Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1054) (1897 10 05)
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__Entered ¢ is Second Class Matter at the New York, N. eee , Post Office. Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. Oc tober 6 5, ) 1897. — ee ee SSS ese No. 1054. Five Cents a Copy. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, Published Beery: wor ‘XLL heer nh th a coeds 50 a Year, PM 3 Wr ILLIAM STREET, _ New Yoru. ¢ LHD E PE cats SET AUR, BOER iM MERLE MERCILESS Fe ated sescomlumedeteate Gdeietess: Hs ROOTIT Ny] I Hi His Mi} THE CHEEK SO WHITE BEFORE HAD RECEIVBD THE ACCURSED MARK
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B Mustang M | Mustang Marle’s Merciless Foe; THE ACCURSED BRAND. A Romance of the Raided Ranch. BY MAJOR SAM §S. SCOTT, (‘THE OLD MAJOR,”) AUTHOR OF ‘‘ MUSTANG MERLE,” ‘‘ MUSTANG MERLE’S MI‘ KE,” ETC,, ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. THE GOLD-SEEKER, Ir was a wild, weird place for a night camp, but those who occupied it did so from dire ne- cessity. The gorge bad once vean the bed of a rushing torrent, for there were siarks of waters on the rocks on either side, showing where the flood had coursed through the dark opening on its wavy to the Tagus., Unier a, projecting rock which was large enough to shelter a dozen wagons like it, was a dil»pidated vehicle which had been drawn by two nearly exhausted horses that stood near by, cropping the short, dead grass which bad per- ished for want of sustenance, - Nigbt bad fallen over this scene, and the canopy. of heaven, thickly sown with stars, tempted the man who leaned against one wheel and looked up, with a desperate longing in his eyes, By and by a step came down the gulch, and turning bis head, the man caught sight of a girlish figure, which soon stopped in front of him. Tuere was a resemblance between thetwo, It was enough to tell any one that they were father and child; but he bad the haggard look of a half-starved man, while in ber eyes was still a freshness which did not suit the time or place, ‘** Did you see anything, child?” asked the man. “ Nothing. I went to the high ground and looked in every direction, but nothing rewarded me,” 4 It is no use. We have to perish in this coun- try.” ‘*To-morrow, perhaps—” ‘*There may be no to-morrow for us!” broke in the parent. ‘Coral, the vultures of the bor- der are on our track, and we will become their victims before another morning dawns.” The daugbter—she could not bave been more than seventeen, with a graceful figure, rounded and nearly perfect in contour—came up to him and placed one arm around his waist. “ We will fare better to-morrow,” she encour- aged, ‘This ravine is a good biding-place, and here we will recruit our strength.” A good hiding-place from such fiends? No; we can’t escape them, though we may hide here for a brief spell. Look around you, Coral! They will come into the gulch and have us at their merey, You recollect the letter which Was 89 mysteriously placed in my hands before we drove out of Santa Leo?” ‘** Yes, father.” ‘| was inclined to laugh at it, you know. I t ought it a device to keep us out of the land of g° 1 but it was pot intended for that,” * Bub “6 was go oddly worded,” smiled Coral. “So it was, and that is what made me think it was a hoax, Here we are cooped up like chickens in a coop, Look at these walls, I say. See how they tower above us, and practically hem usin,” : As be spoke the man waved bis hand toward the walls of the gulch, and was about to con- tinue, when his Jook became a staro, and a gasp of horror parted bis lips. Coral instantly saw the change, “What is it, father, dear?” she cried, Heaven’s name, what bas happened?” He made no reply, but stared at a particular Spot, bis eyes seeming to start from his head, ap:i bis whole frame in a tremble, **Look!’ he cried at last, pointing atthe oppo- site wall. ‘In the name of our dead, look at the band writing on the stone, Coral!” The girl flowed bis outstretched finger and a that which riveted her gaze from the begin- ng. As we have said, the shades of night had fallen over the landscape, but there stood out onthe wall a sentence which seemed to have been writ- ten in letters of fire. . “Itis the work of the arch fiend,” exclaimed ‘She man, still staring at the writing. ‘*See how “ In erle’s Merciless Foe. the letters stand out in living fire, Coral! We are in a land of demonism!” All this time the girl was leaning forward, and with bated breath was reading the inscrip- tion on the stone, Now, since she had looked a moment, the let- ters seemed traced in phosphorus, because they appeared to dance before her eyes and to as- sume a thousand fantastic shapes. ‘*Read it, Coral!” cried the man. ‘Read what it says, for I am afraid to trust my eyes.” ‘** It is not hard to read, father. It says this: / j “Travelers westward through this gorge leave all hope behind. Beyond lies forbidden ground—the land of death!’’ Silence followed the voice that read the in- scription on the wall of the gulch. Darkness had brought out the letters invisible through the day, and had shown them to tbe twain under the wall with their scanty outfit. ‘Shall we turn back?” asked the man at last. ‘ No!” was the quick response, ‘‘ Let us go on in spite of that warning! It is the work of men who want this country for their own schemes; it is the handwriting of those who are outlaws in sight of God and man.” ‘“*That may be, Coral. I am not afraid of them, but I am anxious concerning your wel- fare. Your mother, rest her soul, is dead, and we are alone in the world, The time came when we had to quit the home which was so happy so many years. We became wanderers in search of a home elsewhere—beyond this gulch, which is called the Land of Death, We know that we have enemies on our track—that the mysterious letter dropped into my hands at Santa Leo told us this, Weare in the land of the saddle ban- dit, and for some cause I am bunted by some one, If I thought—” He stopped and listened with his head turned to the East, ‘““There are voices down yonder. I heard them,” said Coral. ‘* We must be prepared for anything.” She stepped to the wagon, and, reaching in, gripped a revolver which she puiled out, mov- ing, the next moment, toward the sound and stopping near the wall with a determined look upon her beautiful face, Her father was not slow to follow the heroic example set by the girl. He took from the wagon a Winchester which he cocked as be moved to her side, and the shadows of the pair blended on the rocky wall at their right. Not a sound was heard now, The crickets that bad disturbed the seclusion of the ravine with their chirpings were still, and the silence of Death itself seemed to bave taken entire possession of the place, But this did not last long, The keen ears of father and daughter soon caught the sounds that came down the gulch, and at the same time their eyes spied the gliding figure which bugged the wall as it advanced, All at once theirsrung out on the air the chal- lenge o° the man with the Winchester. — ‘“Halt where you are! To take another step is to court death in your buots,” In an instart the person near the wall stopped short and remained so, ‘*T will see who he is, Coral,” decided the ‘father, advancing a step. ‘I will get a look at this night prowler, and if ke is the person I ex- pect, woe to his skin!” Coral saw her father depart with visible re- luctance; but she saw, too, that the man bugging the wall did not move nor lift a weapon. ‘*Come out from where you stand!” called out the gold-bunter, leveling bis weapon. ‘‘ If you don’t I will let starligbt into your brain!” ‘* Wal, I don’t want to be bored in that man- ner. It might spoil the beauty of the last o’ the Bundys, you see. I'll do anything-almost before I'll have an ounce of lead thrown into my head, so hyer I am,” and there stepped into fuller view a tall, angular figure, at sightof which a smile went over Coral’s face—it was so comical in appearance, A moment later her father came back, ac- companied by this man, who, at sight of her, doffed his hat and made a low bow, * Another bit o’ beauty, an’ purtier than they take it in photograph galleries, What might you call ber?” “This is my daughter, Coral,” was the reply, Old Joe Bundy bowed again, *T thought t hodva voices awhile ago down the gulch,” continued the man. **'You did. I left my pard back yonder to take a look through the ravine, and to see if onyeind had been added to the writing on the rock, “You have seen it, then?” ‘Samii Dat ig AN ns at |e Pa x + bi ee ia cer “Yes, Did it scare you?” and Bundy’s face broke into a smile, ‘It’s been thar some time.” ** Wie wrote it on the stone?” * © ,iuiu Dick, I suppose.” * Aud who is Captain Dick?” asked Coral and her tather ip one breath, ‘** He’s the dandy raider-outlaw of these parts —the Ishmael of the border. He used to be Cap- tain Red Jacket’s right bower, but they out- lawed bim anc since the death of his old leader he has been carrying on on his own book Handsome as a picture, fearing neither God n& man, he is the desperado of the Southwest a!4 we have trouble witb *im every now and tl). You don’t want to stop in this place whe: 1 a few hours you can be in soft beds atMes- quite,” The man seemed to start at the name, *‘ Hitch up and come with us,” continsed Joe. “You're not safe byer; and, besides, 1 want Coral to see the best ranch out 0’ doors, I'll call my pard up while you throw the heses ag’in the tongue,” and he stepped aside and*ounded a low whistle, The stranger at once went back to the horses and began to hitch up. He was engeged at this task when he beard a slight cry from his daugh- ter and turning, saw her staring a’ & young in- dian whom Joe Bundy was intrccucing. “This is Red Hawk, the Apache, the boss rider, trailer avd ha’rlifter o’ the border, ex- plained Joe. “It don’t pay ter smooth his fur the wrong way.” CHAPTER II. THE BRAND OF THE UNKNOWN, Two hours later the wagon carrying Coral Lemon and her father passed up the tree-bor- ceied avenue in front of the buildings that went to make up Mesquite Ranch, and in a short time the pair found themselves comfortably seated in a room well /ighted, and in the pres- ence of a young person who bad announced him- self as Mustang Merle, the proprietor. “T am glad Joe and Red Hawk found you,” said Merle, ‘You were not safe where you were, The country just now is the abode of half a dozen bands of villains who are levying tribute on the rich renches. and stampeding cattle, Some of these bends are guilty of crimes far worse than stealing. They are determined to prevent immigration to the district which’ seems to have been your destination, and to do tbis will stoop to anything—any crime.” Coral’s father drew from bis pocket a crumpled letter which he handed to Mustang Merle. say- ing that it had been placed in bis hands at Santa Leo, a town further east. “T see, It is a warning, and it warns you against entering the land, It seems to bave been written in the interests of these very scoundrels, chief of whom is cre Delores Dick an old acquaintance of mine”—and for whem don’t entertain tie friendliest of feelings, But, I see by this letter that you seem to be an object of special batred, Do ie know why?” Lemon sbook his head. - “Tt would seem that I bave incurred the hatred of the outlaws in some manner; but the present is my first appearance ip this country,’ “‘ What has beev your profession?” Fatber and daugbter looked at one another and smiled, i “A few years ago I was a Government detec tive, and, as such, was brought in contact wit criminals of all classes, mail-robbers and coun- terfeiters, Iresigned some time ago to embark in other business, which proved a failure, and Coral and I, after many reverses, were about to © begin life over in the Tegus country, which } Tomi<¢es so much to the industrious.” “Look at this, Joe,” said Mustang Merle, pass- ing the mysterious letter to Joe Bundy. ; The old fellow took the missive and scanned it with bis intensely black eyes. “Wait!” be pty rite suddenly and rush: ing from tre room, nee When te came back he held in bis bands an- other piece of paper which be held alcngside the letter, a comical expression on his countenance and victory fn his eye. ? “ This is your letter and this one we got some months ago from the chief bandit of the region,” he said, looking at Lemon, whose curivsity was now aroused, ‘*Don’t you detect a simi'arity between the two? You say you used to be a de- tective for Uncle Sam avd you must have been brought in contact with the handwriting of criminals, Now, how do these two letters strike you?” Already there was on Lemon’s face a look of ‘amazement, “They were written by the same man!” he decided. ee Tee. < ¥ Se n = < sate Shnlgeef st
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us 6) m4 t 4 eae Be aA. wa" 5 rs asked at last, a “ Thar’s no doubt of that. Why, Red Hawk ‘would say so, Yes, Dolores Dick, the bandsome outlaw, wrote the letter placed in your hands at ‘Santa Leo and the one we got some time ago,” At this moment the door opeved aud the lithe figure of the young Apache stole into the room, Immediately Old Joa reliqnuished the two let- ters and went over to the indian and the pair went out. “That Indian has been worth his weight in gold to me,” said Mustang turning to his visitors. ** He edfies down from the North whenever he thinks anytbing threatens us, He dropped in ‘day before yesterday and you may be sure we were glad to see bim, Of late we bhuve discov- ered some very strange work by our old enemies, the bandits of the border. Our cattle bave been bravded with certain chemicals which leave a murk as indelible as the branding iron, That this is the work of Captain Dick there is no doubt, but we bave been unable to catch the scoundrel. The work is done at night and tbe brander has thus far escaped our vigilance, Now that you know who your enemy is, you will not leave us until we have settled with him, for [ am getting ready to carry the war into Africa, as it were. I intend to settle this feud once four all.” The young owner of Mesquite arosé and stood before his guests, ““T had to fight Captain Red Jacket and his band; I was compelled to defeni my mine agaiust Rubio and Dolores Dick. I had to fight for life and liberty against these vultures of the border for I have been their marked prey ever since the ranch passed into my bands. Now, the time for final settlement has come. Weare going to have a grand ronnd-up. If I lose, well and good: if I win, the reign of brigandage in this part of God’s country ends forever.” There was a bright flash in the eyes of the boy rancher and the face of Coral Lemon glowed with admiration. ‘“*f am at your service,” spoke Lemon. ‘I will assist you in the crusade against these wascals,” *“No, Icannot ask you to take part in this feud. You havea child to look after. Mesquite’ is not helpless. I have at my command twenty of as gocd men as ever cocked a Winchester or threw a lasso. I have the advice of Old Joe Buaty, bomely, but brave and clever, and the strong arm and keen eye of the best Indian in the great Apache nation I am not belpless against the foe, no, no!” Lemon would have repeated bis offer if a hur- ried footstep had not sounded on the veranda jest beyond the door, and the next moment the ank figure of Bundy appeared with a most comical expression, ‘* It beats the Jews,” said he, ‘“ That brander must have the constitution of a spook.” ** What, has he escaped us again?” cried Mus- ‘tang Merle, ‘Yes, He’s just marked another steer.” The young rancher turned to Lemon, “TI want you to see the work of this scoun- drel,” bhé said. ‘‘We will go down to the corral,” The occupants of the house, with the excep- ‘tion of Coral, were soon walking rapidly to- ward the corral where they saw a number of moving lights and after awlile a number of rough-looking men, There were loud voices and any number of ex- ecrations. In a moment two herders led toward Mustang Merle a large white steer which appeared fright: ened, “Thar is the infernal brand!” cried Joe Bundy, pointing to the animal’s bind quarters. “Tt has been placed there within an hour, au’ is ‘the mark of the mysterious brander,” All moved closer, Lemon with more curiosity than any, to scrutinize a mark which looked for all the world like that left by the branding iron, It was in the form of a triangle, in the center of which was a large “* D.” . ‘He comes and goes like a we isel,” explained Merle. ‘I don’t censure my men, for they ex- erciss the greatest caurion, and Red Hawk has tried to ferret out the villain. Nearly every night we have had one or more cattle branded as you see thisone is, The mark is indelible— more so than that by the iron. It is enough to imbue one with desire to check this work at all hazards—don’t you think so?” Lemon turned toward Mustang Merle ard looked at him a moment before he spoke. ‘Do you call that Dolores Dick’s work?” he “ Not his 3 ‘* bat Bae rsonal work perbaps,” was the re- + am confident that he ordered it of + 4 +e Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe. 8 ‘‘T bave seen that singular mark before,” “You?” ‘* Yes, You know that for some years I was connected with the Secret Service of the Goy- ernment. Well, & mark just like that was tbe private mark of a band of counterfeiters which { broke up. But I did not get their leader.” The last words were spoken with a smile and the ex-detective looked once more at the mark on the steer. ‘Tbe leader of the coniackers was a young fellow as sharp as a tack in rascality, but he disappeared so suddenly and mysteriously, just when I thought I had him, that 1 threw up my commission in disgust and became a private citizen,” The steer was led back, and after giving his herders orders to increase their vigilance and to shoot down any one seen near the corral, Mus- tang Merle and Lemon returned to the house, Suddenly there rung out on the air the suarp avd piercing shriek of a human being, The two men sprung toward the house, the door of which the boy rancher threw open hurriedly, to aiscover the prostrate form of Coral stretched e full length on the floor and apparently life- ess, Lemom rushed forward, and with a cry of bor- ror picked up his child and looked down into ber white face, Merle leaned forward, speechless, and watched the agony of the father while he kissed the lips of his darling, at the same time calling down upon the head of the fiend who had frightened her the vengeance of Heaven, “She is not dead; but\look at this!” cried Lemon, “She bas been branded Jike your cat- tle and by the same infamous.band!” Mustang Merle could not believe what hesaw, He could not believe that the brand which he had just seen on one of bis steers—the triangle and the ‘*D” had been put upon tbe beautiful skin of the ex-detective’s daughter; but there it was! The cheek, so white before, had received the accursed mark, and it looked ten times more borrible for its surroundings. There it was on the cheek of Corai Lemon, destroying her radi- ant beauty, and making ber an object to be + omar by society, no matter where she might The girl came slowly out of her trance. By this time Joe Bundy and Red Hawk had come in, and all bad seen the disfiguring brand. Tuere bad settled over the faces of the men a look of fierce determination and revenge, and the words spoken by Lemon were echoed by nig st | one, “ h e hand that did this shall pay for it!” CHAPTER III, A FATHER’S OATH, CoRAL LEMON, the child of the ex-detective, knew what bad taken place. She was aware that she carried on her cheek the brand of the Unknown, and her eyes got a sudden flash when she ct in the mirrcr and viewed the accursed mark, ‘** Better my cheek than your heart!” she said, going over to her fatber and clasping his hands, ‘** There is no telling what would have happened if the villain bad found you here instead of my- self. He stole vpon me with the stealth of the assassin, and I fuund the mark on my face al- most before I knew he was in the house,” “‘ What was be like, child?’ eagerly asked Lemon, ‘In person he was tall and well-formed: but his face was covered by a black velvet mask, and I did not get to see it.” ‘* What did he say?” “But four words, and I shall never forget | them. He laid his tand on my wrist, and the fingers seemed to sink to the bone, and looking int» my eyes with triumph while he applied his brand, he said: ‘ This ts getting even? and at touch of the branding-iron, [ fell to the floor -where you found me.” The men looked at Lemon, and he turned to- ward the young rancher, - ‘*What do you think now?” he asked, * An old enemy,” Mustang Merle returned, There was no answer by the ex-detective, and sbortly afterward, by the withdrawal of. the ranchmen, the two were left alone, _“T am willing to wear the brand through life,” spoke Coral with a smile, ‘I am con- fident that the object sought by the Mystericus Brander was my father’s life. Not finding bim here he turned bis attention to me and marked me as you see,” enged,” declared Mustang “Tt shall be av Merle, solemnly, it not be done at the ris of a noble var NM A. Fal: steal aaa hx I} “ Let d Pe See e ie Ws 4 + life,” was the quick response, “Iam willing to Suffer. We lett the old home with some bitter memories behind us, not thinking we were to encejnter such scenes in this country. But I am mt afraid to dare the future, though I would »ot for a moment imperil the life 1 love on the tryil of vengeance,” Merle ad his guest watched Qaral qult tbe room for the chamber which bad been assigued ker, and when the door had closed the father laid Lis band on tye boy rancher’s arm. “Tam confidentttat an old enemy ison my track—that the letter thrust upon me in Santa Leo came from him, Smede many an enemy while serving the Govertxnent; a detective al- ways does this, Several tines I bave narrowly escaped assassiration, At tye time I was doggea for months by the coubterfeiting gang whose leader I failed to catcb, abd, as [ have said, it was that failure which drove we from the service, I have kept many of these events from my child; but it seems to me that we have one and the same foe, for the brand that marks your steers disfigures my daughter.” ‘*Tt is true; but, tell me something about this man who slipped through your bands,” Lemon proceeded and for some time his voice was the only one heard in the room, He detailed to Mustang Merle the circum- stances of the past which connected him with his work for the Government and described the man whose escape bad changed his whole life, finally driving him to the necessity of seeking a new home in the country of the Rio Tagus, in- fested, though he knew it not, by bands of brigands whore deeds had rendered it und¢sir- able as a place of residence for years, At the conclusion of his narrative Lemon drew from his pocket a well-worn photograph whick he placed in Mustang Merle’s hands, **T have never shown this to Coral,” said he, “Tt is the photograph of the man known to me as Richard Nellis, the chief of the countefeiters of New Orleans—the man who avoided me and disappeared so strangely, as I have told you.” The young rancher took the card, and, for some time, looked at the picture without speak- ing, “You don’t care if Icall Jerome?” he aske~ at length. ** Certainly not.” ‘* You have not seen Jerome yet,” Merle added, with a smile. ‘‘He is one of the curiosities of Mesquite,” and he crossed the room and jerkeda green cord which bung along the wall, In a moment footsteps were beard on the stair, and the door opened to admit a person, the sight ef whom drew a cry from Lemon’s lips, ** Jerome” came into the room on all fours like} a cat, but it was very clear that he was human, He bad a strange face, warped and dark, but two sparkling eyes shone in his bead, and when he saw Mustang Merle with another person he appearea to hesitate. ** Come, boy; I have something to show you,” said Merle, and, with a laugh, the deformed creature pulled himself into a chair near his master, ‘*Look at this,” continued Merle, ‘It is the face of some one whom you may have seen in your dreams.” : The long fingers of the hand seized the pho- ri and it was held close to the face of the cripple, ' “°T is he!” cried Jerome, looking up and then laughing once more, ‘Did the gentleman yon- der bring it?” 1 ** W hose face is it, Jerome?” asked Merle, ‘““Why, the face of the horseman I saw last summer when [ was down in the guich writing my name on the rocks, You baven’t forgotten that, master?” « T remember your story; but, make no mis- take, Jerome, We want to knuw whose picture that is.” “Tis his, I tell you!” persisted the boy, for he was not more, though disease bad given bim an oldish look and even white bairs among the dark locks that covered his head in profusion. Mustang Merle looked at Lemon. ‘*We have always believed that the horseman seen by Jerome last summer was the redoubtable Dolores Dick, on one of the periodical spying trips which he makes just before a raid,” ‘Tt was Dick!” cried Jerome, “ Then—" Lemon stopped and thought, * Do you know that all this seems a dream to me?” he went on. ‘I cannot think that the man who seems to be on my track at this time is the old enemy of Mesquite.” me Some men have strange lives,” _ ae a Lat aay abd IR ee ey es
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es to-morrow another. That is true, and the man who has this truth impressed upon his mind mist is the detective.” Lemon now turned to Jerome who had fallen sleep. mee hat is one of his habits,” said Merle, nod- ding toward bis visitor. ‘‘ Jerome was thrown inte a fire in his childhood by an Indio and that is why he Is su verribly misshapen. Sut he hasa mind as bright asa dollar and is as faithful to me as a slave, He goes all over the country, sometimes on all fours, as you saw him come into the room, and again vn my horses, There is no one like him, Sometimes he has singular dreams which are litte short of revelations, He is a marvelous boy. * : The last sentexce was hardly finished when Jerome suddexly aroused himself and tumbled from the cha‘. . Looking ap and seeing that neither Merle nor his guest was smiling at the mishap, he scram- bled ip his strange way from the room and went back ¢o bed. **So I have found Richard Nellis again?” mased Lemon, taking the Lagi by in his hand and studying it in silence, ‘‘So I have rediscovered the man who forced me to retire from the service in disgrace! Well, time cuts ueer capers. But wy child, marked for life! My God! That is what he calls ‘‘ getting even” with me for breaking up his band, Marked for life by my bitter foe!” Lemon sprung up and the next moment was walking up and down the room in front of Mus- tang Merle who watched him with an intensity that was not unmixed with pity. Allat once Lemon stopped and stood before the young rancher, ‘A part of this battle with the enemy of Mes- quite is mine!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ I swear befora tne Most High that I will punish this brander of my dear child! I swear that [ will stand face to face with Richard Nellis alias Dolores Dick, aod that I will pay him back with interest for tue mark on the cheek of my Coral! It was the last cheek kissed by her sainted mother ere she died, and I will see that the hand that has defiled it does not escape me,” The uplifted hand fell to the speaker’s side and while his lips still quivered with the last words a sound that startied both rung through the house, “The challenge stands accepted!” said the voice, In an instant both Mustang Merle and the detective had bounded across the room and the two were on the veranda in a flash, revolvers drawn, but they saw nothing. “*It could not have been a deception,” said Lemon, looking into the young rancher’s face, **Tt was a human voice,” There was no answer, for Mustang Merle was waiting for the man advancing toward the house to come up. Tt was Old Joe Bundy. ** Did you see bim?” demanded Lemon, spring- ing forward and seizing the lank Yankee’s arm. “Did I see who?” queried Joe. ‘* You look like you’ve jest seen the Old Harry, The onl thing out o’ the way I’ve seen since the double branding is the scare in your own face,” The startling events were related to Old Joe by Merle, at which the old fellow gave a pro- longed whistle of astonishment and grinned: Ghosts!” said he. ‘I’ve always noticed that they come whenever Jerome put his fingers into the pie!” And, to Lemon’s surprise, Old Joe deliberately walked away, lnuving Merle to say that he was a ‘* queer stick,” but worth bis weight in gold in case of an emergency. CHAPTER IV. A SPY IN RED. MEANTIME the Indian known as Red Hawk was at work ona trail which bad escaped the eye of the keenest herder, No sooner had be seen the branded steer than he slipped off, and passing the corral, went on and on until he reached a smal) creek which ran through the ranch, Red Hawk had the eyes of a night-bird, for , he looked at the soil, stooping now and then and eying every vestige of grass in hopes of findin the track of the Mysterious teantir, : The Indian at length stood beyond the boun- ‘ daries of the creek and in the shadow of a tree which grew alone beneath the glowing stars, All at once the red-skin caught one of the drooping limbs and drew his agile body up among the branches. He crouched in the ample fork like a paather and remained perfectly s The flitting minutes saw no change in the In- ’s position, and the suspicious wolf that " ; MJ ‘ A ) ’ 4 ees ; } Het: pee Rew ee is a ee aie Pt MLE eo Rane kA syeaked under the tree with his nose elevated to catch the first scemt of danger, did not suspect that one of the enemies of his tribe was near, It was an hour before the watcber in the tree saw or heard anything that seemed to reward his vigil. At the end of this time his sharp ears caught the sound of approaching hoofs, and slowly from out the starlit night came a horse which wear- ed the tree, Red Hawk did not lean forward with curiosity lurking in his eye, but remained as motionless as ever and bided his time. The animal stopped a short distance from the tree and remained there like a statue, The person on the steed was looking back toward Mesquite, He was well-built, as the In- dian could see, but his face the stars would not reveal, Red Hawk looked at him until be moved for- ward once more and drew rein nearer than be- fore and waited for some one, **T. don’t believe he’s going to keep bis appoint- ment,” said a voice which the Indian did not lose. ‘‘ I won’t come again if he fails this time.” Presently the rider of the motionless steed seemed to hear or see that which rewarded his watch, for he seized the reins which had fallen on the horse’s neck and looked toward the ranch, ‘‘Pshaw! it was nothing; be is playing me false,” he muttered, ‘I won’t go on as I prom- ised, If he don't think enough of bis word to meet me here, I can go back. Besides, this is dangerous business, the way things are going on the rancb, and J don’t like the thovght of risking my precious neck in this work.” The next moment he turned Lack and a smile overspread the dark face of the tenant of the tree when he saw the horse on the move, Red Hawk watched the man out of sight and it was some time before he ventured to quit bis post, When he did so it was with the greatest care, and in a little while he was swinging back toward Mesquite as before; but with a strange gleam in his eye. He went toward the stables and saw a man’ emerge from tae lower one which was used by the ranch rider, Texas Kit, It was not long before Texas Kit had a shadow at his heels and as he slouched toward the house, whistling as was his wont, the eye of the fox of the Apaches was upon bim, There was something cat-like in the very na- ture of the man so silently followed by Red Hawk. He could walk without being heard and Mustang Merle bad often compared him to a catamount, while Old Joe was wont to say that he reminded him of death, inasmuch as he came when no one looked for him, and that his going was as stealthy as his coming on. Bred to the life of a ranch rider, Texas Kit knew his calling in every particular, He was not past twenty-three, but bad seen more than the majority of men ot forty and could spin tales of the border startling enough to excite the deep curiosity of older men. Red Hawk had no doubt that the man he had seen on the open and near the tree was this very Texas Kit. He had never let his eyes deceive him and was not the spy to see but one part of a ame, . Texas Kit reached the main house and there turned to the right to seek his own quarters near by. He did not seem tocavo for the group of men who were discussing the last branding, for he passed them by and entered the shanty which he inhabited alone, The interior of the shanty was dark enough, Texas Kit closed the door behind him, and as it was not bis night on duty, he threw himself upon the cot in one corner and in a few moments began to snore. n ninety-nine cases out of one hundred this would have been enough for aspy, but Red Hawk - not slip off and leave the man to his slum- rs. He merely drew off toa-spot from which he could watch the door of the shanty and fell to watching it as though the hnt contained one un- der a sentence of death with him as the death- wa . The night wore on. The Indian had heard the voices of Lemon and Mustong Merle on the porch after the mysteri- ous voice at the window, but they did not cause him to quit his post. He saw nothing but the door of Texas Kit’s shanty. At last, after three hours of silent watchful- ness, during which the old ranch-house had be- come quiet, a figure came toward the shanty from the avenue of trees. Red Hawk did not move, but his eyes saw it q on , pals ieee Roe. a 4 ¢ - 7 a ae ee aN aD: Pat avian og tl from the moment it appeared, and he was not the person to let it getoutof sight with the events of the night fresh in his mind, The unknown came up tothe doorof Texas. Kit’s but and stopped there, Red Hawk saw him lay a hand on the latch, gently press it and disappear beyond the thresh- old. The door was shut and the Indian kept his Station, Ten minutes passed and it opened again. The figure he had seen enter the shanty came out and glided off as noiselessly as before. Now the red-skin moved, but not after the gliding figure. Instead, he crept toward the shanty and reached the door. There he crouch- ed for some time with his ear glued to the por- tal. Heheard the deep breathing of the mam on the cot, as if the person who had emerged from the shanty had not broken his slumbers. “Texas Kit does not sleep with his eyes open to-night,” muttered the young Apache, “He may not know that he has been visited and that the visitor has departed. Red Hawk will sce what has happened—if Texas Kit bas received anything from the man who has just crept off.” The red fingers pressed the latch of the shanty door and the red body crept inside. The heavy breathing of the ranch rider told Red Hawk exactly where he lay and he glided toward the corner and stooped over the sleeper: in the dark. Now the hands of the red-skin began to move as if they were possessed of eyes. They were careful not to touch the skin of the sleeper, but they felt his bedy just the same, Oue hand was slipped under Texas Kit’s head and the red fingers found there something which they withdrew, and the next moment their owner was creeping toward the door to opem it as silently as belore and to glide out into the night. The Indian’s eyes fairly glistened with triumph now. He still clutched that something which he had taken from under the head of the sleeper, and with it in his band he ran off, nor stopped until be almost fell over aman who was. standing guard near one of the stables. i ‘* What’s up hyer, you pesky red-skin?” cried the guard, Red Hawk said nothing but picked himself up and ran on. Down across the pasture ram the young Indian, dodging past trees which seemed determined to bar his progress, but all the time clutehing the bit of paper he had stolen from a sleeping man. The gulch beyond the pasture swallowed him, He disappeared among its shadows, Sentenine the bats from their crevices of darkness an now and then feeling the brush of a night wing as its possessor flitted down the gloomy place, At last the run of the Indian came toa close. He stood near a heap of bowlders and then, stooping suddenly, vanished as if be had dived beneath the pile. But Red Hawk, the Apache, had done bothing of the kind. He had merely entered a cavernous opening and was groping his way down one of the dark corridors of the mine belonging to Mesquite—that mine for which more than one life bud been taken in years agone, It was nota successful mine now. The keen eyes of the men of Mesquite had found other riches, but the cavern remained with its marks of picks on the bard walls and with some of the old chambers half filled with water and rub- bish. Red Hawk stood in a round-like chamber and had drawn a lucifer across the wall. He stuck the match into a little opening in the wall and took the paper from bis teeth, by which he had held it since entering the mine. The blazing match showed how eager the young Indian was, He leaned toward the little light and opened the paper. Outwardly calm, it was evident that he was greatly excited and that he was expect- ing to Be rewarded for his long watch at the door of Texas Kit’s shanty. It was not a scraw)] which met the eye of the Indian, The paper was not covered with the rough characters usually made by those whose companions are horse and lasso, but they were neat, even elegant—just that sort of writing which one woul not look for in that part of the land, 3 The friendship existing between Merle end Red Hawk had not been lost on the latter. His de- sire to learn how toread the white-man’s ** paper talk” had been gratified, and the moment he saw the writing on the paper in his hand that moment his look changed. What was it that so excited the young red- ee aad sae iS Peas t 4 Upvahes * - Wi ee) J st piled eS Y- ell fold MeN wid she ae J ct lg at a
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Her skin? Why did his breath seem to depart from him in a gasp? There were but three lines across the tiny sheet; but they w-re enough. He mastered tiiem 10 a minute, then, looking up as the match went out, be clutched the paper till it was crumpled into a ball and dashed off. Back over the same route went Red Hawk, the friend of the ranch, He reached a spot near the door of Texas Kit’s shanty, and, with a sound which was almost a laugh of derision and victory, shook his fist at the hut, CHAPTER V. RAIDER DICK AND THE SECRET KEEPER, ON the third morning after the events last re- corded a man might have been seen entering a flourishing border town not many miles- from Mesquite Ranch. He was well mounted and equipped fer a ride, and sat nis steed with the grace of one used to the saddle. He was looked at by all who noticed him and among these wasa young girl witha pair of bright eyes which seemed to increase in bright- ness from the moment she saw the rider of the black horse. **T wonder what brings him back to Tarus City so soon?” said the girl, addressing herself, “* Has he met with misfortune, or has he returned to muster his men for anotber raid?” The rider did not draw rein until he reached a Plaza in the center of Tarus City where he look- ved toward a building witha long veranda in front, and slid from the saddle, At the same time a man witha bow and a smirk came out of the botel and held up a letter. ‘© That is it, Pedron, old boy,” said the stranger, **Tf you bad not come out I should have gone in, How are things here?” The landlord of the Golden Ace smiled and ran his swarthy fingers through the beard he sport- c | . ‘** All’s well so/far as I can see,” he said. ** No spies about from anywhere, Pedron?” ‘* None that I can see.” Meantime the last speaker had broken the seal ~of the letter and, leaning against his horse, was reading it. The girl whom we have mentioned was still looking at him from her window which com- rnanded a view of the Square and he seemed to attract her in a singular way. After awhile the man folded the Jetter and §ooked at the landlord who stood near, as if waiting for orders, ** Who brought this letter, Pedron?” he asked. ** Zara, sir.” * When?” * Last night.” ‘“‘T suppose he did not know where to find «mé?” ‘“'That's what he said.” * And went off when he had delivered it to you for safe-keeping?” ‘ Yes, sir.” **You are sure he did not tarry in Tarus, Pedron” “Tam pretty sure he did not.” A short silence followed this reply, during which the man at the horse stroked the fine mus- tache he had, A new light seemed to come into his dark ees. ‘* Won't you go inf” asked Pedron with an- other smirk, ‘You have had a long ride no doubt and—” rae “Not now. Don’t tempt me, old boy,” be laughingly brokein, “ [ oi not bere akan.” -and he went back to his steed and placed one band on the rein. _ ‘What, is he going away already?” said the ‘girl who had not lost sight of him for a moment. *Pedron, the wily old fox, bas given him a let- ter and, from what I can see, it bas changed his lans, Well, if you are going, Dolores Dick, re i one who will say: ‘* Good luck go with Le She smiled as she spoke the last words and watched the handsome man. vault into the saddle and address a few words to Pedron of the sam Ace, e landlord, with something golden which had dropped into bis yellow palm, bowed till his bat almost fell to the ground, saw the rider move off and when he had turned a corner, ran back to his hotel and threw the coin into a sack under the counter, The girl turned from the window and went about her work, which was not very bard. In years she was ye Pe past sixteen, an u ere be 4) ‘ 4 fe = RES at a st Walt i Mustang Merle’s full of grace and Ty es Fermoy Merciless Foe. o ’ her face, a little swarthy, but not enough to spoil its beauty, told of warm Southern blood, probably some of that which bad at one time coursed through the veins of some old Spanish hidalgo, She was in a merry mood, though the visit of Dolores Dick had affected it. Presently she was startled by the sound of footsteps which were not those of a cats, and | turning stood before the very man at that mo- ment in ber mind, It was Dolores Dick himself, He had come upon the girl unawares, having entered the bouse by the open court and now faced her with a smile of admiration on his pre- possessing face. ‘* Don’t let me frighten you, Inez,” said the bandit of the border. ‘‘I don’t intend to stay long and will not make my visit disagreeable to you, for I catch you in a happy mood.” ‘Tt am not frightened, I trust. Why should I be in your presence?” was the prompt reply. **Good! I dropped in to gee if you had made up your mind yet.” In an instant the color which had heightened the girl’s beauty vanished from her cheeks and ee stocd pale and confused before Dolores ick, “You have not forgotten what I told you last?” ‘* Of course I have not.” ‘T can say no more.” “You mean that you are going to prove stub- born and tbat you prefer remaining bere a prisoner rather than give up a little secret, the surrendering of which would make you none the less contented. Look here, child, Are you sure tbat you are the sole custodian of that se- cret? May notsome other persona have it as well as yoursell?” “Then, why not go to tbat person for the se- cret?” Dolores Dick came closer to the girl whose eyes got a sudden flash and one of her jeweled hands dropped to her side, “*T know what you have there,” smiled the raider-outlaw, looking down at her hand. ‘* You need not draw that pearl-hilted dagger which you say is the only legacy your mother left you, I am not going to press you thus far. But you must give up the secret you possess; you must put me on the trail of the lost mine which ex- ists somewhere in this country.” There was no answer. Inez, with her b ck to the wall of the little room, looked at the outlaw and smiled, ** Zara was here last night,” continued Dick, **T do not know.” ‘Come! You must have seen the young man.” “T did not see him and I doubt whether he was here, for Zara always calls when he comes to Tarus,” ** Another lover, probably, ha, ha! What do you think of Zara now?” ‘It is false!” flashed the lips of Inez, the pris- over of Tarus City, for she was nothing else as the reader will discover ere we are done with her, ‘Zara and 1 are friends and there is no person who can break our friendship,” Dolores Dick looked down into the eyes of the girl and showed his teeth in a grin calculated to rouse her jealousies, “To come back to the secret. tell me, eh?” he said, ‘‘T cannot break the vow I made my mother.” ‘*Pshaw! to keep that foolish pledge you will re your liberty and beggar yourself.” es You will not * Do so, then,” and the bandit turned toward thedoor, ‘‘ Youare still my prisoner and I shall give orders concerning your keeping before L ride from Tarus,” ** What do I care? cried the girl, ending the sentence with a derisive laugh, ‘‘ But why should the secret I bave trouble you so much? There are rich ranches which have not been plundered. Are you afraid of a bullet, Dolores Dick? Do you fear tbe bullets of the ranch kings of the Southwest? Why don’t you plun- der Mesquite whose boy owner has become a Croesus since he vanquished Captain Cussed? Yes, why don’t you swoop down upon that rich place and not hunt for the secret of the lost mine?” Dolores Dick heard her through with his hand on the latch of the door and his eye fastened upon her. You don’t know what may happen to Mes- quite within the next few days,” be answered, **T have made a discovery that makes my blood hot. I have found an old friend—no, an ancient foe. I have him at my mercy and you ought to know what that is.” , **I doknow, But why are you here talking af , at PUA E eg fe og Caio Sais: srk he: hi 0 Pea lee b. PR eee f: oP he cad hiss iD Ke gat Pee vee iis _ to me when you have an old enemy at your mercy?” “*T am not quite ready to strike,” said the ban dit. ‘‘ How would you like a companion, Inez?” ‘* A fellow prisoner, you mean?” ‘* Yes, if you still persist in keeping the secret of the mine.” There was no reply for some time. Ine# walked over to the window and half-dreamily looked out upon the Plaza, “Ts that your friend yonder?” she asked, turn: ing suddenly toward folores Dick but at the same time pointing at the window. The bandit of the border sprung forward and caught sight of the man A oh had just drawn rein outside and was looking at the house, He had just finished a long ride. This wae apparent from his dirt-begrimed garments and the yellowish mud on his high boots. ‘‘Some other time,” said Dolores Dick with a glance at the girl, and the next moment he strode from the room, one of his hands resting on the butt of a revolver which he drew as he crossed the threshold, The face of the man in the saddle was’ dark like the face of a Moor, His hair bung down his back with the profuseness of a woman’s tresses, and he showed up like a hard-riddep Apollo who, under other circumstances, would have been strikingly handsome, Dolores Dick saw the man before he had been seen himself. As he reached the court he threw up the revolver he bad drawn and the first inti- mation the rider had of bis presence was the sentence he uttered: ‘* Hands up, Mondragon!” The occupant of the saddle started, and catch. ing sight of Dolores Dick, sent an oath through his teeth. . He bad been caught napping. i CHAPTER VI, MONDRAGON’S RIDE, . ‘¢7 pon’? want your life,” continued the hand: ' some raider of the border. ‘‘I gave you a chance to live when you deserved death, and you will persist indogging me. You must go.” While he spoke, Dolores Dick was advancing toward the man in the saddle, and in a few sec» onds he stood alongside the steed, and was look- ing up into his face. “Forward! You must quit Tarusat once, I will not have you in my preserves,” ‘“*-You make a wanderer of me,” ‘Yes, and you may be thankful that it is not worse. Come; I am going down the street.” Dick seized the rein and led the horse away. The man called Mondragon cffered no resist- ance, and in a short time the two reached a spot beyond the last cabin, ot until now did the bandit relinquish the rein, and stepping back, he looked into the tensely-drawn countenance of the man witha sinister smile, ** Don’t come back any more,” he said. ‘You mean thatif I do, you will shoot me?” **T mean that it would not be safe for you to come back. I am not to be trifled with.” ‘But you still know what I want to find out?” ‘* Never mind that.” ‘*T must know, or I can never die in peace.” Mondragon stretched out both hands in sup- plication, but the bandit waved him off, **T will find out some day, I will know what became of my child. I will bein at the death, Dolores Dick. A few more ranches plundered, | a few more raids across the border, and then | your career will end,” { A sudden gleam of rage seemed to light up the | raider’s eyes, ‘‘ Down yonder lie the trails of the border,” he ~ cried, springing to Mondragon’s side, ‘* Yonder are the roads that lead to safety.” The other grinned. ‘““You hear me!” cried Dick. ‘‘I am fast losing my patience. If you face me a moment longer, I will not be the merciful man I have been, and the vultures may have a feast.” **T have a mind not to object to their baving the feast,” said Monddragon, sorrowfully. ‘* But, I will go—for ‘the last time.” He emphasized the last words, leaning to- ward Dick, whose shoulder he would have touched with his skeleton hand if the raider Lad not drawn back, asif afraid of the contact, The following moment Mondragon straight- ened in his saddle, and with a parting lock was riding off, watched by the bandit withasingular smile at his a i Dolores Dick turned and re-entered the border — town. “T know what I can do,” said Mondragon king aloud. ‘‘I have never been there, hu they would receive me—I know they would, PL ee RCS ORT ON ae aw rey fey ins ; '* rae fe Meee eee
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6 His steed’s gait had fallen into a walk and the reins were lying on his neck, He bad passed beyond sight of the collection of houses which made Tarus City, and the coun- try was reugh and uneven. Here and there he saw dark specks in the soft blue sky and smiled as he contemplated them. ** Whose bones shal! thev pick some day, yours or mine, Dolores Dick? Which one of us is to become the vultures’ breakfast? I bave seen the time when I would not have shrunk from giving them my own bones to pick, but this moraing’s interview bas given me new life, and. if I can help it, I will never become food for those black demons of the sky- Why not go to him? By Jove, [ wilh” A wile further on he turned abruptly to the left, and went through a cactus-dotted valley, an‘! beyond it found an open stretch of ground, over »hich he urged his ste2d at a rapid gait. Some hours passe away, and still the man called Mondragon was iu the saddle pushing ina northeaster)y direction and with suppressed ex- citement and desire in his eye. On, on he rode, The sun, climbing the bills and looking down upon some of the fairest of God’s country, saw this lone man, whose face told of intense mental agony, riding over the landscape, buried in thought not very pleasing. By and by he lifted his head and saw just ahead a collection of buildings that told bim that he was nearing an extensive ranch. For the first time for hours he showed signs of life. He shaded his eyes with one of his hands and gazed long and anxiously at the houses, **It is Mesquite!” cried be, “I behold the home of the young ranch king of the Southwest —the boy who is cordially bated by the man I have left bebind, as well as by all the bandits and ranch raiders of this region’ He has heard of me, and has no particular chuse for liking a hair on my bead; but I am coming to him, all the same, Why? Because I hate Dolores Dick, the merciless Apollo of the pliins.” He now rode to the left again, and in a little time was approaching Mesquite, long ago astir and ready to meet friend or foe. It was not long before he was seen by sharp eyes, and several herders watched him from the vicinity of the corrals, In a little while some persons came out of the main house and regarded him from the fl »wer- fringed veranda, and one of these, as Mondragon could see, was a girl. He did not break his gait, but came on until he could see that one of the occupants of the porch was Mustang Merle bimself, but the iden- tity of another one puzzled him, This one was Lemon, the ex-detective and the father of Coral, Mondraygon rode up to the veranda and there drew rein, At the same time he touched his hat in a sort of military salute, all the while studying not Merl-’s features, but the face of the detective. ** What is it, sir?” asked the boy rancher, ad- vancing to the edge of the porch. *T am here with news which you may cop- sider of importance, I am here to say that I know where the enemy of Mesquite is, and can tell you how best to circumvent him.” “This is glorious, and how opportune, too!” cried Lemon. ‘Who are you, sir?” A tah smile passed over Mondragon’s face. “You have forgotten me, I see, and no won- der. I have changed some of late. I am Rush Mondragon, [am the man whom yon hunted three weeks, two years ago—hunted from pillar to post, only to lose him af Jast among the gulches of the Cactus Spur. The black horse I stole from you to save my own hide is dead, I confess that I rode him to death, and here is your money.” The thin hand of Mondragon was reaching into his bosom, when Mustang Merle checked bim. ** Not a dollar!” said the young rancher, ‘‘If fa bring us news of Dick, the Raider, you pay ‘or Black Wings. Dismount, sir. [ have com- pany, but this gentleman is as eager to listen to your news as I am,” Mondragon dismounted, when it was seen that he limped in walking; but when near Lemon _he stopped and threw his hands to his face, The detective was bending toward him and eying him with all bis might. On a sudden he sprung down from the porch and ran toward bim, Mondragon drew back - and threw out bis hand, | ‘Stand ‘off!” he cried, with the harsh voice of a ahunted man. ‘ I know you now, and you are the last person I thought to meet in this country. ‘3 _ Are you still after me?” a ‘““No, Iam out of the service, but I want to touch the man who gave me such a clever slip ten years ago,” Mondragon was laughing now, but the laugh was a ghastly one. ‘*T don’t want to recall that escape,” he said. ‘*T am the only one of the ten who got off in the boat which breasted the waves of the Gulf in order to escap2 your hand, I thought I knew you awhile ago; now I see you as I saw you then. I am Mondragon here, but in the Cres- cent City I had another name, Will you take the hand whieh outwitted you?” Mondragon held out bic hand to Lemon, who did not hesitate a moment, but seized it, and the two shook warmly and with smiles, By this tine a number of Merle’s men, seeing a stranger at the house, had gathered about and were looking on. The coming of a man of Mon‘dragon’s looks was enough to attract them, especially after the events of the past few days, and the stranger was the recipient of lowering looks and subdued curses, Near by stood Texas Kit in bis high riding- boots and hali-civilized garb, His dark brown hair fell over his ample shoulders, and his eagle eyes were riveted upon Mondragon, who, as yet, bad not seen him, ‘“*T would like to know what brings that man to the ranch,” said Kit, addressing himself, Suddeuly there stepped to Texas Kit’s sidea figure which he did not see, If be had looked to the right he would have caught sight of the lithe form of Red Hawk, the young Apache, but, for the time being, he saw no one but Mon- dragon, Merle invited Mondragon into the house and ordered that his steed be stabled, whereupon Texas Kit scized the rein and led the’ horse away, ld heal sometimes carry secrets about their saddles,” he muttered. ‘*I will look a little and see if this fellow isn’t one of thatsort.” In a few moments he was at one of the stables and bis eager hands were searching the saddle for a clew to the real identity of the man who called bimself Mondragon, All at once he found something that sent a thrill of pleasure through his frame and he drew into the light a few papers so adroitly put away that the sharpest eyes could not have found them. Texas Kit fell back to the light of the stable window and opened the package. ‘Put the popers back, White Kit!” said a voice. With a sudde’. start the ranch-rider looked up and ground his teeth, In the open dooway stood a person whom he feared and hated—Red Hawk, the red guardian of the ranch, CHAPTER VII. JOE BUNDY GETS THERE, Trx.s Kir scowled at the Indian but did not restore the stolen papers to the secret recess un- derneath the saddle. Red Hawk folded his arms and quietly waited. The ranch rider knew nothing of the theft of the letter from under his pillow; be was in ignorance of the cunning work of the Arache who had watched his shanty until he saw the living shadow come from beyond the ranch, enter it and, after awhile, steal away as silently as a cat, “The papers belong to the white man who came to see the young master,” said Red Hawk, seeing Texas Kit hesitate, ‘‘ They are pot yours and you have no right to rob bim.” Kit bit his lips till the red tide appeared on the nether one, ‘The band of the Apache was pointing at the saddle and in the eyes that surveyed him was a look of fearlessness which he knew so well mir- rored the Indian’s heart, ‘*T put them back rather than have a quar- rel,” said Kit at last. ‘‘I say, however, that they are dangerous papers for any one to carry to ina or and that the man who carries them is here for no good.” : There was no reply, but,Kit thought he detect- ed a smile at the red-skin’s moutb, Sullenly he restored the papers to their nest under the saddle, whereupon Red Hawk with- drew but waited outside till hecame out and walked off. ““Pll get even with the young red for that trick,” growled Texas Kit. ‘‘He bas played a trump for the time being, but I will show him that I can hold just as good a hand at the end of the game,” Texas Kit walked to the stall that, beld his own steed, and taking him out, equipped for bis | Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe, ee ee ee ere to Se ' ‘ ee daily duty of riding the boundaries of the ranch, sprung to saddle and galloped off. After watching bim for a spell, Red Hawk walked back to the house and found Joe Bundy basking bis loug body in the sun like a lazy liz— ard, ‘¢- You’ve had some fun, I kin see that by yer eye,” observed Old Joe, as the young Apache came up. The eyes of the Indian began to shine. ‘* Joe is right,” he said. ‘I have just stepped on the tail of a serpent,” ‘* Did he bite?” In reply Red Hawk stood close to the Yankee’ and narrated the adventure he had just had. Old Joe listened with some surprise and a grin for the outcome. “'Thar’s some sly deviltry afoot on these pre- serves,” remarked Joe, uncrossing his lank limbs and looking up into the face of his scarlet friend. “In the first place, the man what dropped in upon us this mornin’ bas been a rascal, av’ I don’t think he’s altogether repented yet. He once gave Lemon the slip, an’ to-day they met for the first time since then. I don’t like the cut o’ his jib, but he really hates Dolores Dick from what | can gather; but you know, Red Hawk, weve got ter be keerful whom we trust just. now,” The Apache gave just the slightest nod in return and listened to all Old Joe had to say. When the Yankee had finisbed, the Indian drew from his bosom a bit of paper which he handed to Joe unfolded. ‘Whar did you git this?” asked the old fel- low. ‘** Read it first.” The first word seemed to start Bundy’s eyes: from his head and the second drew from bim an: exclamation of wonder. ‘** He read as follows: “Why didn’t yru keep your appointment with me? You know the penaity and it will be enfcrced if you have the cowardice to betray us. As you have failed to meet me I appoint the time as be/ore- —the same interval and the same signal—and you must come to time, Look to the locks and have everything ready. There is to be no failure, else your head must answer for it. “CapraIn D. D” Old Joe glanced up and caught the eye over- head, ° ‘“ Whar did you git this, I say?” he cried. “ T stole it,” coolly replied Red Hawk, ‘From the man what came in this morning? “ No.” ‘From whom, then?” “From White Kit.” “ Jebosaphat!” exclaimed the long-jointed' Northerner, ‘‘How could you take anything from a cat like that?” A few words from Red Hawk told all, but did not take from Old Joe’s eyes the stare of incredulity. ‘* Whar is he now?” “Out yonder,” said Red Hawk, pointing over the landscape. ‘‘ He is oct at work,” ** Riding the ranch, eh?” St eas Old Joe was ‘erect now, his tall figure tower—~ ing above the Indian’s like a pine above a reed. He shaded bis eyes and looked in the direction indicated by Red Hawk’s finger and sprung: from the porch, i ‘¢ The sooner we settle with this spy the better,, Red Hawk,” be cried, ‘* Let him come back,” “But he may not, after what happened at the stable,” _ ‘Tf he is serving the man who took the talk- ing paper to him he wilireturn, He must carry out his part of the plot or lose bis life, says the paper.” F “So it does, but he may be afraid of your telling what bappened in the stall. 1’m in for balking bim before he can run off.” Red Hawk did not speak. \ ‘Captain D. D,” read Joe looking at the letter. ‘*Thot means Dolores Dick. Red Hawk, the raider-outlaw bas had a spy in our midst for mnths, Texas Kit came hither for the sole purpose of taking observations for his: chief, He knows who branded the cattle and whose infernal band marked Coral Lemon for life.” ‘“He knows,” sententiously said the young red-skin, ; ‘What, let that slick devil get away? re-: sumed old Joe, ‘‘It makes my blood hot to think of him, No, we must corral bim now or lose‘him perhaps forever. He knows when the storm is to break over Mesquite. He knows all about the plot th tis brewing, and to meet it we must force from him the solid truth,” ais hie ' Poe " ‘ZY Sor
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_ As night drew lines The young Indian looked silently toward the pasture and beyond, “You won't go, eh?’ cried Joe, ‘‘ Wal, let me tend ts the sarpint. I want ter stretch my limbs anyhow.” Ola Joe moved off followed by the Indian who admonished him to be cautious; and saddling his horse he was soon riding toward that part of the ranch where he expected to find Texas Kit or duty. Red Hawk and Joe had come to the conclusion that if the Indian accompanied Joe, tbe ranch ride: and suspected traitor might take warning and avoid both,‘and as the Yankee was in the habit of riding everywhere and at all times, it was agreed that it would be best for him to go out alone. cay “‘ This beats my time all holler,” said Joe to himself when he was in the saddle and riding - slowly across the country. ‘It reminds me of the times when we war fighting Captain Cussed, and his Bravos: but bere we have a man more cunning than him apd he has had a spy among us for, heaven knows how long.” He rode toward a rise from which he could obtain a fine view of the surrounding country. From the bill he could look to the end of Mesquite, catching sight of the large herds be- longing to the boy rancher, and see the herd- ers on their steeds, mere specks on the plains, Old Jve carried across the saddle-bow the in- separable rifle without which he never went abroad. He was as quick with it as the cowboy is with the revolver, and more than one bandit had discovered, when too late, that the brown mummied hands of Joe Bundy were as lively as these of the active deperado, For some time Joe did not see the one object ke sought that warm day. At length he observed something dark moving along a distant ridge and saying: ‘* Thar he is,” touched bis horse with the spur and dashed down the hill. The keen eye of the Yankee scout soon discov- ered that the first look had not deceived him, for as he rode on he made out the figure of Texas Kit and presently the ranch rider drew up and looked at bim, Joe now slackened the speed of his horse and cantered over the rising ground toward the man ' he wanted. ‘exas appeared to await him without the first signs of suspicion, and Joe was riding up when he slyly moved his hand toward his bip. it wasa movement which would have escaped nineteen eyes out of every twenty, but_the OR ia one was pretty sure to be Joe Bun- y’s. But a few rods se ted the pair now, and Old Joe, with his hand carelessly, as it seemed, on the breech of his Winchester, was riding straight toward Texas Kit, f ““What’s up, Joe?’ called Kit, in his usual 0) nes, “Oh, I’m out for a tide,” was the reply. ‘I thought, mebbe, I might find out something about that branding rascal, an’ thought, too, that | would take a whiff 0’ air o’ the kind what ‘does one’s soul good.” There was a light laugh on Texas Kit’s part, but the next moment the scene chan zed, ld Joe saw the look which flashed up in the young rancb rider’s eyes. He saw, too, the band that appeared from behind the man with a revolver in its clutch, and the next instant the Winchester bounded upward from the saddle- w. ‘* Hands up!” cried Texas Kit, sending out and upward the cocked revolver, ‘‘Hands down!” was the response that came over the leveled rifle, _ There was a sharp report—it was followed by another, the two so close together that they really seemed but one—and the man who reeled in the saddle, and finally pitched backward to the grass, beld still gripped in his hand the six- shooter he bad just discharged, Old Joe Bundy rode forward through the lift- ing smoke. He halted over the form on tue ground and looked down, “The Bundys always get thar!" was all he said. CHAPTER VIII, INTO THE WOLF’S JAWS. THE man who rode back over the ground to- ward Mesquite Ranch was Old Joe Bundy, ‘He dismounted in front of the ranch-house -and went inside. In a few minutes he came ovt, a with a comical expression on his _ Bwartlry face, led his horse to the stables, on Texas Kit, the ranch rider, come in from his daily work, , a Aa i SSS SSS | and the herders wondered why he did not come, Some of them strained their eyes toward the west, but could not catch sight of him, and by and by they began to ask one another if he had not given them the slip, and gone back to that | wild life whicb he led, according to tradition, before he threw his first lasso for Mustang | Merle. Night deepened, and those who were always on the alert saw the guards at the corral doubled, as though Merle expected the double- brander to come back and play his secret hand again. The young rancher stood in the parlor of the ranch, listening to a story of bis past life told by Mondragon, who had come to them with tidings of Dolores Dick, 4nd how that handsome bandit privce managed his raidipg campaigns from Tarus City, which was his headquarters at all times, and where he regarded himself safe from retaliation. At the conclus‘on of Mondragon’s story, Mus- tang Merle was silent for a moment, “We ought tu knew just when Dick intends to swoop down upon the ranch,” said he, ‘‘ But how will we get that piece of valuable information?” inquired Lemon, ‘“ There seems but one sure way,” was the re- ply. ‘* We should havea spy in the enemy’s camp.” et ndragon nodded, then slowly shook his bead, *“*That would be dangerous for the spy.” “True: but spies have underteken tasks just as dangerous and escaped,” asserted Merle. ‘I would like to see for myself how Dick is intrench- ed in his stronghold. If we are to carry the war into Africa, and in my opivion that is the only way to beat this villain, we must know bow to meet him on bis own ground,” Mondragon looked up witb surprise. ‘*But Dolores Dick is as sbarp as an Indian, He is as suspicious as a fox, To beat him at his own game is impo-sible un ess--” r ‘* Unless what?” broke in the young rancher. **Upless one is found whois bis equal. The life of a spy in Tarus City would not be worth a husk if be was caugut.” * Granted,” ‘There would be no trial.” ** Dick would shoot bim down at sight, eb?” *Tt might be worse than tbat,” Mustang Merle smiled. ; ‘*T propose to meet this man on his own ground unless he comes to-night,” he said. * When?” ‘“When I shall have discovered his weak points.” “But he has none, this man-vulture of the border,” “Don’t tell me that, All men have their weak ope I care not how strong they appear to be. am going to Tarus!” Both Mondragon and Lemon fell back with stares of astonishment, What, the boy master of Mesquite go into the very den of the foe and play spy in the shadow of noose and pistol? ‘*Gentlemen, you seem to forget that I met and vanquished Captain Cussed,” said Merle calmly. ** I tave met also this very raider whom we so cordially bate just now, know some- thing about bim and he cun be met on his own ground and met successfully,” “*But the suspicions he will have toward any stranger!” put in Lemon, ‘Think you nt he will not be on the alert? Why, he may have a spy on this very ranch.” ‘He has none here,” replied Merle siguificant- ly. ‘*He bad a spy here, but he has none now.” What did Merle niean by speaking so emphati- cally! Ah, Moadragon and Lemon had not heard the report Old Joe Bundy brougbt in from the rising ground beyond the pasture, and they knew nothing of the corpse lying even then un- der the stars with a little mound upon the breast in wbich would never beat again the heart of a traitor. ‘“‘T shall go,” reiterated Merle. ‘ Keep the secret for me.” ‘We willif you are determined.” That was all. The night wore on, the long hours watched out by the faithful spirits of Mesquite, and, in time, the new day came again, brightening the landscape and dispelling dew from grass and flower. Joe Bundy stood on the Jawn in front of the house looking over the groand which lay be- | tween him and a spot that held a dark secret, and Red Hawk, the Apache, wss watching bim from a distance, for he, too, knew what had taken place on the confines <f the ranch and why Fem Kit had not returned. ay : Vinee We aie at once a footstep sounded behind Old Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe. Joe and he looked into the face of Coral, the de herders brought the 7 tective’s child. The girl came forward with ber unscarre:t cheek turned from the Yankee scout, and be «f first thought the scar of the brand had disap- peared and was about to congratulate her when she spoke. ‘** You have been nearly all over the countey, Mr. Bundy?” “*Thar’s no Mr. Bundy, beg yer pardon,” said the old man, ‘'1’m just Joe, ‘Old Joe’s’ better, for I’ve passed my beauty days and don’t exp: ct ter be-iu tbe matrimonial market any more.” Coral smiled. * Let it be ‘Joe,’ then,” she said, “I was go- ing to ask you if you ever in your travels came pore any one wlio could remove scars and the ike.” : The old man, novplused for a moment, ran his hand through his scattering beard. “‘ Nobody but a little old hermit; but he’s been dead these many years.” The fair gir! sighed, telling Joe how disap- pointing his answer was. * Are you sure he is deac, Joe?” ‘* Why, to be sure. Nobody, not even these old hermits, live forever, Holi on, Coral; I once saw another person who knew about all thar war worth knowing; he’s livin’ yet.” ** Near us?” ‘Yes, but on mighty dangerous ground, He lives in Tarus City, the stampin’-yround of the man who proposes ter drop in hycr some time and plunder the ranch.” The girl, in her eagerness brouzht atout by Old Joe's first words, bad come so close that she touched bis sleeve. ‘* Where is Tarus City?" she asked. “It’s out yonder, a good maxuy miles,” and Bundy pointed away over the swelling ground, Coral looked and an expression cf sucness set- tled over her face, “ What is bis name?” “They call him Wizard Woc!.” She seemed to2make a mental note of the strange name. *“*| don’t say that he knows kow to remove brands, beg yer pardon again—but when [ saw him Jast, and that was some time ago, I thoug! % that what he didn’t know wasn’t worth know- ing. Coral relapsed into silence during which Old Joe saw her gaze wander across the landscape, and he thought he could read how eager she was to meet the man of whom he had spoken. ‘© Would you like ter see Wizard Wvcl?” asked Old Joe. The detective’s daughter started and seized tbe Yankee’s arm. “Look!” she cried, suddenly turning to lim the scarred cheek, showing the brand of the avenger. ‘*Do you think [ want to carry this accursed mark through life? I want to see my cheek as fair as it was before I was branded by the masked man—by Dolores Dick, as 1 bee lieve him to have been. No! a thousand times no! She paused abruptly, for at that moment the door of the house opened and the detective came out. In a moment Coral placed ber finger upon her lips, and with-a smile which meant much, turned about and re-entered the ranch home, . The girl’s eagerness to lose the disfigurin brand bed not been lost on Joe Bundy. c) walked off as soon as he could get away from Lemon and sought out Red Hawk, The two friends bad a long talk where they could not be overheard, and Old Joe made some singular diagrams in the sand where they had consulted. “Tt is risky, Pil admit, but it’s for the girl,” said the Yankee, pretty face?” ‘“Why, Red Hawk would give one of his arms a to remove it if he could!” “ T know that, chief. The man who made that mark knows how it can be removed, if such a thing is possible.” The Indian made no reply. ‘You don’t want ter see her | go through life with that infernal mark on ber — * Of course 11’s risky,” continued Joe, “But — I think enough of the gal ter try the scheme,” * a The two went back to the house, “ To-night,” said Bundy, at parting. Hawk, I guess I kin get myself up in proper fix- ings. If Wizard Wool knows, by shall tell how to do it!” There was fierce determination in voice and look and Joe Bundy's lips seemed welded to- gether when be turned away and entered hi own quarters. Ps Wi The long day drew to a close, The w wind stirred the grass on hill and plain and herd back to the co a y ' i ie aed tl - io p 7 , 4 upiter! be “Red et
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' the ye y. 8 Mustang Merle’s Merciless During the day Mustang Merle had not Shown up, and those who did ..+ know the truth were | told that he bad ridden over to Ranch No, 6 Mesau'te’s nearest neighbor, and would be gone some time. ld Joe Bundy was about to step out of his shauty when the door was thrown open and Lemon almost fell inside. “My child! my child!” cried the detective, | “She has gone to Tarut to have the accursed brand removed or die!” Toe Bundy did not recover his breath for some time. He stood thunderstruck before the egonized father, but clinched his hands and Build: .“ Why didn’t the last o’ the Bundys keep his moutb shut?" CHAPTER IX, THE TELL-TALE BRAND, Dotores DrcK wken not in the saddle was to be found in Tarus City, There were planned some of the most successful raids along the )order, and from Tarus had ridden the plunder- ing bands of the Southwest. The place consisted of about one hundred houses a good many of which were gambling- dens where the outlaws lost their gains and sometimes fought over the spoil of raid and foray. Taruy had, too, an unsettled population, It was a sort of half-way place for adventurers who were seeking new fields of adventure and it was knowr that Leyond it lay a region said to be very rich in valuable metals, It was to this region that Lemon and his child ! were going when they found themselves pursued by their old enemy, and when they fell into the way of Joe Bundy by whom they were conduct- ed *o Mesquite, as we have seen, Th+ morning of the day after the last events recorded above a young man rode into Tarus, He locked very unlike the person he really was, aud when he drew rein in front of the Golden Ace he became a target for many eyes. Apparently oblivious of the attention he was attracting, he quietly slipped to the ground and crossed the porch of the hotel and walked in- side “ve a notion to rest here for a few days,” said he, looking at Pedron, the proprietor. ‘It’s a good place ter rest in, Tarus is,” was ‘* We don’t have very many angels here, that’s a fact, but it’s a lively place an’ one don’t die o’ seein’ little or nothiw’ here,” The youth said he was on his way to the Silver Country where ho expected to ‘strike it rich,” and in another moment had bargained with Pedron to be his guest while ho rested in Tarus City. His horse was taken to the stables attached to the hotel and in a little while the new-comer was out on the porch talking with the men loafing there, His manner, coupled with the story he told, rather amused them and when he invited them inside for a treat, at the same time exhibiting a ood purse, he became a favorite and they voted Bim a good fellow, The sun creeping up found the boy silver- hunter fairly acquainted with the denizens of Tarus City. He bad taken several walks through the place, but bad not entered any of the dens that had wide open doors for the purpose, When he went back to Pedron’s Hotel there Was a satisfied smile on his face, “Dm getting along very well,” he said to him- self, ‘*As yet, lam not suspected, It is truol haven’t stood face to face with Dolores Dick, but JT think Lam disguised so as to for! big keen eyes, I did not come to Tarus to fail for 1 know what failure means,” and the smile faded for a mo- ment, We need not mention after this that the boy “was Mustang Merle in the camp of the enemy. , He had braved death in coming to Tarus for the purpose of finding out Dolores Dick’s strength and bis weak places, if be had any; but he was not or ana for the event which was so near at ‘hand. The long day drew to a close without having brought the hansome bandit back to Tarus, The shadows of the shanties lengthened on the _ yellowish ground, tho gambling dens were lit , and the loud laugh and curse came from | them all. Mustang Merle, standing on the veranda of the Golden Ace, and looking out upon the Plaza, gaw reach the spot a horseman who sprung from ‘the saddle and ran toward the house, In an instant a thrill passed through him, m4 Dick had come back at last! bandit passed so near Merle that the latter 14) gut UP 1's ee FY cn “4 a I i | could bave touched him, but be did not move. | words at the bar, but refrained from turning | Foe. He heard the outlaw and Pedron exchanging his head, lest he should excite suspicion or call | attention to himself, two things which he did not want done just at that time. re got a new guest, Dick,” said the land- ord, ‘* Eh? Business is looking up, Pedron?” The landlord of the Golden Ace broke into a laugh, ** He won’t stay long, no* long enough for the boys to fleece him, | fear,” replied Pedron. ‘*He’s but a boy, going down into the Silver Lands to make a stake there if possible, What’s new?” ‘* Nothing,” growled Dolores Dick. ‘‘ I’ve got a fool on the ground, thet’s what I know. f) failed to keep his appointment, and [ have sent him word that I won’t stand this kind of busi- ness, When I havea spy in the enemy’s camp. I want him to do his duty,” “ That’s right.” **T think he will when he reads what I left with him,” continued the outlaw. These words almost startled Mustang Merle. He knew for certain that Joe Bundy had not shot Texas Kit without cause; that the ranch rider was the bandit’s spy, and that he bad not died undeservedly, Every word that fell from Dolores Dick’s tongue reached the young owner of the ranch and he realized more than ever the dangers that hemmed biin in, Presently the heavy footstep of Dick was heard, and he came sloucbing out of the botel. Once more he passed quite vear the boy rancher and went to the steed he had left in the center of the Square, Merle watched him until horse and man disap- peared, and then he slipped into the house and went up to the room which he had engaged from Pedron, The hote! was a two-story building, and Merle found that his room fronted the Plaza, a view of which it commanded, The moon had risen and the boy rancher did not retire, He wanted to think over Dolores Dick’s return. He was very anxious to meet him with a cool head and preferred to sleep before the encounter and scrutiny which be knew would take place on the following day. He could. hear voices and ‘the clinking of glasses in the rooms below, He heard also the voice of Pedron and now and then the loud laughter of the men who followed Dick on his raid whenever he had anything for them to plunder, But Merle locked his door and retired at last, He was still awake when he heard a footstep co up the bare steps and stop at the thresh- old, It had tried to exercise caution, but the heavy boots could not deceive the young rancher and he listened to the tread and won- dered if he was tc be summoned below for in- spection. ‘* T won’t disturb him for he’s asleep already,” he heard a voice say and he thought Pedron had spoken. ‘‘They can see him to-morrow just as well as to-night, an’ Dick can question him about the ranches to the east as weil then as now,” The feet withdrew and Merle heard their owner report to the crowd below. Summoned beforo Dolores Dick and questioned concerning the rich ranches beyond Tarust The thought thrilled bim and for a second blanched his cheeks. He had not expected this, but Joe Bundy had warned bim to be ready for anything. ** You may run ag’iv’ Dick himself; so keep a cool head on yer shoulders and don’t let it get away with you.” ° These were the last words he had heard from the last of the Bundys., Mustang Merle went back to bed, but not to sleep. He lay awake and listened to the carousal in the bar-room of the Golden Ace; he heard the loud iaughter of the roughs of the border and now and then a song that suited well the orgies they were carrying on, All at once he heard another sound which i=7) ‘ Have you in Tarus City a man named Wizard W o00l?” she asked, A laugh was the first answer: but the one who had helped her to alight said, ‘“‘A girl as pretty as you don’t want ter see that old rapscallion, I hope, Yes, he is livin’? with us, but we don’t like ter own it. seein’ that we are gentlemen while—” ‘Never mind that. I must see this man what- ever he is,’ was the interruption, ** When?” ue Now,” Merle saw by the light of the moon the very wonderment which filled the eyes of the toughs of Tarus City. “* Wait, here comes the captain,” cried a voice on the outside of the crowd, and the whole lot turned toward a man who was advancing to- ward them, ** Dolores Dick,” ejaculated the boy rancher ** What will happen row?” He watched the man who came up and saw bim stop in front of the zirl. The whole group was just beneath Merle’s window, and ® broken pane enabled him to catch every word ns it was spoken, * This young lady wants ter see Wizard Wool,” said one of the men, looking at the handsome bandit while he covered the girl with his finger. Dolores Dick leaned toward tbe new-comer and met her look with a smile on his face, He had not spoken when one of the men cried out: ‘¢ Bless me if she ain’t branded like a steer!” A sudden thrill like an arrow of ice went to Mustang Me-le’s heart, and springing back he cau ht up arevolver, and cried: ‘ has come into a den ef lions!” . CHAPTER X. UNMASKED, CORAL seemed to realize her situation all at , once. She fell back from before the face of the raider- outlaw and went to her steed. ** Not so fast,” said Dick, following her, ‘‘ Re- member you have not seen the person after whom you bave just inquired. I can take you © to him, but this need not be done till morning, as you are tired, How far have you come}” The detective’s child was silent and very white of face, She turned upon the bandit and looked him in the eye a full minute before she spoke again. “T did not think I was doing so much,” she “IT do not wish to see Wizard Wool now, | said, Some other time will do.” Dolores Dick stood at her horse’s bead and his hand rested on the dropped rein. * ‘*Pedron has a room for. you and a good bed besides, not as soft, perhaps, as you have been used to, but good enough to afford an ex- cellent sleep. Take the young lady’s horse to my stable, Noland, and one of you apprise Podron of the expected guest,” Coral now stood in the moonlight like a person inamaze, . : ‘* Where am 1?” she cried, ‘In Heaven's name why did I carry out my foolish determina- tion? I should have been willing to wear the accursed brand instead of counteig hens, Father, forgive your child!” The band of Dolores Dick touched her wrist at this moment, but ske shrunk away with a cry. : not you!” she exclaimed. “I know you now. ‘Then I need not reveal myself,” answered the bandit, with a smile, : ‘No, the letter received at Santa Leo and the brand I wear on my cheek tell the truth, You are the foe of our house—you are Dolores Dick, the outlaw of the border.” The hand of the bandit went up to the brim of h’s white hat and he doffed it with a bow from which Merle saw Coral turn with a shud- er, The next moment the leader of the border raiders was escorting the trembling girl toward seemed to still the hilarity in the bar-room and | the botel, the men following at a respectful dis- the next moment there was a rush toward the poreb, Merle went to the window and looked out upon the Plaza, He saw there a group of men clustered round a horse upon which a girlish figure was seated. He could make out that the horse was fatigued ani that his rider was as tired as he, One of the men helped her down and the rest drew back, Merle saw that she was thankful for the assistance and the following moment he heard her address the crowd, iy} ’ erty Htaet ie. - s\p xi ‘; ree Le a hs tance, eager to see in the light of Pedron’s lamps the figure seen to be so full of grave in the beams of the moon. x The boy rancher watched the procession till it assed under the roof of the veranda and was ost to sight, Then he leaned against the door of his room and listened. He heard Pedron introduced to his unwilling guest, who was silent; he heard several rough comments on her lustrous eyes, ‘ say the | She and in the end heard ‘ J he girl down there is Coral Lemon! She
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should haves the best room in the house—‘‘a room fit for a queen,” as the border Boniface ut it. ® A few moments later Merle heard the creak- ing f the stair and then a door opened and elosed, Coral, now a prisoner of the bitterest enemy her fatber had ever had, was alone in her y chamber, and Pedron bad gone back to the bar- room. Merle longed to assure Coral that while he re- maine? in the camp of the bandits, she would have a friend, though that friendship revealed his own identity, and drew about bim the coils of destruction; but he debated the advisability of telling her this at that time. He knew nothing about the interior arrange- Coral might expose hith to the very eyes he wished tc avoid, and briag about a disclosure from which he shrunk. By aud by the place grew still, Hecould hear the loud laughter that came from the wide-open Wee dens of Tarus; he could hear the sonorous snores ) of the early-retiring guests of Pedron; but not : a sound from that part of the house to which Coral had been conducted to regret in silence and all alone the mad exploit she had perpe- trated, Why had she risked so much to find the man called Wizard Wool? What was be to her that she should abandon her father and ride from Mesquite, where she was safe, right into the den of the wolf—into the clutches of the man who would have given the spoil of his most success- ful raid to get her completely in his power? Mustang Merle felt the dreary bours of that eventful night drag themselves away. He hailed witb mingled delight and fear the first streaks of day that shot up from the east, and they found him at the window looking out across the Plaza, Presently there came into the Square a man who at once attracted his attention. He was tall and old; a long, gray beard lay upon his breast, and his step was as steady as that of a man not one-half his age, This individual was advancing toward the hotel, when a voice called to him, and he stopped and awaited the approach of Dolores Dick, who, dressed in the dress-parade style of a border tough, came forward. @ outlaw never looked so handsome as at that moment. Merle could not help admiring bis old enemy who, in bis wide-rimmed hat sur- mounted with a graceful feather, and his waist encircled by a gaudy sash, looked more like a rich caballero than a bandit prince, The two men came together where the first one had halted. ‘* What is she like?” asked the one with the gray beard, “What, you know -she is here, then?” an- swered Dick, .“*T know it, She came to see me, though on what mission I cannot conceive,” *“ You might guess, if I were to tell you what your informant probably omitted. She wears on her cheek a brand which mars her beauty,” “Ah! that young girl?” “Yes, She may want it removed,” The man addressed looked steadily into Do- lores Dick’s eye a moment and then laughed. ** You know what 1] can do in that line, Cap- tain Dick,” said he, “Ido; but you are not to proceed without my sanction.” Tbe other bowed. ‘She will apply to you, Wizard Wool, for the obliteration of that scar on her cheek; but without my cousent you are not to touch the ob, “T fully understand you, Captain Dick. You know I am willing to serve you,” “ Allright. We'll see her together,” The two came toward the hotel and Merle heard their footsteps in the bar-room, “The angel who dropped in upon us did not \ get much sleep last night.” said Pedron. “TI heard her at all hours and I don’t think she'll be as trim as a sparrow this morning,” \ ** We'd like to see her, Pedron.” Half a minute later Merle with his door ajar heard a step that sent a thrill through hie frame, Coral was coming down stairs with the landlord of the Golden Ace, ‘The rancher in his eagerness stepped outside of his room and went down the steps, They were dark and creaky, but he managed to reach the door that opened into the bar-room without exciting suspicion. ., bere was in this door a ragged hole which spoke eloquently of a bar-room fight at some remote period of the Golden Ace’s history, and Sia eertad put his eye to the spot. | — DO Fo} x 4 Re RA 8 te a ment of the hotel, and_an attempt to reach } | | \ OS boy taut ie Ley Soe Ae ETT Tae will 4 % % i, mk ‘oe Pa ie a ated well, I did Me as aia Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe. 9 He saw Coral ushered into the presence of the two men waiting for her. If the girl had not slept, as Pedron had re- ported, she looked fresh and beautiful despite the disfiguring brand, and the moment she saw Wizard Wool she went toward him, but all at once fell back, ** This is the gentleman you sought last night,” said Dolores Dick, waving his hand toward the gray-bearded man, Coral stood still. **So he is the man who knows so much,” she said, ‘*He is the person whose learning filled my heart with a consuming desire to test it and drove mo from my fatber, to bave him touch the brand on my cheek, But now I wish I had remained with him with the scar where it is, aud—” The sudden coming forward of Wizard Wool broke the girl’s sentence and she fell back, look- ine aetany at bim while a smile lurked in his eard, “Who is your father?” asked the bandif, Tn an'instant Coral had. turned and was fac- ing the handsome outlaw. “Why ask me this?’ she cried, ‘‘ Why ask me to reveal that which you already know? You are Dolores-Dick, but in the past you had another nume and my father drove you from your old stamping-ground and the accursed mark on my cheek tells how good your memory is, I need not speak my father’s name to you. If you are Wizard Wool,” she turned to the gray-beard, ‘‘ you are the cause of my coming hither. But sooner than lose this brand at the band of one who is the friend of our foe, I will willingly carry it through life, No, your hand shall not touch the mark I bear, Wizard Wool!” A laugh broke from Dolores Dick’s throat, ** You have the grit of your father,” he cried. ** You’vo seen it tested, have you? You know that he feared nothing when he was in the ser- vice of the Government whose outlaw you were even then. You can not keep me here. a right to go back to my father, I will take the mark along. My horse has rested, Stand back and let me go!” Mustang Merle saw Coral stride toward the porch, but he saw, too, the band of the outlaw reach out and seize her arm, ‘*This is free America; you dare not detain me!” she cried, breaking away. “But it is Tarus City, as well,” was the quick retort, ‘Girl. you have put yourself in the web and the meshes will hold you till we get even with your father and the young ranche? who giveu him asylum, Pedron, is the boy up yet ‘*T’}l see, sir,” said the landlord of the Golden Ace, moving toward the stair door, “Pl save him some trouble,” came from be- tween the welded and white pi of the young spy and the next instant the door was thrown open and Merle of Mesquite sprung into the room, He caught the eye of Dolores Dick the mo ment he landed in the place. ‘ “‘T thought so!” cried the border bandit, ‘I would have bet a thousand to one on your identity.” CHAPTER XI. CHANGING FORTUNES. In the brief silence that followed the raider- outlaw’s exclamation, Coral regarded the boy rancher with a strange expression. There was a look in the eyes which seemed to tell her that she had seen their owner before, et the garb he wore, on the other hand, was inclined to throw her off the track. Merle stood erect before the bandit and his companions and regarded him with a look that seemed to surprise him, ‘* Yes,” continued Dolores Dick, ‘‘I would have staked a thousand to one on the proposi- tion. When I heard that my friend Pedron haa a guest, and that the guest was a bov, I thought at once of you, and said to myself: ‘ We will have some sport to-morrow,’ and to-morrow is here.” The next moment all seemed to break in upon Coral, and’ she took a step toward the boy rancher. **Ah, you know him, too, do you?” grinned Dick. ‘‘ Well, that proves that I was right. Mustang Merle, you have been convicted of coming to the enemy's camp in disguise,” The owner of Mesquite did not quail. “ Ts that the boy king \of the ranch?” queried Pedron, laughing as he leaned forward and eyed the boy. ‘* Is that the boy who finished Mg le old friend of “other days? ell, not expect bed entertain h Whieaiy . Dew 5 nob tard al si TI have- im, bub] w and Merle sprung on and rists, | strange things happen.” and Pedron laughed again. By this time a dozen rough men had con- gregated in front of the hotel, and Dolores Dick, hearing their voices, went to the door and met them. ‘*T have a surprise for you, boys,” said he, ** The fox of the valley has walked into a trap of his own setting, and I will show him to you in a few moments,” Coming back into the hotel], he strode up to -where Merle and Coral stood, and said in low tones: ** You are now the guests of Captain Dick.” Merle drew back and mechanically placed his band on his revolver, at which the bandit only smiled, **}t does not pay to use such things in this camp, especially when the user does not belong to the brotherhood of the border, My men want to see both of you, and together, of course,” The door was flung open, and at a sigual from Dick the crowd outside began to appear, “That is the fox,” said Dick, covering Merle with bis finger. ‘‘ That is the boy who defies the rovers of the Southwest—Merle of Mes- quite!” In spite of themselves, the tough-looking men fell back, for it did not seem possible that the boy rancber would invade their city where vee ¢ were masters; but tbe earnestness of their lead- er’s voice convinced them that he could not be mistaken, “*T am Merle of Mesquite,” answered the boy. ‘“*T am the owner of the ranch against which Captain Red Jacket finally charged in vain, This young lad y is my friend, and he who harms her harms me,’ A coarse laugh followed these words and all eyes were turned to Dolores Dick. ‘* The young lady referred to is the child of a man who long ago gave me a good deal of trou- ble,” said he, “That is true,” cried Coral, ‘‘Men, your leader is a counterfeiter who escaped from my father, then a detective employed to hunt down his band, He has been on our trail ever since we ertered this region in hopes of bettering our condition, Ask him to whom I owe the horrid mark I wear on my cheek. Ask him who came in upon me at Mesquite and branded me before I could escape. That is what he calls ‘getting even.’ Such is the vengeance of a man who is an outlaw under the flag of the nation—such the cowardly revenge of the man who calls himself Dolores Dick.” The face of the bandit changed color under the words of the detective’s child. te art of that I deny,” he said, dpplied. the brand to your cheek. you at Mesquite,” ‘‘ Who did it, then?’ demanded Coral. ** Ask me not,” * Butit is your brand,” cried Merle. triangle and the D give you away.” ** Silence!” .roared the bandit. are asked to speak you will speak,” Half an hour later the young owner of Mes- quite stood in a darkened room, He knew he was the tenant of a shanty to which he had been conducted by the men of Tarus at Dick’s command, and the walls of wood told him that **T never I never saw “The ** When you he was as securely confined as though they had _ been walls of stone, Such had been the result of his visit to the camp of the foe, He had been unmasked and that sooner than he expected by bis eagerness to protect Coral, the detective’s daughter; but if Dick had suspected his identity from the first the unmasking would have taken place anyhow. He did not know what had become of the girl nor to what indignities she had been subjected by her father’s foe. As for himself, he could pace the hard floor of the shanty and now and then get a glimpse of thedeclining day, through the scanty window which did not reveal much, By-and-by there came to the door a heavy footstep, which stopped there, and a moment later Merle saw between him and the light, a burly figure which was not that of Dolores Dick, the bandit of the border, The man sidléd into the hut and closed the d i. f oor. Merle saw him standing in the dim light and felt that he was eyiug him with the coolness of — : a bravo, “ Boy?” At sound of the voice Merle started for- ward, but stopped midway and looked in wonder at the man, ey ‘*T guess it’s all right,” said the same voice, seized the speaker's — iD ~
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a Ua! »). By 3 je “§ t a} % fs 4 “au 10 Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe. “In Heaven’s name how did you get in here?” he cried, ‘‘Not soloud. A camel may go through the eye of a needle, but it takes awful squeezin’, an’ it took some powerful work for me ter git in hyer. I didn’t have ter grease myself, eitber, for the Bundys ar’ slick enough without that.” Joe Bundy had come to him. The last man expected had turned up in a wonderful manner, and stood beneath the same roof that sheltered him. But for the grip of the long fingers, and the parchment face of the old man, Merle would have thought bimself in the midst of a dream, **Y calculate that I’m on forbidden ground; but what could I du but ec me here to look after the gal whom f foolishly sent on this wild-goose chase, by tellin’ her that in Tarus thar war a man who knew how ter remove brands and sich things? I got her into the scrape, an’ said to myself: ‘Joe Bundy, it’s yer duty ter git her out,’ an’ that’s why I’m hyer.” The two friends stood together for a few mo- ments. The hours had, flown faster than Merle had taken note of them, The sun had declined. ‘They don’t know me from Adam’s off ox,” _said Old Joe, with one of his peculiar grins, **Tive got myself up as a Tarus citizen, and they all look alike. You see the man who has been guardin’ you hyer was induced ter go down ter the Golden Ace and wet his whistle, an’ I offered ter take his place. Clever, eh?” ** Clever but dangerous,” responded Merle. “ That's what makes it excitin’. The Bundys always liked a little danger sandwiched between their acts. Mebbe the guard is comin’ back, though I told him not ter be in any burry;” Old Joe went to the door and looked out. - ** Hyer he comes,” said he, looking back over his shoulder, ‘I’ve got ter play another game just. now. What’s my mission? I’m hyer ter save the gal who got into trouble on my account, an’ I won’t let you be beaten by the clever ras- cal who wears the red sash with the gold fringe.” The next moment the door shut and Old Joe was on the outside again, : Merle, going to the window, saw the tall guard come up and thank the Yankee for his kindness, adding that he might go to the Golden Ace himself, and drink on his credit, ‘* Don’t keer if I do,” said Joe, ‘* You don’t seem to have a very noisy prisoner in thar.” **Uncommonly quiet for the person he is, an’ considerin’ what he’s been used to at home.” ** What do you think they will do with him?” Merle saw tne guard beckon Old Joe forward, and then ,he alinost touched the Yankee’s face witb his lips. _ *€T guess he’ll stay here awbile, an’ when he goes back to Mesquite, if he goes back at all, he won't know the ranch,” Despite the tones Merle caught every word and fell back pale for a moment, “So [ am to jfremain here while Mesquite is plundered by Dolores Dick!” be exclaimed. ‘ When will the scoundrel attempt to carry out his plot? The guard said ‘if he gets back at all.’ What does that mean? Does the bandit of the border thiok of something worse than _ mere imprisonment?” He heard Joe Bundy walk off and knew that once’ more he was under the eye of the guard who had been set over him by the captain of the raiders, What had become of Coral? Was she still Pedron’s guest? Or had she been transferred to Dolores Dick’s home? He saw tho day vanish, wondering what the night would bring forth in bis changing for- tunes; he saw the last flashes of light disappear ‘in the west, and while contemplating the fall- ing shadows he saw something which was not a _ shadow of night. It came to the very door of the hut. The guard there started up and challenged it, but a word caused him to fall back and as the dvor opened a man stepped forward. ustang Merle sprung forward with a cry of joy forming on his tongue, but the next second, or as a haud fell upon bis shoulder his gladness vanished: Nhe , “Come; we are going to ride!” said a voice, and-the young owner of Mesquite looked into the ‘handsom but triumphant face gf Dolores Dick. etek, % / ‘CHAPTER XI; |‘ THE UNDERGROUND TRAIL. Gorne to ride?’ cried the boy rancher, ‘ply. ‘* What do you mean?” ‘he raider of the border looked down into the ished face of his prisoner and smiled, You shall se lied Ly e, come!” he replied. Dick. FIR - See eee «es wrist and he was conducted over the sill. They passed out into the night, leaving the guard on duty as before, but with no one to guard now, and walked toward the Plaza, But Dick led his young hostess around the Square and ths two passed out of the city. Tethered under the shadow of a voung tree stood two horses and the moment the boy ran cher saw them he knew that a ride of some kind was intended, ** Mount; take your choice of steeds,” said the outlaw, Mustang Merle had already noticed that the horges were united with a strong cord likea dark lasso which extended from saddle to sad- dle, as if the raider was afraid he would escape by some trick; but be said nothing but vaulted into the nearest saddle and looked at bis foe, Instead of mounting the other steed, Dolores Dick gave a low whistle and there bounded from the shadow of another tree a man who touched his hat as he halted, **- Your escort, Merle,” said Dick. My escort?” “Why not?” smiled the bandit, ‘* You are about to take a ride, the like of which you have never experienced, You will need an escort, Don’t forget, Noland!” The man touched his hat again and said he would not. ‘*Good-by, boy,” continued the handsome bandit looking at the wondering Merle. ‘ This is tit for tat. You are about to begin a thrill- ing ride, but Noland will be with you a part of the time. You have never heard of the under- ground trail eh?” ‘*The underground trail?’ echoed the young rancher. “Yes, It really exists, though it has been re- garded asa hoax for years. It is a wonderful trail abounding in startling scenes and all that. Noland will not go all the way with you for that would be against my orders, Ah, good-b now. We will see that the old ranch don’t suffer very mucb.” The bandit of the Southwest turned away as he uttered the last word and the next moment Merle and his guide were riding off in a wester- ly direction, the moon lighting up the way which for all abounded in dense shadows where the tall cacti threw them and where the trail was rough, Mustang Merle could not help thinking over the events of the last hour, He had been taken from prison vithout the knowjedge of Joe Bundy, and was now on bis Way to what he had heard called ‘‘ the under- ground trail,” What was it, where was it situated, and whither did it lead? Noland, asdark and almost as handsome as the man lie served, did not offer any explanation as they rode along, and Merle resolved to keep his thoughts to himself and await developments, He knew a good deal about the region through which they were riding, and bad heard many wild stories connected with it, but he had never heard of the underground trail, There wer? ** Jost mines,” plenty of them, but the tales con- nected with them were, for the most part, tradi- tionary, and he bad heard them from many lips. At last, with the moon setting for the night, they reached a place where Nature seemed to have had an upheaval at one time and Merle saw Noland loosen the revolvers he carried in his belt. _ The following moment they were in dense darkness and the boy rancher felt that they had -passed beneath the surface of the earth and were riding down a gentle incline into some unknown cavern, , My rt this the underground trail?’ he ventured 0 ask. ‘* We have crossed the threshold of the Devil’s Highway,” was the answer in sepulchral tones, “Weare under ground. This is what is called the Underground Trail.” ‘* Where does it lead?” . “Heaven knows, We have never found out.” “ But it bas an outlet?” 5 ** Of that no living mortal kno«s.” The horses’ feet made no audible sound on the ground they trod, It seemed to be paved with dust. \ On, on through the windings of that under- ground road went the boy rancher and his es- cort. The air was vot bad, but seemed fresh all the time, and Merle felt that it came im from some opening, of the location of which he knew nothing. house,” | ground traveled over, nor the thousand and one windings made by the steeds. : He asked Noland a question, to which there was no response, He put it again, but with the same result. Then be put out his band a: d touched the to which had united the two steeds, Jnstead of tn ing reasonably taut, it hung loose and seemed to. trail on the path, The horses were united no longer and, in fxct, he was the only rider on that particular part cf the underground highway. In an instant the young owner of the ranch 9 reined in his steed, He wasin darkness a}mos palpable, and the air no longer was as fresh as it bad been. He had been deserted by Noland, of course, according to the command of Dolores Dick, and was the prisoner of the buried trail, as securely cooped up as if be were in the heart of one of the lost mines, “This is demonism without a parallel,” cried Merle, when he found bis tongue. ‘‘I did not look for anything as desperate as this, In the name of Heaven, wheream I, and bow far un- derground have I been conducted to be aban- doned ?” He examined every pocket for a match, but — was not rewarded, and after some moments of thought he turned his steed about aud endeavor- ed to return over the trail. But vain was this attempt. He soon found that he could not rely on the borse to get him out of the place, and +t seemed that every step but took him deeper and deeper into that underground terra incognita from which no buman might bope to escape un- guided, Merle at last drew rein, and sat motionless but. » thoughtful in the saddle. He could not see his band before his face; but could hear the sweep of unseen wings and now and then a sound like the sbriek of some frightened bird, Meantime, Noland had reached the open airy and was galloping back toward Tarus City, His horse, as if glad to get ont of the dark plaee, was going like the wind, and his rider was smiling over the success of bis venture, ‘“1f the young chap finds his way out, he wil? deserve a golden medal,” Jaugbed Noland, “IE don’t see just why Dick wants bim there, but he wishes him wut of the wav, I suppose. is dangerous, for didn’t he finish the career of Captain Cussed? I don’t blame Captain Dick, for I wouldn't want him at large, especially when I had designs against his rich ranch.” The stars were pointing toward morning when Noland re entered the home of the raiders. He rode quietly to the stable and stabled his horse, then shaking cff the dust of the Devil’s” eat Highway, walked toward Dolores Dick’s house — and struck the door with bis bronze knuckles, There was no answer, and presently Noland opened the portal and stepped inside. What did he see? On a Jow cot'n cne corner of the room lay a human figure, and the moment the raider leaned over it he fell back with a cry of astonishment. The man was bound and gagged, and he was Dolores Dick birnself | “Great Ceesar!” cried Noland, falling back. ‘* What bas happened bere?” At that momeut the eyes into which he was looking got an inquisitive stare, and the bandit, drawing his knife, cut the cords, and the raider- outlaw sprung up. ‘* Who did this?” asked Noland. “Who but the coolest man in this region?” was the retort. ; ** Mcondragon?”’ ‘‘ No. the lank Hercules of the ranch.” ** Joe Bundy?” “That very man!” cried Dick, ‘‘ He bas been here ever since daylight. rison, even visited him there, This is his work. e has the strength of a tiger and the quickness of acat. I was thinking of him when all at once I was pouncéd upon and tied in a jiffy, Then came the gag which cut my mouth to pieces. What has happened?” , *“T cannot tell you. I have just come back, The boy rancher is on the Devil’s Highway.” Dolores Dick strode to the door and walked out. He almost ran to the Plaza, crossed 1t and rushed across the porch of the Golden Ace. In another moment he was on the inside, help- ing himself to the hot liquor that burned his mangled mouth, and turning at last to com He has seen Merle in © ~s ———— Sa The boys eee . ae ; Ne, d e qf * ot ie, \\ Sete at! “4k : > " , ay front the man who came rattling down-stairs, | pistols in hand, to see who had invaded bis “The girl?’ cried Dick. ‘*Up-stairs asleep.” is “It is false! With what that. cool Hercules has done there can be no Coral asleep in tb ea al Fi ln BE Niel ig a A Int, hotel.
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Pedron uttered a cry and vanished. **T thought so,” said Dolores Dick when he jheard a cry of astonishment which proceeded fe from the upper part of the house. ** She isn’t here; the room is unlocked and the b bed—” “Never mind. That settles it. This takes Ahe rough riders of the border to Mesquite: this * ealls for the vengeance of Dolores Dick, and woe to the fortunes of the ranch owned by the boy cattle-king!” He left the bar-room in a towering passion and the next moment Pedron knew that the denizens of Tarus were being aroused from their couches, Old Joe had aroused a cage of tigers. te i aa i a CHAPTER XIII. THE DROP OF A LASSO. Ripine back over the trail which she had traversed in coming to the haunt of the hand- some outlaw of the border, Coral Lemon could look into the homely face of Old Joe Bundy, vhe man whose cunning and daring bad rescued her from the clutches of Dick the raider, se The old fellow had not quitied Tarus without --— discovering that it no longer held Merle, his young friend. He had found out that the boy rancher bad been conducted out of town by a man supposed to be Dick himself, but, as the ee bandit bad returned, he could not devise what pm had become of Merle. ; Therefore, when he appeared suddenly to Do- lores Dick in his own house and tied him before he could resist, he hoped to discover the truth about Merle’s disappearance, but the outlaw had merely laughed at bim, saying that that es shea a secret which death could not force from him. es “Tf harm comes to the boy thar won't be a » | -fool’s venzeance, remember that,” said Old Joe, ~ «bending over the prostrate man. ‘It will be & something more than you dream of, for that boy » & is the apple of Joe Bundy’s eye and when you "© touch it you touch bim where bis skin is tender,” _ and the next moment he left the house with the captain of the raiders alone on his couch, bound F ihe and gagged so effectually taat be could not sound ~ »-the least alarm. As yet Joe’s identity was not known. He went from the outlaw’s shanty to Pedron’s h je Hotel. ; hi ad ae singular look of gladness in the girl’s deep eyes, NF, They went across the Plaz. together and toward me : _ the stables. When they left these in turn, both ss Were mounted, and when near the outskirts of the bandit’s haunt Coral again touched the old ~ Yankee’s arm. Al *¢ T wish we had Merle with us,” she said. ~ “Don’t 1% answered Joe, ‘But thatis one of the secrets which I couldn’t squeeze from Dolores Dick,” and helookedaway,. ‘ Vdliketer have him hyer myself, for this little escape of yours is going ter bring down upon Mesquite the hull sbootin’-match, an’ Id like ter have | Merle on the ground.” * |) “ But you won't give bim up?” og Hy ~ “Wal, I should say not. Dick dropped one en 4, - remark that set me ter thinkin’ ao’ it will be the |) first thing I put ter the Injun when we zit back.” s Not wishing to be too inquisitive, Coral made no reply but remained silent as they rode along. Every now and then Old Joe would look back . ‘with an anxious cast of countenace as if he '. feared pursuit; but 2s the night lengthened witb- out bringing to their ears the sound of boofs, a smile of victory overspread his face and Coral’s i bright eyes sparkled, { All at once on the spur of aridge Old Joe drew 2 : ' | vein and listened, | Coral leaned forward and watched his face . j with intense interest. 4 _ — *Something’s down yonder an’ it’s comin’ 3 this way,” said the Yankee in a whisper and ; Coral saw him move the Winchester which he 33 knew so well bow to use. y ‘‘T hear the horse movin’ about, an’ thar’s ch but one,” he wenton. “I think it’s comin’ this a Way; but thar it stops an’ I think I know ex- on actly whar it is, Say, Coral, would you be a oe ter stay hyer till I see who’s down yon- é e Vs ler! i a At the same time Old Joe thrust a revolver 5 into ber hand and the detective’s daughter “4 promised to keep the spot where they had balted 1 until bis return and saw him ride off disappear- ips ing like a shadow. _ Old Joe rode a little distance from Coral and a then dropped to the ground. ; : vn The night was just dark enough to be de- a¥ . and he could not see ver forward and now and ’ far ahead. Erato and gh eee. Reo ake Mustang Merle’s Merciless When he emerged he had Coral with him, a |. halted to | Foe. iL | ses what was there, all the time playing cat with | the agility displayed by that animal. Suddenly the old scout arose and stood erect. There was something dark not far away and he could make it out by comparing it with the ground which was bare of grass at that point. The Winchester of tbe girl’s rescuer was at his shoulder and his eye was glancing over the barrel when the object sprung up and straightened in the starlight. ‘* Wal, I'll swan!” cried Joe, lowering the weapon and then giving vent to a sound, at which the object looked toward bim and then ran up. Old Joe reached out his skeleton hand and grasped the red one that was extended, ‘‘ Shake!” he said. ‘‘ You’re just the chap I want ter see, Red Hawk. War you comin’ ter look after me?” The eyes of the young Indian for a moment sparkled with merriment, ‘‘ Red Hawk thought Joe could take caré of bimself,” be said, ‘* But he wanted to see how fared Merle, and the girl who wants the scar removed from her face,” ‘‘Pve got ber over yonder; but the boy is missin .” ‘“ What, isn’t Mustang Merle in the camp of the border tigers?” cried the young Apache. Joe led Red Hawk toward where Coral awaited bim, and all the time talked rapidly and in an undertone. Suddenly the Indian broke from {Joe's side, and falling back threw bis hand to his forehead, ‘“What did Dolores Dick say?” be exclaimed, ‘‘ What was it about the buried path? Tell Red Hawk again, Joe.” ‘*He said that if we wanted ter find Merle we should look along ‘ the buried path,’ ” The Indian did not move, but stood like a statue in the night. ‘Captain Joe, there was a legend a long time ago with my people and the tribes on the South, which would be in this very country, that there was a road which led into the land of the under- ground demons wlio sent disease and death among the red-men. I used to know this tradi- tion by heart.” “But it may not have been a tradition,” said Joe who was watching the Indian closely, ‘If there isa! uried pathway why not one known to Dolores Dick?’ ‘Who took Merle from the camp?” * Dick,” * But he c-™e back soon?” “Yes, H.".aust have turned him over to a guide,” ‘*Red Hawk must know, He must find out who took Merle after Dick came back.” * But—” ‘Red Hawk has been among enemies before and he knows when to be on the alert. You are going back, Take the young lady home to her father and prepare for the bandits of the border, Red Hawk is going on.” ‘In search of the buried path?” The Indian nodded. ‘¢ Whar’s yer horse?” The hand of the Apache pointed away toward the west and Joe, looking in that direction, failed to discover anything that looked like an animal. A minute later Red Hawk held out bis hand and it was seized by the Yankee’s, The grasp was long and fervent, and when the two stepped apart they walked in opposite direc- tions. Red Hawk moved on until he found a horse cropping the short grass of the plain and in an instant be was on his back and riding toward the haunt of the border raiders, But he was not permitted to reach the town, for all at once he caught the sound of hoofs and in a moment something giant-like loomed up be- tween him and thestars,and Red Hawk lay quiet along his steed and watched it. A horse and his rider! Nearer and nearer to the Indian came the stranger. Red Hawk slipped to the ground and crouched bebind a clump of pines, but with something snake-like in his hands. In a little while a whinny came from bis own horse whereupon the rider watched so closely drew rein and looked in that direction, ‘* What, has one of the horses given out?” Red Hawk heard bim say. ‘I may come up with them if this is the case,” and be came toward the riderless steed which was looking at him with curiosity, head thrown forward and all ex- pectant. : Not a muscle of the young Indian moved. He crouched in the eh of the cactus clump and fingered the object he held in his red u ~~ 4 C ie i? . ani me to become Suddenly something leaped up from the groun@® and hurtled through the air. It went toward the unkvown like a flying serpent and coming down over his bead tightened there, pinioning his arms to bis side and drawing from him @ quick, mad oath, The following wotment he was jerked from the saddle and stood on the ground, the young red- skin’s captive. Red Hawk for a minute looked at his work and then moved toward his prisoner, He circled about bim and by and by came up. “T thought it was you!” growled the lassoed man. ‘The moment I felt the loop tighten I thought of you and wished I-had my band at your throat.” : The Indian made no reply, but stopped im front of the netted one and grinned. He saw the wide-rimmed hat with its snake-skin band, the sash that encircled the body, the belt con- taining two revolvers which the pinioned hands. could not use and last but not least the bigh- topped boots which proclaimed the identity of their owner. ‘‘ Where is the young master?” said Red Hawk when he spoke again, ** How should [ know?” was the retort, “You know. You sent him off with one of your men. You have sent bim to the hidden trail which is unler ground. You will not tell Red Hawk? Mebbe you will tell,the man-hunter of Uncle Sam.” Red Hawk coolly turned and signaled to his horse which came up, and in a second he had made one end of the lasso fast to the strong saddle, “Captain Dick, you are going to the ranch sooner than you expected. You are going to stand face to face with the man-hunter, You will reveal all you know about the buried path, or you will never lead another raid,” and Red Hawk without more ado vaulted upon his horse. CHAPTER XIV. A DUEL AT MESQUITE, DoLoREs 1)1CK stood beneath the roof of quite Ranch, but not as a successful raider. He stood iv the parlor alone, with his hands bound on bis back, but: his figure was as straight. as an arro’v, and but for the cords that told the story of captivity, po one would have thought. that h» was not the ruling spirit of the place. ‘ Tie cunning of Red Hawk, the young Apache, ; had outwitted him; the lasso had found bim or z the plain, and, settling down over his head, baa made him the red-skin’s prisoner, and he was watched like a hawk by those who knew his value. The sun was sinking, a golden disk in the western heavens, and the long shadows of tree and house were falling on the-grass around the. ranch, f j _ To all appearances the bandit of the border was not seen atall by any one, but at the same a Mes- time a man who was not noticed by bim was — looking on while he stood erect in the room, a smiling now and then as he tried his bonds onl a to discover that the agile hands of Red Haw bad tied them well. : Presently a door at one side of the room open- ed and the prisoner of the ranch turned to greet. ; the man who came in. It was Lemon, the detective. ‘Tf you come for the secret, let us not waste words,” said the bandit before Lemon could ad- a dress him. “I have nothing toreveal,andasyou. =| boast of having sharp-eyed friends, why don’t ~— | you wait till they report?” , The detective waved his nand toward the door, } “I have come not for the secret of Mustang = Merle’s disappearance, but in the interest ofa , | matter just as near my heart. Wbydon’tyou — speak the word that will remove that accursed = brand from the face of my daughter?” he de- manded, ae “ And die afterward by the ropeof the men, | of this very ranch?” ad Lemon colored, “Captain Dick Nellis—I call you by the name ~ best known to me, for I knew not the name of Dolores Dick until I entered this region—you may die if Se permit that mark to remainon her cheek, “You possess thesecret of tkat brand; the man who ordered it placed there, if, indeed he did not do the deed himself, knows how it can be removed,” : Pe. A smile wreathed the handsome face of Do~ _ lores Dick, ; Sate) “ And why should I tell you? Would that be getting even with you, Paul Lemon? I recollec bow you hunted us down without merey—bow you drove me from my old grounds and fo ne e what you see me—a free 2 m i nase
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12 Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe. ase, | the borcer. Why, that very mark will make | ** Ready !” vanced, It was like the bind groping in an un- your child a noted person. There are not many | people who carry with them the brand of the triangle.” A mad imprecation broke over the angered father’s lips, He started toward the bandit, but suddenly recollecting that he was bound, stopped and fell | back ' | with the coolnessand dexterity ofanexpert. IfI ack. The raider-outlaw did not quail, but looked him in the eye, and even smiled again. ** Are we alone?” asked Dolores Dick. be¥e0.” The next moment the bandit strode across the rvom to Lemon, toward whom he leaned. “They say you are a brave man, Captain | Lemon,” he wenton. ‘I have heard that you know not fear. I bate you-—hate you cordially. ‘Come; I will make a bargain with you. ‘want the brand removed from the cheek of your child, I don’t blame you. It spoils her beauty, that’s a fact.’ I will tell you how to make her cheek as beautiful as ever—I will give up the secret if you will fight me.” Lemon seemed to recoil, and the next moment he was looking ‘at the stalwart bandit with an eager expression, **-You are not my prisoner,” he said. **T am as much yours as theirs,” was the quick reply. ‘I don’t believe that you want the brand removed, I believe that you are wil- ling to see it mar Coral’s face, because that would prevent her from getting a husband who might not find favor in your eyes.” That is falset I want the brand removed!” “Then, accept my proposition. If you con- quer me you shail have the secret.” **Tf you win, what?” “‘ The secret remains mine, of course,” Lemon felt the hot blood of desire coursing through his veins. He saw in the person of the man before him the rascal who had caused him to retire from the Secret Service of the Govern- ment in disgrace; he beheld in Dolores Dick the mah who had marked Coral for life unless he chose to give up the secret of the brand. He went to the door before he answered Dolores Dick. The house, for the earliness of the hour, was still, The gun had gone down, and the herders were discussing Merle’s disappearance among the stables. He wondered where Joe Bundy ~was, but Red Hawk, be knew, had ridden off on ‘his steed with a determined look in his eye, as if he had secretly res>lved to find the underground trail, or perish in the attempta While he inspected the immediate surround- ‘ings of the room, the eye of Dolores Dick was upon him, It was not bard to tell what was passing in the bandit’s heart. ** Captain Lemon, with all your boasted cour- age, you are afraid to fight your old prey,” came over the raider’s lips, In an instant the man-hunter turned and came forward with the eagerness of a panther. ‘* Where shall we fight?” he cried, ‘*Why not here?’ answered Dick. ‘ What better placo than this for our battle? The house is still and the fight need not last long.” * Then let.it be here!” The two men stood face to face, The lamp had been lighted some time and threw a ghostly light over the scene. **T have beentlooking at those swords yonder,” ‘said Dolores Dick, turning toward a shelf of weapons that was to be seen on one side of the room. ‘I don’t know much about auch wea- pons, but Iam willing to take my chances with them.” Lemon crossed over to the rack and took down two elegant straight swords, which Merle bad urchased for fencing some years before. They ad sever been used in a duel, and the boy rancher, though skilled in their use, had never ‘tried to draw blood with the finely-tempered iblades, There was a flash in Lemon’s eyes when he bore the swords back to Dolores Dick, _“ Ah, I forgot your bonds,” he said, running one of the blades between the bandit’s wrists. **You can handle the weapon now,” and the man of the border took hold of one of the swords ‘and began to cut the air about bim, ““TE you win, the secret is yours, for I carry on my person the antidote for the triad mark,” whispered Dick. ‘‘ [f you lose she will wear un- ‘til she dies the brand of the border, We thor- u bly understand one another, Now let’s get at it, The men fell apart, and stood face to face with a few feet between them. * Ready?’ asked Dolores Dick, Lemon guarded and echoed: _ pie You | a = Then followed some swift passes during which the blades crossed and parried; strokes were adroitly avoided, and some fierce thrusts given, all of which showed that both men were in terri- ble earnest, ‘* He lied tome,” thought Lemon, ‘‘ He said he knew nothing about the sword, yet he handles it don’t finish him soon I shall be weakened down and find myself at his mercy. He is trying to play me out,” and Lemon made a hot thrust at the bandit’s throat to see the stroke turned aside and his own blade twisted from his hand and thrown to one side of the room. With a cry of rage the detective sprung after his flying blade, caught it up and turned toward his antagonist almost before Dolores Dick could take in his movement, ‘* You haven’t lost the cat-like agility you dis- played that night in the Crescent City,” smiled the bandit. ‘I begin to believe that you want the brand removed from Coral’s cheek, but it shall remain where it is!” The next instant the handsome. rider of the border executed a thrust which threw Lemon off his guard for the tenth of a second, but that was long enough for the bandit’s plans. Before the detective could recover he found the point of the raider’s weapon against his breast; there was fire in the gleaming eyes back of the hilt, and no sign of mercy*any- where. ‘Tt is mine to keep!” came over the lips of the border bandit. ‘It is mine forever and your child will wear till she dies the brand of Dolores Dick, t e Outlaw of Southwest.” Lemon tried to recover the ground so sudden- ly lost by a trick; but in vain. The eyes flashed again, the point of the weapon came closer, and then—darkness and a fall, with the light van- ishing as if covered with a blanket! Dolores Dick looked down at the body lying at bis feet’. and then toward the door, Still holding the sword, he crossed the room and looked out, He was free to quit the house. He passed out upon the porch and stopped there for a moment, listening to the sounds that came up from to- ward the cattle-yards, ‘“* T will come back before long, but not alone,” said he. ‘tI have not left Mesquite for good. Hold! I should leave a farewell.” He went back into the house, strode to the table and wrote upon a sheet of paper lying there, ove sentence, at which he looked an smiled: “The brand will trouble him no more! ** Caprain Dick.” The following moment he was on the porch again, He sprung down with the lightness of a cat and was moving away in the night. ‘“*A short captivity and a rn one, He thought I didn’t kuow anything about the sword, ha, ha!” and the langh died away on the summer air and Dolores Dick passed out of sight —free once more, CHAPTER XV. ADVENTURES UNDERGROUND, Tae boy rancher of Mesquite leading his horse through the gloom of the underground trail was a sight seen by no mortal eye. Tbe tread of the animal was heard now and then where the dust was not thick on the Devil’s Highway and where the hoofs of the steed re ing a stone from which would leap up a flash of fire. Mustang Merle soon discovered that the place was a perfect Jabyrinth of darkness, He groped his way down the narrow cor- ridors or stood undecided in some chamber, the dimensions of which he could not see, fearful lest an advance would hurl him into some ter- rible pit, for the road seemed to fork like other roads, but no one could tell where the forks led. A dozen times had he tried to get back to the mouth of the underground pathway, but each time he bad failed. It is no wonder that Merle at last stood in the gloom almost without hope and nearly ready to give up. All at once a rock falling somewhere in the | darkness startled the horse, and jerking back he tore the lines from the yourg rancher’s grip and Merle was friendless amid the Stygian gloom, ‘*T will follow the main road as near as I can,” said he, addressing bimself. ‘‘ The walls ought to guide me and I know what it is to feel my way in the dark.” - Once more he started, pressing on and on, feeling the wails of the buried road as he ad- 743 : ” “ ad TO 10, ae : aye Slide ry el ae Sid ee PL BG ree as i ; : : familiar room, Merle did not let anything discourage him now. He pressed on until at last he brought up against a solid wall of rock which gave out no hollow sound when be smote it with a stone. The boy owner of the best ranch on the border stopped and leaned against the barrier. Nothing but rock ahead! ‘* Am 1 to perish here at the hand of Dolores Dick, my old enemy?’ he cried, ‘‘Is this to be the end of the feud between us?” His words went round the wall in the gloom and came back with a bundred fantastic echoes, Suddenly Merle fell against the stone and ap- plied his ear to the bardened surface. ‘“‘T heard a sound which was net an echo,” he said. ‘I cannot have been deceived, I thought it sounded like a human voice, but it was not this side of the wall.” Silent seconds flew by on leaden wings while he listened for a repetition of the noise, but he seemed doomed to disappointment, He was on the eve of giving up when the wall appeared to shake as if in the grasp of an earth. quake and Merle was thrown back and off his feet. He scrambled up as soon as possible and stood erect with a feeling of pain all over. He had been hurled violently against the rocks and stunned. ; “Jt was an earthquake!” cried the youn rancher, putting out his hand and feeling a vas crack in the wall. But he drew back from entering the opening. He stood undecided and filled with an undefin- able fear, not that he had a drop of coward blood in his veins, for be had not; but the’ un- known was before him. ““1t can not make matters worse,” said Merle. ‘““Why not go ahead and see the end of this adventure? The earthquake may have befriend- ed me; who knows?” : He plunged into the opering and pushed on once more. He could feel the wall on either side, the rough edges telling him that it had been split by the convulsion, and the floor was strewn with small stones, some of which were sharp, like pieces of flint. The Devils Highway bad received a new addition and the boy rancher was exploring it, Suddenly he almost fell against the wall at his right for a voice bad thrilled him. “That shock was enough to have killed a thousand men, The wonder is that we exist.” The young rancher heard every word and, what was more, they seemed to emanate from a spot very near, “Let's get out of this, I don’t explore any more underground roads; this one 1s quite enough’ to last me all my life. Shall we go, Noland?” Noland! How the name startled Mustang Merle! It was the name of the man who had brought bim to the hidden path at Doiores Dick’s command. Hours had passed since his arrival, Had the man come back to look for him? A minute’s silence followed the last words, ““T would like to know what became of him after I went away,” was the reply. ‘‘If the shock didn’t finish him I would like to see how frightened he is. We came here to find the young herder of the valley, Jason,” .s true. but what’s the use of getting shaken to death by earthquake while looking for bim?* * We'll go back and begin where we left off awhile ago.” ‘¢ And if we don’t strike the trail will go out altogether, eh?” We will.” “ soon, we The voices died away in a manner which showed that the speakers were moving off aud Merle listened till be could hear them no longer, “Hunted yet,” he -said, ‘Those men, members of Dolores Dick’s band, are lookin for me. Why? A wolf never tracks one for onde The vulture never hovers over the hare because it loves it.” i He did not move again until he bad regained his breath and then went forward cautiously. Now he heard the sound of waters, Once before he thought he heard the rush of unseen tides, but now there was no mistake, Tere was an underground river as weil as a hidden road, and why not? The Southwest is a land of wonders—a land but balf explored. The path leading toward the river was follow- ed by Mustang Merle, He had the sound of water all the time in his ears, but the footsteps of the two men bad died away, and he was once more the sole traveler through that, land of buried darkness, He stopped at lusi—s. suddemly that a hand ' ea kyeG si + \ "
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Mustang M *eemed to have touched him, and falling back blind the young warrior of the Apache,” said against the wall at his side, he looked at what he now saw, for a light had flashed in his face and it was no longer night. Merle stared at the specters that were revealed by the light, himself standing boldly in its glare, and knew that to move would be to invite dis- | covery. 5 There they stood, the stalwarts of Tarus City, Noland, his old guide, holding the torch which bad flashed up so suddenly, and bis companion as | tall and Herculean ashe. Merle could not help admiring the admirable physique of the twain, and was looking at this wien an event occurred for which he was totally unprepared, ‘*The water of this accursed river has changed color since tie earthquake,” suddenly exclaimed Noland’s companion, ‘“Nonsense, It always was dark,” ** But it is black now. Look!” The bronze band of thespeaker pointed toward the water and NolJand stepped forward with his torch. The next moment he was stooping over the very edge of the bank, and the light was falling on the silent waves. Quick as a flash the other sprung forward, Merle saw him throw up his strong arms and all at once Noland was seized with a grip of iron. Merle bugged the wall as the torch fell from Noland’s hand and rolled to his very feet where it flared up, painting his shadow against the gray stone, The two men were struggling for the mastery on the brink of the lost river, Noland laboring under the disadvantage of being wickedly at- tacked, but he was mabide a desperate battle for life, Back and forth swayed the two men above the water. Merle held his breath and watched the contest, It could not last long. The ground had al- ready grown slippery ani several times they had gone to their knees, All at once Noland fell to the very edge of the silent tide. His enemy tried to throw him off and land him in the stream, but the last grip of the stalwart guice was the grip of death, Noland fell back, pulling after him the man who wanted his life. He touched the water; his body was half submerged and tbe hand at his throat was trying to choke out the last desperate particle of life that remained. “No, you go with me, Black Jason!” said No- land, breaking loose from the grasping band at the last moment, ‘‘ You have nh the last card in the deck, but the hand of Noland baffles you, Come! the fishes of the lost river want a feast.” ; One more terrible struggle in the rushing tide, and the two men vanished, Mustang Merle saw the hand of Noland disap- pear, he caught a last glimpse of the face re- vealed by the light of the lost torch—a face seamed with triumph, despite its hard, dark lines; and then the river swallowed up the two foes, and he saw them no more, The young owner of Mesquite stood awhile longer before he moved from the spot from which he had witnessed the underground trag- edy. He picked up the torch and whirled it around his head to increase its blaze, then, with hope suddenly renewed, started off again. If the earthquake had opened a road for him, why should not the torch of the bandits show him where it led? He pushed back over the route which he bad traveled to the spot. He lit his way by the flare of the friendly fire, and some time later—he could not count time in that strange place—he was startled to hear a voice at sound of which he fell back and held his breath, “Halt! In the name of thedead, stand where youare! Toadvance another step is death!” Merle stood like a statue and wai ‘* Leok at your roe e ; ® young ranch king swept the torch t his boois, © ‘ ae He uttered a cry of genuine horror, He stood on the very. fringe of a yawning mid ngs the depths of which no light could re- Vv . CHAPTER XVI THE LIFE SECRET, THe chasm was not very wide, but it was 6 coul deep. Mustang Mer) not send the light of his torch into its dark depths, and he oon gave up. When he straightened and threw its glare across the orevice, he saw the i of his best ’ awk, the youn che, “Lvt Merle hola nee tow oo that it will not Koss heen if. oes Red Hawk, ‘* What are you going to do?” “Red Hawk intends to join his young bro- | ther.” **'You don’t expect to leap the chasm?” cried Merle, in horror. ‘** Merle forgets that Red Hawk can jump like the deer. limbs are not stiff,” The Indian youth drew off and gathered his powers for the wonderful leap. Merle held the light as directed, and Red Hawk came bounding toward the cleft in the path. All at once he sprung from the ground, and | The following moment he | was in mid-air. alighted at Merle’s feet and looked up into his face with a laugh of victory. Red Hawk had cleared the yawning space, and had alighted safely on the further side. ** Now back!” cried the Indian, seizing Merle’s arm. ‘‘We mustgoback to theranch. Dolores Dick is there.” **On my ranch!” cried the boy rancher, ** Yes, but he is a prisoner.” ** Who took him?” “The lasso of Red Hawk fell over his head, and he went along witb the young Apache,” ‘**Red Hawk, you are worth your weight in gold,” and Merle grasped the red-skin’s band, ‘Of course I am ready togoback. LIlong tosee this outlaw at Mesquite,” While they were threading the mazes of the underground trail, Red Hawk related his ad- ventures since seeing Merle; he told how Joe Bundy had rescued Coral from Tarus City, and how the capture of Dolores Dick was effected, In return Merle told how he had been conducted to the subterranean road and its dark horrors; how he had witnessed the battle between Noland and Jason, and how, finally, with the torch in hand, he had flad from the scene until, finding him (Rea Hawk) on the brink of the cleft in the pathway, he had been miraculously saved from a terrible fate. The horse which had borne Merle to the hid- den scenes had escaped in some manner from the place, and w.us found on the outside, where it was secured by the Indian, and in a short time they were riding over the ground toward Mes- quite. Merle was anxious to stand face to face with his old foe, He asked Red Hawk many ques- tions concerning Dick, thus evincing his eager- ness, and when they came in sight of Mesquite he gave bis horse the spur, and distanced his red friend, Merle’s unexpected return was hailed with loud acclaim by those who witnessed it, and the first to run out and seize his hand was Joe Bundy. ‘‘How’s the captive?’ eagerly questioned Merle. *“ As happy as a sunflower, I guess; at least I would be if I were in his boots.” ** Why, what has happened, Joe?” ** We haven’t got him any longer.” “ You don’t mean that you have tried him, and—’ ‘* No, he played the very last hand we expected him to play, and Lemon in the house will tell you the rest,” Merle dismounted and rushed into the ranch- house, where he was met by Coral, who, white- faced, awuited him, There and then he learned from the lips of the detective all about the duel with the handsome raider of the border. As he looked down into the speaker’s face, and saw how badly wounded he was, he inwardly resolved to carry the war into the enemy’s country at once, and pay him back once for ail for the work of the past, and thus end forever the feud that existed. Lemon’s escape from death had been miracu- lous, The sword wielded by the skillful hand of Dolores Dick, had missed ‘the heart by a bair, and the wonder was that he was still alive, After thanking Old Jone for his rescue of Coral, Merle left the house and found Mondragon at his heels. ‘* May I go with you?” asked the man, ‘* Certainly,” was the prompt reply, ‘‘ What bave you against Dolores Dick?” ‘*T hate the scoundrel with all my heart. Years ago I wasa eg 1 man, had as pretty a little ranch as ever shone in the sun. Bat in a night it was plundered by this very man, and I awoke to find the labor of years destroyed. But this was notall. My wife died sbortly after- ward, and my little daughter was stolen by some one, I believe Dolores Dick knows the secret of her disappearance. I want to force the truth from him, He bas taken the best prizes of the | jumping-matcbhes among his people, and his | erle’s Merciless Fo , 13 “Why didn’t you confront him when he was a prisoner here?’ ‘**T did, but he would not tell me.” ‘** Well, Mondragon, you shall go with as.” Night once more was settling down over the lovely scene in the valiey of which Mesquite was thé gem, when twenty horsemen rode from the rancb aud took the trail across the country. Enough had been left behind to guard the place, but Merle had selected from among them all the trustiest and bravest—men ready to fol- low his lead anywhere, and glad of the oppor- | tunity to strike a blow for their master even in the camp of their foe, But let us precede this little band of avengers. Let us outstrip them and enter the baunt of the bandits of the Tagus, and see what they are at. The escaped raider of the border had returned. Mounted on one of the best steeds on the ranch, Dolores Dick had ridden into Tarus City, wav- ing his hat in triumph and shouting over his: return. It was a proud moment for him when he alighted in front of Pedron’s hotel and confront- ed the crowd of rough, but handsome, long- haired fellows who swarmed around him, eager to hearthe wonderful story of his adventures, and Dick was not loth to tell them all. They could not believe that he had been to Mesquite Ranch—that he had even stood bound under the boy rancher’s roof, But as he told in glowing language the whole story, describing the sword duel with his old enemy, the detec- tive, they broke out in wild cheers, and the air seemed full of hats, At the conclusion of his narrative, Dolores Dick took Noland to one side, and said: ** Noland, I want the boy back, You must go and bring him from the Devil’s Highway. I intend to escort him home.” Noland looked at the bandit with an expres- sion of amazement, “Take Jason with you,” * You two will certainly find him, come back without him. till you return.” With Noland every word uttered by his master was law, and in a short time he and Jason were in the saddle and on the way toward the underground trail, What happened to the messenger. we have already seen, The lost river bore ther co away on the dark tide, and their hunt for ended in death, alas Dick, waiting for his men, was not idle. He had every weapon inspected and the equi ment of every steed in the ‘‘ city” was Canehlly looked after. All at once he appeared at the door of Inez’s home, * Are you willing to give up the secret of the lost mine?” he asked. ‘*T know nothing that will benefit you. You overrate the secret I carry in my bosom,” Dolores Dick drew his figure up and folded his: arms. “T am willing to trade with you, Inez,” he said, with a smile, ‘* What have you to offer?” ‘* A secret as great as yours,” The fair girl started. in another instant she had bounded forward and was looking up into the bandit’s face with scarcely any color in her own. ‘Tt is about my parentage?” she cried, “What an excellent guesser you are,” an- swered the bandit. ‘‘ Well, you won’t trade now, I sup Inez fell back, still pale. ‘‘That has been my desire ever since I came here,” she said. ‘1 have yearned to know who lam, I may yet know a mother’s love, and—” ** Don't set your thoughts too high,” broke in the bandit. ‘‘I would not raise them to too high a pitch. What say you, girl?’ ** All I know is yours!” she replied. A smile broke over the face of the bandit of the border, ‘*Produce the diagram which you once told me was given to you in the mountain by an old man, **And in return for it you will give me— what?” ** The secret of your parentage,” Tremblin® with excitement, Inez crossed the room and stooped at the head of her little couch, She remained there ‘a moment, then arose aud came back, holding in her hand a bit of discolored paper which she opened in the ban- ty, Se ores the and went to the light. One and a cry escaped bis lips, continued Dick, Don’t. We shall not move erle
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14 Mustang Merle’s Merciless Fo ‘Some men are fools and know it not,” said he, looking at Inez, ‘Girl, did you ever hear of Rush Mondragon?” She gave bim a singular look. ‘*The name is a strange one to me,” she re- | plied. “ That is your name, your mother—” ** My mother?” Your father lives; but **Sbe is dead,” and without more ado, but | clutching toe paper as though it was too pre- cious to lose, the captain of the border, bandits stalked frum the room, leaving Inez alone with the newly-discovered secret of her life. CHAPTER XVII. THE RANCHER’S SWUOP, Hours passed, but Noland and his companion did not come. Dolores Dick, almost tired of waiting, was wondering what kept the men sent out to rescue Mustang. Merle from the depths of the Devil’s Highway. He looked toward the concealed trail, and every now and then walked to the end of the camp and strained his eyes as the shadows of another night deepened and his own became | mingled with those of cactus and bush, Within the hotel a scene of usual revelry was going on. men of Tarus, flush with few exceptions, were consuming his liquors, or telling stories of plun- dered ranches and well-hoofed trails, Down the trail lying out under the stars rode | a band which sent forth but few sounds, Nearer and nearer to Tarus City it came, the members of it riding close together and their steeds under excellent control, for not a whinny | cleft the nigkt as they came on, speaking not, or in whispers when compelled to open their mouths, After awhile the riders disappeared among the hills that looked down upon Tarus from the west, and the night swallowe’ them up. By and by two figures appeared in the streets of the bandits’ town and separated, as if by agreement, One was tall and angular, the other smaller, ut with the tread of a cat. The taller of the pair crept toward the hotal and coolly took a survey of what was going on inside from the Plaza, This was not difficult for the night was warm and the doors all open, and the keen eyes of the prowler could see the crowd of toughs in the place and hear the tales they told, Presently there crossed the porch tha form of a man at sight of whom the watcher crouch- ed against the post whose shadow sheltered kim, ** At home once more!” said the man in the Plaza. ‘The tiger of Tarus is among his kind and so are we,” In another moment the same form emerged from the house accompanied by two men who walked close beside him. ‘*T won’t strike the blow till I bave the boy with me,” said the man so well watched by the ecroucher. ‘‘Noland and Jason have not re- turned. You know the trail to the Underground Road?” The two men looked at bim and grumbled, “What, are you going to send us to that haunted highway?” one ¢ried, “ I am ” The band of the speaker glided toward his hip and he spoke in commanding voice, * All you have to do is to keep to the right after entering the mouth,” be went on, ‘The labyrinth is not so dangerous if one keeps his head. As to it’s being haunted, pish!” ‘*Tf Noland and Jason have not returned, why send us out to perish iv the same manner?” ‘* You are cowards! You don’t want to serve me oniy when there is spoil to be divided with- out work.” The twain saw the something that glittered in the starlight in the half lifted band of Dolores Dick, and one hastened to say: “We will go. We will bring the boy rancher back from the hidden road, ghosts or no ghosts,” ‘*Go, then. The sooner you return the sooner the gold of Mesquite rolls into our coffers.” Dolores Dick turned away with a laugh and for a moment watched the figures which glided off, “Tbe needle is not in the haystack,” said the man crouching at the Plaza post. ‘* The boy king of Mesquite is nearer than you think, Captain Dick,” and he saw the tall figuve of the bandit of the border stalk back toward his own shanty. Dolores Dick shut-the door behind him and lit alamp. Setting this on the rough table in the center of the apartment, he took from one cor- mer an iron box, the contents of which he _ poured out in front of him. | } | / | | | | “The strangest thing of all is that the girl, Inez, should have the diagram of the lost mine, and that that mine should be connected with the Devil’s Highway. I will look over these docu- ments till Wizard Wool comes, when he will give ; me the use of bis head, and together we ought to r solve the mystery.” | { | Pedron was in merry mood, and the | The captain of the border raiders spoke aloud and then fell to assorting the papers before him, He was suddenly interrupted at this task by the opening of the door and the man called Wizard Wool appeared. **On time,” smiled Dolores Dick, looking up. ‘Here is work for both of us till my hunters come back,” The gray-bearded wizard of Tarus took a stool near bis master and pulled a lot of papers toward him. At that very moment, the door opened once more, Dolores Dick and his companion turned their heads, , ‘Keep yer seats, gentlemen,” said the man | who had slipped into the room and whose out- stretched hands gripped two enormous six- shooters. ‘ { don’t want ter disturb your task, ; but the fact is, I have some business of an inter- rupting nature and—” A mad oath from the tongue of Dolores Dick cut in twain the sentence of the new-comer and caused him to smile, **) didn’t think it necessary to send in my card,” be went on, ‘‘In fact, I haven’t bad any printed for so long that I got tired o’ carryin’ en, It was Old Joe Bundy as large as life, with a latent gleam in his black eye and a grin at the corners of his mouth. Dolores Dick pushed back his stool and made a motion to get up; but the revolver of Old Joe, dropping a trifle, seemed to alter his reso- lution. “T don’t want ter burt any one—I’m tender- hearted, you know, like the bull Bundy family; but if you should git up and my hand should become nervous, why, thar’s no tellin’ what might happen,” continued Joe. ‘‘So, in my humble judgment, it’s best ter sit still.” Wizard Wool, still staring at the cool man near the door, slipped one of bis hands across the table and clutched some of the papers. ‘* Hands off!” cried Bundy. ‘‘Them papers may be of value to some one besides yerself an’ I advise ye ter let em alone,” The hand of the wizard crept back, ‘We're hyer in force this time,” You are?” “Yes, The boys are hevin’ a fine time at Pedron’s,” There was no answer, The tones of Old Joe were tantalizing, and Dolores Dick was in no humor for joking, **You missed the beart you aimed at—missed it by an inch,” said Joe, ‘‘He’s going ter get well an’ says he'll live ter settle some old scores,” ‘ ae handsome bandit struck the table with his s ‘*T won’t deny that I tried td slay him,” he cried, ‘IT aimed at the beart.” “Thar’s no*doubt of that. But Coral will bring him through an’ when she loses her scar—” ** But she will never lose that!” **Oh, yes, she will!” laughed Old Joe. The wizard of Tarus looked at his master and frowned. ‘*T didn’t come hyer ter talk all night,” sud- denly resumed the tall old scout. ‘The rest of the boys are waitin’ for you.” “* Wor us?” exclaimed Dolores Dick, “ Why not? That’s why we came,” The bandit, taken so completely unawares, was on bis feet and his splendid figure equaled Old Joe’s in height. ** Pistols to the floor!” commanded the Yan- kee. ‘‘Take’em out an’ drop ’em softly.” Both Dolores Dick and Wizard Wool obeyed, and four revolvers fell to the floor, where they lay in the lamp-light. Joe Bundy now threw open the door of the shanty and ordered tbe prisoners to march, ‘‘Never mind the papers on the table; they’ll be attended to,” said Joe, ‘To the victors be- long the spoils, Forward now! Nota signal to aes” or the gates of death will open for you oth, Out into the starlight marched Dolores Dick and his right bower, the all-knowing man of Terus City. They had not advanced far when half a dozen forms rose from the ground and they were in the midst of some of the boy ranch- er’s, men, Dolores Dick fell back from before them and for a moment found himself free, Db pales ea le yA naan : s t - Pe tek ee Oy Pita “ baat tim bal a Sade Ms Pea beet od ; ‘ yak ees e. SSS SS SSS eee ‘‘ Not a word,” hoarsely cried Old Joe: but he had spoken too late. The next instant there arose from the bandit’s throat a peculiar cry which sounded far and wide, and at sound of it every man in Pedron’s hostelry sprung up and rushed upon the porch, The shout was still on Dick’s lips when he was pounced upon by Old Joe and borne back, the hands of the Yankee spy at his throat. ‘*Spare bim, Joe,” and a hand clutched the old man’s arm, ‘‘T will for you, Captain Merle,” and still holding the outlaw, Joe turned to the young speaker, at whom Captain Dolores was intently looking. “Great Heavens! when did you come up out of the buried road?” be cried—words he could not have kept back, try as he might, But, instead of answering Dolores Dick, Merle had other work to do, The bandits had swarm- ed out of the botel and the dens of Tarus likea hive of bees, They were running in every di- rection, with weapons in their hands, seeking the enemy whose coming the signal had pro- claimed. In a little time the Plaza seemed to swarm with the bandits of the border, ‘* Let them, bave it now—just one volley,” com- manded Merle. The next moment came the volley, and from the leaden rain of the deadly Winchester. the scourges of the Southwest fell back or pitched in every direction. Mustang Merle had carried the war ‘into Africa.” CHAPTER XVIII. RED HAWK’S SNAP SHOT. THE volley fired by the avenging ranchers seemed to paralyza the bandits of Tarus, They knew that the men of Mesquite had come to avenge the past and to show their leader that he had Jorded it over the border long enough, Dolores Dick saw his followers tumbling in all directions, and heard the whistling of bullets. Near him, with the eye of an eagle in bis head, stood the man he most feared—Joe Bundy, the lank Yankee scout. The old man watched the bandit leader as though he more than half ex- pected to see him make a break for Jiberty. All at-once, with the quickness of a tiger- cat, the scourge of the border turned upon Joe and the next moment had placed him be- tween his.own body and the rifles of the guard. Joe was completely in the power of the ban- dit captain, but this did not prevent him from calling out: * Don’t mine me, boys, but shoot the varmint down. A bullet will go through the last of the Bundys and find Dolores Dick.” Of course not a weapon was lifted for none wanted to injure the old scout, and Dick, seeing this, took further advantage of his trick, and keeping Joe between him and the enemy, was off before he could be surrounded. Mustang Merle witnessed this play with his heart in his throat. He could not realize that the very man he was after—the vulture of the Southwest—had es- caped bim after all his play; but the absence of Dolores Dick from the spot told him that it was true, Meantime Joe Bundy had been dragged from the scene of the turning of the tables by main strength. ‘* See here,” he said at last, or when he caught his breath. ‘You don’t want to extarminate the Bundy family, do you” ‘*Why not? What is your family but a poor lot—a collection of cowards?” Old Joe’s eye fairly flasted. He was the prisoner of the very man whom he had faced a short time before in the heart of bis stamping-ground, and now he could look into the muzzle of a revolver about whose butt twined the cool fingers of Captain Dick, Dolores Dick forced hiz prisoner to the other side of the camp, where he halted and turned upon him, 4 ‘“You know what has just happened?” the bandit said. ‘‘My men have fallen before the rifles of the boy’s companions. Theirs is a mission of vengeance, and they expect to ride back to report the annihilation of the men of the border. You are going with we, You are my prisover, and though I am, for the present, almost defenseless, I may show your young friend and master that Dolores Dick is still able to take care of himself.” Still covered by the deadly weapon Joe was taken to a stable where two borses were found, The animals were led forth and the long ~ Yankee forced to mount one, ; Hey SP aa ee Sa i ie PP ——--B = 3 —_—pr— >
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ye 4 ek epee eT ee ee eee ee " ne ~ In anotber instant he was alongside of Dolores Dick who, looking toward the Plaza, hesitated ‘to ride off without sending some shots into the | ranks of Mustang Merle’s men. ‘*Some other time,” Joe heard him mutter. **T am still at large and one of these days will pay them back for this nigbt’s work. They came down upon me like a pack of wolves, but I will return the compliment.” Tbe two steeds started off and the bandit, watching old Joe like a hawk, kept close to his | side, In vain did Jou watch for an opportunity to make a bold break for tiberty He had resolved to turn the tables on the bandit captain as soon as he could and thus escape from the Costh to which as he could see be was being taken by his | foe, It was more than likely, as Joe Bundy knew, that Dick had some more secret hiding places as terrible as the one from which Mustang Merle had escaped, “‘T don’t like the idea of being left under- ground,” said the captive to bimseif. ‘ ’vehad some experience in that line and it wasn’t very pleasant,” : _ Suddenly Dolores Dick turned upon his pris- oner. ** Do you think the gir] will ever take a fancy to me?” he asked. ‘*Coral? Wal, I rather guess not,” was tho quick rejoinder accompanied by a smile. ‘* She’s pretty,” “ A reg’lar beauty,” said Joo. ** But her father never liked me.” “‘T should think not. But you needn’t look for Coral to take to a man like you, seeing what you have done,” Old Joe saw the bandit king look away and smile to himself, A few minutes later Dolores Dick looked back and appeared to listen, ‘They will make nothing by following me,” he said with a mad glance ai his prisoner. The heart of the last of the Bundys took a great leap in bis bosom, As yet tho old scout bad heard nothing, but from the action of their horses which bad pricked up their sharp ears it was evident that they A least — ps ag Mice our people are back yonder,” sai ick. ** T heard them a moment hse han ras Joe said nothing, ‘*The nearer they come the briefer becomes your life,” Dick went on. There was @ deadly coolness in his tones, and Joe’s eye fell upon the cocked six-shooter which he seemed about to lift to his head, ‘* Didn’t you hear & horse?” asked Dick, ‘ai No,” ; “Of course you would lie for a purpose,” was the retort. Joe Bundy had not caught a single sound, and wondered how the ears of the bandit could be so much sharper than bis own, They were now in a little valley well filled with shadows, and the silence of death seemed to prevail! Far behind them was Tarus, with dea men in its streets, and_a lot of rejoicing ranchers scattered about. Joe wondered if the victors thought of him, if they were not even then on his trail, “ Ab, if Red awk ish’t at work, I’m er ae, fooled,” said the tall Yankee to bimself. ‘ take a good deal of stock in that young Injun, and [’ve promised to giye him a pull at the Bundy estate when I've shufiled off this mortal coil, The boys aro rejoicing over their victory, but bere I am in the grip of tho prince of ras- seals, and on the road ter death,” “Come, Joe; 1 don’t hear them now, 80 we'll go on again,’ said Dolores Dick, « 7¢ they come up with us, there’ll bea dead man on the ground, and they can plant you where they please,” The valley and its shadows were left bebind, and once out on the Open, Dolores Dick was about to give bis steed the spur when a sound beets: both beard for @ Moment camo over the plain. ; ‘* Somebody is coming,” emeagee Joe, in for it now if Dick thinks R is behind us,” ow 1% Hawk or Merle Dolores Dick had turned in his saddle and was | bea say - * Are you ready, Joseph Ola Joe gave him a9 look. ** Ready for what” ** Death!” ‘“« 4m I to die here te: “Yes, They are right over yonaer, and, from prea arian 8Ve surrounded me, curse them |! sha =i or | fi v0 do if. Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe. s5 , the end of the last word the hand of Dolores Dick fell upon the prisoner’s arm. “You bear them now. I can tell this by your face. You know that they bave surrounded me —that they are closing in upon the raider of the border. You have said several times in mv | presence that you are the last of your line, I am going to exterminate the line here and | Dow!” The revolver was lifted to the old scout’s tem- ple. There was a brief silence, and then the re- port came, There was a tumble, a cry and a startled ; horse, and Dolores Dick lay on tbe ground, still gripping his gun! The person who rode up sprung from the saddle, and bent over the raider of the South- west. ‘“Grazod!” be eried. ‘*Good! Dolores Dick will stand before Merle and his court!” ‘‘ Bless me, Read Hawk, if you didn’t touch that trigzer in the nick of time!” exclaimed the last of the Bundys. CHAPTER XIX. THE LAST RIDE. Yet that night the sky was lit up by the greatest conflagration ever seen in the region ot the Tagus. Huudreds of persons throughout the country climbed to, the hill-tops and gazed across the darkened landscape and watched the shooting flames which told that the haunt of the bandits of the border was going up in fire and smoke, Back from the fire rode a band of men headed by a boyish rider, in whose eyes gleamed a light of triumph, His nearest companion was a beau- tiful young girl, who ever and avon looked first at him and then at Mondragon, who rode on the other side of her steed, Fatker and daughter bad met again. The long separated had come together, and the old rancher, proud of his find, and with eyes swim- ming in tears, watched Inez, The victory of the Mesquiters had beea com- pleve. The few raiders who escaped were scat- tered and their power broken, They had fled from Tarus to seek shelter somewhere from the bad planned, and were now saying that, with their leader lost, they would never re-form, but would seek other haunts and probably other ranches, The ride back to Mesquite was not a weary one for the victors of the fight. The rising sua showered upon the little company bis morning beams and found the whole lot within sight of the old ranch, There sat, on one cf the steeds, bound with bis own scarlet sash, the man whose name had for years been the terror of the border, Near him rode, likewise bound, the gray- bearded individual called Wizard Wool. They were the only living prisoners of the avenging raid, and were going back to Mesquite for trial, In « little while the company drew rein in front of the bouse, and Dolores Dick for the first ee since his capture smiled. young girl had come out upon the porch and stood looking at the victors. Ae ¥ Wes peg Wizard Wool, turning toward Merle, ied; ‘That is the brand, and I am the man who can remove it!” “Coward!” hissed Dolores Dick, ‘If I had known you were going to show such blood, you would not be here to cringe for life at the feet of ——s Merle.” C) rancher looked vengefully at the ban- dit, but did not speak, eas eee eeSS@9@™s=—s—s—s——- Once more back in the room from which he had escaped after the duel with Lemon, Dolores Dick stood erect, with the countenance of an eagle, and calmly awaited his doom, He heard every sound that came nigh the door and now and then glanced toward the sword-rack and smiled, as if recalling the fight on that very carpet. < There is in the Southwest and along the bor- der an unwritten law which no man questions, The beautiful land of the mesquite and tbe stately cactus bas suffered long at the hand of the ruthless raider and the merciless bandit. The cattle-stealer and the midnight brander | are the curses of the region, and man Las taken into bis own hands the right to punish the des- radoes. : PDoldres Dick reviewed his life while he walked the floor of Mesquite Ranch and thought of the fateinstoreforhim, io The feud existing beeen bim and Morte. seas vengeance of the boy whose destruction they doors are never closed, Cussed’s lieutenant; had been also bis outlaw, and had commanded the bandits of Tarus, lead- ing them to more than one rich prize; but now: all this was at an end. A sound at the door took bis attention and he turned iv that direction. = In a rioment the portal opened and a queer figure came in on all fours, It was Jerome, the cripple of the ranch, and the moment he spied the bandit that moment he grinned. Dolores Dick leaned forward and smiled at the youth, ‘*T don’t see why they keep you here tied like a captive vulture,” said Jerome. ° ‘It is all wrong.” What would you give to have your bonds cut? ‘“‘T will make you the richest boy in this part of the world,” was the reply. ‘* Where is the money to do that?” * T will get it.” ** A million? grinned the cripple. ‘** More than tha?,” The deformed d.eamer of Mesquite crept closer still and Dolores Dick saw something glit- ter in his hand, The heart of the bandit stood still. Jerome came closer and closer until he could reach up and feel the bandit’s thongs. The knife touched Dick’s wrists with a coldness that reminded him of the skin of a snake; it went to work and in a second the bonds parted. He was free, but still in the house of his enemy! Pushing past Jerome, he had nearly reached the door when a cry from his liberator startled - him. ‘* Where is my million?’ cried Jcrome, Dolores Dick did not heed the cry “You can’t get out till 1 bave it, Look! I Ha have tbe drop on you now ” The bandit of the border turned pale. was locking down at the figure groveling on the floor,.and saw that onecf the bar 1s clutched a six-shooter, Already his hand was on the door, There were deep shadows outside, and once amcng them Le believed he would be safe. Dolores Dick resclved to take the risk of a spring. He laughed at Jerome, threw open the door and sprung out. At the same time the whole house resounded with a loud report, and the man who caught atone of the vine-covered columns of the ve- randa, missed it, and fell headlong on the graxs beneath! ; In another instant a dczen men were on the scene and some saw at the door the grinni.g face of the cripple of the ranch, The last ride of the magnificent raider of the Southwest was at an end. The body was carried back into the house. The men of Mesquite would never get to pass the sentence of death upon Dolores Dick, A day or two afterward Coral came into the room where her father lay, still suffering from the sword wound in the breast, and put down for his kiss her handsome cheek. ‘*Look before you kiss, papa,” she said, smil- ing, and the detective looked with a strange stare. ; é ‘‘There is no brand,” she went on. ‘* Wizard Wool gave me the benefit of bis secret, and the accursed triangle has disappeared forever.” ** And Wizard W ool?” asked Lemon, ‘* He is a priso.er no longer.” All this was true. The Wizard of Tarus City bad removed the brand frcm Cora’s cheek, and it was assuming its former beauty. ° Tarus City was never rebuilt, but became the abode of the ow], the bat, and the coyote. Further exploration of the Devil's Highway by Mustang Merle and his friends revealed the presence of a valuable mine, which, in time, enriched them all, and as they had no Dolores Dick to trouble them it was well worked, and pays to this day. ; her shelter in the hour of need; neither did her ral did not leave the ranch which bad given | fatber proceed on his trip to the gold on us- — beyond the Tagus, but both remained with tang Merle, and the old ranch which had grown fairer, bas as pretty a queen as one finds under the Stars and Stripes, ~ Old Joe Bundy is still the ruling spirit of the — lace, and every now and then he may be in close consultation with a oa In has the freedom of the ranch, ai oune enone seen ndian who to whom 1 in .
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Sgt es wer =~ rit Rae Published Rigi Ao Me BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at BY EDWARD LL. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood 125 Deadwood , 85 Deadwood 42 Deadwood { 49 Deadwood 567 .Dpeadwood 7B Deadwood TZ Deadwood 100 Doadwood 104 Deadwood 109 Deadwood 129 Deadwood 188 Deadwood 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 95 Deadwood 01 Deadwood 205 Deadwood 217 Deadwood 221 Deadwood 282 Gold-Duat 268 Deadwood RUS Deadwood 809 Deadwood 621 Deadwood B47 Deadwood 851 Deadwood £62 Dead wood 405 Deadwood AlU” Deadwood 421 Deadwood 480 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 445 Deadwood 458 Deadwood 459 Deadwood 465 Deadwood 471 Deadwood A76 Deadwood 451 Deadwood 491 Deadwood 496 Dendwood 500 Deadwood 508 Deadwood 515 Deadwood 522 Deadwood 529 Veadwood 584 Deadwood 58 Deadwood 544 Deadwood 549 Deadwooa B54 Deadwood 561 Deadwooa 567 Deadwood 572 Deadwood 578 Deadwood 584 Deadwooe 590 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood 606 Deadwood 612 Deadwood I 624 Deadwood 680 Deadwood 686 Deadwood 642 Deadwood 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 Deadwood 666 Deadwood 672 Deadwood 678 Deadwood 684 Deadwood 690 Deadwood 695 Deadwood 700 Deadwood 704 Deadwood pS Deadwood 16 Deadwood 22 Deadwood 28 Deadwood 84 Deadwood 740 Deadwoot T47Z Deadwood %T52 Deadwood TS Dendwood T64 Deadwood Fee Deadwood 76 Deadwood 782 Dead wooa TST Deadwood 7T92 Deadwood TOT Dendwood 802 Deadwood 807 Deadwood 812 Deadwood 816 Dendwood 822 Dendwood 1 Wiek Dick, the Prince of she Road, Dick’s Deliance: or, Double Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffalo Ben. Dick in His Castle. Dick’s Bonanzay or, The Phantom Miner. Dick in Danger: or, Omana Ol). » Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. Mek on Deck; or, Calamity 2 ine, the Heroine Dick’s Laat Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. Dick in Leadville, . Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. Dick as Detective. Dick’sa Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s Liome Base}; or, Blonde Bill. Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Diek of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road. Diek’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel, Dick’a Doom: or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. Dick’s Dead Deal. Dick’s Death-Plant, . Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Tougha, Diek’s Divides or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Dick’s Death Trail, Dick’« Deals or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’s Dozens or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’s Duecnta; or, Daye in the Diggings. Diek Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, Dick’a Claim, Dick in Dead Olty. Dick’s Diamonds. Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case.” Dick’a Duat;: or, The Chained Hand. Dick, Jr; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. Dick, Jr« Full Hand. Dick, Jr.’s, Biz Round-Up. Dick Jr.’s Racket at Claim 10, Dick, Jr.’a Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, Jr’, Dog Detective. Dick. Jr., In Deadwuo Dick, Jr.%s, Compact. Dick Jr.’s. Inheritance, Dick, Jr.'s pre ngs. Dick, Jr.’a, Deliverance, Dick Jr.'s Protegee, Dick, Jr.’«, Three. Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducka, Dick, Jr.’s Death Hunt, Dick, Jrs, in Texas, Wild West Vidoog or.. in Denver. Jr, Decree, Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin, dr., at Coney Island. Jr, Leadville Lay. Jr., in Detroit. Jr. in Cineinnatl, Dick, dr., In Nevada, Dick, Jr., in No Man’a Land, Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Diek. Jr.. In Buffalo. Dick, Jr.’a, Chase Across the Continent Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Diek, Jr.’s, Ineurance Case. Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, Dick, dr., tn Durangoy or, “ Gathered In.” ies ; 1.78 pa ga or, Found a Fortane, ek, dra. Dazzle. Dick, Jr.’«. Dollara. Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide. Dick, Jr.’s, Prop. Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Dick re in San Francisco, Dick, Jria Still Wunt. Dick, Jr.’a Dominoes. Diek, Jr.’a Disguise, Pick. Jrv’s, Double Deal. dra, Deathwatch, Dick dr.’s, Doublet. Diek, Jr.’a, Deathblow. Diek, dr.’ Desperate Strait, Diek, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, Piaks Jr.’a Deteat. Dick, Jr’, Resurrection, mick: SM i Daya. e ry Defled. Dick, Jr.’«, Double Device, Dick, dr’.s, Desperate Venture, Dick, Jr.’#, Dinmond Dice, Dick Jr.’s, Royal Flush, be i Geo . . . Dick, Jr.’«, Boom, B28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 84 Deud wood 40 Deadwood 845 Deadwood R52 Deadwoo 858 Deadwood 868 Deadwood 870 Deadwood S76 Deadwood SS2 Deadwood 891 Deadwoo 898 Deadwood 904 Dendwood 910 Deadwood 916 Deadwood 928 Deadwood 984 Dendwood 940 Deadwood 946 Deadwood 951 Deadwood 957 Deadwood 965 Deadwood d Diek d Diek. dra, Proxy. dra, Clutch, aris, High Iforae. Jr., at Devila Guich. Dick, Jr.’a, Meath-Hole Hustle Dick, Jr.’« Bombshell, Dick, Jr., In Mextieo. Diek, Jr’ Decoy Duck, Dick, Jr. In Silyer Pocket, Jrs, Dead-Sure Game, Dick, Jr’a, Double Drive. Dick, Jr.’a, Trade-Mark. Dick, Jr., at Aip- Top. Dick, Jr.'s Double-Decker. Dick, Jr. at Dollarville. Pick, Jr.. at Flush Flate, Diek, Jr.'s, seen we. Dick, Jr.'s, Double Drop. Dick, Jr.’a, Right Bower, Dick, Jr.’a, Ten-Strike. Diek, Jr.’«, Gold-Dust. Dick, Dick, Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick Jr.'s, Oath, OTT Deadw 986 Dendwood 992 Deadwood 9 wood ood Dick, Jr.'s, Denth-Doom. Dick, Jr.’s, Beat Card, Dick, dr. at Gold Dust. Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play. Branded. BY ROBERT R, INMAN, Dandy Dick’s Double. Dandy Dick, Detective. BY WM. WEST WILDER. t LAY whoy Chris to wboy Chrin the e Fore fan of Caliber, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Mand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Kosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. IZi Rowxéebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's Vtetory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 285 Denver Doll's Decoy > or. Litto Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Pritt; or. The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gutherers or, The Life Lottery. 872 Vreka Jim’ Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake Up. . 885 Yreka JdJm’a Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. ; 248 Slerra Sams Sceret; or, ‘The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’a Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. | 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. i! 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective, 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. B25 Kelley, Mickey & Wo., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Spveculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger, 188 Boxsa Bob the King of Bootblacks, 41 Solid Sam, the Bow Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 880 Little *k-Shots or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C. COWDRICK, 490 Brondway Billy, thé Bootblack Bravo. 614 Broadway Bllly’s Boodle; or, Clearing «Strange Case, 586 Brondway Billy’s ‘DiMkilty.” 557 Broadway tee Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’« Surprise Party. Brondway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. Broadway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven. Rroadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 6 Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy tn Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway RBilly’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Brondway Billy’« Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, 785 Brondway Billy’« Business, 788 Broadway Billy’« Curious Case. Broadway Billy tn Denver. Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective. Broadway Billy; the Retriever Detective, Broadway Billy's Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’s Teams or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, Brondway Billy’s Queer Bequest, Broadway Billy Batled, Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop, 810 Brondway Billy’s Wipe Out. 815 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. Broadway Billy’s Bluff. Brondway Bitty AmGag Jersey Thugs. Broadway Billy’« Raid. Broadway Billy’s Big Boom, Broadway Billy’s Biz Bulge. Broadway Billy's #100,000 Snap. Brondway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Broadway Billy tn London. , 868 Broadway Rilly Shadows London Slums, 874 Broalway Billy’s French Game. Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. $3 &ilver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 69 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Delective’« Apprentice; or, A Boy Without » Name, 424 Cibuia John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Diaco Dan, the we 4 Dade. &06 Redlight Ralph. the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. B71 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Raseals Out. 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Rareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. 647 Tynewr'ter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the “ Pizenest ’ Man of Ante Bar. R87 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective, 894 Arizona Dick's Wipe-Onut. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Safety Samy, the Cyele Sport. 912 Train Boy Trixt’« Hot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Rig Root« Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kuatler Ralph. the Roy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum. 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie’s Double. 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer, 958 Paddy’s Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, 960 The Broadway Sports or, Fiver Fred’s Clear Case, 967 £1000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Roy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob’s Hot Scorch, : 997 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Scorcher Sam’s Sweep-Stake 4. 1009 ‘Une Giri Cy elis’s Winning Hand, AY ARIZONA OY. 1048 Vou Bet Bob from Cross Orick. 1088 You Bet Bob’s Circus, we ne} ‘ var) 1) \y the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1042 Little Grit, the Vony Exprees Rider. 1040 Ruffalo BIL’s Pony Patrol. 1018 Buffalo Bill’. T. xas Tenant 1007 Buffale Bill's Sure-Shota. 1000 Buffalo Bill's Decoy Boya, 995 Buffalo BILs Drop: or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas PRS Buffalo BUl's Lasso Throwers, 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five, 975 Buffalo Bills Kifle § ote. 968 Buffalo Bill’« Kush Rides or, Sure-Shot, the High-F 964 Buffalo BUll’s Decoy; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bills Snap-Shot 3 or, Wild Kid’s Texan 7 942 Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tussle. $36 Buffalo BUVs Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo BiPs Crack-xhot Pard, 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bison Bll, the Prince of the Reis. 222 Bison Bill's Clues or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 565 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Brother 68 Border Robin Hood ; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trus} 1029 The Phantom Spy. 1088 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. BY CAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. S, A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bills Bet: or, The Gambler Guide, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1087 The Artist Detective. 1084 The Gold Witch’s Shadower, 1081 The Texuon Huatlers in Cuba. 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Cuba 1025 The Flying } ankee or, The Ocean Outenst. 1028 The Cowboy Clan in Cu a. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba. 982 New York Nat’« Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold ¢ 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat's Double, 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado, 896 New York Nat In Gold Nugget Camp. 889 New York Nat’s Desdly Deal, S88 New York Nat's Oraok-Chase. S77 New York Nat's Trump Card. S7L New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’s Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gnmin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’« Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s« Ten Sirike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand, 772 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by De TTT Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Tert 7R4 Dick Doom: or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom In Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dick Doom in Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weeat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep} or, Five Links in a Cl 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Maacot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Hoeul. 749 Dashing Charlies or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First 756 Dashing Charlie's Trestiny; or, The Renegade’s Ce 760 Dashing Charlie’» Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys, 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’* Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio G Ana Fifty Others. BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pards or, The Dead Set at Silver City 622 Tom-Cat’e Triad; or, ‘Vhe Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Task} oF The Cowboy Detec 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumphs or, Black Dan’s Great Combin 646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten f 568 The Dandy of Dodge: or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport: or, Josh Peypermint’s Jubilee, 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timesat Row! 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowbo Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiah the Plains Detective, 676 Stenal Samy, the kout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Liy 699 Simple Sim, the Rroncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes, 712 The Meamertat pert or, The Mystified Detective 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective, 778 The Ruatler of Rolling Stone, 7&5 Lone Hand Joe the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, S82 The Doctor Dete etive In Texas, 872 Two Showmen DBetectives in Colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand: or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES. 1051 The Roy Hercules. By Ol! Coomes. 1052 Ruffalo Bill in Pisguise By Col. P. cas ogi 1058 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery: By Wa 1054 Mustang Merle’s Merciless OG. 1 ¥ Maj. See 1055 Red Raven's Redakin Ruse. By Col P. (ngrak 1056 Cowboy Chris in Olnnabar. By Wm. W. Wild JUST ISSUED. 1044 The Yew York Sharp. By, Ben D. Halliday Merle’s Mine. By Maj. Sam. 8. Scott, 1045 Mustang Meri > Boy Bandit,; or, Buffalo Bill, the Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Fred, the Cyclist Ferret. By Roy Rock 1048 Tie Btreet Spotters’ Welrd Hunt, By Warit 1049 Queen Edna of the Panthers — By Wm. R. Eye 1050 The One-Armed Sport. By T,C Harbaugh. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealer tents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of slx cents each, : BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers 92 William Street, New Yor ‘