Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1041) (1897 07 06)
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Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. July 6, 1897, ; . No. 1041. Five Cents a Copy. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, Published Every | Vol. XT" $2.50 a Year. 92 Witt1aM Street, New York. Tuesday. COWDOY Ghris (0 the fore: — Scourging the Scourge of the San Juan. = savin. 5 \ _ = = = =. - = = — = = — — -- = — = HAND WITH A GESTURE THAT IMMEDIATELY SILENCED THE RUFFIAN, — 9 he - } Y 5 , S x 4 i : iver
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: eh? We don’t Cowboy Chris to the Fore; Scourging the Scourge of the San Juan. BY WM. WEST WILDER, (‘* WYOMING WILL,”) AUTHOR OF ‘‘ COWBOY, CHRIS, THE MAN OF CALIBER,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A NIGHT OF MERRYMAKING, It was a gala-night at the Robinson Ranch, which was brightly illuminated from end to end and resounding with music and mirth, a dance being in progress. And outside the little half- Mexican towns, a dance in the San Juan Valley was an event—something which drew together such a motley assembly of human beings as is rarely, if ever, seen in any other part of the world. Everybody came if it was possible to get there. The invitation was general and had heen spread over a wide section in that mysterious manner in which such things are heralded in the Wild West. From lip to lip passed the good news, and the result was seen in the remarkable gather- ing beneath Cy Robinson’s roof on the night of the dance, More than one-half of the throng were cow- boys from the surrounding ranches, The others were citizens from the adjacent towns, miners, speculators, ranchmen, Mexicans and even two or three Indians. Among the ladies were a few ranchers’ wives and danghters, and several dark-eyed senoriias were to be seen seductively smiling on the rough but almost over-polite fellows who gathered around them. Old Cy Robinson and his charming daughter Nina welcomed the guests as they arrived. In this the girl was assisted by a friend and honored visitor at the ranch, Nellis Welland, a girl of \ nearly her own age and quite as charming, being somewhat more vivacious. That either of the girls were more than ordi- narily pretty any one would be forced to confess, and they represented two distinct types, one being a blonde and the other a brunette: Al- though they kept well together, this seemed to rob neither of her attractiveness, for each served as a foil for the other without in the least de- tracting from her own charms, Nellie Welland’s father was also a guest at the ranch, being a large, powerfully-built man with deep black eyes which seemed even darker than they were because of his almost snow-white hair and beard. He was a man who had seen much sorrow in the past, having received a blow which caused an almost utter loss of memory for many years, during which he was known as **Old Rattlebrain,” the name being given bim on account of his eccentric and sometimes mani- acal behavior, Within the large room set apart for dancing, Rodney Welland stood watching the whirling throng and conversing wita the foreman of the Robinson Ranch, a short, weather-beaten, bow- legged cowboy, whose true name was Reuben Randall, but who was commonly known as Round-up Rube. The contrast between the two men was almost ludicrous as they stood close together, well out of the way of the dancers, being in one corner of room, Welland was more than six feet tall, while the grizzled cowboy was barely over five. More than one secretly smiled as they glanced at the two. ** A hill-roarin’ old time, gare !’ grinned Rube, his face being the picture of intense enjoyment, although he was not participating in the danc- ‘ Reckon they can’t beat this in ther Hast, o much on low-necked dresses an’ swaller-tail coats, but we git thar jest ther same, “The people seem to be enjoying themsely surely,” replied Welland, res his Pore pote voice, which was so expressive of power, and sonieway made one think ofa lion. And then, as his daughter and Nina Robinson entered the room with their arms around each other’s aa a smile passed over his usually grave ce, “Thar!” nodded the foreman—* thar’s er sight wu'th lookin’ at! They bain’t one bit erlike, but all ther same, I don’t low two better mated gals ever stepped in ther Territory. Poorty! aal, E sh’u’d snicker!” _ The smile on Rodney Welland’s face disap- ‘Greaser fer foreman, though Pablo Cowboy Chris to the Fore. peared as he saw a gaudily-dressed Mexican staring admiringly at the two girls, “* Who is that person?” he asked. ‘* Who—whar?” “ Over there; the one who is watching Nellie and Miss Nina.” “Ther critter with ther red jacket as is all kivered with gold buttons an’ silver braid—ther Greaser?” ac Yes.” ° ‘‘ Waal, they do say thet’s ther new foreman o’ ther Di’mon’ Ranch, as has been bought by er tenderfut frum ther East—er deluded fool w’at’s come out byer ter learn us our business! He’s showed his lack o’ hoss-sense by puttin’ in er ajario does make er big boast ’bout havin’ ’ristercratic Spanish. blood in his veins. Oh, ther derned skunks are all erlike, drat ’em!” Which made it quite apparent the bow-legged .cowboy bore no love for ‘* Greasers.” ‘*] don’t like the looks of hirh,” confessed Rod- ney Welland. ‘The fellow is good-looking enough in his way, but there is something about his eyes I do not like,” ‘It’s thet sneakin’ look—you'll see it in ev’ry danged one 0’ ’em. They never look er man in ther face ef he is lookin’ at them. I don’t low Pablo Pajario’s any wuss then any 0’ ‘em; they’re all erlike, as I said afore. You can’t trust ’em so fur as you kin sling er steer by ther tail! “Thet’s jest whar this yere tenderfut as hes putt Pablo in fer foreman.made er big mistake. { know ther Greaser is er right peert pimp on er hoss ur with er rope, an’ I will fess up thet he knows ther cattle business frum eend ter eend, but he hain’t ter be trusted. Fu’st thing he knows, Orson Colfax’ll wake up some fine mornin’ an’ fine ther yaller-skin’s played him fer er sucker an’ vanisved io ther nigbt.. Then ther tenderfut °I wish he’d paid er white man er leetle more money ter act as foreman an’ hed got somehody as he c’u’d trust.” ‘Is there mever an exception among the Greasers?” ‘* Bf thar is, I never struck one. Ev’ry white man hates ther varlets, an’ it don’t do ter putt one ter bossin’? over citizens o’ ther United States. Thet’s whar ther tenderfut rancher hes made another bad break, I know he hes turned off ‘most all ther old Di’mon’ gang, but er right smart bit o’ his men are decent, I reckon, an’ ef so, they’re goin’ ter kick at havin’ er yaller-skin bossin’ them.” ** Ah! here comes our host,” “ An’ Tm derned ef thet bain’t Orson, Colfax ther new owner © ther Di’mon Ranch, with him!’ Cy Robinson entered the room, accompanied by a smalf, dapper-appearing man who wore glasses and whose Motives made him a con- spicuous figure as he had donned a full dress-suit in great contrast to the rough cow- boy and fantastic Mexican apparel seen on allsides, Indeed, under the circumstances, his appearance was little short of laughable, and he looked as much out of place as a booted and spurred cowboy would ata ball inthe East. He was rather effeminate in appearance, having small hands and feet and speaking with a lisp and a drawl, It was said he was a college gradu- at ate had inherited a fortune at his father’s death. * An’ ther derned fool’s kem out hyer ter spend it!” was the contemptuous expression often given utterance by the cowboys of the rancbes adjoining Orson Colfax’s newly-ac- quired property. As soon as his eyes rested on Rube and his gray-bearded companion, Cy Robinson ap- proached them with his lately-arrived guest at his heels, ‘* Gentlemen,” said the bluff old rancher, ‘‘ I’d like ter make you Nam eg This is Mr, Col- fax of the Diamond Ranch; Colfax, this is Mr, Welland, my guest, and this is Rube Randall, my foreman, as white a man as ever roped a r. ** Delighted ’pon honab,” drawled Orson Col- fax, bowing very low and giving each of the two a languid hand-shake, “I athure you I am weally delighted!” With the utmost difficulty the bow-legged cowboy refrained from uttering an exclamation of disgust, and he did give the tenderfoot ranch- er a grip that made that individual wince and turn red in the face, *Ob—ah!” he mumbled. “It ith my wing—I have a wing on that band and it burths when people squeeth tho confwounded hard, I have not become uthed io the way you thake bhandth out in thith part of the countwy.” | ‘* We do uverythiu’ with a vim hyer,” asserted Rube. “Et takes er man ter git erlong in these eae, an’ he’s gotter hey some snap an’ back- ne.” “T weally believe you thneak the truth, thir— I do,’pon honab, I am very much pleathed with the countwy, though I mutht confeth the people do theem very wude and—aw—uncultivated.” “Humpb!” grunted the bow-legged cowboy, “Don’t you kinder ‘low thet’s speakin’ mighty plain right ter our faces?” : ““Oh—ah—ek! Prethent company ith alwayth excepted, y’know. I did notmean anything per- thonal by my wemark,” ‘Waal, we don’t go fer ter sot ourselves up fer doods, Mister Colfax, but we ’most_ginerally knows our business jest ther same, Ther cattle business is—” ‘“It ith a gwand bithneth, thir—gwand/ And tho thimple! Why, any one can make a thuc- cess of it!” : ’ At this Cy Robinson laughed heartily. “That's the way it looksat the start, { will warrant, neighbor,” he said, laying his hand on the tenderfoot rancher’s shoulder, at which fa- miliarity Colfax looked mildly amazed ; “ but, wait till you have been at it a while and see if you do not sing a different tune, You have not yet learned anything of the privations, disap- pointments and disasters of ranchipg.” “] have heafd a gweat deal about thothe thingth, but by gwathuth! I am half-inclined to belicve it ith all a theare just to keep people fwom going into the buitbneth.” ‘“« Wait till we have a bad winter or the cattle- lifters run off balf-your stock.” “The cattle-lifterth?” ‘““Yes; cattle-thieves. And that makes me think; they do say Black Phenix, the old scourge of the San Juan, is back into this section, though Iam more than half inclined to believe there is no truth in the report.” “Thet devil back hyer!” exclaimed Rube. ‘Bf thet’s so, thar’s trouble erhead an’ et heap o’ it, He’s ther wu’st cattle-pirate thet ever cursed ther Southwest! But I thort ther critter wuz dead?” ‘He has been reported dead many times,” came gravely from Cy Robinson’s lips, * but like the fabled bird whose name he bears, he al- ways seems to rise unharmed from from his ashes, He will not stay dead, that is the trouble.” sly CHAPTER II. A STARTLING CRY, Tur music consisted of such as could be ob- tained from a violin and banjo, the player of the latter instrument being a coal-black negro of uncertain age. His name was Pete, and be was Nellie Welland’s faithful attendant, having been a servant of her family wheu she lived in the South. His dark face was almost continu- ally expressive of jolly good-humor, for he bad a habit of showing his ‘‘ivories” by a broad grin. After one of the dances was over, it was an- nounced that the darky would favor the com- pany with a song, } Jes’ yo’ critters keep kine ob still an’ Pil gib yo’ er classucal imposition from one ob de ole mars’ers,” he observed, softly striking the Hpbi a of -his instrument. ‘ Dis bymn-chune had been sung befo’ all de crown-heads ob Yurrup, an’ it hab raised er_gre’t furrer whar- ebber it hat bin heerd. vo’ gemmans will pene put on yo’ pore fo’ yo’ ’s suab ter git so ersited dat yoll blistah yo’ han’s wid de clap- pin’ w’en I’s frough.” He kept them waiting impatiently while he made sure his banjo was perfectly in tune. _ “ All reddy fo’ de inflicshun,” be fiaally cried. “‘Eb’rybuddy hab primisc’us permission ter stop up deyre ears. De name ob dis song am ‘ Dey Like It.’ Let er went! “We find bens 8 bes’ ob men Dey sometime take a smile, Dey crooks deyre elbows now an den— yre j'ints hab need ob ‘ile; De temp’rance cranks bab holler canes Dat holds erbout a quart, It sometime fuddles up deyre brains, An’ den dey’re of’en caught. “ But dey ges it, ser ae it, ‘eit now an’ den; It’s drefful queer, for dotigh it’s dear, m ee er Dene. * An’ dere’s de men dat makes our laws, In Congress cut de swell, , f soft stuff, but wink because— eerce ut; Deyre head's too big to fit a hat *en fo’ de night dey’re o
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} dance of * But dey like it, dey like it, Dey like it now an’ den; It’s drefful queer, for dough it’s dear, De berry bes’ ob men Dey like it.”’ Pete’s song indeed created a “ furrer” of ap- plause, the delighted cowboys clapping their haads and shouting till the darky was forced te respond, in true minstrel style, with another verse: **De ladies now I’ll mention dem; If slighted dey won’t like it; An’ if bey. dey fools de men. I’s mighty shore ter strike it; We squoze deyre han’s an’ smile an’ bow— Dey ax us will we drop it,— An’ if dey’re kissed dey raise a row An’ say we bettah stop it.” ** But dey like it, dey like it, Dey like it now an’ den; It’s drefful queer, for it is clear De berry best of dem Dey like it,’’ This was received by a genuine cowboy yell that almost raised the roof, the rough fellows fairly forgetting where they were in their en- thusiasm and excitement. Pete was unanimous- ly voted ‘ta dandy,” but refused to sing any more just then. ** Jas’ yo’ wait tll bimeby, folkses;” he said. **?Tain’t bes’ to sp’ile de impression I hab made, I ‘clare to goodness I’s ’stounded to fink yo’ like ; ? **By smoke!” exclaimed Cy Robinsor, slap- ing his thigh, ‘‘ That nigger’s a jewel! I be- ieve he would be a valuable fellow to have around the place to keep the boys in good spirits, I don’t know but I will have tosee if I can’t bire him to stop with me.” “Tam athtownded!” drawled Orson Colfax— **T weally am! Why, that thong wath weal wulzgah! I thoulden’t think you would allow any- thing of the kind, Mistah Wobinson,.” Round-up Rube gave a snort of disgust and turned away to keep from freely expressing his opinion of the tenderfoot ranchman, Cy Rob- We looked a trifle surprised, but forced a augh, **Tt is plain you do not like it, Colfax.” “| like thonathing more wefined, thir.” **T.am afraid your taste is a little too fine- grained for this part of the country,” observed Rodney Welland. ‘‘I am free to say that [ did not notice anything objectionable in the song.” “Then we will not discuth the mattah,” re- turned the tenderfoot, with dignity. At this moment, arm in arm, two young men approached the little group, the eyes of Rodney Welland and Cy Robinson lighting up as they saw them, ‘Ab! here are the boys,” came from the rancher’s lips. ‘‘Two fine, manly-appearing lads, eh, Welland?” “ And as manly as they appear,” bowed the gray-bearded man. ‘Now you're shoutin!” putin the bow-legged cowboy. ‘It jest duz one’s eyes good ‘bay aire at ’em arter hevin’ looke1 at some other things,” with a side-glance at Orson Colfax. Shoulder to shoulder, about six feet in height and twenty-one years of age, the two fellows were perfect noah of physical beauty, such a as one naturally turns tolook after a second me, One of them, Christopher Comstock, familiarly ealled “ Cowbo Chris,” was an employee on the Robinson Ranch, and a general favorite, although he had come there a tenderfoot. By his determination, undaunted courage and manly qualities he had won his way in a won- derful manner, till, young though he was, he was known as “‘ the Man of Caliber.” The other, Fred Anthrop, was one of Chris’s old schoolmates, and was the accepted suitor for the hand of Rodney Welland’s fair daughter. Chance had brought him to the Robinson Ranch, where he was one of the honored guests, The young men were introduced to Orson Colfax, and received a half-hearted hand-shake or yioeg new pat of the eer ang, Ranch, re you enjoying yourselves, you young rascals?” demanded bluff old Cy Robinson. “* Are you flirting to your heart’s content?” “Tam Ha = part of the Cedoge “2 laugh- hris ingly replied ; ‘but I believe is in _ the sulks, and your foreman, Mr. Colfax, is the cause of it.” . * “ How ith that?” ; Fred tried to silence his friend, but the young _ eowboy would not heed, “The yellow rascal has obtained the first the evening with Miss Welland, and Cowboy Chris to the Fore. Fred has been waiting for that very thing all this time.” ‘* Don’t let that give you the blues, my boy,” | ‘ST would not. be | advised Rodney Welland. beaten in that way. Just capture the prettiest senorita in the room, and see how Nell likes that.” ‘Ob, Chris will talk!” laughed Fred, ‘‘ My being in the sulks is all in his mind.” ‘* Still he acknowledged he did not like to be beaten by a Greaser.” ‘* Who in blazes duz!” blurted Round-up Rube, ‘** Ding-blast ther critters, say I!” ‘* Tt is a singular thing you should hire one for a foreman, Colfax,” said Cy Robinson, gravely. ‘* They do not run well with white men, and I am afraid you will find you have made a mis- take, I hope you will not take offense at my plain talk, for I assure you, it is intended for your good,” The tenderfoot rancher drew himself up | stiffly. ‘*T prethume I kuow my bithneth, thir!” he said, with dignity. ‘*I hired the man becauthe he could be obtained much cheaper than any one elthe who could fill the plathe. I have come out here to thow you people that there can be a great deal more money made in the cattle bithneth than you are making. My father made bith money by economy, it alwayth being hith plan to purchathe a two-dollah article for a dollah when he could do tho, I am thimply following in hith footsthepths,” Seeing it was impossible to convince the man of his error by argument, Robinson quickly changed the subject. Another dance was announced, and the two young men turned away. Fyed was able to ob- tain Nina Robinson for a partner, and Chris se- cured a really pretty little Mexican maid. During the progress of the dance, Fred’s eyes turned many times toward the beautiful girl who had promised to become his wife. With a pang of jealousy, be saw how merry she ap-- peared, and how gracefully her fancifully- attired partner danced. ‘*They make a handsome couple, don’t they?” maliciously whispered the rancher’s daughter, as she detected Fred’s eyes following Pablo Pajario and Nell. ‘‘ Isn’t be a really nice-look- ing fellow for a Mexican?” ‘**T do not like his looks,” was the short reply, although Fred did not mean to be rude. ina broke into a suppressed laugh that brought a flush of hot color to the young man’s ace. ‘Tam afraid you are jealous, Mr, Anthrop. You show it plainly. Let me warn you not to allow Nellie to see it, for she will be sure to tease the life out of you. You have no cause to fear Pablo Pajario asa rival when Chris Comstock failed to win the one you covet. Compare the two! There is Chris now, Look at that tall, manly figure, and then take a Jook at the fore- man of the Diamond Ranch! Pablo cannot make himself imposing, no matter how much finery he puts on, Ob, Mr, Anthrop! you ought to be ashamed at being jealous of him!” At this Fred blushed more than ever, and mumbled something unintelligible, When the dance was over, he sought for Nell, but failed to find her for some time, At length he came upon her talking with Pablo, and plain- ly trying to escape from him, though the Mexi- can clung to.one of ber hands and spoke in low, earnest tones. With a feeling of hot anger in his heart, Fred approached, succeeding an effort in fully controlling his voice, as he said: ‘*T believe you have promised me the next dance, Miss Welland?” A look of relief and pleasure flashed over her face, as she quickly turned toward him, reply- ing: “Tt was the next, I think.” Pablo muttered something that sounded strangely like a curse, as he felt her fingers slip from his grasp, and he shot a loveless look at the young American, saying: ‘Your pardon, senor; I was speaking with the senorita,”’ Again Fred put a strong check on his temper, bowing mips & as he spoke: “You will excuse me, I trust, I will wait till she is at liberty.” He retreated a short distance and turned his back on them; but in less than half a minute he felt Nell’s hand on hisarm. Ashe led her away, he could not refrain from flashing a look of triumph at Patlo, who was glaring sullenly after them, ““Oh, Fred, Iam so glad!” exclaimed Nell, as soon as they were beyond ear-shot of the fore- man of the Diamond Ranch, ‘'I am scarcely afraid of anything, but I had begun to fear that I fellow. I did not seem to be able to get rid of him, and he was actually trying to coax me to go outside with him.” ‘*'The dog!” gritted Fred. ‘‘ Did he offer you | any insult? If so, I wiil have—” : ‘No, no! he was exceedingly polite.” But, for all of this assurance, the young man was not satisfied, ** He had better keep out of my way,” he mut- tered. When the next dance was over he looked in vain for Pablo. The gaudily-attired little fellow had disappeared, The merriment continued fast and furious, the scene being peculiar to a ranch dance, where everybody seems to goin for a good time. Or- } son Colfax danced once or twice with Nina | Robinson for a partner, and even rough old Round-up Rube renewed his youth and shook his | heavy boots in a manner that threatened to drown the music. At length it was noticed Nellie Welland was missing. Fred began inquiring anxiously for her, but for a long time no one seemed able to tell him anything of her, Nina Robinson finally said she believed she had seen the missing girl ascending to the upper part of the house some time before. The rancher’s daugbter volun- teered to go in search of the lost one, flitting away up the stairs. ‘Lhe guests were selecting partners for another dance, and the musicians drawing soft sounds from their instruments, when— From the upper portion of the ranch came a shriek—a woman’s cry!—which startled and electrified all who heard it! : CHAPTER III, THE WORK OF THE SCOURGE. For a moment after that startling cry every one seemed paralyzed, then Cy Robinson started for the stairs, shouting: “That was Nina! Something bas happened! She would not cry out in that way for nothing!” Fred Anthrop and Chris Comstock followed at his heels, while Round-up Rube turned to check the surge of the guests, two-thirds of whom were eager toiavestigate the cause of the alarm, “Slow an’ stiddy!” cried the bow-legged cow- boy, blocking the doorway, ‘‘ I'll low thet yoop kem frum ther gals’ private chamber, an’ thar hain’t any reason w’y this bull crowd sh’u’d rush in thar. Youll fine out w’at ther matter is, ef you'll jest keep still fer er bit.” But he stepped aside before Rodney Welland, wkose eyes were gleaming strangely, allowing the man to pass, without a word. *“*Tt’s his gal he’s lookin’ fer,” explained the ‘foreman, as he once more blocked the doorway. Cy Robinson found ‘the door of the girl’s room standing wide open when he reached the head of the stairs. A glance within showed him his daughter standing near the center of the room, wildly staring at a slip of paper she held in her outstretched hand. Ina moment he was at her side, crying: “ What is it, Nina? You look like you had seena ghost! Where is Miss Welland?” She tried to speak, but seemed to find it im- possible to do so, Silently she held the slip of paper toward him. He took it, seeing there was writing upon it, but instantly handed it to Chris, as the young cowboy entered with Fred Anthrop. ‘* Read it, lad!” be said—“ read it aloud!” “Where is Nell?” demanded Fred, looking wildly around for the one he loved, ‘Perhaps that paper will tell,” nded the ranchman. “She is not here. Read it, Chris, read it!” This was what Chris Comstock read: “‘Cyrus Rosrnson:—By the time this falls beneath ined eyes your aang will be in vg SN taf rg and far yond your reach. I have come Juan Valley for a purpose — and that purpose is vengeance! This is my first blow; others shall fol- low. I shall never stay my hand, for 1 know not the meaning of the word mercy to one who has wronged me as you have. Tue BLack PHenrx,” The ranch-owner heard thix like one dazed, and even when Chris had finished reading the strange note, he looked puzzled. Rodney Welland bad entered the room in time to hear the contents of the note, and a startli sound came from his bearded lips—a arelt laugh! ‘What in the world does it mean?” cried Rob- inson helplessly. ‘*Mean!” echoed Welland, his eyes nies and his manner reminding them all cf the short time before when he was known as “ Old Rattle- — | brain.” “Hal ha! ba! It that the devil x \ - eS Te ee er ne ee oe ee ee ee See Oe ne a ee a - k tothe San -
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‘ 4, a en SSC Cowboy Chris to the Fore. od J Rae has broken loose again—Satan is out of the pit! Mean! Itmeaus trouble, war, blood!” The words of a madman, so thought they all. “ Are you sure that you read that right?” ex- citedly demanded the rancher. ‘‘ Why, that note is addressed to me—it speaks of my daughter! And my daughter is here!” passing a strong arm around Nina’s waist and glaring around as if he half-expected a denial of the assertion. “ And my daughter is gone!” burst from Wel- land’s lips. ‘They have taken her from me, and I have only found her after all these long, long and weary years! Devils! fiends! [ will find her—I will tear her from their hands! As there is a God, I will—” Chris Comstock’s hand fell on the excited ee arm, and the young cowboy spoke calm- Vv: “Do not jump at a conclusion so quickly, Mr, Welland. It is not yet settled your daugh- ter has been carried away. She may still be near at hand.” ‘‘ But that paper—” ‘‘ We know not how it came here, Perhaps Miss Nina will be able to give us some light.” But the rancher’s daughter was unable to tell them anything further than that she had found | the room empty, the window open and the slip of spaces on the dressing-case. t this instant the sound of excited voices came from below. ‘No, ye can’t go up thar now, Pete; you will hev ter stay down hyer with ther rest tell we fine out what’s ther matter.” “* But I jes’ am goin’ up dar! I knows sovffin’ *s happened to lit’l’ Missy Nell—I jes’ knows it | fo’ suah! S’pose I’s goin’ to stay down heur waitin’ to fine out w’at it am? Well, I jes’ reckum not! If yo’ don’ le’ me pass, I’s gwine / ter bus’ my banjer ober yo’ head, critter—yo’ | heur me!” Robinson’s lips. ‘¢ Iam inclined to think be is, and this is simply confirmation of my belief that none of the accursed whelps can be trusted.” Nell’s father and the faithful servant Pete seemed the most distracted by the blow. Fred Anthrop was strangely coo! and calm, but there was a fire in his eyes which told of the check he was keeping on himself. “This is dreadful, Fred!” exclaimed Chris, feelingly. you, tor is not Nellie nearly as dear to me? She is the only girl Lever truly loved, and I will confess my passion is not dead, though I know itis vain. Lam still ready to give up my life for her, if necessary !” “Tt.is useless for me to attempt to express my feelings in mere words,” came with forced calm- ness from the young Easterner’s white lips. ‘But, one thing I will say: whoever or what- ever this Black Phenix is, no matter where he may have taken her, I will yet find her and save her—I will yet find and destroy him /” ‘Good! I am with you, Fred, to the end, and bere is my hand on it! We are pards through thick and thin, sink or swim, live or die, and from this moment the Scourge of the San Juan is doomed!” Their hands met in a grasp that sealed the compact. CHAPTER IV, THE BLACK RAIDER’S DARING, NELLIE WELLAND was not found, The search for her was vain; she was indeed gone, Neither did the search for Pablo Pajario prove a success. Like the girl, the Mexican bad vanished, and it was not at all strange that the cowboys should associate the disappearance of one with that of the other. “ Bf Le’u’d lay my han’s on ther cussid Greaser now,” growled Rostens Rube, ‘‘it’d be er right In some way the devoted darky succeeded in | easy thing ter rekiver ther leetle gal, God bless passing the cowboy on guard, for he soon ap- | her black eyes!” peared in the chamber. ‘“ Whar am she?’ he cried, ‘ whar am my li’? missus? If any critter hab hurt her Ill knock his eye out, shore’s l’s libbin’ an’ breafin’!” Fred Anthrop had seemed dazed, but he now caught up the light and hurried to the open window. ‘Two feet beneath the window rana sloping roof, which explained how the kidnap- per had succeeded in carrying away his cap- tive. A bit of cloth fluttering from the head of a projecting nail caught bis eye. In an instant he had it in his fingers. It was a scrap of the very dress Nell had worn that evening! “Tt is hers, sure enough,” said Cowboy Chris at Fred’s shoulder. ‘‘ That decides it!” Then he wheeled toward Cy Robinson—who still seemed like one dazed—crying: ‘* Foul work, Mr. Robinson! There is not a moment to be wasted! The quicker we get to work, the greater our chance to success.” ‘* What's to be done, boys?” ‘Turn the entire company into a search-party and scour the neighborhood. If that fails, carry it still further and scour the country.” Within a few minutes every cowboy present was searching for the missing one, all being under the charge of Round-up Rube and Cow- boy Chris. « Tell em ter look fer thet p’ison sarpint, Pablo Pajario!” said the foreman to Chris. ‘Dll bet sathin’ ther cussid Greaser is at ther bottom 0’ this yere piece o’ devilment!” Fred Anthrop beard these words, and asudden | conviction that Rube had struck the truth flash- ed over him, He instantly told his companions how the Mexican had tried to induce Nell to jeave the house with him, “Thet duz settle it!” snarled the bow-legged cowboy, driving the clinched fist of his right hand into the horny palm of his left, thus making a report as loud as a pistol of small caliber, ‘*Ther skunk tried ter git her out ter work this very racket. He’s ther varmint ter iook fer!” mone you think he is Black Phenix?” asked 8. ‘Ef he hain’t, then he’s Black Phevix’s tool, an’ by layin’ claws on him, we may be able ter erip § master.” 0 the word went round to look sharp for Pablo the Mexican. lt came to the ears of Orson Colfax, and the tenderfoot rancher came spluttering to Cy Robinson, “What ith thith, thir—what I heah?” he demanded, seeming highly indignant, ‘ The thay my foreman hath carried off thith girl. do not eve it, thir—I do not believe it! But if the wascal weally hath, I will punish him weal hard—I thurely will!” “Tf he is at the bottom of this, you are not liable to see him again,” came coldly from Pablo’s horse on which he had ridden to the ranch was gone. ‘“Tt’s derned queer thar hain’t any other anni- mills gone too,” asserted the bow-legged cowboy. ‘‘ Black Phenix hed er good time ter scoop ’em, an’ ther job w’u’dn’t ’a’ bin ary bit bolder then ther one he worked—no, ner so bold by er heap sight\” “<The wretch chose an excellent night for his first stroke since returning to this section,” ob- served Cy Robinson. ‘But it would seem that naturally he would strike at some of the other ranches, where there are only one or two cow- boys left behind to defend the places.” ‘He may have struck at them as well.” “Good gwatbuth!” gasped Orson Colfax, who had overheard these words. ‘1 do hope the con- fwounded wascal will not trouble my pwoperty !” “Ten to one he does, if Pablo Pajario is the Black Phenix or one of his tools. He may have worked himself into your employ for that very purpose.” ‘Where ith my horthe!” squawked the thor- oughly alarmed rancher. ‘‘ Where are my men? I will sthart for home at onthe!” Suddenly from bebind one of the out-buildings appeared a horse and rider. The animal was coal-black with a white star in its forehead, and the clothes and hood which the rider wore made him as black as his steed. Cries of astonishment came from the cowboys as they flashed their lights on the dark figures, which bad come toa dead halt some distance away, the man gazing toward them through the etapa of the black cloth which covered his ace. “Ther Black Phenix, ur I’m er liar!” shouted Round-up Rube. For a moment every one seemed paralyzed with astonishment at the daring of the cattle- lifter; then, uttering a savage imprecation, the bow-legged cowboy jerked outa revolver and covered the figure, “Han’s up, critter, or 1’'ll. bore ye!” The reply was a contemptuous laugh, but the black horseman Jifted his hands—lifted them with a revolver in each! ‘*‘Compliments of the Black Phenix!” he cried, From either hand leaped spouts of red flame and the sharp crack-crack of his weapons drew yells of amazement from the cattlemen, two or three of the cowboys reeling back and sinking to the ground. Round-up Rube was untouched, and with a deliberation that was wonderful under the cir- cumstances, he fired shot after shot straight at the squarely-e breast of the Scourge. Still not a bullet seemed to take effect! ‘Ha! ha! ha!” Again that contemptuous laugh, as, like a “7 understand all that is consuming | | : machine, the black horse of the raider wheele@ on its hind feet, its master bending low in the saddle, Click-click! Tbe hammers of Rube’s revolvers fell on empty cartridges! An oath of dismay came from the old fellow’s lips, but the next instant he shouted: “Wake up, lads! Give him hot lead, ye sleepy-heads! Fire at ther hoss, fer I'll bet er steer ther man’s protected by some kind 0” armor! Fire at ther hoss! fire at ther hoss!” Half a dozen weapons spoke just as the daring outlaw disappeared behind the building; but if one of the flying bullets reached its mark, there was no sign. ‘« Hosses, pards, hosses!” bellowed the foreman of the Robinson Ranch, ‘‘ We'll foller ther crit- ter ter his hoel!” Then there was saddling and mounting in hot. haste, but even as they were about this, Ola Rube said: ‘Don’t more’n hafe o’ us want ter foller this critter: other better stay hyer. This may be er trick ter lead us off an’ then finish up ther job jest begun. Hang ter ther ranch, Pard obinson, an’ look out fer yer own leetle gal!” Rodney Welland suddenly appeared, mounted on a large horse, and, with a wild shout that went ringing through the night, he dashed im ursuit of the daring outlaw, “This blow has driven him crazy again,” said’ Chris, as he aided Fred Anthrop in preparing @ borse for the chase. ‘‘Once more he is Rattlebrain, as he was when we first saw him, ‘‘He bas my horse!” cried one of the guests.. “Tf he cannot overtake the Black Phenix on that animal, the outlaw’s horse must be driven by steam, But it is doubtful if lever see Dandy Lightfoot again.” “Tf you do not. I will make the loss good,” assured Cy Robinson. With Rube at their head, the cowboys swept away into the night, following Old Rattlebrain, whose wild cries could be plainly heard at regu- lar intervals. The bow-legged foreman felt the chase was folly itself, but what could they dot It was impossible to remain idle, and this seemed the only course open to them. “We shall not overtake the Scourge,” said Chris, in a tone just loud enough to reach the ears of the foreman, ‘‘ Think so?” **T do. Don’t you?” ‘Waal, I will ‘low ther chances are *ginet it,”’ ‘He can easily slip us in the darkness.” “‘T reckon you're right.” “T believe this is a trick to lead us away.” ‘* Mebbe so, mebbe so.” “ And we have swallowed the bait.” “ An’ still, ef it be er trick, it hain*t goin’ ter work jest as ther critter hoped, fer thar hain’t. only part o’ us arter him, ‘others are lookin’ arter ther ranch an’ corraled stock.” “Do you really believe Gablo Pajario is the Black Phenix?” ‘“‘ Waal, { saw ther critter’s hoss w’en he ar~ rived ter-nigbt.” ‘¢ What of that?” “Tt wuz black.” “ Ah-al Witb a white start?” “Phet’s jest wat I can’t say, fer I dido’t *zamine ther critter clost.” “Still, it looks asif the Greaser is our meat?” **T low it duz.” “Did you ever hear the Black Phenix was & Mexican?” “ve heerd so menny yarns "bout ther crit- ter thet I never knew w’at ter believe, But, r one thing’s sart’in: he’s wussen ther Old One hisself, an’ now he is back inter these parts, thar won’t be ary bit 0’ peace tell he is turned toes up ter ther daisies ur druv out. It’s war, Chris—war ter ther knife!” The cries of the crazed parent ahead could be plainly beard, still some of the men declared they were not so distinct as at first. “Tke Thompson said bis boss wuz more then er match fer ther black critter o’ ther Scourge,” observed Rube. ‘Ef ther leetle gal’s daddy ketches ther raider, ther fur will fly, you bet! £ dunno whether be’s armed ur not, but ef he ever ee his han’s on Black Phenix, ther imp 0’ Satan L git er through ticket.” “Rodney Welland’s strength is something wonderful,” acknowledged Chris. ‘* He is more than a match for four common men, . “True as preachin’, boy!” Before long the di j deranged were truly growin fainter. “Dern ther luck!” growled the bow-legged cowboy. i Thet’s all we hev got ter keep us om ther . «* What fools we were!” cried Chris, scovered the cries of the |
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}s* ‘ _. the ruffian who bad attacked her, - Kick an’ . « good. sh - “Why?” “ We might have put Old Spot on the trail.” “True, Jad, dern my ole head fer not thinkin’ eof it! Ther dog w’u’d ’a’ tracked ther critter ter his hoel.” * But now—” ** Too late! ‘by our hosses, on.” Ther trail hes bin trampled out Ther only chance is ter keep } * And that is no chance atvall.” __ “You can’t tell,” doggedly. ‘‘ Black Phenix’s hoss may take a tumble an’ break a leg.” So the chase continued. But it was time wasted, for in the end they were forced to give it up, no longer having any- thing by which to be guided, the cries of the de- ranged father being beard no more, The cowboys drew rein to give their mounts a breathing-spell, while they discussed the situa- tion. That Fred Anthrop was in despair was plainly evident, although he spoke few words, and then only when he was addressed. ‘There is one point about this affair I cannot understand,” asserted Chris, “Wat's thet?” “Tt is why the note from Black Phenix was addressed to Cy Robinson, and spoke as if his daughter was the one captured.” “T ‘low ther critters must hev made er mis- take, lad. Black Phenix him own self never kerried off ther gal; his !s doné thet. He writ ther letter an’ tended fer ’em to scoop in Miss Nina, but they made er mistake an’ tuck #other ’un.” “*T believe you are right, Rube. It is—” He was interrupted by a cry from one of the cowboys. * Look yender! ter ther East?” Every man turned in the direction indicated, and Jying low down against the horizon they could distinguish a faint red flush that grew Jarger and plainer with each passing moment. “Ts it the moon?” ** Not by er derned sight!” *¢ Thar bain’t no moon fer ter-night.” ‘© Then what ts it?” “ Fire py That word solved the riddle. ‘*Bnt thet hain’t in ther direction o’ Cy Rob- inson’s.” ‘No: it is far to the east of there, “* Ther Di’mon’ Ranch !” ** Sure pop!” ** Ther buildin’s o’ ther Tenderfut Rancher are afire! This is more o’ ther Black Phenix’s work! Ther devil hes bruek loose ter-night fer sure! Spurs, pards, spurs! It’s as near ter ther fire as’tis back ter Cy Robinson’s, We're wanted thar!” One of the cowboys was detached to give the alarm at the Robinson Ranch, if they had not already discovered the fire, while the others dashed through the darkness toward that red beacon, which was rising so swiftly, painting the eastern sky with a ruddy tinge. W’at’s thet light ’way thar It is—” CHAPTER V. IN RUFFIANLY HANDS. Wuat small and seemingly insignificant things sometimes make vast changes in the lives of human beings. Had not ber hair become Joosened from the dainty coil in which it was arranged, Nellie Welland would not have asceuded to the chamber that she might have the aid of a glass in re-coiling it; and had she not ascended to the chamber, she would not bave fallen into the hands of the ruffian who ‘had gained entrance to the house and was hid- ing there like a beast of prey that is lying in wait for its unsuspecting victim. As she passed into the chamber she was seized €rom behind by powerful hands which held her helpless, and a thick cloth that gave out a sick- ening odor was pressed over her mouth and nose, preventing her from uttering the shriek of terror which arose to her lips. The desperate wretch had not made a sound till he clutched the girl, and she had no warnin of another presence in the room till she foun herself in his hands, powerless to resist. Powerless? Even though it was so, she strug- g@ied with all her fresh young strength, Like a flasb, thoughts of a borrible fate passed through her mind, and she made despairing efforts to break from that powerful grasp or to free ber mouth frcm the nauseating cloth long enough to utter a cry that would alarm those below. “Taint nary bit o’ use, lady bird!” hissed “You kin narm, but it won’t do nary leetle bit ‘er Uncle Jim’s got his claws onter } pa ———— Cowboy Chris to the Fore. ye, au’ ye can’t break erway frum him, you bet! For one instant her eyes were free of the cloth, and she caught a fair look at the man’s face. A feeling of horror came over her, for, although his face was turned aside, and he was watching the open doorway through which she had entered the chamber, she recognized him as Whisky Jim, a brutal ruffian who had caused her much trouble in the past, Tha realization that sae was in the hands of this dastardly wretch seemed to rob her of all her strengtb, and she surk helplessly into his arms, her senses beginning to reel. Strange thoughts ran riot through her brain; wild fancies held high revel there. In scarcely more than an instant of time, a bundred shifting scenes seemed to pass before her view. Then she felt herself lifted and borne through the air as if on the back of a mighty bird. She could feel the motions of its body as it swept forward through space, the strokes of itsenormous wings making its body move like the regular undula- tions of ocean waves. It was delightful! A great calm seized upon her, even though it seem- ed as if they were moving so fast she could scarcely catch her breath. The delightful movement seemed to affect her like some rare old wine that sends one into a dreamy state of torpor. But, suddenly, there was a shock and she felt herself thrown from the back of the monster of the air to go whirling downward through limit- less space. Down, down, down! Would the frightful fall never end? She knew there could be but one termination—she would be dashed into a thousand pieces! Instant death would meet her the moment she should strike the earth! With bated breath she waited for the end, It came! There wasa second shock—a thou- sand lights blazed before her eyes for an instant —utter darkness followed—she was unconscious! She never knew anything of her removal from the ranch; it was accomplished while she re- mained in a senseless state. Her senses came slowly back to her, and long before she could stir hand or foot she was conscious that two men were talking close beside her. Their voices seemed vague and far away, and although she plainly heard their words, she afterward could not remember a single thing they spoke. For all of that, before she could stir at all, she real- ized the men were desperadoes of the lowest type. TSomething seemed to restrict her breathing; her jaws were aching as if from a severe strain; she tried to swallow and only half succeeded, There was a gag in her mouth! As the realization of this flashed through her head, she became fully conscious in the twink- ling of an eye. She remained perfectly still, making no move save a slight strain which told her that her hands and feet were bound. She understood she was lying on the bare ground. Utter darkness was all around ber, and from overhead camea soft rustling she could not un- derstand at, first, but she this finally decided wascaused by the Jeaves of trees, Then she must be in a piece of timberland somewhere, The voices of her captors once more attracted her attention, and she listened to the words they were saying. They spoke in guarded tones, making it plainly apparent they feared detec- tiop. They were not yetaware their captive had recovered consciousness, “Slickest job I ever worked, Mike,” grunted the harsh voice of Whisky Jim. ‘‘It wuz jest like rollin’ off erlog. Galnever uttered somuch as er whimper,” ‘Wal, I dunno as I wonder,” confessed a voice which the girl recognized as belonging to Nevada Mike, Whisky Jim’s partner in crime. “You must’a’ squozed her thrapple ur else she’d bin kickin’ by this time.” ‘‘Nary squoze, Pard Mike! I wuz gentle as ermammy with her kid, 1 jest ketched her fast an’ putt ther rag over ber mouth, same as ther boss said. She did kick an’ squarm, but I held to her fer business,"bet yer ducats! Ther reg an’ ther stuff w’at I emptied onter it from ther leetle bottle jest done ther work.” ‘Hanged ef I hain’t skeered thet it done it too well!” and Nevada Mike bent closely over the captive and peered into her face, during which inspection Nell closed ber eyes and feigned unconsciousness, ‘‘S»e don’t seem ter kem round’ wu’th er dern,”' © Oh, don’t you go ter fussin’!” came contempt- uously from the whisky tough’s lips. ‘ Ther boss knew w’at he wuz doin’ w’en be guv me ther stuff an’ tole me bow ter useit. She'll be all O. K. ez soon ez we wants her to, Ther stiller she is now ther better et will be fer us.” j en EEE a as . ** She'd be still ernough anyhow with thet gag atwixt her jaws, We'll hev ter take thet out—” ‘‘ Wal, not yit erwhile, by er derned sight!” * No, not tell we are safe beyend hearshot of ther critters back thar at ther ranch. We don’t keer *bout gittin’ them critters arter us, eh, pard 2” “Wal, I’lows not! Ihain’t hankerin’ fer er hemp necktie yit erwhile, an’ thet’. be what it’d mean ef we wuz ketched, They w’u’d string us ter ther nearest tree.” ‘‘Cuss’em, yes! It makes me kind of fidgerty ter think of it. [I wonder ef ther boss will keep his word?” “ce He Ww !” ‘Wy, in leadin’ ther cow-punchers on er false scent.” ** Rf be don’t—” ** We may fine ourselves in hot watter.” ‘ Kirec’, But, w’y in thunder don’t they kick up er hocus at ther ranch? They hainu’t made er stir.’ “ Hain’t diskivered ther gal’ gone yit. Wait till they do, an’ V'll low you’il see all ther hocus we'll keer fer, Arter ther boss takes ’em off on ther false scent, we kin git outer this bresh- patch an’ lean fer ther Retreat.” “We might ‘a’ bin er good long way on ther road by this time ef we’d started at fu’st.” ‘*But I’m ’beyin’ ther boss’s orders, ev’ry time. He said ter lay low hyer tell he led ther critters off t'other way, then ter git.” ‘““Ef you wuz allus so keerful *bout ’beyin’ orders, you w’u’dn’t bin hafe-shot w’en you went after ther gal ter-night, I didn’t "low you’d ever git erway with ber.” ‘Tl bed ter hev ther whisk’ ter brace me, pard. Tt wuz er derned ticklish job. Is ther bottle clean empty?” **Nary drap lef.” “Wal, thet’s tough. smoke then.” In the darkness Whisky Jim produced pipe and tobacco, whittling small chips from the plug with his bowie-knife and grinding them between bis horny palms, ‘*Better git low down w’en\ye strike ther match,” suggested Mike. ‘“ Ef some prowlin’ critter sb’u’d ketch ther glimp’, ther devil’d be ter pay.” The whisky tough profited by the suggestion, and soon bie pipe was working finely and he was peaes out great volumes of rank-smelling to- acco-smoke, ‘““Thar’s nuthin’ like takin’ things easy w’en yer hev ter,” he chuckled. Mike said notbing, but stretched himself on the ground, and for some time there was silence between them. At length, Whisky Jim asked: ‘“ Who do you reckon ther boss is, anyhow?” ‘*T bain’t reckonin’ nary derned thing ’bout it,” was the sharp reply, ‘‘ An’ I’low you'd best not reckon.” “ Ww *y ?’ ‘¢ It’s plain ther boss don’t keer bout any of us knowin’ who he is.” “All ther same, thar are some of ther ban’ as knows it.” “Thet may be; but we are néw members. He said this job wuz tertry us. Ef we done ther work well, then he’d know he e’u’d trust us. 1 reckon we'll know all thet’s necessary w’en ther time comes fer it.” * Ail ther same, I am kind of intrusted ter know who Black Phenix is an’ I hey my ’pivion, \t’s plain he’s er Greaser,” ‘* Ef he heard you say thet, he’d snuff ye out in er jiff’. Best take keer of thet tongue, Jim, ef ye wants ter live, They don’t none of ’em fancy bein’ called Greasers,” Whisky Jim grunted, and Mike added: “Ef he’s got Mexican blood in Lis veins. thar’s one thing sart’in: he hain’t no coward like ther most of ther critters. He’d never made ther name be has ef he hed bin er coward,” ‘* An? thar’s another thing mighty sure: be’s er derned hard cuss ter kill. Tbey’ve hed him dead no less then hafo er dozen times, but he’s still kickin’.” ‘“-Yep; an’ he’s goin’ ter kick up er mighty rumpus in this hyer section afore long. This is only ther beginnin’ of bis work; nobody kin tell whar it will en’.” ‘‘T spose he’s scoopin’ in ther gal fer ther puppose of gittin’ er ransom outer ole Cy Robin- so: 2” ‘¢ Most likely,” **Ole Cy will pod over lib’ral.” ‘“‘Ef he has ter; but, he will make this yere section too mighty warm fer comfut—you heur me shout! Ther boss is buckin’ erg’in’ ther wu’st - man he c’u’d tackle.” For a few minutes Whisky Jim smoked im I reckon Pll _hev ter
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Fi a silence, then he leaned forward and once more tried to peer into the captive’s face, ‘¢She is layin’ mighty still,” he confessed. * She’d oughter be stirrin’ by this time. I can’t see her face wu’th er hoot, it is so blamed dark. Reckon [ will strike er match.” He did so, shielding it with the palms of his half-closed hands. Bending forward, he wés on the point of throwing the light into the captive’s face and making a startling discovery, when Novada Mike suddenly hissed: ** Nouse it, pard—out, out/ Ther dogs hev bruck loose at ther ranch!” Across the dark sweep of rolling plain came the sounds of excited cries, followed in a moment by the braying of dogs, causing both of the kid- nappers to leap to their feet, Whisky Jim ex- tinguishing the match between his callous hands, Outside the ranch-buildings lights were mov- ing hither and thither. Men were calling to each other and the dogs continued to bark, “Wat ef they putt them dogs onter our track?” hoarsely whispered the whisky tough, his voice shaking with a new-born fear, “Tt dunno how they’re goin’ ter do it,” said Mike. ‘‘They can’t pick out our trail ef they try, thar are so menny others ter foul it.” ** But ef they c’u’d—” ‘Our goose w’w’d be cooked fer sure. But wait; whar’s ther boss? Ef he keeps his word, we're all right.” ‘* Ef he duz!” % He will; don’t git shaky, pard.” Half crouching, as if they feared detection despite the dense darkness and the distance which intervened between them and the ranch, they watched and waited, consumed by a fear that some of the cowboys would take it into their heads to visit the little patch of timber. Slowly the minutes dragged by. “« Will ther boss never play his hand?” ‘* VYen—thar he goes!” The rattle of pistol-shots came from the direc- tion of the ranch, mingled with still wilder shouts of amazement and dismay, “Ter work!” hissed Nevada Mike, ‘‘Git ther hosses ready; I’) look arter ther gal.” As he bent over the captive she struggled violently to burst her bonds, having a wild de- sire to free her hands, snatch the gag from her mouth and utter a shriek that would reach the ears of the brave cowboys, and bring them charging to her rescue. “ Ah!” exclaimed Mike, as she moved beneath his touch, ‘'So you are kickin’, eh? Well, kick erway, my dear; we hev ye tightan’ fast. As you hev kem roun’, I reckon [ll hev ter muffle up yer eyes ter keep ye frum seein’ too much. Sorry ter do it, honey, but business is business ev’ry time, an’ we’d be blamed fools ter let ye hev ther use of yer peepers. Boss said ter keep %em kivered, an’ I’m ’beyin’ orders w’en he guvs %em,” In a few moments her eyes were securely blindfolded, Then she was lifted in Mike’s strong arms and carried a short distance, ** Critters all ready, pard?” *¢ All ready,” revlied Jim. “ Swing up, you, an’ take ther gal.” So Nell was passed up to the whisky tough, and, a moment later, they were moving out of the grove, taking care to keep the timber be- tween thern and the ranch, despite the dark- ess. ‘ The two ruffians moved ata gallop, well know- ing the excitement at the ranch would destroy the last possibility of the tread of their animals being detected, even though Round-up Rube himself should listen with bis ear to the ground, “Slick work, ole man!” chuckled Mike. “ Ey’rythin’ went as if twuz yreased.’” *‘ All ther same, thar wuzo’t ary need of our waitin’ in ther timber,” retorted Jim. ‘‘ We hed heap plenty time ter git clean off.” ‘* But we wuz only ’beyin’ orders,” Then they rode on in silence, Several times the captive maiden was exchanged, the kid- nappers taking turns in carrying her, To the r girl it seemed as if they had ridden many ours, when an exclamation came from Mike’s lips, and both men drew rein, “ Wat is it?’ asked Jim, in an awe-stricken whisper, “Derned ef I kin tell! It hain’t ther moon, an’ ther sun hain’t risin’, ‘less it has made a mis- take an’ lost its reckonin’.” * Hain’t ther grass afire, pard?” “Mebbe, Anybow, I guess it’s er fire. See how it’s risin’!; No, thet hain’t no grass-fire! Thet means buildin’s!” * Some ranch?” You've struck it! An’ by ther direction— - Derned ef it bain’t ther Di’mon’ Ranch!” Cowboy Chris to the Fore. “ Sure pop, ur I dunno my head frum er hoel in ther groun’!” sf Ther Tenderfut Rancher ’s bein’ burned ouf. * 'W’at’s it mean?” ‘‘Mean? W’y, man! can’t you see? It means more of ther chief’s work! P’r’aps his owa han’ never sot thet fire, but I'll eat my head ef some of ther gang didn’t do it under his direc- shuns!” hs CHAPTER VI. A WILD RIDE THROUGH THE NIGHT. .- Ir was with difficulty Cy Robinson kept many of the cowboys from joining in the pursuit of the black-hooded rider of the dark horse. Their blood was fairly boiling, and they were eager to avenge the fall of their mates who had been shot down by the daring Scourge. “There are enough going after him,” pro- tested the rancher. ‘* They will be able to over- take him if such a thing is possible, and their number will do the work as well as more, This may be a trick to draw us from the ranch while the dastards who own that wretch as chief com- plete the work they have begun.” Not that there was a single drop of cowardly blood in the old rancher’s veivs! Far from it! But he was wise enough to perceive the evident hopelessness of the pursuit, and he thought of his own child and those women who would be left without protection. His cooler judgment prevailed, aud more than one-balf of the men turned to look after those who had been stricken down by the bullets of the black horseman. The unfortunates were lifted gently and car- ried into the ranch, where the frightened women were huddled together, speaking in whispers, Nina Robinson at once proved her value, She produced cloths for bandages, and under ler directious, the weunds of the unlucky ones were swiftly attended to. By rare good fortune, not a man had been fatally injured. There was a general feeling of thankfulness when this became known. The guests discussed the outrage, and all were unanimous in the decision that an organized at- tempt must be immediately made to bring Black Phenix to justice, or again drive him from that part of the country, “Tf that wascal ith going to carry on in thith way, I will thell my pwoperty for half-pwithe,” asserted Orson Colfax, who seemed the most alarmed of anybody, ‘ Thith ith thomething I did not bargain for when 1 bougbt that wanch, by gwathuth!” ‘*T told you you might find ranching far from heing as alluring as it seemed at first,” said Cy Robinson. ‘There are not a few drawbacks about it.” ‘‘ Well, I thould thay tho!” ‘‘Dey hab kerried off my pore lit’l’ missy!” wailed Pete, the darky, appeariug at this mo- ment. ‘‘ Oh, I’se nebber gwine ter be happy no mo’, nebber! Dis yar jes’ completely combus- tereates me fo’ suah! Pore lit’l’ missy! pore lit’? missy !” ‘*She shall be rescued, Pete,” assured Cy Robinson, gravely. ‘‘ We will know no rest till she issaved, The whole country will rise in ber behalf.” ‘* Praise de Lawd fo’ dat! I’s gwine ter bang up de banjer tell I jes’ gits her back in dese yar arms—lI is, boss! I’s allus protected dat chile an’ stood by her lek a fadder, an’ now it jes’ bre’ks me all up to bab her incinderated in dis os My ole heart am gone clear outen my oagay. Heshambled away, looking at least twenty years older than when he sung the song a brief time before, ‘© A faithful old servant,” commented Cy Robinson, looking after him. ‘* He has a heart tbat is true blue, if his skin is black.” ‘But, he ith a niggah, y’know!” protested Colfax, with a look of repugnance on his smooth face. ‘*I cawn’t bear niggabs!” Cy Robinson turned on the Tenderfoot Rancher, uttering scmething that sounded strangely like an oath of disgust, For a moment the va rancher forgot his usual courtesy, as he snapped: ‘You can’t stand a minaak Well, I swear! Yet you can stand a Greaser, beside whom that old black man isa prince! You can have for a foreman one of the contemptible yaller- skins—the meanest, sneakingest, double-faced whelps that breathe God’s pure air! Colfax, you make me tired!” The face of the tenderfoot flushed hotly, and he seemed on the point of making a reply, Dut he restrained himself, more than one oF the wit: nesses believing he dared not make a retort to the indignant ranchman, a / 9 But, as the owner of the Diamond Ranch turn- ed away, a change came over Bobinson’s face, _ and hecaught Colfax by the arm. ‘‘ Say, partner!” his voice having changed as well as his expression of countenance; “I ask your pardon, I fired up too quick, but Ido so at times. I did not mean anything, and 1 hope you will overlook what I said.” He offered bis hand, and, with a show of dignity, Orson Colfax accepted it, saying: “Thath all wight. Iathure you I do not ex- pect your people out heah to have the culti- wation of uth of the Easth, We are naturally more wefined, y’know,” A smile passed over the honest rancher’s face. ‘*T suppose that is true,” he confessed. “ That being the case, you cannot take offense if I give you a bit of advice free of charge. It is simply this; get rid of your present foreman at onee. “Or, better still, snap him up and pinch him till be confesses that he is the Black Phenix or one of the Scourge’s trusted tools.” ** Pinch him?” ‘‘- Yes: make him confess.” “Do you weally think he ith that dweadfut wascal?” “Tt looks that way. What kind of a horse does Pablo ride?” ‘* A black one.” ‘‘ With a white star in its forehead?” ‘© think tho,” ‘Did you notice the horse of the outlaw?” “Land tbhaketh, no! I wath tho flustherd that I did not notice anything.” ‘Tt was black with a white star.” “Tth that tho? Good gwatbutb!” Orson Colfax seemed too astounded to give further vent to bis feelings. The merrymaking of the night was over, and many of the guests took an immediate departure, having property of their own to look after and feeling somewhat nervous for its safety since the appearance of the Black Phenix. Orson Colfax finally celled tegether his men and bade them prepare forthe return to the Diamond Ranch. In a short time they were ready, one of them bringing the Tenderfcot Rancher’s saddle horse to him. Colfax held out bis hand to Cy Robinson be- fore they parted. “Tf Il can do anything in the way of athisth- ing in the thirch forthe young lady, Itrutht you wil) let me know,” he said. ‘*T athure you, my- thelf and my men are at your dithposal,.” Before the party had ridden a mile they detect- ed the glow which was beginning to light up the horizon far ahead, _ At first they were puzzled to understand what it meant, but one of the cow- boys suddenly exclaimed : “10's fire, boss—fire, sure as skootin’! An’ ther ranch is in edzactly thet direction! It looks like ther buildin’s are all ablaze!” For a moment Orson Colfex seemed dazed, then a cry broke from his lips: “Tt ith the work of thothe ccnfwounded wob~ bers! What thall we do?” ‘« Ride—ride like ther devil!” shouted the cow~ boy addressed, Ben Ford an’ Jack Kipper are thar. They need us an’ need us bad! Kem on!® Orson Colfax neeced nourging, He drove the spurs into the sides of his horse till they dripped blood and the fiery anime], snorting with pain, carried its rider to the very front of the little party, a position maintained during all that wild ride through the night. CHAPTER VII. TWO SHOTS, ALTHOUGH he claimed to have learned horse-- manship at a riding-schoo] where the pupil was first mounted on a wooden dummy, Orson Col- fax proved bimself as gocd as the best of bis _ cowboys that night. Never before had bis men seen the Tenderfoot Rancher ride like that. He sat in the saddle as thougb a part of his horse, scarcely betraying a sign of the mechanical manner in which he often rode and at which the cowboys had secretly laughed, For the time he was a man among them, As they swept onward with their eyes fixed on that red glow ahead, it became plainly evident the fire was rising rapidly. For all of this ap- parent fact, not a word came from the tightly- compressed lips of the one who owned the build- ings being consumed by the fire fiend. But he was merciless with his spurs, and if he had not. been mounted on an unusually fine animal, the horse would have been ruined or have fallen to the rear to allow the more considerate cowboys first place, i VaLT “« Ther hull derned place is blazin’!” cried one of the men. ‘* Ther devil is loose in ther San Juan Valley now thet Black Phenix is back!” s} “Right, pard,” agreed another. ‘‘We hed —
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best look ter our weepins, fer we may find_hot * work w’en we git sbar.” “ More likely ther critters will be gone am’ we'll only fine ther dead bodies of Ben an’ Jack.” ‘Er ther p’ison varmints bev killed our pards, f we'll sw’ar vengeance over their bodies!” 3 Aud the fierce cry that came from the lips of . every man told how ready the- rough fellows were to agree tu that, That night's work was to a ut relentless trailers on the track of the NE courge, Bas i The glare of the fire shone redly against the ee bo sky, telling almost as plainly as words of the de- Pw Vastation the demon was working. Pe EB * Tooker Colfax!” muttered one, as the rt rancher arose in the stirrups as if eager to view ryt the work the flames were performing—* looker ther boss! 1 sw’ar, I dunno but thar’s some good stuff in ther Jeetle man arter all!” os | ** Bf be holds ther lead «lean through, Vl say Pers thar may be,” acknowledged another. ‘‘ But ya] he’ll never keep ther lead.” £ a“ Ww hy ” ‘*Thet hoss’ll drop under him afore we rise ther swell this side of ther buildin’s whar we kin } see’em. He is killin’ ther critter!” 4 But the buckskin which the Tenderfoot Ranch- er rode was made of better material than the cowboy thought, The red giare of the flames lighted up the faces of the determined men as they dashed on- ward and revealed quite a stretch of the rolling plain. cae Suddenly one of the cowboys uttered an ex- & clamation, Ag “Took erway yen ter ther right!” he shouted. 3 z * Who are them?” se 5 Dimly Visible away to the right of the party a was a body of horsemen who seemed to be mak- ea ing for the same point as they were, : “Odds thet them are ther onesas went off arter ther Black Phenix!” was the ery of one, The other party seemed to see them at this | ea" moment, and they promptly set up the far-reach- ing “‘yip, yip, yip!’ of the cowboys, instantly settling the question as to their identity, “Them’s they!” joyfully shouted one of the Diamond Ranchers, ‘Guy ’em ther yoop, lads!” ra Yip, yip, yip!” ee Like an echo, tho shout wert echoing across ao the plain. - ore The two parties joined as they swept up the Bey fe swell that would give them a view of the con- Pr flagration, and so absorbed had they been in ys each other that they failed to notice the fact that the glow of the fire was rapidly decreasing in- stead of becoming greater, The crest of the swell was reached, and a shout came from the lips of the men as they made the surprising discovery that the ranch- building proper was still standing. The fire had been confined to the out-buildings, and as the wind was blowing froia tbe ranch, it had not caught at all. By the “low of the fire-light tyo mounted es figures could be seen dashing here and there, a driving the eattle from the vicinity of the g flames, r “Tt’s only ther corral an’ stables!” shouted ep. Round-up Rube. ‘ An’ I’m durned ef it don’t look like ther boys hed got pritty nigh allther i critters out!” ea Still Orson Colfax spoxe noword. He sti’l held the lead, and be kept it till he threw his steaming,foam- flecked steed on its haunches before Ben Ford, who cried: * Bless ther luck! it’s ther boss!” Then the. Tenderfoot Ranchman raised his clinched fist and literally snarled: * What in the name of thin doeth thith mean, thir? What doeth thith mean?” Sia ‘*Tf means thet some sneakin’ whelp fired the stables an’ corral,” was the prompt and un- shaken reply, as the cowhoy’s eyes unflinchingly ~~ met those of bis master. ‘‘ The fire was cun- ” ningly set and got a big start on us, but we done aan our level best, an’ hev bin able ter save most of wet ther critters.” ** And bath the Black Phenix been here?” who sot ther fire.” Orson Colfax swung himself out of the saddle and began hopping up and duwn like an enraged schoolboy the moment his feet touched. Never . before had his men heard him utter an oath, but now he swore vigorously, for all of which his - anger was so ludicrous that many of the party were compelled to turn their heads aside to hide _ their smiles. He really seemed on the point of bursting into tears. Some one tried to comfort the excited man by ays it was not so bad as it might be, but that seemed to make him the more enraged, and **Not thet I knows on, boss; but I can’t say Cowboy Chris to the Fore. he turned on his would-be comforter witha fury that was simply indescribable. He blamed everybody for what had happened, not pausing to consider that his loss was light compared with what they had supposed it would be when the redsglow was first seen lighting up tbe sky. ‘Suddenly he asked: “‘ Where ith Pablo—where ith that dog? Hath he been here?” “T bave seen nothing of him,” replied Ben Ford, ‘He ith at the bottem of thith!” fumed Col- fax, striking bis clinched hands together. ‘* He thall answer for thith! I wish the wascai wath here now!” ‘““Then your wish is gratified,” said Chris Comstock, ‘' Here he comes.” The Mexican was seen riding swiftly toward the little knot of men, who partea to allow the Tenderfoot Rancher chance to see the one for whom he had been asking. : For one moment Orson Colfax seeemed to hes- itate and turn pale. Then, as the Mexican drew rein with apparent wonder, asking the meaning of the fire, the little man sirode straight toward his foreman, ‘You want to know what it meantb, do you?” cried Colfax, his voice shaking with emotion. “Well, thir, I have a few quethionth to athk you, Where bave you been, thir, thinthe you left tho Wobinthon Wanch? Anthwer that, thir!” Pablo’s dark face flushed, ‘What does the senor mean by asking the ‘question in that manner?” he demanded, “Don’t try to get out of it!” shrilly shouted the Tenderfoot Stockman, shaking his clinched | fist at his foreman. ‘Explain, what I have | athked you to—if you ¢an! Where have you been?’ * And if I decline to answer—what then?” “] thall know you are the guilty party, tbir— I thall know yon thet thiti fire!” A hard look came over Pzblo’s face, ‘*] see, senor; it would be useless for me to deny it.” “* Then thet it?” “ Nothing of the kind, I simply refuse to say anything about it, for no matter what I said, you would not beijeve me.” ‘**¥You are the wetch!” screamed. Colfax, sud- denly producing a revolver, “Lf have Jearned how they uthe thuch cweatures in thith part of the coustwy. You thall fiad lam not a man to fool with, if Iam a tenderfoot. Now—” With that word, he threw up bis hand, pull- ing the trigger just as Pablo was in the act of producing a weapon, The Mexican started as if hard hit, but:the next instant bis hand came up and his revolver echoed the report of the rancher’s, Without even a groan, Orson Colfax sunk to the ground, Pablo’s bullet bavihg found a living target! you confeth—you acknowledge you CHAPTER VIIL THE BLACK WORK OF A TRAITOR, Tr all had happened so swiftly that not a hand could be raised to prevent the tragedy, And the apparent slayer of Orson Colfax cut not a moment’s time to waste, It ulmost seemed as if his splendid black horse wheeled even as he fired the shot that stretched the rancher on the ground, and with a yell, the Mexican dashed away. * Pepper ther cuss!” howled Round-up Rube, But as half a.dozen weapons spoke, Pablo dis- appeared behind his horse, clinging to the ani- mal’s side in true Indian fashion, guidiug it so — body was protected by that of the black s ** After him!” burst from Chris Comstock’s lips. ‘* He is striking to round the corner of the ranch, Come on!” Putting spurs to their already over-driven horses, the cowboys started in pursuit, their weapons in their hands, For a moment Pablo disappeared with his horse behind the ranch, but that only afforded him a brief protection, for the cowboys were hotafter him, When they sighted him beyond the ranch he bad swung himself up from the side of his horse and was crouching low in the saddle in order to present a smaller target for the bullets which it was plain he expected would come whistling about his ears, He was not disappointed, for the pursuers romptly opened fire and the lead sung vicious- ly all around the fleeing man and his noble orse. It often seems as if the old saying ‘‘the devil protects his own” is true, and thus it seemed to SEE AAA AN LE SRT SS SSS SES SSS SS STS lS a the cowboys that night. Had they been armed with rifles, they might bave brought the fleeing man tumbling from his saddle, even though their horses weré going at full gallop, for there were some fine shots iv the party. The cowboys could not tell how near their bullets came to the man they were pursuing, but it seemed as if he remained quite untuuched. In truth, scarcely a drop of blood was drawn and his most severe wounds were nothing more than scratches, yet many of the puisuery’ bullets cut through Pablo’s clothing, makirg his escape from: fatal injury seom still more wonderful. By the rarest fortune his horse was not touched. ‘Ther critter is ther devil hisse]f{!’ snarled the foreman of the Robinson Rancb. ‘‘ Lead don’t seem ter hey enny effec’ on bim.” “That was the way with the Black Phenix,” soberly spoke a cowboy at the old man’s side, “ Sure as Gospel! Ef thet Greaser hain’t ther Black Phenix I’m er derned ole fool!” ‘*‘ Did you notice his horse?” asked Chris, ‘* You bet! Same critter clean ter ther white star!” Ther was no doubt in the mind of the bow- legged cowboy but the Scourge of the San Juan and Pablo Pajario were one and the same; and he wes not alone in thé belief. ‘oTain’t any use try ter shoot ther skunk, pards,” declared Rube. _‘* He’s protected in some way. Spotther hoss! I don’t reckon ther anvi- mill is kivered with chain-arnior, ur annythin’ o’ thet sort.” But most cf the pursuers had emptied their revolvers and were slipping fresb cartridges into the cylinders as they rode, the light of the fire behiad them making this an easy feat to yer form. At the same time Pablo was rapidly drawing away, his noble black horse swiftly increasing the distance between its master and bis pur- suers, “thet hess is wu'th er forchune!” cried Rute. ‘Ther critter don’t seem blowed in ther le st fer all thet this is ther second time we hev ; ot arter it.” On the other hand, the cowboys’ borses vere badly winded from that wild ride across the plain toward the burning buildings, By the time some of the cow boys had reloaded their weapons, Pablo was so far away tbat there was little chance of bringing him: down with a revolver-shot, However, the light’ of the fire still made him conspicuous, and the pursuers once more began to blaze away at bi. “‘ This is folly,” asserted Fred Anthbrop, speak- te ing for the benefit of his pledged pard, Cowboy + Chris. ‘The feilow is already too far away for ‘ us to bope to bring him down, and, cur horses are so badly broken up that we cannot hope to overtake him. We may as well give it up for the present and begin in a systematic manner in the morning.” Chris looked at his friend in surprise, ‘Sound sense!” he nodded. ‘ But I swear I did not expect to heer it from your lips! Noo that I think you are a fool, pard; but a tendrr- foot is apt to be a little hot-headed, and in your case, it would be simply natural for one to lose all his reason.” Fred turned his grave face toward his old schoolmate, to “I feel that itis time for me to have all my fers wits about me, if ever; but I am actually sur- voy priced at my cwn calmness. At the same t nie, ; I feel as if there is a volcano in my healt that might burst forth at any moment,” “That will be all right when the proper time 9" — comes,” assured Chris, “‘Keep yourself im ~ check till then.” Then he turned to Old Rube, with: 3 ‘* Hadn't we better drop it, Rube? That Mex- » ican is bound to get away for the present, aud we are simply wasting our time and ruining our animals,” ** Kirec’, lad,” Then the foreman of the Robinson Rerch gave a cry which quickly brought the pursuers toa halt. To their surprise, Pablo also halted and sat watching them, still plainly revealed by oe the light of the dying fire. aes “ Looker ther cuss!” snorted Rube, “I wish « I re Pt aA She al ¥ ou did— w “Re did, I'd send a bullet through his head ur bring down thet critter o’ bis’n! guv ra roun’ pile fer thet thar hoss! It’s ther best four- legged beast [’ve seen in one long time!” After a few moments of consultation, the = — cowboys turned back toward the Diamond — Ranch, Pablo still sat silently in his saddle eid watched them. How long he remained this — they could not tell, for the light of the dying at —
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= Pow eee Ser kee Cowboy Chris:to the Fore. fire soon declined so much that they were un- able to see him when they looked back; but they knew, if he was watching, he could still see them. When they reached the ranch they were told that Orson Colfax had been carried inside and also that his injury was by no means fatal. “Critter jest creased bim,” explained Jack Kipper. ‘Bullet plowed “long side bis head, Et tad bin an inch ter ther left, it w’u’d ’a’ bin vod-by Colfax, It wuz one mighty lucky thing er ther boss!” ** Ts he all right?” “* Yep, he’s kem round,” “¢ How does he ’pear?” “Sorter dazed like, He said he’d like ter see you ’fore you went back ter Robinson's,” ** Did you tell him we wuz arter ther varmint thet tried ter salt him for keeps?” Yep.” ‘* Wat did he say?” “Said he hoped you'd ketch him an’ fotch him back fer him ter git at.” Round-up Rabe left the saddle and entered the ranch, finding Colfax on a rude bed, a bloody bandage arcund bis head. Tbe Tender- foot Rancher started as soon as he saw the fore- man of the Robinson Rinch, eagerly demand- ing: ‘* Have you caught that wretch?” The bow-legged cowboy shook his head. Sorry, Mister Colfax, but ther critter wuz mounted on er better hoss then any o’ us, an’ he got clean off.” A look of genuine disapp .intment clouded Orson Colfax’s face, and he sunk back with a moan of mingled pain and rage. **T will have hith life to pay for thitb,” he declared. ‘* He meant to kill me, thir!” “ Hain’t nary doubt ’vout thet, an’ it’s jest er plum’ wonder he didn’s suceeed, But I reckon you meant ther same dost fer him, eb?” *“*T fired at hitb heart, thir, and I am not in the habit of mithing. I learned to thoot under one of the betht markthmen io the countwy.” * We hev come to ther conclusion thet ther varmint wears some kind o’ er protection thet wards off the bullets, You saw us when we eppered at ther Biack Paenix as he ’peared at obinson’s, an’ you know thet it seemed not er bullet tetched him, Wal,.?’m goin’ ter sav this: Ef I didn’t plink at least three lead pills bunt erg’in’ his buzzum, [ hope Vil never pull trigger erg’iv! An’ t’other boys done ther same, Yit he sot thar like he wuz madeo’iron, You hed er squar’ chance at Pablo, an’ you say you never miss, yit you didn’t Knock him outer ther saddle. We follered arter him an’ j*st nacher- ally rained lead all over ther critter, yit he rode off as unconcerned as er jinny-dad-dern, b’gosh! Now, w’at do ye make wo’ thet, Col- fax?’ ' “T weckon that ith plain enough,” was the Tenderfoot Rancher’s raply. ‘‘ It ith not werry often 1 am dethieved, but, tbir, I am free to confeth that thith fellow did dethieve me, Mis- tah Wobintbon thaid he thought Pablo and thith Black Phenix wath one and the thame, and, b’Jove, thir, I think tho mythelf now!” * An’ I reckon thar hain’t nary doubt but thet is ther clean underdulv’rated truth,” nodded Rube, “W’en we put our claws onter ther Greaser, we'll hev Black Phenix in our grip. Cy Robinson will most likely send out a party of searchers in tae morning. Kin he look fer any aid from you?” “Yeth, thir! I will thend him every man I can pothibly thpare.” * Bully fer you, Colfax!” and Rube held out one horny hand, ‘* You hev got better stuff in yé then | thought at ther fu’st. You will bold yer own out hyer arter all, I reckon!” The Tenderfoot Rancher smiled faintly at this praise and allowed the bluff cowboy to give him & warm grasp. A few moments later, Rube joined his com- rades, and those who were to return to the Robinson Ranch were soon on their way, the cowboys of the Diamond having assured them they would need no aid in looking after the glowing ruins. : The return was made at a slow pace, the cow- boys discussing the events of the night and ex- pressing their various opinions. On one point they seemed unanimous: Pablo Pajario was Black Phenix the Scourge. There seemed not the least doubt about that, But the surprising events of the night were not over, by ary means, The pert was yet at least two miles from ths Robinson Ranch when a mounted cowboy came dashing madly up to them. As soon as "€ was Sure they were friends, he shouted: | ‘* More deviltry, pards! Satan is holding a jubilee to-night for sure!” ‘* Wat is it now?’ snarled Round-up Rube, who was in anything but an agreeable mood. ‘* Wat in ther name o’ sin has happened, now?” ‘* Mother gal’s clean gone!” was the amazing declaration, ‘* Wat? fairly howled the foreman, ‘‘ Not ther boss’s gal?” ‘* Ther very same,” ‘* But whar’s she gone?—how? I don’t under- stan’ it.” ‘*No more duz anybody else, She’s gone, an’ thet’s all we know ’bout it. Ther boss sent me hot-foot fer you fellers,” The two miles which intervened between them and the ranch were quickly covered, and as they rode along, the cowboy who had brought them word of this second disappearance was plied with questions, However, they could ob- tain very little satisfaction from bim. He bad told allhe knew, Miss Nina had disappeared and could not be found, but no man seemed to know how it had happened, Everything was in confusion when they reach- ed the ranch, “he second calamity seemed to have driven Gy Robinson crazy, and it was with the utmost difficulty he could be restrained from doing bimself or some one else injury. ‘*Gone clean daft fer ther time,” muttered Rube. ‘* He’!l cool off by an’ by, an’ then thar’l! be er hot hunt, you bet!” Assisted by Fred Anthrop and C@bris Com- st: ck, the foreman began his investigations, but + they wade very unsatisfactory progress, About all that could be discovered was that Nina had been seen moving about witbin the ranch and no one bad noticed she left it. Happening to wont ber for something, her father was unable to find her. Quick to take the alarm, he had set «thers to searching, but the only result had heen ‘a confirmation cf bis first fears that there had been more foul work, “*Derned ef | understan’ it!” muttered Rube, who was plainly puzzled. ** Allow me to offer a hint,” said Chris Com- stock, at the bow-legged cowboy’s elbow, “Sart’in, lad, sarvin.” ‘* See if all the men are to be found.” ‘Then you think—w’at ?” ‘Nothing at/present. If any one is missing— Well, 1 wil! tell you what I think then.” Without delay, the foreman made the investi- gation suggested, and the ciscovery was made that there was one man missing, Ruck Pike could not be found, ‘* Look for his boss, pards,” ordered Rube. Tie horse was also gone. * Thet settles it!’ nodded the bow-legged cow- boy. *T am ready to tell what I think,” said Chris. ‘“?Tain’t necessary, lad. Ther hull black work is plain as day. Ruck Pike wuz er new man, an’ he bes turned out ter be a cursed tifai- tor! W’en we lay ban’s on him, we'll hang ther skunk ter ther nearest tree, hey, pards?” And the cry that came from the lips of the cowboys boded no good for Ruck Pike. CHAPTER IX, IN THE RETREAT. Wr it, pard!” exclaimed Whisky Jim, with apparent relief—‘ hit it plumb on ther head! Ther boss is kerryin’ er high han’ ter-night. He is makin’ ther fur fly in these yer’ parts, Holy Moses! but won’t thar be some howlin’!” ‘*'You kin gamble on it,” was Nevada Mike’s retort. ‘‘ But ther chief knows his biz, an’ he hain’t workin’ all this row fer nuthin’,” ‘‘ Nary time. He don’t work thet wav, He skoops ther bood’, ev’ry pop. Wen he gits through with this leetle burl he is hevin’ roun’ byer, he'll prob’ly slide fer Mexico,” ** An’ we'll slide with him,” ‘*To be course we will! I don’t low it’ll be healthy fer us in these parts then,” ‘* Wal, I reckon not!’ * Wat d’yer reckon ther boss ’ll be able ter squeeze outer ole Robinson fer ther gal?” **T bain’t good at figgers, but itll be er clean beap. Cy will bev ter kem down lib’ral.” ‘* An’ then d’yer s’pose ther boss will guy up ther gal?” ‘‘Hard tellin’. He may take a fancy ter her an’ kerry ber with ’im inter Mexico.” Nell shuddered as she heard these words, but she was puzzled to understand why the ruffians should think Cy Robinson would offer a big re- ward for ber restoration, He was nothing to her more than her host and the father of the girl whom she had learned to consider as her dearest female friend. But one thing was certain: Fred would not remain idle while se was in peril. Still, what could he do alone? Alone! He would not be alone. There was her father, the strange man whom she was still unable to understand—he would make every effort for ber recovery. And Chris—surely she was not friendless. Once more the kidnappers rode onward, How long tbat ride Jasted the tortured girl could never tell, but some time before they reached the end of the journey, the ruffians were considerate enough to remove the gag from be- tween her aching jaws, “Thar ye are, lady-bird!” laughed Mike. ‘I don’t reckon thar’s ary need of keepin’ yer thrap- ple from yoopin’ ef ye feels Jike it. We hev passed clean beyend ther p’int of danger, an’ you kin squealas muchas ye derned please ’thout bringin’ ther dogs down onter us.” But she raised vo outery, well knowing the brutal wretch spoke the truth and she would be simply wasting ber breath, Indeed, she could not have uttered a cry immediately after the gag was removed had she tried ever so hard to do so. For the time, her tongue seemed paralyzed. *¢ She don’t seem ter keer bout makin’ er noise,” laugbed Whisky Jim, coarsely. ‘‘Sheseems jest contented ter lay in your arms clost ter your palpertatin’ heart, Mickael, Thet’pears ter be joy ernough fer ther gentle critter,” *‘Oh, I ’low she’s clean mashed on me. They all git thet way. You might be one ef you’d only stop guzzlin’ so much whisk’, Thet stuff sp’iles ther scent o’ yer bréath,” : ‘*} don’t reckon you'll be anywhar w’en ther boss gits roun’, pard, He'll be clean gone on ther leetle dear, an’ your chances fer buggin’ her will be over. Better *prove ther oppertunity wile ye kin.” ‘You dastardly wretches!” came slowly from the captive maiden’s lips, ‘‘ You shall both an- swer dearly for this outrage!” “ By gol!” cried Jim, ‘ She's got grit! some gals’d be whimperin’ an’ cryin’.” ‘*Reckon she hain’t built of thet kind of stuff.” \ Tbe robbers’ retreat was finally reached, and the girl felt certain she was carried into a cav- ern, Aithough the gag had been removed, the bandage was still kept over her eyes. Through the cloth she caught a gleam of firelight, and then she was placed upon her feet. ‘Stan’ stiday, honey,” advised Whisky Jim. * Keep cool erbout two jiffs, an’ lll hev ye free an’ git thet rag off yer face,” With a knife he cut the bonds which confined her feet and hands, and then she snatched the blindfold from ber face, , As she had suspected, she was in a cavern, and near at band a cheerful fire was burning in a sort of natural fireplace. The light of this fire was all the illumination provided. the bare, rugged walls of stone on three sides, and the black darkness of the cave on the other. As the girl removed the blindfold, a cry of amazement burst from the lips of the whisky tougb, for he then saw ker face plainly for the first time that night! In the room at the ranch he bad leaped upon her from behind, and from that moment till he was clear of the building he had kept his eyes about him to make sure he was not ranning intoa trap. In the darkness of the little grove he came near looking at the captive’s face by the aid of alighted match, but the sud- den alarm at the ranch had caused him to give up his purpose, Now be was filled with con- sternation and amazement, ‘“Great Scott!” he gasped, Nevada Mike came hurrying up, inquiring: ‘Wat is it, pard?” ‘Locker thar!” and Jim pointed at their tive, ‘* W’at double-derned fools we bev made of ourselves. Thet hain’t ole Robinson’s gal a tall!” Mike took one look at Nell’s face, then he burst into a torrent of profanity that made the r girl shudder with fear and disgust. Whisky im seemed too astounded to even swear, Suddenly Mike turned furiously on his part- ner, “You thunderin’ idiot!” be howled. ‘‘ W'ata blamed jackass you hev made of yerself! Oh, w’at er fool you be!” ; * You're ia it, too,” mumbled Jim. “How's thet? Not by er blamed sight, I hain’t! You wuz ther one who went inter ther room an’ scooped ther gal. I didn’t even git one leetle peep at her face tell jest now.” “No more did I. I wuz lookin’ out fer my own skin.” . “But you must hev see’d her w’en you grap- pled her in her room, you blunderin’ fool!” *¢ Never looked at ber phiz.” ‘*You wuz drunk!” stormed Mike, “1 tole \ Wy, Vm er leddy-killer, James. - It showed © bs | a 1 J s % a 4 — Ser o> ek peli ey i etal rel Sd
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ak 5 SS Saas e aaa Sa c ty * a a soe —— SS, ee eee Cowboy Chris to the Fore. ye you wuz drinkin’ too much! Now ther very ole devil’ll be ter pay, an’ we'll ketch it bot frum ther boss!” The two wretches looked into each other’s pale faces and saw dread aad fear plainly writ- ten there. What would follow the chief’s dis- covery that they had made such an unpardona- ble blunder? Nevada Mike’s hand crept toward a knife, as he once more denounced his partner in crime as a fool, and Whisky Jim also made a movement toward a weapon, To the captive if seemed that the ruffians would be flying at each other’s throats in another moment. Suddenly several hooded figures appeared in the background. They were men of Black Phenix’s band, and they had been attracted to the spot by the loud words of the two ruffians, One advanced and stepped between the angry men, saying sternly: ‘** What does this mean? Why are you quar- reling and snarling like dogs over a bone?” There-was a moment of hesitation, then both of the kidnappers hastened to explain. The dis- guised outlaw listened to their jumbled state- oh in grim silence for a time, but finally said: ‘*T understand. You have made a blunder and brought the wrong girl here. Well, Iam sorry for you. This is your first job, and you have made a botch of it. It will go hard with you, unless the chief is in a milder mood than usual, You had better make the best of it, and keep close watch of the girl you have brought here, It is probable the chief will be here be- fore morning.” Which was small consolation for the kidnap- ers, The hooded outlaws disappeared, leaving Jim and Mike alone with their captive. The ruffians did not offer to renew their quar- rel, but Mike turned on the girl, snarling: “Wal, you’ve got us inter a poorty scrape, I sw’ar! But I don’t reckon you'll git off any easier by it. You’re better lookin’ then t’other one, an’ ther boss may take a sbine ter ye. Ef he duz) thet’ll save our bacons. You’d best sot down an’ take it easy.” There was nothing else to be done, and as Nell was an unusually brave girl, she complied without making any fuss. Jim and Mike threw themselves on the hard ground and stared silently int» the fire, their crime-hardened faces wearing anything but pleasant looks, And thus the hours wore away. Suddenly «a shrill whistle sounded three times in succession, in a distant part of the cave, at which the two mén by the fire started up and listened anxiously. There was a brief pause, then two more sharp blasts sounded clearly. **Tt’s ther boss!” gasped the two ruffians, ih a breath, their swarthy faces becoming pale. CHAPTER X. THE PARDS AT WORK. BREATHLESSLY the two ruffians awaited the appearance of the Black Pienix. After a few moments a dark-clothed, hooded figure advanced out of the darkness, and paused within the circle of firelight. Not a word did he speak as he re- garded the girl, whose eyes flished defiantly, and his satellites, who cringed and cowered be- fore him, There was something ominous in his silence. Whisky Jim opened his mouth to make an ex- planation, but the hooded man lifted one hand with a gesture that immediately silenced the roffian, and caused. him to shiver with appre- hension, At length the silent one turned his black eyes upon his chosen tools, and through the openings in the hood they saw his orbs flishing in a man- ner which seemed to speak il) for them. Then the strange leader of outlaws turned and walked - away into the darkness, still declining to utter a word, é Jim and Mike looked at each other in astonish- ment, “*'W’at’s it mean?” gasped the former, “Wal, now, you tell!” retorted Mike, ‘I dunno whether he’s goin’ ter let us off easy, or has gone ter prepare fer ther funeral. It may be one, but derned ef it don’t look like twuz ?other!” A day peect in fruitless searching for the kid- napped girls was approaching its close. With the first pos of gs he (3g Cy Robinson and his men were the saddle, and they scarcely dis- mounted for a moment throughout the day, . Orson Colfax kept bis word by sending a de- tachment of his men to assist in the hunt, also offering an expression of his regret at being un- able to take part himself. Pablo’s bullet in- capacitated him for so great an exertion, As night approached, and no clew to the fate of the missing girls was found, Cy Robinson showeé signs of despair. Round-up Rube did his level best to cheer his employer, but the rancher was despondent. Chris Comstock and Fred Anthrop were with one of the smaller parties of searchers, and the young cowboy’s words did much to keep up the spirits of his friends. Chris seemed very con- fident of finally finding the girls and punishing the kidnappers, but to tell the truth, he was far from being so confident as he appeared. He knew the reputation of the Black Phenix, and he believed the outlaw as cunning as bold, a fact proven by his past operations. Toward sunset a horseman was sighted on a distant sweli. The man was sitting silently in the saddle and seemed viewing the sweep of roll- ing plain before him, By the aid of a field-glass he carried, Cbris made out that the horseman was Rodney Welland, “It is Nell’s father,” he said, ‘‘ Fred, it is our duty to see if we can approach him and in- duce him to go back to the ranch with us. Of course he has not tasted a mouthful of food to- day. Deranged as he is, he-may wander about till he perishes of starvation.” So the two horsemen left the others and rode toward that silent horseman, As they drew nearer, they decided he was watching them ap- proach. When within earshot, they hailed him, waving their bats above their heads, As if alarmed by the act, Old Rattlebrain reined his horse round and fled from them, head- ing toward a distant range of low bills, The young men were taken by surprise at first, but Chris quickly cried: ‘*Come on, Fred! we will try to overtake him, The chances are he has ridden that horse till it will fail to prove a match even for our own overworked animals, Comeon!” Fred needed no urging. Giving his horse free rein and a touch of the spur, he kept close at bis comrade’s side, The horse which Welland bestrode proved fresher than they had hoped he would, and, al- though he did not draw from them, he surely held his own, Now and then the strange man would look back to ascertain if his pursuers were gaining, ‘* He takes us for enemies,” said Fred. ‘‘ Let’s call to him again.” But Chris counseled against such a course. ‘We made a mistake by doing so before,” be asserted. ‘*That was what alarmed him, Had we remained silent, I fancy we should have had no trouble in approaching him.” Slowly the great red sun sunk beyond the far distant mountains, which seemed to thrust their peaks up out of the plain. By the time they reached the low hills the day-god entirely had disappeared. ** Tt will be dark ina short time,” said Chris. “Tf we overtake Mr. Welland at all, we shall bave to do so soon,” Within the hills they lost sight of the deranged man several times. Finally, they came to a place where he might have chosen either of two courses, but the nature of the ground and the gathering twilight prevented Chris from deter- mining which he had taken. The young cowboy quickly explained how by separating they could follow both courses and meet at a certain point without any dauger of missing each other, So they separated for the time, Chris turning to the right and Fred to the left, The Easterner had not proceeded far when the sound of shots and shouts came plainly to his ears, telling him there was trouble of some kind ahead, Giving his horse the spur and dropping the rein to produce his revolvers, Fred forged on- ward, seized by a desire to take a hand in the battle, if battle it was, He soon came upon a scene of wild work, Rodney Welland’s horse lay dead on the ground while the deranged man was battling bare- handed with eight foes! Despite the terrible odds, Old Rattlebrain seemed to be holding his own, dealing terrible blows right and left, sending the men staggering to the ground almost as fast as they could get upon their feet. And, bigh above their shouts and oaths rose the strange man’s wild laugh, for he actually seemed to delight in the terribly un- equal struggle in which he was engaged. Straight toward the writhing knot of men dashed Fred Anthrop, but he was unable to use his weapons, fearing he should hit Nellie Wel- land’s father instead of his foes. One of the meu turned and clutched the bit of a Ra te er at FI a Se eee ee | Fred’s horse just as the animal was upon them, setting the creature back on its haunches by a strong surge. “Rasy thar!” snarled the man, “ W’at in blazes are you doin’, you fool!” ‘* Coming to take a hand in this little game!” was the reply, as the speaker left the saddle for the ground, ‘* Yer’re er derned—” The fellow finished with an cath of delight, as he obtained a fair view of Fred’s face and re- cognized him, despite the murky twilight. “ Ha!” cried the Easterner, also recognizing the man who had checked his dash. ‘So it is you, Whisky Jim!” “You bet! An’ now Ill hev er chance ter settle ther leetle score erg’in’ you. Come termy arms, honey!” In another moment the two men were locked in each other’s grasp, struggling for the su- premacy, The whisky tough soon found he had made an error in thinking he could easily handle the tenderfoot, and Fred Anthrop proved him- self something like a match for the desperado, But Jim was soon aided by one of his compan- ions, and, though he fought desperately to the last, Fred was made a prisoner, being lashed se- curely to the trunk of a tree, Old Rattlebrain had been knocked senseless by a blow on the head, and the ruffianly gang was triumphant. CHAPTER XL WHISKY JIM TRIUMPHANT. THE desperadoes vented their satisfaction in loud shouts, Darkness had séttled swiftly over the bit of low hill-land, and the order was given to build a small fire, that they might be able to see what they were about, a thiog which was quickly done. As the dry grass and brushwood caught to blaze up merrily, Fred Anthrop’s face was re- vealed, but his foes saw nothing but defiance and scorn written on it. Not a sign of fear was there. Old Rattlebrain began to stir slightly, bis breathing being hoarse and painful, like that of a man who is strangling. His eyes slowly opened, but there was a vacant stare in their depths and he did not seem to realize his situ- ation, Mechanically be watched the moving figures of the desperadces, all of whom, with the exception of Whisky Jim, had disguised them- selves with the black hoods of the cattle-lifters, which was enough to reveal the fact that they were of Black Phenix’s band. The whisky tough did not seem to think it necessary to assume a disguise, as be bad al- ready been recognized by Fred. With his arms akimbo and his hands on bis bips, he watched the men building the fire, now and then casting a triumphant glance at the young man bound in a sitting posture with his back against the trunk of a tree, As the fire blazed up brightly, Whisky Jim approached the young captive, a horrible grin on his liquor-branded face. ‘Got ye,” he chuckled —‘‘ got ye fast an’ tight, kid! An’ now hes kim my time ter settle scores with ye.” “You are triumphant just now,” spoke Fred, calmly, ‘‘ but your day is not far away. Iam sure your race is pretty near an end,” “Wal, ef thet is soc—which I doubt most mightily—you will never live ter see the wind- up, younker. That is some satisfaction ter me,” Jim squatted like,a huge dog settling on its haunches, griuning fiendishly into the face of the helpless man, ‘* You made er dashed fool of yerself, boy,” he asserted, taking a huge bite from a plug of black’ tobacco, ‘‘ Yourun yer nose right inter ther trap. Comin’ ter holp Ole Rattlebraiv, eh? Wal, thet ole cuss tuck it inter his head that he wuz goin’, ter capter ther hull of us single- banded, but he tackled er mighty big job, an’ now we’ve got him trussed up so he'll keep as long’s we want bim.” To this Fred made no reply. ‘“‘Know w’at I’m goin’ to do with ye, boy?” the tough continued, working his jaws vigor- ously and. talking as be chewed. ‘ Wa I s’pose ye ’members ther time thet ye smacked, me one with yer juke? I tuck er sollum oath then thet I’d git even with ye ur bu’st, an’ pow my time bes kem. I hed ye oncet before whar I c’u’d wiped ye out, but ye slipped through my | fingers. I don’t reckon thar thet now. * But afore I wipes things as I wants ter tell ye, ’cause I s any danger of e out, thar are er few know they- 11 make ye feel good. Ob, I’m so tender-heart- ue
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ORS, bh met oF ed! I jest love ter see er man feel good in his dyin’ moments, I do!’ W’en er man thet’s all riled up kicks ther bucket, thar’s er chance thet he don’t go straight ter Glory—t’other place is ap’ ter ketch him; but w’en er man is in good sperrits an’ feelin’ 1’al good, then he hes er rty good show of settin’ hoof on ther Shipvin’ hore, “Now, you w’u’dn’t think I’d bev so much consideration, fer them things, w’u’d ye, boy? Ye know thar’s sutbin’ in ther Gospel Book thet tells ’bout lovin’ yer neighbor like he wuz yer own mammy. I beard er preacher sharp tellin’ *%bout it once. Wal, thet’s ther way I love you, boy; thet’s ther way I hev loved ye ever since ye swiped me! Ob, bain’t I longed ter fold ye in my arms! ** But, I’m kinder runnin’ off my subjec’ like, This yere hain’t w’at I wuz goin’ ter tole ye, I wuz goin’ ter speak of ther leetle gal as ye are all dead broke up over. I lowed it’d beer great conserlation ter ye ter know she wuz safe in ny han’s, I wuz ther feller w’at scopped her, boy, an’ she—” “You dog!” hissed Fred, straining vainly at the bonds which held him. ‘' You dastardly wretch!” Whisky Jim chuckled with delight, but quick- ly changed the sound to a whimpering imitaticn of a sob. “Oh, you can’t mean me!” he gurgled, “ you can’t! Them hain’t sech names as one w’u’d call er dear frien’. An’ I am so considerate! Oh, no, no, no! ye can’t mean me!” ‘Tf | had my hands on your tiroat—if I only did!” “Want ter caress me, do ye?” grinned the rascal, showing his yellow teeth as he continued to work his jaws, ‘‘ Youare beginnin’ ter love me fer my thoughtfulness, He, he, he! ** But, speakin’ of ther gol, she’s er daisy, boy! She jest ketches my eye! Ye see I made a sorter mistook w’en I took her, fer I wuz arter ole Cy Robinson’s gal; but, it all kem out right in ther en’, fer one of ther lads brung in ther right gal. Thet satisfied ther chief, an’ he hes kinder turn- ed t’other ’un over ter me—says she’s mine ter do as I derned please with.” 7 If you harm her—my God!—if you harm end “Wat ef Ido? You will be planted by thet time, so it won’t be ary blamed thing ter-you! But, [ bain’t goin’ ter barm ther leetle dear, boy; I think too much of her fer thet, I’m jest oin’ ter keep her snug an’ safe, W’en ther boss s done with his business in these parts, I ‘low he'll take er slide inter Ole Mexico, an’ Jim’ll go with him. I shall take ther gal erlong. Down thar we'll be clean beyend pursuit, an’ I’ll hev ther black-eyed beauty ter take keer of er leetle nest of my own—er leetle cottage ’way down in ther lan’ of sunshine and flowers. How do ye like ther picter, boy?” Fred Anthrop’s eyes gleamed like living coals and his face was bard-set. Tortured as he was by the taunting words of the brutal wretch, had he been free and possessed a weapon, he would have struck the tough dead without a thought of mercy. Jim read all this in the young man’s face and eyes; he saw how acute the helpless youtb’s tortures were, and he laughed harshly with fiendish satisfaction, ‘Now you can’t say I hain’é ole considera- tion,” he continued. ‘‘Knowin’ thet you hed only er short time ter live, I thought Id tell ye how ther gal ye love wuz goin’ ter be keered fer, thinkin’ thet w’u’d make yer death er happy one. You may hev thunk I was hinder heart- less, but arter this you c’u’dn’t thunk so ef you woz goin’ ter live right erlong in this yere wicked worl’, which ye hain’t.” Several of the hooded outlaws were standing - around the fire, apparently waiting for Whisky Jim to complete his business with the captive, One or two of the band were feeding the fire with dead grass and dry brush, so the flames kept up a bright light all the while, here was Chris Comstock? Fred asked him- self the question, vainly trying to peer into the dense darkness which pow lurked iv the little valley. The young cowboy must have heard the shots, and it seemed as if sufficient time had elapsed tor bim to appear. Fred had not 4 doubt but that the daring fellow would make a bold and desperate attempt at his rescue, for he well knew Cowboy Chris’s dashing nature. Rodney Welland was mumbling and mutter- ing to himself, his eyes rolling and his appear- ance being that of a person about to break into a hig The Black Hoods stirred uneasily, and one of them addressed Whisky Jim: “Better cut it short, pard. If these fellows Cowboy Chris to the Fore have friends in this vicinity they may come down on us,” ‘*Didn’t you say Cy Robinson an’ bis men hed turned fer ther ranch?” “They surely did; still bere is one of the party.” ‘*[ reckon he tuck it inter his head ter fol- ler Ole Crazy thar.” “ Others may have done the same.” “Then why wusn’t they with him? Jest you keep cool, pard; I reckon thar hain’t no more of ther eritters within miles of these hills.” Whisky Jim turned once more to the young Easterner, a fiendish light flickering in his b!ood- shot eyes, his hand producing a wicked-looking knife. Running bisthumb along the keen edge of the bright blade, the wretch went on: ‘* Now jest mark how considerate of your feel- in’s I be, boy.’ I w’u’dn’t use er dull knife on yer, fer thet’d be sure ter hurt bad. This yere instrument is sharp as er razzer, au’ w’en I pulls it ‘crost yer throat it will tickle ye so ye will laugh ont loud with ginnywine delight, Ivll make ye think of ther time ther gals uster chuckle ye under ther chin, Oh, won’t it be fun!? Fred fully realized the murderous-minded wretch would indeed cut bis throat without even a shudder. The young tenderfoot’s situation was desperate in the extreme, Even if he would have stooped to uppeal to Whisky Jim’s com- panions—and he would not—there was littlehope that the men would interfere. They were crim- inals of the worst type and fit associates for the ruffian with tke knife, The young man’s only hope was that Chris would arrive in time, He strained his ears to see if he could catch the sound of a distant hoof- beat, but the far-away boot of an ow! was all he heard. ‘Oh, thar hain’t ho use fer ye ter think of axin’ them fellers will they holp ye,” asserted the whisky tough, thinking the captive was about to make an appeal to the Black Hoods in the back- ground, They'll never put their fingers inter my pie, an’ ef Ldoa good job in polishin’ ye off, itll*only show ’em I am fit to be classed as one of ther best members of ther ban’. You hey got ter croak, younker.” The wretch took a savage delight in torturing the helpless young man, Suddenly Fred turned to Old Rattlebrein, cry- ing: “ Rodney Welland, Rodney Welland! arouse, arouse! Youare in the bands of your enemies!” “ Who calls me?” demanded the deranged man, speaking ina deep tone, “Tt isI,afriend! Your daughter is in dan- ger! She is a captive in the hands of these wretches!” ‘* My daughter, my daughter! She is a little child; they would not harm her. No, no; you are wrong. She is far, far from here; she is at home with Nancy. But where is my home—can you tell?” Whisl:y Jim laughed, sneeringly. “ Ther clad cuzs is cleen daft. He don’t ’mem- ber nary blamed thing thet has happened fer yars, Ef he did, he is trussed up so thar hain’t nary bit of show fer bim ter bu’st loose.” But, Fred was not so sure of that, He had seen some exbibitions of Old Rattlebrain’s won- derful strength which convinced him there could be no limit set upon the astonishing power of the deranged. “Time is humpin’ erlong after ther same ole sort,” observed, Jim, ‘‘ We can’t stay byer all night, an’so I'l! hey ter finish this yere leetle job, Thate teract zif I wuz in a too mighty big rush, fer [lows thet bain’t perlite; but thar are times w’en we can’t stan’ on ceremony, an’ this am one of ther ’easions, Still [’]l bev ter guv ye time ter say over yer pra’rs an’ chant yer death-song, like ev'ry brave warrior duz. So it won't bother ye, I will leave ye fer jest erbout a minute, They oughter guv ye plenty of time fer gittiu’ ready ter be holped off. W’en I kem back, I’m goin’ ter slit yer woozle, an’ thet’s ther ragged-edged truth.” He arose and turned away to speak with one of the men who had been watching the singu- lar scene, having his arms folded across his breast, Fred instantly turned to Rodney Welland, speaking earnestly: “You can break loose if you try, Mr. Wel- land,” he declared. ‘ Your life depends on it— four life, my life, the lifeof your daughter! reak loose and set me free! There is not a mo- ment to be lost! In asbort time we both shall be murdered!” Something like a light of comprebension filled Sole ai ret man’s restless eyes, but he mut- ‘‘Murdered, murdered! murder me! my money | Yes, he tried to He shot me and then robbed me of But, I was not dead—I still live!” e was thinking of the tragedy which turned his brain. ‘‘-Yes, I live,” he went on, while Fred An- throp strained despairingly at his bonds, “I seem to remember that 1 bunted him down. I found bim—he died at my feet! It is like a dream, yet 1 almost fancy itis true. And my child—was she there? It almost seems that way.” ‘*She was there,” panted Fred, giving up the} hopeless attempt. ‘‘ She is a young lady now, It has been years since you left hera child at home, She had ‘been searching for you, and she found ~ you at laet. Now she is again a captive in the hands of enemies. Her fate depends on you, Break loose! break loose!” As if these panting words had aroused him to something like a realization of bis position, Rod- ney Welland suddenly struggled to a sitting pos- ture and glared around. Then_a wild laugh came from his bearded lips—a laugh that caused the outlaws to start and whirl in alarm. “ Vip, yip, yip!” It was the ringing cowboy yell, and it came from the lips of Chris Comstock! Down through the darkness, heading straight toward the fire, charged the young cattleman, his bridle-rein swinging loose on the neck of his horse, a revol- ver in each hand. As soon as he appeared the cowboy’s weapons began to speak with a rapidity that was aston- ishing! CHAPTER XII, BURIED BENEATH THE SLIDE. THE outlaws were taken by surprise, and sud- den consternation seized upon them, for they knew not how large the attacking party was. Their alarm was increased by the cry that came from Chris Comstock’s lips: ‘‘ Here they are, pards! Come on, come ov!” The ruse was successful, for the Black Hoods fancied a large party of cowboys were close behind the man whose either hand was spitting fire and whose bullets were whistling around their heads. , To increase the excitement, Old Rattlebrain, , seized by a sudden fury, rent his bonds ssunder and sprung to bis feet, his wild laugh echuing through the night once more. With a yell of pain, one cf the outlaws threw up his bands and feil beavily to the ground, one of Cbris Comstock’s bullets baving found a i target. Seized by an unreasonivg terrer, the fallen man’s comrades fled precipitately i: to the dark- ness, quickly vanisbing from sig} t. Plowing up the ground with its hoofs, the young cowboy’s horse came toa balt beside the fire, its master leaping from the saddle, “On hand, pard!” laughed the reckless fellow, springing forward with a knife in his grasp, ‘¢1]] have you free in a jiff, then we will scoot before those imps of Satan recover their balance and seek to discover the numberof their assail- ants,’ ‘You were just in time,” asgured Fred, “Unless Whisky Jim lied, I bad less than a@ minute to live.” ‘Whisky Jim! Is that dastardly dog here?” ‘“‘ He was bere, and he told me be was the one who kidnapped Nell.” “Well, if he falls into the hands of any of our men, he will be sure to decorate the limb of the first tree they can reach,” Fred was quickly set at liberty. “One of those fellows escaped on my horse,” he said. “Iam out ap animal, for which I shall have to account to Mr, Robinson.” ‘¢ You were in Cy Robinson’s service, and be will never think of considering such a Joss.” Welland stooped and lifted the bedy of the fallen outlaw and strode away into the darkness not even uttering a word or casting a glance 10- ward his companions, Fred made a significant motion, and both the oung men followed the demented nan, Chris © ending bis horse, For a long distance Old Rattlebrain strode along through the darkness at a tireless gait, paying no heed to those behind bim, At length,, ie halted at the foot of a steep descent, crouch- ing beside the body of the now softly moaning outlaw, but still remaining silent. Chris and Fred paused also, and, leaving his horse standing close at hand, the young cowbo sicodinec cee his pledged pard to Welland’s side, Fred touzhed the strange man on the shoul- der, saying‘ ' ; ‘
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% ture for 7 Cowboy Chris to the Fore, Ee 11 “What are you going to do with him, Mr. Welland?” pointing at the outlaw. Old Rattlebrain shook his head slowly, seem- ing undecided about that point, but he still re- fused to speak. **It is our duty to see if the unfortunate ras- cal is seriously injured,” declared Fred, turning to Chris. “That is so,” was the instant agreement; "and if he is not fatally injured, it is our duty to hold fast to bim till justice can settle bis ease, Perhaps we may beable to pinch the truth from him,” They bent over the man and removed the hood from his head. He was conscious and be- gan to beg for mercy. “ Strike a match, Fred,” said Chris, “ and we will see how hard he is hit.” Fred did as directed, and the cowboy ex- amined the man’s wound. When he had done this, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and calked the bullet-hole’ with it to retard the steady loss of blood, Telling Old Rattlebrain to watch the fellow close, Chris drew his pard aside, ** How is it’? asked Fred. **He has got it pretty hard, but there is no reason that I can see why the wound should be fatal.” “The you will not have his life on your hands?” **} trust not.” ** But what are you going to tell him?” “T want to pump. him, andi am going to make him believe bis chances are decidedly small,” “You are going to attempt to make him be- tray his comrades?” ‘““Yes, If wecan get the truth froin his lips, we may be able to quickly save the girls and destroy he dastardly band of robbers.” “ That is true,” They returned to the spot where Welland was silently crouching beside the wounded man. “What is it, pards?’ asked the unfortunate wretch, faintly ‘‘Am I booked fora funeral?” ** Well, you are bard hit,” confessed Chris, ** But is there a chance for me to pull through?” 1 think there is,” was the candid confession, The man seemed to revive somewhat at that, “You hain’t foolin’ me?’ he eagerly asked. **'You are not telling me this for some game?” “Tam telling you what I truly believe. But I cannot see why it should please you.” You can’t? Well, do you think Iam anx- ious to kick the bucket?” ' **T don’t see how you are going to escape it.” ** But you jest said there was a chance for me! What do you mean anyway?” “T mean just this,” and Chris crouched lower, so he could look the fellow fairly in the eyes, despite the darkness—‘tI mean that J should bless my lucky stars if the wound were fatal, providing I were in your shoes. It isa great deal better and more satisfactory death to die than to stretch hemp,” A low cry came from the wounded man’s lips; he understood the cowboy’s meaning at last. ‘Oh, but I hain’t done anytking that means hanging—indeed, I hain’t!” he falteringly pro- tested, ‘* You can’t hang a man for nothing, pard.” “You are one of the Black Phenix’s followers, Stop! I know you would deny it; but, what do you take us for—fools?. }t will be folly for you to lie about it, and so you may as well tell ‘the truth. That is the only course that will avail you anything.” “How are you going to prove I am one of Black Phenix’s men?” “We have Brook enough, Weare convinced ourselves, and we can easily convince others, Do not waste your time by beating around the bush.” For a few moments the outlaw was silent, then he pogred! asked: Wal, jest what is it that you want, avy- how?” “We want you to peach,” ** You want me to give my pards away?” “€ Just that!” And if I refuse?” **T will see that you are hanged for your fool- ishness!” “Wal, go ahead with your fon! I’m stillasa clam.” This was not exactly what the young cowboy had expected, but he did not reveal the fact by any outward sign. When he next spoke his voice was cold and metallic, In a few brief words he prints anything but a pleasant pic- the wounded man to contemplate; he bed the horrors of the fate before the un- lucky bandit; he held the nooge dangling before the Black Hood’s mental vision. A cold sweat broke out upon the forebead of the wicked wretch and he shuddered in spite of himself, ** All this you shall suffer if you refuse to peach on your pards,” Chris concluded, ‘‘ You cannot escape it, for you need expect nothing like mercy when you fall into the hands of Cy Robinson, There is only one way open by which you may hope for life.” *“*And what is that? Will you pledge your word to release me when I have told you where Black Phenix’s retreat is? Will you let me go free at once?” “No, for you might lie to us, The chances are you would, I imagine it is as natural for you tolie as to breathe. We would bold you prisoner till we were sure you had told the truth,” * And then wipe me out anyway. the fool you take me for, pards,” “You will be a bigger fool than I took you for if you do not talk, for I did think you would care a little about your own life. But Iam not going to dally with you. If you will not con- fess, we will pack you on the back of my horse and take you to the Robinson Ranch. There you will bave to deal with old Cy Robinson, and he will force the truth from your lips, if he bas to give you a taste of the Inferno, You will wish you had never been born if he gets at you.” The man seemed to hesitate, and Chris added impatiently: **Come, come! We have no time to frol away! It is many miles tothe Robinson Ranch, and we will have to be moving at once, Make your choice: either tell us the truth now and here, or face Cy Robinson and the noose,” ‘* Well, perhaps I had better peach now; but if you do not wipe out the chief with the rest of the band, he will surely kill me for turning traitor to save my own neck,” ‘Cy Robinson has taken an oath to destroy the Black Phenix, and he isa man who always keeps— Hal what's that?” A few loose stones and a small amc unt of dirt came rattling down from above, causing three of the men to start to their feet, The outlaw partially struggled up, as the others dashed out from the base of the precipitous slope <A strange, rushing roar came from above. ‘* 4 landslide! a landslide !” The words came in a shriek from the outlaw’s lips, as be saw bis companions of a moment be- fore disappear in the darkness, The roaring sound grew louder and the advance couriers of the landslide rained about his ears. He strug- gled to his feet, stumbled, sunk on bis knees, his hands upraised appealing to the heavens he had so often blasphemed, bis last wild cry ringing through the night to be beard ‘even above the roar of the avalanche! Then a tumbling mass of earth, stones, bowlders and debris shot down upon him, and he was forever buried from the sight of human eyes! I am not CHAPTER XIII. BLACK PHENIX AND THE CAPTIVE BIRDS, SHORTLY after the appearance of the outlaw ebief in the cave, Ruck Pike brought in the second captive, Cy Robinson’s daughter. The treac! erous cowboy had hired with Robinson that he might be a spy in the rancher’s house- bold, and, finding the chief’s orders had gone amiss—for he was conversant with them—and the wrong girl had been carried away, he ven- tured to kidnap the other. Nina was conducted to ber captive friend as soon as the caye was reached, and the two girls threw themselves into each other’s arms, the rancher’s daughter bursting into tears, Brave little Nell held the weeping girl close to her warm heart, resolutely keeping back the tears which sought to dim the luster of her own dark eyes, Into Nina’s ears she murmured soft words of ,consolation, almost forgetting for the time that her position was as bad as that of her friend, The two desperadoes, Jim and Mike, were still lolling in front of the fire, which they replenish- ed occasionally from a mass of wood near at hand, As'may be imagined, the appearance of Nina greatly relieved their feelings and filled them with delight, “ Reckon this saves our bacon, pard,” chuckled Jim, ‘ Ther boss hes got both gals now, an’ he can’t kick very hard,” ‘* Mebbe he won’t want but one.” “Then he kin give t’?other ter me. Leetle Black-Eyes is clean grit. No snufflin’ an’ snoz- zlin’ *bout her ! Some might like Vother best, but she’s too much of erdoll fer me. Black-Hyes is er beauchy, an’ I'll jest be glad ter take her an’ take keer of her.” “You might fine ber er mighty tough leetle critter ter break inter harness. She’s got claws,” ‘* Wal, I’d break her in ur break her neck, You needn’t worry ’bout thet part of it, pard.” If Nell heard the words of the two ruffians, she paid no heed, Leading Nina to a place where they could sit down, she still held the weeping girl in her arms, as she softly murmur- ed: : ‘““Cry to your heart’s religf, my dear friend, You will feel the better for it. The clouds are dark to-day, but to-morrow the sun will be shining again, We must put our trust in the friends we know will do everything in their power to find and save us.” When Nina was calmer she told bow she had fallen into the hands of the treacherous cowboy, having stepped out of the ranch a moment to get a breath of fresh air, feeling faint from working over the wounded men. Pike had’ approached her with some excuse, quickly throwing a thick cloth over ber head and suffocating her into in- sensibility.- When she returned to conscious- ness she was far away on the plain, held upon the back of a swiftly-galloping horse, which bore the double burden of captor and captive, Then Nell told of her own capture, After awhile one of the hooded outlaws ap-~ proached ard called the two toughs aside, speak- ing a few words to them in a low tone, Both of the men left. the vicinity of the fire, and after that the girls were no longer under their sur- veillance, but the hooded outlaw gave them toun- derstand they would be watcked all the time, and any move that looked suspicious would be promptly checked, Still they were given the privilege of a wing of the cavern, a large por- tion of which was not lighted hy the fire. After some hours food was brought them. Nina had no appetite, but Nell encouraged ber to eat, “You must eat, dear friend, if, you would keep your strength, and be prepared to leave the cave when our friends come.” ‘But, will they ever come?” “Of course they will! They will surely find aud rescue us. Your father isa man who will not know the meaning of the word rest till his daughter is safe at the ranch once more.” “ And there is Chris—” Nell glanced swiftly at Nina, as the rancher’s daughter suddenly hesitated. Nina saw that glance, and a soft blush stole over her face—a blush which betrayed her secret. “6Ob, Nina!” laughed Nell. ‘I never dreamed of—of that! Heisa brave, noble fellow, and—” ‘Of course he is,” swiftly interrupted the other, ‘And hetbinks so much of Fred that he will lay down his very life to aid in your rescue, if necessary.” ‘ But, Nell was not to be deceived. She caught Nina in ber arms and kissed the rancher’s daughter wit girlish impulsiveness, crying: “Oh, you can’t fool me! I am too old a head for that! You love Chris, and there is no way for you to get out of it. Come now; own up like a dear!” Nina shook her head, protesting, but betrayed by ber blushes and her appearance. Nell stilb insisted, and finally the ranchman’s ebild coyly confessed she did care for the young cowboy, “the least wee little bit.” And having been ‘cheered somewhat, Nina helped her friend dispose cf a portion of the food. The weary hours dragged slowly by, spent by the girls in talking, sleeping and_waiting—wait- ing. It almost seemed as if they had been there days, ouly catching a glimpse of a flitting hooded figure\now and then, when suddenly the sbrill whistle sounded through the cave once more, Three times it rung out clearly, then there was f pause, which was followed by two shorter blasts. ‘tTt is the chief of the outlaws!” exclaimed Nell. ‘* Black Phenix himself is coming!” Sbe was’ right, and in a short time the dreaded Scourge stood before his captives, regarding thom through the twin boles in the cowl-like hood which was. drawn down to his shoulders. They shrunk before this marauder who had made himself the dread of northern New Mexico, A muffled langh came from beneath the dis- ise. fessed. ‘*I only expected one bird, but my jolly lads captured two, Well, the more the merrier, I am having considerable amusement in the val- ley of the San Juan just at present.” re Nell’s eyes flashed, and the daring girl turned fearlessly on the chief of the cattle-lifters, “Tt may a f cite be amusemeut for you now,” she cried; ‘‘ but the time will come when your fun ‘“¢This is more than I bargained for,” he con~ —
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12 will have a sudden termination, It is pretty sure to end at the end of a rope.” . Black Phenix seemed surprised, but in a mo- tnent he laughed again, apparently not dis- pleased, despite the stinging words of the daunt- Jess girl. ‘A regular little spitfire, eb? Well, I must eonfess yon are abeauty! Caramba! If I bad not chosen the other— But I have, and I will \not change. I fancy you have’ too much spirit ‘for me, anyway. I have not the time to waste ‘in breaking the spirit of a beautiful girl. One of my men made the bung ing mistake of bring- ing you here, and now he will bave to look after you, I have nodesireto get my eyes scratched out.” ““Which shows what a brave man you are!” came scornfully from: Nell’s lips, ‘* You have changed your business—taken to stealing girls instead of cattle.” ‘* Well, itis a slight departure from my usual line of work, I will confess; but this time it is more for revenge and for love than for gain. I have an old score against Cy Robinson, and 1 am in love with his daughter. 1 can get revenge on him and secure his daughter at the same time, thus popping over two birds ata single shot.” ‘Oy Robinson will see that your neck is stretched for this black work!” “He will discover he has tackled the biggest job of his life. There are lots of them who have tried to stretch my neck, but it is not an inch longer to-day than when the Black Phenix was first heard of, four years ago.” “ Braggart!” “Thanks for the compliment! You have a sharp tongue, senorita, and there is danger you may injure yourself with it. I should advise "en to have a care, A woman never knows ow to handle a dangerous weapon.” “if I had a pistol at this moment—” “You would make a fool of yourself, alma mia.” (My dear.) “T would end the career of the dastard who bas caused so much trouble!” ‘‘Then it is fortunate for me you have no pis- tol. I have no desire to pass over the dead range. But, I baven’t time to.waste in talk. I came to get a glimpse at my sy birds, and my desire has been gratified. Now I will take myself away.” ee a good riddance it will be!” flashed ell. At this Black Phenix laughed once more. ‘“*You are very bold now, little one, but you will sing a different song by and by. All the same, lam free to confess I admire your spirit. While you remain with me, you shall be treated well, but I can make no promises for the time when yeu will fall into the hands of Whisky Jim. Ishould advise you to improve the pres- ent, and take no thought of the guture. Eat, drink, sleep, and be prepared for a long jour- ney. Within three days we may be on our way to Mexico. I hope tocomplete my revengs in that time. ** Buenos dios, senoritas !” With a sweeping bow, hd turned and left them, disappearing into the darkness, **Ob, Nellie!” gasped Nina, as soon as the chief had disappeared. ‘‘ How could you talk to him in that way?” * Ho, that was nothing!” declared the plucky miss. ‘‘Do you suppose [ am afraid of Pablo Pajario?” : * Pablo Pajario! What do you mean?” **Didn’t you recognize his voice?” ** No, the hood muffled it,” **T made an allowance for that. I confess the hood did muffle it so it sounded somewhat strange, but if that man was not Pablo Pajario lam wretchedly mistaken!” “Hush! Here he comes again!” But, it was not thechief, Another one of the ‘band approached and threw some wood upon the fite. While he was doing this, he did not even look at the girls, but they heard bim dis- » tinctly say: “Keep up courage; you shall be saved! Iam your friend !” CHAPTER XIV. A RESTLESS RANCHMAN, AS he darted out from the base of that steep ‘slope, hearing the increasing roar above, Cow- boy Chris understood what it meant, and he fully comprehended the peril they were in, Already his horse bad dashed from the dan- —— vicinity, and, catching Fred Anthrop by he arm, the young cattleman hurried him for- ward, shouting: ee “Run, run! Run for life!” . At first Fred would bave held back, thinking Cowboy Chris to the Fore, of the outlaw, whom he understood to be in peril, although even then he could not comprehend the nature of the danger which menaced them. But Chris kvew there was not a second to be lost, and be never relaxed his grip on Fred’s arm for an instant, Above that rushing roar they both heard the last wild cry of the wounded ontlaw, as the miserable wretch stumbled and fell on bis knees, and, although the sound smote to their hearts, they could do nothing for the sinful man, whose crimes it seemed were to be avenged by a wrath- ful God. As the mass of earth and stone came pouring into the valley they were barely beyond the monster’s death-clutch. Even then they were overwhelmed by a cloud of dust and flying debris. Huge bowlders bounded past them, and something caught them up and dashed them to the ground, They struggled up and ran on again, but the peril was past almost in the twinkling of an eye. Panting and breathless, they finally came toa halt. ‘¢ Well,” gasped Chris, ‘* that was what I call a tight squeeze. We escaped by the skin of our teeth.” ‘« But that poor devil—the wounded outlaw—” ‘* Ts dead and buried.” Fred shuddered, ‘‘It is horrible!” he cried, save him!” ‘* No; we barely had time to save ourselves. As it is, we may thank our lucky stars the slide was asmall one, Had it been a regular moun- tain avalanche, it is doubtful if our friends would have ever known our fate.” ** But what started it?” “That is a mystery no one will ever explain, It is probable it started of its own accord, as such slides usually do.” “ And Mr. Welland—where is he? Can it be he is buried under that mass of earth?” ‘*T reckon not.. He started to get away even before we did. He must have escaped.” Fred shouted the deranged man’s name, and far away in the darkness a wild laugh rung out —a laugh that sounded weird and strange, and gradually sunk to silence, as if dying out in the distance. ‘¢That was his voice, better try to find him?” ‘“‘ My horse is in that direction, so we may as well move that way. The chances are we shall find neither man nor beast, If we do not find the horse, we shall have a good tramp before us in getting to the ranch.” However, the horse was soon found, and he allowed bis master to easily catch him. Then the two young men held a consultation, finally deciding the wisest thing they could do would be to start for the ranch. There was lit- tle hope of finding Redney Welland in the dark- ness, and they might run against the outlaws again. “We must get some sleep, too,” said Chris; ‘‘ for there will be another hard day’s work be- fore us in the morning.” “Sleep!” echoed! Fred, ‘‘ You may talk of sleep; but it issomething I shall kuow nothing of this night.” ‘You think so now; but you will snooze off when we get settled down at the ranch, It is your duty to sleep if you want to hold out for the rest.of the hunt.” So, mounted on one horse, they turned toward the ranch. The animal had been overworked that day, and it was near midnight before they reached their destination. Cy Robinson had not retired, and the barking of his dogs brought him to the door to learn the cause, ‘** Ah, boys!” he cried; ‘‘ you have come at last. But, where is the other horse?” Chris explained, and the rancher listened ea- gerly to the story. ¢ ‘* By Heavens!” he cried, striking his hands together; ‘‘ I believe the retreat of the dastardly gang is somewhere amid those hills!” ‘7 think so myself,” acknowledged Chris, ‘‘ Well, to-morrow we will give the section such a scouring as it never had before, Itis a pity you lost that outlaw! If 1 bad been able to get os him, I would have wrung the truth from his lips, One of the men about the place came forward and led Chris’s horse away, and tbe pards fol- lowed Cy Robinson into the ranch, “*T could not think of trying to sleep till you came in,” be explained. ‘‘I almost doubt if I can sleep at all to-night. I want to be moving all the time. Boys, if we are not more fortunate 3 Fal than we were to-day, I shall go mad! “We could not He escaped. Had we He looked as if he spoke the truth, for his cheeks were sunken, his face flushed and his eyes red as coals, Round-up Rube came in, and for some time the four sat discussing the situation and laying plans for the morrow. While they were thus occupied, Pete, the darky, appeared, his face wearing one of the most woebegone expressions imaginable, ‘Ob, dar yo’ am, Masser Chris!” he exclaim- ed. *‘An’ dar’s Masser Fred, but 1 don’ see puffin’ ob my pore lit?!’ missy. Oh, de good Lawd sabe an’ bless us! but dis am a terriful time fo’ suah! Haiu’t plinked de banjer once dis hoel bressed day, an’ dat’s suffin’ ’tain’t happen befo’ fer y’ars. I jes’ completely kum- frusticated—yes, I is!” The faithful fellow was indeed a sad-appearing object, as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. ‘* Nebber fought I'd com’ ter see dis yar sor- rerful time w’en I tole de ole missus dat I'd look arter de lit?? missy. Nebber fought de time’d com’ w’en I didn’t keep my wo’d. If lit’l’ missy’s nebber foun’, I’s jes’ gwine ter ker- mit screwicide—I is, fo’ a sollum fac’! I jes’ cayn’t stan’ dis sollumeolly feelin’ ob lassera- tion; dat’s w’at’s de mattah wid me,” Cy Robinson finally bade the others good- night and ascended to his room, but, as he said, with no hopes of sleeping. Still, if he could get some rest, be would be better prepared for the work of the coming day. But there was no rest for the rancher that night, Within his room he found a slip of paper attached to a stone, the latter having appar- ently been tossed in at the open window, “Ten to one it is a demand for ransom-money from the Black Phenix!” he exclaimed. But it was not. The paper was covered with writing, but the letters were shaky and uncer- tain, as if made by a very old person. It was with great difficulty the rancher deciphered the following: “Cyrus ROBINSON:— “The Yellow Witch is back. She can reveal the past and look into the future. Come to her et once. Come alone, and she will tell you of your child. “Onp Maa.” For a long time Cy Robinson sat with the paper in his band, staring steadily at the strag- gling and ill-shaped letters, his face wearing a look of uncertainty. He seemed like a man puzzling over an intricate problem. At length he sprung up and began pacing the floor, crushing the paper in bis band. ““S5 Old Mag is back,” he muttered. . ‘‘ At least, the paper says so, but, what am I to think of it? Has the Yellow Witch really returned to her hut in the hills, or is’ this a trick of some kind? By gracious! I remember hearing one of the men speak of seeing a smoke risin from her chimney. I reckon she is really tac again, ‘There isa mystery about that old woman—a mystery no one bas been able to solve. Why she should occupy that lonely hut, and how she manages to live, is the mystery, Twice before this has she disappeared, se to return after a time. Where she goes or why she goes no one can say. There is no doubt but she is a crazy woman, but 1 know she is perfectly harmless.” For several minutes he strode back and forth in silence, but he scon broke out again, ‘*This may be a trick—a snare to entrap me, It is possible this slip of paper never came from the old fortune-teller, Let me look at it again, 1 have seen the old woman’s writing once be- fore.” He again carefully examined the paper and what was written on it. ‘*— believe the writing is the same as that I saw before. Ido not believe in these foolish old fortune-tellers; and yet, Old Mag once told Nina some things about the past which J thought were only kbown to me and one other—and that other is dead. How she knew of those things I cannot imagine. She nearly frightened Nina to death with thestory, but I deceived the child by assuring her it was all false, I would not have her know the truth—the bitter black truth—for the world! I have hoped the past was dead and buried, “Tf I really thought this old witch could tell me anything of my child, I would not sleep till I bad seen her. Itis a good twenty miles, but with a fresh horse, I could get there, hear what she had totell and return before morning, “1 believe 1 will go!” Hecould not shake off the sudden desire which seized upon him, “Te itisa trap, I walk into it with arevolver inmy band, I do not fear one old woman.” | He soon stole cautiously gows the stairs and
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Cowboy Chris to the Fore. 13 As he approached the stable, left the building. : some of the dogs came growling toward him, but he silenced them with alow word. The cowboy on guard called out to him, and he made himself known. **Great Scott, boss!” exclaimed the fellow, in astonishment. ‘‘ You oughter be snoozin’ ef you’re goin’ ter hump roun’ ter-morrer.” *‘T can’t sleep, Skidds. I am going to take alittleride. Saddle the black stallion for me,” The cowboy aearly fell over in hisamazement, and then, muttering something about some peo- ple being ‘‘ mighty fond of ridin’,” he hastened to obey his employer’s orders, As Cy Robinson stood with his hand on the bit of the fiery stallion, ready to spring into the saddle, he said: ‘If Iam not back by sunrise, Skidds, you may tell the boys I started for the cabin of the Yellow Witch.” Then he swung into the saddle and gave the stallion free rein, quickly vanishing from the amazed cowboy’s eyes, being swallowed up in the darkness of a cloudy night. CHAPTER XV. THE YELLOW WITCH. In a cabin amid the hillsan old woman crouch- ed silently beside a fire, over which was suspend- eda small kettle from which came a musical bubbling. The cabin door was flung wide open and the light of the fire flickered out into the night. ** Will he come?” It was the old woman who muttered the words, as through the mass of tangled white hair that fell down over her face she _— toward the open doorway. Scarcely a glimpse of her face could be obtained, all because of that repulsive vail of tangled hair. Her clothes were soiled and ragged and her whole aspect that of abject poverty. It was the mysterious ‘‘ Yellow Witch ” of the ills, Afar in the night sounded a hoof-beat. The woman started and listened, then a laugh of ex- ultation came from behind the vail of hair. ‘“* He is coming !” Upon the fire she flang a handful of powder which caused the flames to assume mingled tints of red, green and yellow, filling the small room with a weirdly fantastic light and making the old witch seem like a thing of evil as she stiil crouched beside the fire-place and began to croon a mournful chant. The sounds of hoof-beats came nearer, nearer, nearer—then stopped at the door. A. few seconds later, Cy Robinson walked into the room, his hand on the butt of a holstered re- volver. With a low exclamation, he halted and stared at the strange figure cut by the old wo- man as she was revealed by strange-colored light from the flames, She seemed to heed not his ad- vent, for she did not stir or look up, but con- tinued that weird crooning. A feeling of repulsion seized upon the ranch- man, but he was not a man to be shaken by a little trickery, so he spoke: “Well, Mag, I am here,” Still the woman refused to stir or look up; still that mournful crooning continued. With two strides, Cy Robinson wasat her side, and his hand fell on ber shoulder, **You sent for me, Mag; I am here.” Then she started and looked up, “I knew you would come,” she croaked—‘ [ knew it!” : ** Well, now Iam here, what have you to tell me? I have no time to waste, for I have not alept a wink in nearly forty-eight hours,” “What do you want to know, Cyrus Robin- son?’ barshly demanded the old crone, ** You said you could tel] me of my child.” * And you have come to hear what I can tell?” ‘For what other purpose would I take such ‘a ride through the night, old woman?” came im- patiently from the rancher’s lips. ** Aud do you believe Old Mag can tell you anything of value?” ‘Had I not thought it possible, do you think I would have taken this ride through the dark- ness after a day in the saddle?’ ‘But you have not a particle of faith in for- tune-tellers, Cyrus Robinson—at least, you have repeatedly said so. You told your child Old Mag lied when she revealed some of your past history to the girl, Do you deny that, Cyrus Robinson?” “IT have no time to deny anything,” and the ranchman’s face grew black at hearing the past spoken of by the strange woman of the hills, Old Mag lifted one yellow hand and shook it at him, crying: “You know I told the girl the truth—you know it, you know it! ButI did not tell her one-half!” ' ‘*T have not come here to listen to your prat- ings of the past, old woman! If you can tell me anything of my child, tell it, and I promise you that you shall not go unrewarded.” **Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the Yellow Witch. ‘*'You will reward me—you will reward Old Mag, eh? I wonder how much you will give her if she will tell you where you can find your child—I wonder, I wonder!” ‘*Give!” came hoarsely from the man’s lips— **T will give enough to make you comfortable the rest of your life,old woman! Speak up! If you know anything, tell it!” ‘* What if the girl is dead?” The ranchman reeled back a step, then sprung forward and clutched the crone by the shoul- der, almost snarling: ** Don’t fool with me, Mag! it! Nina isnot dead!” The witch Jaughed sneeringly, and Cy Robin- son saw a pair of coal-black eyes which gleam- ed through the mass of hair which fell down over them—gleamed like the eyes of a serpent. Something tempted him to brush that vail aside and get a fair look at the face behind it, but he resisted the desire. It would have been better for him, perhaps, had he obeyed the impulse. ““T have not said the girl is dead,” croaked Mag. ‘‘ I only asked that to discover how you would stand the revelation Iam about to make, Oh, it is a strange revelation, Cyrus Robinson— a revelation that will freeze your blood with horror!” ‘IT do not care to listen to any of your wild tales, old woman; I did not come here for that urpose.” “If I am going to tell you anything, you will have to let me tell itin my own way. AndI can tell of the present and the future only after I have told of the past. Sit down in that chair, Cyrus Robinson; sit down and listen.” He hesitated a moment, then obeyed, The fire had assumed its natural state, the tints of green and yellow having disappeared. The witch arose and threw a handful of some- thing into the bubbling pot, and inan instant a I will not stand sound like a whispering of many lips came from the vessel. The old woman bent her head and listened with her ear close to the kettle, Till the uite ceased she remain- whispering sounds had toward Cy Robinson, ed thus, then she turne laughing sbrilly. ‘*Oh, it is a jolly tale the spirits have told me!” she declared, bobbing her bent body up and down—‘‘ a jolly taje! And it is true—it is true, for I have listened to it many times be- fore. I am going to tell you what the spirits revealed to me, Cyrus Robinson, “Many years ago there were two beautiful Spanish girls who fell in love with an American adventurer. The girls were twins and looked so much alike that their own friends and relatives were sometimes bothered in telling one from tke other, One’s hair wasa trifle lighter than the other’s, and that was the principal distinguish- ing feature about them. The one of the light hair was named Inez and and the other Juanita. ‘*Now these two girls were living with their parents in Old Mexico when they first saw the American adventurer and fell in love with him. Naturally, their parents opposed their becoming friendly with the American, but both of. the twins were wildly infatuated, and they would not listen to reason, There were secret meet- ings at most of which both maidens were pres- ent, and it was difficult to tell which the Ameri- can preferred, In truth, he was undecided on this point himself, “The rivalry between the girls was of the most sisterly nature, and each assured the other she would hold no hardness if she was unsuc- cessful and her sister won the American. Each protected the other from discovery in any secret interview indulged in with the adventurer, “Inez of the light hair was the successful one in the end, for to her the American avowed his love. But, when she told her sister, there was a tempest, for to that moment Juanita had felt confident of winning in the end. Then Juanita broke her pledge and revealed everything to her parents, The storm of wrath that followed was terrific, and Inez was confined to her room, while the father watched for the daring Ameri- can, swearing he would shoot the dog. But, Juanita still loved the adventurer, and she man- aged to warn him of his danger. “This American wasa most daring and clever fellow. How he conveyed intelligence of his plans to Inez no one ‘ever knew, but one night she escaped from her room and fled with the waiting adventurer into the United States, There—” : “There, that is quite enough!” exclaimed the ranchman, ‘‘ What do you suppose I care about this fairy-tale of love and adventure! IL have not the time to waste in listening, and I did not come here for that purpose. If you cam tell me anything of my child, tell it at once, and I will depart. “‘T told you I could only reveal the present and future by speaking of the past. Have pa- tience a little and I will come to the part that will interest and astound you. I will tell you something of your child that never entered your wildest dreams, Have patience, Cyrus Robin- son, have patience! “Of course Inez’s father and mother were fearfully angry, nor was Juanita any the less enraged. They all declared Inez was nothing to them from that moment; she had cast her lot with the American, and she might stay with him. They would have nothing to do with her, ‘“‘Inez was happy with her husband, even though his worldly wealth was small and he proved an adventurer indeed. He was well- educated, and after a time, the wife discovered that ber poor knowledge of English and imper- fect pronunciation of the language were un- pleasant to him. Then she set about mastering the tongue of the man she loved, and she suc- ceeded so well that in a remarkably short time she could speak and write correctly in his lan- guage. «But, as I said, the man was an adventurer. He was engaged in all manner of wild schemes. One of these finally took him to South America, and he was forced to leave his beautiful wife behind, although it nearly broke her heart to part from him. ‘* Now it happened that Juanita still loved the husband of her sister and she sometimes dreamed of winning him from Inez, At first she consid- ered them nothing but dreams, but gradually the desire to test her power grew upon her, and the sudden death of both of her parents left her plenty of money and opportunity to follow her inclinations, As a result, she traced ber sister into the United States and finally found her. Juanita ss to be very sorry for having treated Inez as she did in the past, and the lonely wife was only too glad to accept her sister as a friend and companion in her husband’s ab- sence, Just then she did not know her husband's: address, and thus she was prevented from in-~ forming him of the reconciliation. ‘“* Shortly after this reconciliation the young wife became a mother, And now comes aston— isher number one for you, Cyrus Robinson, Listen: ‘“* The mother lived less than two hours after the child was born !” For a moment the ranchman seemed dazed, then he cried: ‘*Old woman, you lie!” CHAPTER XVI. OLD MAG’S REVELATIONS. THE Yellow Witch laughed shrilly. “Ob, I lie, do I, Cyrus Robinson? I am @ fool, am I, Cyrus Robinson? What would be my object in telling you anything but the truth, man?” “IT do not know your object, but I do know what you have just stated is false, Inez was living when [ returned from South America.” **Ha, ha, ha! Whata fool you were, Cyrus? ob, what a blind fool you were! And where is Inez now ?” ‘* She is dead—thank God!” ‘* Why do you thank God for that?’ ‘* Because she was false—talse as hell!” - **And now you are the one who lies, Cyrus Robinson! As there is a Heaven above us, Inez. . was true to you—you, the adventurer of my revelation !” ‘Bah! Why do you tell me this? My own eyes witnessed her guilt; my own band struck at the life of her lover! That he escaped death then, only to perish afterward, as he justly de- served, was not my fault. That Inez, whom I spared, killed herself at his death, I know. I have stood beside ber grave.” “But, you saw not her dead body. Oh, how hs have been deceived, Cyrus Robinson! But. — isten; 1 will go on with the revelations,” ‘*Stop! I will hear no more of your foolish tales!” “Oh, yes you will, Cyrus—yes, you will! I am not half done, and you must listen if you would know the fate of your child, Yourchild! — Ha, ha, ha! You love your child! 1 wonder | how it will be when you learn the truth. Sit still and listen, Cyrus!” She put up her yellow hands and pushed them — out toward him. He felt as if they had touched him and crushed bim down into the seat. He ‘24
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14 ee ——————————eeeeeeeeeeeOOOeqweoqoFTeooO=~=~qaoo eas fell back helplessly, glaring at her, his lips moy- ing, but no sound issuing from them. *“T tell you Inez died less than two hours after the birth of her.child,” Old Mag contin- ued, ‘But the fact was kept a secret. Only the physician knew of it, and his tongue was silenced with a golden gag. Sbe was secretly buried under the direction of the sister who had . Pesolved on playing a most desperate game, ‘then he only succeeded in _ bas mine, it would have no effect upon _ Then that sister assumed the mother’s place, the only thing necessary for the deceit being a slight ehange in the color of ber hair, which was skillfully bleached to resemble that of her dead sister, Oh, it was a bold and crafty scheme, Cyrus Robinson—the scheme of a woman who was ready to pawn her very soul for the man whom she fancied she loved! ‘But, Juanita could not talk English fluent ly, like her sister had been able todo. Her first thought was of that; she must speak as perfectly as Inez, and then she would be ready to meet be when you returned from South America, he immediately began to study, and her pro- ass was something astonishing even to herself. ut, before she had mastered English sufficient- ly to write as correctly as her sister, a letter came from the one whom she was plotting to win. At first she was puzzled to know what to do, but she soon saw a way outof it. She gota friend to answer the letter, pretending to be too sick to write herself just then, but wishing to make an immediate reply to let him know of the birth of the child. The letter told bim it was a dear little girl; but the lettér Wed, Cyrus Robinson! “ The child to which Inez gave birth was a boy!” A barsh laugh came from the ranchman’s lips, and he hoarsely cried: “Now I know you lie, old woman! ‘You are deranged! I did not. come here to listen to the wild tales of a crazy witch, and I have no more time to spend in such a foolish manner!” “Go if you want to, then!” snarled Old Mag, shaking her clinched hands at him, ‘ Go, g, go! but never again will you look on the face of the one whom you have believed your child all these years! ‘Old Mag swears it!” The rancher had partially started up, but he sunk back into his seat again, his face turning pale anda light of dread filling his sunken eyes. “Why don’t you go?” sneered the Yellow Witch. ‘‘ What is hindering you, Cyrus? The door is wide open.” *¢Go on with your yarn!” came hoarsely from the man’s lips. ‘‘I will remain and see how big a lie you can tell.” Old Mag chuckled with satisfaction. “*T knew you would,” she asserted—‘‘ I knew it! But, you may get frightened and run out at the door when If tell you all the truth, so [ will close it. It shall not be fastened, Cyrus, but I will close it.” She swung the door shut, then came back and erouched beside the fire, beginning to mutter and mumble and nod in a strange fashion, This she continued several moments; then she threw another pow/ler into the flames, and almost im- mediately a soft and delightful perfume filled the room. It was exquisite to the senses, but it was like some powerful drug that steals away one’s power of motion, but leaves his mind clear to understand. Cy Robinson felt the influence of the subtle ~ oe stealing over him, and he sought to be- stir himself and rush from the hut; but even partially starting from his seat and falling back helplessly. Shrilly laughing, Old Mag approached, “Isn't it sweet, Cyrus; isn’t it delightful? Had it entered your nostrils as many times as it ou—no more effect than it hason me, Now I have no fear that you will run away before I can tell you the whole truth—the astounding truth. You will remain gaiet and listen. I will go on. * Juanita, the bold, when she resolved to take her sister’s place as your wife, fully realized the possibility of failure. She was a strange crea- _ ture, and even while she believed she loved you, she thought it possible that love would turn to hate if you should discover the deception and cast her off, Then she would wish to bave some hold on you by which sbe could crush you. wild scheme entered her brain, and she resolved to carry it out, Children of any sort can be Anion by money in a great city, and Juan- a through an agent, bought a pretty baby taking care the heartless mother who sold Ft knew not whither it wont, Then the boy, her dead sister’s child, she placed in the bands of ple who would care for it for a consideration. Big took its place. seems strange and improbable to you, ‘the boy who was your child in truth, Cowboy Chris to the Fore. Cyrus Robinson, but it is the truth. You are tortured by what you hear, but you have not heard the worst. I will go on, ‘‘ Just before you returned from South Amer- ica, Juanita, who was then known as Inez, be- came acquainted with a young fellow in whose company she managed to pass many very plea- sant hours. Still she believed she loved you, She was only whiling away the time till you came. But the young man fell madly in love with the Spanish beauty, vainly trying to in- duce her to give up her supposed husband and fly with him. She refused, ; ‘¢- You came back from the South, and she re- ceived you as your wife, You never detected the cheat; you never dreamed of the change, You held her in your strong arms, and covered her mouth with kisses; you kissed the babe and believed it your own child, The deception was perfect and tbe false Inez was happy for a time, “But years had changed you, Cyrus. After a time the new Inez began to feel as if something was lacking in you—something she could not understand, Then she turned to herself for an explanation, and found it was something lack- ing in her own heart. She did not truly love you as she bad imagined! This horrible dis- covery came to ber one day and crushed her like a flower that has been trampled on. For a long time she was so sad, so strange, so unlike herself that you wondered and could not under- stand her mood, Nothing would cheer her, She had plotted and deceived only to be bitterly disappointed, ** All this while her other lover was waiting and watching, refusing to give up hope. Once they met by accident; after that their meetings were frequent and stealthy. But, you were keen, Cyrus; you detected something wrong about the woman you believed your wife, and you watched her closely, As a result, you caught her in her lover’s arms—in the arms of the man she did truly love! ‘*You know what followed, Cyrus; you shot him down before her eyes and left him for dead. But, he did not die. Juanita nursed him back to life, She swore to kill you if he died, but to cause you to suffer the tortures of a thousand deaths before you were relieved by death itself, She learned you had disappeared, taking with you the child you believed your own. She aughed as she thought of striking at you ett re his child she now took into her own charge, giving it the name of Pablo, “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the witch, as she rubbed her yellow hands together. “It is a pretty story, Cyrus--a pretty story! What a fool you were—what a fool you have been all these years! You have brought up a nameless waif, while your own child has learned to call Juanita mother. But the obi * Juanita nursed ber lover back to life, x! to have him slain by the dogs of the law. 8 bad committed some small crime, and he tried to escape when they would have arrested bim. He was shot and killed, ‘¢ Juanita brooded over his death—it nearly killed her. Somehow it seemed to her as if you were responsible for it all, Cyrus Robinson, and she resolved to strike at you, To aid in this, she made a pretense of poisoning herself, and was supposed to have been \buried in the grave be- side which you stood. She died as Inez; far away, she appeared as Juanita, and Little Pablo was with her. “For years she has known where Cyrus Robinson; she has kept trac every move, If she sought revenge, why didn’t she strike? Ah, she was not ready, Cyrus! Something held her back for the time. She would strike at you through your own child when the right time came. The time has come! Listen, Cyrus Robinson: ** Your own son—your Pablo—is the outlaw known as the Black to |” A gasping groan came from the lips of the astonished rancher. He struggled madly to throw off the lethargy that held bim helpless. He tried to shout—to curse. All in vain! Great drops of perspiration stood on his fore- head; white foam flecked his lips, Shrilly Old Mag’s laugh sounded through the cabin, The witch suddenly straightened up and was no longer the bent old woman, Again she threw a handful of powder on the fire, and immediately a dense smoke began to roll into the room—a smoke with a perfume that was both sweet and sickening. It gathered around her in dense masses, and, as if ona Bib wave, she ogee to float yet the wee ee tg m she appeared use, n the air. He knew it must be an il Selon) ** Now comes the final revelation, Cyrus Rob- ou were, of your ‘ inson,” cried the Witch of the Hills, ‘ Look, look, look !” She threw aside the ragged garment that had enveloped her, and her attire was whole and clean beneath; she tore aside the vail of mat- ted hair and cast it from her, and a hard, cruel, yet fascinatingly beautiful face was re- vealed! Not the face of a girl, but the face of a handsome woman of middleage! This seemed to break the spell which had chained the man’s tongue, for he gasped: * Tnez—my God!” ‘““No, not Inez,” was the reply. Juanita |” Then the strange perfume of the smoke stole away the man’s senses, and he sunk unconscious before her. “T am CHAPTER XVII. INTO THE CAVERN. THROUGH a chink in the cabin wall a man had been watching all that transpired within, And that man was Rodney Welland—‘ Old Rattlebrain,” Strangely enough, the deranged man had gradually come back to his right mind aud was in a normal condition as be witnessed the strange things occurring within the hut of the Yellow Witch, When Cy Robinson lay unconscicus before her, a hard laugh came from the lips of the wo- man, Then she turned and threw open the cabin door, muttering something about fresh air. As the cool night air clesred away the smoke which had filled the room, Rodney Welland saw the woman pusbing the coals and fire-brands far back into the fireplace. Then she stamped three times upon a certain portion of the floor. Several moments passed, then a flat stone which formed a part of the bottom of the fire- place sunk from view, revealing a dark opening through which two hooded figures arose into the hut. The woman motioned toward the uncon- scious man. They lifted him, and he was low- ered through the opening, after which they dis- appeared and the flat stone once more rose into view, The man outside the cabin waited to see no more, Silently he stole to where the ranchman’s horse was still standing, to fling himself into the saddle and go thundering into the darkness of the night. The woman of the hills rushed to the open cabin door, but was too late to catch a glimpse of horse or rider. “‘T wonder what could have startled the ani- mal?” she muttered, And she did not dream a rider was mounted on its back. By rare good fortune rather than by reason, Rodney Welland struck straight toward the ranch. Still there may have been something like instinct about the choosing of the course, for he gave the black stallion free rein. For’ twenty miles the horse had been ridden at its highest speed that night, but Rodney Wel- land was almost merciless in urging bim onward as the return trip was made, Morning was at hand and a gray light was beginning to show in tbe east when Robinson Ranch was reached, Welland lost not a moment’s time in arousing the place and telling his surprising story. Aft first if was thought to be the imagining of a dis- ordered brain, but when Cy Robinson was not found in his room and the cowboy Skidds de- clared that he had started for the hut of the Yellow Witch, then there was excitement indeed. “Saddle up, pards, saddle up!” shouted Round-up Rube, ‘‘Thar’s er bard ride an’ bot work afore us! We've got ter bump ourselves ef we want ter save ther boss, fer I reckon them critters "ll be arter snuffin’ him out putty soon, Ther gals are thar too, Stir yer stumps, lads!” ‘“‘ Bress de Good Lawd!” squealed Pete, ‘' I’s es’ gwine ‘long wid dis congregatherin’, I is! f yo’ "ll give dis chile a gun hell show ye how ter make sassage-meat ob dem gal-cotchers! Oh, wow! won’t it be a reglum picnic! An’ Il see lit’? missy! Well, I jes’ is gwine long wid yo’ folkses, an’ I’ll butt da win’ out ob de onery coon dat say I isn’t.” “You will have to rustle for a horse, if you want to go, Pete,” said Chris, ‘‘ There will not be any of the boys who will stop to get one ready for you.” “Well, I’s er rustler, I is! If yo’ leabe dis chile behin’ jes’ yo’ tell bim he’s a fool-niggah.” In a few minutes all the cowboys, with a sin- gle exception, were ready for the ride. One of the men was forced to remain behind and look after the place, but be swore roundly at his fate, Away toward the bills rode the cowboys, one _ of their number making a sweep to take in the Diamond Ranch and secure reinforcements from _ Orson Colfax’s men, But the rest of the party — =_ %
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~ did not wait for the cawboys of the Tenderfoot Rancher to join tiem. With Rube, Chris, Fred, and Rodney Weiland at their head, they dashed straight on for the hills, heading for the but of the witch, The twenty miles were covered in a remark- ably short space of time, and the party drew up at Old Mag’s cabin. Leaping from the saddles and leavisg the horses hitched to the small timber about, they burried into the but. A fire was still burning upon the hearth, and the Yellow Witch was crouching beside it, mumbling to herself. She seemed to pay no heed to the entrance of the men, but her sur- prise must have been great when she was seized and the mass of false hair torn from her head. “Stiddy, you!” snarled Round-up Rube, as the unmasked woman squirmed and raved in Rodney Welland’s powerful grasp. ‘‘ We mean business, and hain’t got no timerter lose. We know your crooked game from beginning ter eend. Where is Cy Robinson?” ‘¢ What do I know of Cy Robinson?” she cried. “He kem hyer—” “Yes; he came here in the night, and he departed as he came—upon the back of his horse.” ** Hang ter ther lyin’ rg !” exclaimed Rube. **Some o’ you fellers tie her up tight an’ let Welland see ef he kin tell how thet stun works, He saw it move, an’ he oughter know suthin’ *bout it.” Juanita fought savagely, but her efforts were useless. In a few moments she was securely bound, Meantime the men had been working around the movable stone, but for a long time their in- vestigations came to naught, It was left for Fred Anthrop to discover the secret spring by which it could be operated from within the cabin, As the stone sunk from view, the men peered into the opening and saw a dark flight of stairs, “Lights, pards, lights!’ exclaimed the fore- man. There was a pile of wood in one corner of the hut, and from it seyeral knots were selected and hghted. ‘*Now foller me with yer barkers in yer han’s,” ordered the bow-legged ‘cowboy, as he dauntlessly descend *d into the darkness. Welland followed next, then Fred and Chris, after which the cowboys filed in as bappened to fall their lot, Pete bringing up the rear, a huge horse-pistol be had somehow secured clasped in his black hand and desperate determination ‘written on his face, They had not taken the precaution to gag the woman, and she set up a wild shrieking as they descended, ‘Kem on!” gritted Rube, “Ef thet don’t roust ther critters up, I dunno ther reason why!” Every moment they expected to hear an alarm, but they reached the cavern-bottom with- out any disturbance being created, This filled them witb wonder, anda fear seized upon them, lest the robbers had taken the alarm and fled from the cave by means of another exit. Forward they burried, and suddenly their lights showed them four flitting figures which _ Seamed trying to escape observation. ‘¢ Halt thar!” howled Round-up Rube, ‘ Stan’ atiddy, ur we'll riddle ye!” One of the figures uttered an exclamation of surprise and joy. ‘‘Tt’'s Rube!” cried the voice of Cy Robinson —‘* Rube and the boys!” Then the torcblight revealed the surprising fact that two of the figures were the very girls for whom they had searched! A third was C Robinson, free and unfettered, while the fourt ga to be a hooded outlaw. n another moment Rodney Welland had clasped bis child in his arms, while Pete, the darky, was dancing and shouting with delight and the astounded cowboys were looking’around in vain for signs of the many outlaws they had expected to encounter. CHAPTER XVII[. A FINAL CLEARING-UP, *“*BLESS my. eyes!” cried Old Rube: “ Whar are ther pes y cattle-lifters? I don’t see bat ‘one o’ ’em, an’ he seems kinder peaceable like. His clothes are all slashed like he’d bin run through er thrasber, an’ he’s bleedin’, too!” It was true the hooded man’s garments were cut here and there and spotted with blood in places, “To this unknown I owe my life,” explained ‘Cy Robinson. ‘But for him you would have found hese of outlaws to contest your way. Black Phenix himself would have been with them. Over my capture or held a = tect carousal, and the chief fully uy ‘Une : } intended to Cowboy Chris to the Fore. kill me; but this unknown friend managed to drug the liquor which all save the leader were drinking, and they were overcome by the stuff. Tben he met the chief hand to band, and they fought with knives. The result is plain, Our benefactor is here; the chief lies dead back there with a knife in his throat. All the other outlaws we bave bound hand and foot. They are still unconscious from the drug.” A shout of delight came from the cowboys, and they crowded around the hooded man, eager ly shaking bis hands. ‘““Yowre a Jim-dandy, pard, ef you wuz one o’ ther cussid ban’!” cried Rube, “ But [ was not one of the band,” was the as- sertion, ‘‘I found my way into the cave by the entrance often used to admit stolen cattle. Once inside, I succeeded in knocking over one of the outlaws and assuming his part, bis clothes and hood fully disguising me. I have been more suc- cessful than I dared hope possible, for I have de- stroyed the wretch who ruined my sister and caused her death, That dastardly work has kept meon the trail of the Black Phenix for the last two years. Now my work of vengeance is com- pleted.” ‘* Wal, you’re er hustler, pard. you don’t need thet head-dress no longer. yank it off an’ let us git a look at yer phiz.” The man removed the hood, and a shout of amazement came from the cowboys as they saw his face revealed by the torchlight. / It was Pablo Pajario ! ‘ Wal, may I be ding-blasted!” gasped Round- up Rube. ‘It is ther Greaser! Then who in thunder wuz ther Black Phenix!” Pablo laughed, shortly. ‘* Rollow me and you shall see,” he said, He led the way back into a wing of the cavern where the outlaws were lying about on the floor in various positions, all sleeping soundly from tha effect of the drug and all secured, bands and feet, Stepping over the prostrate forms, the Mexican led the way to where one rigid figure lay with his white face upturned to the black roof of the cave, his eyes wide open but forever sightless, the haft of a knife rising above his throat. In his rigid hand was clasped another knife, ‘‘Here ke is, senors,” fell from Pablo’s lips; ‘‘ here is the man who destroyed my sister! He had an equal chance with me, but my knite found bis throat, Pepita is avenged!” ‘‘ Holy smoke!” sbouted Round-up Rube. ‘* Ttis Orson Colfax !” And the Tenderfoot Rancher it truly was, although the cowboys could scarcely believe the evidence of their eyes. “When he met my sister in Mexico,” explain- ed the avenger, ‘‘he was known as Pablo Fernandez. Orson Colfax was simply one of his many false names, I suspected Colfax was the Black Phenix, and for that reason I bired with him, He played his part skillfully, and I do uot think more than one or two of his cow- bos suspected he was the Scourge.” y Robinson turned away, sick at heart, and walked toward the girls and the two young men, Chris and Fred, who, with Pete, the darky, had not entered the wing of the cavern where lay the unconscious outlaws and their dead chief. “My God!” muttered the rancher. ‘Can it be that woman told the truth?—can it be that that wretch back there was my own son? Even if it is so, lam glad he is dead! The world is well rid of such a curse.” They did not wait for the cowboys, but Chris led the way out of the cave, returning to the open air by means of the steps which led up into the cabin of the woman who had been known as the Yellow Witch. Sbe was still lying bound and helpless, and when they appeared, she rent the air with her imprecations. Chris hurried the young women out of the but, and a party of cowboys from the Diamond Ranch met them at the door. ‘“‘ Hyer we are!” cried the leader. “ It looks like we wuz too late, but we kem fast as critters c’u’d kerry us. Boss wuz too bruck up ter come; hain’t bin outer his room sence yistiddy.” “* Who is attending your boss?” asked Cy Rob- inson, ‘* Jack Kipper, sir.” ‘* Well, when you return, take my advice and hang Jack Kipper up to dry with a rope round his neck, If you want to know what I mean, en go in there, slide down those stairs and fol- ow your noses till you come to where my men are. They will show you something worth looking at.” When the cowhoys had entered the cave, the ranchman went back into the but, Crouching beside the woman who had so deceived him in the past, Cy Robinson told her But, [reckon Jest encouraged Nina by saying there was plenty of 15 $$$ ————————— eee eee eee oom of the death of the Black Phenix and the wreck of her schemes for revenge. But the woman would not believe the chief was dead. * Pablo—my Pablo dead?” she cried. ‘‘ Baht ycu are trying to deceive me, Cyrus Robinson Y” “Tam telling you the sclemn truth,” he as- sured. ‘‘ Your Pablo—the one your lying tongue tried to make me believe was my son—is dead.” “Dead!” she gasped, seeming dazed, “‘ He was so young—barely twenty. And still he had made such a name, with my aid!” “ Only twenty?’ questioned the man. “ Why, as Orson Colfax, he looked twenty-five, at least! Was he only twenty?” « That is all,” camé méchanically from her lips. “Then ycu lied to me, woman!” cried the rancher, sternly. ‘If he were my child, he would be twenty-one. That is the age of my daughter.” The cowboys now appeared bearing the bod of the dead chief, Whenshesaw the silent chief, the woman burst into tears, sobbing: ‘Oh, my boy, my own boy! Dead, dead, dead!” “You have now fully betrayed yourself,” came coldly from Cy Robinson. ‘‘ This was in- deed your own son and not mine, Tell me one thing, then your bands shall be released. Who was bis father?” “The man whom you believed you killed—my lover.” “That is enough,” added the rancher, ‘“‘ Re- lease her, boys!” ‘We have one favor ter ax fu’st, boss,” said Round-up Rube. *“ What is it?” “Ther privilege of playin’ Jedge Lynch with them critters down below.” “Treat them as you think their acts merit.” As Cy Robinson, the negro, Rodney Welland and the young people were riding with their backs toward the bills, a strangé tribunal was held in the underground chamber. Neveragain did Black Phenix’s band of cattle-lifters trouble the Valley of the San Juan. The Scourge had been scourged and the peace of a happy and prosperous region was unbroken. Perbaps there are one or two points requiring explanation. It will be remembered that on the night of Nellie Welland’s abduction the Black Phenix ap- peared outside the Robinson Ranch while Orson Colfax was with those who were searching for the missing girl, In that instance, as well as at various other times, the character of the chief was assumed by the mother! An undergarment of finely-woven steel links protected Black Phenix many times from the bullets of his enemies and made him scem quite invulnerable, This was worn by the woman at the time of her appearance at the ranch, Pablo Pajario had suspected the presence of this protection, and bad buried bis knife in bis enemy’s throat instead of striking at bis heart. Pablo it was who fired Colfax’s buildings, A locket, which he wore over his heart, and which contained a picture of his dead sister, had stop- ped Colfax’s bullet, and thus aided in making the cowboys believe Pablo was truly the invul- nerable Black Phenix. Whisky Jim and Nevada Mike met a just doom with the rest of the outlaws; but Jack Kipper took the alarm and escaped. uanita Fernandez, the evil genius of it all, also disappeared. There was another night of pr de hate gh the Robinson Ranch, and Pete fairly ‘knocked de stuffin’” out of his banjo, answering every call for a song, and putting so wuch vigor into his singing, that, as he afterward remarked, bis voice on the following day was all ‘‘ kerbu’sted out ob jint.” Pablo Pajario was a guest on that oceasion, and even Old Rube acknowledged he was “quite er cuss fer a Greaser,” which was a great admission for the cowboy to make. J The marriage of Fred and Nell was not long delayed, Then they settled down on the Dia- mond Ranch, which had been purchased by ne Robinson, the amount paid being justly divid among those of the San Juan Valley who had suffered loss at the hands of the cattle-lifters. Fred was given all the time he wished in which to lift the *‘ non-interest paying ” mortgage upon the place! Rodney Welland made his home with them; and Pete became one of the fixtures of the place, of course, And Chris? ‘ Well, Chris sometimes declared be did not — think he would ever marry; but Nell secretly — time for him to.change bis mind. ney | "THE END, met}
Page 16
DIST Yt, Oey: Dee ET ——___ BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers, 4 posawooe pack re weweises or, Buffaso Ben 5 Deadwoo ck in « Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. &7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 4 posers’ nek = rm aye or, Calamity 2 ind, Be Heroine end wood ¢k’s Laat Acti or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick {n Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, ‘The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’sa Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonds Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 166 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’« Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’sa Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 05 peas woes cone tery Bg eae Senet Adventure. end wood ek’ Dend Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 4 mpeances dp he Divide a Spirit of Swamp Lake. end woo ck’sa Death Trall, 809 Deadwood Dick’a Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. ot hho! Phone phosent or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats end wo ek’s Dueatas or, Days in the Diggings. 851 Deadwood Diek Sentenced; or, The Terrible Fondetta. rey peagneee dt 4 Claim. endwood cK in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick's awiente,” 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’a Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 445 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimaon Crescent Sign, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Defiance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’4 Full Hand. 459 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s Racket at Claim 10, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. p dy ponewees wok, Jr.'s, vee Detective. end wood ck. Jr., In Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.a, Compact. 496 Deadwood Jr.’s. Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Diggings. 65608 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’«, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick Jdroa Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, ree. 629 Veadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducka, 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Peath Hunt. 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 6414 Doendwoed Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocg 649 Deadwooa nek, Jr., on Mia Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boaton. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, 5672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. Aflont. HS4 Deadwoot Dick. in Denver. 5690 Deadwood Dick, Decree. 595 Dendwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick. Jr. tn Cincinnatl. 624 Deadwood Dick. Jr., In Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. In Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jra, Chase Across the Continent aee eee ood peed $Pee Among the Mangelers- cad wood ek r.’*®, lnaurance Caac. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr., ta Purangot or, Gathered In.” ona Breaeed mee pe neareny ss Found a Fortune, endwood Dick, Jr.’a. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s. Dollara. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide. Z00 Deadweod Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. TOA Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. T10 Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Franclseo, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a Still Hunt. T22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Diagutac, TB4 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’*, Double Deal, TA0 Deadwood Dick Jr.'s. Deathwatch, T47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Doublet. 7T52 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. 75S Deadwood Dick, dr.’s Vesperate Stralt, 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Mand. 770 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’a Detcat. Z76 Deadweod Bick, Jr.'a4, Reaurrection, TR2 Deadwood Dick. drs Dark Days. 7ST Dendweod Dick Jr., Defled. 792 Deadwood Pick, Jr.’«, Double Device. 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture, | got hectesea Bie’ $ric pentyak™ cadwo ck Jr’«, Roya ush, 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Mead-off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Rival. 8232 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 34 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, tags G 40 Deadwood Pick, Jr.’«, Cintch, 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devils Guich. 858 Deadweod Dick, Jr.’s, Peath-Hole Hustle. ore neecwees spel dx.'9 Beverett, wea ck, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. In Silver Pocket. R9L Deadweed Dick, Jr.'s, Dead-Sure Game, SYS Deadweed Pick, Jr.’«, Double Drive. 904 Deadwoed Pick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark, 910 Deadweod Pick, Jr., at BS tk 916 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.'s Double-Decker, ° 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. at Dollaryille. 984 Deadwoed Dick, Jr., at Flush Flata 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Shake-up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drops 951 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Gold-Dust. PTL Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Oath, HTT Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom, 986 Deudwood Dick, Jr.'s, Beat Card, 992 Deadwood Dick, dr.; at Gold Dust. 99R Deadwood Diek, Jr.’«, Big Play. 1005 Readwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011 Dred woed Itck, Jr.’a, Dutch Pard. 10183 Deadwood Dics, Jr.’«, Big Four. BY T. J. FLANAGAN, 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. 925 The Vou Cowboy Captain. 988 The Two (Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First . Crafee, The Three Lieutenants 59 The Maseot Middy ; or, The Four Commanders, 966 Fiehting Jack Shubric mf 2 Fighting Jack’s Middies ; or, Dandy Dick’s D; ack Lang, the Privateer Rover, © (1014 Middy Ned, tke Runaway, nm BEADLE'S«H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Eadh Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy), the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee's Surround 281 Denver Doll’« Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 255 Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’a Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. : B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nese. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sterra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Samy Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 5 Oaptain Ferret, the New York Detective. 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 6 The Arab Detective ; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Valtures. 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 Rifle 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 Ress Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bil}, 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 ; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. o- © 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kide; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Senlakin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten, 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. 948 Old Haysreed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway BIlly, the Bootbiack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Difikilty.” 557 Broadway tie Peath Racket. 579 Broadway BIllly’« Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Acts or, The League of Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s« Beats or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy In Clover. 696 Brordway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers. 708 Broadway Bully’s Brand. Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand: or, The Gamin Detective, 785 Broadway Billy’« Business, 788 Broadway Billy’s Curtous Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective, 769 Brondway Billy, the Retriever Detective. 775 Broadway Billy’« Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, 786 Broadway Billy’« Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’« Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, 796 Broadway Billy’a Queer Bequest, 800 Broadway Billy Vaffed, 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’« Wipe Out. 815 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. 821 Rroadway Billy’s Blof. 826 Broadway Billy Ammons Jersey Thuga. 8838 Broadway Billy’«a Raid. S89 Broadway Billy’« Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’« Big Bulge. 840 Broadway Billy's #100,000 Snap. 856 Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. 862 Broadway Billy in Lendon. Billy Shadows London Slama. ST4 Broadway Billy’s French Game. 880 Lroadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, 860 Kilver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without s Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dade 506 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night ae Detective. B71 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Ove. 615 Fighting Narry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Rareback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tyrewrtter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the“ Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bar, S87 Battery Kob. the Dock Detective, 894 Arizona Dick's W ipe-Ont. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Ratety Sam, the Cvele Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kuastler Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum, 941 The Bowling Green Petective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy’ Charlie’« Double. 3 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 81000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat. the Street-Boy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob's Hot Scorch, 997 Beoreher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Scorcher Sam’s Sweep-Stake «. 1009 Tae Girt Oy clis.’s Winning Hand. BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNE. 956 Brooklyn Rob’« Bulge; or, Dodger Dot’s Diamond Snap, 968 The East-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. 868 Broadway sified BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 1018 Buffalo Bill’« T. xas Team. 1007 Baffalo Bill’« Sure-Shots. 1000 Baffalo Kills Decoy Boys. < 995 Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dénd-Shot Ned , the Kansas Kid. 988 Buffalo Bill's Lasso Throwers. 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo BUls« Rifle Shota. 968 Buffalo Bills Kush tide; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer, 964 Buffalo Bill's Decoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot. 9558 Buffalo Bill's Mazeppa-Chase. , 948 Buffalo Bill’« Snap-Shet ; or, Wild Kid's Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bil’s Boy Mascots or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo BUl’s Crack-shot Pard, 650 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bilson Bill, the Prince ot the Reins, 222 Bison Bill’s Clue; or. Grit, the Biavo Sport. BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood ; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, 1029 The Pharntem Spy. BY CAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. S, A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, 194 Buffalo BIll’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1081 The Texan Huatlers in Cuba. 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Ouba 1025 The Flying ¥ ankee or, The Ocean Ontcast. 1028 The Cowboy Clan In Cuha. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba. 982 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. ¢ York Nat’s in Colorado. y York Nat in Goid Nugget Camp. y York Nat’s Deadly Veal, y York Nat's Crook-Chase. S77 New York Nat’« Trump Card, STL New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gumin Detective, 858 Diek Doowm’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 42 Dick Deom’s Flush Hand. 2 Dick Doom’s« Denath-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, 7 Dick Room’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 4 Dick Doom; or. the Sharps and Sharks of New York. 8 Dick Doom in Boaton; or, A Man of Many Masks. $ Dick Doom tn Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild West. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Peath Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal, 819 Dick Doom’s« Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’« Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Hig Houl. 749 Dashing Charlic; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. 756 Dashing Charlic’« Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlic’s Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’e Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; cr, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee Btll, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bifl; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bill's Plede; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’a Cur tous Case: o, The Rival Sharps. Kedfern at De vil’ Kaneh; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s High Hand; ‘or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, Ana Fifty Others, BY LIEUT. A. K, SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affwir at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike, 568 The Dandy ef Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sport: or, Josh Peypermint’s Jubilee. 588: Saffron Sel, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dotch Videcg; or, Hot Times at Round-U 611 Biland Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gidy the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Bimple Sim, the Rroncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes, 712 The Meameriat Sports or, The Mystified Detective. 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. 45 Kanaae Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective. 778 The Rustler of Rolling &tene. 785 Lone Hand Joe the Committee of One, 801 Kent Kirby, the Hieh-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete etive In Texas. 872 Two Showmen IV ctectives in Colorado, 987 The Texan Fir ebranda: or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES. 1088 Kanans King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill. 1089 Mustang Merle, the Boy Rancher. By Maj § 8S. Scott. 1040 Buffalo Bill’« Pony Patrol. By Col. P- Ingraham, 1041 Cowboy Chris to the Fore By Wm. W. Wilder. 1042 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. P. Ingraham,’ 1048 You Bet Bob from Cross Crick. By Arizona Cy. JUST ISSUED. 1088 You Ret Bob’« Cireus. By Arizona Cy, 1084 The Gold Witch's Skadower. By Col. P. Ingham, ; 1085 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, By ll Coomes, ‘ 1086 Dandy Dick’s Double. By Robert R. Inman, 1087 The Artist Detective. By Col. P. Ingraham, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newadealers, iyo: gents per copy, or sent by mail on receint of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ~ 92 William Street, New York, -