had been effected. All the tiger in Dick Darrel’s nature was aroused, “Ho must not be allowed to get away!” he cried. ‘* See this open chest—it tells the whole story! He has not been gone five minutes from this cabin, AAhousand dollars to the man who takes him!” ‘© What in ruin has happened?” demanded Col- onel Jim Hoxley, bounding into the cabin at that moment, half out of breath. “That fiend has got away,” cried Dick, “Got away! Impossible!” ‘‘ Tt’s the fact. But, quick, men! Spread out, and scour the valley! He must not—he shall not get away!” It was no time to stop to answer questions, and. Colonel Jim recognizing that, at once stirred himself to promote the search. But search was useless, and after half an hour of futile effort it was given up. The outlaw was gone, and past all recovery, and gradually the crowd assembled again on the Plaza in front of the Round-up. _There was Dandy Dick, pacieg up and down like a restless lion cheated of his prey, His two allies were standing near witb the prisoner, silent, sorrowful, _ \ No one ventured to speak to Dick until Colonel Jim presently came up, returning from a fruit- less hunt for tie escaped knave, ‘‘How did he get out?’ he hotly demanded. “ There’s a traitor somewhere, and he shail hang for this! There was vo escape otherwise,” Darrel stopped short and pointed at the trem- bling prisoner. ‘‘ There is the one who freed him!” he cried. ‘\Then by ruin she shall swing, woman though it is!” and the crowd, in hot anger, echoed the cry, and a move was actually made to that end. *“No, no, it will not do!” Dick interposed. ‘© We do not want to do that, my friends. will not repair the loss, and we must not forget that it is—woman.” “That ber durn!” cried a voice out of the crowd. ‘*She’s as bad as ther cuss himself, an’ desarves it!” “* Hang me if you will,” spoke the prisoner, in low, trembling tones, ‘‘I am willing to givemy life for that of the man I love.” Dick turned from her in disgust. : ‘‘For the present lock her up,” he ordered. must have time to consider what to do with or, She was led away. and Dick, turning to his faithful allies, adcressed them in kindly tones, saying: “We have been cheated again, but we are not beaten.. Here let us renew our vow, the vow already taken—that we will hunt this fiend to his death, even if’ it takes all the years of our lives. The life of Craig Morgan shall be taken by my hand—I have sworn it before, I swear it again! The high heavens hear and record the yow I take upon myself anew!” Silently, solemnly, the three clasped bands. At Dandy Dick’s direction, finally, the woman whe had come between bim and the object of bis just hatred was allowed to go. He consider- ed her insane, certainly, and no cther. course was open to him. But he gave ber fair warn- ing never to oppose him again, under penalty of sharing the fate of the man she so foolishly _ loved, She made no response, but disappeared from the camp with all haste as soon as released. _ The other prisoner, ‘‘ Bummer Boze” as ‘he was called, begged hard for his life, but bis pleas and protests were of no avail. He told everthing he could regarding the band, boping thus to gain some degree of mercy, but no mercy was to be had at the hands of the “ tigers ” of the Pocket now so thoroughly aroused. From what he disclosed it was shown that the object the outlaws had in coming there was to watch for the shipment of bullion from the Gilt-edge Mine, of which they had heard, intend- ing to rob the messengers when they set out, It had been this rascal’s business to keep the outlaw chief posted, so that be would know when the shipment was made, When he had told all he could, the Bummer was promptly banged, And so ‘ended the Devil’s Picked Dozen, asa band. But, Duval and bis Right Bower were still at large, and that more trouble might be, looked for, all well realized, On the following morning Dandy Dick, Mary Warne and Barney O’Linn went away from the Pocket, many of the citizens accompanying as faras the canyon, looking after them with - questioning interest. What would be the ending of their mission of vengeance? Would final success theirs#—or were they destined to a new disappointment or to unending defeat? Was wrong eventually to triumph over justice and right, and Dick Darrel meet his death at the hands of this merciless villain—this devil in human form? A few concluding words. : Ray Wallyngton recovered from his wounds, and he and his sister returned Kast as soon as he could travel, h From the man who had been the companion of Allan Wistner, they had learned enough to erown their mission with success. Much of the stolen fortune was recovered, anc proof estab- lished that Ruby Wallyngton had been at least a lawful wife. The shipment of bullion was made from the — Gilt-edge Mine as soon as possible, before the outlaw could get another band together, and it » went through in safety, to the delight of Presi- dent Harcroft and the immense satisfaction of — Colonel Jim Hoxley. Aad after a little while Paradise Pocket settled down to its usual state of easy life. with Colonel Jim still the *‘ boss,” t: and Tony Gallagher, Hard-head Haghb, Hi Hen, and okhors | : social circle at the Round-up Saloon, which is still the principal institution of that wild camp. | THE END. . 15° That. , the leading minor lights of the
Page 16
ee Pang a a = eens en. “S91 Dendwood Dick, - V2 Wr Pabtid: & sleiitatns * ha LATA READLE’S* H ALF-])IME*|_IBRARY. - BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. Deadwood Dick Novels. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy], the Girl Miner. 20 Deadwood Dick's Defiance; or, Double Daggers. , ®8S Rosebud Rob's rie fy Eg or, Photograph Phil. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffals Ben 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chir ES Deadwood Dick in His Caatle. 277 Denver Doll, tlhe Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 281 Penver Doll's Victory; or, Skull and Crossbones, ~ — Deadwoed Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll, Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. Sarg Be ht pick on es or, Calamity 2 ne, the Heroine end wooc ck’s Last Aets or, Corduroy Charlie. Deadwood Dick In Leadville, 4 ese whet pick’s wes fee; had The Double Cross Sign. enadwoo ck as Detective. cana woes vee alge or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. eadwovod ¢k’s Mlome asc; or, Blonds Bill. Deadwood Dick’s Big Strikes or, A Game of Gold. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road. 1 Deadwood Dick’a Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. oe sepewoes 95 rooms or, er tame Adventure. Re end wood ch’s Dead Decal. Deadwood Dick's Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 4 peeaueot aie Mera tN es Spirit of Swamp Lake. ecadwoo ck’a Death Trail 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Deadwood Dick's Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Dendwood Dick’s Pucata; or, Days in the Diggings. faa mend wood ta he aa or, The Terrible Vendetta, 262 Dend woor ck’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead Clty. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Dinmonds. 421 Dendwood Pick in New York or, A ‘Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Duat; or, The Chained Hand. 445 Deadwood Dick, Jr; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deflance. 458 Dendwood Dick, Jrs Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, dr.’«, Big Round-Up. 46% Deadwood ! endwoor ek, Jr., Amon he Sim ers. 660 Deadwood Diek, Jr.'s, lnsurance Onsen 666 Deadwood Dick, dr., Rack in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Sha pesgwecd tn 5 ae cca a fe ad Found a Fortune, d end woo ek, dr.’«. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s. Dollara. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. TOL Deadwood Dick, Jdr., at Jack-Pot, Z10 Deadwood Diek Jr., in Ban Franctaco, 716 Deadwood Dick, dra Still Hunt. 4 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Disguise, 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Double Deal, 740 Dendwood Dick Jr.’s, Deathwatch. T47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Poublet. THz Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathblow. 75S Deadwood Dicks Jr.’s Deaperate Stralt, T64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Lone Hand, T70 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Defeat. %76 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Reaurrection, TS2 Deadwooa Dick. Jr's Dark Daya. TST Deadwood Dick fled. 792 VDendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture, 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick 813 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s Head-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Scoop. 884 Deadwood Dick, 840 Deadwood Dick, J 845 Dendwood Dick, 852 Deadwood Dick 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Beath-Nole Hustle, 868 Dendwood Dick, J S70 Deadwood Jr., in Mexteoa. S76 Deadwood Bick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Jr. in Silver Pocket, 898 Deadwood J Sh mentite Darel eadlw ra, Dou rive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwoo Jr., at Ti a Kops 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Double: ecker. - 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Jr.’s, Shake-up. Sos VecoCSmorare md eed me ee ed Pd ek em Ape — ‘946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Double Drops 95L Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Gold-Dust, PTL Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath, 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’#, Denth-Doom. 986 Deudwood Dick, Jr.’«, Beat Card, 992 Deadwood Dick, dr., at Gold Duat, 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Big nia 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Bran " 1011 Dsudeood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard, 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four. BY T, J. FLANAGAN, . 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher, +t gt een, Cowper Captain. 988 he Two Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First ‘tise. 949 The Three Lieutenants 959 The Mascot Middy ; or, The Four Commanders, 966 Fighting Jack Shubrick. 972 Fighting Jack’s Middies ¢ or, Dandy Dick’s Dash, 999 Jack Lang, the Privateer Rover. 1014 Middy Ned, tke Runaway. SS a Ee eee Dal re Gas Re Naan iia 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. B68 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery, 873 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. : 885 Vreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nese. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Lectle Game, 218 Fritz to the Fronts; or, The Ventriloguist Huntor 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister's Devotion, 248 Sierra Sama Secret: or, The Bloody »tprints. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pards; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. * 258 Slerra Sam’a Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Ouat, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, —~ 96 Watch-Eye, the Detect or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir! Detective. 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 625 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Marry, the Base Ball Detective. 426 Sam Slabsider, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Butfalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill or, The Red Ritle Team. 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks, e 141 Solid Bam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. 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, 880 Little Qu!ck-Shot 3 or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher, 878 Nabob Ned} 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. 426 Realakin 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, 3001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. CC. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘DIimklilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Kacket. 579 Broadway Billy's Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Lilly; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 7 Broadway Billy In Clover. 696 Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal, 720 Rroadway Billy’s« Full Hand: or, The Gamin Detective, 835 Broadway Billy’s Buatness. 7838S Broadway Billy’« Curtous Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Bully’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective. 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective, 775 Broadway RBilly’« Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, 786 Broadway Billy’«a Team; 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. Broadway Billy’« Signal Scoop, 810 Broadway Billy’« Wipe Out. $15 Broadway Bilby’a Bank Racket. 821 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Broadway Bully near Jersey Thuga.' S88 Broadway RBilly’« Raid, 889 Broadway Billy’s Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Bliily’« #100,000 Snap. 856 Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. 862 Broadway Billy tn London. 868 Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. S74 Brbadway Billy’s French Game. 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 860 Pilver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keya. B69 Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Delective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuia John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Randy fam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 606 Redlight Ralph_ the Prince of the Road, 524 The Tasineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night wr oe Detective. 671 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback Rteth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tyrewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the *‘ Pizenest ’ Man of Ante Bar, SS7 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick’s W ipe-Out. 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cycle Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Mot Mustle, 918 The Trump Dock-.Boy. 924 Big Boota Bob, the Fire-Laddie. 980 Kuatler Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newshboy Detective’s Chum. 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop, 944 Cowboy Charlic’s 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, Fiver Fred’s Clear Case. 967 #1000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Roy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob’« Hot Scorch, 997 Scorcrer Sam, the Detective on Wheels. 1004 Seorcher Sam’s Sweep-Stake a. 1009 Tne Girl Cy clin’s Winning Hand. BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNE. 956 Brooklyn Rob’s Bulge; or, Dodger Dot’s Diamond Snap. 968 The Fast-Side Spotter: or, Turning Down the Big Three 974 Old Sant’« Dark Deal; or, Miner Mat’s Iron Grip, 1015 The Keporter-Detective’s Big Pull, Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. (SSS iain = 4 BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1018 Buffalo BRill’« Texas Team: 1007 Butfalo Bill’s Sure-Shots. 1000 Butfulo Killa Decoy Boya. 995 Buffalo Bill's Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas Kid 988 Buffalo Bili’s Lasso Throwers. 981 Buffalo BUl's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo BUVs Eifie Shots. 968 Buffalo Bill's Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer, 964 Bauaffale BUVs Decoy; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill's Snap-Shot ¢ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Ruffalo Biull’s 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 Kilson BI, the Prince of the Reims. 222 Bison Bill’s Clue? or. Grit, the Bravo Sport. BY BUFFALO BILL, 55 Deadly-Kye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood: & Border Robin Hoody or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. 9 - S DR BY CAPT, ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. 8. Ay, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Cuba . 1025 The Flying Yankee or, The Ocean Outcast, 7 1028 The Cowboy Clan in Cuba. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba. ni ¢ 982 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Gang 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. 914 New York Nat's Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’s Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado, 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. S8Y New York Nat’s Deadly Beal, S88 New York Nat's Crook-Chase, S77 New York Nat’s Trump Card, STL New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’s Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out, 7 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 42 Dick Deom’s Flush Hand. Y 72 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, 77 Dick Doom’a Deatiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. , 84 Dick Doom; or, Ihe Sharps and Sharks ot New York, 788 Dick Doom in Roaton; or, A Man of Many Masks, Dick Doom tn Chicago. 298 Dick Doom tn the Wild West. Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue, 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. Dick Doom’s Dinmond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Mrul. , f 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Traii, 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Reecuer. aylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the ¢ omauche’s Captive. ‘ Buck Taylor’ Boyat or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower, ? 718 Pawnee Bfil; or, Carlythe Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bill’s Pledge: or, The Cowboy's Doom, 25 Pawnee Bill; er, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curtous Case: o, The Rival Sharps. lredfern at Devil's Manely or, The Sharp from Texas} 702 Redfern’s High Mand; or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, And Fifty Others. BY LIEUT, A. SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard¢ or, The Dead Set at Silver City, 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, Vhe Affair at Tonbstone. Tom Cat’s Terrible Tasks or, The Cowboy Detective 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. 646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strikes 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions. 676 The ®ilver Sport: or, Joeh Perpermint’s Jubilee, 588 Saffron Rol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidoca; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bildnd Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. : 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy:_or, The Mystery of Two Lives.) 699 Simple Sim, the Bat eA Buster; or, For big Stakes. 2 The Meameriat Sports or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, . 45 Kanaaa Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 76L Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective. 778 The Ruatler of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Mand Joe the Committee of One. \ 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete etive In Texas.., S72 Two Showmen Petectives in Colorado, \ 987 The Texan Firebrandy or, Brazos Billy’s SnapShot, 961 The Tramp’s Tramp-Trick, q NEW ISSUES. 1085 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Ol! Coomes, 1086 Dandy Dick’s Double. By Robert R. Inman, 1087 The Artist Detective, By Col. P. Ingrabam. 1088 Kananas King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill, 1089 Mustang Merle, the Boy Rancher. By Maj 8.8. Scotty, JUST ISSUED. 1029 The Phantem Spy. By Boffaio Bill. 1080 The Rancher’s Four Millions. By Leon Lewis, 1081 The Texan Hustlers in Cuba, By Col, P. Ingraham.§ 1082 Cowboy Chris, the Man of Caliber. By Wm. W, Wilders} 1088 You Bet Bob's Clreus. By Arizona Cy, 1084 The Gold Witch's Shadower. By Col. P. Ingrnham, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdenlers, five, conte per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. 4 BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York] ve ‘ aes