Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 104) (1879 07 22)
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Jeelatalstattala LLL GY =| ‘mt! i! i i a nt ot i i! a! a Ta N. Y., as Second Class Matter. Copyrighted in 1879 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, July 22, 1879. ———_—$——————————— _ — Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. DEADWOOD DICK’S DEVICE; or, The Sign of the Double Cross, BY EDWARD L. WHLEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ DEATH-FACE, DETECTIVE,” ‘( WATCH-EYR,” ‘‘ CANADA CHET,” ETC., ETC. SHE SAID, AUTHORITATIVELY.
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2 Deadwood Dick’s Device; _ The Sign of the Double. Cross, A WILD, STRANGE TALE OF THE LEADVILLE MINES—OF MEN OF STEEL—OF TOUGHS AND TIGERS—OF ROAD-AGENTS, REGULATORS, AV- ENGERS, ADVENTURERS—AND OF THE THRILL- ING LIFE IN. THE NEW. ELDORADO. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS; ‘‘ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETC; CHAPTER I. DAVID HOWELL’S, WILL. A STORM v-as upon Leadville. Such a storm as is not usual in that high latitude--a regular tornado of wind, together with a copious shower of rain, and the play of lightning combined with the roll of thunder. From noon of a warm spring day it had been gathering in the heavens, in threatening puffs of black and gray, with that purple tinge to the horizon suggestive of a concealed riot. Then had the heavens grown darker and dark- er, as well as the day. At the first rumble of the heavy thunder men came from the mines and shook their heads doubtfully. They h about as well run the risk of their life below ground, as to face the elements above. Business was suspended in the town until lamps. could be lighted; indeed, few could do anything but stand and watch the strange shapes and colors of the clouds that every instant threatened to spill their contents over the moun- tain metropolis. A man was riding toward the town from in the direction of the mountains, at a rapid gallop —a man enveloped in a heavy hin with a slouch hat so drawn down over his face as to hide his identity, which evidently was his pur- pose. As he rode he glanced skyward occasionally, as if anxious that the storm should hold off un- til a reached the town, yet distant a couple of miles, The narrow road or trail over which he gallop- ed, was lined with stunted pines, and an under- growth of young chaparral, which gave it a gloomy appearance, even in daytime, to say nothing of its night somberness. There was an occasional cabin scattered along ‘the trail, but they were generally vacant, hav- ing been built and deserted by stampeders—a class of miners who invade every strike, but ~**pull out” at the first warning for better pas- “tures. ‘The horse upon which the rider was mounted, “wus a large thoroughbred bay, with an abund- ‘ance of life and spirit, and it needed but a word from its master to quicken its pace. ‘*On! Spot! on, old fellow, or we'll surely get a ducking!” the rider said, studying the angry face of the heavens. ‘I do not care about offer- ing myself as a target for a hurricane. It is go- ing to be a hard pull for the town, down there 0. the plateau, and the morning’s paper of to- taorrow will have a whole column of obituary news about broken window-panes and disman- tied roofs, if I mistake not. Hello!” He involuntarily drew rein as a woman glid- «1 from the chaparral, in front of his horse. cad waved her hand for him to stop. He had not the slightest idea as to what she wanted * bat cow combined with curiosity, ca ‘Lim to give her audience, **Stop!” she said, authoritatively; and the horseman saw her pull the vail down closer over her face. “Stop a bit, sir! You are wanted at the Dead Pine Tract.” **T, madam?” the stranger echoed, in evident surprise. “ Pray explain—” “There is nothing to explain, more than I have told you. You are wanted at the cabin of Dave Howell, on the Dead Pine Tract, and if you’re at all anxious to strike a fat pan, you'll cit along.” And turning, the woman glided back into the chanarral, as mysteriously as she had come. “Well, Tu be jigg !” the horseman mut- tered, watching her retreat until she had disap- peared. “If I was inclined to believe in mani- estations, I should say I had received a cail. ‘he woman was too cleverly disgui for one to recognize her, nor do I think I have ever heard her voice.” A few drops of rain upon the leaves above Deadwood Dick’s Device. him, and a glance at the whitish gray and pur- ple sky, seemed to decide the rider as to his course. “T will go to Dead Pine Tract,” he declared. “Tt is a good way of avoiding the storm, and if it is a trap for me, as [ more than half sus- pect, I’ve a pair of tools in my belt that have never gone back on me, to “ recollection.” And with a low laugh, the incognito gave rein to his horse, and galloped away in a course opposite to that which he had been pursuing. he wind increased to a very gale, carrying with it dust, leaves, sticks and rain, and the thunder boomed a deep angry solo to the light- ning’s flash. Still the lone horseman sp on, bravely fighting his way through the now fierce tornado, which howled around him like so many infuriated demons. At last, however, he struck into a section of timbered ‘country, almost within sight of Lead- ville, which bore the name of Dead Pine Tract, from the. fact that every pine tree in the piece of timber was dead—a tall gaunt trunk only standing with seamed sides to tell where the fatal lightning had left its mark during some former storm. Here the wind did not strike so heavily, for the tract was pking on the east by an abrupt line of hills that checked the force of the low- flying winds of the howling land hurricane. Threading the forest of dead pines by way of a well-beaten trail, the horseman soon emerged into a glade comprising some fifteen acres which had been but rudely cleared of logs and debris, and containing two buildings—a cabin, and a large slab shed over the mouth of a shaft. “This must be the place where I am wanted,” the rider muttered, guiding his horse up to the door, and drawing rein. ‘‘ This must be the fa- mous Howell mine, of which the Leadville pa- pers have been incessantly blowing. A rich strike, too, they say—equal to the Little Pitts- burg on Freyer Hill.” There seemed to be no life about the premises, judging from external appearances; so, dis- mounting. and tethering his horse, the stranger rapped smartly on the door. After a few moments footsteps were audible crossing the floor, and the door was opened by a Chinaman—a ba yee, mischievous-looking almond eyed son of Confucius he was, too, clad in the style customary with his class. ‘* Whatee ’Melican man wantee?” he demand- ed, looking so serious as to appear most comi- cal. “‘T wish to know what I’m wanted for, as much as anything,” the stranger replied, ban- teringly. ‘I was sent here bya vailed wo- man, who remarked that my presence was de- sirable in this cabin. Show me in, you pig-tailed rascal !” The Celestial obeyed, and the stranger found himself in a large rudely furnished room, con- taining such traps and trimmings as you will find in any miner’s -hut—i. e. cooking utensils, while a table and bed occupied a large portion of the space. A man lay eee the bed, evidently suffering great pain, for his face was contorted, and his eyes bulged wildly from their sockets. He was very thin and bony, and his haggard appear- ance was increased by the ragged condition of his garments. A man sat upon a stool by the stove, frying some meat—a rough, common looking person- age, who did not look as if he was gifted with more than an ordinary stock of brains. The person upon the bed looked up eagerly, as he heard footsteps crossing the floor, and saw the stranger standing above him. His ries seemed to grow less wild in their glare, and the expression upon his features less rigid. Who are your” he demanded, in a hoarse, gasping tone; ‘‘ who sent you?” “My name is Harris; Edward Harris, at your service,” the stranger replied, turning down his collar and raising his hat, thereby revealing a handsome, manly face. ‘I came hither at the instigation of a vailed woman, who intercepted me back here in the forest.” “Tt is well. She kept her word tome. Your name is Edward Harris, eh?” “At your service—at least, such is the name I choose to sail under.” ‘Harris! Harris!” the old man muttered thoughtfully, as if trying to recall some past and gone memory. ‘‘ Hdward Harris! It seems to me that that name has reached my hearing before—ah! yes! I knew I was not wrong;— Edward Harris—Deadwood Dick!” “The same, originally!” the : by the bedside replied. Have you a ered against Deadwood Dick?” y “None!” the old man answered, with a chuckle. ‘‘ Deadwood Dick never did me any harm, and is not likely to, since he was lynch- ed, but a few days ago, in Leadville. As to the similarity in your names, it is not singular, for Harris is not an uncommon name.” a oe not,” the stranger replied, with a smile. ‘If there is anything I can do for you, be pleased to state what.” “Yes! yes! I had almost forgotten that time is flying, and ushering me into eternity. For, as you may have observed, I am dying, young man—dying, and suffering the most acute pain. Life won’t hang to me much longer, and I may as well sum up my business, at once, Are you married, Edward Harris?” ing “Tam a widower,” Deadwood Dick replied, a cloud coming over his face, “Tt is well. I know you would be a kind husband; your ve resence seems to tell me so. Now listen, and I shall tell you my plans. Iam known as a miser, in this section of the country, because I chose to remain a recluse, and refused to share my gains with the world— with the world, understand you, which grasps everything in its way with a merciless gripe. Never did a hungry human leave my cabin, or a distressed one—yet they call me a miser, because I would not share with the rich—be- cause I couldn’t find it convenient to let a pack of greedy relatives step into my shoes. “T have a brother and his family, who are anxious to have me die, so that they can step into my shoes, They have even set spies to watch me, and see that I leave my property to no one else but them. But those spies have relinquished the job, and I have yet life enough to outwit my eager relatives. Ay! I'll cut them off without a penny, for I hate them, even as ee hate me.” e paused for a moment as if racked by pain or passion. “ Until a few days ago, [had a child to watch over me, but they came and took her away, supposing that my will would place her in pos- session of my propery» and as her guardian they could have the handling of it, and ulti- mately swindle her out of it. But, we shall see them balked in their designs. Be seated, young man, and, you Cherub, bring the table nearer, with ink, pen, and paper—also the little tin safe I keep in the red chest.” While Edward Harris became seated, the Chinaman hastened to obey the old man’s orders, and the table with the requisite articles was soon drawn up close to the bedside. David Howell was then bolstered up with pil- lows to a sitting position, so that he could write, with the table as a desk. Before beginning operations, he drank deeply from a bottle he had in the bed; then he seized the pen in a hand that trembled like an n. Write he did, however, upon the paper, although it was after a scrawling fashion. Steadil , although death seemed to cast its hovering shadow over him; nor did he speak until he had finished; his whole soul seemed to concentrate with the words that formed at the point of his pen upon the paper. When he had made the last stroke, he laid the pen aside, and handed the paper to Ned Harris. ‘Read it aloud! I can better tell, then, if it is as I desire,” he said, sinking back exhausted, upon the pillow. - Deadwood Dick did as directed, although he grew greatly surprised, as he read. : The document read as follows, having append- ed thereunto the date, and place: “Being in sound and sane state of mind, and knowing that my death is but a matter of afew hours, I, David Howell, miner, of the town of Lead- ville, State of Colorado, do make my last will and testament, and append my signature in the _—— of witnesses, rte § th the presence of my God. “To Edward Harris, more widely known under the nick-name or nom de plume of Deadwood Dick, I do bequeath the whole of my real estate and personal property as it stands, unincumbered by debt or mort- age, said real estate being tract of land known as the Dead Pine Tract, containing fifteen acres, and the Howell carbonate mine, together with one cabin and one shed, and personal property embracing the con- tents of said mine, shed and cabin, such as tools, fixtures, furniture, etc. “To said Deadwood Dick, I do bequeath the guard- ianship of my daughter, Stella Howell, who, at the time of this writing, is in the custody of her uncle, Major Morton Howell, of Leadville, Col.; said Dead- wood Dick to assume her protection and support un- til she is of legal age, when if there be a mutual agreement between them, they shall marry, and keep the bequest among them ‘and their posterity. In case of no ma: , the first clause of my will to hold good, making Edward Harris, alias Deadwood Dick, my sole heir. ‘To my relatives at large, I leave one penny apiece, which my heir will hand to them, when he reads to
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them this will, and also my dying blessing, which I have no doubt they will appreciate. ‘*Signed upon my death-bed. “Davip R. Hower. { Epwarp HarRIs, “ Witnessed by ) Mose Moray.” Ned Harris and the miner at the stove append- ed their signatures, and the last will and testa- ment of the owner of Dead Pine Tract was made. ‘‘Tt's as it should be,” the dying man said, when the last stroke of the pen had been made. “It places the property forever out of the reach of my designing brother, who has been figuring for it the best he knew how.” “True!” Deadwood ee ey % ee you ao lacing your property and the life of your cbi [ the One Df aman you know little about, just to spite your ownkindred. Is this not very eccentric?” es ‘ “Perhaps so, young man, but it is my will. If you are the original Deadwood Dick I have no fears for my Star, or formy wealth, for often have I heard of Deadwood Dick as a man, who though a road-agent, was a man of honor and integrity. Besides, you are the one man to hold your own, here on Dead Pine Tract, for blood will be spilled ere the dispute for the ownership will eae Mark you, you will have to play a strong hand or they will oust you. They will fight like devils for the mine, and if you would keep it, the name of Deadwood Dick must again ring abroad, a synonym of terror.” A quiet smile stole around the lips of the great ex-road-agent, ‘‘Let them come!” he said, eoetys You have made me legally your heir, and shall hold the mine as you have directed. _ Your daughter shall be treated with marked care and respect, and you need have no fear that she will come to want, while in my care. Is thatall you have 7 to say? “Nearl . The tin safe there contains the Re- corder’s deed of the claim, which you may need to fight with! Beware that they do not steal them from you, for then they would have you in their power, completely.” ; “Never fear,” Deadwood Dick replied, with a cool laugh. “I can fight them to_the death, for having died once and returned, Phenix- like, to life, I don’t calculate that death ought wet so many terrors to me. as it once “How did you escape?” ‘That is a little secret I don’t care to reveal. I was brought back to life by my dear friend, the Girl Sport, otherwise known as Calamity Jane, She did a good job, and shall yet be re- warded, Now, about this mine—have you any hands at work in it?” : ; “None. I discharged them all this morning, when I felt death coming over me. The China- man, here, I give to you, with the assurance that you can place implicit trust in him. Mose Mobray, yonder, has been merely a worker for me, Se cook my mess, since my Stella was ab- uc “They shall remain upon the Tract, if I find them faithful,” Deadwood Dick assured. The storm now burst forth with redoubled fury, and the new heir to the Howell mine sent Cherub to take his horse in under the shelter of the shed by the shaft-mouth, P As the storm waged wild, the dying miner seemed to grow proportionately wild and rest- less, groaning aloud, and sometimes gabe in agony, either caused by pain or a tortur The man Mobray administered such medicines as were at hand, but they seemed to have little or no effect. } To Deadwood Dick this was a new epoch in his’ strangely eventful life, and he could but wonder how the venture or adventure was go- ing to end. : mind reverted to the strange vailed wo- man who had summoned him to this dying man’s side, and he wondered how she was con- nected with the future, for he felt that she was Conytat to appear again, either as friend or 08. The tornado finally spent its force, and the wind went down, while the sun burst forth over a scene of hayoc and desolation, caused by the storm—trees torn down or uprooted, buildings unroofed, and ess, and a profusion of debris hurled every where, The sun also shone in the window of the cabin on Dead Pine Tract, and lighted the path of David Howell from one world to anvther, for. as the storm abated, he sunk sg and breathed his last in a few minutes after sun light came to beckon him. conscience, —_———— ———————— oe Deadwood Dick’s Device. CHAPTER I. DEADWOOD DICK STANDS HIS GROUND. AFTER arranging with the miner, Mose Mo- bray, to see that the dead man was decently interred, Deadwood Dick mounted his horse and rode away toward Leadville. His first motive was to ride to the house of Major Howell, and acquaint him with the state of affairs. Donning a heavy false mustache and tee, before entering the town, he rode in toad main street, fearlessly. ‘Handsome, das R dauntless he looked, as he sat his saddle wit the best of grace and ease—a thoroughbred knight of the road, such as he had been in the past. But Deadwood Dick had been lynched, and the throbbing, surging mass of humanity he encountered, merely gazed upon him as an or- dinary “ pilgrim,” not dreaming that he had passed through the jaws of death and was back among them a free man. For no one now could dispute that he had paid the full penalty of the law. The Howells were a we yay (A family, both financially and socially—for Leadyille, mind you, has its social world as well as its eastern sister cities, formed out of that class whom for- tune has smiled upon. And surrounded bya great superfluity of style, mp and splendor, they set themselves up as the “superior class,” ye gods! It was among these aristocratic circles that the Howell family moved, and being possessed of considerable style, power, influence and cash, they were looked up to asone of the “first families,’ in Leadville, and held themselves austerely aloof from the commoner citizens and their families; to such an extent, it may be said, that they had but few friends and many foes, who made fun of them from the street corners as the poses, by. Upon one of the more aristocratic streets they lived in a modern mansion, newly completed, and furnished throughout with the greatest taste and elegance. Deadwood Dick found the pate by a little in- quiry, and dismounting, he fastened Spot, and ascending the polished steps, rung the bell. An ebony son of Africa soon appeared. “Here is my card,” Deadwood Dick said, tendering a card. ‘Please hand it to your master, sir.” The negro skurried hastily away, leaving Dick standing upon the steps. He soon return- ed however, his face nearly disjointed by a huge grin. De massa says as how I’se to tell you he’s not at home!” the fellow stammered. “Then you go tell him he’s a liar!” Deadwood Dick ordered, ‘‘and that I’ve important busi- ness. If he don’t grant me an interview, I'll waltz in there and tumble him out of doors, head-foremost.”’ The darky disappeared again, but when he returned he ushered Deadwood Dick into a long elaborately-frescoed hall, and up a staircase which was carpeted with velvet. Upon the first floor front, in an apartment fit for a prince, was the reception parlor and office combined, of the speculator. Into this Ned Harris was ushered, and likewise into the pres- ence of Major Howell. He was a portly individual, with a florid countenance, steel-gray eyes, and flaxen hair and mustache—a man who looked as if fast liv- ing and dissipation had been his worst enemies, He was clad in a suit of blue broadcloth, and wore a liberal display of jewelry. He arose from his easy-chair with a cold bow, as Harris entered, and motioned him toward a seat, “ Be seated, sir, if you have business with me,” he said, crustily, “‘and be so kind as to state the nature of your errand, at once.” : “Yours truly!” Deadwood Dick replied, carelessly, as he accepted the seat, and took out a cigar-case. Smoke?’ ‘*No, thank you; I do not use tobacco.” “Don’t smoke? Well, you’re just like me— I do. Sometimes I enjoy a good cigar, but tastes differ, I notice, You are the Honorable Major Howell, I presume?’ ‘Exactly so, sir.” “Then roo are the man I want to see. I came to bring you sad news—news which, if you are ed of a sensitive nature, must a your heart with grief.” “You probably intend to herald the death of my brother?’ Major Howell interrogated, eager- Vi Ido. He expired not an hour since.” “Then, [am much obliged to you for your interest {6 informing me. Having known for X, 3 several days past that he must die, I am not shocked.” “‘T observe not,” Deadwood Dick replied, con- a “You will perhaps be more shocked, however, when you hear the contents of David Howell’s will.” ‘* What! what is this you say? He did leave a will behind?” the speculator gasped, with a ‘**He did, most assuredly. I was summoned to Dead Pine Tract, and saw him draw, sign and witness the document.” The major sprung to his feet, excitedly, and paced to and fro across the soft carpet. “To whom did he leave the mine?” he finally demanded, pausing in front of Deadwood Dick, with frowning mien. “Tell me—did he leave it to his daug ter, Stella?” ** Be seated, and you shall hear,” Harris said, taking the document from his pocket, and un- oe it. ‘Here is a correct copy of the will, And then in a clear, distinct tone he read the testament of the miner, word for word, until he had arrived at the end. Then he looked up, to behold Major Howell upon his feet, livid with passion, and his hands opening and shutting like the claws of some in- furiated beast. ““You—yovw the heir of David Howell’s PTO- pert y ye he said, in a hissing tone; ‘“‘you? Tis alse, curse you—’tis false! That will is a for- gery—a damnable plot of yours to cheat me out of t 2 mine!” 5 i eile “Begging thy pardon, the same, you are mistaken!” Deadwood Dick said, ste 2 gh “The prope was legally and lawfully willed to me, and I am bound to keep it. Also, the girl, Stella!” ‘You shall not have her. She isin m session, and hang me if I don’t keep her. ile, as to you and the mine, I'll soon fire you out, and the mine will be mine. That I swear to, by all I hold sacred!” *‘T’m afraid we shall have to argue that case, and if so, it will be at the point of knife and pistol!” Deadwood Dick said, significantly. ‘** You probably have heard of Deadwood Di and when I tell you that I am he, you will please do yourself the justice to remember that I ama bad man to fool around.” “You lie! you are not Deadwood Dick. He was Jynched, in town, here, but a short time ago. ‘True, but like the Phenix he has risen from his ashes, and now stands before you!” ““Then, by Heaven, you shall go back to the scaffold, and_ hang again!” the major cried, savagely. ‘‘I’llsee that the noose fits tighter this time.” “You will do nothing of the kind,” Dick re- ang ns say sudden fierceness. ‘‘ You will calm- ly think the matter over, and conclude that i aa eee not to arouse my enmity toward ou “Bah! a fig for you or your enmity, sir road- agent. I have the power to have you taken and strung up at any minute, and you'll find it out directly, too. to my niece, I shall appoint myself ner Sperdian until : e is of age, or marries. Now, sir, leave my house, or by the Great Eternal, I'll have “a forcibly ejected, in a manner none too gentle,” “Then I'll save Sad that trouble,” Dick sai rising with a cool laugh. ‘I have no desire remaining where my presence is so undesirable. Look out for me, however. If you intend to fight with me for the Dead Pine Tract, you will have not only me to fight but a host of men as firm and true as steel. Adieu, sir major!” And turning on his heel with a haughty bow, the ex-road-agent quitted the room. Major Howell followed him until he saw him leave the house; then he returned to his room, cursing furiously. _ “Ten thousand furies seize that fellow! He is my enemy, henceforth, and one I need have cause to fear, for he never leaves a wrong un- avenged, nor a fancied insult unpunished. Curse him! curse the brother of mine, who. made that will! But it must not be so—it shall not be so; the Howell mine shall belong to me, and that before many days. I will wait until Alfred comes, and he ey have some plan to offer. The mine is one of the richest inall Leadville, and there is room enough to put down several more shafts on the same property. For that reason, the bequest of David Howell is mine and clearl mad was he, in willing the tract away from hie own relatives to a total stranger, and that man the notorious Deadwood Dick.” The followi contained an ’ a the L.adville Neers e something a: follows, which
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— / Deadwood Dick’s Device. 1} of course threw the town into a commotion of mer and profound wonderment. is is what it said: “DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN. ‘““Those who witnessed the execution of this notable criminal, will no doubt be astonished to learn that he is still alive, and was in town last evening, a free man, for, having been hanged ‘by the neck once, until pronounced dead, there is no law that can touch him for past offenses. How he ever came to life isa mystery nobody can. solve, unless he was resuscitated by the no- torious female, known as Calamity Jane. Our new sheriff, Lieutenant France, has been medi- tating upon a plan of arresting Sir Dick, but has not arrived at a definite conclusion. It is to be hoped, however, that the people will take the law into their own hands, and give the notorious Richard another boost!” The result of this piece of information was to set the town literally on “edge,” and every man and his neighbor kept an eye out for the ex-road- agent, while hands were ready to give him the second bist suggested by Leadville’s flourishing bis geome newspaper, the News. he sentiments of public and paper seemed identical. That evening saw a large crowd assembled at the Coliseum, which is, or was then, the princi- yal theater of the town, and the ae one giving a decent varie‘y performance. usiness for several weeks previous had been falling off, but the new announcements for the week, such as the Fontainbleau Children, Miss Coral De Vere, Fanny Farron, and a few others, served to pack the rude little theater. The crowd was largely composed of men, although a few miners had brought their fam- ilies along, to witness the sport, seeing no harm in it—there being none in reality, except for the fact that the patrons were generally a rough, lawless set, and that liquor was served among the audience. The performance was made up of several negro farces, the Fontainbleaus in pantomimes and dances, Coral De Vere in athletic feats, and Miss Fanny Farron, the star of the evening, in fancy pistol practice, and later, in serio- comic songs, after which the stock company ap- peared in a blood-curdling drama, the hero of which was billed as Wildcat Jack. To Fanny Farron, however, was bestowed the lion’s share of the applause by the rough audi- ence, for being an adept in the art of pistol ractice, she — won her way into their rude ut strangely enthusiastic admiration. She was in one sense a beautiful woman. But nineteen or twenty years had over her head; she was spirited and rosy; her form was an admirable embodiment of elegant woman- hood and perfect grace of movement, while her face was of nature’s happiest mold, the fea- tures all pleasing and gifted with sweetness of expression, that in turn shone from her dusky blue eyes. Her complexion was light, and a wealth of hair of corresponding color fell in a flossy wave over her plump shoulders. Taken at a glance she was a charming and beautiful creature—at least, she so appeared, as viewed from the auditorium of the theater. During her pistol practice the man, Wildcat Jack, who was to act in drama, served her in the ca = Be assistant, and he seemed to mark the triumphs with an envious eye. He was a dark, swarthy-looking fellow, with a brigandish mustache, and the general air of a lawless character, which he was to impersonate in the drama. But he was after the t of his audience, and was of course admired by them. Back of the pit, in the auditorium, was an elevated platform, on a level with the stage, or higher, where a bar was kept, and where late comers who could not find seats, were permitted to stand. Tonight it was occupied by several loungers, prominent among whom were several who are to play parts in this romance of the King City of the Colorado. Calamity Jane stood leaning against a pillar that supported the gallery, watching the per- formance with indifferent interest. Old Avalanche stood near by, and another rsonage who was none other than Deadwood ick, was seated near the edge of the platform smoking a cigar. The stormy applause which had followed the conclusion of Fanny Farron’s pistol practice, had not yet died out, when a pistol-shot rung through the theater, and the bullet cut awa the feather p.ume that ornamented the ex road agent’s hat. _ At the same time a half-dozen men sprung from their seats in the auditorium, and made a rush toward the spot where Deadwood Dick had now gained his feet, a cocked revolver in either hand. “Hurrah! fifty dollars to the man who captures the outlaw, Deadwood Dick! Yon- der he stands, my hearties. Take him!” cried a voice, and the new sheriff, Lieutenant France, leaped to the front. * Halt! stand back there! If you come a step further, I'll fill you so full of cold lead that you won’t be able to swim fer a month. Stand back, you cowardly dogs, if you don’t want to bite the dust!” It was Calamity Jane who gave the last com- mand, ina ringing voice, and a leap erty a is her beside Ni arris, who coolly stood ground. The tools of the sheriff hesitated. Enough of the prowess of the Girl Sport had they seen, since her coming to ville, to believe that she would shoot, did they disobey ; and then, Deadwood Dick stood ready for the battle, with Old Avalanche on his left, thus forming a dangerous trio. The whole audience had arisen to their feet, and knives and revolvers were AB ebay MF displayed, while a silence, almost painfully in- tense, seemed for a moment to reign. “Surrender!” Sheriff France said, sternly. ““’Tis no use for you to resist, sir outlaw!” “TJ will not surrender!” Deadwood Dick re- pe coolly. ‘Neither am I an outlaw. By ging, [ expiated my crimes, and having been brought back to life, I am lawfully a free man!” “The hanging was but a farce, and you’ve got to swing a “* Halt!” Deadwood Dick cried again, sharply, and the men obeyed his command. ‘‘If you come a step further, you come at your peril. As a free man, I have a right to protect myself. If you make a move to lay a hand on me, your life shall pay the forfeit, and the crime will rest upon your own heads. Three we are, to be sure, but you will learn that self-defenders can rain as straight and true as the pangs of eath. ** Bet yer boots on that!” Calamity added, a sparkle of enthusiasm in her eyes. ‘“ Thar’ll eye a pilgrim kiss terra Jirma, before Dead- w Dick again stretches hemp!” “Great ham-bone, yes. Kerwhoop! Come on, ye infernal galoots, ef ye want to snag yer- selves ag’in’ a consarned cyclone—a ragin’ bull- storm o’ boreal annihilation, imported right down from ther northern lattytudes and longy- toads! Come on, I tell ye, if ye want ter find ther iw and undeviatin’ trail ter Brimstun Lake! e’re ther b’yes an’ gal as kin steer yer ae wi’ lead purgatory pel- e But the gang hesitated; certain death stared him in the face who made the initiatory step; consequently none there were eager to court the grim King of Terrors, Thus the situation was, when the curtain sud- denly rung up, and Fanny Farron stepped for- ward to the eg ee clad in a dashing costume the skirt being s rt, and the arms bare, bu richly bejeweled. The orchestra struck up, and played the ac- compainments to a popular song; then the voice of a star burst forth in a fascinating song, the words and the music being sin ly sweet and entrancing. One by one the crowd turned and resumed their seats, until but a half a dozen composed the tableau upon the auditorum, By the magic influence of her voice and her wondrous presence, the songstress had won over the crowd! Only the few remained, and seeing that they took no notice of her, the oe woman made a motion to the orchestra and they struck upa piece of jig music. Then, seizing a rope that was tossed to her. she began the sree rm -rope dance, her small feet playing in perfect time with the music. This was the act that moved the rough audi- ence to a wild tumult of clamorous applause, which continued so long as the little foot-like fairy continued to dance. Even Sheriff France and his men were forced to turn and admire and applaud! And durin this juncture Calamity Jane touched Deadw Dick upon the arm.. ‘‘ Now’s yer time!” she whispered. “ There’s a door behind you; back out!” “Never!” Dick replied. ‘‘ This thing may as well be settled here as anywhere else, and I’m going to see it out if it costs my life.” CHAPTER IIL THE BATTLE—DEADWOOD DICK’S WARNING. ‘THEN I’m with you to the death!” Calamit said, sternly. ‘‘ But don’t put too much confi- dence in that woman, yonder. She is a viper— a she-devil, gifted with a pleasant face and at- tractive form. Look out for her!” “What do you know about her?’ Deadwood Dick demanded, ina low, surprised tone. ‘‘When did you ever know her?” ‘Never at all, but Iam_not a student of hu- man nature for nothing. Mark my words, she isa fraud.” The fairy of the footlights now ceased her dancing amid a tremendous tumult of applause, ye ie of retiring, she advanced to the foot- 1g ““My audience!” she said, in a clear, ringing voice, that had in it a subtle pewer of attraction “‘T thank you kindly for your appreciation, and I feel that I have already warmed your tr rude natures toward me. This is just what want. I want you all to be my friends, and to all come here and hear me sing. But, there is one thing I must ask of you—that you will lay no hand of harm upon Deadwood Dick. If you do, I have sung for you the last time.” Then she turned and tripped behind the scen: while the crowds in the auditorium hooted an applauded until grown hoarse. Death to Deadwood Dick!” shouted Sheriff France at the top of his voice. “A hundred dollars to the man that captures the road-agent, dead or alive.” This offer put a new aspect on affairs. A score of men sprung toward the platform, with drawn revolvers. “Surrender!” ordered France. ‘’Tis useless to resist!” “No, ’tis not useless!” Deadwood Dick cried. ae 2 take me at all, it shall be dead—never alive And raising a cocked revolver in either hand, he shot down two of the foremost men quicker than a flash. Then, in concert with Calamity Jane and Old Avalanche, he poured in a deadly fire, every bullet counting a death-yell. The theater was a pandemonium of wild, strange sounds; on every hand the deadly report of revolvers, while a panic-stricken crowd a frantically to find egress from the building. Bullets flew like scattered hail; wild yells and screams of victory or agony played a weird ac- companiment to the revolver’s crack. One by one the lamps were fanned out by the flying bullets, until kness reigned complete within the theater. But upon the platform Deadwood Dick still stood his ground, while Calamity Jane and Old Avalanche were at his side, fighting determined- ly, knowing that life and death depended upon . the issue. Below the platform the howling mob still surged, firing constantly, but not often coming within a foot of either of the defending trio. Yet so great were their numbers that they were inevitably bound to wipe out the brave defend- ers, unless help reached them. Deadwood Dick realized this, but he was bound not Mi rghines| my ‘Back! back, you dogs, or eve oot’s life shall answer for this fight!” he rt ag a ring- ing voice. t this juncture Fanny Farron and a half- dozen men reached the platform by way of a side hallway from the stage, and fain their forces with Deadwood Dick and his crowd, their weapons but adding to the horrible din. The effect of the reinforcement was visibl felt by the attacking mob, for they flinch and finally broke in wild confusion, each man struggling to force his way out of the theater. The result was that the whole audience were soon fighting among themselves. “Come!” Deadwood Dick now said, when Hé saw this, touching Calamity on the shoulder. ‘“‘ Fetch Avalanche and let’s hunt a way out of here. We've given em enough taste for one night what with the scrimmage they’re now en- in. “Here! you must come with me!” Fann Farron said, touching him upon the arm. ‘* will show you to a place of safety, until you can escape from the town!” And seizing him by the coat-sleeve, she led the way back through the side hall to the stage, behind the curtain, Calamity and Old Avalanche bringing up the rear. Behind the curtain the lamps were still lit, and they were enabled to see each other. Fanny Farron was still clad in her dress, with a heavy waterproof thrown about her shoulders, and a closer examination reveal-
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-ing her foot, her eyes blazing. ed that she was even as handsome as she had appeared upon the stage. Her skin was fair and pure, her teeth even and white, and her mouth sweetly fascinating in its expression. Deadwood Dick gazed at her, admiringly, for a few moments; then turned to Calamity and Avalanche. « Are either of you hurt?’ “T am not!” the Girl Sport replied, coolly. “Old Avalanche must answer for himself.” ‘Great ham-bone that shivered the timbers of old Joner, no, I ain’t harmed,” the Annihila- tor replied, with a chuckle of triumph. ‘‘Didn’t it stung oncet, though the bullets hummed ther oxology around my years like fun!” — ‘Then I guess it is a lucky termination of the battle, for us,” Dick said. ‘‘ Lady, if you will show us the way to the open air, 1 shall be much obliged to you.” Fanny Farron bowed, and led the way through a wing entrance out into a back yard in the rear of the theater. An alley led from this to an adjoining street, which they soon gained. = You had better all come to my hotel, until the storm blows over,” the actress said, address- ing Deadwood Dick. ‘‘ Youare at liberty to re- main there until it is safe to leave the town.” “ Thanks, lady, but I must decline your invi- tation,” Dick answered, a spice of bitterness in his tone. ‘“‘Itis as safe now as it will ever be. To-night I have been forced again into crime, and am an outlaw, by the decree of the people. Let them look out, for I will not stop now, but they shall learn to fear my name as an omen of death. I thank you, lady, for the intervention in my behalf, to-night, and will repay you if ever the chance occurs. For the present I will say adieu!” And turning, he strode away in a northerly irae, followed by Calamity and Old Ava- e. Fanny Farron watched them afew moments, and then turned away with a low laugh in which was triumph. ‘* At last I have met the man after my own heart—wild and free,” she muttered, a flush burning upon her cheeks, and a strange gleam in her dusky blue eyes. “He is the man whom I could marry and love, unselfishly—and he is the man who shall yield to my fascination. The first seed planted -night, the germ will quickly form, from which will Sips the sprout of admiration, and then the s of love. Ha! ha! my Deadwood Dick, you little know that you are idolatrously loved one woman, and that woman, pretty Fanny Farron.” On the steps before the Clarendon, where she boarded, the actress came face to face with the actor, Wildcat Jack. “Ha! he exclaimed, springing forward, at sight of her, and raising her hand to his lips— “ a and safe, ma belle Fanny; and I am so ‘*Tt is not your fault that I am alive!” the actress replied, jerking away her hand. ‘ You are a coward, Jacques Frouch—a coward, and I despise you. Why did you leave when I wanted you to take part in the ment The man shrugged his shoulders, significantly, and forced a sinister smile. “Tt is my policy, ma’m’selle, to let every man fight his own battles. I finds it ze best, all around.” “Bah! If I had your cowardly nature, wo- man though I am, I’d poison myself!” Miss Far- 2 assured, contemptuously, as she entered the otel. Frouch followed her up to the parlors. ““T hope ze ma’am’selle will forgive me!” he said apologetically. ‘*T didn’t like to fight ze road-agent, for he looked like a bad man,’ “Pshaw! lay aside your mongrel French! You know I despise it,” the actress said, impa- tiently. ‘‘ Why Nid ou come here to torment me, Jacques Frouch? You know I dislike to be an- noyed by your presence. You had much better be studying over and perfecting your dizzy drama.’ ‘‘ Hang the drama!” the actor growled, chang- ing from his French accent to the pure Ameri- can tongue. ‘It pleases the ruffianly element we cater to, and that is sufficient. I come again to wait upon you for an answer—” “Stop!” Fanny Farron cried, suddenly stamp- “*T will hear no more of your proposals uf marriage. I have al- ready refused you a score of times, and Jet this be for the last time.” ‘No, not for the last time. You will yet change your opinion, and render a decision in my favor!” the Frenchman said, coolly. ‘You love me now, if you would only own the truth!” “T do not love you,” the actress cried, vehe- OO fe Deadwood Dick’s Device. 5 mently. ‘I shall hate you, if you continue atagame of poker with a Chinaman; but he da annoying proposals. At every stand you ave dogged my footsteps, for the last year. What satisfaction can you derive out of constant refusal?” “The satisfaction of knowing that I will eventually win,” Frouch replied. “Then, let me tell you that disappointment will be the crowning of your hopes. Were I ten times to marry, it would not be you.” “Perhaps you would choose that gay road- agent devil, to whom you did the whole of your acting, this evening?” ““-You couldn’t have guessed closer!” was the coolanswer. ‘‘Heis the very manlIam going to marry, if I have to spend a whole season in Leadville in order to doit. He is a man—the one man in a hundred whose glance has the power to stir my heart, or set my pulses bound- ing. To himI have already given my heart, and he shall not long be ignorant of the fact.” ‘*We shall see him marry you—in your mind!” the Frenchman muttered, with a villainous chuckle, as he turned and left the room. On the following morning the news of the a in the variety theater was fully ventilat- ed by the Leadville News, which was the prin- cipal organ against Deadwood Dick. A column of description of the affray wound up with an of- fer of two hundred dollars reward for the arrest or capture of the famous Prince of the But this time there were two sides to the case, for upon every approach to the town, a notice was posted as follows: “FATR WARNING. “ Whereas; Having recently expiated my crimes by being duly hanged, in Leadville, and having been resto to life after having been pronoun dead, and thereby rendered a free man by the law or laws of the United States of America; and— “ Whereas: As a free and lawful and law-abiding citizen, I was set upon and attacked by the people, in the Coliseum Theater, on the evening of the 6th inst., for the purpose of again being hung, contrary to the law, and its mandates: “ Resolved; That I issue a proclamation, cl: for myself entire innocence in causing the aforesai a and charging the loss of life upon the people; an “‘ Resolved; That, as the ple refuse to receive me back as a citizen among them, preferring to raise their hand in war against me unto the death— “ Resolved; Fin that I shall meet them as they have met me—that it sMall be a bitter, bloody war to the knife, until they shall cry “‘ enough,” or the name of Deadwood Dick shall have become a thing of the t—a memento of a reign of terror ta ve ul populace brought upon their own heads. Every man, woman or child who shall raise, or shall have raised a hand of hostility — me, shall die, and ye all shall know how and why, by the sign of the Double Cross, which shall mark their ies. ‘* Beware! for such is the warning I give to all. Let me alone, and I'll let you alone. ickle me, and T'll tickle you! “Deapwoop Dick!” Major Howell read this notice, as he was rid- ing out of town upon his horse, toward the Dead Pine Tract. **Curse the luck! I dare not venture there alone, now, lest the young ruffian attack me. He is to be feared, evidently, if that row at the Coliseum is any illustration. Instead of going to the Tract, I will hunt up Alf, and we will see what we can do,” Riding back into town, he hitched his horse to a post on Chestnut street, and proceeded to make a tour of the saloons and ing dens, for it was in one of these that he expected to find his son. And in passing along the street, he caught a glimpse of Fanny Farron, standing in the door of a dry goods store. With a start of surprise the speculator half- stopped, to gaze at her a moment, his face flush- gg. topes oof ut, asshe paid no attention to him, he fin- ally continu puzzled expression. “T could have sworn that it was she, at the first glance?” he muttered, hoarsely, “but I am probably mistaken. Her face is the same, nearly—curse me! why should F not know, for certain?’ But know he evidently did not, for a frown rested upon his face as he hurried on, from sa- loon to saloon. Mr. Alfred Howell was not.to be found, so easily, it seemed. He was a scapegoat of a fellow, with little or no honor, or pride, and an inordinate passion for gambling and strong drink. A bitter dis- appointment was he to his mother and sisters, while the major got along the best with him of any of the family. In the Casino, he was at last found, engaged his walk, his face still wearing a | paid the wager, and threw up the game ata beckon from the major, and the two retired to a private stall, where they could talk unob- served and eard. An odd-looking individual this son of the speculator was—so odd as to attract notice, in any crowd. He wasshort and fat, with stumpy legs that had a tendency to bow; a capacious stomach, and a face that was so fat and swarthy as to be repulsive. Black eyes, hair, and mus- tache gave him the additional appearance of a first-class desperado, to.say nothing of a greas buckskin costume, an extraordinary on - brimmed hat, and an infant ‘‘ battery ” of wea- pons in his belt. He was the superintendent of several of the Freyer Hill mines, over which the major exer- cised control, and was generally known and feared as a lawless character. When seated, Major Howell rapped for the drinks, by way of getting on the right side of his dutiful son, by his first wife. ‘*-You’ve heard about the fight at the variety theater?’ he interrogated. “‘The devil! yes. I wasin that row, and near- ly got my brains blowed out!” “How did Deadwood Dick escape?” “You can’t prove it by me. kon he hed help frum ther stage.” “T would give a thousand dollars if some one had killed him. As it stands he has possession of the Dead Pine Tract, and we cannot easily dislodge him, short of an army!” oe No 9”? “Of course not. Have you not seen the post- ers he has up, on the outskirts of town?’ “Yes. at of them?” “Well, do not they go to show that he means business?” ‘*Probably. But he shall not possess Dead Pine Tract, long. Dve seen Beautiful Bill, and sev- eral other toughs, and I allow we can soon get enough together to take the Tract!” “Have you sent a spy to keep watch of mat- ters about the mine?” “Yes. Isent Yuba Sam. He will report as soon as anything of importance occurs!” “One thing more I wanted to ask you about. | Have you seen afemale in town who resem- bles—?” and here the major lowered his tone to a whisper, and uttered a name. Alf Howell bey ee ‘““Why, yes. t's the singer at the Colise- ba tary | Farron, she calls herself.” ‘What do you think about her? Do you not believe she might be the party I mentioned?” ‘‘Pshaw! no. She’s gone to the dogs, long ago. This girlis not the same.” ‘“*T wish I had proof of it.” “Pshaw! take my word for it she’s a thou- sand leagues from here,” the son persisted. “ Has Deadwood Dick yet communicated with Stella?” “Not to my knowledge. Ihave directed Mrs. Howell to keep her indoors, until we can dis- pose of this Yardage “That's right. If she but gets a glimpse of Deadwood Dick’s face, my goose is cooked for getting her for myself.” “ Perhaps you won't care about marrying her, if she does not get her claim on the Dead Pine Tract, eh?’ ae gis *: not!” the gambler chuckled, villain- ously. ‘* most. Hello! what’s that?” Two men had entered the Casino, bearing be- tween them the body of a third individual, who was evidently dead. “By Heaven!” Alf Howell cried, springing to his feet. ‘It’s Yuba Sam, whom I sent to Dead Pine Tract!” ““Yes, and he’s got the sign o’ the Double Cross plum upon his forehead!” added one of the bear- ers. ‘‘We found him a-lyin’ on the trail, back heer, a piece, wi’ a bullet-hole thru his buzzom.” It was even so. Yuba Sam had died of a bullet wound through the region of his heart, and =r his forehead was slashed with a keen-bladed knife, two bloody J crosses. Deadwood Dick had opened his campaign of terror! CHAPTER IV. DONE IN DARKNESS—THE SPORT VS. BEAUTIFUL BILL. Nicut’s grim shadows again settled down over Leadville. The heavens were overcast with skurrying clouds,and darkness reigned supreme, in the absence of the moon. Few people were to be seen abroad, except in the heart. of the town, for, terrified at the threat of Deadwood Dick, they preferred re- y game’s to play whereI win the ~~
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Y i ] , y 6 maining indoors, rather than running the risk of the deadly vengeance of the famous Prince of the Road. That Deadwood Dick was abroad at night none could doubt, for the night was known to be the time of his numerous depredations—a time best suited to his wild, dark nature. And he was abroad, too. Down from the North he galloped at the fore of 2 motley gang of masked men, who were thoroughly equipped as to weapons and horses, and were finished equestrians. Down to the edge of the town they rode, and then drew rein at the wave of the young chief. “Remain here,” he said, dismounting, ‘‘and keep my horse. [I will go on foot. three pistol-shots in succession, let loose my horse and follow him. Ue will bring you to ” “ All right, chief. It shall be at your wish!” responded one who was evidently a lieutenant of Deadwood Dick’s newly organized band. ‘Tn case we are attacked, shall we stand our ground and fight, chief?” “ Ay! fight as you never fought before—fight | to the bitter death!” Deadwood Dick replied, fiercely, and then he turned and strode away | toward the town. Entering through a sparsely settled street, he hurried along, a heavy cloak thrown around his shoulders, and the: mask removed tempo- rarily from his face so as not to attract suspi- | cion, should he encounter any one abroad. Hurrying along, he soon entered another street, which was the one on which stood the Howell mansion. And this evidently was his destination, for he pansed before it, and looked up and down the street. No one was in sight upon the highway, and the lights were all out in the dwellings in the immediate vicinity. The Howell mansion. looked as somber as though death instead of nocturnal repose,reigned ide. ‘This is the place, and the business lies before me, although it isa ticklish piece to handle!” Deadwood Dick muttered. ‘The first impor- tant step is to gain access to the house, and the second is to find my new ward, without raising a racket.” Evidently resolved upon making the attempt, he ascended the steps and gently tried the door, but fonnd it locked. This was no surprise, for the Far-Wcstern people are in. favor of locked doors, which is the safest pias to adopt. Selecting from among a bunch of keys, several, he tried them, one after the other, and the last one was the one to turn the lock. . “‘So far so good!” he muttered, with a satis- fied expression. ‘I should feel like a thief of the night to enter any man’s house, thus, but I am now only in quest of that which was in- trusted to my care and protection.” ; : Removing his boots, he took them in his hand, and opening the door, he softly entered, and closed it behind him. : All was dark as Stygia, but remembering from his prévious visit, the location of the | stairs, he soon found them, and paused upon the | steps to make his arrangements. i Hofore him he had a rather delicate job— that of finding Stella without alarming her, and getting her away from the mansion. It re- i all the stealth and caution of his nature to perform the act, without arousing the house. Tying the boots to his back, he drew from beneath his cloak a dark-lantern and a revol- ver. With these in hand, ready for use, he stole softl “yon Bh without -having created so much noise asa cat. ‘ Here there was a diversion of hallways, in several directions, and he knew not which to take to bring him to the sleeping apartment of Stella. Atter some deliberation he finally concluded fa pay each room a visit, and chloroform the in- jiates if necessary, for he had fetched along pienty of the liquid drug for that purpose. Stealing along, he soon came to the door of a room which he rightly conjectured was the bed- chamber of the major and his wife, for loud sores came from the interior. Gently trying the door, he found that it was , He glided into the room, and to the wmocked. A sponge saturated with chloroform, bedside. avtd held over the noses of the sleepers, had the ctect to put them into a state of quietude from » Loh there could be no immediate wakening. + ‘ye disposed of, and now I wonder if I and of the | If you hear | up the stairs, finally arriving upon the | Deadwood Dick’s Device. hadn’t better leave them a visiting card, so that they may know I’ve been here!” Drawing from an inside pocket a silver hand- stamp he pressed against their foreheads, and as a result came to relief the sign of the double cross in letters of crimson, ‘‘Ha!l ha! It will be many a day ere they can wash that stain from their skin, Pll wager!” the Prince of the Road muttered, as he turned from the room. The next room he visited proved to be occu- pied by the pean ts son, and the next by a servant, Still not despairing, Deadwood Dick kept on, leaving his strange device upon the / forehead of each chlorformed sleeper. At last he came toa room that was locked and on listening he found that it contained sleepers. To unlock the door was but a short job, and Wa ae stealth of a cat he crept into the apart- ment. A rip? was wiaioen | upon a dressing bureau, and its light was sufficient for him to see by, without the use of his lantern. The room was large, and richly furnished, and contained two beds, each of which was oc- a ae by two young ladies, and the other y one. The former Deadwood Dick concluded were the daughters of Major Howell, while the latter | was the daughter of the dead miner of Dead | Pine Tract. Gliding to the bedside of the two sleepers, the | ex-Prince of the Road applied the chloroformed | sponge, but not the stamp containing his strange evice, : When they were properly drugged, he turned , toward the lone sleeper, but gave a start of sur- prise. | She had partly risen in bed, upon her elbow, | and was gazing straight at him with her big blue accusing eyes. At first Deadwood Dick was confused, but he quickly regained his self- | possession. |. ‘Fear not, my aS he said, respectfully, _ but inalow tone. “It is not my intention to harm you, but rather, to rescue from your im- | prisonment here!” ‘‘Who are you, sir?’ the maiden demanded, sternly. ‘ y do you come here like a thief in the night, and to my bedchamber?” “My name is Ned Harris, lady, and I come at | the instigation of your father!” ‘* Ah! my father! they told me he was dead— _ dead! Oh! God help me!” | And tears sprung to the eyes of the maiden, , and dropped upon her cheeks. |. “Becalm, lady, Your father is indeed dead, | but he appointed. me your protector, until you | can choose one that suits you better. Here is his will, which you may read. I will now re- | tire to the hall, while you dress yourself for | your departure,” ** Must I go with you, then?” ‘“Tt, is necessary that you should, lady, for your life even, is not safe here. Have you any | objections to accompanying me?” |. * Nol oh! no! I am so glad to get away from here. Please retire, and I will soon be ready.” Deadwood Dick accordingly left the room, , and closed the door behind him, In the hall he waited until the door opened, and Stella glided out to him. “Tam ready, now, sir. I read the will, and. | am willing to go with you i : well, my lady. You shall not mis- “Ver | place whatever confidence you may put in me!” Peadwood Dick replied. descended to the street, and hur- | They softl ough the night, which was dark | ried away and foggy. Nor did they pause until they eame to where a line of grim, masked horsemen were wait- _ing. Then it wasthat Stella Howell gave a start | of alarm. ‘*Be not afraid, lady,” Deadwood Dick said, to quiet her apprehensions. ‘These are my men, and they will offer you no harm,” _. “Your men, sir? I donot understand, quite?’ Stella replied. | ‘*{ will explain more, as soon as we reach , camp. Please mount my horse behind me. Fal- coner, will you be kind enough to assist her?” The lieutenant bowed, and tendered the re- quisite assistance, after which the cavalcade galloped away. Away to the Dead Pine Tract, and_to the cabin which once was that of David Howell aa Sia belonged to the outlawed Deadwoo ick. | A great change had already been made upon , the Tract, since the reign of its new owner, The cabin had been enlarged to a building of — several rooms, thereby supplying quarters for the band, and several cabins were going up near by. An engine house was being constructed near the mouth of the mine to furnish shelter for new machinery that was to take the place of the horse-power for hoisting, which had previ- ously been employed. To the cabin the cavalcade rode, and then dismounted, Deadwood Dick conducting Stella to a suit of rooms which he had had furnished especially for her accommodation. Here he left her, with a few instructions, and then de- scending to the ground he gave some additional instructions to his men, after which he mounted his thoroughbred steed again, and dashed away into the black starless night, as wild and weird as the night itself in those lonely mountain regions. ‘** A bald-headed spider, Pee — a tchecaeeg . wine ter get a-home, eby; GAA SAince’s (bulbgeng anit Pima neg py Siete, er get a-home eby. A three-legged ‘possuin, m Giwine tan Steno b Pata r ge & ome, bymeby. Wid a nigger wench, G’wine ter get a-home bymeby. * An’ it’s g’wine ter get a-home, G’wine ter get a-home— *“Whoopy! Kerwhoop! three cheers fer Royal American Star Jangled Spaner! Three howls fer ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail— ther man thet never told a lie! Beautiful Bill ferever.” And straight down through Chestnut street ranced the famous Leadvitts giant, Beautiful ill on a tear, such as he seldom ever had ex- perienced before. Full up to the neck was the giant, with bad whisky, whose assimilation within his capacious stomach was beginning to tell on him, in more than one way. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was red and of the most brutal expression, while his legs err growing more unsteady each mo- ment. In either hand he grasped a cocked navy re- volver, which he flourished around in a manner that was unpleasant to behold. And there was cons2quently a general dodging among the c1owd. that swarmed in the streets, for none were there who cared to become'i!target for the rufflan’s bullets; half-crazed with drink though he was. Still, they followed and watched him with a sort of curiosity, for well they knew that the iant was searching game, and that a rowanda ht would be the result. And perhaps no town of its size in the whole West can ‘‘ pan out” so big a crowd on so short a notice to witness a street brawl as the famed city of Leadville. “Wahoo! wahoo!” the giant bellowed, cut- ting a pigeon-wing, and then turning a clumsy hand-spring in the middle of the street. “Hayr I am, ye durned galoots, ther Original Pet Ele- hant, right fresh frum ther flock—ther hatless, tless Apoller uv ther Colorados! Here I am, ther great model o’ beauty—a conqueror—a king among fools. Hist!” and the ruffian crouched low and peered around him—* hist! I say. _ Wharfrom came thet zephyr that sed sum ongainly galoot was spilin’ fer a fight—war ac- tooly dyin’ because he couldn’t get a feller uv my social status ter measure muscle wi’ him? Fer luv or money! thet’s fair, now. Sum pil- grim who wants ter fight me fer luv or money, jest step forth—waltz right out heer, and try ter umigate ther gece Apoller o’ the Colorados —ther Pet Elephantum 0’ ther Leadville trail. Beautiful Bill am I—a solid man, whose bank account ar’ good fer half a millyun, any day. A king o’ this _benighted region, am I, and yet despite my gold, my honors an’ my gray hairs, I can’t ge e a decent respectable dog-fight wi’ no pilgrim. It’s ashame—a cavortin’ outrageous shame. Fer Lord’s sake, sum o’ you chicken- livered honey-combs cum out heer an’ gouge one °” my, eyes out—ram yer fist down my throat— spit ter ter relieve ther monotony o’ ther situation, or I shall spile fer want o’ amusement or exercise. Bet five—ten—fifty—a hundred thousand dollars I can polish ther proboscis uv ary galoot like a meersham, in two wiggles uv a aritle’s tail in fly time!” Strong was the temptive argument offered b the builerhavher, but none wate there siete the crowd to bite at his bait. A terror was he to the town, this ruffianly character, and all were afraid of him, for he was a reckless cut- throat of the most brutal species, and had been vaccy-juice in my off ear, or do sumthin’ .
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 7 known to kill half a dozen men ina single brawl, and come out unhurt. Poor encouragement was this for an ordinary mortal to battle with him. And the giant knew that he was universally feared which made him doubly ugly and bother- some. In the middle of the street he now stood, his hat gone and his feet bare, while his cotton shirt was torn into shreds—there in the street he stood, glaring around, in search of some victim upon whom to vent his desire for a fight, for “‘sp’ilin’” for a fight he truly seemed to be. Suddenly his eye gleamed with savage exul- tav2e, as he saw the little actress, Fanny Far- ron, uit astore on the right hand side of the stree. and hurry along in the direction of the theate where she was to play. vhoop! lookee thar, will ye, pilgrims, “ Kx an’ feas ‘er optics on thet purty little piece o’ caliker, i-goin’ up ther street! Hain’t she scrumptious, though, an’ as purty as ary year- ling pack-mule on ther trail! Make way thar, while I chase ther gaudy butterfly, an’ sip ther hunny frum her lips. kiss P’ll have, by all ther thunderin’ catamounts, an’ thar’s nary a galoot ’cept ther’Pet Elephant as can have a bite out o’ my cake nuther. Kerwhoop! hayr goes fer a gennywine feast frum thet leetle beehive!” And away pranced the ruffian in pursuit of the actress, at the top of his speed, staggerin from side to side like a rickety wagon, and a the' while bellowing at the top of his voice. Pretty Fanny Farron saw in one terrified lance that she was pursued, and turned to flee ut a hand touched her on the arm, and a cool voice said: **Don’t run, Miss Farron, but stand your und, and I will teach this fellow the lesson e deserves.” meget 14 the actress did not run, but look- ed up to find a stranger standing near—a hand- somely-dressed fellow, with the characteristic coolness in his carriage and face, of a thorough- bred sport. Stal was he, and handsomely roportioned, with a blonde head of hair, a blemie mustache, and luxuriant side-whiskers of a corresponding hue, while the color of his eyes was somewhat hidden behind a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, A jaunty Derby hat was perched upon his head; his coat, pants and vest were of spotless duck, the bottoms of his pants being carelessly thrust in the legs of a of spurred cavalry boots. A massive gold chain ornamented his vest front, and in-one white jeweled hand he held a serviceable riding-whip of braided buck- skin. Up came the bullwhacker, his eyes agleam with triumph, and his thick lips smacking with an tok ws ctrl gusto for the feast he antici- ated, ‘* Ho! ho! thet’s right, my daisy!” he roared, seizing Fanny by the arm; ‘“‘thet’s her ex- chequer, my daisy! One sweet smack frum them lips—’ He did not finish the sentence, for the Sport seized him by the throat, and with strength he did not appear to possess, hurled him back to the groun ith a t Beautiful Bill came down hea- vily, and the revolvers he held in his hand went flying far over the heads of the crowd. A moment the giant lay quivering upon the earth—then he scrambled to his feet with a fero- cious growl, as if intent upon the instant anni- hilation of his assailant. But, no sooner did he his feet than the dandy sport proceeded to lay the whip over his head, shoulders and back, rapidly, every stroke of the little instrument eee he to the surface of the giant’s swarthy skin. In vain did he lunge forward to get a hold upon the Sport, but blow after blow beat him a while terrible howls of pain escaped his ps. And the crowd cheered wildly! CHAPTER V. A DUEL IN THE STREET—DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN, Wirn a strong arm did the Sport ply the whip, and ina manner that every blow count- = wf raising a bloody streak where the last ru ck. And in vain did Beautiful Bill seek to escape the little instrument of torture, and to get a hold upon his assailant. But it was one of the efforts impossible. ““Cuss ye! quit! quit!” he roared, in pain, as bleeding in fif y — or more, he dropped on one knee, unable longer to stand. ‘*When you apologize to that lady, I will let you off!” the Sport said, coolly, as he continued to deliver his unmerciful blows with mechanical regularity. “Yes! yes! I apologize! I epolouies fer insult- in’ ther leddy!” the giant bellowed, in actual agony. ‘Quit! quit, or ye’ll kill me!” ‘*T should be doing the country a great ser- vice, if I were to end your miserable career!” the Sport said. ‘“‘Get up now and see if you can behave yourself.” And ceasing his castigation, the blonde stran- ger stood with whip in hand, gazing coolly at the man he had so thoroughly cowed. Beautiful Bill rose slowly to a standing position, and glared at the Sport, in a savage manner. **Cuss ye!” he growled, his repulsive features working with rage, and wearing an expression of undying hatred—‘‘ cuss ye, I say. You got the best o’ me in thet tussle, but I’m bound ter have satisfaction, an’ don’ ye fergit it. Beauti- ful Bill am I—ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Lead- ville trail—ther handsum Appollo o’ ther Colo- rados, an’ thar’s nary a galoot a-goin’ ter climb me an’ say he war my conqueror. No, sir-ee, nary a time, and you bet yer leetle ducats on’t. D’ye heer, 7 bandbox son of a swill-tub—d’ye heer, Isay? Ye’ve got ter fight me—me, ther great roarin’ three-horned Pet Elephant o’ ther dville trail!” “Fight?” the Sport said, smiling. ‘‘ Why certainly. I shall be only too happy to accom- modate you. Please to name your weapons, and Iam ready.” Beautiful Bill stared. And the crowd cheered! Here was a man just to their liking. Here was a man who was not afraid of the ‘Pet Elephant” of the Leadville trail. The giant was taken aback, at the tem of ine tana of his challenge, for he had confi- dently expected that the cool stranger would back out, ‘*What’s yer name?’ he demanded. ‘TI gin- erally know who I fight with!” - “Qh! as to that, a may call me Pacific Pratt, for short!” the Sport replied, coolly. “Come, if you want to constitute the active part of a t-class funeral, just name your tools, and square yourself, in shape. I’ve no time to spend in bandying words with a man of your beastly character!” “‘Then ye shall get yer stummick full jest as soon as ye want it!” the giant growled. ‘Fer we ain’t a-goin’ ter settle thes yere leetle debate wi’ no revolvers, ner wi’ no toothpicks, but ar’ a-goin’ ter wage fist ag’in’ smeller, an’ smeller ag’in’ fist, until one or t’other ar’ satisfied !” ‘** Which suits me to a dot!” Pacific Pratt an- swered, as codlly asever. ‘‘Couldn’t have met my desires better if you'd ’a’ tried. Get ready, sir, and you shall have the pleasure of testin the friendship of my knuckles in short order!” “‘Kerwhoop! better git ready, yerself!” the nt roared, beginning to strip to the waist. ‘Better write up yer obituary ef ye ain’t pre- pared it already, fer cert’in it is thet ye’re goin’ ter git beauchifully salivated by me, ther great ’? Pet Elefant o’ ther ville trail—ther Appollo o’ mop er seme ‘ ot a reply deigned the Sport; he simply dis- carded his duck jacket, and rolled up ais dove of his boiled shirt, which displayed as hand- somely developed a pair of arms, as one could ask to see. Then he stood coolly awaiting the motions of the pam bullwhacker, who was strip- ping himself of his shirt. Soon he was reeay, and turned to face his op- nent, with the ¢g' of a wild beast in his loodshot eyes. A man of powerful frame was the giant, his bony, knotted breast and ponderous arms quite a curiosity, in their way. Few were there who would have dared to engage with this terror- sna bullwhacker as the Sport was about do. Surely, said the crowd, Beautiful Bill would win, and the dandy Sport would go to the ground, a crushed and pummeled mass of hu- manity. How could it be otherwise, when the giant was twice as muscular as the Sport, to all appearances, and superior in weight by a full hundred pounds! Forward surged the crowd to form a ring around the twain, but Pacific Pratt waved them back, authoritatively. ‘*Back! back!” he cried, sternly. ‘‘ Leave the street open, and keep at a distance. You can see i as well, and will greatly accommodate me! This was enough. Willing were the crowd to oblige this sportive individual who had come down among them with ‘‘cheek” enough to tackle the Leadville giant, Beautiful Bill. Among the crowd were several lookers-on, who watched with more than ordinary interest, it seemed. They were Calamity Jane, Old Ava- lanche, and the variety actress, Fanny Fa? ron, who stood near the Girl Sport, with an cager, excited look upon her face. “ Jest look at that Sport!” Calamity said, ed- dressing the Annihilator; “ain’t he servmp- shus—ain’t he a regular daisy? An’ ten tu oe he’ll wax wigwams right out o’ thet big blun- derbus uv a giant.” ‘Great ham-bone, yes. He’sa fine lukin’ bird, a but then ye know fine feathers make fine birds, all except buzzards.” ** Do younot know who that Sport is?” Fanny Farron asked gry 4 address Calamity. “1 heerd him give his pronoun as Pacific Pratt!” the Girl Sport replied, coolly, for she cared not to make friends with this actress, whose voice was as musical as the trill of a bird, and whose face and form were attractive to the eye. To Calamity, her presence sug- gested a thought of snakes ! Fanny Farron,if aware of Calamity’s aversion of tone, did not choose to notice it, for she chat- tered on glibly: ** Pacific Pratt, eh? Ha! ha! I think I know better than that. I knew the fellow the mo- ment he offered to encounter the giant for me. ‘“You did?” Calamity said, indifferently. “T did!” Miss Farron assured. ‘I wonder that you have not already recognized him?” “T? How?” and the Girl Sport gazed more keenly at the actress, and then at Pacific Pratt. ‘* What do you mean?” “IT cannot explain. If you were sharp at guessing, you needn’t ask?” was the reply, and then the little queen of the variety stage, turn- ed to watch the combat. Nodisgrace was there in this, apparently, for other women had paused in ——- along—and some of them were Lead- ville’s aristocrats—to watch the contest of skill and strength. Of course there was betting on every hand, and among the supporters of Beautiful Bill Alf Howell, the gambler, was prominent and conspicuous. ‘*A thousand dollars, here, to bet that Reauti- ful Bill punches the bandbox galoot clenn cut of time, and sweeps the street with him!” rear- ed the ugly son of the speculator, as he elbowed his way about through the crowd. “A hull thousan’ ter bet thet ther bullwhacker is ther winner! Who takes it?” “T reckon I'll take you!” Calamity Jane said, oueny producing a wallet that was well ed. ‘‘ I’m the very customer to grapple such bets as that.” * You?’ Alf Howell ejaculated in amazement. “Why, as [ live, it’s a girl in breeches. Say, se one, hedn’t you better run home to your ma “1 think not. I’d rather bet with you, and win. Come! put up or shut up. Avalanche here will hold the stakes for us, I reckon!” ‘** And I'll see fair play!” Fanny Farron said, drawing and cocking a revolver, and stepping nearer. ‘‘ Avalanche must give the stakes to which ever wins.” *“ Who told you to mix your lip in this con- clave?’ Alf Howell demanded, savagely. ‘‘ You better mind your business, or I’ll be the death of you ” *T ain’t afraid of it. You goon and plank your cash, or I'll put a pain through you so quick, you'll believe you ar’ electrotized. Howell deposited, with a savage growl. He had had a notion to back out of the bet, but this unexpected movement on the part of the actress had made it necessary for him to proceed as he had commenced. Calamity also deposited her wager, in the hands of Old Avalanche, and then turned to note the result of the fight, which had now be- n, Ory a! the Sport and the giant bad confronted each other, with bared arms and clenched fists, and were sparring—the tape scientifically, while the giant sueceeded only clumsily. Too ponderous was he to be spry, and the Sport warded off his wild lunges, with the eatest of ease, while he occasionally put ina ‘ tester ” upon the giant’s face, with staggering effect, eliciting a cheer from the crowd. No novice was this Pacific Pratt, evidently, if he was a sport. His every movement was ceful and quick, his blows were surely planted, and he was never for an instant off his guard, while his eye coolly met that of the giant, without flinching, behind the goid-rim glasses. In vain did the Pet Elephant of the Leadville trail endeavor to grapple with his opponent, in order to crush him in a bear-like hug, but cach ©) ott wae
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. lun-e was coolly mei, and the giant driven back, beneath the shower of blows precisely directed. It soon became evident to the crowd that Pacific Pratt was a pugilist extraordinary, and that he was mercly playing with the giant..and worrying him ta greater rage, for the Sport did not appear to use much exertion to kee him off, aud a smile constantly lingered beneat his blonds mustache. Whatever was his intention, he was each mo- ment succeeding in arousing Beautiful Bill to a greater pitch of fury, the culminating point of which did not seem to be reached—not until the ruffian was stretched out, insensible upon the ground. Boiling with terrible rage did he seem to be. ‘* Great ham-bone thet hed ther pugilistic en- counter with old Joner!” roared the familiar voice of the Annihilator, ‘‘ jest luk at thet Sport _ off ther proboscis uv thet bullwhacker. ordy! I wouldn’t be in Beauchiful Bill’s place fer a mint o’ money. Oh! magoozzlem Marier! Old Mose w’at cavorted thru ther scriptural bull- rushes. See ther Pacific cuss punch et to him! Hooray! bet my old head ag’in’ a drink o’ tar- antler thet William goes ter grass, less’n a thou- san’ wiggles o’ a lamb’s tail. Thet ar’ beauchi- ful fisticular demonstration o’ ther Sport yander, but et don’t hold a sarcumstance ter w’at I’ve seen. Fer instance thar war my old Billy goat, Florence Night-in-a-gale—a famuss anamile war thet same Florence, you bet. She’d jest poise her head, wiggle her stub, and pitch inter a bat- tle hot an’ heavy, would she. Hev actooly known her ter lay out her level score o’ Injuns in a day, an’ ‘hen gambol away ter court up ther Widder Briggses pet cat—an’ et warn’t much 0’ a day fer Injuns, nuther. Then thar war my old mare, Prudence Cordeliar w’at I s’pect is now ornamented wi’ wings, an’ be a- sailin’ around among the saintly cherubims up in hoss heaven. She war a great mare, war Pru: lence—know’d more’n one minute than an ordixary hoss knows all his life. Fact, by gra- cious! Hev actooally known thet hoss ter stretch out ber hind huff so quick thet a shoe’d glide off an’ skip around ag’in’ ther skull o’ ther ’tarnal red heathen, until et salivated an’ give ther death grip ter more neradozen. An’ yet thet ain’t a sarcumstance dun up in a brown , ter what ther Annihilation ter do when all ter- gether, an’ I tell ye w’at ther men ain’t so brave as they used ter be, tho’ thet Pacific Pratt ar’ an exception ter ther rule.” ‘Ha! just look at that!” Calamity said, excit- edly. rt ‘Tf that wasn’t a beauty, I don’t want a cent! For the Sport had dealt the giant a tremen- dous ‘‘ stem-winder,” upon the nose, which seem- ed to completely flatten that member to the ruffiin’s face. Nor, now that he had seemingly got his hand in, did the Sport stop, for one blow after another did he deposit on the same spot in rapid succession, in the meantime coolly ward- ing off the giant’s lun, Spat! — spat, and the nose of utiful Bill grew flatter than ever, while bellows of pain esca his lips, and his fac» was bathed in oozing blood. At last came the climax. The Sport dealt the giant a terrible blow upon the forehead—a left-handed one, at that. Down went the bullwhacker upon the gue. insensible and quivering; while we is hat, coat and whip, Pacific Pratt. hurri y strode away. The crowd stared and wondered. What was the cause of this strange action, on the part of the Sport? Was he afraid to wait until Beautiful Bill should have returned to consciousness? This would not seem possible, and he such a master of arms. Yet, go he did, and soon dis- app-ared among the crowd, far down the street. Phen it was that all eyes were considerate- ly turned upon Beautiful Bill, who was leisure- ly measuring his length in the dusty street, a yp ra that his valor a op bey of Lead- ville’s electric city was a thing of the , And when all eyes Jeane upon Bim there came a unanimous ejaculation of surprise, resulting upon a discovery, and that discovery was that upon the forehead of the giant were strange, bloody gashes of crimson, formed in the shape of the double cross ! This much was seen, then the words: Deadwood Dick’s device !” passed from lip to lip. All eyes turned intuitively in the direction Pacific Pratt had gone, but he was nowhere in sight. His haste to depart was now explained. Cleverly disguised as the Sport, Deadwood Dick had been among them, an had gone again, leaving |bchind him his terrible device. Excitement for a while raged intense, but subdued when it was ascertained that the Road Prince had made good his escape from the town. ‘*The money is mine!” Calamity Jane said with a chuckle, ‘‘and you, Mr. Alf Howell, will learn to bet next time on the winning card.” The gambler uttered an oath of rage. ‘The money was not fairly won!” he growl ed, allowing his hand to drop below his. belt, ‘*an’ Dll be cussed ef ye shail Core it!” ‘Look out! Don’t draw. weapons around here!” Fanny Farron cried, sharply, ‘‘or I'll let you have the contents of this, unreservedly!” And she held her pistol on a level with his heart. ‘Get out, now, before I accidentally pull the trigger!” Vith a frightful malediction, the speculator’s son obeyed, and the actress followed him until she came to a cross-street, when she set out for her hotel, Calamity Jane then received the result of her bet from the Annihilator, and they separated, each taking a different course, the Girl Sport going to her boarding-place. After leaving the scene of the fight, the aperts Pacific Pratt hurried north through Chestnut street and out of the town. Soon he came to a chaparral or thicket of evergreen oaks, from which he led a handsome coal-black horse,and mounted. He then rode rapidly away, and in due time entered the Dead Pine Tract. Riding to the door of the large cabin, he dis- mounted, and giving the horse into charge of the Chinaman, he entered, and ascended the stairs to the second floor. In passing the door of Stella Howard’s room he glaneed : Ame the room, to find her engaged at a book, several choice volumes having by his forethought been prepared for her entertain- ment. ‘“So I find you pleasantly occupied, eh?” he said, smiling. ‘I am glad that you find some- thing to kill time.” “T am not hard to please,’ Stella replied glancing up, a pleased look in her eyes. «t generally find some mode of killing time.” ‘‘ Which is fortunate. I often wish that I had not been born of a restless and pide | ba position. I was afraid you might find and lonely here.” ‘Oh! no, indeed! Dead Pine Tract yn mly it my home so —- that I like it here. seems lonely without ae pel And tears rose in the eyes of the beautiful maiden, for beautiful she was—petite but well- rounded of form, with a fair, prettily chiseled face, a sweet mouth, and expressive blue eyes, that had the power of being sparkling in mirth, and handsome in sorrow; while soft luxuriant masses of chestnut hair fell over her pretty shoulders. No ravishing beauty was this ward of Deadwood Dick’s, but a simply et and dignified beauty, whom it was easy for one to admire and love. “ True, Sie must miss your parent, my dear lady, but I shall try to make my espionage of yourself pleasant, and render you cheerfully yontent,” Dick said, respectfully. ‘‘ And when you are in need of anything, or some one to converse with, you have to send to me to in- sure instant attention.” “Thank you,” Stella answered. ‘‘ As my protege I shall of course consider you my riend, and shall, as such, not be backward in making known my needs.” Then Deadw Dick went on to his own rooms, where he threw himself down upon the parlor sofa to rest. But, ere he was permitted to greet Mopper, one of the men entered, and handed him a card. Upon this, neatly engraven, was the name: -f ‘Miss FANNY FARRON.” CHAPTER VI. THE ACTRESS PROPOSES—BEAUTIFUL BILL’S CHANGE. ‘* Miss Fanny Farron,” Dick echoed in amazement, as he saw the inscription on the ecard. ‘* What in the world can bring her here? How did she get past the pickets, Cotrelly?” “‘T know not, your honor. I met her wan- dering about, near the stronghold, and she re- quested me to fetch this card,” the road-agent replied.” : ‘Very well. Since she has taken the pains to come here, show her in, and I will see what she wants. Give the lieutenant my orders that he allow no person to hereafter the lines without giving the countersign., is is impera- tive. The aid bowed, and departed, to show in the little actress from the Leadville Coliseum. Ere she came, Deadwood Dick hurriedly removed / ! the blonde hair and beard that» had given, him character as the Sport, and stored them in his closet, while, smooth-faced and as handsome as ever, he awaited the coming of Miss Farron. She was shown in directly, and advanced to- ward him with outstretched hand, her face assuming one of the archly bewitching smiles she had been taught to master, asa part of the secret of her stage success. “Oh! Mr. Harris, Iam so glad I have found you at last!” she gasped, as if out of breath. ‘Having heard that this was your home, I ven- tured to come right on, as soon as your duel was over with the bullwhacker, tortie you for peolecting me from public insult.” ‘““T ask no thanks, lady,” Deadwood Dick re- plied, a trifle severe; ‘‘ in fact, I ask no odds of anybody. It was a pleasure to assist a lady in distress, but that was all, and you need feel under no obligations to me.” “Yet I do,” the actress replied, warmly, crossing suddenly over and dropping upon her knees in front of him—“ I do owe you a deeper debt of gratitude, than I can ever repay you, unless you will accept the boundless wealth of affection I offer you, and make me your wife. Do not start, or be surprised, Mr. Harris, for this is n> spontaneous outburst from an impul- sive imagination, but a strong, faithful love on my part for you, which sprung to life when I first met you. I know it is not the customary thing for us women to do the wooing, but I am a strange girl, they say, in more than one way, and one of my peculiarities is, that I do not be- lieve in ceremony. Free thoughts, and laws of evirpente te suit myself, are the golden rules I shall continue to abide by!” ‘But, my dear Miss Farron, you do wrong in loving such a man as I, if you do, as you say!” Deadwood Dick replied, in’ great rise. ‘‘T certainly have no affection for you of the kind ou mention—indeed, as a total stranger, almost have never given ou the second thought.” ” “That don’t e any difference. t me stay here at the stronghold a week, and if you do not love me enough to marry me, I’ll go away again. ‘Impossible, Miss Farron. Iam not desirous of trying any love experiments, just now. Did I care to marry, I should prefer to select m wife, and to do the courting. One faithless wife has not left behind her in my heart a desire to risk another.” “Then, you refuse to listen to me—refuse even to let me remain here until I can win your affec- tion?” the beautiful actress cried, rising to her feet, her face red with anger and mortification any. otis F I t, £ ‘Yes, Miss Farron; I must, for my own sake and for your sake. Tt would not be the proper thing for you to remain here, even were I in-. clined to listen to your plea, which Iam not, I am sorry, for your sake, to say.” “Bah! You dare to keep another girl here and see no impropriety in that?” : “Miss Howell is my ward, lady, or she would not be here. She was left in my charge by the will of her father, and Iam responsible as her guardian.” Miss Fanny Farron bit her lip in vexation. Such a crushing defeat to her matured plans she had not dreamed of, and consequently she keenly felt va cut i si Pyne i ery well. you will not_let_ me remain here, I will go back to Leadville, Mr. Ned Harris, but I go not asI came, your warm friend. A broken heart I shall carry with me—a heart that is nenkding with hatred toward you. Look out for me, for I shall stab you unawares, even though it may not besoon, I shall watch until I see an opportunity to torture you, then I shall apply myself to the task!” ‘But, why this anger, Miss Farron?’ Dead- wood Dick asked, earnestly. ‘‘I see no need for it. If you love me, your love can not be a true one, to canker so soon with enmity,” ‘You shall see!” the actress replied, almost savagely. “Tam alone in the world, I know, but not entirely friendless,” \ Then she turned abruptly and quitted the room. After she was gone, Deadwood Dick sat sig ing upon the strange occurrence, his brows knotted perplexedly. “Calamity Jane was right,” he muttered, ‘when she said that the actress was a devil, or words to that effect. I would not believe then that a creature so fair of face and artless of manner could be the r of such a fiery temper. But, such is life. I wonder if my ward will turn out the same? No! I will not believe that, even should Calamity tell me so— Calamity whose perception is as keen as the edgo of a razor.. A few years ago, up near
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 9 Deadwood, I asked her to become my wife and —she refused. I wonder if she would do it now? She seems to hover around wherever I go, a sort of guardian angel—though some would laugh were they to hear me call her an angel. A wild, strange character she is—vir- tuous, and true as steel, beyond peradventure, yet so wild and strange as to seem a part of the wilderness through which she roams. aheart? If so, itis buried deep under a cloud of past obscurity. And Stella Howell—I almost fancy that I care for her, as a husband should eare for his bride.” The day after the street fight between Beauti- ful Bill and the Sport, Pacific Pratt, Major Howell left his mansion and rode out of town, down into the classic shades of timbered Stra Horse Gulch. He was not dressed with his customary neatness, and a handkerchief tied across his forehead gave him the appearance of having been on a drunk, and he had bandaged his head to keep off the headache. But such was not the case. The speculator wore the cloth to hide the terrible sign of the double cross, which Deadwood Dick had stamped on his forehead. In vain had he attempted to wash and scrub off the stain, but it proved in- delibly planted in the very flesh, and the more he washed it the more distinct became the marks. So, rather than to appear a marked man, he had done the next ent thing—covered the strange device from sight. In no pleasant m was the major, evident- ly, this morning, for there was a savage expres- sion about his mouth, and a gleam in his eye that boded evil for some one. Who that one was, we shall soon learn. Guiding his horse through the wild canyon- trail, at a rapid pace, he at last came to a glade or opening among the pines. In this stood a sort of tumble-down hut, con- structed of logs and stones, and having but one door and no windows. It was a desolate-look- ing place, at the best, with rank weeds and briers growing up around it, which showed that the tenant was in no way inclined to agricul- tural pursuits, or husbandry. Over the door upon a planed board, was the rather startling if not unique inscription, “BEAUTIFUL BILL, “PROFESSIONAL CUTTHROAT.” ‘*This must be the place!” the major mutter- ed, reading the sign, with a grim smile. ‘The fellow is no sneak of a rascal, anyhow, for he boldly advertises his business. I wonder if he is at home?” Dismounting before the et door, he knock-, ed upon it, sharply, and then listened. Several minutes ela ; then there were steps, the door : mg Beautiful Bill stood upon the old. ‘ No longer could he justly be classed among men of beauty, however, for his appearance was quite the reverse. His forehead bore the moa of the double cross, and his nose was all smashed out of shape, the wreck being ornamented by a huge plaster. These features, in addition to his naturally ugly physique, gave him an appearance at once fright! and iecustin i us wl escaped his still swollen lips as he saw the major. Evident it was that the Pet Elephant was in no mood to receive visitors. “Waal, what d’ye want?” he grunted, sus- piciously. “JT want to see you on business,” the major said, ‘Let me come in, and we'll have a glass of Kentucky from my private bottle, and I will explain the nature of my errand.” Waal, I s’pose ye can come,” the giant owled, opening the door, “ tho’ this ain’t my ay fer receivin’ visitors. Got my nose smash- ed last night, ye see, an’ am sorter in mournin’.” ‘Yes, Lknow. I witnessed your fight with Deadwood Dick. I marvel you did not do for m. Beautiful Bill chuckled, audibly. “T was a fool—that’s how I got salivated!” he said, feeling dolefully of the plaster on his nose. ‘‘I might ’a’ knowed I’d get blistered. Deadwood Dick never met ther galoot thet ked lick him, nohow ye ken fix it.” “What! do you, with all your brag, ac- knowledge that the road-agent can lick you?” “*T do—I acknowledged the corn, long ere this. Didn’t he cook my goose—didn’t he lam- baste me for all I was worth, now? You’d be willin’ ter sw’ar thet ye see’d him do it, and so would the crowd, while as fer me, ther great Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail, I acknow- ledge ther corn. I ain’t no Christyun, by along shot, nur no leetle George Wasbingtun wi’ a Has she | tell when I got fairly licked!” **Well—well, admitting that through some weakness and indisposition on your part, the Sport did whip you—he couldn’t doit again, in all probability ; perhaps—” ‘“ Whoa up thar! I jest don’t keer fer him ter try. Iain’t no hog, and know when I’ve got enough. Jest luk at this nose, will ye? Et lucks as ef it hed been thru a base-ball season in Chi- cago; then cast yer optics at my pretty fore- head, and note what a beautiful motto is en- ved thar. Fight ag’in_ wi’ Deadwood Dick? 0, sir-ee, bob-tail hoss! ‘You don’t ketch ther Pet Elephant sia used up ag’in, like he war yesterday. Thet Deadwood Dick’s a leetle vol- caner, pilgrim, an’ ef ye ain’t purtic’lar about attendin’ yer own funeral, ye’d better steer shy o’ his nibses, an’ don’t ye fergit it!” “He served you rough, Bill,” the major said, consolingly, ‘‘and I don’t blame you for not wanting to tackle him alone. Here, take a suck from my bottle, and it will stiffen up your spirits. Now, you of course meditate revenge on this devilish road-agent, Bill?’ ** Revenge?” the Pet Elephant said, seizing the major’s half-pint flask, and eying it grimly after which he raised it to his lips and’ drained it in a couple of long, strong pulls. ‘‘ Revenge, did yousyt Waal, opine no, pilgrim. A won- derful change hes come over me, since thet ga- loot smashed my nose beyond all its resemblance ter Appoller—a wonderful change. I tell ye he et knocked ther fight all cl’ar outen me, an’ ’ve resolved ter haul in my sign out thar, an’ shut up shop. When sech fellars as Deadwood Dick ar’ about, I opine Pet Elephants don’t quite ciate in this climate. ‘Ye see thet. book, yander? Waal, thet’s a Bible, w’at I bought fer three set-’em-ups, up in town, an’ I’m goin’ ter study thet til I can preech a fair shake o’ a sermon, an’ b’ild me a church, hyar in Leadville, whar I can convert sech sin- ners as [have been. Oh! you bet yer boots T'll make hum |” “Then you positively refuse to revenge your- self upon Deadwood Dick, for the ill he has done you?” the major demanded, rising, with regret in his tone—for he had made calculation upon enlisting Beautiful Bill in his service. “ee positive refuse!” Beautiful Bill return- ed. ‘When I have a desire to ram myself ag’in’ an ’arthquake, next time, I'll s’arch fer one 'o’ different register, an’ don’ ye ferget et. As fer thet Deadwood Dick, I im, Ido, from ther soles o’ my stogy boots. Any leetle cuss like him who can stand up an’ lick ther great Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail, fust wi’ a gad an’ then wi’ knuckles, deserves a seat in ther presydental cheer. Why, he did lam- baste me beautiful, an’ did a fust-class job, or I shed never hey fergiv’ him. Thar’s stripes on my back like on a hyena or a zebra, and swaller me fer a watermelon, ef I ain’t proud uv ’em!” ““You are a consummate ass!” the major growled. ‘‘ Any man but an idiot would seek revenge, See! I too have the sign of the double cross stamped upon my forehead, but Dead- wood Dick shall pay dearly for his cursed work mark my word for that. I have a hundred men who will follow me to his retreat, and help to kill him and his gang!” “Planets of Venus and Jupiter! Ef ye don’t it ther wu’st licked you ever war, I’m asucker, at’s all!” the giant replied, as the major took his departure. ‘‘When ye git ther beauty o’ yer proboscis alteredinter a pig’s-fut jelly, jest cum erround, an’ I'll shake hands wi’ ye.’ The major rode away with a curse upon his lips, while Beautiful Bill re-enterd his hut, thoughtfully, and donned his. belt of weapons. There was a peculiar twinkle in his bloodshot eye, not often there, and an expression about his mouth that was inexpressibly ludicrous. “Tl bet ther major git’s lambasted like thun- der—that is, if Beautiful Bill knows his P’s and Q’s,” he mused. Arming himself to his satisfaction, he sat down to a table, and wrote with pen and ink the following message, in a clear, legible, an stylish hand, which bespoke that some tifne in the past he had been the recipient of education in penmanship, at least, wh ch was more than could be said of half the ruffians of his ilk who infested the mines. ““LEADVILLE, May—, 187—. “Mr. DEADWoop Dick: “T allow ye'll be sum’at surprised when ye git this, but ye can bet yer boots it’s all on ther squar’. | Since ye licked me, I don’t cherish fer ye no enmity, nary a time, an’ ef ye run fer presydent alongside o | Grant or any other galoot, hayr’s w’at’ll vote fer ye, an’ don’t ye fergit it. But this ain’t w’at I write this *pistol fer ter remark. This morning ther pilgrim, hatchet, but I do reckon et’s my privelege ter Major Howell, cum ter me, an’ wanted ter draft me infer a campaign ag’in’ ye, but I wouldn’t go. He sed as how he war a-goin ter lay fer ye, wi’ a hun- dred men, an’ lick out yer hull crew. I allowed ter him thet he couldn't tech one side 0’ you, an’ I'll allow I orter know. So I tho’t I’d write an’ warn ye ter luck out fer ther major. Ef ye want any help, don’t be afeard ter call on yourstruly. Ye didafair job by me, an’ I luv ye fer it, an’ tharfore, wi’ a smashed nose, an’ a cross-marked forehead, I remain, se reir yours, “ BEAUTIFUL BILL. “Pp. §. Leave. You're entitled ter boss ther town, an’ I'll take er back seat. I ain’t no swine, an’ know when I've got enough. es With this document safely stored in his pock- et, the giant then left the hut, and trudged toward Leadville. The very first man he met in front of the Tontine restaurant, was the famous Annihilator, Old Avalanche, and up to him the Pet Elephant pranced, forthwith. “ Lookee hyar,” he said, in a tragic whisper. fF Sn a friend ter thet daisy, Deadw Dick?’ ‘*Great ham-bone! yes,” Avalanche replied; “but what of et?” “Waal, just lend me yer ear. I’m a friend o’ the Tectle cuss, too, since he lambasted me, down hyar in ther street, an’ I want him ter get this ye’re docyment.” Avalanche received the message from the giant, and read it, a puzzled expression coming upon his grizzled features. ‘*Great aristocratic ham-bone! did ye write — William?” he demanded, suspiciously eying the giant. **1 did, an’ don’t ye fergit it,” the Pet Elephant replied, proudly. “I am a changed man, now, pilgrim, an’ ef ye don’t find et out, I’m a jack-mule. A Christyun am I, Beautiful Bill, clean from the soles of my stogy boots, ter my sky parlor!” CHAPTER VIL 4 RETURNED MOTHER—AT DEAD PINE TRACT. Tue first m Fanny Farron met after her return to Leadville, from Deadwood Dick’s vil- lage, was Jacques Frouch, the actor at the Col- iseum. ression upon her face told very well of the defeat of her plans, and a gleam of satis- faction was in his eyes as he saw it. “Ze ma belle Fanny did not meet with ze suc- cess she expected?” he said, with his sarcastic broken French, which he knew annoyed. her. ‘She did not find ze road-agent of ze same opin- ion of herself, eh?” ‘No, curse him!” the actress hissed, between her white teeth, her eyes flas venomously, “he refused me, and now he shall feel my ven- geance. I'll fight him and kill that girl he has taken to protect, before I leave Leadville.” Frouch smiled serenely. ‘Your spirit is admirable, my lady ” he said, with a sort of triumphant chuckle. “Your act- ing comes to you natural. But, I fear you will have a serious task, combating inst a man so powerful and shrewd as the notorious road- agent, Deadwood Dick. He is bad medicine.” “‘T do not intend to work alone,” was the re- ply. ‘‘ You must help me, Jack—you who have the will and the ingenuity of a devil in your heart.” “T, my lady? Why should I mix up in your lover’s quarrels, pray ?” ** Because I want you to. You once told me ae had learned the drug and chemist trade in rance, and could compound a slow lingerin poison, which would cause the patient the to excruciating agony, and at the same time refuse to be ameliorated by any counter drug. Now, this is the very article 1 want administered to that doll-faced ward of Deadwood Dick’s, and you must do the job!” Jacques Frouch shuddered a little, the cynical , smile on his face dying out. “T am surprised at you,” he said, after a mo- ment’s survey of her. “ That is a terrible way of getting rid of an enemy.” “A sure_way, however,” the actress replied, coolly. ‘‘ You must do the job.” “Not by a big sight!” the Frenchman said. **T ain’t in that business,” “Then, if oe refuse, your hopes of ever win- ning me are blasted.” ‘Bah! have they not always been blasted? Have you not always refused me?” “Yes, but if you will serve me in this way T'll reward you, and promise to become yours.’
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10 Jacques Frouch’s eyes sparkled greedily. ** Are you lying to me?” he demanded, suspi- ciously. ‘ ‘*No, upon my honor. If you will bring me proof of the death of Deadwood Dick’s ward, you can send for a minister as soon as you choose thereafter.” ‘* Very well. You can depend upon me, and if you back out, you shall die by the same agency as your victim!” he said, significantly. ‘* But, this is not what brought me here. for you.” ‘*Sent for me? Whom by, pray?’ ‘That I am unable to tell, more than that the at was a woman, and deeply vailed, at that. She came to me, and desired that I should ¥ was sent fetch you.” ‘Strange; I know of no woman here, who could possibly be interested in me.” ‘*She is, all the same, judging by what she said tome. Will you come?” ‘Of course. I’m curious to see a vailed wo- man.” Together they hurried down Harrison avenue to the Clarendon Hotel, which they enter and ascended to the general parlor on the second floor. A woman clad in a dark robe, and with her face deeply vailed, arose as they entered, and advanced a step—then paused, -hesitatingly in the middle of the floor. ‘Are you Miss Farron, the songstress?” she demanded, something of eagerness in her tone. “Tam the same,” the actress replied. ‘‘ Why do you ask?” ‘* Because I have an interest in you!” the wo- man said, sinking into a chair. ‘ Be seated, pray, and we will talk. In the first place, what are the first recollections in your early life— that is, how far back can you remember?” **Not very far,” was the reply, and the ac- tress exchanged glances with Jacques Frouch, who had seated himself near the door. ‘“ M first recollections are of the stage, on which sung when I was but ten years old.” _ Were pia alone—do you remember the party who had you in charge?” ‘*] remember her very indistinctly: a woman who drank poor aoe to excess, and who beat me around unmercifully.” “What became of this guardian of yours?” ‘*T don’t’ know, She called herself my mo- ther, buf’ then, I never eounted on’ that, and was glad when she skipped out. They told me she’d slid for stealing some money from one of the actors.” ‘* What became of you, after this woman left ” ‘** Well I shook for myself,and took care of my- self, an’ here you see me.” “Yes, and glad Iam, too, for I believe you are not that scrupulous that you would refuse to earn a pile of money in an easy way.” ‘As to that you may have read me prett. correct!” Miss Farron replied, with a laugh. “ certainly should not hesitate to pick up money and examine it, if Isaw it lying in my path.” The vailed woman laughed, too, in a peculiar, bbe te way. 4 vident it was that she had secretly studied the actress, and laid her plans accordingly, pre- vious to the visit. “Tt is as I thought then. For money you are willing towork. Allright. Do you know what your real name is—your real name?” “No, unless itis Farron.” ‘Then let me tell you. Your name is Howell. You’re the first and only legitimate daughter of Major Howell, the speculator of this place!” “T Major Howell’s daughter?’ the actress cried, in amazement. ‘*‘ And you—who are you, woman?” **T am your mother !” “This is incredible, madam. Are you the same woman who was my guardian in the ” “The same. I would bare my face to you, but for reasons all-sufficient to myself. I left you, years ago in order to hunt up this villain who married and deserted me, and now I have found him, married again, with a family grown up around him, and well to do.” ‘* Well, what do you propose to do?” the act- ress demanded, in a business-like manner. ‘‘If you’ve any plan to make some money for me, speak out; if not, git!” ‘*T have a plan,” the vailed woman replied, without appearing to notice the coarse sugges- tion of the other, “and you being my child, shall share equally with me, if you lend me such aid as I desire. Major Howell will pay high to have us lay back and not expose him as a bigamist.” “True. You have got him where the hair is long, sure enough. Well, count me in, and let’s Deadwood Dick’s Device. go to work. I want money. I spent all of my t month’s at the Coliseum, and am dead broke. Haven’t even got a copper.” ‘* Be not in a hurry, or you will spoil all,” the vailed woman replied. ‘I will prepare the way first, and then wait on you again.” Then, after a few other words, she took her departure. The sign of the double cross! During the succeeding week, this was the subject uppermost in the minds of the Sy we the topic of general conversation, in Leadville and its tributary mining cities. For, every day was Deadwood Dick’s strange device being found, either upon the living or the dead, through the mountain gulches and in the mining villages adjacent to the carbonate region, in and around ville. ‘The Double Cross!” was upon every lip, and the mention of it was a synonym of terror, for | it meant the vengeance of the Prince of the Road—the notorious Deadwood Dick, who had hanged once to secure his freedom, and having failed to get it at the hands of the people, was ede, J eign of terror and death that had never before been equaled. In justice to him- self, said some, was this daring outlaw fighting but the masses failed to view th light. Tiednati the shadows of early evening, two men left the town of Ville, on foot, and made their way toward the north. Upon the outskirts they were joined bya band of four- score or more of mounted, armed men, who also held two empty saddle-horses in wee ese were soon filled, however, b e two parties first mentioned, and then the whole cavalcade galloped toward the north. For some time they traveled on; then, as the moon hove in sight from below the horizon, they drew rein, at a wave of the leader’s hand, he being no other person than Alf Howell, the | speculator’s son, and the man beside him was the major in person, What was the meaning of this midnight expedition? .Why all these armed men on horse- back, venturing into the wilderness—men whose rough, slouchy dresses, and still rougher phy- siques, pronounced them to be of the most anly. classes? ; ee eee ms, tl » There could be but one supposition—that they were going to a conflict, As they came to a halt, Alf Howell said: “Order, now! Are all the boys here?” ‘* All here,” replied one of the men, ¢ Eighty-four, in all?’ “ Ay! Eighty-four, in all.” ** Good. every man properly armed, and ammunitioned ?” “Ay! Ive seen to that.” “Good, again. All dismount, now,. and secure your horses, hereabouts. ‘Before us lies the Dead Pine Tract, which is our destination.” The order was renldly obeyed, with as little noise as possible, hen every man had tether- ed his horse, and assembled in the little glade where they had halted, Alf Howell, or Dandy Alf as he was more familiarly known, said: “Tf you are all ready now, we will divide into four companies of twenty-one men apiece, and separate. McNulty, you can take char of one brigade and station yourself at the northern of the Tract, throwing out senti- nels every little ways to prevent any one from escaping from the t. Shoot any one at- tempting such a thing. Deems you may do the same on the eastern side with the second divi- sion, and Brocton can take the west end, ditto. I will remain with my division here on the southern side. Let no man pass youor goin or panes the Tract, unless he gives you the pass- word, ‘* What is the password?” asked McNulty. “I have forgotten, if you told me.” ‘Tt is ’Sdeath !” the gambler replied, grimly. ‘“Now divide up, and get off to your posts, where you will remain until you hear the blast ofahorn. Then make for the big cabin in the lade. If you are attacked before, however, ow your trumpets, and hold strong until we arrive. I haven’t made all my plans yet, and can’t give you further directions. Score off, now, and get to your posts!” This order was speedily obeyed. The three officers, McNulty, Deems and Broc- ton selected their twenty-one each and departed into the depths of the forest. Dandy Alf then strung the southern side of the Tract, wherein was lo- cated the new village of the daring outlaw, Deadwood Dick, placing them at regular inter- vals, and reserving the other portion in case of emergency. t of his men along e matter in that | be gazing toward When this was arranged to his satisfaction he turned to the major, who was disguised and masked. ** Now, the next move is to get into the out- law’s Mer and procure the girl,” he said, sav- agely. ‘ he is likely to give us more trouble than the whole gang of road-agents.” ‘Not if you manage it right. Gag her when ‘| you catch her, and you can easily bring her oc se ** But, how am I to get to thestronghold when they have doubtless got pickets outposted, to in- tercept new-comers?” ‘That is a question we must devise a plan to answer. By our united brains we ought surely to overpower an obstacle of that nature, with- out muchtrouble. Thought isa great invention you know!” Then the father and son engaged in a whis- ered conversation, which was not audible to a istener. For there was such a listener, as was observable had human eyes penetrated a clamp of undergrowth not far from where the two Howells stood, A bulky mass of individuality was curled up in these bushes, and had been, ever since the ar- rival of the band. It now be to cautiously uncoil, however, and finally disclosed the pon- derous Leadville giant, Beautiful Bill. The Pet Elephant it was, sure enough, and, having heard all that he was able to hear for the time being, he be to cast about him for escape. So ctomey hulk was the giant, evidently, when he chose to exercise caution, for he wormed his way out of his place of concealment and into the glade right past. the sentinels, without being dis- covered, a quiet grin the while upon his battered features. Straight toward the cabin rendezvous of Dead- wood Dick he made his way, often having to lie flat upon his stomach, to avoid exposing his rson to the ree of any pickets who might im. In this way he finally gained the cover of the great cabin; then in its entrance he came face to face. with—Deadwood Dick. ‘*Shoo! don’t make a noise!” the tioned, as Dick stepped back in ; laid his right hand upon a pistol butt. © ‘I ain’t no k, ner no soopernatural visitation, you bet, but Beautifal illiam, ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail.” “The devil!. How did you come here?” Dick demanded, sternly. ‘Waal, pent o’ the ways on my feet, an’ ther other two-thirds on my hands an’ knees an’ stum- mick!” the giant replied, with a grin. ‘* Then, you are my prisoner, you were not content with the thrashing I gave you, a limb -, a tree will perhaps do you,” Deadwood Dick giant cau- rise, and gy “Hold on! I ain’t a-goin’ ter hang yet, Ef Lain’t an angel, I am a-goin’ ter try ter be one. Didn’t ye git ther warnin’ I sent to you, wi’ old Avalanche?’ ‘“* Yes, and threw it in the fire. You are not sharp enough to fool me with chaff yet, my pil- “Thar warn’t no chaff about it, Dick ‘m daisy, i as sure’s my fronticepiece is Beauti- ful Bill. Thet war a fair shake I give ye, ter luk out fer ther major, an’ ef ye didn’t mind it, most likely yer fire is all dotgh, “4 ‘* What do you mean?” ‘Oh! ye’ll see, d’rectly, sure’s I’m one o’ ther detached planets from Jupiter. Old Howell an’ a gang 0’ eighty galoots a surrounded ye, an’ ef they don’t make it hot fer ye, I'll lose my sur- mnise. ““By Heaven! I don’t credit this, We've seen nothing of them.” ‘“‘Mebbe not; but it’s a fact, just so sure as ye gamboled my proboscis out o’ kilter. Jest feast yer eyes on this nose, Dicky—ther ’reck o’ for- mer prominence. Don’t et make ye feel bad ter think thet ye war ther means o’ gp’ilin’ a fellar human’s beauty, fer nothin’? But I fergive ye, my honeysuckle—I do, from ther soles 0’ m stogy boots, because ye did a fust-class job. Ye licked me, and licked me ’til it did me proud, an’ heer’s my fist in eternal friendship.” And the Fa thrust out bis brawny hand. Deadwood Vick hesitated but a moment, then grasped it and shook it. “Tl trust you,” he said, ‘until I find you treacherous—then, I'll a revolver-bullet ut through your thie¢k skull. Excuse me if Iam more emphatic than polite, but I am obliged to consider every man a treacherous rascal, in order to make my general estimation of the world correct. I consider every man my enemy, _ until he proves, beyond a doubt, that he is my friend.” “Don’t blame ye a bit, an’ ef ye ever ketch
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. ther Pet Elephant off his nut, jest salivate him, kerslap.” ‘*Consider it settled. Though the belief is with me that your motives in this action are honest, I shall have you watched, lest the devil in you, and which infests every man’s nature, may accidentally leak out, when [ am not on my guard. Now, give me your advice as to this gang of cutthroats, under Major Howell.” Beautiful Bill did so, giving an accurate ac- count of what he had heard and seen, while playing the spy. After he had finished, Deadwood Dick accom- panied him to the mess-room of the band, and ordered the cook to give him some supper. In the meantime, he gave orders to have more pickets ted, for he was ill at easo— more so than he had ever been before at the prospect of a battle. This uneasiness was in a easure caused by the fact that a part of his men under an aide-lieutenant, named Farwell, were out on the road, and might return unsus- pectingly to the glade and be surprised and cut to pieces by the ruffians under the command of the Howells. As for himself and those within the rendez- vous, he had no fears, CHAPTER VIIL WATCHING AND WAITING. Danpy ALF HowELL concluded not to make the attempt to reach Deadwood Dick’s cabin, inasmuch as such an undertaking would incur a great deal of risk of life, for he doubted not that the new heir of Dead Pine Tract had taken the precaution to post guards on the watch for enemies. At the cabin Deadwood Dick was makin ready for the battle which he was sure would come, and he meant not to be disappointed or surprised, Several small howitzers he had had brought to the Tract, and these he ordered now into the second story of the cabin, with their noses pointed out of convenient windows, one in the east, west, north and south respectively. They were mounted upon small trucks, and being loaded heavily, were the very thing for mowinz down a crowd. While Dick was superintending these arrange- ments, Stella Howell was by his side, watch- ing without a remark the preparations for bat- e “Why are you making all these preparations, Mr. Harris?’ she aske id at last, Vnripellled no doubt by curiosity. “Are we going to have war here, on Dead Pine Tract?” “Tt would seem so, when we are surrounded by nearly a hundred armed ruffians, under your uncle and cousin!” Dick replied. ‘‘ They have come, no doubt, to take possession of the Tract!” “‘ And you will give ib up to them?” ** No, lady—not while I have powder and lead to drive them back. Is it your wish that they should have the mine, here, and all that was your father’s?” “Oh! no, indeed. I want you to have it; I want every clause in poor papa’s will obe ed!” the maiden cried, enthusiastically. “If you have a place for me, give me a gun, and I will fight as long as I have hay “No n for that, Miss Stella! What you could do in the way of fighting I will take off your hands and do myself, with pleasure,” Dick said, gallantly. «You may rest assured that if the invaders attempt to reach my claim, they will do so at the peril of their lives, for I shall fight to the bitter end, and render the name of Deadwood Dick a greater terror than it is.” “You are a brave man,” Stella said, warm- ly, “although if all the stories about you are true, you are to some extent a wicked one bike > T am loth to believe, you are so bold an and— “No flattery, lady !” enjoined Deadwood Dick, as she paused in confusion. ‘‘I know what you would say, but J deny the accusation. Good looks I never laid claim to, the Lord only knows, and as for boldness, my life has made me too bold I fear.” “ A man can not be too bold, in some ways— in others he can be so without'trying very hard,” Stella replied, as she turned away. After SS everything to his satisfaction above-stairs, Deadwood Dick descended to the first floor, to find Old Avalanche in the mess- room, ‘Hello! you, Alva—how came you here?” “Great ham-bone, Dickey, my jewel—how did I get hayr? How did ther old cavortin’ cy- clone o’ ther North-west get ar, Se Moses thet perigrinated off on ther ear uvabullrush! I jest wafted down hayr on ther palatial car uv old 11 Aurora Bory Alice—a ginnywine thunderbolt o’ extinction—a storm-cloud o’ etarnal annihila- tion an’ extirpation, fac’ by gracious! Jest gaze at me, Dickey, ye thoroug bred daisy—jest ac- celerate ther speed 0’ yer glance onter my royal nibs, and remark ef ye don’t obsarve a teetotal change in ther old ragin’ eppydemic o’ ther per- rarers!” ‘“*You do look somewhat enlivened, that is true,” Dick 5 ey smiling at the old man’s earnestness. ‘‘ Your eyes seem to have a brighter luster, your mouth has resumed specie payment and you seem all cured of your lameness, al- though I can’t see that your ears have grown much lately.” ‘*No, Dickey, old Perriwinkle! Them ears won’t nevyer adorn my venerable skull, I reck- on,” the veteran muttered, rubbing his horny ee over the spots where those useful organs ad once upon a time grown. ‘“ But thet ain’t no sarcumstance—great archipelagological ham- bone, no! Jest luk at me, I’m as fresh as a spring lamb—as frisky as ther little sheep Mar had, w’at ye read about in the Catechisms. No longer is ther Great Annihilation a thing o’ ther past, but ther livin’ reality in boomin’ condishun —me, ther great devastatin’ eppydemic o’ these boreal lattitudes an’ longytoads, an’ my. mare, Prudence Cordeliar, an’ yf goat, Florence Night-in-a-gale. Yes sir-ee, bobtail hoss! ther great cavortin’ cyclone o’ ther West ar’ ag’in in workin’ order, an’ hayr’s w’at hes grown six yeers younger, inside o’ five hours—fac’, by gracious.” “Do I understand you, then, that you have recovered your goat and horse, old man?’ ‘*Great International ham-bone, yes—recov- ered ’em, yes, on course I hev, Dickey, my trans- parent emblem o’ vartue—ye Goddess of Liberty! On course I recovered ’em, an’ this is how I did | it. War settin’ on ther steps down at ther Ton- tine, when a galoot he came waltzin’ up on ther = 0’ a hoss, an’ behind him dogged as sneakish a lukin’ billy-goat as ever chawed cast-iron, an’ don’ ye fergit et, my posey. Great discomfited ham-bone thet discombobberated ther terrestyal gravytation uv old Joner! I know’d thet ana- mile ther minit I spied her, an’ et popred inter my head ter hev sum fun, So I jest hopped ter my fut, an’ [I sed, sez I, ‘ Qui vas senio las monto du diablo, wich war hoss-latin fer Prudence Cordeliar, ye'consarnéd old son of a sea-cook, ye old devil? Waal, sir, thet sagacious anamile luked up an’ lued her eye onter me; then she began ter’'whinny an’ elevatin’ her backsliding propensities, she sent that galoot w’at rid her, a ayin’ leap-frog t’other side o’ ther street, after which she walked serenely up ter me an’ shuk hands, an’ Jarfed as only a hoss can laff, till she nigh cried. An Florence she snickered too, an’ thar on ther steps o’ ther Tontine, we three component parts o’ ther great devastatin’ Anni- hilation ag’in leagued ourselves together fer ther pu e 0’ cavortin’ about on anuther toor uv extirpation, in these yere pestiferous longytoads an’ lattytudes.” “Well, I’ve business for you, right here, if you are spiling for a fight,” Deadwood Dick said, smiling. “< Great ham-bone, yes; I know all about it, my daisy; an’ ye kin reckon on ther Annihila- tion fera part o’ ther conflict. But, Dickey, thar’s one thing I want ameliorated—thet is 6 say, changed. Ther g’ard at ther door, he ac- tooally refused ter admit my Florence an’—” “Tl settle that,” Dick said, with a laugh. “Come along, and the worthy j’int of the anni- hilation shall have the best the establishment affords.” F And, true to his word, Deadwood Dick had the venerable goat admitted to the mess-room, and furnished with a repast sumptuous enough for “ah goat to eat. orence evidently had a retentive memory, for she appeared to re ize the Prince of the Road, and rubbed about him, lovingly. Shehad ' grown more venerable looking of late, if not uglier, but had lost none of her love for a scrim- , for there were no answers to them at present evidently. The moon had gone under a cloud, and outside was impenetrable darkness. Nota foot before his face could a man see now; then the boom of thunder along the hea- vens predicted a storm. Fully trusting his men, Deadwood Dick did not venture out into the night, but remained within doors directing those of his followers who were inside. Avalanche with many of the re ei of the true soldier, suggested several little additional improvements in regard to the defense, which Dick accepted with hearty thanks. At home was the Annihilator, with his many odd, extraordinary stories and uncouth expres- sions, now that he had Florence to gambol and frisk at his side. ““Great ham-bone! why don’t ther galoots git up and ’tend to their knittin’, ef they want ter fight?” he grunted, as he approached Dick, who stood in the doorway of the Rendezvous, and gazed out into the black night. “If I war them pilgrims, Td go bathe myself in the Sloughs o’ Despond, or sum other such a place, and then dig me a hole in the ground, and crawl into it and pull it in after me. ** You'll see ’em soon enough,” the Prince re- plied. ‘‘ We shall have a big shower soon, and then can look out for ’em. here’s Calamity, Alva?” “Ther Lord knows, Dickey, my t On ascending the stairs, Dick found Stella Howell crouching in one corner of her room, trembling violently. ‘“‘Oh! Dick—Mr. Harris, I mean, [ am so = you have come. I was so afraid of the hunder.” And she glided forward and put her hands in his, confidingly, while she looked into his face for assurance. ‘* Afraid, were you?” the Prince asked, smil- ing down into her dilated eyes, sdmiringly. “Why a storm like the one that threaténs us, is in perfect keeping with my nature, my little ward. ltis grand. The crash of the thunder, the vivid hiss of the zigzag lightning, and the weird sound of the falling rain, are the sounds that thrill me with renewed life—fill my soul with a yearning to go forth and ride madly through the warring elements!” “Oh! how can you? I am always timid ina storm like this. It must be nice to be so brave and courageous.” “There is no bravery in not fearing the storn.s of this life, Miss Stella. A man who trembles not at the sound of his Maker’s voice, is not natural, or else he is a devout and sincere servant of the Lord; one or the other. But as unnatural and wild as they may be, I believe there is no man or beast not in a measure sus- ceptible to God’s influence, during a storm.” “T agree with you, indeed,” Stella said, en- thusiastically. ‘‘ You are a philosopher, in your way, Mr. Harris.” “Perhaps I ought to be. But, don’t call me Mr. Harris any more. It is a name that don’t belong to me—Dick is what they call me—Dead- wood Dick, and the name will cling to me ag long as I live.” Put t is just as well, so long as you are proud of it. *“T am not _— of it—of any thing. I de- spise a man who is proud of himself, his name, or any worldly possession. He is as much to be despised as the buzzard who gluts himself on carrion, and then is in misery the remainder of the day. No! I am not proud of the name of Deadwood Dick—I should be a contemptible mage, apparently, for she bow Beautiful Bill | sinner were I. It isnot a name to be proud of, with a twinkle in her eye, which would seem to express the sentiment that she hankered after giving his giantship an interview with her head gear—that knotted sledge-hammer-like batter- ing-ram she knew so well how to manage. e night wore on. Those within the Rendezvous watched and waited, expecting momentarily to hear the first signal of the attack; but still it did not come. hat was the meaning of the delay? Were the wolves of the Howells intending to starve out the little garrison? Or were they creeping up, previous to a big rush at the cabin? These were the questions not easy to answer, for there are many stains upon it, never to be washed out; yet, outlaw, road-agent, dare-devil though I have been, and am now, I have been driven on, step by step, by a people who have no mercy—who fofithes to let me alone, after I had hanged and thus paid the penalty of crime. So that, though my future prospects may not be pleasant to reflect upon, I have the consola- tion of knowing that no man has ever paid nature’s debt by my agency, who was not at heart a ruffian and a villain, and whose death was not a relief to the community, and a favor to every honest man.” ie And must you always live this wild, strange ' hfe?
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12 Deadwood Dick’s Device. “‘ Always!” Deadwood Dick replied, fiercely. ‘*T am an outcast, and as such I have only remain. ee ag the public at large refuse to receive me. hey are everlasting enemies. Go where I will, they hunt me and turn me abroad, because once I was a road-agent. They curse me, and rdive me about, and I have no choice except between this life, and death. ‘*T, at least, pity you, and trust you,” Stella said, putting her hands into his, warmly, ‘‘I don’t believe you are bad at heart.” “Thank you, little lady. I hopeI am not. But, 1 came here to speak of another thing—of our father’s will. You have read it all hrough?” “T have—and know of what you would speak: concerning my marriage. y answer is yes! It was evidently my father’s wish, and did I loathe and despise you, which I do not, I should respect his wishes.” “T thank you, my little one,” Dick said, bend- ing and kissing her upon the forehead. ‘‘ Your trust shall not be at fault. I shall send for a minister at once, having one who has been regu- larly ordained, in my band. He will marry us, and some other time, we will be wedded again to make all sure. This ceremony will make you equally, my wife, and should I perish, the ruler of my band, who will stand by you, through thick and through thin.” After a few more words, the young chief took his departure, just as the sound of a rifle-shot rolled along out of the forest. ‘““They’ve begun operations,” he muttered, darkly, as he hastened down the stairs. He found Old Avalanche and Beautiful Bill in the mess-room, while the rest of the men were itioned at loop-holes in different portions of he cabin. The storm had burst forth in all its fury, the rain pouring down in torrents, and the thunder rumbli heavily an accompaniment to the lightning’s vivid flashes. ‘Great ham-bone! did ye heer thet ar’ shot?’ the Annihilator demanded. “Yes, I heard it,” Dick replied. ‘‘ Where did it come from?” “ Ken’t say, tho’ I'll allow they’re gittin’ reddy fer a scrimmage.” If they don’t git the worst ** Let them come. of it, I’m mistaken.” A reconnoissance failed to see anything un- usual out of doors, for it was inky black. Leaving the cabin Deadw Dick visited each of the out-posted sentinels, but they had no information. ey had heard the report, but had seen no flash, nor any effects of the shot. Returning to the cabin, he found that Ava- lanche had made a capture in the ore of a d, bageard-tookng individual, who looked if he n in ahot conflict, but recently. He was a tall. brawny fellow, with iron-gray hair and ragged uneven beard to match; eyes black and complexion swarthy. His face was severely scratched and bled profusely, and one arm was worn in a sling. His clothing and hat were of the most tat- tered description, and were soaking wet and covered with mire, as if the owner of tlem had been egy bes the mud. “Great ham-bone thet bucked ag’in’ ther larnyx of old Joner!” the Annihilator ejacu- la pointing, as the chief entered, to the waif of the storm, who lay half-reclining upon the floor. “Old Moses who war born in ther bull- rushes! Lookee hayr,Dickey,my jewel. Hayr’s a pilgrim who begged ter kum in, an’ I let him, fer I recky he’s about canceled his yearth- ly dates.” “‘ Who is he!” ‘Great ham-bone! he sez ’as how his name is Mons’er Muckaloo, or sum sich like, an’ thet he war travelin’ toward Leadville, an’ then cum in collision wi’ ther gang out yonder, an’ only escaped wi’ his life.” Deadwooa Dick turned and eyed the stranger suspiciously. He ywasso rough and illy-clad that a suspicion dawn upon his mind that he might not be all he claimed. “What is : vad name?” he asked. ‘““M. Mulchfree,” the man replied, with a slight accent of French. ** What is your business?” “T am professionally a Parisian chemist, but of late I have been prospecting in the neighbor- ing mountains for gold. ‘You met with ped success, I should say, judging by your clothes?” ‘Yes. Icame near starving, and was mak- ing my may toward Leadville, whea I encoun- tered several ruffians in the woods back here, and in a battle with them got a sprained arm, a bullet hole through my side, and my face scratched up considerable.” ‘‘ This probably accounts for the rifle report we heard then. Alva, you may dress the fel- low’s wounds, and give him some fodder.” Avalanche obeyed, and the Frenchman re- ceived the attentions gratefully. On raged the storm without, the thunder rumbling and jarring and the lightning hissing spitefully into every crack and crevice. During one of these awful glares, the door cpenne and Calamity Jane stepped into the cabin. CHAPTER IX. A WOLF, DISGUISED. Yrs, it was Calamity Jane, sure enough, who entered the rendezvous, from out the terrible storm. She had, in a measure, protected her- self, however, from its fury, by wearing a long oilcloth coat, which reached. nearly to her feet. She threw this aside, now, and shook the rain from her slouch hat. ‘‘Phew! how it comes down,” she said, with a quiet grin, ‘‘ You ought to go out and wash the stains out of your character, as I’ve been ac, Sane 4 nk you. I just came in,” Dick replied. “The rain, Iam afraid, would have little effect on the stains of my character.” ‘«P’r’aps not. hat are ye goin’ to do?” “Tn regard to a fight?” “cc Yes.’ “*T scarcely know. Don’t even know how matters stand in the camp of the enemy.” ‘© You'll fight, of course?” ‘Very likely. I never laid down my arms but once, and submitted myself to be hanged, and I shall not again, very soon.” ‘“My words have come true. You remember I told you you’d be an outlaw, soon again, at the head of a band of men. Here you are, in the very position I predicted, with the people warring against you.” ork ly you came pretty near the target, in that shot,” the young chief replied, a dark scowl coming upon his brow. ‘‘I might have been a free man, to-day, had the people been at all merciful. Instead, I am an outcast and an outlaw, and the pecple are pushing me on, as fast and far as sey are,” “And always will be. And the quicker you can clear out of the country to some foreign clime, the sooner you will be rid of the curse that now clings to you.” “Nol never run for them!” Deadwood Dick replied, sternly. ‘‘I will never run for them, a million to one though they may be. They shall keep me here in America as long as I have life, and shall feel the blighting influence of my hand, because of their treachery.” “‘Hurra! thet’s ther way ter tork it!” the Annihilator burst forth in enthusiasm, while his eccentric goat gave an enco ““ba-a-a!” “‘ Great chicken-livered ham-bone thet war ther last ailment uv old Joner! Dicky’s squar’ on ther track, thar, an’ Pll bet my old socks on’t. He’s bin treated like as ef he war sum dishonor- able coyote, an’ ef he ain’t got cause fer revenge, I don’t know myself. Eh? C’lamity, what d’ye say?” Ye agree with you, of course. You and I never disagree on any thing, you know,” the dare-devil replied, with a smile, as she went up and shook hands with the veteran scout. “No, C’lamity, gal, we never differed in our opines, ’cept on one matter—ther breed 0’ my orence Night-in-a-gale, you claimin’ thet ther anamile war a ‘sooner,’ while I claim hear’ a ‘setter 7!” ‘¢ Well, we sha’n’t even quarrel about that, Alva. orence is a sagacious animal, and ten to one, there’s nary another to match him. Hello! what have we here? Do my eyes deceive me, or is it an pia I see?” for the dare- devil had suddenly caught sight of the formid- able proportions of Beautiful Bill standing near at hand. “No, you behold the Pet Elephant in the presence of his tamer,” Deadwood Dick answer- ed, laughingly. ‘‘ With his spirit subdued, he makes a aa pack-horse, on account of his size.” Later Calamity drew the chief to one side, and nodded toward the giant. “* Keep a look-out for that big brute, for, clev- er actor though he may be, you’ll find to your cost that you are being deceived in him, and he will attempt to strike you a death-blow!” ‘‘ Then you don’t believe in his sincerity, eh?” ‘*Not by a long shot! Dve seen too many toughs of his calibre to believe them thorough- bred white-winged flutterers, you bet! It’s easy enough for the galoot ter pretend friendliness ter you, but I tell you thar’s nary a galoot as will stand up an’ take a bastin’ like he got, an’ then turn around and luv ye fer playin’ the gad.” Fay” ' a revolver at the Frenchman’s heart. | ‘Well, maybe you’re pretty near right; still IT am loth to believe that the giant has any evi intentions toward me.” ‘Well, maybe he hasn’t, but time will prove. There is another thing that I have to speak about, and it is concerning the actress at the Coliseum.” “Miss Fanny Farron?” ‘Yes. She has some devilment on foot, and you want to look out for her. She is as reveng- ful as a tigress, and is plotting to murder the girl pha have up-stairs.’ ‘By Heaven! no! She shall never touch a hair of Stella’s head.” “T hope for your sake, that she won't; but you must look out for her, or some one who comes in her place. Has any suspicious char- acter been seen around here, to-night, in dis- guise ?” ‘No. You, Alva, and the French chemist, have been the only new arrivals.” ‘The French chemist?” ‘*'Yes—a poor wretch, who, after prospecting in the mountains, with no success, was pullin for Leadville, when he had an encounter wit the enemy, out here, and got considerably bruised up.” ‘“You are a fool!” Calamity said, half con- temptuously—‘‘ a consummate fool.” “Why so? What do you mean?” “Why, that pilgrim is a clean out and out fraud, and is no doubt a tool of Fanny Farron, sent here todo youinjury. I now believe it to be the same galoot 1 was watching mutilate himself, back here in the woods. He scratched his face until it bled, whacked his arm with a club, and put a bullet through his side with a istol. I reckoned another war was afoot, and e@ was preparing to escape the draft.” ‘Tt is no doubt the same fellow,” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘‘ Alva, where did he go?” “Great ham-bone! last I see’d o’ ther pilgrim, he had hobbled off to the pantry to get a drink,”, the Annihilator replied. “‘He asked me scan. it was, an’ I told him.” A hasty search was instituted for the disguis- ed villain, and he was at last found in one of the adjoi rooms, apparently sound aslee upon oie of blankets. ~ 4 He sprung quickly to his feet, however, as Deadwood ick, accompanied by Calamity and Avalanche, ap’ icaeear ‘Halt! don’t move a muscle under pain of instant death!” the chief cried, sternly, ns ‘I have just learned a few thi concerning you, and Gin may as well surrender, for your game is locked.” “What do you mean?” the man growled, his eyes glittering. ‘“‘] mean to say, that if you don’t drop the false hair you sport, ter, and let us havea square look at you, I'll salivate you in less time than it takes to say Jack Robinson, twice!” Dick replied. “Calamity, you_ assist him to remove the superfluous hair, and if he resists, Hib ping him.” e dare-devil step forward to obey, but the Frenchman waved her back, while he tore off a false beard and wig, and cast them on the floor, with a curse. And there stood the actor, Wildcat Jack, alias J Ere Frouch, ‘‘There! didn’t I tell ye!” Calamity ejaculat¢ ed, triumphantly ‘He’s the chap what we see’d on the stage at the Coliseum, a few nights ago, and his name is J “ane Frouch.” 7 “Cuss ye!” the man said, an evil glare in his eyes. ‘‘ What do you mean?” , ‘‘T mean to hang you up to the limb of the nearest tree, if I tind that 78 have done any mischief,” Deadwood Dick replied, sternly. “Tell me what brought you here, you rascal.’ ‘“‘T shall tell you nothing,” Frouch answered, sullenly. ‘You.can go ahead and do as you choose, but you'll not get a peep out of me.” “Tl know about that directly. Alva, you may bind the villain, and station a guard over him. {want to learn if he has done any harm, before I hang him.” Accordingly the tool of Fann bound hand and foot, and dragg: room, where he was left. Shortly after Deadwood Dick, accompanied by Calamity, Avalanche, and one John Rivers, amember of Dick’s band, ascended to the rooms of Stella Howell, and a marriage ceremony was solemnized—the man Rivers officiating in the capacity of minister, he having been a minister of the gospel until a foul suspicion of murder was lain upon his shoulders, and he was forced to flee, and forsake his calling. The marriage rites performed, there was a | into a strong Farron was
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’ ; : : Deadwood Dick’s Device. eneral handshaking, and when Deadwood Dick escended to the mess room, he was vociferous- ly cheered and congratulated by those of the band within doors. : Calamity remained with the young bride for awhile, and spoke in such glowing terms of Deadwood Dick that Stella in no way regretted the step she had taken. rm ; Morning dawned, a wet and drizzling, dis- agreeable morning, with a cold, grayish pallor seeming to cling to everything, and a monoto- nous drip! drip! of falling rain that rendered the day tonaiee With the dawn of day observations were made that the enemy were still at their posts in the edge of the dead pines, although they were careful not to expose their persons as a target for the rifles of those within the Rendez- vous. Some of the men were in favor of ae the fight, but a word from Deadw Dic cai them to desist. Not first would the Prince or his men be to fire a hostile shot; if the people began the bat- tle, they must abide the results thereof. bout noon Calamity came into the mess- room, her face deathly pale. P ‘* Quick!” she gasped; “ come up-stairs—your wife is dying.” Let us look in upon the camp of the Howells, about this time, and note the situation of af- fairs. The Regulators, as they styled themselves, were still divided upon the east, west, north and south sides of Dead Pine Tract, Alf Howell and the major commanding the southern divi- sion. The men posted on picket duty were re- lieved by their comrades every hour, and thus were kept fresh in case of emergency. Toward morning, when the storm was at its fury, a messenger arrived in camp bearing a note to the major, which read as follows: “Come immediately. There is trouble here, and you are wanted!” As the note was signed by Mrs. Howell, the major had hastened at once toward Leadville, leaving Alf in command. j Upon arriving at his mansion he admitted himself with > hateibedtene! and hastened to the library, which he had noticed from without was brilliantly lighted. Entering without cere- mony, he found himself in the presence of his wife and two daughters—also two other females, one of whom was vailed, while the other he re- cognized as the variety theater singer, Fanny Farron. ‘Well?’ he said, interrogatively,'as he stared around. ‘I am here!” ; ‘Yes, you are here,” Mrs. Howell replied, icily, “and now that you are here, perhaps you can explain yourself. This woman claims to be a former wife of yours, and proposes to put forward her claim upon you.” ““My wife !” the speculator gas wheeling and facing the vailed woman. ‘By Heaven! what infamous plot is this against me? My first wife is in her grave, seven’ ago.” ; ‘No, you are mistaken,” the vailed woman said, calmly uncovering her face. ‘ Your first wife, and only lawful wife is still alive, and stands before you!” It was a calm, voleraninee face, that of the strange claimant, with traces still plain where beauty had once lingered. The eyes were dark and fierce, and the hair threaded with ay. iis Howell staggered back, as he saw the face, a strange, ghastly pallor sweeping over his own countenance. ize me!” the first wife ‘‘Aha! I see you reco exclaimed, triumphantly. ‘I thought you his fin- would.” ‘Curse you!” the speculator gasp ers opening and shutting convulsively. “TI t is per { was rid of you, you she-devil.’ & k out, my dear major! Don’t call me t names, or I will fly at you and tear ares ah out of your head. Ola she-devil, am I? Who made me so, pray? Whodeserted me, and ran off with my hard earnings? Who but you, you scoundrel?” “T didn’t—it’s a lie!” the major blustered, edging off, as the returned Mrs. Howell advanc- ed. ‘‘I never stole your money—never even married you, you old vixen!” ‘‘Bah! you lie! you miserable thief!” No. 1 shrieked, growing momentarily more and more excited. ‘‘I have a marriage certificate that proves our union. Ha! ha! I shall have sweet revenge upon you, now, when I find you so rich m long years and prosperous, and so willing to give up your all to me, and start anew in life, with your family. I should be heartless, indeed, to trouble you, after you have given me all your present wealth. a! ha!” ‘* Furies seize you, you accursed virago. You shall not have a cent of my money, nor shall you disturb the peace of my household. I will murder you!” And suddenly drawing a knife from a sheath upon his hip, the enraged culator leaped toward his first wife, with a frightful oath. But, the cold, deadly muzzle of a revolver peering suddenly into his face caused him to stop. The weapon was held in the hands of Fanny Farron, and so firmly and steadily that the banker dare not advance. “Halt!” she cried, cocking the weapon, cool- ly. “If you offer to do my mother harm, I will shoot you!” ‘* Your mother! your mother! What do you mean!” “Just what you might infer from the words I spoke. I will put a bullet-hole through you if you offer to make us trouble.” ‘“Who are you, then, girl?” ‘Your only legitimate daughter, sir. Like- wise a halver in the division of the ils,” the actress replied, coolly. ‘‘Oh! you’ll find us business, every time. You may as well tell the other females here, to pack up their ‘ Saratoga’s’ and scoot, for we sha’n’t have ’em around, you can bet!” “Curse you! Leave the house or I will have you forcibly ejected!” the speculator cried, trembling with furious emotion. ‘‘Do you think I shall tolerate such a scene as this in my own mansion? Go! I say; and there can be a settlement hereafter.” ‘‘Not much there won’t be! We’ve took the fort, and now we're going to hold it. So the sooner you clear out your second brood, the better it will be for you, mark my word!” Mrs. Howell No. 1, said. ‘**He will not have to clear us out!” Mrs. Howell No. 2 answered, haughtily. “ We will go of our own accord.” And motioning to her daughters, she left the room, followed by them, and they were shortly after heard leaving the house. “Now, Major Howell, we are alone—you are alone with the wife and daughter whom you deserted years ago. How do you like the situa- tion of affairs? How do you fancy the change made in the internal arrangement of your | household?” “Furies seize you!” the speculator raved chafing under the gaze of the silver-mounted weapon in Fanny arron’s hand. ‘‘ What do you intend to do?” ‘** Well, since you have asked a sensible ques- tion, I will give you a sensible nc ph AM the first wife said, with a grin, her eyes flashing tri- umphantly. ‘‘Tama thoroug going business woman—my whole life since you deserted me has been devoted to business, as 1 have had to depend on my wits for a livelihood. Now, we can amicably settle this thing, if I mis- take not, or you can amicably shuffle off this mortal coil, and I will lay siege to your posses- sions when your bones are deposited in a box six feet beneath the ground.” ‘* You would not murder me, woman, would uu?” “Yes, without the least compassion, if you refuse to do asI direct. Yonder table contains writing materials. Go and sit down, and you make me out a deed of all your real estate and rsonal property, and write me out a check for every farthing you have in banks or trust companies. Do this and you are free to go. i and you will never see the day dawn again! ‘Curse you! you dare not kill me!” ‘Don’t you believe that! We mean business, and shall not hesitate to take advantage of the present situation. The hour is thio gene, and we could easily put you out of the way, and assume. possession here. Come! go ahead! [ shall not give you more than half an hour to write out the document.” With a growl that might have come from the throat of a lion, so savage it was, Major Howell went to the table, and sitting down, wrote ra- pidly, Mrs. Howell, the first, standing over him, and giving such directions as she saw fit. When he had finished, she took the document and a check which he had drawn up,and scanned them critically. ‘That will do,” she said, a moment later. “You may go now, asI have done with you! Fanny, here, will witness the deed, which will make it good in law.” | only paused to | 13 CHAPTER X. A TERRIBLE DEED. “Your wife is dying!” Deadwood Dick and Avalanche sprung away up the stairs, in pursuit of the dare-devil, who ive vent to the exclamation, when she hurried back up the stairs. Straight to the room of Stella Harris, the new wife of Deadwood Dick, went the trio. Poor Stella lay upon the bed, writhing and twisting in fearful agony, her screams most terrible to hear, indeed. Her face and form were contorted into unnatural shapes and expressions, resulting from the excruciating pain she was suffering, and she rolled and toss- ed from one part of the bed to another. ‘*In the name of Heaven, what is the matter with her?’ Deadwood Dick gasped, shudderin as her frightful screams rent the air. ‘Te me, Calamity—what is the matter with her?” o See nen. whee hs aah _ from the ngs of hydrophobia or poison. e is dying, ick!” the pate a replied, tears standing ged eyes. ‘‘There, do not touch her; it will do no good, and you might get hurt. I tried to quiet er before I called you, but found it no use. ar in terrible pain, and will have to wear it ““Death will only wear it off, and put her outen her misery, ef she’s bin pizened!” Alva said, ‘‘an’ I reckon et be p’izen, fer she cavorts around fer all ther world, like old Peter Mas- ters, who swallered a dorg button, jest because Marier Potiphar wouldn’t j’ine harness wi’ him.” ** Poison !” Deadwood Dick gasped, aghast. **Poison! Who could be so infernally devilish as to commit this crime? Not you, girl—?’ and sternly the Prince of the Road turned his terri- ble re upon Calamity Jane—“ not you?’ ‘* Sir?’ she replied, stepping back a pace, her face whitening, and eyes dilating, “‘me—I kill her? God forbid!” ‘* Now, lookee hayr; don’t go fer ter ask ary more sech questions, Dicky,” the Annihilator said, solemnly. ‘‘ Ye know C’lamity wouldn’t do sech a thing, or at least ye orter, after you *ve bin sorter een: so ena a I'd wager my last cud o’ terbacky ag’in’ a belt on ther smeller, thet C’lamity never dreamed of such a thing.” “Full well I know it, too,” Deadwood Dick responded, as he reached forth his hand. ‘‘ You should have shot me, girl, for the foul suspicion which came not from my heart. Shake, an forgive me. God knows I am not responsible for what I say or do, now, in this awful hour. Quick! somebody go for a doctor. There’sa Heit below who is an expert physician—fetch im Without a word, Calamity sped back, down the stairs, but soon returned, accompanied by that member of Dick’s band, who had studied and practiced in the medical profession, before circumstances—a wrecked home and a faithless wife—drove him out upon the trail. He shook his head as he saw the horrible agony of the girl. ““Can’t do much for her, I’m afraid,” he an- nounced. ‘‘ Has anything been given her that might have contained poison?’ Deadwood Dick turned to Calamity for the answer. ‘* Nothing,” she replied, ‘‘ since I’ve been here, except a oz. of cold tea I brought her this morning. e even refused her breakfast, say- ing she was not hungry.” ‘Where did you find this tea?” _ In the pantry, below. It was standing cold in = earthen tea-pot, and I supposed it was all right. i The tea was undoubtedly poisoned,” the a gone said, ‘‘and the symptoms of ient confirm my first conclusion. But a drug has been used that is rare in this country. Among all the common mineral poisons, you will find none that will put a person in such horrible torture. The drug which | believe has been used in this case, is a preparation known only to the most expert French doctors, although its use is large in Paris.” “Ts there no antidote?” Deadwood Dick de. manded, his voice choked with emotion, and tears filling his eyes. **None! The poor lady’s suffering will not cease until death claims her, which, God grant- ing, may be soon!” the pbysician said, rever- ently. With a loud wail of a Deadwood Dick dropped upon his knees y the bedside, and sob aloud. Calamity, Avalanche and the physician also wept. orrible it was to see the poor victim in her agony, such as mortal seldom knows here on earth, as she tossed to and fro upon the bed— insensible to the grief of those true friends gath-
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14 Deadwood Dick’s Device. ered around her—unable to speak except ina scream of agony—sensible only to the awful torture that she experienced. Her hitherto fair pretty face was contorted terribly, the eyes and lips being tightly closed except when she screamed and features were drawn out of shape. “Be calm, chief,” the physician said, at last; ‘her pain is virtually over; she is dying. Scout! will you call Rivers?” Avalanche hastened to obey, and the minister soon made his appearance by the bedside of the dying bride. With tears in his eyes, he offered up an elo- quent and touching ede pectin ed long and earnestly to God to stop the terrible torture, and ease the spirit of the dying girl in her last mo- ments. One by one, as they heard the news, the road- agents filed into the room, and stood watching with tearful eyes, for what was sorrow to them | was double sorrow to their chief, in this hour of death, John Rivers’ prayer was seemingly answered, for at last poor Stella appeared to grow easier | of her pain, and dropped off into a state re- | sembling slumber, but which was in reality death, all the contraction of her features hav- ing disappeared, and a smile of peaceful rest frozen upon her colorless lips. Thus died Deadwood Dick’s bride, within the very day of their marriage. ‘“Weep no more, my friends,” Rivers said, solemnly. ‘She has passed away to that bourne of everlasting peace where there is no pain, no dying, no marriage or giving in marriage, but where all is lifeand eternal joy in the sunlight reflecting from God’s beaming face.” Then, convulsed with emotion, he left the room—left the mourners by the bedside of the lost bride. Long they remained there in silent prayer; then, when they arose as if by intuitive consent, it was found that Deadwood Dick had fainted. Strong though he was, and generally a mas- ter over his emotions, he had at last succumbed to this unexpected and terrible blow. ‘‘Gentlemen, if you will carry him to his room,” Calamity said, addressing those of the band who stood around, ‘‘I will care for him.” Eager were they to obey, and the chief soon lay upon the bed in his own room, and Calam- ity and Avalanche were left to bring him back to consciousness. ’ It was not a hard job, and they soon had him sitting upright upon the bed, fully restored. _ “You fainted,” Calamity said, quietly. in answer to his inquiring look around. “ You had better lie still, for awhile, until you regain your ogg bowl “Bah! I[shall never be stronger than now, to strike the murderer of my wife. It was the accursed Frenchman’s hellish work, and he shall y the penalty of his crime. Come, Avalanche F would have you with me. Calamity, can look to you to care for her?” And the chief’s voice grew hoarse with emotion. i “«T will do all I ean,” Calamity replied, tears springing to her eyes. ‘‘ You know I would not refuse you, even though you—you suspected me, Dick.’ “Tut, tut, Jennie, my dear gu remembrance of that wrong from your mind. I was mad to think of such a scar now know that you would sooner kill yourself than her.” And pressing her hand in his, he turned and accompanied Avalanche. Down the stairs they went, and to the mess- room. The band were all assembled in the mess-room, the pickets having been called in, Each man sat with bowed head; a few were huddled to- gether, talking in low tones. They all looked up, however, when Deadwood Dick entered—Deadwood Dick, looking so pale and calm, that they felt something was about to transpire. Nor were they wrong. He paused in the center of the floor and gazed around—saw sympathy plainly written in each face—knew that each and every man there was ready to strike for him. “Comrades,” he said, after a moment, “‘ you have doubtless heard of the hellish crime that has been committed, by which my bride has | been stricken suddenly down. You all know the measure generally meted out to a murderer, and it shall apply to this case as well as to others. Bring out the Frenchman who is im- prisoned in the strong room. A couple of stout fellows sprung forward to do the chief’s bidding. The door was flung open; then they stepped back as if in surprise. ‘“‘ He is not here, chief!” they exclaim Banish the | ‘Not there!” Deadwood Dick cried, leaping | forward. ‘‘ By Heaven! there is treachery here. What has become of the man?’ ‘“Yas! w’at hes becum o’ ther galoot?’ grunt- ed Beautiful Bill, striding ¥D ‘Show me ther cuss ef he’s a candidate fer Judge Lynch’s noose; let ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail adjust his necktie ter fit like a hoop ona pork barrel!” “What have you against the villain?’ Dead- wood Dick demanded, sharply, turning so sud- denly upon the giant as to cause him to start in his asks, ‘“‘Kerwhoop! plants o’ Jupiter and Satan! W’at hev I ag’in’ ther cuss—I, Beautiful Bill, ther Pet Elephant o’ ther dville trail? Waal, now, ef I hain’t hed my fill o’ thet galoot, I'll sell out cheap, you bet! straight games o’ poker, he did, at two dollars _a whack, an’ don’t ye fergit it.” “Man, Lam tempted to believe that you set the French devil at liberty!” the Prince of the Road cried, ‘*Can you look me straight in the / eyes and say that you didn’t?” “Can I? Great luminar cients o’ Jupiter an’ catapultian Satan, oat, ye fer eye, Ido declare thet [I didn’t hey anything ter do wi’ lettin’ out ther cuss, and didn’t know nary a thing about it. Pile a stack o’ Bibles and Web- ster’s Dicksyonarys on ther ground. as high as pitt uae eak, an’ up ’em I'll go, as spry asa spring kitten, an’ standin’ on ther e’ena’most top, lll wave my banner an’ yell, ‘I didn’t hev nothin’ ter do wi’ et!’ Jab yer bowie inter my pulsometer; agitate my spine wi’ a bucket o’ water drawn frum Greenland’s icy river—ay, squirt a stream o’ aged terbaccy-juice plum in my eye, an’ still wi’ martyr-like fortytude, Pll send forth the cry, ‘I didn’t take no hand in thet ar’ deal!’” the giant cried, tragically. Deadwood Dick turned grimly to his com- rades, his face darkening. ‘Search the cabin ry the immediate neigh- borhood, and you may yet recover the pri- soner,” he commanded. “Take him dead or alive. A hundred dollars to the man who re- turns either him or his carcass here!” ‘‘Thet’s business!” Beautiful Bill cried, enthu- siastically pounding his breast; ‘‘ you hit me right thar ter a capital dot, my beloved chief. A hundred gold shiners more will I add ter ther pile fer the capture o’ ther Frenchson 0’ a horse- eater, an’ fer ther privelege 0’ placin’ ther neck- lace o’ justice about bis neck!’ “You keep still! You may get it about yer own windpipe!” Avalanche cautioned. “‘Keerect, my x ng ae i leetle old sucker —keerect. When his lordship, ther noble Dick Deadwood shall ordain thet ther Pe rr moment has arriv fer me, Beautiful Bill, Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail, ter shuffle off this mortail stage-road o’ life, I shall be ready ter peregrin- ate—ter transport myself with ther utmost for- titude ter ther realms o’ Jupiter an’ Satan.” A hurried but careful search of the rendezvous was made, but nothing of the Frenchman could pas ; neither did out-of-door search discover Somehow he had escaped, but how? He could not have got out of the strong room without hands and help from the outside, and such help he had surely had. But, who was the guilty man, then? Was it the giant, despite all his protestations of innocence, or was it some other member of the band? This was the momentous questiom which puz zled Deadwood Dick, even as the escape of Jacques Frouch angered him. Apparently there was no way of throwing light upon either of the | subjects, which made it the more exasperating. Calamity came down, after awhile, and the Prince of the Road made known to her what | had transpired. | ‘* Beautiful Bill’s your huckleberry, mark my word,” she said, when he had done. ‘I calcu- lated he’d hit you a stab and he’s done it. He'll do it again if you don’t lynch him, on the spot.” | “T don’t like to believe that he’d lie so to me.” | “Pshaw! he can lie as easy as he can drink Me which ain’t no trouble at all, you Deadwood Dick was not quite satisfied. He had placed confidence in the giant, since his ‘“coming over,” such as he seldom placed in mankind, and he could not well believe that he was mistaken in the honesty of the chap. A keen sense of perception generally served him in lieu of a detective’s judgment. The day passed slowly away. Sharp watch was kept from the Rendezvous for the self-styled Regulators who infested the woods around the Tract, but nothing could be seen of them, Thoroughly hidden among the dead pines did they keep, if indeed they were still there. By Deadwood Dick’s direction, some of the members of the band set to work and manu- factured a coffin-shaped box, out of such ma- terial, and with such tools as were on hand. This was then filled with dry leaves covered over with a white blanket, and the body of poor Stella was laid upon them—her last rest- ing-place here below. A beautiful corpse she made, for Calamity’s deft hands had been at work in arranging her body for the grave. Just as dusk threw its mantle over the earth, a deep grave was dug beneath the floor of the cabin, the flooring having been torn up for this | pur . When completed the coffin was low- Skinned me eleven : se ered into the grave, and John Rivers read a short but touching burial service, after which the remains were covered up, in the presence of many a tearful eye, and the floor replaced. Deadwood Dick was seen no more for a couple of hours, but when he again ap , he was attired in full riding costume, and was armed to the teeth. ‘‘Now where?” Calamity asked, in surprise. ‘* To Leadville,” he replied. “‘ You need scarce- ly ask what for; Iam going to hunt down the murderer of my bride.’ “But you are not going to attempt to go the Regulators?” Calamity asked, anx- iously. ‘Bah! yes. I fear them not, though they may number an ry fe Iama man, and they have no right to stop me. If they do, I sh i kill every man that raises a hand against me “‘How about matters here?” ‘It is of that I would speak. I leave every- thing in your hands—in your command. ¥ 4 case of an attack before I return, do the best you can—that is all I could do. Don’t touch the giant, unless you have positive proof of the guilt in which you may believe him con- cerned.” “Very well. I will take charge, and do as I believe you would do—fight in self-defense, if it should come to that. In case we have to light out, Pl fire the cabin. Should you not find us here on your return, look in the Lead- ville office for a Jetter for Elijah Goff.” “Allright. 1 will trust all to your manage- a It is sufficiently dark now, and I am off. Shaking hands with Calamity and Avalanche, and addressing a few words to the band, Dead- wood Dick then left the cabin, and mounting his horse which was held in waiting for him, he galloped away toward Leadville’s electric city, through the gloom of the night. A few hours before, Jacques Frouch had en- tered the town, covered with dirt, as though he had been crawling through the mud. Escaped had he from the Rendezvous, in a way unsus- pected by those within the cabin. He had found a board in the floor loose, and carefully raising it he had slipped beneath the floor, and allowed the board to spring back into its place. To craw] from in under the cabin was but a trifling task, and in the course of an hour he had stealthily made his way out of the Tract and into the forest, without being once halted, for he passed the Regulators unnoticed. Grimly triumphant over his success, he hast- ened toward the town. ‘* Now for la belle Fanny !” he muttered, ‘and the glorious prospect of coming in for the larger share of her harvest from her rich pro- enitor, Major Howell. Ha! ha! I’ll then be in- ependent of the stage and its mockeries—I shall be virtua!ly made.” Thus mousing he made his way to his stopping- place, where he repaired to some extent his per- sonal appearance, after which he dropped into a saloon and imbibed a stiff drink of wee Then, in high spirits, he made his way to the te mansion, and mounting the steps, rung e bell. CHAPTER XI. THE END OF A ROPE AND A YARN. Nort long had the Frenchman to wait, for the door was soon opened by a servant. Pushing him rudely aside, Frouch entered the hall, and listened. Oices were audible fae, | from an upper parlor, and accordingly Frouc ascended with as much liberty as though he were in his own mansion, ——. the gaping servant to stare after him, in bewilderment too great for expression. To the parlor the villainous Frenchman wend- ed his way, and entered without the usual for- ocking. Indeed, he already consid- mality of |
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_ you are overjoyed to see me?” Deadwood Dick’s Device. ered himself joint lord and master of the situ- ation with Mrs, Howell. The mother and daughter were seated near a marble center-table as he entered, engaged over alate luncheon and a bottle of wine—some of the rare old vintage the major had imported from the east for hisown express use. <A strong lip for spiritual consolation these new heirs, and they meant to improve the time ere their sway of the scepter should cease. They sprung to their feet, however, when they beheld Jacques Frouch smiling at them, from near the doorway. ‘You here?” the actress cried, coldly. “I — and hoped you were dead.” * And consequent powers badly deceived,” Frouch repli ‘* Mistakes will happen, you know. And now that I am returned, no doubt “T must confess thatI am not. You arenoth- ing to me!” ‘Curse you!” the Frenchman gasped, his swart face growing blacker; ‘‘is this the game ou are trying to play with me? If so, you'll tind it won’t work worth a continental cent. You promised to marry me if I would poison Deadwood Dick’s ward, and now you must keep your promise. You can’t play none of your games on me.” “ But you have yet to keep your part of the contract, ’ Miss Fanny said, craftily. ‘*No! by Heaven the girl is dead—was dy- ing in horrible agony, when I left the Ren- dezyvous.”’ : “Good! Iam then‘rid of one obstacle standin between me and Deadwood Dick, and now shall rid myself of another!” And as she spoke the actress drew a cocked revolver from her bosom, and quickly leveled it at the heart of Wild Jack. “Now you git, or I'll make a mrik out of youin quicker time than you can wi ‘* Blast you! what do you mean, girl?’ ‘*T mean, that if you bother me any more, T’ll make a candidate for a coffin, — as you did Deadwood Dick’s ward. Go! clear out! I want no more to do with you. If you ever come here again, I'll shoot Phi: on the ee “You will never live to do that, my beauti- ful liar. Ze devil will take your soul and burn it in ze sulphur pit, and zat will be ample re- venge for ze wrong you have doneme. I go now—not because I fear you, but to jaye fap . for you that will never fail in its bi ha!” And turning, the Frenchman laughing de- moniacally, left the room, and, as the wo- men supposed, the house, as they presently heard a fear slam. : But not yet did the villain quit the house. Skulking along through the rear hallway, he at last gained that region of domestic bliss known as the kitchen. It was unoccupied, and he had things all to uimself, Entering the pantry, he took from his pocket a eaalt bottle, and poured a few drops of it over bread, meat, and such other provisions as were standing around upon the shelves. ‘* The same that is good for the victim is good for the plotter,” he said, with a devilish chuckle, “Tf they = their appetites, you Jacques Frouch will have ze revenge you thirst for. Now, for to get out of ze town, before ze au- thorities want me. Ha! ha!” Hurrying stealthily from the house, he sought a livery and sale stables in State street, and there purchased, cheap for ready cash, a fine saddle-horse. F It was dark when he left Leadville’s twinkling lights behind, but we a oe Br ach pe trail leading to Fairplay, he te) off ata leisurely i Not afraid was he of the dark- ness, for it co nded with the hue of his nature, and then, he had once belonged to an outlaw “gang, whose depredations were chiefly committed under the cover of darkness, Fairplay was but a few miles from the carbon city of Leadville, and was peopled by even a pougne oar a ba giages among whom, the renchman iev € might find protection should he be pursued. E : The road to the objective mining camp was part of the way along bluffs, and then again it emerged into deep, silent bodies of pine a where nature’s sounds were seldom dis- urbed. The timber was so black and grim in appear- shetty od he todeante lt, the ChGnde er eee as he rode , the thought of road- robes coming into his head. . It was just such a location as they might choose, and he quickened the gait of his horse, nervously, Not really frightened did he w, until he heard hoof-strokes ringing behind him, and be- fore him, and it dawned upon his mind that he was being hedged in. Whether by road-agents or by servants of the law he was unable to con- clude, but he saw the advisability of reining in his horse and a under the pretense of examining a shoe upon his horse’s foot. This he did in hopes that he would escape particular notice. But, he was destined to disappointment, for, up from the east galloped a single horseman, clad in black, masked, and armed to the teeth— up from the west came a dozen men to match, and all halted but a few feet from Frouch, who was in secret trembling with terror from top to toe With the single nocturnal rider the band seemed to exchange signals; then the single horseman rode closer to Jacques Frouch, a cock- ed revolver in his right hand. ‘Jacques Frouch!” a stern, cold voice said, “you area doomed man. I have trailed you down to the spot whereon youdie. If you would make peace with your God and Maker, I give you five minutes to dosoin, Then, youshall be ynched—the fate of nearly every murderer in this wild region. Death will be too good for you, hellish monster that you are, and death you shall suffer as you have caused others to suffer |” The French assassin dropped upon his knees, and began to beg piteously. He recognized the voice of the speaker as that of Deadwood Dick, and knew that he stood a slim chance of living when once trailed down by the noted Prince of the Road—a man who returned blow for each blow struck him by his foes. ‘Who are yout—for God’s sake spare me,” Frouch cried, in a supplicating tone. **No, I'll not spare you, for Deadwood Dick never es a man who wro him as you have. ou shall die, and you have four min- utes left to pray in!” “Spare me! I beg! I beg! Dll not do any- thing of the kind again!” the craven cried, in a sniveling tone. ‘“No, Pll warrant you won’t!” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘‘ Ha! who'd think you were the brave hero of drama at the Coliseum, to see you here upon your knees? Come, boys, get the rope ready!” he road-agents—who were a body of Dick’s main band who had been absent from the Ren- dezvous for several paparcoberred with alacrity. and a noose was soon dangling over a limb, with the pulling end of the rope in the hands of a half dozen strong knights. Seeing that there was not the shadow of a hope for him, Jacques Frouch began to cry piteously, then curse, between breaths. Nor did he stop, until he was lifted bodily from the . ¢deanan is head inserted through the noose, and he was swung off into eternity. The sign of the Double Cross was then stamp- ed upon his forehead, after which there was a consultation between Deadwood Dick and his men, and they mounted and rode off in different directions. Straight toward Leadville the chief went, an ugly expression about his mouth, and a deadly E tter in his eyes. Before entering the town, e dismoun and left his horse in a thicket of maples, while he alsoassumed a disguise, con- pea, tha a change of clothing, and a wig and false beard. When he had completed his disguise, he left the thicket, and boldly entered the town. Everywhere was excitement. News had got abroad of the murder by Pol: soning, of two females, in the mansion of Major Howell—also it was reported that the major was missing, together with his wife and two ai arena ystery was there everywhere. But, when, with the crowd, Deadwood Dick entered the mansion to view the dead, he saw two bloated, distorted corpses, and one of them belonged to the variety actress, Fanny Farron. Fate had overtaken her in the end. At the camp, shortly after Deadwood Dick’s de , hostile preparations were observed by Avalanche among the Regulators on the ge of the Tract for a battle. Bonfires were built in four places—east, west, north and south from the Rendezvous, and men could be seen flitting around them. “Great domestica'ed ham-bone thet war a war-hoss ter old Joner!” the Great Annihilator exclaimed, calling the attention of Calamity Jane to the fact. ‘“‘ Lookee thar, will ye! Old Moses uv ther bullrushes, don’t thet luk as ef we war goin’ 15 ter hev sum fun? Kerwhoop! sound ther din- ner-gong—peel forth yer hoss-anners, for we’re goin’ ter hev er scrimmage—a genywine ran- tankerous old scrimmage—a cavortin’ old battle arfter ther anshent a e.” ‘Royal planets uv Jupiter an’ Satan! whar’s ther fight? Show unter me ther smell o’ fight, an’ let me inhale ther delicious odor—me ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail—ther Apollo o’ ther Colorados, Beautiful William!” roared the giant, prancing up. ‘‘ Ready ar’ I fer san- guinary strife, frum head ter heels, frum tooth ter toe-nails—an’ thar’s nary a mortal ’cept one as durst breath Sar word a when my noble presence looms tng Ae and. an’ thet ee BB ire he be dwood Dick. Yes, sar, Deadwood Dick—jest jot thet cognomen in yer bank-book. Deadwood. Dick et war who licked me, my pilgrims—licked me as I never war licked since my old mammy used ter whale me over ther pate wi’ the par- ental bootjack. Licked me slick an’ clean, did Deadwood Dick, ontil I warn’t wuth a stale cud o’ terbaccy. An’I ain’t afeard ter own ther corn, but I do say thar’s nary another pilgrim as kin do ther same leetle job.” “Don’t believe thar is,” Avalanche replied, “but, my dear sweet William, ef ye war avoir- dupoised several hundred pounds less, an’ I war as young in yeers as ye be, I opine, right hayr, thet I ked slap ye onter yer back so quick as ary es oo sunk one o’ his fangs inter fresh cheese.” ‘Here! no quarreling, now. Get your weap- ons, and prepare for a fight!” Calamity com- manded. ‘‘ Here come the hellions, now!” It was even so. From out the dead pines the Regulators swarmed, and rushed toward the Rendezvous. Volley after volley the road-agents pate into them; then Calamity led them bold- y out into the night, for their only salvation seemed in cutting their way through to liberty. Foe met foe in a wild bloody affray of dea and then— Deadwood Dick received a letter through the Leadville post-office the next day, and it proved to be from Calamity Jane, written in a neat feminine hand. It ran as follows: “The battle is over and as you probably know, we had to puekachee because of a numbers of the enemy. We fit our way out, without losing a man, and foremost in the battle were the Annihila- tor and Beautiful Bill. They were the heroes of the fight, together with Prudence Cordelia and Florence, the goat, Major Howell and his son, Alf, fell in the first charge, and I think were killed. We are in the mountains, at your old stronghold, where you may easily find us. y yours, “ CALAMITY JANE.” Right here it is proper to end this romance, and therefore we write Exeunt Omnes. THE STAR JOURNAL, “The Model Family Paper —AND— Most Charming of the Weeklies.” A pure r; good in every thing; hi brilliant fh =, Seiad ery thing; bright, Serials, Tales, Romances, Sketches, Adventures, Biographies, Pungent Essays, Poetry, Notes and Answers to Correspondents, Wit and Fun— All are features in every number, from such ra writers as no paper in America can of. What is best in POPULAR READING, that the paper always has; hence for Homx, SHop, Li- BRARY and GENERAL READER it is without a rival; and hence its great and steadily increasing circulation. The Stak JOURNAL is sold everywhere by newsdealers; price six cents per number; or to subscribers, post-paid, at the following cheap rates, viz. : Four months, one dollar; one year. three dollars ; or, two copies, five 4 hy a i Address BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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1 Deadwood Dick, THe Privcz or THE Roap. By Edward L. Wheeler. Yellowstone Jack; or, THz TRAPPER OF THE EncHaNnTep Grounn. By J. E. Badger, Jr. Kansas King ; or, THe Rep RicutT Hanp, By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. ¥. Cody), 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe; THz Youne WanDER- Inc Jew. By Oll Coomes, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper: or, Lirz 1 THE Nortuwest. By Edward 8. Ellis. = The Fisting Yankee; or, Tux Ockan Ovurcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingfaham. by Seth Jones; or, THE CAPTIVES OF THE Frontier. By Edward §. Ellis. 9 The Adventures of Baron Mun- chausen. 10 Nat Todd; or, Toe Fate or THE Sioux Captive. By Edward §, Ellis, 1 1 The Two Detectives; or, THE ForTunges oF A Bowery Giri. By Albert W. Aiken, author of ‘‘ The Spotter Detective,” etc. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. 13 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, author of “ Vagabond Joe,” etc. 14 Aland; or, THE WONDERFUL MP. 1 The Sea-Cat; or, Tak WircH or Darien, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 16 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surprising Adventures, (27 illustrations.) 1 <i Ralph Roy, The Boy Bucca- neer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1 & Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- ages. From the Arabian Nights, 19 The Phantom Spy; or, Tam Por or THm Prarriz. By alo Bill. P) The Double Daggers; or, Dzav- woop Dick’s DEriaNce. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of ‘‘ Deadwood Dick.’ 21 Frontier Angel. A Romance of Kentucky Rangers’ Life. By Edward 8. Ellis, author of ‘* Seth Jones,’’ etc. 222 The Sea Serpent: or, THz Boy Ropryson Crusoz. By Col. Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o’ the Night: or, THs Boy Spy or 76. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk: or, THz Mysrmry or THE YELLOwsTone. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, author of “The Flying Yankee,” etc. 2 5 The Boy paptal or, THe Prrate’s Daventer. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By Edward L. Wheeler 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomes, QR Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol: or, Drapwoop DIcKk IN Disevrax. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 The Dumb Page; or, THE Doasr’s Davenrer. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THE 30 RECKLESS Ramen. By Harry St. George. 3 Keen-Knife, THr Princk oF THE Paarmies. By Oll Coomes. 32 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian: or, Tae Grau Drap-Suot. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of “ Deadwood Dick,” etc., etc. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THE Rep Preares of Toe Cartspees, By Samuel W. Pierce, author of ‘The Boy Detective,” etc., etc. 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick WHIFFLES’ Boy Sry. By Capt. J. F. ©. Adams. 3 5 Wild Ivan, Tux Boy CLaupE DUVAL; or, Tae BroruerHoop or Dxatu. Dead- wood Dick Romance No, 4. By Edward L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown; or, THE QUEEN OF vHe Arena. By Frank 8. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge; or, Tus Lirrie Howrer or THE Aprronpacks. By T. C. Harbaugh, author of “ Nick o’ the Night,” etc. 38 Ned Wylde, Taz Boy Scour. By Texas Seok. 39 Death-Face, the Detective; or, Lure anp Love mw New Yorn. By Ed- -ward L. Wheeler. BEADLE’S HALF-JIME LIBRARY. Every ome of them ‘** Live» Stories by *‘ Live® Authors, a Complete Nevel, at the extraordinary price of a HALF-DIME. 40 Roving Ben. A story of a Young American who wanted to see the world, By John J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack, THz Youre Mustane- rR. By Oll Coomes. 4 The Phantom Miner: or, Drap- woop Dicx’s Bonanza, By Ed. L. Wheeler. Dick Parting , the Pony Express 43 Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Rattling Rube: or, Tue Nicat- 44 HAWKS er kurrocnt. By Harry St. George. 4 5 Old Avalanche, the Great An- nihilator: or, THE GIRL BRIGAND. By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot ofthe West. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. A%7 Nightingale Nat: ox, Taz Forest ApTaIns. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent, or, THe OvTLaw’s Rerreat. By Jos, E, Badger, Jr. 49 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror, or, Dgapwoop Dick m Danaur. By Ed- ward L, Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, THe Traprzr. A Tale of the North-west Hunting-Grounds. By Charles E. Lasalle. ' 51 The Boy Rifles, or, THz UnDER- Grounp Camp, By Archie ©, Iron. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of Strange Adventure in the Northwest, By Charles BH. Lasalle. 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., Tux Boy PHENTx; or, Tmrovues To THE DeaTH. By Edward L. Wheeler. / , 54 Ned Hazel, Tue Boy Trapper; or, Tax PHantrom Parxcess. By Capt. J. FC." Adams, , 5 5 Deadly-Eye, THz Unxnown Scout; By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whiffies’ Pet, or, In THE Vatiry or DeatTe. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Bagicss or, Tse Parps or Fioop Bar. y Edward L. Wheeler. 58 The Border King; or, Taz Sxorer For. By Oll Coomes, 59 Old Hickory, or, Panpy EL.is’s Scatyp. By Harry St. George. 6 The White Indian; or, Taz Scour or THE Y: WSTONE. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. : - 5% 61 Buckhorn Bill, or, Taz Rep RiIrie Team. By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship,*6r, Taz Rrvau Ligvrenants. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood, or, THE TwrLve Avenazrns. By W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack, or, THe OvTLAW oF T REGON Tram. By T. C. Harbaugh. 6 Hurricane Bill, or, Mustanc Sam AND His ‘‘Parp.” By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 6 4) Single Hand, or, A Lire ror 4 Lirz. By W. J. Hamilton, 67 Patent-Leather Joe: or, OLD Rar- TLESNAKE, THE CHARMER. Tex Dis 8. Warne, author of “A Hard Crowd,” “Tiger Dick,” “* Always on Hand,” etc. 68 The Border Robin Hood; or, THz Prarriz Rover. By Buffalo Bill 69 Gold Rifle, THz Youne S#arp- SHOOTER; Or, THe Boy DETECTIVE OF THE Buacx Rance. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, Tar Grexn- HORN IN THE Woops. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. ve 1 Delaware Dick; THE Youne Rane- wr Spy; or, Brorner AGarnst BROTHER. By Oll Coomes. 72 Mad Tom Western, THz Texan Ranger. By W. J. Hamilton. 7 3 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Catamity JANE, THE HEROINE OF THE Wuoop-ur, By Edward L. Wheeler. vi 4 Hawk-eye THe Youne TraprerR Rancer. By ou Coomes, e The Boy Duelist; or, Tax Crouse graham, or Tas Sea WOLF. By Col. Prentiss In- EKaeh number “6 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer; or, Tae Great FIGHTING Man or Tax WEST. By Albert W. Aiken. "1 a Vondaray. Charile, Tux Boy Bravo; Edward L, Wheeler. a ere ” 2. & Blue Dick; or, Tox YELLOW Curzr’s Venarance. By Captain Mayne Reid. or +4) Sol Ginger, THE Giant TRAPPER; or, THe FLOWER oF THE BLACKFEET. By Albert W. Aiken. 8G Rosebud Rob; or, Nuccst N=p, THE Kyicgut oF THE Guice. By Edward L. Wheeler. htning Jo, THE TERROR OF THE 81 ee A Tale of the Present Day. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. &2 Kit Harefoot, THz Woop-Haws; or, OLD Powprr-Facz anp His Demons, T. C. Harbaugh. By Rollo, the B Ranger T 83 HEIRESS OF jt (cy rr oie. "by ou mes, SEs cr siom. By Baward L. Wheeler 85 Buck Buckram: or, Brss, THE FE- \ MaLe Trapprr. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams SG Dandy Rock, TuE-Man-FRoM-TEX- as. By G. Waldo Browne. & 7 The Land Pirates: or, THE LEAGUE or Drvit’s Istanp. By Capt. Mayne Reid. Photo h Phil: or, Roszsup 88 Ron't haabeaenaiie By Ed. L. Wheeler. 9 Island Jim: OR, aan De OF ze Famy. By Bracebri emyng, author of “ Jack Harkaway,” etc, oe 90 The Dread Rider: on, THE TEXAN Duxuist,. By George W. Browne. 9) 1 The ee of the Club; or, Taz Youne Rrvau ATHLETES. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 92 Canada Chet, THE COUNTERFEITER Curer; or, OLD ANACONDA I SITTING Buii’s Camp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 9 3 The Boy Miners; or, THz ENCHANTED Isuanp. By Edward 8. Ellis. 9 Midnight Jack, Taz Roap-AGEnt; or, GoLpeN GrorGr’s GREAT PrizE, By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The Rival Rovers: or, THE FREz- BOOTERS OF THE Mississippi. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 9 Watch - Eye, Taz DEeErecrivse; or, ARABS AND ANGELS oF 4 Great City. By Ed L. Wheeler. yes Qs Robin Hood, THE OuTLaAwxED EARL, By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos: or, Wimp Kare, Danpy Roox’s Anat. By George W. Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville , or, A ‘Srrane@z STROKE For Liperry. By Edward L. Wheeler, Ready June %th. 1 Ol Jack Harkaway in New York, or, THE ADVENTURES OF THE TRAVEL zrs’ CLus. By Bracebridge Hemyng. Ready July 1. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, Tur Boy Suvue ter; or, THE Cruse oF THE VIKEN By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready July 8th. 103 The Lion of the Sea; or, VaILeD Lapy or SAN TROPEZ. CoL Delle Sara. Ready July 15th. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device, or, Tu Sign or THE Dousie Cross, By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready July 22d. 10 5 Old Rube, tHe Hunter; or, THE Crow Captive. By Capt. H. Holmes. A new isiue every week. The HalfDime Library is for sale all Newsdealers, five cents per copy or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. w Brothers: or, Tur THe Harpss. By John J. THE By =